The Enemy Within

A “Thunderbirds” story

by Polly Amber (2001)

Prologue

The first episode of the Thunderbirds television series starts with a sabotage attempt on the Fireflash aircraft. This episode was written by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. The first chapter of my story refers to this event, but goes on to explain a bit about Kyrano's background and relationship with the Hood. The story is rated PG ,as it suggests that the Hood became Kyrano's half -brother as a result of a criminal act committed on their mother. The story is about Kyrano trying to recover his past, and Alan coming to terms with his feelings for Tin Tin now that they are both adults. Also, Lady Penelope has an eventful holiday.

Research on the characters backgrounds came from The Carlton official website, Thunderbirdsonline and Supermarionation is go.

Thunderbirds is a Gerry Anderson Production licensed by Carlton International Media Limited. I did seek their permission to use their characters in fan fiction, but I did not receive a reply. The episode 'Trapped In The Sky' was written by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. This story is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only.

Chapter 1 - Homecoming

The sun tanned, Australian doctor carefully withdrew the needle of a hypodermic syringe from the wrinkled upper arm of his patient. He turned to face Jeff Tracy, the Billionaire businessman who had summoned him to this luxurious villa, hidden amongst the lush green foliage, on the Tracy's private island.

"He seems to be breathing a lot easier."

"He will be alright now, won't he?" asked Jeff.

"I have given him a powerful sedative. He needs to rest."

"Any idea what causes these attacks Doc?" Jeff looked anxiously at his good friend and assistant, Kyrano, who was lying prone upon his bed. The alarming hyperventilation had ceased. Already Kyrano's eyelids were drooping, the colour was returning to his cheeks and his chest was rising and falling with a regular rhythm.

"I have given him a thorough examination and I can find no physical cause for his collapse. His blood pressure is raised, but that is to be expected in the circumstances. He is worried about his daughter."

"We all are," replied Jeff. "She is travelling on the Fireflash."

"Yes, I heard about the bomb. It seems an impossible situation. I only hope that International Rescue is able to do something."

"So do I," said Jeff.

Leaving Kyrano asleep in his room, Jeff walked with the doctor, down the pathway that led towards the jetty, where the doctor's sea plane was waiting.

"So you know nothing about Mr Kyrano?"

"Not even his full name, or his age, but I guess he must be in his early sixties. I have known him for many years. He never talks about himself and appears to have no recollection of his past life."

"No memories of parents or relatives?"

"He has a daughter, but he is a widower and has no other relatives that I know of."

"Something of a mystery then!"

"I'm worried about him," admitted Jeff. "Kyrano is a stubborn man and refuses to go near a hospital. He believes he can cure himself with his herbal remedies and meditation."

"I'm not against alternative medicine myself. The medical world has a lot to thank Mr Kyrano for. His skills and knowledge of herbology have produced many cures, but I hope you can persuade him to see a specialist. It may help him regain his memory."

"I think that's the last thing he wants to do," replied Jeff. "Something dreadful must have happened to him that he wants to forget. His country was troubled by a civil war thirty years ago. I think that something bad happened to him during that time and his brain has just blocked it out."

"That is a possibility. Perhaps these bad memories come back to haunt him when he is under stress."

"He once told me that he has a powerful enemy who wants to see him and his daughter killed."

"Oh!" replied the doctor. "Is this enemy real or just in his head?"

"He seems real enough to Kyrano," stated Jeff.

"Have you seen this enemy?" interrupted the doctor.

"Well no," admitted Jeff.

"How do you know he exists?"

"Someone or something seems to have a powerful hold over Kyrano. During his attacks, he believes that this enemy is speaking to him, asking him for information."

"What kind of information?"

"I have no idea, but today I saw him in the throes of one of these attacks. He seemed to be fighting against something inside him. Whatever it was, it was real enough to him. He begged to be left alone and appeared to be in pain when he tried to resist."

"I would like him to see a specialist," insisted the doctor. "He is an elderly man living with demons that are affecting his mind."

"Do you think he's getting senile?" snapped Jeff. "He is as sane as I am!"

"It is possible that he could have an early onset of dementia, but we have no family history to go by. We would need to admit him to a clinic, keep him under observation and run some tests."

"Kyrano would rather die than go into a psychiatric unit."

"Well," said the doctor as he stepped in to the cockpit of the plane, " I can only offer my advice. I will call again to check on him tomorrow."

"Yes...and thanks, Doc," muttered Jeff.

He watched the doctor take off in his sea plane and then walked towards Kyrano's villa with a heavy heart. Jeff realised how little he actually knew about the man he regarded as his closest friend. There were few people Jeff would entrust with the secrets of International Rescue. Kyrano was one of the privileged few. He had seen Jeff's plans to form a super efficient rescue organisation come to fruition after years of dedicated hard work. Now International Rescue was up and running and ready to be deployed to any region in the world to rescue people in danger. Little did Kyrano realise that their first rescue would involve his daughter Tin Tin, who along with her fellow passengers and the Fireflash air crew, were trapped in the sky by a bomb fastened to the plane's undercarriage. There seemed to be no way the plane could land without detonating the bomb, and blowing them all to smithereens!

Kyrano was still sleeping soundly when Jeff called in to check on him again. His eyelids flickered and a fleeting smile played across his lips.

"Well at least he's having a pleasant dream," mused Jeff as he silently closed the door and returned to Tracy Villa.

Kyrano drifted in and out of a dream-laden sleep. Hazy memories of his shattered past whirled around in his unconscious brain. Some were happy memories of his childhood, riding in his father's jeep, around the family rubber plantation. Others were confusing, like the bruised face of a woman weeping in a ransacked room, and the baby basket on a table, and inside, an angry infant demanding the attention of a mother who turned away from him and stared blankly out of the window. The images blurred. The angry baby's face turned into the sweet smile of his own daughter Tin Tin. An evil face with vivid staring eyes turned into the kindly face of his friend Jeff Tracy.

Having fought off his demons, Kyrano slept for a further ten hours. Blissfully unaware of the tension and drama that enveloped Jeff and his International Rescue team, as they fought to save the sabotaged Fireflash. Finally Scott, Jeff's eldest son, radioed in.

"Father, we've done it! The crew and all passengers are safe! and Virgil is bringing Tin Tin home."

Jeff congratulated them. "Good work both of you." Then he walked to the cocktail cabinet, took out his best malt whiskey and poured himself a stiff drink.

It was the day after the excitement of the rescue and Tin Tin's homecoming. Kyrano had recovered from his collapse. He pulled back the blinds to reveal another cameo-pink dawn breaking over the Pacific Ocean. He silently opened the door to his daughter's room. She was sleeping peacefully. Reassured, he left the apartment they shared, and made his way to the garden, for an hour of meditation and prayer for his daughter's safe return.

Tin Tin was his only living relative, apart from the one he did not wish to speak of. Until the day that Kyrano's world came tumbling down, he did not know that he had a half-brother. One who had spent years waiting and plotting, until the time was right for him to return to the family plantation and steal what should have been Kyrano's inheritance.

Kyrano's half-brother was known to International Rescue and the Federal Agents Bureau as The Hood. A master of disguise, he had been the leader of a fledgling terrorist group who were responsible for the civil unrest in Kyrano's native country. Kyrano's birth certificate and land and property deeds had been lost when government buildings were torched. Kyrano's father had died leaving the rubber plantation to his wife and son. The Hood had seen the plantation as a viable commodity, occupying several acres of prime fertile land. The rubber trees were cleared to make way for a more profitable crop - opium. The profits from this trade served to make the Hood a rich and powerful man.

Kyrano had only one memory left, that of his first encounter with his evil relative. In the dead of night two men had broken into his home, and taken him and his mother into the jungle at gunpoint. There, they had been imprisoned and starved for five days until they were moved to another location. Kyrano's mother was weakened and did not survive her ordeal.

When Kyrano's blindfold was removed, he found himself in a temple face to face with an effigy of himself. The temple was shrouded in an atmosphere of menace. Years of studying voodoo and the black arts had given the Hood the power of erasing and controlling the mind, leaving his victims unable to remember even their own names. Kyrano could only remember the eyes... burning, glowing eyes as he sensed the presence of unworldly evil. When the Hood had drained him of his strength and erased every memory of his life, he ordered his henchmen to tie him up and leave him to the mercy of the jungle.

That night, the jungle was merciful, and Kyrano managed to survive on luck and instinct. Using sharp bamboo shoots to sever his bonds, he managed to escape and live rough in the jungle until he stumbled upon a remote village. The inhabitants of this village restored his physical health using their knowledge of plants as food and medicines. However, they could do nothing to restore his memory. The name Kyrano was found engraved on the back of his watch, but whether this was his first or second name no longer mattered, because now it was his only name.

While living in the jungle, Kyrano gained his knowledge of botany. He also developed a flair for simple, nutritious food using the exotic fruits of the jungle. The Hood however, had been enraged when he failed to find a body and was certain that Kyrano was still alive. Kyrano had had a close call a few days ago. While he was up a tree picking fruit he heard a group of men below. The voice of one of them made his blood run cold. He realised that he must quickly escape and start a new life as far away from his homeland as soon as he could.

The opportunity presented itself when he was offered a job in the galley on board a large cruise liner which took him to the United States of America. He quit his post to further his research into food, nutrition and homeopathy. He decided to go to college. He gained impressive qualifications, married a fellow student, and secured a job as a nutritionist for NASA. Their astronauts were setting up the first Moonbase, and as these men were spending many months in a hostile environment, it was important they received the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Kyrano's delicious cuisine came as a welcome change from the bland paste-like substances the astronauts were used to.

During his time with NASA, Kyrano became friendly with astronaut Jeff Tracy. Jeff had learned that he was about to become a father for the third time. He was worried. This was unplanned as he already had two young sons. He knew that this next mission to the Moon would have to be his last. The demands of his growing family were now of more importance and he was finding it harder to leave them. As the friendship between Jeff and Kyrano grew, events conspired to put it on hold. Jeff was forced to withdraw from the Moon mission when his wife gave birth prematurely to another son, a sickly baby, who needed hospital care for the first two months of his life. He took extended leave to care for his wife and family and later resigned from NASA to start his own aerospace company. Jeff's job as an astronaut rewarded him with a huge salary which he invested wisely, and he now found that he was a very rich man

.

Secretly he hankered for the excitement and camaraderie he shared in the 'old days', and he was more than a little hurt that his old friend had not made any contact, not even to ask about his wife and newborn son. Upon making enquiries he was surprised, and even more upset to discover that Kyrano had left suddenly without a word to anyone. Jeff's former colleagues told him that a sabotage attempt had been made at the space station just days before the Mars probe was launched. A man of oriental appearance had been apprehended but had managed to overpower the security guards and escape. Kyrano had disappeared around the same time and his colleagues were suspicious.

Jeff was to meet Kyrano some ten years later, at a smart Parisian hotel, where he was working as Head Chef. The European branch of Tracy Engineering was staging an important conference with several heads of state. Kyrano was in charge of the catering arrangements. The meal was excellent and the evening hailed as a great success. Jeff visited Kyrano to convey his thanks with a bottle of the best champagne. The meeting was awkward at first but the tension was diffused by the antics of Kyrano's charming eight year old daughter. It was then that Kyrano explained why he was destined to be a fugitive, and Jeff learned of the existence of a very powerful and evil dictator.

"You are now one of the richest men in the world," Kyrano had explained. "This man they call The Hood will be interested in you. You have the sort of advanced technology that he can only dream of possessing. Through me he will be able to find you. He is a Devil."

"But what about you and your family?"

"My wife has died," replied Kyrano. "I have only my daughter Tin Tin. We will stay here while we are safe. But who knows how long that will be? We will always be looking over our shoulders."

"I have an island retreat," announced Jeff. "It is remote, hidden and totally secure. My top secret research unit is based there. Come and work for me. I need a personal assistant, someone I can trust. Your daughter will have the best education money can buy."

Kyrano sadly shook his head. "I would bring only trouble. This man knows my thoughts. We are linked by blood ties. I feel his presence and he feels mine. I would bring his evil to you."

"That's superstitious nonsense!" snapped Jeff. "Your daughter needs stability in her life!" And then he continued sadly, "I am a widower too. My wife died while giving birth to our fifth son Alan. But I am lucky to have five healthy boys."

Kyrano was roused from his contemplation by a soft musical voice.

"Here you are, Father," called Tin Tin brightly. "I've been looking all over for you."

During her two years away, her tomboy appearance had changed and she had blossomed into an elegant woman, as beautiful as one of the orchids Kyrano was tending. With brains as well as beauty, she returned to the island with impressive qualifications - degrees in Maths and Electronics. A year’s sabbatical had taken her on a tour of Europe.

In the emotional reunion that followed the attempted Fireflash sabotage, Tin Tin was shaken by her father's appearance. He had aged so much. She guessed that his age must be around sixty, but he looked ten years older. He had been ill, Mr Tracy said, and the doctors were mystified. They could find no physical problems, but his head was full of fragmented images, like having pieces of a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. On the day Tin Tin was due to fly home she had called her father, but he seemed rather on edge. Jeff tried to reassure Kyrano that the Fireflash had undergone rigorous tests, and was considered to be the safest aircraft ever built. But he could see that Kyrano was still troubled. While Jeff was talking to him, Kyrano had suffered a throbbing pain in his head, like something trying to suck out his very soul. He collapsed mumbling in delirium. Jeff confided to Tin Tin that he was afraid Kyrano might have a tumour, but luckily scans had shown that all was clear.

Kyrano smiled proudly at his daughter. "You have grown so very like your mother."

Tin Tin took her father's arm and together they walked through the garden.

"I feel her very close to us," said Tin Tin. "I feel that she is watching over us, protecting us. I don't think of her as being dead. Just in another place. We have been very lucky... meeting Mr. Tracy ... Coming to live here and of course my escape from the Fireflash..." She broke off and then added: "The bomb. Do you think it was him?"

Kyrano nodded. "He will not rest until he finds me."

"He will not find us." reassured Tin Tin. "International Rescue will be a force to be reckoned with and I am proud to be part of it."

In the heart of the steamy Malaysian Jungle, stood what looked like an ancient and eerie temple. But any unsuspecting traveller who might accidentally stumble across it, would be well advised to give it a wide berth. For this was the hideout of one of the World's most evil criminals - the Hood! Caring for no-one, he lusted only for wealth and power. He had been forced to look after himself from childhood. He never knew his father. But he was repeatedly told, by the nuns who brought him up, how evil his father had been and of the monstrous crimes he had committed. He had been given up for adoption by his mother and her gentle husband who wanted to forget the horrible crime that had resulted in his birth, and threatened to shatter their once happy family. He believed that evil was ingrained in him. He grew up embracing it, and vowing to seek revenge on the mother who deserted him, and the half-brother who had been given something he would never have - his mother's love.

The Hood was clad in an elaborate gold, jewel-encrusted regalia, reminiscent of an ancient Siamese king. He stood in his temple hideout, beside the effigy he had created of his half-brother. He was angry - losing his touch maybe. Or perhaps Kyrano was getting mentally stronger and more able to resist him. He had picked up his half-brother's trail at NASA, but Kyrano had managed to evade him. Perhaps the telepathic link worked both ways and Kyrano had been able to sense his presence. It took many more years of searching in America and then across to Europe before Kyrano was finally pinpointed in Paris. But from there he seemed to have vanished from the face of the Earth. Yet he still lived, and while he lived there was a danger that he might rediscover his past and rightfully claim the land and property that had been left to him by their mother.

The Hood was a powerful man who had many agents on his payroll. One of these was an electronics expert who could hack into the computers of airlines. This man reported seeing the name Kyrano, on a list of passengers booked on to the maiden flight of the new Fireflash travelling from London to Tokyo. The Hood seized his chance. Explosive devices were easy for him to acquire. The flight engineer who had been carrying out last minute maintenance checks succumbed immediately to his hypnotic powers. The flight seemed doomed. But he had been thwarted.

The morning papers hailed this new rescue organisation a resounding success. They had done the impossible. With revolutionary new technology and equipment, they enabled the crew to land the plane without touching the runway, which would have detonated the bomb. It was then that the Hood made the connection. As he watched from a van he had disguised as a laundry service, he saw the plane land safely. Then the bomb disposal squad arrived, and the passengers were escorted off. He scanned the crowd with binoculars. There was no sign of Kyrano. However there was a beautiful Malaysian girl with the same name, and he remembered that Kyrano had a daughter, Tin Tin. He managed to escape the detection of International Rescue, but they had succeeded in destroying the film he had secretly shot of their amazing rescue craft. He was angry, but there would be other times. Donning one of his disguises he had made his way back to the airport lounge to enquire about the well-being of his ‘niece’, Miss Tin Tin Kyrano. The clerk at the airport assured him that she and all the other passengers were safe, but all flights in or out of the airport had now been suspended for twenty-four hours while security checks were made. Passengers who still wanted to travel would be transported to another airport or taken to the Wyatt International Hotel for the night. The clerk had not been able to find Miss Kyrano's name on the list of passengers transferring to the other airport, so the Hood decided to check out the hotel. He found no sign of her. The only aircraft allowed to fly out of the airport were those belonging to International Rescue. They must have taken her with them. Now Kyrano would be of more use alive!

Chapter 2 - A New Year

Alan Tracy awoke early on New Year's Eve. He felt excited. He had drawn the short straw over the Christmas Holiday and had been on duty in Thunderbird Five. But tonight barring call-outs he was determined to enjoy himself. He was particularly looking forward to seeing the beautiful and elegant Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward. He still harboured an adolescent crush on her from the last time Tin Tin had invited her to stay on the Island. Parker would be coming along too. 'He’s a character' mused Alan, as he stepped into the shower. He was quite envious of Parker's close working relationship with Lady Penelope. How could Parker keep his cool! She was every man's dream. He switched the shower setting to cold and shuddered as the water trickled down his back.

Aloysius Parker waddled into the kitchen below stairs, in the Creighton-Ward Manor and stood in front of Lil, the cook. She took one look at him and laughed so much she almost dropped her cigarette into the stew she was preparing.

"Well 'ow do h'ai look then? he asked, standing with his feet turned out and one hand on his hip.

Lil laughed again, "Like a right Charlie if you ask me!"

"I feel like one an' all!" answered Parker. He was clad in a light blue/grey skin-diving suit and wearing a mask on his face. On his feet were a pair of flippers. These were giving him the most trouble. They made him walk like a penguin. He inadvertently stood on one of them, and then was not able to free his other leg. He was fed up with tripping over.

"Is this one of 'er Ladyship's latest fads?" asked Lil.

"We're going diving, h'if you please," announced Parker.

"Can't see 'er Ladyship doing that. She'll get 'er 'air all wet."

"We have been invited to the Nautilus 'Otel in the 'Awaiian islands," announced Parker pompously.

"Oh very posh, I'm sure. And you've got to go dressed like that?"

"Well that's just it you see. This ‘otel is underwater."

"What will they bloomin' well think of next?" remarked Lil, returning to chop up some more carrots.

"It's one of 'er Ladyship's mates wot owns the place. The trouble is you can't just drive up to it and park the rolls outside like in a proper 'otel. So I've got to get used to this clobber. The only diving I've ever done is to the bottom of the school swimming pool with me pyjamas on to pick up a brick!"

"Well, sooner you than me," said Lil. They were interrupted by a ringing noise. "That will be 'er Ladyship now . I should think she'll be looking for you. She'll be needin’ some help with 'er packing."

"Blimey. I'd better get out of this lot then." Parker attempted to turn around to walk out of the door but got his flippers tangled together and tripped up again. He swore under his breath.

When Parker had changed back into his butler's livery, he opened the door of Lady Penelope's elegant Drawing Room to find her deep in conversation with a teapot!

"I was so very relieved to hear the she was unharmed. Your boys did an excellent job, Jeff. I have finished packing and will be boarding my flight in an hour’s time. Parker has just walked in. Did you have a word with Gordon about the little favour I wanted him to do for me?" On closer inspection, the 'teapot' was a carefully disguised radio communicator.

"Yes," answered Jeff. "Gordon will be only too happy to oblige. I will pick you up from the airport later this afternoon. Have a pleasant flight." With that, he signed off and Lady Penelope placed the silver teapot back on to the tray.

"You ...rang Milady?" said Parker.

"Yes, Parker. You can load the cases. We will be dropping of to visit Jeff, Tin Tin and the boys for the New Year, and when you have had a few diving lessons from Gordon, we will move on to the Nautilus. I must say I am absolutely fascinated by the sound of the place, but I just don't know what one will be expected to wear!"

Parker regarded the pile of cases in the corner of the room and his heart sank.

"I 'ope we're not taking all this lot on the boat, bloomin thing will sink like a stone!"

Lady Penelope gave him a tight lipped stare of disapproval and Parker knew better than to voice any more of his opinions on the subject.

Jeff Tracy's private jet taxied to a halt at the end of the palm lined runway on his beautiful island. The island had all the outward signs of an affluent paradise home with a swimming pool, games room and luxury yacht moored in the jetty alongside a glittering white sandy beach. There were many other islands, owned by the rich and famous dotted about the South Pacific, but this one concealed a secret. Beneath the Tracy's luxurious villa, a network of caverns and a maze of tunnels hid the aircraft and machinery used by International Rescue.

Most impressive were the Thunderbird craft themselves. Thunderbird One - a sleek silver rocket ship piloted by Jeff's eldest son Scott, was hidden beneath the family's swimming pool. The Round House high on a cliff top concealed a powerful red space rocket - the pride and joy of Alan and John Tracy who were both trained astronauts like their father. Secreted in the caverns beneath the Tracy's villa was a massive green transporter, Thunderbird Two. It was the work-horse of the fleet, and piloted by Virgil Tracy. It carried machinery used for fire fighting, drilling, and moving debris. These were contained in a row of half -barrel shaped 'pods' numbered one to five.

There was the mighty machine used to tunnel underground, aptly named the Mole. The Domo had powerful suction pads to hold up the walls of a crumbling building. The Firefly was able to withstand intense heat due to the protective materials developed by International Rescue's genius inventor nicknamed 'Brains'. He was also the man responsible for the invention of the elevator cars which had saved the Fireflash. There was an excavator, a cannon and many other top secret inventions. In pod four was a small yellow submersible craft, Thunderbird Four, which was piloted by aquanaut Gordon Tracy. The island had few visitors other than trusted family and friends like Lady Penelope and Parker. The Tracy family fiercely guarded their privacy and secrets.

Lady Penelope inherited her stately home a year ago following the death of her parents in a car crash. Her father, a close friend of Jeff Tracy, had been head of the Federal Agents Bureau, a division of the Secret Service which was linked to International Rescue. Lady Penelope was following in his footsteps as an accomplished secret agent. Unbeknown to her, Jeff Tracy was on the verge of making her an offer to join International Rescue as an agent. He also recognised the dubious 'talents ' of Parker or 'Nosy' as he had been known in his previous occupation. Parker was an expert safe cracker, who had learned the error of his ways after a brief spell in Dartmoor Prison. Lady Penelope vowed to help him keep on the straight and narrow. Besides, his skills could prove useful to her in the future as long as they were used on the right side of the law!

Lady Penelope stepped down from Jeff's plane looking fresh as a daisy, and as immaculate as ever, in spite of a four hour journey. Parker followed, sweating profusely as he struggled with the luggage. Tin Tin was delighted to see Penelope again and the two women embraced. Jeff smiled. He was happy to see that the girls were such firm friends. When Tin Tin had graduated from college, Jeff arranged for Penelope to take her on a tour of Europe. The two girls had formed an inseparable bond when they spent a Winter season in Switzerland as Chalet girls.

Alan, the youngest Tracy son, watched them from the balcony of the Villa. At the age of fourteen he had waved goodbye to Tin Tin as she was whisked away in his father's jet to take up residence at an exclusive girls’ school. It was difficult for her being the only girl living on an island with five healthy adolescent boys. Jeff and Kyrano feared that she would grow up to be too much of a tomboy. Alan was depressed for weeks after she had gone. She was his best friend. Someone to share in his horseplay and a worthy partner in all sporting activities.

For a while, Alan and his brothers all went their separate ways, and attained their own notable achievements. Scott became a pilot for the US Air Force and won an award for bravery. John gained a degree in laser communication and followed in his father's footsteps to become an astronaut. Virgil graduated from the Denver School of advanced technology, Gordon became an Olympic swimming champion and Alan pursued his dream of becoming a champion racing driver before training as an astronaut. Tin Tin left her boarding school to go to College and study Higher Mathematics and Engineering. She excelled in all of her chosen subjects, gained impressive degrees, and was rewarded with the trip to Europe. Alan had only seen her at holiday times while she was studying. Her trip took her away for a further year. The formation of International Rescue brought them all together again

Since her return on the near fated Fireflash, Tin Tin had spent most of her time with her father. She was eight months older than Alan, but now that gap seemed to be so much wider. He had expected his rough and tumble childhood friend back, but this Tin Tin was different. She was so poised, so elegant, she was so... well like Penelope! Alan now felt a little awkward in her company.

The late afternoon found Alan strangely quiet. He sat by the pool reading a book and felt a little left out. Tin Tin and Penelope had a lot to catch up on. Their trivial conversation revolved around Paris fashions and celebrity gossip. Scott and Virgil were both competing for Penelope's attention. Gordon called the girls to join him in the pool. Tin Tin wanted to leap in and dive bomb him, but then she saw Penelope untie her pink sarong to reveal her designer bikini. She then walked to the side of the pool and tripped daintily down the steps. Tin Tin followed her, imitating her poise and elegance. Penelope swam with her head raised so as not to spoil her hair style. Gordon still considered Tin Tin to be the feisty tomboy he regarded as a sister. He saw no reason why he should treat her any differently. He swam underwater and grabbed hold of her legs, pulling her under. She squealed, and then spluttered. Her hair clung to her face giving her a bedraggled appearance.

"Oh Gordon," she sighed in a mildly exasperated tone. She waved him away and swam to the side of the pool.

For some reason Gordon's antics irritated Alan even more. He wouldn't have dared do that to Penelope! Gordon just shrugged and went to look for someone else to annoy. That someone was Alan. He splashed water all over Alan's shirt and the book he was reading. Alan shot him a withering look and stalked off in a huff to change.

"What's eating him?" asked Virgil.

"Dunno," replied Gordon "He's always a bit tetchy after his term of duty in the satellite. It must be something to do with all that recycled air. I'm glad I don't have to do it."

The evening was not much better for Alan. During dinner, his father rebuked him in front of Penelope and Tin Tin, for snapping at Gordon, who had just made a joke at his expense. Alan knew just where he stood in the Tracy family's pecking order. Scott the eldest son had chiselled good looks and a swaggering air of confidence. John had academic prowess and he envied Virgil for his charm and easy going nature which made him a favourite with the ladies. Unlike Alan, he always knew the right things to say. Although he was nearly twenty one, Alan still felt very much the baby of the family. No-one seemed to have noticed that he had grown up. He excused himself from the table, pleading a headache and sought solitude in his room. Tin Tin watched him leave, somewhat bemused by his moodiness.

After dinner Brains Jeff and Scott were planning the firework display to celebrate New Year’s Day in four hours time. Parker was getting quietly drunk. Penelope was telling everyone within earshot about the new hotel she was going to visit.

"It's called the Nautilus. It is located just off the Hawaiian Islands, but the most exciting thing about it is that it is completely submerged."

"I've heard about that," chimed in Gordon. "Gee, I've always wanted to visit. When will it be open to the general public?"

"I have a brochure in my bag if you would like to have a look."

"Yeah, swell!"

Brains walked over and peered over her shoulder, as she flicked open the glossy pages for Gordon to see.

"A-are you sure th-that it will be safe?" he stammered anxiously.

"Absolutely," replied Lady Penelope. "Everything has been thought of. It has powerful twin turbo- charged engines and can dive to one hundred feet if required. With its own battery capacity, on board generator and life support systems, one could live on it for up to six months. It even has its own waste disposal system! At the moment it is based in shallow waters around the reefs and lagoons. There it can be connected to surface cables to feed air, fresh water, cable TV and electricity from the nearest island. It makes the whole venture a lot more commercially viable."

"H-how well c-can it stand up to the water pressure in d-deeper waters?" asked Brains.

"Well, as I said, for the moment it will be anchored at a maximum depth of one hundred feet. But there should not be any problems. It has been built with a specially toughened shell."

"Well, you will have to get your hair wet to get to it." quipped Gordon. "Parker won't be able to drive Fab 1 up to the door!"

"Yes, I had thought of that. My diving skills are somewhat rusty and Parker's are practically non-existent. We would like you to give us some lessons."

Gordon was only too happy to oblige.

Alan had been dragged from his room to join in the celebrations for the New Year. But after the fireworks, he had enough of the festivities and he slipped away to the beach. He sat by the jetty, watching the sea. Immediately, he began to feel calmer. He shared a rota with his brother John on board Thunderbird Five - International Rescue’s communications satellite. Although he did not usually mind his month of enforced solitude, he was not looking forward to going back up there in a month’s time. He knew he would miss seeing Tin Tin. He wished that Scott or Virgil could occasionally take a turn, but they were usually needed on every rescue. Gordon was spared satellite duties on health grounds.

"Are you okay Alan?" He felt a light touch on his arm. It was Tin Tin. "You have been so quiet this evening."

"Just tired, I guess. I only returned from the satellite a few days ago. Your body gets kind of out of sync, up there. I find it difficult to establish a proper sleeping routine. Sorry I've been so crabby to everyone."

Tin Tin gently caressed Alan's arm. He could feel himself blushing.

"It's wonderful to be back," she whispered and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Happy New Year."

Chapter 3 - Bad Hair Day

"How do you find a needle in a haystack?" The Hood growled as he regarded a map of the Pacific dotted with over two thousand islands. Some were clustered together, some remote and uninhabited. While others were the property of various governments and used for weapons testing. International Rescue's Headquarters had to be out there somewhere. Where else could you launch such huge and powerful craft without attracting attention? The Hood was drawing up a plan. Many of these Islands were privately owned by reclusive billionaires and film stars. They were exclusive playgrounds for the rich and famous, who wanted to escape the public glare. But how would he gain access? He figured they would all have one thing in common. They would need regular supplies from the mainland, and of course the daily delivery of the mail! The Hood's evil mind was ticking over. He gave a low guttural chuckle as he wondered what qualifications he would need for a job delivering the mail! He was already a competent pilot, having acquired a light aircraft, as well as a tank and a submarine. Delivering the mail would give him access to all of the remote islands, and also reveal the identities of the people dwelling on them.

The bespectacled Head of the Postal Department had interviewed ten people for an extra post that had been created. He had almost decided who to appoint, but there was a late applicant, an odd-looking man with dark greasy hair, and a drooping moustache, who was sitting outside, impatiently drumming his fingers. The interviewer motioned the waiting man to come into his office. The interview was the shortest on record.

"YOU WILL GIVE ME THE JOB," applicant number eleven spoke in a menacing guttural tone. His eyes blazed brightly and burned into the consciousness of the Department Head. The Hood had landed himself a job as a postman!

After the first week in the job, the Hood, in his disguise, was growing more and more impatient. As well as delivering the mail, he was expected to deliver the milk, papers and perishable goods. He had been allocated a specific area and that was all he was allowed access to. He hated being an employee. He hated dogs, but the worst thing he hated, was having to work for a living. He had only been able to visit a handful of the islands. The military bases had kept him well clear of their buildings and that only served to inflame his curiosity. However the next day he found that he had been given a different route. The regular delivery man was off sick, and the Hood was asked to take over at the last minute. One of his first deliveries was to a Mr Jefferson. The tiny island of Moyla was difficult to find. From the air it looked uninhabited, but then he noticed a small runway just big enough to land a light aircraft. He touched down and found a pretty Malaysian girl waiting for him. She thanked him politely for the letters and waved goodbye. The Hood was impressed by her beauty, but he had no time for women, he was only interested in power. However, this girl seemed familiar to him.

Kyrano, as 'Mr Jefferson's' Personal Assistant, would usually collect the mail and food supplies from an administrative building on the neighbouring island of Moyla, which was also owned by Jeff Tracy, but today he was indisposed and Tin Tin offered to fly across in her own light aircraft 'Ladybird'. On her return to Tracy Island, she conveyed the same thought to Jeff Tracy as she handed him the mail.

"There's something odd about the new delivery man," she stated.

"Oh? What's that?" asked Jeff.

"I just don't like him. He gives me the creeps! I feel as if I have seen him somewhere before, but I can't remember where," she continued. "His skin looks sallow and unnatural, and I'm sure he was wearing a wig."

"Do you think he could be a spy?" asked Alan.

"Well, I know who can check him out for us if he comes back tomorrow," said Tin Tin. " That's just the job for Penelope and Parker!"

The next day, Tin Tin waited by the runway. Sure enough the man returned. This time he had a letter which he refused to hand over to Tin Tin, insisting that it required Mr Jefferson's signature. Tin Tin was apprehensive, and returned to the villa to seek further advice.

"Let him come here," said Jeff.

"What, here to Tracy Island?"

"He obviously wants to snoop around for some reason. If we refuse him entry, it will make him even more suspicious. We will treat him as if we suspect nothing. This could work in our favour, we may be able to find out more about him."

"Are you sure, Mr Tracy? I don't trust him at all."

"We will be prepared for him. It would be only a matter of time before he finds his way here anyhow. "