EPISODES
INTERVIEWS
FAN FICTION
MERCHANDISE
FORUM
GUESTBOOK
TOY SEARCHES:
THUNDERBIRDS
GENERAL
STINGRAY
COMPETITION
SURVEY
LINKS
CONTACT US
Thunderbirds and all related elements are © Carlton International Media Limited.
This site is intended for educational and enjoyment purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
The contents of this page are © Katie Oliver.
by Katie Oliver
Chapter Six: Rescue
Scott reached down and lifted Sam out of the hole, he passed him to an ambulance man, and Cathy followed next. Quickly reunited with their mother, they were soon fine. They had suffered little more than bruising and shock, having been protected by the table throughout their ordeal.
Alan was not so lucky. He found, on trying to stand, that he was rather dizzy, and his arm sent renewed stabs of pain through him, as soon as he moved. Virgil climbed carefully down to assess his injuries.
Alan pointed to the slab of concrete that he had crawled under to reach the children. "I was under that when it slipped. I got knocked out for a bit."
Virgil looked with horror at the slab. He swallowed hard and then put his arm around his brother. "C'mon, let's get you out of this hole."
With Scott and Virgil's help he climbed up and sat on the rubble, whilst Brains looked at his injuries. He looked around, already feeling better, just being above ground.
"That'll teach you to obey orders,' said Scott, mildly.
Alan grinned at him. "I'm not bothered about my arm," he said. "That'll mend. But I'm gonna have to explain to Dad I've broken another watch!"
An ambulance crew moved in. "He'll need to go to hospital and have that arm set," said one.
"OK, but he's one of us. When you've set the arm and checked out the concussion, we'll have him back. We've got medical facilities at our base."
"I expect you need them. I saw on the news the other night that one of you had been injured in Honduras."
"Yeah, but he's OK now. It's part of the job."
Alan duly had his arm plastered, and was returned to Thunderbird Two by the ambulance crew. He found his brothers and Brains snatching another break. A military officer was thanking them for their efforts and explaining the rest of the situation to them.
"This was the worst hit area. Most of our domestic housing is wooden, and this flexes in earthquakes. Even where some houses have been destroyed injuries have been minimal. Another danger is fire, but as it is summer, people did not have their log burners lit. All in all we seem to have come of lightly, a few bridges down, and the pier at New Brighton is in the sea. The death toll is 26 at the moment, but is not expected to rise much. That is in the main due to you fellers. We are very grateful for your prompt response and help."
"That's alright, Sir," said Scott. "And now Alan is back I think we'd better be on our way."
It wasn't until they were airborne and over the Pacific that Virgil, at the controls of Thunderbird Two remembered the little jet in the hanger at Christchurch airport.
He radioed Scott. "Hey, we forgot something."
"What?"
"Alan and I left the jet at Christchurch."
"That's alright. When his arm is mended you can go for a little holiday to fetch her..."
The two Thunderbird craft arrived back at Tracy Island just after dark. They had flown in convoy and arrived home together. As soon as they landed Jeff went down to Thunderbird Two's silo to meet them.
Alan, his head and arm bandaged, and moving slowly from the rapidly stiffening bruises, was helped from the craft by Virgil and John. Brains followed, and Scott joined them from Thunderbird One.
Jeff looked at his reunited family. "Well done boys, I'm glad to have you all home again. Alan, you're going straight to bed!"
Alan was, for once too tired to argue, and as soon as Tin-Tin had welcomed him home, and checked his bandages, he fell into a deep sleep. The others followed Jeff to the lounge for debriefing.
"Well, boys. What have we learnt from this one?" he began.
"Always holiday at home!" quipped Virgil, amid laughter.