Thunderbirds are GO

Thunderbirds.

Thunderbirds are go.

This is Assembly Control calling all Zero X units.

Assembly phase 1, go.

This is Assembly Control. Clear launch apron.

Zero X moving into position.

This is Assembly Control.

Radio-controlled lifting body 2 about to take up position.

All fuel tankers should now retire to dispersal area.

Repeat: All fuel tankers should now retire to dispersal area.

Weather conditions for takeoff remain at go.

All takeoff beacons are transmitting normally.

Lifting body 2 reports all systems are go.

Propeller temperatures are normal.

Locked and checked and fully operational.

Radio-controlled lifting body 1 about to take up launch position.

This is Assembly Control, calling all Zero X units.

Fuel temperatures are correct. All pre-start lights are green.

All radio readings are go. Countdown continues.

This is Assembly Control.

The Zero X Martian excursion vehicle

will be joining the main ship at zero minus five.

Phase 1 now completed.

This is Assembly Control closing down.

Dr. Grant, Dr. Pierce,

- can you hear me? - Loud and clear.

Paul. Greg. Brad.

Now this is a tough assignment.

But if this mission is successful, you will be the first men to land on Mars.

This project has been the most costly yet devised by man.

However, the safety of the crew and passengers still takes top priority.

Now is that clearly understood? Captain Paul Travers?

Yes, sir.

- Space Captain Greg Martin? - Yes, sir.

- Space Navigator Brad Newman? - Yes, sir.

- Dr. Grant? - Yes, sir.

- Dr. Pierce? - Yes, sir.

OK. Away you go, and good luck.

Thank you, sir.

All right, this is it.

Takeoff lighting.

Here we go.

This is Central Control.

Ignition: 18 seconds.

This is Central Control. Out.

Central Control, from Zero X.

Height: 20,000 feet. Air speed: Mach 1.

Commence chemical-engine countdown on green light.

- Check trim. - Roger.

- Elevator control's jammed. - Jammed?

We're going out of control. Base, this is Zero X.

Our control system is jammed. Nose is dropping. Ejecting nose cone.

Zero X Control, what is your speed and rate of descent?

Rate of descent: 3,000 feet a minute. Air speed: Mach 1.4.

This is Central Control. Air-sea rescue units, immediate launch.

Vector: 276 magnetic. Range: 172 miles.

Central Control, this is Captain Travers.

We are still unable to free the control system.

I'm ordering crew to eject. Repeat: Eject.

Roger, Zero X. Do not eject until you are at 1,000 feet.

Air-sea rescue is on its way.

Flight deck to escape unit. Ready, Greg?

- OK, Paul. All in position. - OK, Greg.

Coming back now.

Stand by.

Here we go.

Gentlemen.

You've now had time to study the fine report

that has been produced by our aviation investigators.

We at the Martian Exploration Center thank those concerned

for their untiring efforts in this direction.

Although the report runs to 862 pages and meticulously describes

every happening that led up to the crash 24 months ago,

the conclusion is all too simple: Sabotage.

Now, before we progress, I would ask you for a vote of confidence

in the findings of this very fine report.

Thank you, gentlemen, for your unanimous support.

24 months have now elapsed since the tragic crash of the Zero X.

In eight weeks, Earth will again be in a suitable position in relation to Mars

to make the second attempt.

Can I take it that I have your approval for this, too?

I think our security arrangements are inadequate

and suggest we ask International Rescue to be present at the next launching.

Are you suggesting we are incapable of handling our own security arrangements?

I have 862 pages here, sir, which say just that.

Well, Father?

Takeoff is scheduled for tomorrow.

- You'll have to make a decision soon. - Even if it's no.

This is a tough one. I know how you boys feel. I guess you're rarin' to go.

But as you know, we have a strict rule here:

No International Rescue craft is launched unless someone is in grave danger.

- Right? - Right.

- Guess so, Dad. - That's the way it's always been.

- Guess you're right, Dad. - Yeah.

However, rules were made to be broken.

Now, this is what we do.

- Scott. - Yes, sir?

Launch Thunderbird 1, go to Glenn Field and stand by

- for the takeoff of Zero X. - Yes, sir.

Virgil, launch Thunderbird 2 and follow Scott to Glenn Field.

When Zero X takes off, escort it on the first part of its journey.

- Yes, sir. - Father, can I...?

Yes. Launch Thunderbird 3 and orbit the Earth

until Zero X has established its course to Mars.

- Gee! Thanks, Dad. - What about me, Father?

It's unlikely that you'll be needed, but be ready, in case.

- Yes, sir. - OK, boys.

Thunderbirds are go.

Thunderbird 1, ready to go.

OK, Scott, clear to go. Good luck.

Thanks, Father.

Well, you made your decision, Mr. Tracy.

Yes. I only hope it was the right one.

Now that the boys are going to be at the launching of Zero X,

the safety of the crew is assured, but...

But what about the saboteurs? Do you think they will strike again?

Say, what's the time, Tin Tin?

The time? Just about eleven o'clock, Mr. Tracy.

That makes it about 4pm in England - tea time.

I don't understand, Mr. Tracy.

Well, those saboteurs you were talking about. If they do strike again,

I know just the person to take care of them.

Will that be all, m'lady?

Thank you, Parker. That will be all.

Very good, m'lady.

International Rescue, England.

Lady Penelope speaking.

Hi, Penny. Well, I've made my decision.

We're gonna oversee the Zero X launch.

Thunderbirds 1, 2 and 3 are on their way.

Go to the States immediately and ensure that there's no sabotage attempt this time.

FAB, Jeff. I'll fly over with FAB 1 right away.

Now, I'll need to move around there freely on this type of assignment.

Can you pull a few strings to see that I get the necessary passes?

Will do, Penny. There's a big press conference tomorrow evening.

- You'll represent a British magazine. - FAB, Jeff.

You rang, m'lady?

Yes, Parker. Get out the Rolls-Royce.

I'll call the airport - we're taking off for America with FAB 1 immediately.

Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control. You are clear to land.

Mobile Control from Thunderbird 2. FAB.

Well, I guess we're all set.

By morning, Thunderbird 3 will be in position to observe the launch path,

- and we've got all our gear here. - Thanks.

I guess that's all we can do for the moment.

See you at the press conference tonight.

No, thanks. As far as we're concerned, the only good publicity is no publicity.

And in conclusion, as I always say, the only bad publicity is no publicity.

So have a good conference, but please be brief.

Our astronauts can only spare you half an hour

as they have a very busy schedule ahead of them tomorrow.

- Captain Travers? - Yes, ma'am?

I'm Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward, representing The Universal Mirror.

First question: Tell me, what do you find most frightening?

The ordeal of this press conference or your flight tomorrow in Zero X?

Without question, this press conference, ma'am.

Thank you, Captain Travers.

Now, I'm sending a messenger over with a small St Christopher,

specially struck for the occasion by The Universal Mirror.

I would like to tell my readers that you'll be wearing it during the flight.

- It'll be a pleasure, Lady Penelope. - That's very kind of you.

Well, it looks as if my time is up.

Best of luck for tomorrow.

Captain Paul Travers.

Package from Lady Penelope, Universal Mirror, sir.

Right.

There'll be three crew and two scientists. Right...

Right again.

Yep, at 1400 hours tomorrow.

That's right. Six weeks and two days.

I'm afraid I can't answer that question.

I'm afraid you'll have to refer that question to the PRO.

Why, sure. We'll do anything to help the press.

I've got a feeling that the takeoff tomorrow is gonna be just fine.

60 minutes to liftoff.

Commence Zero X pre-flight assembly.

Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control.

- Are you ready, Virgil? - Standing by, Scott.

Mobile Control calling Thunderbird 3.

OK, Scott, in orbit.

I should see Zero X as it leaves the Earth's atmosphere.

- Unless liftoff time is altered. - FAB, Alan.

Now, m'lady?

Now, Parker.

Channel 1, m'lady.

Good. That's all right.

Channel 2, m'lady.

Clear launch apron. Zero X moving into position.

Channel 5, m'lady.

Thank you, Parker.

- Trouble, Parker. - I thought it was too good to be true.

Lady Penelope calling Scott at Mobile Control.

- What's the trouble, Lady Penelope? - Number 5 negative.

OK. Penelope, here's what we do.

The countdown must continue,

or we miss the rendezvous with Thunderbird 3 in space.

I'll attend to number 5. Meanwhile, locate Dr. Grant.

FAB.

This is Assembly Control.

Radio-controlled lifting body 2 about to take up its position.