Fan Fiction: Thunderbirds The Chameleon's Last Stand

The car pulled to a halt at the rear of the building and three LAPD officers got out. One of them, her blue eyes fixed on the building in front of them, bent and spoke briefly to the woman next to her about the Chameleon again. When she had finished, her partner got out of the vehicle.

To casual eyes, they were female police officers – although a casual observer might think it strange for police officers to patrol the streets of Los Angeles in the small hours of the morning. The three approached the side door of the building where they were met by a policeman who blocked their way.

“Good evening, ladies. Can I help you?”

The first officer, Lt Michelle 'Shell' Murray, stepped forward.

“It's okay, Lt Philips. Did you see my ex-boyfriend Franklin Benedict?”

The policeman leaned forward and peered into Shell’s face. As recognition dawned, his expression changed and he stepped back.

“No, Shell, I'm sorry. Officer Grover was the last to guard him yesterday.”

Lt Philips looked questioningly at the three women standing in the shadows behind the police car.

“Everything's in order, Lt. If Frank shows up, International Rescue'll stop him.”

Gesturing dismissively to the policeman, Shell's partner Lt Alana O' Rielly turned to the side door, saw a gleaming light and saw Franklin 'Frank' Benedict. Behind her, Shell radioed an update to her controller and continued with her duties.

“Chief Benedict, it's Lt O' Rielly. Frank's caught Lt Philips and tricked me and Lt Murray. Call International Rescue pronto.”

"Okay, Lt." Chief Benedict moved off and called International Rescue as quick as she could. “Calling International Rescue, do you copy? Jefferson, boys, are any of you there?”

Far away in the South Pacific Jeff Tracy sat in his office talking to LAPD chief Caroline Benedict on the wallphone.

“So you don’t think Lt Philips had something to do with your nephew Franklin, Caroline?”

“No, Jefferson, I don’t. I’ve known Lt Philips for years and I’m convinced that he’s completely trustworthy – no matter how badly things look for him.”

“But I heard that Franklin broke out of jail just last week.”

“Jefferson, Lts Murray and O' Rielly may have thought that Franklin was there but believe me, for the other officers, he was anything but completely normal. It would be as normal as for one of your sons to take one of the International Rescue machines off the island without telling you about it first.”

Jeff grunted in acknowledgement of the simile.

“I guess. So, what do you want me to do for you, Caroline?”

“It’s more Scott’s help I need than yours, Jefferson. Your eldest son was his best friend!”

“Sure thing, Caroline though I don’t know that Scott’ll be much help – his strength is more in engineering than medicine.” Jeff thought for a moment. “Get the records sent through, Caroline. I’ll get Brains to take a look at them and if needed I’ll use a couple of other contacts I’ve got that might be able to help.”

“Thank you, Jefferson, I appreciate it.”

“Son, what’s going on?”

Scott was seated behind Jeff’s desk and looked up as his father entered.

“I heard Frank's aunt Caroline tell you that Frank busted out of jail despite the fact that Dr Benedict was paroled just yesterday.”

“Where are all your brothers?”

As he spoke, the eyes on John’s portrait flashed, accompanied by a matching bleeping sound.

“Go ahead, John.”

As Scott operated the vid-link the portrait changed, revealing the features of his younger brother.

“Thunderbird One, changing to horizontal flight.”

“F.A.B. And oh, John?”

“Yeah, Scott?”

“Make sure you don’t prang my bird.”

“F.A.B.”

John’s smile was wide and his eyes shining as he signed off – it was not often that one of the younger siblings of the Tracy family got the chance to fly the high-powered rescue ‘plane and when they did they relished it.

As Scott turned to speak to his father the eyes on Vigil’s portrait lit up. Operating the link again the portrait changed to reveal Virgil in uniform at the controls of the large rescue machine with Gordon just visible in the background.

“Thunderbird Two requesting permission to launch.”

“Thunderbird Two, you are clear to launch. Good luck.”

Scott stood and joined his father at the lounge windows where he was watching the exhaust trail of Thunderbird One dwindling to a point in the distance.

“Too bad you had to miss the rescue, son.”

“Yeah. Well someone had to man the desk and we weren’t sure when you would be able to get away from the call. How did it go?”

“They’re still debating. They agree Brains’ findings may be indicative but indicative of just what they can’t agree on.”

Both men turned as Kyrano entered the lounge carrying a tray that he set on a low table.

“Coffee, Mr Tracy, Mr Scott?”

The two Tracy men smiled at the old retainer and stepped towards him.

“Thank you, Kyrano. That would be just great.”

Scott and Jeff sat down to wait as Kyrano poured them each a strong, black coffee.

While in LA, Thunderbird 2 moved out to the side as Virgil saw what looked like a firework coming. Gordon radioed over to Tracy Island that it was not yet safe for them to come and recover any people from the damaged ship below until they were sure the missile and it's owner were dealt with.

Thunderbird 2 slowly started to move out of range and saw Thunderbird 1 had arrived at last.

"Good to have you here, Scott." Virgil said.

"Good to be here, Virg." he replied as he obviously knew what he was doing.

"Can't argue with that." Alan said this with a smile knowing his brother was doing the intelligent thing.

"Thunderbird 2, I think it is best if you get as far away as you can, as you are a bigger target and are slow on the start when moving." Scott said this knowing that the large green craft manoeuvred less like a cat and more like an elephant.

"I agree with him, we're not gonna be able to dodge this thing if it is heading right for us." Gordon added. Scott jerked Thunderbird 1 round to the left and watched the missile turn back.

"We still have people to rescue down there, we can't leave them." replied Jeff not wanting to leave innocent people when the missile could strike.

"Damn it, Jeff, listen to us we know what we are talking about this is what we are trained for." Scott snapped trying to make sure he was listened to, as the last thing he wanted was to rescue the occupants of the green aircraft as well as the ship. Jeff gapsed, Scott never called him by his first name before.

At this point, Scott had rolled Thunderbird 1 three times to the side to avoid the missile. He was liking the challenge this gave him as he could push Thunderbird 1 to her limit and not just sit and fire missiles or shots at it or even sit and watch the area like he had done so many times on so many missions before.

The missile followed pearl up in the air as he tried to divert it away from the damaged ship, he slowed down a little to let it catch up and then he jerked his jet to the right and let it past.

Thunderbird 2 was now moving away from the danger zone and over to the navy vessel so Jeff had listened to his son.

Scott let the missile follow him and he flew on a predetermined path. Thunderbird 1 dropped its cannon out from the undercarriage and began to fire at the missile; the missile dodged the rounds coming at it as well as deflected shots of its hull. So not only was the missile heat seeking and intelligent it was also equipped with a self-defence system so it could carry out it's job.

Scott was getting low on ideas as the missile did not follow it had got a lock.

"Dad." said Virgil looking at his father.

"Yes, son." he replied.

"Is it just me or is the heat seeking, anti destroy, superbly bad missile heading towards us?" Virgil said as he pointed out of the window at the missile coming at them.

"You would be right there, son!" said Jeff he began to move the large craft and move away from their position. Jeff turned on the communications and began to talk "This is Thunderbird 2, we have a little situation here."

"Oh crud!" Scott gapsed as he saw the missile following a green shape in the distance.

"Any suggestions?" Jeff asked.

"We stop it in case Frank's big bubble butt shows up!" exclaimed Alan.

"ALAN!" Jeff yelled aiming at the comment just said. He turned away from the controls and gave a harsh look at his son. "I don't appreciate insults like that about anybody." He sat and stared at his son and ignored the controls of Thunderbird 2 which were waving about.

"Dad, the controls!" this came from Virgil and then Gordon joined in. "Dad, the controls! DAD!"

"Sorry, dad." said Alan looking scared of the reaction that his dad gave.

"That's better, Alan." Jeff said as he slowly spun round and took hold of the controls.

Scott fired at the missile again hoping that this time it might work, but again its counter measures deflected the attack away. Jeff told the boys to strap them selves into their seats and to get ready for the impact. He sped the ship up and then turned her to her side, as he knew that, that was their best and probably only chance of survival.

"Dad, what are you doing?" yelled Scott.

"Don't worry son, I built Thunderbird 2 and I know what she can take, she is able to take most of the missile." Jeff said this as the missile got closer and closer.

Scott moved Thunderbird 1 down to a nearby building and as soon as he saw it, Thunderbird 1 landed and Scott, dressed in his usual street clothes, left to investigate.

As the door to Dr Benedict's hideout opened, a plainclothed Scott decided to sneak in unsupervised but a kick in his stomach caused him to face whoever did that.

As far as Frank could make out, Scott was always taller than him.

"You deserved it, Scotty boy!" Frank said gesturing his uncles guards Roscoe and Jordan to show up as Frank trained his gun on Scott. "Roscoe, grab his left arm, Jordan, grab his right," Frank ordered and turned back to Scott. "we don't want you getting hurt now, do we?"

After being out cold for two hours, Scott regained consciousness. He could feel that he was tied to a chair like the last times Dr Benedict kidnapped him. He tried to lift his hand to grip his aching head but immediately felt the pull of the rope that prevented him from raising his arms from behind his back. Trying to move, Scott realized that his wrists, legs and ankles were bound as well. He strained to see his surroundings in the darkness of Dr Benedict's secret room behind his fireplace while his mind raced trying to remember what had happened to him.

After a few minutes, Scott began to hear voices outside the room. The fact that he recognized them all to well worried him.

"We were only able to capture one of them, Uncie Phil."

"Indeed but that bad influence you call an old friend will do nicely for now."

"Do you want me to let Roscoe and Jordan go after the others?"

"Yes but give yourself some time with your old friend first, Franklin!"

With that, the fireplace clicked. Scott tried unsuccessfully to stifle a snarl as Frank appeared before him, silhouetted in the doorway.

"Hey there, Scotty boy." Frank’s steely voice echoed through the room. Scott summoned all of his concentration to try to keep himself from snarling.

He tugged at the ropes that bound him. "What do you want with me, Frank?" he snapped. Jeff always told him not to talk to Frank or Dr Benedict that way. He gulped hard as Frank took a step toward him and smiled at him.

"You've got nothing to fear from me, Scott." Frank’s voice was surprisingly calm but still with that icy edge that sent chills down Scott’s spine.

"Yeah, right! Is this how your uncle treat all his guests?" Scott asked, summoning a voice that was as demanding as possible but still not wanting to meet the fiery embers in his old friend’s eyes.

Frank’s sinister smile widened and Scott could feel the precariousness of his situation throughout his whole being. "Don't worry, Scotty boy," Frank sneered drawing closer to Scott. "You're staying here 'til Uncie Phil's demands with your dad are met."

Scott did meet Frank’s gaze then. "Not on your life, Franklin!" Frank’s eyes bore through him and Scott was gripped by an intense desire to turn away but he was even more afraid of revealing his paralyzing fear to his captor. So, he continued his standoff with Frank, his chest rising and falling quickly with every panicked breath.

Frank eased away from Scott’s gaze turning his back to his prisoner. "So be it," he said in a tone that angered Scott even more than had their staring contest. "This is your last chance to help me willingly, Scotty."

Scott turned weakly to meet Frank’s eyes again. "No dice!" he growled through clenched teeth.

Frank growled like a dog at Scott. "Okay," he said with an evil smile. "we'll do this the hard way." Scott turned away still breathing heavily. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Frank’s hand rising up. Scott groaned and shut his eyes. "You'll tell me where your dad is, Wiseguy." Frank hissed at him.

"No chance, Tough guy." Scott said, never removing his eyes from Frank. As Roscoe, Jordan and Dr Benedict arrived, Roscoe shot a deadly look at Scott and picked up the piece of cloth Dr Benedict gave him.

"It appears that Malcolm here," Dr Benedict told Roscoe gesturing at Scott as Jordan opened his jaw as he put the piece of cloth around his mouth and tied it at the back. "needs to learn when to be quiet when he is told to!"

That was the first thing Frank and his uncle's guards would ever come to agree on.

"Philiam, what's going on in there?" a female voice asked and Scott knew all too well who it was. "If you and Franklin have Scott again, I'm telling Jefferson."

Scott told Dr Benedict that nothing was wrong and she told him to go to hell. Frank could tell that his mother's head was pounded in a way she hadn't felt since the aftermath of her brother-in-law's death. Then Police Chief James Stevens was in the middle of a police shootout when he was shot in the chest so Caroline, a widow at just 37, took over as Chief of Police. Hilary shuddered as he thought of Scott at the mercy of her own brother or worse, dead. No, no, she thought to herself, I can't let Jefferson think that, I won't let him think that. She knew he had to believe Scott was alright. If she told him what happened, he didn't know what he would do. Scott was sweet under that tough exterior of his and this had been the third time Frank abducted him. No, she wouldn't think the worst, she couldn't. Not of poor Scott, a part of Jeff and his late beloved wife.

"Where are you goin', Miss Benedict?"

Roscoe's voice came into her head like a bolt of lightning.

"To call Jefferson Tracy." Hilary snapped as she felt Roscoe groping her cleavege and crotch.

"Believe me," Roscoe offered. "that guy we've got is old man Tracy's oldest son, I know how I'd feel if I was him, I just need to know, will you go out with me this Friday night?"

Hilary slapped Roscoe in the face. "Get your damn hands off me."

Jordan arrived and nodded. "Miss Benedict," he began. "I can assue you that the LAPD are on your brother's back."

Hilary easily flinched as she felt Jordan's hands on her stomach and butt. He noticed her shaking hands and looked into her eyes. Hilary was angry with herself for not telling Jeff where Scott was. As she slapped Jordan in the face, Hilary grabbed her notepad and left the hideout as qiuckly as she could.

Hilary guessed Jeff was falling apart, it was up to International Rescue now as in a way it had always been, to save lives even if it were Scott. She only hoped he was up for the job.

"It also occurs to me that your brave knight isn't here, Hilary." Dr Benedict told Hilary and she knew he meant Jeff Tracy.

Another hour flew by since the Tracys went back to Tracy Island. Jeff still felt worried about Scott, not wanting to give Dr Benedict another opportunity to hold Scott for a $100 million ransom. As he heard the wallphone ring, Jeff jumped to his feet and answered it.

"Hello, Tracy Island, Jeff Tracy speaking." Jeff said.

All Jeff could do was angrily glare at Dr Benedict as he looked at Jeff.

"Jefferson, don't look at me like that," Dr Benedict sneered. "You won't be able to hide anywhere, not even if your Malcolm manages to escape. I'm not letting him go until you tell me who International Rescue are."

Which is exactly the reason why I hide the Thunderbirds from prying eyes in the first place, Jeff thought. For a long moment, he let himself indulge in a daydream of him and the boys rescuing Scott before Dr Benedict returned.

Jeff snarled at Dr Benedict. "Never."

Dr Benedict grabbed Scott by the hair and pulled at it. Scott felt sick at the very tug at his hair. Jeff also felt sick at the sight of Dr Benedict grabbing Scott's hair.

Frank neared them eyeing Jeff like a hawk.

"Hi, Mr T." he said hardly glancing at Scott.

Jeff glared at Frank. "Don't call me that, Franklin."

"Dad, help me." Scott's muffled voice said.

Jeff sat up boltright as he heard Scott's desperate cry for help.

Dr Benedict shook his head in despair. All he wanted was to get Jeff out of his way forever and he didn't care how many people under Jeff's family name died.

"Hold on, Scott." Jeff gasped.

"How's that, Scotty boy?" Frank asked Scott as Jeff looked at Scott worriedly.

"Leave my dad alone, Frank."

Jeff sighed with relief, he loved it when Scott stood up for him or others and to enemies.

"Meet me in Los Angeles at 7:30pm, Jefferson." Dr Benedict's voice was harsher and deeper by now. "And come alone or you'll never see your son again."

Dr Benedict hung up and Jeff pressed his hand over his mouth.

Alan, Gordon and Virgil ran into the office and Jeff had John on the Vid COM in Thunderbird 5.

"Dad you look worried, what's up?" said Virgil as he saw the worry in his father's face.

"Dr Benedict has kidnapped Scott again," he said, he paused for a moment and then added "By the looks of it, he had a bruise on his forehead and I think your brother's suffering from a slight concussion!"

"Oh no." said John.

"Don't worry." added Jeff.

"What do you want us to do, Dad?" said Alan.

"I have to meet him alone at 7:30pm or we'll never see Scott again!" said Jeff.

"Well, I will watch you from up here, father and I'm sure we can do something about this and you are not going to go by yourself." said John, almost taking command of the situation.

"I have to go by myself." he insisted.

It was decided, Jeff would take JT1 and then land in a special place close to the meeting and then walk the rest of the way. Brains was in charge of monitoring Jeff and had put a small undetectable device on Jeff's person to make sure that he could keep an eye on him. John would keep a lock on him using the technology available to him on Thunderbird 5 and then tell the others if he saw something. Gordon, Virgil and Alan would be close by in Thunderbird 2 to see what was going on and be ready if John or Brains felt that Jeff was in trouble or being moved.

"I'm coming, Scott." he whispered.

Jeff crept into Dr Benedict's office like a cat as Virgil, Gordon and Alan followed behind secretly. There, standing by Dr Benedict's desk, was Frank. Looking at the Tracys, Frank decided to stop them rescuing Scott.

“Hi, Mr T.” Frank greeted. He knew was not one to suffer villians. Luckily, he was not one to suffer to the Tracys.

“Don't ever call me Mr T, Franklin, my surname is Tracy,” Jeff snapped. “You're glad Scott might not be dead. I want him alive or else.”

“Wow, you're tough.” Smiling at Jeff, Frank left his uncle's office and the Tracys went behind Dr Benedict's fireplace.

Jeff's eyes darted around the room until he saw Scott's limp form sitting down on a chair. He gazed at Scott’s body which was tied to the chair while he tried to tell Jeff to leave before Dr Benedict found him. As soon as Jeff grabbed him, Scott slumped forward. For one split second, it looked like the ropes would not hold. For one moment, Scott’s eyes flew open and a grunt of pain escaped from behind his gag. Then his eyes shuttered close and he slumped against the chair.

"Scott, wake up," Jeff's voice called. "It's me, dad."

The soft voice of Jeff Tracy made Scott awake to total confusion. His eyes narrowed as he studied Scott's strugling. Swiftly, his left hand grabbed Scott's right arm as he cut that same hand free. With a gasp and a groan, Scott’s eyes shot open. Blearily, he gazed at his father. Suddenly, his eyes flew wide open. Gathering his strength, he felt that he was being cut free by his own father. Standing erect, he glared at his surrondings. Summoning up all the hate and loathing he felt for the men who did this to him, Scott pulled down the gag that covered his mouth.

“Dad, get out of here.” Looking into Scott’s pain-filled but steely eyes, Jeff’s mouth cracked into what could only be called a worried look. It seemed to scare Virgil, Gordon and Alan. Before he could react, the fireplace clicked open and an arm lashed out hitting Jeff's head. Scott’s eyes were fixed on his father's head as it smacked against Dr Benedict's chest. Before Scott could help his father, Frank struck. Despite being shorter than Scott, Frank high kicked him square in the chest. As soon as that happened, Scott’s body fell, only to be jerked under his arms by his three youngest brothers. After several minutes of these attacks, Dr Benedict grabbed Jeff as Roscoe grabbed Alan, Jordan grabbed Virgil and Gordon and Frank grabbed Scott. Scott knew he was too strong and too smart for Frank. The attacks had left him angry and Dr Benedict allowed himself one genuine smile.

"Franklin, I need you to get me another chair." Dr Benedict told his nephew.

Gordon snorted and said "Franklin, that's a pretty old fashioned name."

"Moron." Frank said as he grabbed a chair as his uncle choroformed Jeff.

"I think you upset Frank, Gordon." said Scott to his second youngest brother.

"What? Scott, Frank works for his uncle now if you haven't noticed." Virgil reminded Scott.

"I guess you guys are right." said Scott using his hands to grab Frank's arms.

"Scott, when you found out that Frank was working for his uncle, were you like this?" asked Alan looking at Frank as he, Virgil and Gordon were all handcuffed after being thrown into a cage.

"Yes, I was!" replied Scott as he tried to figure out how to stop Frank before he almost killed him.

John was talking with Brains when the Hood slunk into the room quietly and both turned around.

"Excuse me, John," he interrupted. "but I think I'm gonna b-b-be sick."

John gasped as he saw the Hood's tall form which was still partially in front of him. The Hood frowned. He had just arrived on Thunderbird 5 where he guessed there was one Tracy left as Dr Benedict said. He was looking at Brains, who had just came back fro the bathroom and had little time for whatever guy talk they were engaging in.

Still, he had to be pleasant to John. Jeff and Scott had been furious after the Hood’s last visit to Thunderbird 5. John was tied to the main chair while Brains was handcuffed to a pole not far away from the controls. After, when he finally confessed the problem to his father and older brother, Jeff had punished the Hood severely. He did not care to suffer Jeff Tracy's wrath again.

"Okay," he nodded for him to come in then faced Brains once more. "Excuse me, Brains, I have some unfinished business to take care of."

"That's all I can, uh, can ask, John," Brains bowed to him once. "I'll be over by the c-c-controls if, uh, if you need me."

With an icy glance at the Hood, Brains shuddered and stood by the controls. The blond astronomer turned his full attention to the man in front of him.

"What do you want?" John snapped, his voice dripping with anger. "Especially if Kyrano won't tell you."

The Hood bowed slightly. "Only to inform you that you and your friend staying with me here fast approaches and I must stop you two from escaping."

"What’s the supposed to mean to me?" he retorted. "I don’t even know what you mean, you monster."

"It is time I got revenge on both you and your family, my young friend. It is the most appropiate way to find out were International Rescue's base is once and for all, I assure."

He grabbed John by the throat and held him against the wall. He halted only when he glared at him, fearful of Jeff’s punishment if the blond told his father about his brazen movements.

"Never." John snapped.

"So be it," the Hood scolded, "you will be faced with the greatest choice of your life. As I attempt to force any secrets from your mind, you and your friend must decided to accommodate me or die."

"Some choice!" he spat. "So what? I obey your every command? Let you kill my father? What?"

"No, my friend," the Hood shook his head. "With International Rescue out of the way, I will rule the world. It is then you will choose. Simply imagine you and your friends changing in the way I ask and you will live. It is truly that simple. However if you do not, you will all die."

John gulped. "Then I don’t have a choice, do I?"

The Hood shook his head. "No, you do not. Not if you wish to live."

The Hood's hand reached out to stoke John's hair, the blond tried to squirm away but the Hood was too strong for him.

"However, I can help you prepare for the coming day. That is if you wish."

He advanced on John backing him against the wall further.

"That does it," John hissed as he felt a strange sensation well up inside him. "Get your hands off me. If my father were here, he'd kill you."

Abruptly, the Hood backed away, a small shiver passing through him.

"As you wish, Gentlemen."

He bowed and put Brains into a deep sleep and John ran over to him. John watched the Hood stare at him, still shaking. He had been afraid of what the Hood might have done to him. However, he was more afraid of the black power he had felt rise within his soul. That had been the power which sent the Hood away but he had no idea where it had come from. Or how to control it.

He had little time to ponder that question however, for at that moment, he cradled Brains' unconscious from in his arms.

"Brains, wake up," John said. "Come on, Brains, wake up."

The Hood bowed slightly. "He is asleep, boy, do not awake him."

"Are you still here?"

The Hood smiled at John. "Yes, I am."

John paused. "You know when my father's assistant will wake up, don’t you?"

The Hood nodded. "I know everything that occurs within these Thunderbirds, my friend. I know of Kyrano’s mind trying to stop me no matter what I do. However, after your display of power just now, your family will think twice before bothering me again."

"So what did I just do?" he looked at the Hood out of the corner of his eye as he circled him and Brains, who was still asleep.

"You began to realize your full potential," he whispered. "This dark power which runs in my veins runs in a Tracy's as well. It is the source of your ability to control your Thunderbird. It makes you strong, makes you the most powerful team to walk this Earth."

One of his arms grabbed Brains and pulled him up while his free hand clamped over John's mouth stiffling his cry of anger.

"I saw it the day you Tracys set up International Rescue. I see in you people that which I see in myself. Something dark and dangerous, this power that binds us together."

The Hood smiled as John looked up at him and he bent his head to put him into the same deep sleep he ad putten Brains into. All the while his mind struggling in vain to let him cry out for help as he fell asleep.

Jeff slowly blinked his eyes which were having problems focusing at the moment and his head ached terribly. While still trying to get his uncooperative eyes to focus, he tried with his other senses to figure out where he was. The sight of Dr Philiam Benedict before him peaked his interests as did a tug at his wrists and as he turned, he saw Scott tied to his back.

"What am I doing tied to my oldest son's back, Philiam?" Jeff asked.

"Because, Jefferson, I don't want you hurting me any further." Dr Benedict replied.

Suddenly, Scott turned his head and just as he saw Jeff tied to his back, he felt worried and as he saw Frank before him, his heart sank.

"I imagine you act pretty wet, Frank. That's to be expected since you're easy to boss around." Scott told his ex-best friend.

"Look here, Scotty boy, you're tied to your dad's back. Johnny's with the bald guy who's very anxious to see you." Frank replied.

"Leave my boys alone, Philiam," Jeff growled at Dr Benedict. "They haven't done anything to you."

"To make sure you don't give us any more trouble, I'm afraid I'm going to have to silence you." Dr Benedict told Jeff. "Just hold still, Jefferson."

Scott tried to not show the shudder that went through his body. He flinched as Frank grabbed him while Dr Benedict duct taped Jeff's mouth.

Walking smugly in all his shared success, Frank moved over to Scott. He then turned and regarded Scott.

“I hope you enjoyed meeting my uncie Phil. I've been working for him for nine years.” Scott saw red as his old friend discussed his plans to get rid of the Tracys.

“Your uncle's crazy!” Chuckling softly, Frank turned and regarded Jeff as he tried to tell Frank to leave Scott alone but couldn't.

Suddenly, Frank waltzed over to Jeff and jerked the rope hard, causing both of them to gasp in pain.

Scott strained against his bonds and yelled “Let my dad go! Leave him alone!” Before he could shout anything else, Scott noticed the icy glare Frank gave him.

Frank slithered back over to Scott until their faces were inches from each other.

“What did you say?” Scott couldn’t keep the loathing inside anymore. He could feel his father behind him, eyes blinking furiously, trying to keep tears from spilling over. He bit Frank's hand as it was run across his cheek. Instead of exploding, as Virgil, Gordon and Alan had thought and hoped, Frank asked his uncle to gag Scott again. As Dr Benedict did so, Scott was horrified.

“Your quarrel is with my nephew Franklin! Don’t involve your father, Malcolml!” Dr Benedict coolly examined him.

Virgil realised that he couldn't take anymore of this and something snapped within him.

"I have one thing to say, Dr Benedict," he said furiously. "You'll never get away with keeping us hostage becuase I've been watching you."

Virgil's brown eyes remained fastened on Dr Benedict but this time, they narrowed in renewed fury.

"Very well, Daniel," Dr Benedict said turning towards the cage and came face to face with Virgil. "I should have you blindfolded for this."

"Dr Benedict, his name's Virgil not Daniel," Gordon told his chief captor. "Get our names right, okay?"

Dr Benedict saw his three youngest captives struggling with the handcuffs that were around their wrists.

"Duncan, don't make me hurt you and your younger brother." Dr Benedict told Gordon as he reffered to the redheaded aquanaut and Alan.

"I feel sick, Dr Benedict." said Alan about to vomit.

"Robert, if you vomit on that cage floor," Dr Benedict snapped as Roscoe grabbed Virgil and Jordan blindfolded him. "I'll have your head."

The Tracys sighed and listened to Roscoe and Jordan grunting as Frank entered the cage yelling at them. Scott had grown so accustomed to Frank's annoyingly high voice since he met him that he actually felt himself being lulled to sleep. Jeff forced him back to wakefulness by thinking of how strange it was that the guards were going about their business knowing that Dr Benedict had five prisoners within their midst.

Hilary spotted her son in the cage as she entered the room behind Dr Benedict's fireplace.

Shivering with cold, she felt two pairs of hands grab her and Jeff muffledly gasped at what had just happened.

There just had to be a chance for her to escape. Hilary screamed and struggled but Roscoe and Jordan were to strong even for a woman like herself.

Dr Benedict ordered Roscoe and Jordan to put Hilary in front of Jeff so he could watch her kiss him for the final time so he thought.

Terror and revulsion threatened to overwhelm her as Jeff saw her before him, being pushed and held by her evil brother's guards.

"Hold her, Gentlemen." Dr Benedcit ordered. Suddenly, he glanced at Jeff. "I'm going to have to chain Lady Hilary to your left arm, Jefferson."

"Leave your sister alone, Philiam."

Roscoe bent Hilary down to Jeff's face level. She squirmed until she kissed Jeff on the cheek. He, in turn, nuzzled her on the cheek because her brother had gagged him and Scott.

He struggled against his bonds as did his sons.

Ever since Dr Benedict had caught Jeff, Virgil, Gordon and Alan, they only came to rescue Scott but had gotten captured.

"I'm sorry, Jefferson," Hilary said, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I really am."

"It's alright, Hilary." Jeff's muffled voice told her.

"That's enough." Roscoe said grabbing the handcuffs off Jordan and chained a crying Hilary to Jeff's left arm.

"You get your eyes off her." Jordan told Jeff.

Dr Benedict's face looked to chisled, even more to be an older version of Scott.

"I'm gonna be sick, Frank." Scott growled despite the fact that he was gagged.

"Just try it, Scotty boy." Frank stood straight before Scott who he thought was too smart for him.

Scott checked the watch on Frank's arm.

8:15pm, damnit, I missed that new Crimson Chin episode, he thought.

Before he went to sleep again, Scott saw Frank choose his weapons carefully. In his belt were a knife and a semi-automatic and despite being blindfolded, Virgil knew what that sound was.

"Frank, you won't get away with killing us." Virgil said.

"Just watch me, Virg." Frank snapped back.

"Don't forget, Frank, your uncle blindfolded him." Gordon snapped in a tone he never used before.

"You know, you're really terrible at shooting, Frank." Alan shot out.

"Good going, guys. I've got a feeling Johnny boy might sneak in but it can't hurt to try for a little warning." Frank told his ex-best friend's youngest siblings.

"Oh really, Franklin." a voice said from the wallphone.

"Oh man." Frank groaned.

"Well, Edward, I know you're there." Dr Benedict said.

"This is very dangerous, Philiam. We do not need to give those Tracys any chances to leave. Until we can determine the extent of International resuce agents, I am going to have to keep his second eldest son and his friend with me. Understood?"

He could hear the frustration in a blindfolded John's voice. "My name is John, Dr Benedict, not Edward."

Brains knew that John was cross with the sound of Dr Benedict calling him by the wrong name but despite also being blindfolded, he quickly realised that he never forgot a voice.

The Hood's angry voice grated against his ears. "I do not like being kept in the dark, Philiam. I have checked up on our young friends and have found them here on Thunderbird Five unless my demands with Jeff Tracy are met."

Jeff nervously heard the sound of John's voice. Don't worry, John, we're on our way, Thunderbirds are go. he thought.

"I hope so because I'm scared I'll never see you again."

The Hood gasped as he thought John read Jeff's thoughts before he finally replied "You will not, my friend."

He hit the talk button to quickly sever the connection and then the wallphone screen went blank.

Scott saw in the semi automatic in Frank's left hand. He knew once he took his shot, there would be chaos enough to secure his escape.

Suddenly, Dr Benedict said "I'm glad that you and Sir Jefferson will say farewell, dear sister."

He heard Hilary groan in reply. "Jefferson told you to leave me alone, Philiam."

Suddenly, there was a clinking noise which sounded like Virgil, Gordon and Alan escaping from the cage and Virgil removed the blindfold over his eyes.

Virgil unhandcuffed Hilary as Alan and Gordon freed Scott and Jeff from their bonds and each of them got the gags that covered their mouths.

"Boys, you saved us." Jeff said as he and Scott stood up. Scott, however, said nothing but looked at a flying car.

Scott looked at the car, which happened to be FAB1 and then, Lady Penelope, Parker, Kyrano and Tin Tin rushed into the room with Nush, Val and the police.

"That was a splendid idea, Parker." Penny said.

"Thanks, milady. But now we've got to stop Dr Benedict before 'e does further damage." Parker said.

"Someone needs to contact John and Brains." Tin Tin said and took out her compowder.

"Tin Tin," John greeted from her compowder "What a surprise."

"John, we need you and Brains down at Dr Benedict's hideout." Tin Tin requested.

"We'll, uh, we'll be there as soon as we c-c-can." Brains said.

Everyone looked up and spotted Thunderbird 3 heading towards the hideout.

Dr Benedict looked around to see the Hood in front of Jeff.

"You're untied I believe, Jefferson?" he said.

"What makes you think that I can't stop you, Philiam?" Jeff snapped.

"Men, get them!" Dr Benedict shouted.

Out of nowhere as Nush, Chief Benedict, Shell and Alana got the others out, Roscoe and Jordan surrounded the Tracys. They kicked and punched them. Meanwhile, Dr Benedict grabbed Frank and ran to the fireplace.

"He's getting away." Alan spotted,

"That'll teach you to blindfold me." Virgil scowled and kicked Roscoe.

Jeff and the boys ran towards the fireplace and they all landed in Dr Benedict's office and caught up with him and Frank.

"You jerks," Frank cursed. "You've jammed the damn fireplace."

"Are we Tracys jerks? Do we look like jerks, Frank?" Gordon asked.

Jeff looked at Dr Benedict and was due to punch him in the face.

"If you hit me, I'll have your lady love, also my youngest sister, and your head." Jeff said as he glared at Dr Benedict.

Dr Benedict attacked Jeff and the Hood saw Frank attack the boys but the Tracys attacked the Benedicts back.

"Scott, let's go." John shouted to Scott who stood before Frank.

"Not so fast, Scotty boy." Frank stopped him.

"What?" Scott turned and faced Frank.

"One more step and you're dead." Frank said with an evil smile on his face as he pointed his semi automatic at Scott.

Scott glared back and snapped "You're not gonna do that."

"Oh I am. You leave and you're dead. Stand still, Scott." Frank requested.

Frank went near him and had both his hands on his gun. Frank went nearer to Scott and started pointing it at Scott's left temple. "Any last requests before you die?" Frank requested.

"Franklin, you've got chocolate on your sweater." Scott said and as Frank looked at his light green roll neck sweater, Scott punched him in the face before he left Dr Benedict's office. Jeff looked surprised.

"Scott, are you alright?" Jeff asked as he hugged Scott.

Scott put on an smile. "I'm okay, Dad, don't worry!"

As Shell and Chief Benedict arrived in Dr Benedict's office, Shell grabbed Frank as Chief Benedict grabbed her brother and handcuffed them, Roscoe and Jordan who were later taken to the van.

"You're lucky I'm a nice guy, Dr Benedict." Scott said with a smile.

Dr Benedict, who was a little surprise, returned with a small smile.

"Good job, ladies." Jeff congratulated.

"Thanks, Mr Tracy." Shell and Alana answered.

"Thank you, Jefferson." Chief Benedict said.

"Anyway, I've invited Hilary over to Tracy Island for dinner tonight. Come on, boys, let's go home." Jeff explained.

On Tracy Island, Jeff, the boys, Brains, Kyrano, Tin Tin and Hilary were present. Everyone was eating. A guy came out from the curtains on the TV screen as the boys were watching American Dance Hour, the boys recognised him as Rick Park, the TV presenter.

"And now presenting Marty Franklin and the Jordaniares!" said Rick.

"Marty?" Scott said excitely.

"Right, this is an oldie." said Marty who was singing and also the lead guitarist.

You know I can be found
Sittin' home all alone,
If you can't come around
At least please telephone,
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true

Baby, if I made you mad,
Somethin' I might have said,
Please forget my past,
The future looks bright ahead,
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true,
I don't want no other love,
Baby it's still you I'm thinking of, mmm

Don't stop thinkin' of me,
Don't make me feel this way,
Come on, let me hear you love me,
You know what I want you to say,
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true,
Why should we be apart?
I really love you baby, cross my heart

Let's walk up to the preacher
And let us say I do
Then you'll know you'll have me
And I know that I'll have you,
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true,
I don't want no other love,
Baby it's still you I'm thinking of

Don't be cruel to a heart that's true,
Don't be cruel to a heart that's true,
I don't want no other love,
Baby it's still you I'm thinking of

The song ended. Marty and his band left the stage on the TV.

After the dinner, the boys went ot watch their TV show a bit long with Tin Tin while Jeff spoke to Hilary.

"Jefferson, thank you for telling Philiam to let me go." Hilary said hugging Jeff.

"Pleasre's all mine, Hilary." Jeff answered as Hilary kissed him on the right cheek which he returned by kissing her on the left hand. Jeff, in turn, hugged Hilary back.

"Well, I better get Miss Benedict back to LA." Scott said.

"Good luck, Mr Scott." Kyrano said forgetting about his own half-brother for once in his life.

"One thing's for sure, Kyrano, you d-d-didn't have any, uh, any dizzy spells." Brains said and Kyrano slapped him in the back of his head.

"So, Scott. How does it feel to have Frank's necklace?" Virgil asked before Scott left.

"I'm keeping it so it'll never be used again." Scott proclaimed.

"I guess it was okay when he was disguised as Officer Philips and you didn't know about it." Tin Tin said shyly.

Scott entered his room and put his jacket on the bed. Suddenly, his wallphone rang. He answered it and Frank appeared on the screen.

"So, Scott, ole buddy, ole pal. When are you gonna give me my necklace back?" Frank asked.

"Not on your life, Frank!" Scott answered with a smile and put the phone down.