OBT Forum

You want enough mobility to jump up into buildings so you can flank enemies and firepower I'd go with a medium

Or you could go blakist and go with a quad which carries a turret and squad support weapon if you wanted slow and methodical

I have it on Xbox X and it's great my only dripe about it is the trigger mapping for weapon sets 3/4 not a fan they over complicated it by making it double buttoned

The video cut scenes are awesome as is the dialogue through the game like someone actually paid attention to "these are Smoke Jaguars" there's no yes, no it's aff and neg as it should be all the terms you'd expect are in this. Also their disdain for contractions is there too

The Jags are made to sound a lot more "human" mainly through your player character who is a kit straight out of the Sibko but many of the Jags in cut scenes show their disdain for freebirths/spheroids

Now it's a game so no Zellbrigen unless set up to do so and the AI can be interesting in its choices sometimes but you can now order them to set up in locations so you can take advantage of Clan ranged weapons

I'm only up to Turtle Bay so far so no idea how far the story goes (nope haven't seen the destruction of Edo yet)

As a BattleTech and Clan fan I'm really enjoying it

That sucks, I am gonna purchase it for the PS5 when I get back from vacation I think.

Looks good but it won't run on Linux.

Whose lurking around in the Periphery? That's always a great question to keep dangling in any Battletech story.

Forensic Examination
SAFE Military Complex, Atreus
District of Mark, Free Worlds League
9th August 3120

   Following months of work SAFE scientists finish their analysis of armour fragments recovered from the Battle/Occupation of Sierra. While the armour is similar to modern ferro-fibrous armour there were chemical components that were no longer used by known manufacturers. This results in the SAFE analysers believing that the armour was of Star League-era origin meaning it was likely that someone had discovered a sizable Star League cache. In an attempt to discover how extensive the cache was the FWLM authorise scouting missions into the near peripheral region.


Trial of Possession
Adrian, Bryceland PDZ
Draconis March, Federated Suns
12th August 3120

In a move which is similar to that taken by Clan Nova Cat in pervious encounters with the Federated Suns a Snow Raven raiding party declare a Trial of Possession for the system of Adrian in the Draconis March challenging the leadership of the inhabited world directly. With only militia troops defending the world the leaders accept this with one caveat… like worlds which had faced the Nova Cat advance the leadership of Adrian request that anyone who wishes to leave can leave. The Seventeenth Raven Swoop Cluster’s commander Star Colonel Johannes Snow Raven accepts these terms and his unit make landfall.

Facing the Ravens with honour the Adrian Draconis March Militia fight capability and destroy three trinaries of Snow Raven warriors before being forced to surrender. This results in the Snow Ravens absorbing the remains of the Militia force taking every survivor as a bondsman. Because of the “honour” which the people of Adrian gave the Snow Ravens and the lack of any sort of resistance movement the Snow Ravens choose to fully honour the request to allow anyone who wishes to leave are allowed to leave.
In the following weeks several hundred personnel leave the system of Adrian with Federated Suns civilian ships allowed access to the system. This actually acts as quite a boon for the Federated Suns with traders able to open lines of communication with Snow Raven traders and of course the Department of Military Intelligence (DMI) are able to use these evacuations as cover for inserting agents into the Raven Alliance. During one such insertion the DMI agents actually leave Adrian almost as soon as they have arrived due to a sighting in orbit over the world of the Snow Raven’s newest WarShip the Krasin which is a Svalinn-class Light Cruiser. Due to the Federated Suns lacking information on this particular class the DMI agents use this opportunity to document as much as they can about the WarShip class and return it to the Federated Suns.
From analysis of passive sensors and visual pictures taken of the WarShip the DMI believe that the WarShip is roughly between five hundred and nine hundred thousand tons in weight, it appears to be over five hundred metres in length, it has large naval and standard weapon arrays, there are at least three DropShip collars and that the ship carries aerospace fighters. Unfortunately, none of the civilian DropShip commanders are willing to lock active sensors on the Svalinn so no concrete information is gathered.

Trade Delegation
Free Flight, Fletcher
Oriente Administrative Area, Magistracy of Canopus
24th August 3120

   Under the escort of the Streaking Mist, Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser, a single Overlord C-class DropShip approached the Free Light shipyards in the Fletcher system. The DropShip had requested to dock with the shipyards while the WarShip remained at maximum weapons range guarded by Magistracy of Canopus flagged vessels.
   No inside the shipyard a Smoke Jaguar Star Colonel a striking dark-skinned man with a completely shaved head, his face scarred on the left wide with his left eye completely concealed by an eye patch which appeared to be attached to his skull. The Star Colonel under escort by two Battle Armoured Elemental warriors he was led to a conference room on one of the station’s gravity decks. The room was spartan saved for a large conference table, seven comfortable chairs and six massive screens which dominated the wall which would face to the outside of the station. While he waited the Star Colonel was left with an image of the Streaking Mist the Black Lion had been returned to full capability its rounded armour and imposing turrets were superior to anything else in the area.

   Joining the Smoke Jaguar Star Colonel was a long red-haired woman wearing a body hugging green and gold coloured dress. “Welcome to Free Flight I am Director Amanda White and you are?” She greeted the Star Colonel with a broad smile.

   “I am Star Colonel Alister of Clan Smoke Jaguar and the District of Lesnovo of the Free Worlds League.”

   “A pleasure to meet you Star Colonel, how can we be of assistance? You WarShip” she said indicating to the screens behind the Star Colonel as she took one of the chairs around the table “appears to be in good repair.”

   “Aff, the Streaking Mist is here only as an escort.” He explained “there are no plans for her weapons to be used, none of our warriors should be needed for this mission.”

   “I am very glad to hear that” she replied as she sat down.

   “We are here to discuss our agreement with Free Flight and how it has been effected by the change in ownership of this system.” He said staring at her as she opened a folder.

   “Ah yes, the District of Lesnovo and by extension Clan Smoke Jaguar made an agreement with the Free Flight company for three Monolisk-class Destroyers.”

   “Jaguar’s Grace, Jaguar’s Determination, Jaguar’s Dominion.” Alister said naming the vessels the Jaguars had contracted the shipyard to construct.

   “Indeed, due to the change of control over this system from the now defunct District of Oriente to the Magistracy of Canopus that agreement is no longer viable.” She said getting straight to the point, “Free Flight production is slated for the Magistracy of Canopus and Capellan Confederation.” She explained

   “That is unacceptable.” Alister replied “our agreement was made you cannot break it, we have provided you with weapons and equipment. Perhaps the Streaking Mist will be needed…” he said allowing his voice to trail off.

   “We have WarShips of our own…”

   “Yes, three in the Oriente system, none within range of the jump point.” He replied showing the Smoke Jaguars had intelligence on them. Streaking Mist’s weapons are currently in range of this space station.” He said levelling the ultimatum, even at maximum range the capital weapons of the Battle-cruiser could obliterate a stationary target in minutes.

   “Then there would be no chance of gaining your WarShips, the best way would be if we came to a new agreement that both of our peoples can agree on.” She said Alister sat there silently for several moments. “It is not the fault of Free Flight that the District of Oriente could not protect its assets.”

   “Of course not” Alister agreed, it was the same in the Clans territory when Clans won Trials of Possession over worlds and facilities. “What is it that the Capellan… Magistracy of Canopus are looking for?” He said intentionally dropping that the Jaguars were well aware of Capellan Confederation influence.

   “While the Capellans do influence things here" she said accepting his suspicion. "The Magistracy of Canopus do control the fate of the three Monolisk-class Destroyers to the District of Lesnovo. Now, we do not want a conflict with your district or the wider Free Worlds League which would happen if Clan Smoke Jaguar attacked a Magistracy of Canopus facility. Don’t you agree?”

   “Aff” he agreed “What is it that the Magistracy of Canopus wants?”

   “There is a salient of systems the District of Lesnovo control into Magistracy of Canopus territory. A cost of building a WarShip is roughly worth the GDP of a prosperous system. We are not saying those worlds are all prosperous but we are willing to take control over five systems for the WarShips your district require.”

   “Three systems for three WarShips…” Alister suggested

   “Four is as low as Canopus and Sian would agree to.”

   “Blood was spilled for those systems…” Alister suggested

   “Blood on both sides” Amanda countered sternly “we are giving you weapons that could be turned against us in a future conflict. We will require a minimum of four systems. And of course the previous resources which were agreed to be traded must be honoured.” She explained, she knew she had these wannabe Clansmen over a barrel and she intended on making them pay.

   “I will have to confirm the trade of territory for WarShips with Lesnovo before any moves can be made.” Alister suggested standing up, Amanda White did the same.

   “Of course, Star Colonel, in the meantime Free Flight will continue to construct the three vessels which we are still working on.”

   “We will be in touch” he said without further discussion Star Colonel Alister and the Smoke Jaguars left the station and then the system further. Within a week of the meeting Lesnovo and Canopus officially agree to transfer the systems of Saonara, Rushkegg, Rohinjan and Payvand to Magistracy control while the production of the WarShips for Clan Smoke Jaguar would continue.

Negotiations
Lost World, Aurigan Collective
Periphery
30th August 3120

   The arrival of the FSS Melissa Davion II, an Avalon II-class Cruiser, in the Aurigan Collective had caused quite a stir but the ship was not there to cause war, instead it was just a very flashy, very expensive taxi craft for three members of the Federated-Boeing Board of Directors who wished to speak to the owners/commander of the Argo which was currently assigned to the First Ramparts regiment. The Argo was a unique DropShip designed before the First Succession War by the Federated-Boeing company. While it was a DropShip in classification it was actually more like a mobile space station capable of docking with other DropShips and acting as a command base of operations.

   Onboard the ship the crew had been met with the executives in one of the meeting rooms. While the Argo was a stationary as it was now the DropShip was able to deploy its other unique feature, a gravity deck like those found on WarShips, JumpShips and true space stations. On the Argo the crew used the gravity deck spaces as crew quarters, mess hall, briefing, kitchen and gym areas, places that would benefit all the crew and passengers so the briefing area was now their meeting area.

   “Captain Rhys, this ship is truly a marvel of engineering” Executive Senni Kotka said glancing around the compact briefing room, they really do not make them like this anymore. Kotka was a tall olive-skinned man wearing a business suite said smiling broadly at Captain Glain Rhys a large white man with bulging arms and a white tank top. He was a seasoned commander and warrior.

   “Yet they do make them like that either” Colonel Karen Andris said pressing her remote-control button once activating the briefing room’s three-foot wide holo-tank which displayed an image of the Avalon II-class Cruiser which had carried them here. “It’s strange how humanity can quickly return to build weapons of war but this ship… this ship which could have so many more applications is forgotten.” She said Andris had been with the unit since its inception and since they had discovered the Argo. A seasoned MechWarrior she knew the importance of the Argo to the Ramparts and to the Aurigan Collective.

   “Exactly” Kotka agreed “we want to reproduce this ship so future generations can benefit from its capabilities.”

   “You’re nae getting my ship” Rhys stated in his broad accent he was originally from a small hamlet on Argyle in the Federated Suns, one of the reasons that he’d agreed to this meeting he still missed home every now and then, seeing people from the Federated Suns made a difference. The command capabilities of the Argo were second to none and the Ramparts had benefited from it time and time again.

   “We would compensate you for your loss considerably.” The second executive said, they had said their name but Glain Rhys had forgotten the name already.

   “This ship was legitimate salvage. She is my home…”

   “Our home” Darius Oliveira added, he was ten years younger than his commander the two of them had served together for years in several occupations.

   “This ship is an integral part of the First Rampart. This is more than a base of operations for us” she said glancing at Glain smirking “its home for all of us. Even though The Ramparts have grown beyond its capabilities of holding us, it is still part of our unit.”

   “We can provide you with a state-of-the-art Conquistador-class DropShip as a replacement.”

   “You hiv got to be jokin’ me, right?” Rhys asked chuckling “you want to give me an assault ship? This is a command vessel, she is designed to be a base of operations, she is home.”

   “The Conquistador is more than an assault ship; you can command armies from her.” Kotka responded.

   “Not in this same way as this beauty” Oliveira responded “out here in the black we don’t have the resources for something like that” he said pointing towards the holo-image of the Avalon II. “Your assault ship isn’t needed out here, this” he said raising his hands “this is what we need out here.”

   “You see there isn’t anything you can offer us that would really make a difference” Andris said “we have what we need in this ship and her crew.” She said glancing again at Glain who nodded in response.

   “There it is you cannot have her, if you want to learn about this ship instead of pulling her to pieces, perhaps a team could remain onboard. Three or four people, observe how she operates for a few months.”

   “And what payment would you want for this?” Kotka asked “we couldn’t give you DropShips in return for study time.”

   “The Aurigan Collective is allowed to bid to buy future Argo-class vessels should Federated-Boeing into production” Karen Andris said thinking of the wider Collective. “It doesn’t get hidden behind Federated Suns legislation.

   “Agreed, it can be written down that the Aurigan Collective is a preferred customer, with no trade restrictions.” He promised showing Federated-Boeing’s commitment.

   “And… the supplies to upgrade a regiment of troops to lostech standards.” Rhys said allowing the Collective to buy future examples of the DropShip was small fry, the real price would be to pay for upgrading the Collective’s equipment.

   “That can be done.”

   “It’ll cost you that much for the board of our new passengers” Oliveira joked which broke the tension which was building up. “Allow this to be the start of a great partnership.” The Federated-Boeing wanted to produce the Argo-class for Regimental Combat Teams back in the Federated Suns, mobile bases which could be placed in orbit giving ground forces additional views of a battlefield. But they also wanted to trade the design to exploration groups which had approached them over the last few months and potentially to other customers, agreeing to trade to the Aurigan Collective was an easy task making them one of the first tiers in those allowed to buy the DropShip was a small compromise in the grander plan. The weapons and equipment provided would boost Aurigan power and hopefully raise feelings about the Federated Suns in the area as well so yet another potential win for Federated-Boeing.

Nice to see your at this Dragon Cat 

Between this, my primary timeline writing and other doodlings keeping busy

I gotta say this game looks pretty good (trailer link below). Might pick it up in a few weeks when I get back from vacation. How about you guys?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKo3ZljgmnY&t=25s

Nice to see your at this Dragon Cat 

Few cars made an entrance into the London Metropolis like the FAB-1, Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward's personal painted pink six wheeled Rolls Royce. The design had been a one-off special commission it had two Rolls Royce engines in the extended front of the car and instead of a solid roof the vehicle had a clear canopy which was more like that of one found on a fighter plane. Inside the vehicle was fitted with a plush white interior, a video communication system and a small mini-bar stocked with Lady Penelope's favourite drinks. Once the vehicle had been completed, she’d had Brains give the vehicle his own once over which had added even more capabilities to the vehicle.

In the front of the cabin at the driver seat was Lady Penelope's driver and personal assistant Parker wearing his usual grey jacket pants and flat cap, Parker was dressed to be invisible allowing him to go completely unnoticed which Penelope had found useful on numerous occasions. "A couple of times around the block? Milady we can make sure Spectrum are not trying to pull a fast one on us."

"As you wish Parker, but I do not want to be late" she said from her relaxed position in the back, she knew Parker was right, Spectrum had already wasted a lot of resources attempting to track down International Rescue's base of operations after Thunderbird Ones exploits in Japan had caused questions around the globe. Since the 2037 unification of the United Nations Advisory Council into the United Nations World Government Spectrums profile had risen significantly with-it having responsibilities across the globe, on Earth and in humanities efforts on Mars. International Rescue needed their cooperation not their animosity which was what had led to this planned meeting.

Lady Penelope had known Jeff Tracy for twenty years and when he had proposed that she act as a "Wandering Ambassador" for International Rescue she had seen the benefit. She continued her life and with her own projects while assisting International Rescue when they needed her.

"Only the single Spectrum Saloon Car” he said motioning to the red vehicle parked in plain sight for everyone to see. “Of course, I wouldn't put it past 'em to have more nearby waiting" Parker reported bringing the limousine around to the front of the Grand Bilbo Hotel on the centre of London, they were only a few streets from Buckingham Palace.

"Very good, Parker stay with the car and keep watch." She instructed him

"Of course, Milady" Parker responded on his thick cockney accent, he knew this town better than anyone else and would spot something off.

The canopy slid open and the door automatically opened allowing Penelope to exit the vehicle. Before she had even moved Parker was stood by her door ready to lend assistance should she need it. "Thank you, Parker" she said stepping out of the vehicle she had chosen a pink business skirt designed by Elaine Wickfern with a yellow belt which matched her hair colour. Finally, a beautiful pair of pink shoes and a gold handbag completed the look.

She walked up into the Great Bilbo Hotel's grand entrance hall and saw the two Spectrum Agents waiting for her. "Gentlemen, thank you for agreeing to meet with me" she said approaching them immediately "shall we sit?"

"Of course, Lady" the male in the red and black uniform said indicating for her to head to their table first which she did. As she headed along the two men followed her.

Once at their table immediately a server attended "Drinks?" He asked the three of them

"We are on duty so Water for us, Lady Penelope?" The male in the all-dark uniform said curtly.

"Business and pleasure often mix in my like of work I'll have a glass of Pernod Red." She said naming her favourite wine brand hurriedly the waiter left.

"Lady Penelope, I am Captain Scarlet and this is Captain Black." The man in red and black said he was in his thirties English judging by his accent, which indicated to her he'd grown up in a good family with education, and he was quite attractive, if Lady Penelope was twenty years younger, he'd be in trouble.

"Spectrum does love it's colour codes?" Penelope teased "I am honoured really Spectrum Royalty for little old me. It's fastest rising recruit in the last twenty years" she said looking to the man in red "and the commander of the next Martian Mission."

"That's classified" Captain Black snapped he had a gruffer accent perhaps from a tougher background than his colleague and he had also seen a few more years.

"Yes, as are your names… Conrad and Paul" she said looking first at Captain Black and then to Captain Scarlet. As the waiter returned with their drinks before leaving "now gentlemen I know you and I am quite sure you did some digging and know who I am and what I am capable of..."

"The parts of your record which are not redacted are quite impressive, Lady Penelope." Captain Scarlet replied trying a more friendly approach.

"Ah yes, the security services do like their secrets. Was the part where it states have the ear of the Prime Minister, the World President and the King mentioned? She asked genuinely interested

"Yes, it was, Lady Penelope your point?" Captain Black asked

"You know my capabilities, my connections and reputation. I am being completely open which is the most important in this negotiation." She offered them “I wish to represent Internation Rescue in the most open way possible.”

"So, in the effort of co-operation what is it that your organization wants Lady Penelope?" Captain Scarlet asked

"The people I represent would like to not be hunted, to be left alone and to be allowed to help people. International Rescue wish only to help those in need, without looking for compensation or persecution for their actions." She said plainly

“That is a difficult ask Lady Penelope” Captain Black stated “your organisation has only showed off one piece of its equipment but it has shown exceptional capabilities, one may even say dangerous capabilities.” He pointed out “for what you are suggesting we would be unleashing a powerful organisation on the world which has capabilities which we do not know and possibly could be a threat to international security.”

“We have multiple capable vehicles or bespoke designs which have been built specifically for rescue efforts.” Lady Penelope countered taking a sip of her drink. “Our capabilities are purely defensive in their nature.”

“But you do have weapons capabilities, like the weapon you used to disable the Bullet Train’s electronics?” Captain Scarlet asked his tone lighter than the other man’s more curious than anything.

“Our craft are capable of self-defence.” It was a small admittance but one she had to make, of Spectrum thought they were hiding things from them they’d never let it go. “However, those capabilities have dual purposes for use in rescue operations.” She said glancing up seeing a screen in the Hotel lobby displaying breaking news. “Excuse me” without another word Penelope stood up and walked into the lobby looking up at the screen the camera image was obviously from another aircraft looking at the world’s newest hypersonic airliner, the Fireflash. Under the headline it stated that the Fireflash was currently unable to land due to faults with its landing gears and its engine core shielding was failing.

“That, gentlemen is something that International Rescue could help with…” Lady Penelope said glancing at the two Spectrum Captains who were now standing beside her.

“You think so?” Captain Black asked “that craft is a flying bomb, it should never have been allowed to take off.” He grumbled “it is a vanity project, who needs to be able to stay in the air for six months.” The idea behind Fireflash was it was a flying hotel or cruise-liner capable of staying aloft for six months, it was able to pass over landmarks on any of the continents and it was able to enter hover mode allowing its guests to savour their time in different locations. The drawback was of course that it was powered by a fission engine, which needed specific engine shielding or they leaked radiation. Unbeknown to anyone beyond those in International Rescue the engine was the same as those on the Thunderbird machines and had been invented by Brains.

“I know so… and it will give your people a chance to observe our capabilities, which I am sure your commanders will be interested in.” She teased them, the more Spectrum were able to observe International Rescue the more opportunities they would have to trace them to their base of operations and the more they would see what they were dealing with. Also having Fireflash explode in the air or having it crash somewhere would be a massive disaster.

The two captains exchanged a look before nodding “Thank you, gentlemen” she said raising her hand to her necklace turning one of the gems “Lady Penelope calling International Rescue…”


Half the way around the world Jeff Tracy listened to Lady Penelope’s call as it was relayed around their private satellite network and he looked around his office at his sons. “Well, you all heard the message, what do you think?” He asked all eyes turned to Brains.

“It all depends on the d….d….damage to the shielding. If it has been comp…compromised those people could be in serious trouble.” Brains stammered “we are however probably best placed to repair any damage” he said “given the origin of the power plant.”

“Alright Scott, go! Virgil, I want you, Alan and John prepped in Thunderbird 2. Whatever Scott finds you will load as required.” The three brothers exchanged glances, Thunderbird 2 was more than four times the size of the first craft and it was designed to carry their rescue equipment to operations. She was designed to be operated by one person with most of the equipment automated. “Just in case, it’s her maiden flight you are all available until the space station is completed so we work together as a team. Virgil you are the pilot, Alan co-pilot and John you are equipment specialist.”


Soon after Scott’s Thunderbird One was completing its de-orbit burn entering the upper atmosphere near Fireflash’s location in the aerospace over China. As he approached, he saw the four Angel Interceptors which Spectrum had sent to escort the stricken craft. “Angel One, this is Thunderbird One, requesting permission to approach.” He communicated seeing two of the craft peel off and approach him, the craft her sleek and fast, quickly they raised up into formation with his craft.

“Hello again, Scott” Destiny Angel replied using his name again “it didn’t take long for us to meet again.”

“Permission to approach Fireflash?” He asked attempting to keep things professional.

“Permission granted; we will stay in close proximity should you need assistance.” She said, the two white Angel Interceptors pulled off to the right allowing him to approach.

“Thunderbird One to Tracy Island approaching Fireflash, radiation levels are steady craft is on a steady heading.” He narrated as he closed on the large craft. Fireflash was a radical design it was three-hundred-and-eighty feet in length, and one-hundred-and-eighty feet in width. The font of the craft was like a rocket point, while the curved delta shaped wings started at about half the way along the craft. There were two engines under the main wings while there were two others at the top of the T-shaped tailfin. “Fireflash this is Thunderbird One, status?” He asked bringing the craft up and over Fireflash surveying the ship. In the two wing-based restaurants/clubs he could see passengers were gathered.

“Our computer core dumped; it’s now rebooted but the core is fluctuating. Other systems have been heavily affected, including out landing systems.” The ship’s captain reported “we don’t know what caused the dump nor if it will happen again.”

“Great, what’s the status of the landing systems?” Scott enquired perhaps this could be a bigger problem than the core, if that wasn’t bad enough.

“We can’t lower any of the gear, we can’t even get the external doors open.” The captain reported for a size of the ship Fireflash was a nightmare. “We also cannot activate our hover systems.”

“Hell, alright standby” Scott swapped frequencies so he could speak with Tracy Island. “Thunderbird One to base did you hear all that, whatever has happened here her computer core is suspect to say the least.”


Back on Tracy Island Jeff Tracy glanced at Brains who sat across from him in the office. “What do you think Brains?”

“It depends how compromised the computers are… that should not have happened there are redundancies on that systems.” Brains replied he knew about the Fireflash’s systems due to his work on the engine core. “It…it must have been sabotage of some sort…”

“Can we fix the computer?” Tracy asked his technical expert. The easiest solution would be if they were able to fix Fireflash’s computer and help the aircraft land itself.

“We would have to interface with it directly, we could inadvertently download it onto our systems and still fail to solve the issues.” Brains suggested “perhaps a mechanical solution would be better…”

“You think we can do it?” Jeff asked wating a straight forward answer.

“Y…Yes… I think so” Brains answered

“Good, Thunderbird One we’re going to send some back up to you. You need to get Spectrum to play ball and allow us to fully take control over the recovery of Fireflash and secure us a landing zone.” Jeff communicated to his oldest son before changing the communication channel “Thunderbird Two, launch when ready, we’ll feed you landing coordinates when you are airborne.”

“FAB” Virgil said from Thunderbird Two’s expansive cockpit. Unlike the cockpit of Thunderbird One which was inside the rocket form of the craft Thunderbird Two’s cockpit was far more akin to the cockpit of a jet liner. Beside him in his own blue jumpsuit was Alan while his twin was sat behind at the operations console. “Well gents let’s see how she flies…”

Like Thunderbird One’s launch bay Thunderbird Two’s hanger was hidden from public view with a fake stone wall covering the hanger entrance. The runway was not hidden and the Tracy family had two small personal aircraft parked in open view for anyone to see if they passed the island but Thunderbird Two’s hanger was concealed.  The stone wall lowered into the ground allowing Thunderbird Two’s massive green painted hull to move forward into the open the cockpit of Thunderbird Two fit the aircraft which was like a massive cargo aircraft with a rounded nose, forward-canted wings instead of the traditional swept back wings and a twin aft control tail which was connected by a cross beam turning the tail into an inverted triangle.

Once it was clear of the hanger Thunderbird Two stopped moving. “Extending the runway and we’re connected to the catapult” John said glancing at Virgil to help get the four hundred plus ton aircraft airborne Tracy Island did two things to help get the aircraft airborne, first in the runway was an electromagnetic catapult, the same used in military aircraft carriers, which helped accelerate the aircraft faster than it could go itself. This catapult was completely unseen but the second trick that Tracy Island had was far more noticeable, firstly an extra fifty feet rose out of the water and continued to rise until it curved upwards to a fifty-degree angle.

“Hold on boys!” Virgil warned before triggering the catapult sending the massive aircraft forward at high speed, all three of them were thrown back into their chairs by the G-forces. As the aircraft hit the curved part of the runway Thunderbird Two’s two gigantic jet engines propelled the craft into the air rapidly accelerating into the air. “Whoooooo-hoooo!” Vigil cheered as his aircraft took off, now he understood why Scott had enjoyed himself during Thunderbird One’s first launch.

“Approaching cruising altitude, we’re ready to transit to flight mode…” Alan said from the co-pilot seat Virgil nodded over to him and his brother toggled the transition. Outside the forward-canted wings of Thunderbird Two swept even further forward merging with the hull and creating an even more aerodynamic shape. “Accelerating to Hyper-sonic speeds” Alan said as Thunderbird Two accelerated towards the stricken Fireflash aircraft.

“Thunderbirds are Go!” Virgil called out.