Guardias el Espacio Alarma en el Centro Experimental
J. Lester Novros II
Some time ago, during one of my foraging trips along the a couple of the choice auction sites on the internet, I stumbled upon a somewhat curious item of
Thunderbirds
merchandise: a seemingly random collection of about 80 frame blowups from unrelated episodes. The seller did not give any indication as to their pedigree, only the year of publication, 1967, and the fact that their country of origin was Spain. I copied them to my trusted server for later reference and inclusion in this site, not really knowing what to do with them or where to file them.
And then I had a chance meeting with Dutch collector Bert van IJken. Not only did he have a lot of material in his collection, he was also quite willing to take the time and trouble to provide me with photographs of the items so I could add them to the Thunderbirds merchandising pages,
the listing
and
the gallery.
To my surprise, in one of the first batches he sent me I found a series of photos of a picture album of Spanish origin, published by the publishing house FHER. A quick check confirmed my suspicions: this publication was the source of the mystery 'cards' I had previously found online. A quick trip to Wikipedia's Spanish language edition [and some help from Google's translation service] yielded the following information about FHER:
Fher is a Spanish publishing house, located in Bilbao, dedicated to the production of sticker albums, educational books, cut-out dolls, comics and die-cuts, most of them for children and young people. The company was founded by the brothers Germán and José Fuentes Lizaur in Bilbao in 1937, hence the acronym, Fher, which stands for 'Fuentes Hermanos' which translates as 'Fuentes Brothers'.
In 1958 they obtained permission from the American company DC Comics to publish the first of three sticker albums dedicated to Superman. The Fher publishing house was a pioneer in the publication of albums, cut-outs, comics and children's books, such as those by Marisol. It also abounded in the adaptations to the format of cards of the great Hollywood blockbusters.
In the field of comics, it also edited adaptations of cartoon series premiered on Spanish Television such as Bugs Bunny (1974), El Pájaro Loco (1974), Tom and Jerry (1974), Little Lulú (1974), El Bosque de Tallac (1979), Gatchaman (1980), Ruy, the Little Cid (1980) and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1981). Many of them came from American companies Dell Comics and Gold Key, whose material had been distributed in Spain previously by Novaro.
It also published the books of the French writer Henriette Bichonnier. In the 21st century, it published children's stories and karate books such as those of Masatoshi Nakayama, and books about sorcery.
The book itself seems to be hastily thrown together. The print quality is poor, the pictures are sloppily cut from a larger sheet [often a small strip of the adjoining image on the sheet shows up at one of the sides] and the paper is so thin that the glue used to fix the photos to the page bleeds through to the reverse side.
The story is equally contrived to fit the randomly chosen images. The Tracy's are watching the televised trial run of a rocket equipped with what the story calls 'Simpson circuits', a safety measure invented by an engineer friend of Lady Penelope and Brains. The trial is sabotaged which causes the rocket to crash, resulting in a raging fire which is an excellent excuse to involve
International Rescue
to help put out the flames. On the way back, control of
Thunderbird 2
is taken over by a mysterious device which causes the craft to crash.
Scott
and
Virgil
limp home.
Meanwhile, the safety device's plans are stolen by Simpson's secretary and Lady Penelope and Tin Tin are off to Switzerland to find the culprit and retrieve the plans.
1. — Everything is peaceful on Tracy Island and no one would suspect that under that beautiful landscape the "Thunderbirds" of the famous "International Rescue" are always ready to spring into action.
2. — Jeff Tracy and his sons Scott, Virgil, Alan and Gordon, together with scientist Brains and the beautiful Tin Tin are watching a television program they are interested in.
3. — 'Simpson circuits'; are being tested in the "Nuclear Experiment Center": safety devices invented by Simpson, a London based engineer and a friend of Brains and Lady Penelope.
4. — Today a rocket with 'Simpson circuits'; would be tested and soon, nuclear boats would be equipped with such devices as well. Looking at the small screen, Jeff Tracy said:
5. — "Barrow has magnificent installations." Suddenly, a dragonfly-shaped aircraft fleetingly appeared on the screen, the reporter unable to explain its presence at Barrow.
6. — "That's strange", said Scott. "The reporter hasn't even mentioned that plane. What is its function in the test?" "Maybe I forgot to mention it," Jeff Tracy replied.
7. — Their confusion soon vanished because now there were several police cars on the screen, guarding a heavy transport that carried the experimental rocket to the launch tower.
8. — All necessary preparations were carried out quickly and a few minutes later the auxilliary staff was withdrawn from the experimentation area to prevent any accidents.
9. — At Barrow control the countdown was started; the rocket was about to take off. "Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five... four... three... two... one... zero!"
10. — Then, something unexpected happened: the rocket, driven by its powerful engines, rose a few meters. But, instead of rising straight up, it veered off at a tangent and...
11. — ...crashed on a cluster of workshops next to the launch tower. Fortunately, no worse accidents occured because the turboreactors were automatically shut down at that moment.
12. — "Something went wrong," said Jeff. "I feel sorry for Simpson." "It's... It's... It's very strange...", Brains stuttered. "Simpson is a great engineer. What happened today is in... in... incomprehensible."
13. — "Hopefully the 'Simpson circuits'; in the experimental aircraft will work properly", said Jeff. "Anyway, and as Brains says, what happened today at Barrow doesn't seem right."
14. — "Could it be sabotage?" suggested Scott. "Let's reserve any opinion for the moment." said Jeff prudently. "Everything will become clear eventually and I am sure Simpson will succeed in the end."
15. — The next day in London, Lady Penelope received a visit from her friend Simpson, who seemed deeply worried. "A week ago," said the engineer, "my secretary Anna disappeared."
16. — "At the same time, I noticed I was missing several original plans. I would like you to keep these copies, Lady Penelope. I will take a similar set with me." "Of course, my dear Simpson," said...
17. — ...Lady Penelope. "And I'm sure you'll succeed." After Simpson had left, Lady Penelope decided to track down Anna, since Simpson would be too busy.
18. — She rang the bell and and soon after Parker, Lady Penelope's butler, driver and valuable assistant, appeared. "Parker", said Lady Penelope, "I'm going to trust you with an important assignment."
19. — Lady Penelope explained to Parker what had happened to Simpson, telling him that Anna's whereabouts were unknown, to find her immediately and keep an eye on her movements and the people she met.
20. — Parker changed into civilian clothes and, despite the little that he knew, was able to discover the hotel in which Anna had stayed. The hotel's owner received Parker and said:
21. — "Are you Anna's friend? I think she told me that you had a mustache... Anna ordered me to tell you that she went to Switzerland, saying that this would tell you where to find her."
22. — Parker quickly returned to Lady Penelope to inform her of the results of his inquiries. Immediately, Lady Penelope contacted Tracy Island using her private television circuit.
23. — After delivering her report, the elegant lady concluded "Here are the plans that Simpson trusted me with. I'm going to Switzerland to try and discover Anna's location. I'll report back."
24. — "Okay, Penny", Jeff said affectionately. "Brains has obtained photocopies of the plans and we'll have a look at them. Good luck and be very careful: Anna may have some dangerous friends."
25. — Having finished communication with London, Jeff and his sons examined the plans on a monitor. "The invention of Simpson is ma... magnificent", said Brains. "I think it's..."
26. — "...sabotage." "In that case", deduced Jeff, "We are faced with a complicated situation. Some enemy power may be interested in Simpson's invention. Surely, we'll have to get to work soon."
27. — Unfortunately, Jeff is right. The next day, at Barrow, he is about to see an airplane with the 'Simpson circuits';. According to Brains' explanation it is a subtle electronic radar system...
28. — ...that would prevent the plane from crashing, because its height and direction rudders would work automatically avoiding any obstacle, however unforeseen the circumstances.
29. — Only in case of extreme emergency, the pilot should act to correct any calculation error. However, in view of the previous incident, the experimental test would not be televised.
30. — The plane was launched from the hangar's same door in which it had been stored with all kinds of precautions; but as soon as it took flight, it inexplicably changed direction several times.
31. — It was evident that the 'Simpson circuits';, for some unknown reason, did not work. In the Barrow control tower the anguished voice of the pilot sounded: "Something strange is happening... the...
32. — ...rudders seem to be blocked. I cannot... control the ship... it seems I'm going to... ". The poor pilot fell silent, the plane crashed into some buildings that quickly caught fire.
33. — The flames reached an alarming height and several powerful fire trucks raced quickly to the raging blaze. The rescue teams worked furiously...
34. — ...but, in spite of all their efforts, the disaster claimed several victims. If it really was sabotage, the saboteurs had to be ruthless and unscrupulous criminals!
35. — The flames greedily consumed whatever was in their path and Barrow began evacuation. What would happen if the fire reached the atomic reactor at the experimental center?
36. — The plane had crashed at a fair distance, but the wind blew the flames in its direction. At that moment, the people at Barrow decided to call "International Rescue".
37. — The call was picked up by John Tracy in Thunderbird 5, the Thunderbird orbiting Earth, ready to capture all these calls, retransmitting them immediately to Tracy Island.
38. — Jeff Tracy told Scott and Virgil to take "Thunderbirds" 1 and 2, Thunderbird 2 carrying a powerful super extinguishing machine equipped with other additional devices designed by Brains.
39. — Scott was the first to leave the room to board Thunderbird 1, followed shortly thereafter by Virgil, who was in charge of the pot-bellied green Thunderbird 2 carrying the rescue team.
40. — Once again, the ex-astronaut saw that his sons carried out each maneuver in a time that was almost impossible to beat, forming an almost unsurpassed team.
41. — At the scheduled time, Tracy Villa's pool slid aside, revealing the conical tip of Thunderbird 1, which took off vertically, then changed to horizontal flight and headed for Barrow.
42. — A moment later, the landscape changed magically, and Thunderbird 2 appeared on the launch ramp, facing the Pacific, ready to take off at an instant.
43. — Seconds later, Thunderbird 2 took off, driven by its powerful jet engines and, after a few moments, it reached the height and speed required for the mission.
44. — Virgil piloted his machine following the course Scott transmitted by radio from Thunderbird 1, which was much faster and which was intended to explore the danger zone.
45. — "Attention, Virgil", Scott spoke from the Thunderbird 1 cockpit. "I am approaching the coast and I'll arrive at Barrow any moment now. As soon as I am there, I'll tell you the best place to set down."
46. — Thunderbird 1, coming in a little ahead of the other Thunderbird, became aware of the great flames that rose from Barrow, and which, despite strenuous effort, had not yet been put out.
47. — Scott quickly studied the danger zone and put Thunderbird 1 down on the outskirts of Barrow, in an area upwind of the raging fire.
48. — "Attention, Virgil", Scott said, "I think the most convenient landing spot for you will be in the sandy area of Barrow. I'll get out of Thunderbird 1 and guide you there."
49. — Minutes later, Thunderbird 2 flew over the danger zone and, skillfully piloted by Virgil, was set down at the place Scott had pointed out.
50. — The landing jets blasted downward and Thunderbird 2 descended gently to rest on the ground. Then, the telescopic legs raised the Thunderbird leaving...
51. — ...pod #1 on the ground, opening its door and inside appeared the huge extinguishing machine that Scott would control, while Virgil continued in the cockpit of Thunderbird 2.
52. — Scott arrived shortly after and moved the extinguishing machine to the most dangerous area, making short shrift of the flames, which Barrow's firemen could the douse with relative ease.
53. — Scott then drove the marvellous machine to the nuclear reactor enclosure, whose controls had already reached a high degree of radioactivity due to the fire. Scott drilled through the concrete wall...
54. — ...which sourrounded it and Vírgil picked it up with magnetic cables from Thunderbird 2, carrying the reactor away from the city, dropping it in the ocean, neutralizing the danger.
55. — His mission finished, Scott brought the machine back towards pod #1 where stumbled upon with the 'dragonfly' aircraft he had seen on television at the failed rocket test.
56. — Scott waited for Virgíl to return with Thunderbird 2 taking pod #1 with him. After which, Scott took off in Thunderbird 1, returning to International Rescue's secret base.
57. — While Thunderbird 1 was already flying over the sea at great speed, Virgil went back with the pot-bellied Thunderbird 2. But he soon noticed he was unable to control the Thunderbird in a normal way.
58. — Thunderbird 2's rudders, governing both altitude and direction, seemed to be stuck, impossible to move. "Attention Scott, something is wrong," Virgil said. But Scott did not answer.
59. — Thunderbird 2 was inevitably headed for a mountain and Virgil, in a show of level-headedness, pressed the emergency controls and the Thunderbird set down gently on a ridge.
60. — In the Thunderbird 5 space station, John had received Virgil's transmission and realized what happened, although the transmission was garbled, as if some unknown cause was interfering with communication.
61. — He quickly warned Scott, who answered: "I don't understand why Virgil hasn't radio'd anything." "I could hear Virgil", John replied, "although not very clearly. It seems ..."
62. — "...that he has been forced to land, by unknown causes, on a mountain close to Barrow. While you go in to help Virgíl, I'll talk to Brains to see if he can explain what happened."
63. — Scott turned Thunderbird 1 around, heading back to Barrow at maximum velocity. Speed was of the essence now more than ever to help Virgil.
64. — Having just arrived in the mountains of Barrow, Scott discovered Thunderbird 2, but failed to reach Virgil on the radio. He landed quickly next to Thunderbird 2 and ran to the cockpit. Virgíl was bleeding...
65. — ...from a wound on his forehead and lay unconscious on the floor. Scott tended to him with the portable medkit and calmed down when Virgil returned to conciousness, checking that he did not suffer any serious injuries.
66. — Scott quickly contacted Tracy Island. "Virgil is recovering quickly and I hope he can take Thunderbird 2 soon. What I have not been able to discover is what caused the breakdown".
67. — "L... Listen, Scott", Brains said over the monitor, "You mentioned the Dra... Dragonfly when you ... used the extinguisher. L... Look at the extinguisher with the electronic detector."
68. — Moments later, Scott returned to the screen showing a small object he held in his hand. "I already have it, Brains. It must have been this small magnetized capsule that was the cause of the breakdown!"
69. — "Indeed." He went up to Thunderbird 2 with Virgil, who was almost recovered already, checking that everything worked normally. There were no difficulties in maneuvers and no need to return to the ridge so Scott took charge of Thunderbird 1.
70. — Next, the two Thunderbirds returned to base, where they arrived without further incidents. On Brains' advice, Jeff arranged for Thunderbird 2 to be taken to the workshop immediately.
71. — Not only to repair the small defects it had suffered during the landing on Barrow's stony mountain, but, in addition, Brains wanted to add to the control panel...
72. — ...an electronic detector, with which they could discover any external object affixed to the Thunderbird or any of its auxiliary devices, to avoid any further act of sabotage.
73. — As Vírgll had been forced to keep absolute rest for a few days, his siblings Scott and Alan were responsible for carrying out the first tests of Brains' detector.
74. — Alan took to the work at hand with great enthusiasm, because he got bored when he was inactive and it had been several days since he had last taken part in any of the rescue operations, not even as an assistant.
75. — Brains placed various strange objects at various points of the Thunderbird which were immediately discovered by the detector and thus easily eliminated by an electronic control.
76. — "Brains is simply wonderful", exclaimed Alan with admiration. "We are really lucky to have him as a member of International Rescue. And he makes it look so easy."
77. — " Right", Scott nodded, "And the same goes for father: taking command seems very simple when he does it but it's actually very difficult."
78. — Two days later, Virgíi began to get up and, despite the great bandage that Tin Tin had put on his head, the courageous astronaut felt totally recovered and eager to return to duties.
79. — But Jeff Tracy had made different arrangements. "A few days vacation in Switzerland will do you good", he said to his son. "During your stay, have a talk with Lady Penelope. Scott will take you."
80. — The trip to Switzerland in Thunderbird 1 went off without a hitch. Scott returned to Tracy Island while Virgil immediately got in touch with Lady Penelope, who took him to...
81. — ... a cafe. They sat at a table and Lady Penelope said: "Virgil you'll wonder why I brought you; but I want you to meet the singer who performs here every night".
82. — A beautiful young woman began to sing accompanied by the orchestra. "That is Anna," said Lady Penelope, "the mysterious secretary of my friend Simpson. What do you think, Virgil?" "Simply incredible."
83. — "Both Parker, who I have gotten a jpb as a waiter at this establishment, and me have kept a careful eye on her. But Anna has not communicated with anyone at all. When you return home, tell your father that...
84. — "...I think Tin Tin should come over to help me. I think she would be very helpful." A few days later Virgil and Lady Penelope went to the airport to return home.
85. — When Lady Penelope returned to the hotel in her car, she updated Parker about the situation. "We'll soon have a new assistant", said Lady Penelope, "Tin Tin will come to help us."
86. — "Would it be possible we were wrong with respect to Anna?", said one-time thief Parker. "I 'ave repeatedly searched 'er room and I 'aven't found hanything suspicious in it."
87. — "All the same," replied Lady Penelope, "We must stay vigilant. At any time she may receive a letter or a telegram. Also, you said she had...
88. — ... a micro-transmitter." "That's true," Parker admitted, "But nothing 'appened today." "Anyway," Lady Penelope continued, "Before long we'll be certain. Meanwhile, continue to keep an eye on her room..."
89. — ... When you are on duty as a waiter. Naturally, that way no one will suspect anything, since you'll have the excuse of serving something or delivering a message. And when Tin Tin arrives..."
90. —"...I'll get in touch with Anna. Tin Tin will stay close to Anna and I'll be able to easily follow her. I hope someone comes up to speak with her so I can find out who her contact is."
91. — When Virgil arrived at International Rescue's secret base, he explained what he had seen in Switzerland, telling his father that Lady Penelope requested Tin Tin's presence.
92. — "Tin Tin is very useful here," Jeff said, "However, Lady Penelope must have very good reasons to request her help. Tin Tín, let me warn you..."
93. — "...be very careful, because Anna seems to be related to very dangerous people." "Sure, Mr. Tracy," the beautiful and brave Tin Tin answered, "I will be careful and efficient."
94. — Tin Tin did not waste any time and packed her suitcase, including appropriate clothes to wear in a climate so different from Tracy Island and quickly made the trip to Switzerland.
95. — There, Penelope and Parker were waiting for her and she immediately joined him as a waiter in the cafe.
96. — Lady Penelope took a little trip with Tin Tin on a cablecar, where they could chat quietly without being seen by any of the people they would have to deal with.
97. — "Tin Tin," said Lady Penelope, "Stick around Anna as soon as you can, but don't raise any suspicion. Take this compact and always carry it with you and, if necessary, give it to Anna."
98. — "The makeup powder contains a substance that emits signals that I can pick up with my receiver. Anna has received a letter from one Ivan Krissenko, telling her he'll arrive..
99. — "...In eight days: on the eve of the launch of the 'Ocean', the atomic boat that will test the 'Simpson circuits';. Tin Tin went to the cafe, giving Parker the nessage.
100. — Anna, who just finished a song, saw the waiter approach her to tell her that there was a woman in the room who admired her art and her invited to her table.
101. — Her ego flattered, Anna went up to Tin Tin, who said with a Parisian accent "I am a great admirer of you and I also want to be a great singer. I would appreciate it very much..."
102. — "...if you would give me some tips to succeed like you have." "It'll be my pleasure", Anna answered, "But here it is too noisy in here. We can talk more quietly in my room."
103. — Sitting at a nearby table, Lady Penelope saw how Tin Tin fulfilled her mission perfectly. She was about to go upstairs to search Anna's room when Parker approached and said...
104. — "Anna 'as hasked me to serve refreshments in 'er room and you shouldn't be found there. Madam," he added, raising his voice, "That would be seven francs fifty! Thank you, madam."
105. — Then Parker served the drinks that had been ordered in Anna's room and smiled when he heard how Tin Tin perfectly imitated the Parisian accent of a native French girl.
106. — Meanwhile, on Tracy Island, Vírgil had returned to his post again and ran various tests on Thunderbird 2, finding everything worked normally.
107. — "I'm sure Lady Penelope will soon discover who's responsible, not only for Simpson's failure but also for the accidents at Barrow which have already cost several human lives." Virgil said.
108. — "Won't Tin Tin be in danger?", asked Alan. "Calm down," answered his brother, "Lady Penelope is extraordinarily intelligent and she knows how to keep her partners out of danger."
109. — In a couple of days, Tin Tin had achieved her goal. Anna considered her as an excellent friend and as a very promising pupil. One day she invited her to go ski-ing.
110. — Tin Tin used a clever excuse, pretending that she did not know how to ski, but Anna insisted on giving her some lessons, after which she could slide safely down some small snowy slopes.
111. — This time, there was no pretending for Tin Tin, because she really didn't know how to ski. And so, her joyful laughter and sincere joy at mounting the first difficulties of the sport...
112. — ...made Anna, usually in a somber mood, laugh as well. Suddenly, the noise of aircraft engines was heard nearby and Anna could not suppress a gesture of alarm.
113. — Then Tin Tin saw that, on the snow-covered landscape, appeared the mysterious 'dragonfly' aircraft that she had seen on the Tracy Island television screen when watching the rocket test.
114. — At the same time, Anna nervously pulled out a beautiful micro-transmitter and spoke in a trembling voice: "Hello, Ivan... Are you there, Ivan..?" But her call remained unanswered.
115. — Anna paled visibly and said to Tin Tin: "I'm feeling a bit unwell - let's go back to the hotel." When Anna locked herself in her room, Tin Tin hurried downstairs to inform Lady Penelope.
116. — "Lady Penelope", said Tin Tin, "I am sure Anna was communicating with Ivan Krissenki. What can I do? Because we need to find out about what they talk about." and she began listening on her microtransmitter.
117. — Lady Penelope, who had been woken by Tin Tin's surprise call, listened carefully and answered, "It's better if you stay in your room, Tin Tin. I'll see what I can do."
118. — Immediately, Lady Penelope jumped out of bed and went looking for Parker to tell him to prepare the car, as they almost certainly would have to leave soon.
119. — But she couldn't find him, because Parker was perched on a power line tower outside Anna's bedroom window. He was listening to her having an interesting radio communication.
120. — "Ivan," Anna said, "Why did you turn up so soon? I wasn't expecting you. Did they advance the launching of the 'Ocean'? ... Yes, I always have the plans with me... Well, I'll take them to the forest..."
121. — "of Mont Blue. Ivan, someone is spying on me! It's the waiter! I'll have to escape with you!". Parker had slipped and had fallen noisily to the snowy ground.
122. —While Anna was packing her suitcase, Tin Tin called at her room. "Do you feel better?", the charming Tin Tin asked. "I'm sorry," said Anna, "but I'm forced to leave immediately."
123. — "Oh, I am so sorry!", Tin Tin exclaimed. "Please, at least accept this compact as a small gift from an admirer." Anna welcomed the gift and allowed Tin Tin to accompany her to the car...
124. — ...with which she left a few minutes later. Tin Tin hurried to tell the news to Lady Penelope who was just leaving with with Parker in 'FAB1', the magnificent pink Rolls-Royce.
125. — Although Parker did not know where the Forest of Montbleu was, he could easily go there following the 'blip blip' captured by Lady Penelope's receiver which led them after Anna.
126. — They came to a forest where the road ended at a strong fence that framed a wide clearing surrounded by trees. "Cross the fence, Parker," Lady Penelope said quietly.
127. — Parker complied and a moment later they caught sight of the mysterious 'dragonfly' aircraft that Anna's car was now approaching. She got out and handed something to...
128. — ...an unknown man who piloted the 'dragonfly', which immediately took flight. "Quick, Parker shoot the 'dragonfly' with a magnetized homing projectile. Ready? Fire!"
129. — 'FAB-1's radiator fins parted to make way for the barrel of a gun, which fired a small projectile that stuck to one of the flanks of the fleeing 'dragonfly'.
130. — "It will be easy for us to know where she is heading when the time is right", said Lady Penelope getting out holding a gun. "Now, we must stop this dangerous spy."
131. — Lady Penelope arrived in time to stop Anna, who tried to flee in her car. The singer-secretary could not hide her displeasure and exclaimed "You may have stopped me, but..."
132. — "...you were too late. I gave him the plans and the project will always fail!" Ignoring her, Lady Penelope took Anna to Interpol, handing her over in their custody.
133. — Once Anna was locked up, Lady Penelope and Parker went to the airport to take the plane that would take them to England and continue their pursuit.
134. — "Wouldn't you like to make a small sea voyage, Parker?", Lady Penelope asked when the plane took off from Switzerland. "It'd be a pleasure, Milady," he answered. "It's been a long time since..."
135. — ... we embarked on 'FAB-2'. I would like point out though, if milady will hallow me, that the launch of the 'Ocean' 'as been advanced and the saboteur of the 'dragonfly' 'as a considerable hadvantage over us."
136. — "Don't worry, Parker. I'm aware of that and I assure you we will arrive on time. From our yacht, it will be easy and relaxing to find the trail of that unknown criminal".
137. — "Has always, milady, we'll be victorious, I'm sure," Parker said. "Don't worry, Parker, we'll intervene camly at the most opportune moment."
138. — On Tracy Island, an unusual emergency call had been received: Simpson asked for International Rescue to come to Barrow's naval base to prevent possible sabotage of the 'Ocean'.
139. — Jeff Tracy told Gordon to take on this difficult mission in Thunderbird 4, equipped with an ultrasensitive detector invented by Brains. The 'Sentinel' would be able to pick him up at a location in the Pacific.
140. — Thunderbird 4 set out to sea from Tracy Island and covered a great distance until it arrived at the point where the 'Sentinel' was waiting and was hoisted aboard as soon as it reached the side.
141. — The 'Sentinel' set off, arriving at the port of Barrow a few hours before the 'Ocean' faced the definitive test for the 'Simpson circuits';
142. — In the port of Barrow, the cranes of the 'Sentínel' lowered Thunderbird 4 with aquanaut Gordon on board. Moments later, Gordon began the difficult search for the saboteur.
143. — Thunderbird 4 was dove below the sea surface and inspected the surroundings of the naval base in a patient and meticulous search. The launch was just three hours away.
144. — Gordon did not take his eyes off the ultrasensitive detector that indicated nothing out of the ordinary. Finally, half an hour before the test, the detector began to emit a weak signal: blip-blip-blip!
145. — Around the same time, Lady Penelope's yacht, the 'FAB-2', also arrived at the Barrow naval base. As usual, Lady Penelope arrived at the operations area at the right time.
146. — "We 'ave arrived at Barrow, milady", Parker said, "And the receiver issues the signal we hexpected. It seems hevident that the 'dragonfly' is in one of the boats that surround us. What are your orders, milady? "
147. — "Fine Parker," Lady Penelope said quietly, "Lower the canon and let's follow the signal of the capsule that we fixed to the 'dragonfly'. Then I'll get on that boat and you'll wait for me in the dinghy."
148. — Parker obeyed punctually and shortly after the dinghy approached the side of a ship in which, obviously, the 'dragonfly' had been kept, as Lady Penelope's receiver clearly indicated.
149. — Lady Penelope climbed the railing of the mysterious boat and ventured through its complicated corridors. Suddenly, she felt the press of a pistol in her back and the voice of Ivan Krissenko that told her...
150. — "It is useless to try to escape, milady." The criminal tied Lady Penelope to a metal ladder on the deck and continued talking. "Surely you are the one who stopped Anna but I assure you that you will not..."
151. — "...achieve your goal. I'll leave in my motorboat and at the exact moment of the launch, I'll fire off a capsule similar to the one that caused the previous failures that'll stick to the side of the 'Ocean'. Ha, ha, ha!"
152. — "From my motorcycle I'll drive the 'Ocean' electronically as if it were a toy and I'll cause a great maritime catastrophe. Ha, ha, ha! Now, I'll go down to my cabin to pick up the capsules I'm going to launch."
153. — At that time, the signals picked up by the ultrasensitive detector of Thunderbird 4 had become very strong and Gordon drove the submarine to the side of Krissenko's ship.
154. — Gordon climbed nimbly up the anchor chain and, gun in hand, began to creep across the deck. He soon discovered Lady Penelope, approaching her and disregarding her.
155. — "He went down to his cabin.", Lady Penelope whispered. "I'll take care of him." "Not at all, Gordon.", she said in a low voice, but with gusto, "I'll be the one to go."
156. — Gordon moved quickly and with great caution, always on the alert to avoid alerting Krissenko as he prepared to return to the deck.
157. — "Don't move, Krissenko," Gordon said. "If you make the slightest move, you will die." Lady Penelope then came, handcuffed the criminal and took a small lead case out of her pocket.
158. — At that moment, the radio of the naval base at Barrow began to broadcast news about the launching of the 'Ocean' with only a few minutes to go. Lady Penelope opened the lead case and handed it over...
159. — ...to Gordon. "This time," said Gordon, "this little gadget will not accomplish its criminal mission." The radio then reported "The 'Ocean' glides smoothly down the ramp and, without a crew member, begins..."
160. — "...her short demonstration dodging the boats anchored in Barrow Dock. Automatic rudders are working perfectly! Ladies and gentlemen, the 'Simpson circuits' have been a success!"
161. — A few days later, the inhabitants of Tracy Villa organised an intimate party to celebrate the birthday of the beautiful Tin Tin who had returned from Switzerland shortly before.
162. — When Scott proposed a toast to Tin Tin, she got up holding a drink, saying "It's more appropiate to toast the wonderful International Rescue team that does so much for the good of humanity."
