4 : Call of Ghost

A service ship comes out from Space City's garage. In the top of the ship there are four rods. Rods are carrying a boxed grid.

Ship flies under a space cargo station. After it is right under the station, it stops. Engine outlets rolls to vertical position. After a while it starts to raise slowly towards the station. When the steel rectangle touches the bottom, the service ship stops again. After a while engines start to keep noise and push flames from the outlets. Cargo station starts to raise with the service ship. After a while flames extinguishes and everything goes quiet.

In Space City quite a many people have stopped to the window. Watching the maneuver.
"What was that ?" a woman asks from the man beside.
"That grid looked like the rods with what Monster and Pinky collects broken space lifts." man answers.
"They are probably testing and installing the systems, they talked yesterday." another man from group says.
"In my opinion they didn't talk, they invented it during the broadcast." first woman says.
"Possible." earlier speaker agrees.
"Lets look at the bright side. They are still trying something." first man comments the broadcast.

Few men comes out from the service ship - carrying welding machines. They flow to the steel rectangle. After the men are firmly at the place, they start to weld the steel rectangle to the bottom of the cargo station.

"Does anyone know when do they leave ?" one man from the group asks.
No one answers. Few shakes their heads. Finally one woman says "No idea."
"Suppose, that they leave with big fanfares." another man says.
"Small festival makes you feel better." a woman says.

"Wonder if they really have enough food and carbon for everyone ?" a man says.
"Jack is what he is. But he is honest. He don't usually lie." older man comments.
"A friend from the communication center said, that the silence, they talked about is true." one woman knows. "They haven't heard a thing from the survivors in the shelters for a while."

The mechanics have finished the welding. Most of the men goes back to service ship. Two mechanics stay. They take a big box and start to walk around the steel rectangle. Holding the box against the recently welded seam.

"It is not flashing anymore. What are they doing now ?" a woman interrupts the talks.
One man turns around and watches out "Ouu ... ah ... yes, they are taking x-rays from the seam. They check that the joint was properly done."

The last two mechanics go back to ship with the big box. After starting the engines, the rods on the top are raised. Ship takes some distance to cargo station. It stops. Takes some speed and drives to the underlying couplings. The service ship takes few dance steps with the cargo station. Then it accelerates and goes slowly away with the attached cargo station.

"Seems that they succeeded." a man from the group says. People start to walk away from the windows.

Before they vanish into tubes, the big screens are opened.

- - Carbon Calendar - -

"Good morning everyone" Karin from Jack's office opens the broadcast.
Right beside her sits Heni from Jack's office. "Morning" she greets the people.
"I am very happy to inform you, that our mechanics have worked all night long. They made a full service to one space lift and sight ship, which goes to Venus." Karin says.

"Few minutes ago, we were also informed, that the three other lifts and first cargo station are ready to leave. Second station will be ready before evening. Lifts and stations are equipped with couplings, with what they are converted into space cargo cars." Heni continues the news.

"Earth and Venus are closest to each other with 580 day period. We have around two months every second year to collect carbon from Venus." Karin informs.
"We are currently living day 521 in our Carbon year." Heni says.
"The small fast convoy can make the trip in 42 days. But the slow major convoy needs 333 days for the trip." Karin tells.
"Due to the carbon calendar, fast convoy must leave as soon as possible." Heni says.
"But there isn't a chance, that the major convoy would reach Venus, for this carbon collecting season." Karin says.

"The fast convoy starts it's journey to Venus in the evening. At 19.00" Heni says.
"The departure will be broadcasted and celebrated with feast." Karin tells.
"Have a good day ... and remember to join us in the evening ... at 19.00." Heni wishes.

"We will survive." Karin repeats the survivors slogan.
"We will ... just wait and see." Heni adds.

The screens are closed.

- - Planning the carbon collection in R&D - -

Earlier in the R&D's restroom, four engineers and the head of the department are having a meeting.

"How do we get those cargo ships, lifts and cargo stations to Venus ?" head of the department asks.

"We do not have to worry about lifts. We can use the ones, which landed on Earth." 1st male engineer says.
"What makes them so special ... the radiation ?" 2nd male engineer asks.
"Eeeh. Meant, that they do not need anything special for entering Venus' atmosphere." 1st male engineer says.
"Lifts must be towed to Venus." 1st female engineer says.

"Cargo stations, they are very slow ?" head of the department asks.
"Would there be something in those lifts." 2nd male engineer says.
"We have to design trailers to Thunderbird 3." 1st female engineer says.

"Thunderbird 3 has relatively small engines. Cargo ships have big engines. Could we tune them for bigger speed." 1st male engineer says.
"Cargo ships are empty, when they go to Venus. Possible to increase the maximum speed." head joins the idea.
"Fast sight ships can also be used for towing." 1st female corrects.
"Sight ships ?" 2nd male wonders.
"They can accelerate and brake with over 1 000 people and luggage on board. Fully loaded ship has almost 100 ton payload." 1st female says.

"Thrust is a problem with towing. Lifts and stations should be in between the cockpit and engine module. " 2nd male engineer says.
"Are the connectors the same in cargo and sight ship ?" head asks.
"Cargo and sight ships are built over same construction." 2nd female engineer knows.

"Cargo stations and lifts do not have required connectors." head says.
"Can weld them to the walls. Without punching holes into walls." 1st female says.
"Aren't there any wiring in the modules ?" head asks.
"If you put stations and lifts to back, the engine unit can be operated with wireless connection. The wireless system is used with cargo ships." 2nd male engineer answers.

"Think those standard mountings are strong enough ?" 1st male asks.
"The towed stations and lifts are empty. Lifts are certain." 2nd male engineer says.
"Fast sight ships, which arrives first, needs only collector lifts." 1st male says.

"Almost all cargo ships are left. Could add four connectors to both stations. " head says.
"Could we replace the station for staff with a sight ship ?" 1st female asks.
"We have only one fast sight ship for the convoy. One was lost in accident. Service team took the third." head says.
"Why ?" 1st male interrupts.
"They are building space way to Venus. They need a fast ship for dropping communication and radar units to route." head answers.

"When do they get the new engines to the old, slow sight ships ?" 2nd male asks.
"We get one module rather soon. Garage took the engine module from the accident ship. They checking and repairing it." head answers.
"And the others ?" 2nd male continues.
"No idea. Searching parts and building engines from the scratch." head answers.
"We should get a blacksmith for building spare parts " 1st male says.
"There are very many things we need." head says. "A bit difficult before we get carbon to the steel masonry in Moon."
"We are not allowed to waste carbon ... steel." 1st female knows.
"Of course." 1st engineer says.

- - - -

"Yes. Where was I ?" head thinks.
"You were in sight ship." 2nd male helps.
"No You were in R&D's facilities." 1st male throws a joke, and gets poisonous looks from the others.
"You think you're funny, huh ?" 1st female says.

"We are not in sight ship or R&D facilities. We are in Venus.  Carbon collection. You have something for it ?" head asks.
"No. We are not yet in Venus. I was asking, if we could replace another cargo station with sight ship." 1st female corrects.
"All stations have rooms and others for stuff. The second station is also a spare. The cargo stations are needed for docking lifts and ships." head answers.

"You have been very quiet. Air tanks. How do we fill them ?" 1st male says to 2nd female.
"We have been planning vacuuming." 2nd female engineer replies.
"You have anything ?" head asks.
"We decided to use vacuum system. The lifts need pumps. The tanks are opened and filled in Venus' atmosphere with pumps." 2nd female says.
"How much you compress the air ?" 2nd male asks.
"Depends on tank. The pressure varies from 4 to 8 bars. At least in the beginning. Big blast, if they get broke." 2nd female answers.

"How big they are ?" 1st female asks.
"How big ships can take ?" 2nd female asks.
"A set of cars are sealed and converted into gas tanks." head says.
"That's convenient." 1st male says.
"Yes. You can attach cars to lifts with the add-on connectors." 1st female continues.
"So. We don't have to build tank containers for lifts." 2nd says.

Silence. 2nd male raises from the table. He goes to corner, and calls someone.

"And that's all. Lots of talks, but who is in charge ?" Head asks.
"My team takes care of the modifications to collector lifts. We are far from finished. Would need the connectors for the cars." 2nd says.
"Tanks are mine. We use the same connectors and pipes, Space City uses for pressurized air conditioning." 1st male says.
"How much pressure they can take." 2nd says.
"If your pumps reaches 8 bars, the pipeline will last." 1st male answers.

2nd male comes back to table.

"Far from finished, too. I presume ?" Head says.
"Yes, boss." 1st male answers.
"We have also a lot to do with cargo stations' gas tanks. " 1st female adds.

"Outdoor modifications are not possible during the trip."  head informs the others.
"Lifts, cars  and cargo stations do not need outdoor modifications." 2nd male says. "Pumps and the constructions are all made indoors."

"But your job is an outdoor job. The attachment of the couplings." head says to 2nd male.
"Yes. Called. Space City's garage has enough couplings. I'd say that the welding jobs can be done within a day." 2nd male answers.

A phone call to head interrupts the meeting.

"It was Jack. He said, that the time is right, Venus is about to come close. The convoy is sent to Venus right after it is ready to go We have about two weeks for getting the sight ship on it's way." head says. " Okay with that ?"

"Pumps and pipes for lift can be thrown into ship right away. How about connectors ?" 2nd female asks 1st male.
"Connectors ... the stuff and staff we need for sealing the cars are ready to go, too." 1st male says.

"If we can do the job on the way, we can leave right away." 1st female says.
"You are going with slower cargo convoy, no need to hurry at the moment." head says.

"If we do the sealing on our way, couplings must have connectors for pipes." 1st male says.
"Otherwise we cannot test seals from the finished cars. Without going out." 2nd female says.
"Then the lifts need doors for getting in and out." head says to 2nd male.
"Suppose they have airlock doors to the couplings, too. If so, mounting of the couplings takes two days at the most." 2nd male says.

- - - -

Head orders snacks, pizza and drinks for the team.

"With the fast sight ship the trip to Venus takes around 43 days." 1st female opens the table conversation.
"Fast sight ships goes 40 000 km/h. And the distance is around 40 million kilometers." 2nd female confirms.

"Jack is not giving Monster to the mission." 1st male says.
"No. It is a fully equipped and armed military plane. Used only for emergencies." head says.
"Said Jack." 2nd male adds.
"How did you know ?" Head asks.
"Just a wild guess." 2nd male says.
"Is he still scanning enemies and intruders from the outer space." 2nd female asks.
"Think, that he doesn't have time for that at the moment." head answers.

- - - -

"Do we get the other Thunderbirds to the mission ?" 1st male asks.
"I don't know. They try to build new Sight Ships for the trips. And upgrade the old ones. " head answers.
"We do not need Thunderbirds anymore." 1st female says.
"Thunderbird 2 is very fast and powerful. They say that all Thunderbirds can reach 80 000 km/h speeds in space." 1st male says.
"How much Monster and Pinky takes ?" 2nd male asks head.
"Classified information. No idea. " head answers.

- - - -

"Do they get the greenhouses in Moon ready by that time ?" 1st male asks.
"If not, they can assign more people to work." Head answers.

"How many lifts we get into Venus ?" 2nd female asks.
"How many you need ?" head answers.
"Depends how much gas you need." 2nd female responds.

"Jack wanted, that fast sight ship makes a stop-and-go visit to Venus." head answers.
"Stop and go ?" 1st male asks.
"You fill the tanks right after you get into Venus, and you come back without waiting a year." Head answers.
"Still dependent on the need of gas." 2nd female responds.

"The limit comes from the sight ship. It can drag around 20 cars, with top speed. Space lift could be counted as two cars." 2nd male helps.
"You have around one week to fill 18 cars with one lift." Head answers.
"With two tanks and pump systems the filling would take around 9 days. Okay with that ?" 2nd female asks head.

- - - -

"You think they have enough lifts for widespread collection ?" 1st female asks.
"Quite sure they do. They built many new space lifts after Moon Mines were opened." 1st male replies.
"They lost almost all space planes." 2nd male comments.
"Yes. But they didn't lost that many space lifts. They were in duty. Sailing between Earth and Moon. They escaped the storm with stations." 1st male continues.

"Why do they have those small cargo ships in Moon. Why don't they use space lifts in Moon ?" 2nd female asks.
"There aren't landing zones in Moon. Moon Miners use airlocks." 1st male explains.
"I think that money was the issue. Moon's orbital station is old cargo station." head answers.
"Yes. After Moon Mines were opened, Space Cargo built bigger stations for Earth's orbit. And transferred an old station to Moon's orbit." 1st female memorizes.

"Why did they use space lifts in space ?" 2nd female continues questioning.
"Space is a graveyard for space lift." 2nd male says.
"After lift gets older, it cannot be used on Earth anymore. Risks are too high." 1st male explains.
"Monster and Pinky got the rod systems for collecting the old broken junks from the road." 2nd male adds.

"Khrmm. Okay. Carbon collection from Venus's atmosphere starts within two months. And I'll inform Jack, that sight ship is ready to leave after two days." head says. "And now back to work."

The group leaves the restroom.

---

- - Song Introduction - -

Call of Ghost implements the 1st music box melody. Named the song, so that it would suit to the original song sequence and Ghost story line.

5 : Melancholy Ghost

Isaac and Jack are in Jack's office. Zara from Jack's office comes in with the head of R&D.

Jack notices the couple first. "Zara ... Hello Thomas. How are you ?"
Isaac turns around. "Thomas, you are finished with the meeting ?"
"Hello, and we just finished the meeting." head responds. Zara guides him to chair. And takes a seat from the wall.

"Did you get anything done ?" Jack asks.
"Yes. Everything." Head answers.
"Ou. That's fine." Zara says from the wall.

"Everything ?" Isaac wonders.
"Yes. We get everything done with a small delay" head answers.
"Congratulations." Jack says. "How long the delay is ... I need it for the evening ?"
"We get the carbon collection going after two days. First deliveries will be in Moon in less than 10 weeks." head answers.
"Good." Isaac says.

Zara raises from the chair, and is about to leave.
"Don't go anywhere." Jack says, and continues. "Would you like to come to the podium with us in the evening ?"
"Do I have to ?" Zara asks.
"No, if you don't want to." Jack answers. "I would be glad, if you came."
Zara thinks a while. "I suppose, I can come ... you die only once."
"Okay. Fine. Stay here." Jack responds. Zara goes back to her chair.

Head explains the plan to the others.

After the briefing is over head says. "Excuse me I am in a hurry. I must go now."
"Yes of course." Jack agrees. "You brought us very good news. Have a good day."
"Thank you. Good day to you too." head says and leaves the room.

- - - -

"Wow. We will survive." Jack sighs from relief.
"After all." Zara adds.
Isaac is quiet - seems to think something - then he asks
"Should we cancel the departure and celebrations ... two days, and we get things going for real."

"Tricky question. Zara. What do you think ?" Jack asks.
"Don't know ... the event should be held today .... people need something positive after the setbacks ... but we would lie to our people" Zara answers.
"There is a small chance, that something goes wrong." Isaac helps.
"Flight to Venus is not that difficult. Certain to succeed. Nothing in a way." Jack comments.

"It is your decision Jack. You're the boss" Isaac urges.
"So it is." Jack comments. He thinks a while and says "Zara is right. We need the celebrations. Probably more than the carbon from Venus. Cannot celebrate without sending ships to Venus ... two days is not much. We wait."

"Excuse me too. I should go back to lab." Isaac says.
"Thanks for coming." Jack farewells Isaac. Isaac leaves the room.

"Just you and me now." Zara says after Isaac has left.
"Yes ... Just you and me." Jack says in his thoughts. Then he shakes his head a little. "Gee. Should think about the night ... excuse me the evening ... But my head is empty .... Would you like to join me for a dinner ?"
"I would love to." Zara says.

The couple raises and leaves the room.

- - The dinner - -

Zara and Jack are walking at the big windows and terraces. Outdoors lifts, cargo ships and cargo Stations are coming to the place. Other constructions are moving farther away from the windows.

Zara comes closer Jack. Jack notices it. He drags Zara near to him and wraps his arm around her shoulders.
"Nervous ?" Jack asks.
"A bit. The loss of the people in the shelters was a big shock." Zara says.
"Can't help it." Jack says.

The podium is brought to the terrace. Zara looks at it, and asks.
"Is it difficult to stand in the spotlights ... on the podium?" Zara asks.
"No. People are friendly and understanding. It goes just fine." Jack answers.

The couple continues walking and leaves the big hall.
"You were serious about the rescue project ?" Zara asks.
"Had to cancel it. Cannot afford to waste time ..." Jack begins.
"I know. I meant the rescue mission after the castles are conquered" Zara corrects.
"Yes. Of course. Not a politician ... Actions in line with words ... and promises." Jack answers.

The couple comes to park.
"You are taking me to park's restaurant." Zara says.
"Yes. Restaurant at the pond." Jack confirms.

The birds are flying and singing in the trees.
"This is a nice, quiet place. I like it." Zara breaks the silence.
"Yes. That's why I brought you here." Jack agrees.

The couple gets to the pond. Before entering the restaurant, Jack goes to flower kiosk. He takes a rose to Zara. After coming back he attaches it to a button hole in Zara's jacket.
"Thanks. It's beautiful." Zara says.
"So are you." Jack flatters Zara.

Jack guides Zara to restaurant's terrace. Couple sits down. Jack takes his cigarettes and offers one to Zara.
"No thanks. I don't smoke." Zara rejects the offer. Jack takes one to himself.
The couple takes the menus and start to read them. The waitress comes to table, and gives an ashtray to smoking Jack.

"And to you ?" She asks.
Jack looks at Zara.
"I take this salad." Zara shows a dish on the menu. "And water."
The waitress walks to Jack.
"I'll take this pizza and glass of milk." Jack shows his menu to the waitress.

Waitress takes the menus and asks "Starters ?" Zara and Jack shakes their heads.
"Appetizers ?" Zara and Jack shakes their heads.
Then Jack says. "Coffee and cream cake for the dessert, please."
"To both ?" Waitress confirms. Jack looks at Zara.
"Yes thanks." Zara says. The waitress leaves the table.

"Vegetarian ?" Jack asks.
"Yes." Zara says, after a break she asks. "What should I say at the podium ?"
"We do not usually plan the performances in forehand." Jack begins.
"Did you read the briefing Thomas left ?" Jack asks.
"No" Zara answers.
"Then you should read it carefully ... after we get back." Jack says "It is the script for the things we say at the podium."
"Okay. I'll do that. Anything else ?" Zara asks.
"... just be yourself. Kind and caring." Jack answers "And speak, when you have something to say."

Zara looks at Jack. Jack notices, that Zara is not smiling.

Jack decides to continue his speech. "Well there are four persons standing there. You and me ... Isaac and Thomas comes too. You will stand beside me ... If nothing occurs to your mind, you do not have to say a thing ... possible that I or someone else asks something from you."
"Okay." Zara says.

The couple watches the pond for a while.
"You are recently divorced widow." Zara says.
"Sort of, chances are ...." Jack manages to answer, before the waitress comes with the meals.
"... food is coming" Jack closes his mouth.

Waitress lays the plates to the table, and says "Bon appetite."
Waitress goes away. Zara and Jack start to eat their portions.

- - Departure to Venus - -

After Karin's and Heni's broadcast surroundings of Space Hotel are cleared. 

Thunderbird 3 and fast sight ship are parked in front of Space Hotel. Sight ship is dragging 18 cargo cars and one space lift. From the windows you can see people waving hooraying the ships. The space is full of fireworks.

Inside Zara, Jack, Isaac and Thomas raise the toasts for the ships. "We will survive." they say to the crowd.
The crowd responds "We will, you'll see !"

One by one sight ship starts it's engines. After sight ship, Thunderbird 3 starts it's engines. Quiet humming fills the space. Every now and then a single firework comes, explodes and lightens the air. Ships leaves slowly Space Hotel. People inside gather to the windows, to watch the leaving ships. They wave and raise toasts to the ships and their crews.

After ships get farther Zara invites people to supper. "Feast - to the beasts of Venus. "
"And to you too." Thomas adds.
"You are welcomed, all restaurants and cafeterias are ready to serve you." Jack finalizes the invitation.

People start to leave the hall. Most go to restaurants and cafeterias. Big screen on the wall is showing the ships.

"Will you join me to the meal ?" Jack asks Zara,
"No." Zara begins. Jack interrupts and wonders "No ? Are you ang ..." Now it is Zara's turn to interrupt Jack.
"No. I am not angry with you ... I was supposed to ask, if you would join ... us ... in Space Saloon. Other girls are waiting there." Zara explains.
"Okay. You belong to family now ... Shall we ?" Jack offers his arm to Zara. Jack and Zara walk away from the hall.

Isaac's wife comes to see Isaac and Thomas "Are they together ?"
"No ... Unless something special has happened recently." Isaac answers.
"They were seen in park few days ago." Thomas knows.
"Much like lovers. Close to each other. Hand in hand. Jack giving flowers to her." Thomas' wife joins the group.
"I see. Interesting." Isaac says.

"Shall we go to supper ?" Thomas asks.
"Yes of course. Where do we go ?" Isaac says.
"How about Charleston. It is a nice, quiet place. Decorated in 1920's style. Plays old dance music there."
"Suits me." Thomas' wife agrees.

"Thomas, how about it ?" Isaac asks.
Thomas shakes his shoulders - as a sign, that it does not matter. The group leaves the hall. They are almost last to leave. Soon the hall is empty from people.

- - Pen and Max in Club 88 - -

Pen and Max were in the hall. Just like all the others in Space Hotel. They chose to go to the Club-88.
"They are not playing loud." Max says.
"No, darling." Pen answers quietly.
"You sound strange. Is something the matter in there ?" Max points his finger towards Pen's belly.
"No. But there is ... a fire in your sleeve." Pen answers, and points her finger towards Max hand, which is right over a burning candle.
Max looks at his sleeve. "Anyone ever told you, that it is ugly to point other people with a finger ?" Max asks from his hand.

The hand doesn't answer. The flames start to burn Max's hand, Max shakes his hand wildly and takes his glass from the table. He drinks a little and pours the rest to the fire. The booze in the drink boosts the fire and flames. Pen takes her glass and pours it to Max's sleeve. Non-alcoholic drink extinguishes the fire. And the candle too.

Max glances around. Everyone is looking at Max and Pen.
"No need to panic. Everything is in control." Max shouts to the people and sits down.
"Will you ever grow up." Pen sighs to herself. Max hears Pens words.
"Are you hurt, darling ?"Pen asks - with caring voice - from Max.
"No darling." Max says and tries to hide the hole in the burned sleeve.
A waitress comes to table and cleans the mess.

"Mr. Chin called today." Max says after the waitress goes away.
"Mr. Chin ... What did you do this time ?" Pen asks.
"Nothing." Max answers. "Tif is missing. But Jack does not make the case official yet."
"And ?" Pen says.
"We should start to work with the case tomorrow ... unofficially." Max continues.

The waitress brings new drinks to table.
"How ?" Pen asks after waitress has gone.
"Following the standard procedure. Ask from the neighbors, try to find out, where she ... " Max begins.
"Max." Pen says and kicks Max's foot under the table.
"Pen darling, please don't. That hurts." Max says.
"Max, what kind of case it is, suspected murder, suicide or what ?" Pen asks.
"Missing person. Last seen over 48 hours ago." Max answers.

The waitress brings food to the table. Pen and Max start to eat.

- - Departure Celebrations in Rescue Station - -

Mr. Chin, his military, rescuers and Thunderbird pilots are celebrating the departure in Rescue Base's dining room. People are grabbing the food from the counter. They started the feast during the speeches. Big screen is showing the final celebrations and ships in Space City.

Mr. Chin is eating in front with Station Keeper.

"Self service." Chin comments.
"Yes. Not that much staff here." Keeper says.
"Food is good." Chin comments.
"Thanks. I'll deliver your message to cook." Keeper says.

"Well, you do not stay here long." Keeper start the chat with Mr. Chin.
"Me and my team stays here at least one year - as long as originally planned." Chin says.
"Ou yes. That Pinky mission." Keeper says. "Eh ... you think you find any, from the jungle down there ?"
"Don't know." Chin says. "We have few shelters, in R&D companies. Jack is a bit paranoid."
"Historical reasons." Keeper comments.
"Yes." Chin says. "Anyway. Our shelters do not have radios on-line. We activate them with Pinky. Right before we enter the shelter."
"Why ?" Keeper comments.
"During the alien invasion, it is important to stay quiet." Chin answers.
"So, that they cannot track your shelters from the radio signals." Keeper fills the answer.
"Yes." Chin says.

"Good idea to stay quiet, with those savages ... too." Keeper says.
"We do not know a thing about the savages." Chin answers. "Possible that they know the stronger shelters. Waiting us at the door."
"Or penetrated into them already." Keeper says.
"Yes. That's why we keep low profile with these shelters." Chin confirms.

"They have weapons." Keeper comments.
"These shelters are made mainly for alien invasion. After the door is crushed, the radiation leaks in." Chin confirms.
"Yes of course." Keeper says.

"Where do they get oxygen ?" Keeper asks.
"There are recycling systems for " Chin begins. The people in the dining room start to hooray.
"They are leaving." Keeper watches the big screen.
"Let's go." Chin raises from his chair.

The men walk to the front, and raise the toasts to and with their people.

- - Departure Celebrations in Space Saloon - -

Zara and Jack enter the Space saloon.

Jack watches a while wild partying. "Don't shoot the pianist." He shouts to girls.
"They have lots of fun." Zara says.
"It is good to have fun." Jack responds.
The couple watches the partying.

"What if we take a box from the wall ?" Zara asks.
"What ever you want, darling." Jack responds. The couple walks to box.

The waitress brings the food, Zara and Jack start to eat.
"You said, that it is possible, that we are going back home." Zara says.
"Came to my mind, when I started to check Venus." Jack says.

"Came to your mind." Zara asks continuation in between the bites.
"Yes. The atmosphere was the first. It is exact match to human body." Jack says.
"And Earth's isn't." Zara comments.
"Earth's atmosphere is loaded with nitrogen. Human body is not." Jack says.

"God created humans from the ground." Christian in Zara says.
"Yes, yes. But not from Earth's ground. And on the 6th day God created Adam and Eve from Venus' ground." Jack says.
"Then the paradise was not in Iraq, it was in Venus." Zara says.
"If Venus is converted to Earth like ecosystem, it is a paradise to humans." Jack says.

"The God exiled humans from paradise." Zara says.
"Jewish metaphor. It looks like, that humans exiled themselves from Venus." Jack says.
"Just like they were doing on Earth. Consumed all raw materials." Zara says.
"Probably yes. Don't know what they did, but it looks like, that they consumed water from there." Jack says.
"And everything dies to the lack of water." Zara says.

After few more bites Jack continues. "The stay in Venus would be an answer to the colors on your skin."
Zara gets embarrassed and starts to search mirror from her handbag.
"What are you doing darling ?" Jack asks.
"Searching a mirror." Zara answers.
"Why ?" Jack asks.
"You said, that there is something wrong with my make up." Zara answers.
"No. Never even hinted ... I have been wondering skin colors of the different races." Jack explains.
"You are excused." Zara forgives Jack.

"Asians have yellowish skin, Europeans white, Indians have reddish skin." Jack explains.
"Africans are black." Zara adds.
"Yes, their skin color is easy. It comes from the direct sunlight. But the Indians at the equator have reddish skin." Jack explains.
"And ?" Zara adds.
"There aren't any explanations for the variation." Jack explains. "They could come from the sunlight. But on Earth, everyone gets suntan from all directions evenly."
"Yes, interesting." Zara says.
"Venus rolls around it's axis very slowly." Jack explains. "It is a place you can get suntan from certain direction all year long. Long stay at Venus would explain skin colors."

"According to legends there used to be monstrous animals on Earth. Long time ago humans had a victorious war against them." Zara says.
"Lebensraum. For the Aryans." Jack repeats Mr. Hitler's slogan.
"Lebensraum ?" Zara repeats.
"Humans needed space for living." Jack says.
"Got to make the place safe, too." Zara says.
"By killing the dragons, dinosaurs and others." Jack closes.

"Venus is a planet of love, Mars a planet of war." Zara says.
"Suits well to real life. Life on Mars would be almost impossible. You would have to fight for your life all the time." Jack says.
"Venus could also point to motherhood and birth." Zara says.

Jack looks at Zara's plate. "You are finished. So am I. What if we join the others and have some fun."
Zara shakes her shoulders once. "Why not."

Jack raises from the table. He walks to Zara's chair.
Then he bows. "Madam. Would you like to dance with me ?"
"I would love to." Zara raises from the seat, and offers her hand to Jack.

The couple walks to the dance floor.

- - Charlestown - Departure to Venus - -

Isaac, Thomas and spouses are sitting at Charleston restaurant. Finished the main dish, having coffee, ice-cream and cream cake as dessert. Quite a many have already finished the meal. Part of tables are empty. There are couples on the dance floor.

"Is there any hope for finding survivors ?" Thomas' wife asks.
"Yes there are good chances to find some. Jack has built shelters into all our companies." Isaac answers.
"For the alien invasion." Isaac's wife knows.

The look on Thomas' wife's face informs others, that she got a small shock.
"Jack believes in extraterrestrial life." Thomas explains.
"He has very good reason for it. " Isaac continues.
"He has some special and paranormal abilities. It is believed, that he is not a native born human." Isaac's wife explains.

Thomas' wife looks more confused than before.
"He can cast spells, which affects to weather. Then he lives with the weather and big natural disasters. When something bad was done to him, it generated big earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons and others." Isaac continues the explanation.
"Humans cannot kill him either." Isaac's wife says.
"They have tried too many times. No one can survive from so many attempts. Chances for common mortals are near zero." Isaac says.
"They did manage to cause him a permanent brain damage." Thomas adds.

"He is very important to us ... now." Thomas' wife comments.
"Yes. You took the words right from my mouth. Ordered girls to follow and keep company to him 24 hours a day. We cannot afford to lose him." Isaac says.
"Why ?" Thomas' wife asks.
"He cannot live alone. First he starts to act strangely and eventually he starts to die ... No one knows why." Isaac says.
"You were talking about the shelters." Isaac's wife remarks.

"Our own shelters are equipped with old soviet made life support systems. As long as long as people in these shelters manage to keep the doors closed and savages outdoors, they are safe." Isaac says.
"Is there many people there ?" Thomas asks.
"No idea. No-one knows. The communications are cut until the day, rescue team comes." Isaac says.
"Did the soviets build similar kind of shelters for their people ?" Thomas' wife asks.
"It is not known yet. Soviets made the systems for their space stations ... Team Pinky will check Russia right after castles are conquered." Isaac answers.

The waitress comes and collects dishes away. And take orders for the drinks. "Something to drink ?"
"How about Scott's favorite ... Barbadian rum ?" Thomas asks from others.
No one resists.
"Four Barbadian Rums, please." Thomas says, and the waitress leaves the table.

"You think that Mission to Venus succeeds." Isaac's wife asks men.
"We were very lucky with Venus. It is coming near to Earth." Thomas answers.
"Yes. We have one month for making the trip to Venus. After that Venus starts to take distance to Earth and our space ships cannot reach it." Isaac says.

"One month ... How do we get the Space Cargo stations to there." Thomas' wife asks.
"After 18 months Venus comes near again. The slow Cargo Stations enters Venus orbit then." Thomas answers.

The waitress brings drinks to table. "Here you are."
"We will survive." Thomas' wife proposes a toast.
Other join and take a drink from their glasses. "We will, you'll see !"
After toasts, chit-chat begins again.

"How do we get the steady carbon deliveries going ?" Isaac's wife asks men.
"We planned to build collecting points for the tanks ... In between Earth and Venus." Thomas answers.

Isaac thinks the news a while.
"You place them outside Venus' rotational field. And they stay in place, so that you can fly to the drop points from here." Isaac answers.
"The same system we used on Earth." Thomas says.
"Well, not exactly .... But almost." Isaac comments.

"Does it work ?" Thomas' wife asks.
"I do not think so. Drop points rotates with sun . . . you should..." Isaac begins.
"It was just an idea. We have been very busy with the first convoy to Venus." Thomas cuts Isaac's talk.

"Putting on the Ritz ... My favorite." Thomas' wife says to her husband. Thomas takes the hint and the couple goes dancing.
"Shall we ?" Isaac follows the example. His wife raises from the chair. Couple walks to dance floor and start to dance.

- - Rescue Base - Mission Earth - -

The feast is over. Only the free-form dancing and drinking are left for the evening. Thunderbirds : Scott - the leader, Virgil , Alan and Gordon - the youngest, are sitting in the rescue stations dining room.

"We leave tomorrow morning." Scott says.
"They installed machine guns, missiles and small bombing unit to Thunderbird 4. You know how to use them ?" Virgil asks from the others.
"Think that we can handle them." Alan answers.
"The missiles and bombs are automatic." Gordon knows. "Just press the button and BUM !"
Other people in the dining room glances Thunderbird's table. Including Chin and Station Keeper.

Scott notices the staring people. He raises from the table and toasts around the room.
"To the flight and fight ... we will win." Scott says. Others join his toast : "We will ... you'll see."

After the toasts are taken Scott sits down. He puts his glass to the table, without emptying it.
"Got to be in top shape tomorrow." Scott explains his strange behavior.

"Which one will take the first shift ?" Alan asks.
"No one. Got new instructions from Chin. Alan flies Thunderbird 3 to Venus. It never left. They wanted the best possible pilot for the ship." Scott says. "You are the best and go back to Space City right after the feast."
"And I am the best for Thunderbird 4." Gordon says.

"No, I'll take Thunderbird 4. You will be a co-pilot and gun man for Virgil and Thunderbird 2 ... after the new battle container is ready." Scott says.
"We will join the others tomorrow ?" Virgil asks.
"Yes. Gordon will be the 2nd gun man for Pinky ... and Alan for Monster." Scott explains new orders.
"2nd gun man ?" Alan wonders.
"The machine guns in the plane are operated manually during the fight." Scott answers.
"They cannot use automatic aim and shoot systems. There will be our troops on the field, too." Virgil knows.

- - - -

During the conversation Chin and his sergeant and two corporals have risen to the podium.
"Attention !" Chins sergeant shouts.

After the room gets quiet Chin starts to speak.
"The battle from the island begins tomorrow." Chin begins.
"And it is not going to be easy." sergeant shows big screen on the wall. The screen shows photos from the Fairy Tale island. The castle is in ruins.
"As you can see, Savages have gathered more troops and weaponry to the island." Chin comments.

"Are they searching cure for their disease ?" one man from the room asks.
"It is possible. But there aren't any cure for them." Chin answers.
"We have straight orders to kill everyone, who is in a way." Chins female corporal answers.

"They haven't broke into castle's bunkers and shelters ?" 2nd man from the room asks.
"No." sergeant answers.
"But it looks like, that they will." female corporal continues.
"And it is only a matter of time, they get the defenses down." male corporal says.
"So, we are in a hurry with the battle." Chin answers.

"You get the equipments and weapons at 8.00 tomorrow." sergeant answers.
"Monster and Pinky leaves at 9.00." female corporal continues.
"Thunderbird 2 leaves at 10.00." Chins male corporal says.

"Excuse me. Thunderbird 2 is in garage, getting a new battle container." Scott interrupts the briefing.
"Thunderbird 2 is getting a new battle container. Tomorrow it takes common radiation proofed container." Chin answers.
"Thunderbird 2 goes to Venezuela. It picks the samples from meteors." male corporal says.
"Okay. It was not mentioned in the instructions." Scott says "Alan, you take the Thunderbird 2."

"Change of plans ... Thunderbird 2 is supposed to land on some deserted place. But it will get a small assault troop." male corporal says.
"For gathering the rocks ... and defending the ship, if needed." Chin continues.
"There are too many savages on the island, for taking a boat to Venezuela." female team leader says.

"How do we proceed ?" one woman from the room asks.
"We try to distract Savages away from the island." Chin answers.
"We are not allowed to massacre Savages. Only kill them, when needed." female explains.

"When do we launch the ground attack ?" another man from the room asks.
"We got to clear the island from Savages first." male corporal says.

"We have busy day tomorrow." Chin cuts the talks. "Good night. Sleep and rest well."
"Good night, sleep well and sweet dreams." female corporal wishes, before she and others leave the podium.

People leave the dining room. Finally lights in the room are switched off.

---

- - Carbon collecting, 2017 - -

The carbon collection part was re-written. Collection got space cargo ships, and accurate timing for planetary flights. New timing takes notice to top speeds, and planetary movements. New rotational field research suggested, that fast Thunderbird 3 is not capable of towing the convoy. Like it did in earlier version. Research hints also, that Thomas' idea about drop point points will not work. 

The original 2011 story ends to this page. Primary idea in the 2017 revision was to fetch the story with latest researches. Remove and fix things, which had become obsolete.

- - Flashback, 2017 - -

Part from Planning the carbon collection to Departure to Venus was turned into a flashback. Flashback part introduces the tech and systems with what Survivors go to Venus and collect carbon. After the introduction, there is a romantic add-on to the story. Add-on was originally connected to the planning, so it was left to the flashback.

- - Ghost Story - -

A sad, lonely and melancholy Ghost comes to the Ghost City Cafe. Wondering, if anyone would be willing to sooth him. But there is no one inside the cafeteria.

The door opens, and nice looking female Ghost comes in . . . the Lady is his wife.