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Grandma arrived at the Lexington Plaza and along with the driver, were shocked to see the gaping hole in the air where the Lexington should have been.
Gawkers were standing nearby, trying to figure out they mystery themselves. Some were even taking photos to document the "alien abduction."
"If they only knew," she muttered quietly as she paid the taxi driver probably more than he would get in a week/
She rushed to the Lexington welcome sign, seeing the long ramp and banners that normally welcomed guests to the ship.
"Oh my dear boys and friends," she muttered and heard the tell-tell jets of Shadow nearing.
Sally quietly lifted her watch to her mouth. "Kayo, be careful landing. We have a few beachcombers and other officials near the site," she said.
"Understood. I've alerted the police that International Rescue had arrived, so we are covered," said Kayo as she started her descent.
The crowd gasped when they saw what appeared to them a variation of a historic fighter jet land at the top of the landing.
Grandma Tracy was halfway up the ramp, only to be stopped by a police officer. "Ma'am, this is a crime scene," he said.
The senior started to argue when Kayo quietly came forward. "Sir, this is Sally Tracy - grandmother of the Tracy brothers," she said.
"What's that got to do with the Lexington?" said the officer, puzzled.
Kayo fought to not roll her eyes, mostly succeeding. "They were aboard the Lexington when it disappeared. We have reason to believe they and the others aboard for the Live Aboard program were kidnapped," she said. "International Rescue needs her to come with me to help with the search."
The officer paused to study the woman's face, and seeing the honesty, nodded as he allowed Sally to pass.
The two quickly went up the rest of the ramp to Shadow. "Have you heard anything from Gordon again," said Sally.
Kayo shook her head. "No, I'm worried. Even with the ship out to sea, there was no reason for him to be in Thunderbird Four - unless he thought he knew which way to go to get help," she said.
"Or he could have been trying to tow the Lexingtonâ Grandma Tracy pondered. It would be a little difficult for the sub to pull the aircraft carrier, but it was doable as the Lady Lex was empty of her engines and heavier equipment.
Kayo shook her head. "No, not with that noise I heard before it cut out. I think he's been attacked, possibly by whomever took the Lexington," she said as her communicator chirped. "This is Thunderbird Shadow. Gordon, Scott, Virgil, is that you?"
Instead Brains' image appeared in the avatar. "N-no, this is Brains. We have a p-problem," he said.
"Yes, the Lexington has been stolen, and Gordon has gone missing," said Kayo. "He said John and Alan were sick."
The engineer's eyes widened. "Oh n-no! It's worse than I th-thought," he said. Seeing the two women's faces he continued. "The sample Virgil sent me contains a b-bacteria that is making them ill - is especially h-heinous."
"What is it Brains," said Kayo, knowing she would be the more stoic of the two.
"Salmonella Typhi."
"Typhoid?" said Sally, remembering her medical lessons.
"Yes⌠and no. It's been mutated âŚ" said Brains. âAnd⌠a-anyone who c-comes into contact with it will most likely get very ill, very quickly."
"Like John and Alan - and anyone who was on the flight deck," said Sally. "That means the Scouts, college girlsâŚ"
"Yes, how fast depends on the ex-exposure and how the well can keep their temperatures down,â Brains adjusted his glasses. "John was the worst exposed. Add to it a lower immunity being on Five⌠He will be the most vulnerable ⌠e-even with the ship's climate c-control."
Kayo's eyes narrowed in suspicion but continued. "Have you found a treatment or cure?"
"Y-yes and have made enough to give to everyone who has been aboard the ship as a precautionary measure," said Brains. "I've asked EOS to remote Thunderbird Two to the L-Lexington's original location⌠but it appears you h-have to find the ship."
Sally nodded. "We will - have Thunderbird Two still come toward Corpus Christi Brains. We can hone in on her, then I can fly her to the Lexington when we find it."
Brain's eyes narrowed. "I'm n-not sure you can get inside unless Two's landed at W-Whataburger F-FieldâŚ"
"I can if I ride in Shadow with Kayo," the senior turned to the woman in inquiry. "If I can fit that is."
Kayo shrugged. "It will be a tight fit, but you are welcome to ride with me if you don't mind sitting on my lap."
Sally gave a tight grin. "Kayo, I'm willing to be a little kid if it helps my boys and the others on the ship," she said. "Now come on - we don't have much time."
"FAB. Brains we'll rendezvous with Two," said Kayo.
"RAD - when T-Thunderbird Two arrives also take an injection for yourselves."
Kayo confirmed the order as she and Sally rushed to Shadow. After figuring out how to get situated in the ship to safely fly, the plane took off, to applause of the crowds ⌠unaware of the full nature of the mission.
