PLUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!
Chapters 1 & 2
by Robin Day

THE CAST
JEFF CASEY
GRANDMA CASEY
ROCK CASEY (PB1)
ORVILLE CASEY (PB2)
AARON CASEY (PB3)
MORGAN CASEY (PB4)
DON CASEY (PB5)
BRAINSTORM
KARANO
JIN JIN

LUTON AGENT LADY BARBARA LEYDON-BORDE
'NOISY' BARKER

CHAPTER ONE

Jeff Casey smiled broadly as he strode into the hi-tech lab."Congratulations Brainstorm!" he announced thumping his scientist between the shoulder blades. "Have a cigar!" "Wh...wh...what Mr Casey?" stuttered Brainstorm as he picked up his fallen spectacles and looked dubiously at the expensive cigar.
"I thought you should be the first to know..." Jeff lit the cigar, "You're a father!"
"A f..f...f...father?!" stammered Brainstorm sitting down heavily in a chair.
"Yeah, I just bought you a son. Cute kid. We'll re-program him to be your assistant. Heh...Say, let's call the kid 'Format'."

Meanwhile Rock and Orville Casey were relaxing beside the swimming pool.
"Gee isn't this great Orville?" Rock asked as he sipped his Martini, which was stirred not shaken.
"Yes Rock." Orville agreed, looking up from his poetry book. "No rescues in four weeks. I've been able to catch up on a lot of things."
"Yeah...." Rock smiled contentedly, "This is the life, lounging around on our own private Pacific Island."
A sudden splash announced the arrival of their young brother Aaron, who'd just dived into the pool. Another splash noted that Jin Jin had also entered the pool. Jin Jin was Jeff Casey's beautiful Asiatic secretary.
"Hey...what's with all the noise?" complained Orville, who preferred to immerse himself in great literature rather than chlorinated water.
"We got ourselves hot..." informed Jin Jin.
"Had to cool down," added Aaron. "Say, has anyone seen Father?"
"I think he went to see Brainstorm." Rock said as he got up to get himself another drink. "Now where's that lazy good for nothing servant..." he muttered as he headed for the house.

Karano, the Casey's servant and Jin Jin's father, was not currently feeling too good. His mind began to fog. He felt the tell tail signs of one of his 'attacks' coming on. "Ohhh..." he moaned as he stumbled around the wine cellar. "Ohh...not again!" he gasped, as he fell to the floor. An empty wine bottle rolled from his hand.
"Just as I thought." Rock observed as he casually stepped over Karono's prostrate form, "Drunk as a skunk...Guess I'll have to fix my own drink."


Meanwhile, somewhere in England...
"Oi, Barker!" bawled an attractive blonde girl.
Almost immediately, her butler appeared in response to the summons.
"Yes Madam?" he enquired gravely.
The girl eyed her manservant mischievously, "Barker, take orf me coat."
"Yes Madam." The butler complied.
Smiling, the aristocrat continued with her orders.
"Now take orf me dress...."
"Madam?"
The girl giggled,"...and if I ever catch you wearing my clothes again there will be trouble!"
"Oh very droll Madam. Very droll." Barker replied, greatly relieved that her
Ladyship had finished her little jest. "Will that be all Madam?"
"No, 'ang on a minute Barker." Lady Barbara looked carefully at her manservant.
"'Ere, new whistle an' flute innit?"
"Er, I beg your pardon Madam?"
"New suit innit?"
"Yes Madam."
"It ain't pink is it?"
"Indeed not Madam."
"Well it flippin' well should be."
"Beg pardon Madam?"
"Well.... pink is a nice colour innit? Get the Renault Barker. I'm goin' down the pub."
Barker coughed politely. "Might I humbly suggest Madam, that you frequent more salubrious establishments befitting your station?"
Lady Barbara Leydon-Borde sighed. Why did she have to have such a stupid butler? Why couldn't she have a chauffeur as well as a butler?
"Station? I ain't a flippin' train am I? I'll get salubricated where I want."
Barker sighed to himself as he headed for the garage. Why couldn't he find a decent employer of breeding these days?

As Barbara finished powdering her nose her powder compact began to beep. A face appeared in the mirror which was not her face." Jeff!" Barbara declared with some indignation.
"Barbie." said Jeff in a matter of fact tone. "I have a job for you...Here's what I want you to do..."
"Cor blimey mate. Don't a girl get no flamin' privacy? Woss wrong wiv callin' me on the mobile? Any road, I'm orf down the pub!"
Jeff glared back at her from the powder compact, "Barbie, you do as I tell you. Don't forget who bought you that fancy title and pays for the upkeep of that rotting pile you call a 'Stately Home."

A short time later Lady Barbara Leydon-Bored climbed into the back seat of her pink Renault.
"Blimey, it's flippin' small innit?"
"Indeed it is Madam."
"I liked the Roller." Barbara sighed. "Flamin' insurance companies. Fancy not payin' up just 'cos the car was modified a bit."
"Yes Madam. The Rolls Royce was somewhat customised beyond factory standard."
"I can 'ardly tell 'em I've got guided missiles and machine guns fitted when I fill the flippin' forms in can I?"
"Indeed not Madam."
"So wot we got fitted in this thing then?"
"I'm afraid this is what the salesman termed 'bog standard' Madam."
"You mean nuffin' at all?"
"Nothing at all Madam." Barker confirmed as the car reached the gates of Leydon-Borde Manor. "Where to Madam?"
"Luton airport Barker - an' don't spare the 'orses."

Jeff Casey sat in his expensive chair, his feet resting on his expensive desk. Jin Jin was perched on the edge of the desk polishing her nails and smiling at Jeff. Jeff whispered something to the girl and she giggled and left the room, buttoning up her blouse as she went.
As Jin Jin left, Jeff's five sons came in, chatting excitedly to each other.
"Boys." Jeff called. "Boys!"
The five young men stopped talking and immediately snapped to attention.
"Yes Father." they chimed in unison.
"Listen boys, I called you all here to make an important announcement." The room was silent A pin could have been heard dropping. "It's time to make a lot of money...a LOT of money!"
"You mean...?" asked Rock, a look of excitement on his rugged features.
"Yes Rock...This is it - Plunderbirds are GO!"



"We only have one hope...They say you call on any frequency and they pick it up..."
"You mean International...Re..."
"Yeah.... save your breath Joe. I'll call them.... We'll be okay."

Out in the star studded blackness of space, a spacestation picked up a distress call. "We need help...You are our only chance..."
Automated systems analysed the message, pinpointed it's source. The distress call was routed to the main processors for evaluation. In a matter of microseconds on board computers responded. "Your call is important to us. Please hold." Sophisticated audio processing units were activated and a high quality rendition of the 'Thunderbirds March' performed by the Royal Marines was broadcast.
"What did they say Greg?"
"There must be interference...I can hear music... Wait... I can hear a voice..."
"All of our operators are busy. Please hold. Your call is important to us."
More music...
"Listen...we are trapped at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean...we don't have much air left..."
"Thank you for calling Global Rescues. If you require one of our representatives to call and discuss your problem, please press ONE.
If you would like Global Rescues to deliver and operate rescue equipment, please press TWO.
If you require help with a space related problem please press THREE.
If you require an underwater rescue, please press FOUR.
For all other enquires, please press FIVE and a Global Rescues operative will deal with your query."
In desperation, Greg sends Morse Code...F....O....U....R.
"Thank you. All of our operatives are busy. Please hold.... Your call is important to us."


Meanwhile, back on Casey Island...
"So we start charging for our rescues?" Orville asked his father.
"That's right son. This has always been my plan. Explain how it works Rock."
Rock nodded, "Over the last few years we have created a huge customer base. We' ve provided a high profile high quality rescue service that people have come to depend on. Other rescue services have had their budgets slashed. Who needs to pay for all that equipment when they can count on US for the big rescues?"
"I get it "said Morgan. We have them hooked - now we reel them in."
"That's it boys. " Jeff grinned. "The whole world is depending on us for performing major rescue operations. From now on, if some one wants a rescue - they pay for it - and I mean PAY. I've secured contracts with all the big airlines, shipping companies and industrial corporations. It's like Blue Cross...you subscribe - or you suffer."
"You mean if they don't subscribe we don't do a rescue?" Don asked.
"That's right Don. We try to persuade them that subscribing might be in their interests - if they don't - well there's no such thing as a free lunch. Our machines cost money to build and money to run. That's what it's all about boys - MONEY."
"MONEY!!!!!" the Casey boys chimed in unison.


CHAPTER 2

"Jeff, did you get that boy from the orphanage like I asked you?"
"Yes I did Grandma. Morgan is flying to the mainland to collect him this afternoon."
"Good. I'll program him tomorrow. It's high time we had a replacement for Brainstorm."
"Replacement? I thought he was going to be Brainstorm's assistant."
"Do you recall Brainstorm's last design for a rescue craft?"
"Yeah.... our sixth machine is a bi-plane."
"That man has got to be replaced Jeff - he's unstable."
"Ok Grandma, you know best."
"Sure I do. By the way Jeff, I want you to sell all investments in World Electronics."
"But Grandma...they are a sound company..."
"They sure as heck won't be when we sell up. Now don't argue boy, just do as you are told. "


Jin Jin was excited as she bustled into the lounge. "Did you hear the news Aaron? We are having a new addition to the family."
"Uh?" Aaron asked, "New addition? You mean you're....?"
"Brainstorm is going to have a son!" Jin Jin laughed happily. "Isn't that wonderful?"
"I guess that depends Jin Jin...," Aaron said huffily, "...on just who the mother is."
"Oh you wicked boy!" Jin Jin chided, "I'm not the boy's mother."
"What other girls does Brainstorm know? Father keeps him on the island all the time."
"Your father has bought Brainstorm a son. He had me call up the orphanage to make the arrangements. It's the boy we tested last Christmas."
"Oh yeah...I remember. " Aaron nodded, "Lucky Brainstorm, I imagine he's thrilled."


Brainstorm was far from thrilled by the news of his unexpected son.
"They w...w...want to....er... r...r...r...replace me...." he muttered to himself as he sat alone in his laboratory. "They t...t..think I'm...er...l...losing it."
He jumped as the door opened and Grandma Casey came in.
"Not disturbing you I hope?" Grandma smiled benignly.
"Er....n...n..no...er...Mrs Casey. Please...er...come in."
"Thank you kindly Brainstorm. I can see you are really thrilled to be having a son."
"Yes...er...thrilled Mrs. Casey."
"Would you help me with the Rat Trap tomorrow?"
"S...s...sure Mrs Casey."
"Thank you kindly." the old lady smiled and left Brainstorm to his mutterings.

"Are you done with painting the palm trees Karano?" Rock Casey yelled across the beach.
"Yes Mister Rock." Karano called back and hurried over to join him.
Rock looked up at the plastic trees, "Great. Say, they look better than ever. Well done Karano."
"Thank you Mr Rock." Karano beamed and bowed.
Rock took a closer look at the palm trees. "Karano, what's with all those giant plastic monkeys?"
"Ah..." Karano replied, "Mister Orville, he say, make trees more realistic. I get fifty plastic monkeys."
Rock scratched his head, "I don't think that's quite what Orville had in mind Karano."
"They velly good bargain Mister Rock. Monkeys, they light up at night - velly beautiful."
"Where the heck did you get fifty illuminated monkeys?"
"San Francisco. When it year of Monkey once more, they go back."
"No Karano, they go back when you finish the painting."
"But painting finished Mister Rock." Karano told him.
"Dad wants you to paint new names on our rescue craft."
"Ah so." Karano replied, "This take much time."
"We don't have much time Karano. We could get a call any minute. We all have to work flat out. Now listen, here's what you do. Get over to each craft and just paint out the 'T' and the 'H' and then replace them with a 'P' and an 'L'."
"Yes Mister Rock." Karano answered picking up his paint pots.
"Great. If you need me I'll be in the pool.



At Luton Airport, Lady Barbara Leydon-Borde was preparing to board a Fireflash airliner.
A customs official looked carefully at her passport.
"I'm afraid the passport needs updating your Ladyship."
"Flippin' 'eck. Woss the matter wiv it?"
"The retina image doesn't show up properly on the scanners Madam."
The official gestured to a nearby booth. "You can fix the problem in minutes Madam - it's fully automatic. Booth 5 is available."
Lady Barbara sighed, "See to the luggage Barker. I'll get this sorted."
She entered the booth and sat down in front of a large screen. A door hissed closed behind her. There was a bleep and a message appeared on the screen, "Please insert passport in slot."
Barbara pushed her passport into the machine. A moment later a voice spoke. "Good evening Lady B. Your mission is..."
"Cor...'ere we go...I think Jeff's off his bloomin' rocker."
Jeff's voice droned on and various images appeared on the screen, maps, diagrams and photographs of people.
"Should you be caught, Global Rescues will deny any knowledge of your connection with this organisation. This tape will self destruct in five seconds...."
The passport was suddenly ejected and smoke began to pour out of the slot.
"A bit over the top." coughed Lady Barbara as she made a hasty exit from the booth.
"Is everything satisfactory Madam?" Barker enquired anxiously.
"Yeah....C'mon Barker.... let's get on the plane before I change me flippin' mind."


Meanwhile, somewhere deep in the Pacific Ocean two submariners were facing up to their fate.
"It's no good Greg. This is the end of the line..."
"Yeah, I really thought we'd be rescued. It's been nice knowing you buddy."
"Greg...did you hear something?"
"No...I don't think so."
"Greg - it's the radio...quick see if you can turn it up."
The radio crackled faintly, then they heard a voice.
"...DSP49 - do you require assistance?
Repeat, this is the World Aquanaut Security Patrol, we are coming alongside your vessel."

The next morning, Jeff Casey was reading his newspapers.
"What in blazes!!!"
"Why Mr Casey whatever is wrong?" Jin Jin asked looking up from polishing her nails.
"THAT!" fumed Jeff Casey slamming the newspaper down on the desk.
"Oh...yes...there was a submarine rescued by..."
"By somebody else! How dare the WASP steal our rescues!"
"But Mr Casey we didn't receive any distress call."
"No...and I aim to find out why." Casey pressed a button on his ashtray.
"Yes father?" Don asked from his picture hanging on the lounge wall.
"Don I want you to go back to Plunderbird 5 immediately. Take Brainstorm. I want those automated systems checked out -now!"
"Er yes father. Right away." Don replied hastily and broke the connection. Sometimes he preferred it out in space. He didn't care too much for being ordered about, but he wanted his slice of the inheritance.

Soon Don and Brainstorm were hurtling spaceward in Plunderbird 3.
"Brainstorm, you said nothing could go wrong with your system."
"Er...I d...d...did? I mean I d...d..did! It's er, impossible for the system to er m..m...malfuction Don. A..a...after all, I d...d....designed it."

Back on Casey Island, Grandma Casey was searching for Brainstorm.
"Jeff, have you seen Brainstorm. I want him to assist me with the RatTrap."
"Oh he's gone up to PB5 Grandma."
"Tarnation. I guess I'll just have to do the whole dang thing myself."
"Why not have Jin Jin give you a hand? She's progra... er trained to use the RatTrap."

A little later Grandma and Jin Jin collected Format from the beach.
"Now listen hear young man, you are going to come along with us and learn to be a scientist."
"Gee that's great Aunt Casey. I sure am gonna like it here."
"Yes Format, I am sure you will." smiled Jin Jin as she took the boy by the hand.
"Now let me see...." Grandma Casey muttered, "Oh yes, third palm tree from the left." She walked up to a palm tree and lifted up a small flap on the trunk. "Now you two stay right where you are y'here?"
Soon Format felt the ground begin to vibrate and the three of them started to descend.
"Gee a secret elevator!" grinned Format.
"Yes Format." confirmed Jin Jin. "Mr Casey does like his gadgets."
As the elevator descended underground lights automatically came on.
"Now Format, you just sit there on that seat in the middle of this confounded contraption."
"What is it?" Format asked as he obediently made his way to the seat located in the middle of a huge spherical machine.
"This is the RatTrap Format." Jin Jin told him. "It is a teaching machine."
"Yeah, I guess that's about right." agreed Grandma. "Now you just sit tight."
"Are we using the generic scientist brain pattern?" Jin Jin asked as she started flicking switches on control consoles.
"Yes that should do the trick. Ok son?"
"Yes Aunt Casey." smiled the ten year old.
"Here goes...." Grandma Casey pressed the master control and the sphere began to revolve. Format remained motionless in the centre, a glazed expression on his face.

An hour or so later Jin Jin joined Jeff Casey in the spacious lounge.
"How did it go Jin Jin?" Jeff asked looking up from his wallet.
"Like a dream Mr Casey. Format will be a great help for Brainstorm."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Why, here's Format now." smiled Jin Jin, "Come in Format - how do you feel?"
"Er, I...I..I'm fine er Jin Jin. Just...f...f...fine."
"Doesn't he look cute with the glasses Mr Casey?"
"Yeah I guess so."




More to come....

Story by Robin Day (c) 2004
http://sfdaydreams.com

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