A helijet descends towards the scene of a rescue. Inside, Eddie Kerr tells viewers that for the first time in television history, they're been able to rush their cameras to the scene of an accident to see the fabulous Thunderbird International Rescue team in action. As the pilot lands the helijet, Eddie says the first dramatic pictures will be flashed to viewers in seconds.

Eddie says he's been told since landing that this rescue is fairly routine, so they'll be none of that wonderful equipment in use. But he says it isn't the equipment that interests them, it's the great guys who use it. He then moves in towards where International Rescue are working, and tells viewers that a hidden underground well suddenly collapsed, and before it was even known a man had been trapped, International Rescue were on the scene. Everyone gathered then sees that International Rescue are on the way up.

Eddie says that the phenomenal International Rescue team have done it again. He asks if International Rescue have got a word for the viewers. Virgil says sorry but they know the rules -no TV, no photographs. Eddie tries to get him to say something, but "Virgil" spins around and shouts no photographs! Someone at the scene takes a photo.

At Tracy Island, everyone is confused over the reported rescue. Jeff says this is kind of strange, but if this other group have dedicated themselves as they have, who are they to complain? Tin-Tin says this other group are using their name, and have copied their uniforms. Jeff says he knows, and it may be unethical, but is it so important? The report says they saved a life, and that's what counts. As Jeff walks off, Tin-Tin tells Scott his father is worried, and upset. Scott says they all are, and thinks something about this just doesn't figure. He wishes he knew what happened.

At the rescue area, the bottom of the cave reveals a hole in the wall. And inside the hole is a room full of secret files, some of which have been opened up and ransacked. Footage of the room is recorded, which is shown to several members of the government.

General Lambert tells everyone that now they know how International Rescue did it. They faked the whole thing to steal the plans of the AL 4. They were successful, so this meeting's task is to decide on the course of action they must take. Those plans have got to be back in their hands. One guy called Jack says he still can't believe that International Rescue would pull a stunt like this. Lambert says they've been taken by that outfit, and taken good. He shows everyone a map of the rescues that, to their knowledge, International Rescue have pulled off. He thinks these rescues have been spaced out so they'd get no idea where International Rescue are operating from. And they've always been most insistent that nobody tries to find their base.

Jack thinks to perfect this plan, International Rescue would have had to spend millions on their machines. He doesn't think it makes sense, but Lambert says sure it does. The AL 4 project, a strategic fighter capable of the speed of accelerated light, cost this country 25 thousand million dollars. Compared to that, International Rescue's setup cost peanuts. He tells them what they're going to do: organize a search force the likes of which the world's never seen. They'll cover every inch on the face of the globe if they have to. They'll find those rats, take his word for it! The search operation begins, with ships and aircraft sent out.

Radar trucks are also used. Operator Langfield tells everyone involved in the search to proceed to their stipulated areas. International Rescue must be found, so they must search and double check. In space, the Space Observatory 3 satellite is being used in the search.

Inside it are two men, Elliot and Hale, who says that if a kid sends up a kite in their area without permission, they'll track it. If International Rescue or whatever the call themselves now are operating in the South Pacific, they need only make a move and they'll have them. Back on Earth, three jets pass by Tracy Island. Inside the lounge, Scott, Virgil and Tin-Tin watch a report, where Eddie Kerr refers to International Rescue as a traitorous gang of crooks. Eddie says they recorded an interview with General Lambert earlier today, and has it play.

Eddie asks the General how the search is coming along. Lambert says everything is going according to schedule. Eddie asks if they have any idea as to where International Rescue's hideout it, to which Lambert says no. But he does says that there are more favorable areas that others, for example, it's reasonable to supposed they don't work from a highly populated area. And their seagoing equipment suggests an island. Jeff turns the TV off and says they know what's going on without having to listen to that. Tin-Tin asks what the chances are of them being found. Jeff says they won't find them, they're too well hidden for that. The island will be searched, but people have been here before without a problem.

Scott asks what they're going to do. Jeff says there's only one thing they can do: find those guys, the impostors who stole the plans. But they dare not operate as International Rescue until this whole business is cleared up. Scott asks what they'll do if they received an emergency call, but Jeff says they'll just have to sit tight. Alan says if he means they'll ignore it, and Jeff says that's right. Alan says people could by dying somewhere, depending on their help. Jeff tells them they must get this into their heads: they're powerless to help anybody in this present situation. If they attempt to operate in anyway, they're going to be clapped into jail. First, they need to find this bunch of impostors who are operating under their banner. Alan asks where they can start, as they haven't a thing to go on.

Jeff says this is where their agents come in. They have agents all over the world, so he brings down a map to show the territories covered be each agent. All agents will be alerted, and every piece of information, no matter how unimportant it is, will be radioed in. Lady Penelope will leave the for States to question eyewitnesses. In England, Parker says that the car awaits, he just needs to collect the rest of her gear. Penelope says it's a pity she couldn't take all that she wanted to, but this is an emergency mission.

Parker just about manages to pack all the bags into FAB 1. He and Penelope then head to London Airport, and after using the underpass, they arrive at the runway where a Fireflash awaits. Parker driver the car over to a space, which then raises up and puts FAB 1 into the Fireflash itself.

Inside the plane, Parker says how nice this is. He's always thought that first class is the best way to travel, it's worth that bit extra. Although the service isn't quite what he'd expected, but then these young fellows don't have the training he has. Penelope says quite, as the Fireflash then takes off. Penelope says this is going to be difficult, and hopes that one of their agents somewhere will find something.

In the USA, Jeremiah Tuttle shoots a critter and reckons it'll do for supper. But he sees something mighty strange, and notices some tire tracks in the mud. He goes back home and tells Ma Tuttle about what he's caught, but he's got some business with the old mine. Ma asks what business is that?

Jeremiah says it's not for him to say, it's between him and that Mr. Tracy. He and Ma head inside, and she asks what it was he saw. Jeremiah says the orders were to report anything a mite suspicious, and what he saw sure was suspicious. He gives his cooker a couple of kicks.

This opens up his cooker, revealing it's actually a communications device. He says that this is agent 47 calling International Rescue base. Alan responds and tells him to go ahead. At Tracy Island, a Colonel thanks Jeff for his assistance in searching the island, and apologizes for the trouble. Jeff says it's alright, and hopes they find the ones they're looking for. The Colonel says they'll find them.

When Jeff heads back in, Alan says he has a message from Agent 47, who sounded sort of hillbilly. When Jeff remembers who 47 is, he says Jeremiah is a hillbilly alright. Alan asks who Jeremiah is, and Jeff says he's quite a character. He met him when they were in the service, and at the base he was always doing favors. He's as straight as they come, and Alan asks if that's why he made him an agent. Jeff says Jeremiah kind of guessed about his plans and what he hoped to do one day. When Jeremiah asked to help, he couldn't refuse. He then reads Jeremiah's message about the aircraft tire tracks, but thinks it could have been an aircraft that was made to make a forced landing there. As it's not much to go on, he tells Alan to file it and take no action. Back at Jeremiah's home, Ma says she was just wondering if there was anything out at that old mine. Jeremiah says he was thinking the same thing himself.

At the mine, the two impostors, Jenkins and Carela, are celebrating. Carela says this is the best hideout he's ever had. Jenkins says this is the best deal, as they're going to make a fortune, whilst International Rescue take the rap. Carela thinks it's kind of tough on those guys, so Jenkins says he's eating his heart out. As they both start laughing, the planes for the AL 4 are seen near them.

Lambert tells everyone that the first exercise found nothing. They knew this wasn't going to be an easy job when they started, so they'll just divide this map and start again. For the security of the world, International Rescue have got to be found! In the satellite, Hale has discovered a fault, which goes right through the circuit. And they'll have to work on the antenna outside as well. Elliot doesn't like the idea of telling the General they're off the air, but decides the quicker he gets it over with, the better. As he contacts Search Control on Earth, his call is picked up by John in Thunderbird 5. John hears them mention that their satellite, which monitors the South Pacific area, will need three to four hours for repairs.

John lets his father know about the satellite. Jeff thanks him, but says that even if they did take off without being discovered, they'd still be tracked on the return trip. He tells him to keep listening in, he may hear something that'll help them. John asks how it's going down there. Jeff tells him they're plowing through the agent's reports, hoping for a lead. As the call ends, Jeff says at least they aren't the only ones with problems. Meanwhile, Lambert is furious when he finds out about one of the satellites being off air.

At the satellite, Elliot is about to go into space to start working on the antenna. They then get a call from Search Control. Lambert tells them to listen -he wants that space station of theirs fully operational in the shortest possible time, if not sooner. Hale says they're about to start, so Lambert tells them to get to it and call him back when they've fixed it.

Hale opens the airlock, which Elliot moves into. Hale closes the airlock door again, as Elliot heads out into space. Using a thruster pack, Elliot is able to move around via using a control panel on his right arm. He flies over to where the damaged antenna is.

He tells Hale that it looks like this is going to be a long job. Hale tells him not to rush it and says he should use his tie ropes. Elliot attaches the ropes to the satellite and says he's double checked them. Hale says to call him if he wants him, he's going to make a start in here. Elliot starts working on the antenna.

Penelope has gone to World Television Inc, where she has a meeting with Eddie Kerr. Pretending to be a reporter, she says her readers in England are as intrigued by this whole business as he is here. Eddie says he guesses the whole world is outraged by those rats -International Rescue are certainly a dirty word around here! Penelope thanks him for all the information about the so-called rescue. Eddie confirms that the two International Rescue guys left in their jet and headed south south west. He asks her if she wants some lunch, but she says she has to pass this information on to her chief.

Penelope tells Jeff about what she's found out so far. Alan thinks it's probably a blind, but they wouldn't divert too far out of their way. Virgil says he's checked the weather reports for that day, north and east are out. Scott asks what sort of jet it was. Penelope says Eddie wasn't certain, but she believe it would have been an EJ2. Scott says that's not a long range job, probably a thousand miles at the most.

Tin-Tin says that the impostors couldn't have had far to go to their base. Jeff says it isn't much to go on, but it suggests they'd best concentrate their attention in this area. He points to a map, and Scott asks which agent covers that area. Jeff says agent 47, then recalls they'd had something from Jeremiah earlier. Alan says they did, Jeremiah reported seeing some aircraft tracks.

Jeff tells Penelope to tell Parker to standby with the Rolls, as he has another mission for them. He then contacts Jeremiah and tells him his report might have something in it. He's sending their London agent to see him. Jeremiah says that's doggone decent of him, as they don't have many visitors around these parts. Jeff says he wants him to help Penelope in investigating those tracks.

In space, Elliot continues to work on the antenna and tells Hale he's finished. Hale says he's still got around two hours of work to do on the wiring inside. Elliot is about to make his way back, but accidentally drops a spanner. He watches it float away, but tells Hale he's coming in now. He removes the ropes and starts heading back.

He presses a button on the thruster pack controls, but as soon as he hits thrust forward, his thrusters malfunction and send him flying into space, away from the satellite.

Back on Earth, Jeremiah and Ma are in their car, on the way to meet with Penelope. Jeremiah asks Ma if she's enjoying the ride, and she can't say that she is -what does he want to drive so fast for? Nearby, a guy is in his sports car, who is pleased to at last be on a clear stretch of road, with no crazy road hogs getting in the way. He starts speeding up. Meanwhile, Jeremiah says they're going to be late for their appointment. He tells Ma he's just going to have to use the supercharger. Their car starts speeding up.

The guy thinks he's really living it up, but then hears someone honking their horn behind him. Jeremiah asks what the matter is with this fella, and shouts for him to get out of the way. The guy can't believe it when Jeremiah's car overtakes his.

Parker says they're nearing the appointment rendezvous with agent 47. Penelope says Jeremiah will lead them to his home, and they'll make their plans there. At the satellite, Hale reports to Lambert about what happened to Elliot. There was nothing he could do, Elliot just shot off into space like a rocket. His suit will protect him from the radiation, but he only has three hours of oxygen left. He tried the scanners before calling, and whilst Elliot will be registering on it somewhere, so are thousands and thousands of meteorites. Hale suggests a rocket launch, but Lambert immediately says no to that idea. They both know how long it'd take to get a ship there. Hale says it's ironic, but only International Rescue could help now. Lambert tells him to just remember what this operation is all about.

John listens in to the conversation. Lambert asks how long before he can get that satellite tracking again, and Hale says an hour. Lambert suggests he get working, as Elliott gave his life for the success of this detail, and they're going to make sure it wasn't in vain! John reports on what's happened to Tracy Island. Alan says they've got to do something, but Jeff says unless Penelope comes up with something, they can't make a move.

Scott says he doesn't really have to say this, but there's a man's life at stake. Jeff says that's right -one man. If they're discovered and put out of business, it could be 500 over the coming months. He feels the same as them, but they can't help that man. In space Elliot continues to float away.

Penelope and Jeremiah discuss their plan of action. Jeremiah says he kind of figured that since he knows this area, she'd let him handle it. Penelope says she's sorry, but she wants this one all to herself. She tells Parker to come on, and the two leave. Jeremiah and Ma watch them go, but Jeremiah doesn't think they'll get very far in that fancy buggy. Ma says they sure won't.

FAB 1 soon gets bogged down in the mud. Penelope says they'll get up to the mine on foot, so the two leave the car behind and start walking. But the terrain is difficult for the two to get through. Penelope says she'll lead, but ends up falling face first into the mud.

Jeff looks at his watch and says that guy out in space has less than two hours to live. Elliot is still floating away from Earth, trying to contact Hale. Lambert asks Hale if he's operational yet. Hale tells him it won't be long now.

Jeff tells everyone that that they're going after that guy. Alan says the search is still on, but Jeff says it's just feasible that Penelope will clear them in time. If not, they'll take things as they come. But they're the only ones with any hope of saving that guy in space. He tells Alan to take Scott with him, and whilst they've left it late, he wants them to do their best to save the guy. Alan and Scott head off to Thunderbird 3, which then blasts off.

Lambert is told there has been an unidentified rocket launch in sector 4. They didn't get a bearing, as it didn't register until it was two miles out. Lambert says he can't believe it's International Rescue, but says to keep a close watch on it anyway. He realizes they could have pinpointed the launch site if that satellite had been with them. At the satellite, Hale picks something up on radar. In Thunderbird 3, Scott says they'd better turn on the tracking equipment, as they're in the area.

They pass the satellite. Hale immediately reports this, and tells Lambert it may be hard to believe, but International Rescue are going after Elliot. Lambert says it must have been the craft they picked up in sector 4. Elliot says he doesn't get it, he thought they'd seen the last of International Rescue. Lambert says there's nothing to see, just one of them has a conscience, that's all. They're still wanted criminals, so he instructs Lambert to track them to their base. Hale says he can start tracking in 10 minutes.

Scott says he'll try extended the range of the radar-fix, but says if he extends it any more they may pick up so many trails they won't know which is Elliot. They briefly see a flicker of interference on the screen, but then the picture breaks up. Alan says he got a rough bearing, and decides to take a closer look. They move Thunderbird 3 towards the source of the signal, and it gets stronger. They switch to a visual view, and find Elliot.

At the mine, Carela and Jenkins are waiting for the buyer of the stolen plans to arrive. Jenkins says it'll take good American dollars to buy this little lot, they can keep their foreign money. Outside, Penelope and Parker arrive at the entrance of the mine. Penelope decides to fire a warning shot, but when she pulls the trigger, some muddy water squirts out of her gun.

Penelope starts complaining, wondering why she ever came here and tells Parker to look at all the mud! Carela and Jenkins hear the noise and grab their rifles. Penelope asks Parker why she didn't let those hillbillies do this. Carela and Jenkins see Parker and Penelope up ahead, just as Jeremiah and Ma arrive.

Jenkins guesses he'll shoot first and ask questions after. He takes aim at Penelope, but Jeremiah tells Ma it's time he took a hand. Before Jenkins can pull the trigger, Jeremiah shoots first, firing a warning shot that hits the mine's entrance. He tells the two in the mine to come on out of there and give themselves up. Carela and Jenkins retreat further into the mine, and whilst Carela thinks they've been hemmed in, but Jenkins says they don't give up that easy!

Penelope says they're going to make a fight of it. Jeremiah says it kind of looks that way, so he asks Ma to pass him those cans of beans. Penelope says this is no time to eat, but Jeremiah guesses she hasn't been around these parts long enough to hear about Ma's beans. He throws a couple of tins into the mine's entrance, which explode and cause part of it to break up.

Carela and Jenkins surrender. They put down their rifles and leave the mine. Soon after, Lambert receives a call from the White House. He tells everyone that the search is cancelled as of now, he hasn't got the full story yet but International Rescue have been cleared and are to be given all co-operation.

In the satellite, Hale finishes repairs and reports he's about to start tracking. Lambert tells him he'll do nothing of the sort, as International Rescue have been cleared. Meanwhile, Scott and Alan have saved Elliot. Alan tells Elliot that this is where they say goodbye. Elliot says he knows he keeps saying this, but he thanks them again for saving his life. He thinks it's just great that International Rescue have been cleared.

Alan says that call from their base sure lifted a lot of worries. Elliot says there's no one better qualified then himself to say it's terrific to see International Rescue back in business! Thunderbird 3 soon arrives back at the satellite to drop Elliot off.