Original series Suitable for all readersMedium level of violence

 

 

JUST A SPLASH OF DEATH    -     ORIGINAL ENDING

 

He found himself sitting on a stark rocky surface, numbed and alone but it was not for long. To his surprise, he saw Magenta walking towards him; behind him was Ochre.

Its all your fault. You didnt do enough. Why did let us died?

Around and around, they walked saying the same thing over and over. He blocked his ears and closed his eyes, but when Grey and Blue arrived and joined in, he was unable to take anymore. Standing up, he fled from his tormenters. As he ran, the despair and hopelessness he felt became stronger and stronger, so he kept running, trying to leave them behind.

He ran until he found himself on a spit of rock jutting out over a chasm filled with what looked like swirling clouds. As he saw it, the knowledge of where he was and what it meant came to him. Here and now, he could end it all and not have to face a life without his team-mates. All he had to do was to step over the edge. He watched the clouds as they swirled below his feet. The idea of giving up the burden that he now consistently carried was alluring and he knew that it would be even harder all on his own. He was weary of the constant fight with the Mysterons, the many injuries and deaths he went through, the day to day wondering if he was going to be called to duty. Blue and the others helped to keep his spirit up, and they did more than what they knew. There was just no way he could carry on without them.

He stepped closer to the edge and looked into the hollowness. Yes, this would be it; he no longer had it in him to go on.

He lifted his foot to take the final step when a voice behind him, made itself heard.

What do you think you are doing, Captain?

Scarlets head jerked up and he turned, wondering where the voice came from. To his surprise, there was another person standing on the spit. The low light made it hard to see who it was but as that person came closer, Scarlet finally saw that he also wore a Spectrum uniform. As the colour of it became apparent, he stared at it with unbelief.

Standing there was Captain Brown, his first field partner, who had also been killed in the same car crash that had killed him. Both of them had been replicated by the Mysterons, but Brown had been completely destroyed when they had used him as a living bomb in an attempt to kill the World President.

Why are you here, Scarlet? he asked.

The others are dead, answered Scarlet in a flat tone.

Are they?

As good as.

If they are still alive, theres still hope.

No. Theres no cure.

Why are you here? Why are you giving up?

I cant carry on without them! This life of mine is hard enough. They help to make it bearable and now they are going to be taken away. I need them! I need Adam. Ill lose who I am without him.

They are not dead yet, stated Brown. They might live.

No. Doctor Fawn said that they were trying to find a way to beat the virus. But theyll run out of time, I know they will. Ive almost lost Adam before, and I might be able to handle that, but to lose all of them at once…. No! No, its too much, too much. Let me be, I dont want to be the only one left. Scarlet turn back to the edge to step off it.

What if there was a way for them to live?

No, there isnt.

But what if there really was? Would you want to live?

Brown looked at Scarlet intently. Scarlet glanced at him with skepticism.

How?

When you get back, you need to convince Doctor Fawn that what I tell you is possible. It is base on old medical understanding, and he will have his doubts about it, but it might work.

Might? The skepticism was obvious in Scarlets voice, and he continued to look at the swirling clouds below.

Isnt it worth the chance?

Scarlet turned to face Brown. Okay. What is it I need to convince Doctor Fawn about?

The key is you. Well, the anti-bodies that you will create if you decide to live. A few centuries ago, doctors found that some diseases were cured when they used the white blood cells of someone who had survive the disease, but it was a bit of a hit and miss. So they developed vaccines. However, the principle still works and that can be used to save the others.

Will it work?

Paul, there is every chance that it will. I would not have come here to tell you this if it wouldnt. Please, for their sake, you have to take this chance. Brown looked at Scarlet in earnest.

Will I be able to come back here if things didnt go well? Scarlet gestured at the chasm.

Brown shook his head sadly. No, not this time.

So if I decide to go back then Im stuck with the consequences?

Yes.

Scarlet shrugged and turned to observe the chasm as if he was trying to decide what to do. However, in his heart of hearts, he already knew. Something else came to his mind, and looking over his shoulder he asked, what are you doing here?

Oh, come on, Paul! You of all people should know that a Spectrum officer is never really off duty. Especially a colour-coded one. Look, I hated the fact that I was taken out so early in the fight. So I do what I can on this side. The powers that be know what a heavy burden you carry, but you are needed. So they have allowed me to be the deliverer of the information you need, so you would go back. Anyway, I wanted to see you again, so I could tell you that I dont hold it against you that you survived and I didnt. In fact, Im glad it was you and not me. I dont think I could have handled what youve had to. Im pretty sure that I would have ended up in a padded room. Brown walked forward and placed his hands on Scarlets shoulders turning him so they would face each other. Please know, Paul, that you will always have someone watching out for you.

Scarlet looked Brown in the eye and saw his support and friendship.

Now its time to go, Brown concluded with an encouraging smile.

Scarlet nodded his head, and, as he did so, his vision faded and everything became black.

 

 

The ceiling of the sickbay was the first thing that Scarlet was aware of as he blinked his eyes. Sitting up, he saw that he was in his usual room, but there was no Captain Blue by his bedside. Of course he would probably be in isolation now, he realised.

Thinking about pressing the call button for some attention, he was stopped as the one person that he wanted to see walked in: Doctor Fawn.

Well, Im pleased to see you awake. What happened, Scarlet? The others are certain that you hadnt already been injured before being hit by the virus, and I couldnt find any reason for you to react to it like you did. You gave us a bit of a fright. One that Blue didnt need.

Is he okay? Scarlet asked concerned as Fawn took note of the readings from the bed. I mean, nothing else has happened to him, has it?

Hes as well as can be expected. All of them are and they will be happy to hear that youre okay. So will the colonel. As expected, your retrometabolism beat the virus. However, it hit you much faster than the others. Do you have any idea why that happened?

No.

Okay.

I guess the others have been quarantined? How long ago?

Fawn looked at his watch, About a hour and a half ago.

Good, Scarlet said quietly to himself. Then louder, he added: Thanks, Doc.

Doctor Fawn gave him a hard look and turned to leave. Knowing you, youll be wanting your usual meal? he asked, looking over his shoulder.

Doc, please, before you go, theres something I want to ask?

Fawn turned back and moved to stand beside Scarlets bed. What is it, Scarlet?

Hows the finding of the cure going?

Not good, Im afraid. The Mysterons knew what they were doing when they chose to use this virus. If it had got into the armed forces, or even the general pubic, the effects would have been devastating.

Instead, we copped it, Scarlet sadly stated.

Yes, agreed Fawn.

Look, I have an idea that might help the others to beat the virus.

Fawn looked at Scarlet oddly. Oh, and what might that be?

Seeing Fawns reaction, Scarlet realized that Brown was right; it was not going to be easy to convince Doctor Fawn that his proposal was the way to go. Wondering how to account for the knowledge that Brown had given him, he come up with the first thing that came into his head: Well, I remember reading this once, in one of the medical mags you have lying around In the past, didnt they use the anti-bodies of someone who had survived the virus to treat those who were still infected?

 Yes, but it was a dangerous procedure. Fawn gestured with his hand and shook his head. Beside, it would be useless in this case. There isnt anyone who has ever survived this virus.

Yes there is. Me.

Shocked, Fawn stared at Scarlet. Have you any idea just what you are proposing? The risks you would be putting the others in, if I went ahead with your suggestion?

Well, what are their chances now? Are you going to be able to find the cure before its too late?

Fawn pulled up a chair and heavily sat down in it, his shoulders slumped. No. As much as I dont want to admit it, it doesnt look like we will.

Then what do we have to lose by just looking at my idea?

Nothing. not a darn thing.

 And with that, Doctor Fawn and Scarlet talked about it. As they came to the end of their discussion, Fawn came to accept that the English captains suggestion might just work.

The first thing I need to find out is whether or not you do have anti-bodies against the virus.  So I need some of your blood Scarlet. As time is running out, Im certain you wont mind me doing it right away?

Scarlet nodded his assent. The doctor then quickly took a blood sample and left in a hurry to analyse it.

Now on his own, Scarlet waited, hoping that Fawns tests would prove conclusive, and that there will be a chance to save his friends.

He didnt have to wait for long; after less than an hour, Fawn returned hurriedly to him, with a mix of emotions crossing his face.

You do have the anti-bodies Scarlet, the doctor said with some excitation in his voice. So it would be possible to try out your idea. But… Ill need to run this past the colonel before we can do anything. And I hope that youre aware that it will be up to the other captains to decide if we go ahead or not, once Ive explained whats involved and the risks they could run.

Go ahead, Doc.  See the colonel and I hope he okays it. Im not going anywhere.

 

***********

Scarlet waited as patiently as he could for Fawn to come back, while eating the meal that had arrived for him. He had nearly finished when the doctor arrived, less than an hour later.

 Well? Scarlet asked, expectantly looking at Fawn who now stood by his side.

The doctor nodded. “Colonel White has cleared us to try your idea, Scarlet. As long as Im happy to do so. As you said, we have nothing to lose.

Good.

Im only going to go ahead with this if the other captains are willing to. So come with me, and well go and talk to them now. I know that it will do them good to see that you are up and about. Especially Blue.

They left Scarlets room and swiftly headed to the isolation ward. Before entering, Doctor Fawn put on a bio-suit; Scarlet looked enquiringly at him.

You wont need one Scarlet, Fawn explained. You’ve beaten the virus, so youre immune now, and you wont propagate it either.

Scarlet nodded slightly and followed Fawn through the door. As they entered, he saw Grey, Blue, Ochre and Magenta, all sitting on their beds, talking to each others. Surprisingly, they werent in hospital gowns, but wore civilian clothes. He also saw on a table their version of the Scotland Yard game that they all liked to play.

As the door opened, four sets of eyes turned to it.

Paul! four voices said together in unison.

Hi, guys.

Are you alright? asked Blue, concern evident in his voice.

I am, Adam. Right as rain, in fact. Sorry to have caused you alarm. Scarlet looked at Blue, hoping to convey that he didnt want to talk about what had happened in the plane.

Blue scrutinized Scarlet back, and after a moment or two, gave a small nod. Well, its good to see you, Paul. Came to join in the fun?

No, we havent, Doctor Fawn answered. In fact, weve come to talk about a possible solution to what we are facing.

You found something? Man, thats good news! Magenta repositioned himself on his bed so that he could fully face the doctor. The others did the same.

Not as good as you might think. What Im proposing is experimental and could be highly dangerous. It could kill you, or if not, leave you in a compromised state.

Just how likely is that? Grey asked.

Higher than I like to think, but at the moment, there is no other possible cure, answered Fawn. My team is working flat out but the virus is proving hard to unravel.

And the likelihood of that happening in time?

Doctor Fawn shrugged his shoulders at Greys question, not wanting to put into words the improbability of it.

Its been fifteen hours since Grey was first hit, so by your reckoning, Doc, we have another twenty before we start to really feel its effects, said Ochre.

He then sneezed. Scarlet stared at him intently, worried.

I guess that gives us time to talk and decide what we will do? Ochre continued.

The others nodded their approval.

So just what is this experimental solution, Doc? Blue asked.

Fawn turned to Scarlet. Its your idea, so why dont you tell them about it?

Scarlet shot him a surprised look, before turning to the others. Well, he started almost reluctantly, I remembered reading about it in a medical magazine about some of the ways they used to use to combat viruses. One of those ways was by using the antibodies of someone who had survived the virus. That got me thinking…”

Watch out, Ochre said quietly with a smile on his face.

Scarlet shot him an annoyed look, then carried on: Could that technique be used in this situation? So I asked Fawn, and the answer is yes.

The others exchanged excited looked and hopeful expression.

Splendid! said Grey.

Now thats the best news wed had all day! Magenta approved.

Hold it, Scarlet quickly interrupted. There is something else.

I can guess that, said Blue, who was looking at Fawn directly. I can tell by the look on Doctor Fawns face that he isnt exactly crazy about this.

Why is that Doc? queried Ochre. Dont you like the idea?

Fawn grunted. Because of the risks this solution carries.

And what are they? Ochre requested.

Compatibility, to begin with. Even considering that today we have mostly overcome the problem of blood types, we still have to be aware that issues can arise because of it. Also this technique is so old, the information I could find about it was minimal. So Ill be working in the dark, so to speak, and I dont like doing that. And then, theres the very reason why Scarlet was able to survive the virus in the first place. I just do not know how your own immune systems would react to what is essentially an alien substance. Fawn looked at Scarlet apologetically. I try and not make a big deal out of it, Paul, but the fact of it is that your body is an alien creation, and thats why Im so uneasy about doing this. I dont know what the outcome will be.

Paul, are you okay? Blue cautiously asked as he saw the look of uneasiness appear on his friends face.

Yes. Its just that I didnt think about that. Scarlet looked back at Fawn. I can understand why youre reluctant, Doc. Its just… He shrugged his shoulders, shook his head and looked at the floor, unwilling to continue. Had Brown lied to him? He wondered. And if so, why? So that he wouldnt let himself die over his despair?

Paul, do you know something we dont? asked Blue.

Yes. No. I dont know. Look, I just thought it might work.

Blue turned to Doctor Fawn. Would what Scarlet read actually work?

From what I was able to find out about this technique, the likelihood of it working is about fifty-fifty. But that was with fully human subjects. Throw in Scarlets uniqueness, and it becomes totally unknown. Fawn looked reluctantly at Scarlet. I believe that yes, the antibodies might destroy the virus. But I cant tell you what kind of harm it might do as well. He turned his attention to the four other captains. So the decision is yours now.

They looked at each others, uncomfortably.

What are our chances of surviving, anyway? Magenta asked.

If my team doesnt come up with a cure, none, answered Fawn sadly.

Will they?

Ill have to check their progress.

Why dont you do that, Doc? suggested Magenta.

Fawn looked around at each of the captains and saw how tense they were. Knowing that having all the facts would help them decide what to do, he left to get an update from his team of searchers.

Once he was gone, the others turned to Scarlet.

 Are you sure that youre alright? Blue asked him again.

Yes, Adam, I am alright. You dont need to ask.

Okay… But why did you pass out on the plane?

Dont ask, please, Adam. Dont ask. He cleared his throat, and then abruptly changed subject, so Blue would stop his questioning: What were you guys doing before we came?

Oh, just a silly game that I made up for this years Halloween, answered Ochre. I thought well give it a test run.

Would it be safe for me to join in?

Of course.

 

 

Scarlet found the reversal of positions rather ironic as he sat by Blues bedside. It had been five days since that fateful day and the outcome wasnt quite what they had hoped for.

As he watched Blue sleeping, he thought back to that day. He could remember the looks that passed over the others faces, when Doctor Fawn had come back with the news that the hunt for a cure wasnt going all that well. After discussing about it some more, it didn’t take them long to decide to try Scarlets idea. Fawn was still reluctant about it, but he knew it was their only chance, and he bowed to their wishes, before organizing what was needed.

It had been fairly unsettling to watch Fawn and his support staff set up the medical equipment and prepare Blue, Grey, Magenta and Ochre for what was about to happen. Not to mention going through the uncomfortable procedure to acquire the antibodies, something that Scarlet would be very happy not to go through again. And then, there was the battle he had with Fawn so that he would be allowed to stay by his friends side, and support them with his presence. He had won that battle, but he nearly wished he had not.

He shivered; Grey had been the first to go unconscious, as the treatment caused them to become feverish. Doctor Fawn and his crew had had a hard time giving the captains the medical support that they need to survive the treatment, as the antibodies pushed their bodies and systems to the limits. After that, as their conditions slowly stabilised and the four patients all plunged into a coma that everyone hoped would be recuperative, all he, Fawn and his medical team, and the rest of Cloudbase could do was to wait.

Fawns robotic nurses had shown that the gamble had worked. Twenty hours after Fawn had started the treatment, they reported that the virus had disappeared from Blue, Ochre, Magenta and Grey. Doctor Fawn had been elated and relieved that it had worked, but after another forty-eight hours without any sign that they were going to come to, he started to become concerned.

 Scarlet sighed. Fawns examinations and tests showed that what his friends had went through had exhausted all of their reserves, and it was going to take time for them to become strong enough to wake up. He shifted in his seat, hoping that it would be soon. So far, he already had to deal with a Mysteron treat without them. The Mysterons had obviously thought that Spectrum would be severely hampered without Captains Magenta, Ochre, Grey and Blue. Smiling, he recalled that the lieutenants and ground base captains he had worked with did well, under the circumstances. But they were not his friends, his colleagues, those he fought so closely with. And he couldnt wait for them to be back.

 He came here often in the last few days, hoping to see them finally open their eyes. Of course, he wasnt their only visitor; the Angels popped in as often as they could, and he was surprised that one of them wasnt here right now. Probably, they were all busy at the moment.

He diverted his eyes from Blues quiet face, and turned to look at the others. He tried to suppress the worry that he was feeling, and hoped for the nth time, that they will be all right soon.

Then a tired subdued voice made itself heard.

 Man…. Why am I so stiff?

Scarlets head whipped around to focus on the bed across from Blue. To his joy, he saw Captain Grey slowly lift a hand to his forehead. Before he could say or do anything, Doctor Fawn rushed into the room.

Im not surprised, considering what you have been through, Grey, said Fawn as he walked over to his patient. He noted the readings on the robotic nurse that had been monitoring and smiled with satisfaction. But now that you are awake we can work on setting you to rights.

It worked then? Both Fawn and Scarlet could hear the weariness in Greys voice.

Yes, sport, it did, Fawn confirmed. And now we need to concentrate on getting you back to full fitness.

Great. I cant wait to have a good…. Greys voice trailed off as he returned to unconsciousness.

Scarlet looked at Doctor Fawn with alarm.

Its okay Scarlet, the doctor reassured him. Greys strength is still pretty low but Im certain that it will start to build up reasonably quickly now.

Is he going to be alright? I mean, you were concerned about, well, you know, complications. Scarlet made a gesture of unease. Did it work?

Fawn saw the concern and worry on Scarlets face as he considered his answer. Until they are fully awake, and Im able to give them a full check over, I dont know.

Oh. Scarlets shoulders dropped and he turned back to look at Blue. So were not out of the woods yet.

No, but it looks very hopeful. And if you consider the alternative…. You did well, Captain. You’ve given them a chance, dont forget that.

Anything else that Fawn was going to say was interrupted by Ochre and Magenta coming to. Scarlet had to smile; you could trust those two to do things in pairs, much like him and Blue.

As Fawn went to see to them, Scarlet wondered when Blue would come around and if he would be okay. He really didnt want to think that there was still a possibility of them not been able to be partners anymore. However he would still be around, Scarlet thought.

Or would he? Would Colonel White allow him to stay if he wasnt able to be a field officer?

His thoughts were interrupted as Blue woke up in turn.

 

 

As Ochre exited his shower, he wasnt sure if he should be happy or annoyed. Happy because he was finally away from Doctor Fawns tender mercies it had been bad enough having to stay in sickbay for another four days before he was deemed fit to leave or annoyed because Halloween had been a week ago and he hadnt been able to do the things he had wanted to.

Seeing himself in the mirror, he diverted his eyes. All four of them had lost muscle mass, and none of them had any stamina at the moment, but Fawn had assured them that they would get it back eventually. He sighed; it was going to take time and hard work for them all to get back to field operation status, but at least they could.

He walked to his bedroom, wondering what he was going to do to fill in his time off; he could start another airplane model, but at the moment, that idea didnt appeal to him. As he walked past his comm.link system, he saw that the internal message indicator was lit. Intrigued, he quickly got dressed and went to open it.

 

Captain Ochre,

Your presence is required in the conference room at 1900.

Please wear the uniform provided.

 

Ochre read the message again. There was no indication of whom it was from, and there were so little detail that it left him wondering whether or not it was from an official source. The mention of a uniform however made him wonder if indeed it wasnt.

Wanting some more information he contacted the oracle Lieutenant Green... who ended up to be singularity unhelpful.

Ochre looked at his watch. There was still three hours before he would need to go to the conference room, so he headed to the officers lounge, wondering if the others might have some more information about what was happening.

 

***********

Returning to his quarters, Ochre was none the wiser as to why he was wanted in the conference room; the others also had receive the same, mysterious and imprecise message. Oh well, he imagined he would find out soon enough, as there was now only a half hour left until 1900.

He stopped in front of his bed, rooted onto place, and stared with incredulity. Laid there; was, what he suspected, the uniform mentioned in his mysterious message. He looked at it; it wasnt what he had expected at all. It was not new to start with, nor did it look clean; in fact, it looked like one of his after a particular rough run in with the Mysterons. Did his orderly get the wrong one?

 Beside it was a note: Please, wear.

Obviously, it wasnt a mistake from his orderly. Nor from anyone else. He was meant to wear that uniform.

He put it on, and as he headed to the conference room, Ochre speculated on what was going on. What could the colonel be up to, if he was behind this? If not, then who was? And what were they planning? Could it be a late Halloween party? He shook his head. None of the captains could have planned this, as they had been recovering like he had, and if the Angels had prepared one, it would most likely have been in the Amber Room.

As he came to the door of the conference room, he straightened his shoulders. Time to find out what was going on. He opened the door and briskly stepped in.

On entering, he got hit with a jet of red-coloured water. Surprised, he stopped on his tracks and found himself right in front of Captain Scarlet, armed with a water pistol.

Crappy Halloween, Ochre! called Scarlet with a joyous voice. He stepped aside to let Ochre come fully into the room.

What the….

Looking around, Ochre could see that the room had been decorated, and that the lighting was subdued. He also saw Magenta and Blue, both also wearing worst for wear uniforms, covered with red stains all over. All the Angels were there as well, in their cleanest uniform, and were smiling mischievously.

Whats going on? asked Ochre, turning to Scarlet.

Quiet! Were waiting for Grey. Scarlet replied.

Ochre looked at him in total astonishment, but before he could say anything, Grey came through the door and received the same treatment he and the others had. Grey stopped into the opening and stared around open-mouthed with incredulity.

What the hell is going on, here? he demanded.

Dont you get it? Scarlet said, grinning at him. Right, now we can get on with the party. Dig in, guys!

With these words, Scarlet walked over to a couple of tables covered with sheets, that Ochre hadnt notice. Theatrically, he removed the covers. On them was food and drink.

Sorry, guys, but I couldnt talk the old man into letting us have anything alcoholic.

As Ochre tried to comprehend what was going on, one of the Angels turned on some music and the others moved towards the tables.

Magenta walked over to Ochre who seemed to have turned into stone. Whats up, Rick?

Ochre waved at the room. Who? he asked. Who did this?

Paul.

What!? No way!

Magenta called Scarlet over. Rick doesnt believe that you organized this, Paul.

Scarlet grinned as he approached. Doesnt he?

Its not I mean…” Ochre foundered. Its just that this is so unexpected. I thought you didnt like Halloween parties?

Er.. Well, I guess you could say that this really isnt a Halloween party. Just a Halloween-themed one. And just because I dont usually organised parties, doesnt mean I cant. Or dont you recall the one I helped with for Spectrums first anniversary?

Ochre shivered as he remembered that ill-fated party as he recalled what he and Blue did, blowing up the Defence System Control Tower of Atlantica, while under the influence of the Mysteronised champagne. Not to mention the tremendous hang-over he ended up with.

Come on were here to enjoy ourselves, and its not often that all the Angels are with us at the same time,” enticed Scarlet.

How on earth did you manage that, Paul? asked Blue as he came over to join them.

Now that would be telling. Anyway make the most of it as the colonels only given us till twenty-four hundred. So party it up, Cinderfellas, the magic ends at midnight!

And with that Scarlet left them, and went to dance with Rhapsody.

 

 

 

Back to complete original story

 

What if Captain Scarlet had taken that fateful step?

For an alternative ending, click this link!

 

 

 

Acknowledgements

 

A big thank you to Gerry and Sylvia Anderson for the original creation of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, as well as all those who worked on the storylines of the show that ended up giving us such fun characters to play with.  Also a big thank you to Chris Bishop for a wonderful website that allows us to find lots of cool things and for beta-reading my story. My story has been written for mine and others enjoyment and not for any financial gain. And any boo-boos are mine and mine alone.

 

 

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