So this is a labour of love for two of my favourite programs and has resulted in much discussion with Sineater. Thunderbirds & Leverage

The meeting was the most unusual one they had ever had. Nate took point as usual, but this time he'd brought Hardison with him. They sat in the closed bar downstairs awaiting their client, Nate with his mug of 'coffee' and Hardison with his usual orange soda.

There was a knock on the door and they exchanged a look before Ford got up and opened the door. There was a courier who handed him a package and took off, and Nate returned to the table.

He opened the package carefully and out slid a portable holo-vid device. As soon as it was out a fuzzy picture appeared.

Nate and Hardison exchanged glances as the picture didn't clear. Alec reached forward to tweak it to clear the picture when a child's voice rang out.

'I wouldn't do that if I were you, Mr Hardison.'

He froze.

'We don't usually take clients on without seeing them first.'

'I am aware of that, Mr Ford. However, this is an exceptional case.'

'Please, introduce yourself and fill us in.'

'My name is EOS. And the situation is very delicate. I will need your assurance that this will remain secret.'

'I can assure you that we are the epitome of discretion.'

'We know that. I have already run background searches on your team.'

'What the hell!'

Hardison sat back in shock. There had been no hits on his security, and his security was good.

'Your systems are very good, Mr Hardison. But they are not a match for me.'

He could hear the smugness and he couldn't understand how a child could run rings around him. Alec made a mental note to run some tests.

'What I want is your word, Mr Ford, that who you are about to see will be kept secret under all circumstances.'

'We don't usually make agreements before knowing the job.'

'I understand. But when you see then you will understand.'

Nate looked to Hardison and while frowning he nodded in agreement.

'Ok, we have an agreement.'

The screen cleared to a hospital room where two men were in beds, both unconscious and wired up to machines. Beside each bed sat a blonde man, both very young, and in the corner was a ginger-haired man busily tapping away.

Both men drew in sharp breaths.

'International Rescue.

'We are. Now you can understand why I was careful.'

'Absolutely. What do you need us to do?'

'This man is the target.'

A picture flashed up on the screen.

'Alright. Send us the details of what happened.'

'I already have. Mr Hardison should already have access to them. I will give you both a minute to look over the incident.'

Nate looked over and Alec nodded, already absorbed in the data. He watched the hacker's face frown and then drop. Nate raised an eyebrow and Hardison mouthed "take the job".

'Ok, we'll take the job. Just one question.'

'Yes?'

'You're International Rescue. The Tracy family, one of the most powerful families on Earth. Why can't you do something.'

'We have tried all legal methods to curtail this man's activities and yet he returns again and again. He has almost killed all of us but more importantly he has no regard for the people who work for him. I am not asking you to do this for us. We want you to work your magic to save the lives of his workforce.'

'Well, that is our remit.'

'I will assist as needed. Mr Hardison can reach me any time.'

'Good. What's the target's name?'

'Langstrom Fischler.'