I have had this idea brewing for a long time, and Tropetember 2023 day 21:De-aging gave me the impetus to actually start this.

With much thanks to Sineater and MariaShadow, who have been my cheerleaders as always.

Updates will not be regular as I juggle multiple wips and the muse writes what she wants...

It was a normal rescue, at least on the surface.

Wasn't the first time that International Rescue had been called out to a rescue at an underground lab of dubious intent. But their equipment often meant that they were the only port of call when things – invariably – went wrong in such places.

Jeff had taken point on this rescue. He'd been gradually learning his way back into the organisation, helping out to give the boys downtime. It was working well, with John and EOS' help, and he had settled back into the role of Commander well, sharing it with Scott. There had been some minor blips along the way, but the change eight years of isolation wrought had been good for both of them. Jeff listened more to his boys' opinions and Scott felt more able to voice opposing opinions that before he'd rarely dared to do.

It was John's turn for a break. He'd gone to SALT in South Africa to spend some time looking at the stars from a different perspective and finish his latest book. Alan and Kayo were on the other side of the moon, rescuing a trapped miner, which left Scott, Virgil and Gordon in attendance.

There were two sections to evacuate, and as usual Scott had taken one and Gordon the other while Jeff kept Two in place and Virgil manned the platform taking rescuees up into Two and checking them over before deciding whether they would need the medbay facilities.

It was going well.

That was possibly the first sign that something wasn't quite right. But they were too busy rescuing people.

Scott had two more life signs to locate, and he was already back inside. Gordon had just sent his last rescuee up and was making his way over to help when there was a brilliant flash of blue light, bright enough to blind him, and an explosion. It blew him onto his back and left his ears ringing, and he lost a moment. Or two.

It was his Dad and Virgil screaming at him that brought him back to himself. Taking a deep breath, he got himself up, pleased when his back didn't immediately spasm.

'I'm good, I'm good. I'm here.'

'Thank goodness!'

'Son – where's Scott?'

Turning pale and drawing a sharp breath, Gordon dashed for the lab.

The room was a mess. Smoke was billowing out, and Gordon distractedly noticed that at least the smoke was white. But somewhere in this mess was his brother.

When he did find him he had the biggest surprise of his life.

Picking up and moving a table Gordon found…Scott?

It was Scott's unform.

It was…It was moving.

But there was no sign of Scott.

What there was a sign of was a tiny moving blob in that uniform.

A small person, no taller than about three and a half feet tall, was struggling inside. The uniform was too long and the kid – who else could be that small? – was beginning to panic judging from the distressed sounds coming from the clothing. Gordon assumed it was because the kid couldn't find the exit for his head.

Gordon knelt down and placed a hand on the shoulder. The kid flinched and fell still, but he could hear the sniffle of repressed tears. He removed his helmet before he frightened the child more.

'Hey, hey, let me help you.'

He pulled the kid's head out of the arm and gently pulled the uniform down to expose chocolate hair and bright blue eyes.

For the second time Gordon fell back.

The kid stood there, frightened eyes watching him. Gordon blinked, and moved again, pulling the uniform down completely so the boy was stood in the grey arming t-shirt and shorts. The shorts promptly fell down, leaving him standing in a t-shirt that was more of a tunic…or a dress at his size. Gordon stifled a slightly manic giggle at the sight.

'GORDON! FOR GOD'S SAKE TELL US WHAT IS GOING ON!'

His dad's yell reminded him that he hadn't told anyone what was going on.

'Err…guys? I think we have a problem.'

He smiled and winced as multiple voices yelled at him. The sound made the child shrink back slightly and Gordon knew he'd have to stop them before Sco-the child bolted.

'Quiet, guys! Hang on.'

He twisted his watch and was gratified by the sudden silence as he projected what – who – was in front of him.

The child was obviously Scott. Gordon would recognise him anywhere. But Scott didn't seem to know him at all. Fear was spiralling from his eyes and the way he was hunched away from Gordon. He was glad the comms stayed silent.

'Hey, hey, little man. You'll be alright.'

He leant forward slightly only for Scott to withdraw even more, arms hugging himself tightly, and so Gordon stopped.

'Do you remember who you are?'

'My Mommy said I shouldn't talk to strangers.'

'And she's absolutely right. But if I'm going to get you back to your family I need to know who you are.'

Scott looked at him suspiciously. Gordon went for a reassuring smile.

'Are you a policeman?'

'No, I'm a rescue operative.'

'What's that?'

'When there are people in danger and they need help to get to safety my brothers, my father and I help them.'

'Will – will you help me?'

Gordon's smile grew wider, seeing the moment his brother made up his mind to trust him, and he picked him up carefully, balancing him on his hip. Scott was as light as a feather, maybe four or five years old. While he allowed Gordon to pick him up he still lent back away from him.

Huh, thought Gordon. I don't remember Scott being shy.

'Do you remember your name?'

'N-no.'

He tried to keep the smile on his face, but Gordon wasn't sure he succeeded. He hugged Scott gently and was relieved when the hug was returned, albeit hesitantly. Gordon tried hard to seriously not think about how *small* those arms were that were clasped around his neck.

'Let's go talk to my Dad, ok? I'm sure he can help us.'

'Ok.'

So intent was he on Scott's reactions he forgot about the other two life signs.

He didn't notice someone come up behind him.

Not until a sharp blow to his head knocked him out.

Didn't hear the scream of his brother as he was picked up and taken away.

Gordon wasn't aware of anything until Virgil was urgently tapping his cheek.