Inspired by this post: https/llamawrites/770672849858052097/janetm74-i-want-to-see-a-fic-where-phones-does

With much thanks for the help from riallasheng for both the Stingray info and the Scott & Phones are friends headcanon. Also to mariashades and the-original-sineater for read-throughs and suggestions.

And for llamawrites for the inspiration

Scott had known that having Gordon and Troy in the same room for more than five minutes was going to backfire epically, but even he hadn't foreseen this…

Phones had taken one look at the list of attendees and had immediately called Atlanta to warn her, put nothing could have prepared either of them for this…

One hour into a conference on policing the seas, several gunmen and one extremely well-placed concussion grenade later and both men were missing.

The only plus side to all of this was that Scott had managed to persuade his Father to let him drop Gordon off and spend some time with his old friend Phones…so they were both together when the news broke.

Both men were seated at a booth in the local diner, the remains of a hearty dinner already cleared away and two coffees almost finished. Chatter had been light and pleasant, catching each other up on what their respective friends and family were up to.

The vibration of Scott's watch was only seconds ahead of Phones' comm, and with sinking stomachs both moved to answer their individual summons in private.

'Father? Is everything alright?'

'Son, Gordon's emergency signal was just triggered. Something is wrong - Five cannot get a read on the conference site at all.'

'I'm on it, Father. Call you back shortly.'

'Atlanta, is everything ok?'

'Something's happened at the conference! We were monitoring it as agreed when there was a loud burst of static and then…nothing! It's like the whole place has vanished!'

'I'm on my way.'

Scott took one look at Phones' face and knew he'd got the same message. He snatched up the keys to his car and the two took off running, Scott sending an ask for John to settle the bill.

There was nothing said as Scott eased the car out of the lot before gunning it down the main road. He had the assurance that John would sort out any issues in regard to his speed, and with a grim smile he floored it, not even slowing much for the corners and silently thankful that there were no hairpin bends…he didn't need to look at his passenger - Scott knew Phones had been through worse driving and was no doubt already trying to find out through WASP's systems what was going on on his tablet.

It was the biggest known secret between them. Scott knew that Phones was part of the top-secret Stingray team and Phones knew that Scott was Thunderbird One. But as long as neither man confirmed it out loud they both could maintain the secrecy their individual lives were steeped in.

But this looked like it might cause both worlds to collide and in spectacular fashion too.

The trip back to Marineville didn't take too long, and it came as no surprise when the pair were ushered directly up to the command centre. There waited the Commander and his daughter.

Not one to stand on ceremony in a time like this, Scott strode forward and shook Sam Shore's hand while Phones gave Atlanta a brief hug. It had been a long time since the two men had met - Jeff and Sam had grown up friends, although not quite neighbours, and for a short while Scott had known 'Uncle Sammy' before his career had taken the Shores further afield. The hug Scott then enfolded Atlanta into was indicative of his friendship with the Commander more than anything else.

'Good to see you again, Scott, although I wish the circumstances were different.'

'Commander Shore, likewise. Has there been any news?'

'We received this communiqué just moments ago.'

Shore gestured to his daughter and Atlanta moved to the computer in the room, starting off what appeared at first to be an old, grainy movie.

Quickly the image improved and showed both Troy and Gordon sitting back-to-back, bound to chairs and tightly gagged. Both men had obviously fought hard - Gordon sporting a black eye and Troy a bloody nose - but what worried Scott was that both men's heads were hanging loose…both were unconscious.

The appearance of the other men in the room, though, gave him pause.

The two…men…had silvery skin, green hair and very distinctive…growths on their necks. If Scott hadn't known better he would have thought they were in costume!

But Scott did know better. While the world at large remained unaware of the existence of Subterraneans Scott, John and Gordon knew. They'd kept the secret as it wasn't theirs to break, and Scott found himself wondering how he was going to explain this to his Father. That was a concern for later. Right now he needed to focus.

A voice from off-camera was speaking. A demand for Stingray to be swapped for the two captives, promises of grisly deaths if the demand wasn't met, a stupid timeframe in which to do so…Scott has heard all these threats before, some addressed to him, some about him, and he knew what the answer would be before the vid finished.

Wherever Gordon and Troy were, it wasn't the conference centre they'd been left at.

Shore was sitting there pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes screwed tightly shut as Atlanta and Phones had a rather loud discussion about what they were going to do next. He almost missed Scott stopping beside him and speaking in quiet tones.

'Commander, what is the state of the other delegates at the conference centre? Are they alright? Has the building sustained damage?'

'From what little WASP has been able to ascertain the building is in ruins. Atlanta has already called on the local rescue services.'

'That place is huge though. I think I'll give International Rescue a call if you don't object.'

'Of course. Good call Scott. Excuse me while I go sort out whatever is going on over there.'

Scott was glad, in a way, that Phones and Atlanta seemed to be having a rather heated discussion - it meant no one noticed or was listening as he called John on his watch.

'John - you need to send Virgil and Alan to the conference centre. I'm not sure what exactly has happened but Gordon and Troy have been kidnapped and the rest of the delegates are under rubble.'

'FAB, Scott. I'll tell Dad now.'

'Tell him TinTin needs to go too - it's a big building.'

'Will do. Where shall I tell them to rendezvous with you?'

'They're on their own for this one. I'm going after Gordon.'

'Dad won't like that…'

'I don't particularly care about that, John. My little brother is missing and I'm not coming home without him.'

'FAB, Scott…but you don't mind if I don't tell Father that one, do you?'

'Of course not! I'll keep a low profile but I'll keep you as informed as I can. Scott out.'

The though of John explaining his words to their father had him grinning momentarily, but Scott sobered up as the voices got louder as he re-entered the room.

Atlanta was putting a brave face on but it was clear she wasn't dealing with this very well, and Scott couldn't really blame her for that. Troy was being held ransom, had been injured and was unconscious - he was barely holding himself together over Gordon.

'No. I'm sorry but you know WASP can't be seen to bargain with terrorists and criminals. It would set a precedent and ensure that there will be a next time.'

'But Commander…'

This had obviously been an ongoing battle, one that Scott understood in his head even as his heart sank at the words. He'd kind of hoped that some dramatic rescue would be in order, but the small glance Phones sent his way told him that nothing was going to sway Commander Shore.

'Commander, if that's the stance WASP is taking then I request permission for some leave. I have contacts that might have news.'

'Lieutenant Sheridan, you can have some leave. But Stingray is off limits to you. Do I make myself clear?'

'Crystal, Commander.'

Phones crisply saluted, added a softening of his face for Atlanta before almost hauling Scott out of the building. Scott followed closely, sure in his own mind what Phones was up to.

In the semi-darkness of the underground part of the city they marched, and it came to no surprise when they entered a dock where a submarine was waiting. Phones didn't rush on board, though. He looked around for the guards he was sure that the Commander would have posted to prevent them from boarding.

No one was there, though, so carefully he climbed aboard, gesturing for Scott to follow him. Waiting for them on the bridge was Marina.

Smiling warmly at the two men Marina told them with signs that she'd seen the beginning of the video and knew that Stingray would be needed. She'd come down straight away to prep what she could so they could get underway as quickly as possible.

Phones could have kissed her! Instead he took his position and finished getting Stingray's reactor up to readiness. Scott stood beside the pilot's chair, waiting for orders and watching his friend work. Phones' fingers flew over the control panel and lights turned from red to green. Once Stingray was ready Phones turned to him.

'You'd better sit down.'

'In the chair?'

'Scott - you have the brains to figure out how we're going to pull off a rescue. And while you may have been USAF, you're still a Captain. And Stingray needs a Captain.'

'Phones - you and I both know you could plan this as well as I could…'

'I already have a job on board. I can't do both and you cannot do my job. So, for this mission only, you get to be the Captain. Marina and I will help with all the technical aspects, you just concentrate on working out where Troy and Gordon are being held and how we're gonna free them.'

Scott sat down next to Phones, reassured by Marina's smile and nod of agreement. A small part of him realised Gordon would forever be jealous once he knew, but a bigger part realised Phones was right.

The radio squealed into life but the dire threats emanating from it was ignored as Scott turned to his crew.

'I have to ask before I give the order - are you both sure this is the way you want to go? It could end up with you being court-marshalled, Phones.'

'Troy is my best friend, Scott. Don't tell me you wouldn't do the same if the situation were different!'

'You're right. I wouldn't.'

The serious look on Scott's face became a feral grin as he sat up straight and watched both Phones and Marina straighten too.

'This rescue mission is go!'

'PWOR!'

And Stingray sunk below the water.