Forever Forever Forever Summer
Chapter 8: El Mañana (Interlude)
With all hands on deck, it didn't take long to put together a rescue plan. There was the temptation to wait, to keep refining, to make this the perfect rescue mission with absolutely zero risks, but they couldn't, not when they could see Phineas sitting too still, just barely alive, breathing and nothing more.
While the rest of the gang was making floor plans and strategising, Ferb’s permanent location changed from his bedroom to the garage. He tinkered endlessly, attempting to drown himself in his work but always floating back to the surface. Even with an important motivation, old blueprints and all his usual tools, he wires and rewires every gadget and gizmo he touches, never truly satisfied. There was someone missing.
Instinct carried his hands. Nothing existed outside his focus and his thoughts, yet he still couldn't build anything good enough. Creative block was something he was well aware existed but had never had to contend with, how could he ever be demotivated with Phineas by his side?
A flimsy piece of plastic snaps in his grip. He had never been so close to truly losing his temper. A part of him feared he’d do something he couldn’t take back if he came face to face with whoever did this to his brother. Another was hoping he’d get the chance.
“Hey.” The softest touch lands on his shoulder and a shiver ripples out from it. “We’re doing our final run through of the plan before everyone heads home. Gotta make sure we’re ready and well rested for tomorrow.”
Ferb glances back at the pile of useless scrap on the table, then quietly nods and gestures for Isabella to lead the way.
~
It had been too long since so many people were in the yard together. Baljeet, Buford, Irving and the entire troop were waiting around a large sheet of paper, held down on one end by stones and on the other by a platypus, while Candace watched on from the open screen door. For a moment it didn't feel any different from a normal summer project other than being much later in the day.
As Ferb and Isabella came through the gate, the group shuffled around to make space for them.
“So, from the top.” Isabella begins as she settles into her place in the circle. Everyone intently watches and listens as she recaps their plan.
Phineas had been kidnapped and his death was faked, that they knew for certain. The details of how and why didn't matter until he was safe - their priority was Phineas and Phineas only.
The building he was being held in had abysmal digital security but heavy physical security; there were a disproportionate amount of guards and staff just to contain one incapacitated person, even after the majority of them leave for the night. Luckily, the only armed guards lingered around the front and back entrances, meaning they could enter through a window on the correct floor and get in unseen using a grapple line - it was a fixed up old prototype the only creation Ferb could maybe say he was satisfied with this week. If they could help it, it would be a stealth mission, much to the dismay of Buford. Simply sneak in, free Phineas, get back out. If someone gets in the way, stun, don't kill.
Other than the grapple they didn't have any other physics-defying gadgets at their disposal, Isabella skirted around saying exactly why. The rest of their tools were decidedly ordinary; first aid, lockpicks, pocket knives and the like. It was up to all of them to work with what they had and improvise if need be. This wasn't a water tight plan. It was trespassing. Chances are, they would need to take risks and things might go wrong. What counted was how they reacted to it.
Ferb and Isabella were the infiltrators. Buford, Gretchen, Adyson and Katie would also travel to Badgertown to act as a home base outside the building, as well as provide backup if it was needed. Baljeet and Irving were to remain in Danville and watch over the building’s security cameras. All of them remained in contact with earpieces.
Isabella ends her explanation by going over the planned route last time. Ferb’s eyes remain on the snaking corridors as everyone else's move back up to Isabella.
“So that's all we’ve got. Any suggestions or edits anyone wants to make?”
Everyone but Ferb hums or shakes their head.
“Alright. Everyone coming to Badgertown, meet at the Main Street bus station at 7pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, keep in touch.” Isabella stands up, raising her arm and holding it parallel to the ground. “For Phineas.”
One by one, everyone stood up, all placing their hands on top of each other’s in the centre of their circle. With one smooth, synchronised motion, everyone flung their hands into the air.
“For Phineas!!”
~
Leaning against the screen door, Candace watched over the yard vigilantly. As they walked back into the house, Isabella gave her a strange look and stopped so abruptly Ferb almost walked into her.
Isabella stood close, rod straight as if she was standing at attention. Despite all the growth spurts going on, Candace was still the tallest of the friend group and was a comfortable height above her, but with a glare like Isabella's? Ferb knew how small it could make someone feel.
“Are you sure you're not coming?” Isabella asks, hushed but far from silent.
“I’m sure. I don't exactly have the greatest track record for bringing people to justice.” She glances at Ferb with a weak smile.
After only this single exchange, Ferb got the impression they’ve already had quite a few conversations about this that he didn't hear. Not that it surprised him all that much considering how long he spent alone in the garage.
“Our priority is Phineas, not justice. Trust me, I wanna bash their heads in too, but we can worry about that once he’s safe.” Isabella pauses as Candace's gaze drifts away to the space the rest of the group had occupied a few minutes ago. Her voice softens while still retaining its bite. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Candace. It would be appreciated to have another pair of hands.”
She dismissively waves her hand. “Like you said, just focus on Phineas.”
Ferb keeps looking at her. If Phineas was around he’d be able to translate the signs of concern on his face, but as it was, it went unnoticed.
“We will. We’ll bring him home. No matter what.”