This is my first Man from U.N.C.L.E story. I really like the protective Illya and wanted to play with that. This take place immediately after the movie. I hope that you enjoy it.
Kuryakin and Solo stood on the balcony overlooking the beauties of Rome and St. Peter's Square.
"I absolutely hated working with you, Peril" Solo said as he raised his glass of scotch toward the Russian.
"You are a terrible spy, Cowboy" the other replied, also raising his glass. Both men looked at the computer tape that was burning in the ashtray and exchanged satisfied smiles. Balance of power had been maintained.
Just then Waverly walked in with Gaby. Illya's heart skipped a beat just looking at the brown-haired woman, and Solo could not avoid a smile when he saw the look on his friend's face.
"So I have news,", Waverly said, as he glanced from man to man and to the little bonfire that they had started. "A fresh little unpleasantness has arisen. I have spoken to your superiors and now that we are all such good friends, they have kindly agreed to let me to keep the team together for a little while longer."
Solo and Kuryakin. Looked at each other with a mixture of disbelief, excitement and hope. Waverly continued. "We leave in an hour."
"Where are we going?" Kuryakin asked, his voice much sharper than he had intended.
"Istanbul," Waverly replied as he turned to go. "And you have a new code name...its rather a good one...U.N.C.L.E"
Gaby looked at Solo and then smiled at Kuryakin as she followed her boss out. "Come along, boys," she said, "you wouldn't want to be late."
Illya was packing his valise when there was a quiet knock on his door. Thinking that it was Gaby, he responded, "Come in."
"Mr. Kuryakin?" the voice was male and tentative. Illya looked up to see a young man in a bellhop's uniform. "A message was just delivered for you, Sir. I was told it was urgent."
Illya saw the unmistakable imprint of the Russian embassy on the envelope and his heart began to beat faster. "Thank you," he said as he tipped the young man.
Once the door was closed, he tore open the seal and quickly skimmed the contents. His eyes narrowed and his fingers began to beat a tattoo against his leg. Somehow, he managed to control himself. He took several breaths, closed his valise and headed downstairs to Napoleon Solo's room.
Napoleon and Gaby were in his suite. Napoleon had his scotch and Gaby was sipping a glass of wine. They both looked up with smiles when Illya entered.
"A drink before we go," Napoleon offered.
"No," Illya responded.
"Well, come on, then, the car is waiting downstairs," Solo said reaching out to pat the other man's shoulder. He was stunned when Kuryakin, batted his hand away.
"No," the Russian said emphatically. "I'm not going."
Solo smiled. "I'm not sure that you have a choice."
"Regardless. I am going back to Russia." The man could be stubborn as a bull. "I am not going to be part of this 'Uncle'," Kuryakin insisted.
"And why not?" Solo was getting curious. It was not like his friend to want to abandon a mission.
"Its not important," the bigger man said as he turned away from Solo and started to head to the door.
"Peril? What the hell is going on here? Talk to me." Solo pressed, as he grabbed the other man's shoulder trying to get him to stop and turn around; that proved to be a mistake.
Kuryakin whirled on Solo with incredible speed and had the other man by the front of the shirt as he drove the American into the nearest wall. His eyes were blazing, but not with some maniacal, barely controlled rage. They were alight with fear and desperation. "They have my little sister," he grated through clenched teeth. "They will kill her if I do not follow their orders to the letter. I must save her before they hurt her anymore."
Please let me know what you think. I love reviews and thoughts and recommendations. Please let me know what you think.
