Today is Awake
There were times Napoleon Solo, New York Section Head felt a fierce need to connect with his past; or more specifically, with his lost past. He knew it was risky to reconnect, but there were times he just couldn't stand the loneliness anymore. He would never willingly put his friend in danger, but it had been years since the accident, and he had only seen him a handful of times since then. He laughed sardonically. Actually, technically, he had never actually seen him since the accident…
He headed out to the address he had been given years ago. He had a surprise in store and only hope his friend would go along with it. He knew that more than ever before, his friend craved freedom, and this was what he had planned for the day. He had called ahead, making sure he would be home. Fortunately, his wife was as much of a schemer as was Napoleon, and she immediately endorsed his plan, promising to have him ready when Napoleon arrived.
And that is how, a few hours later, Dr. Dan Westin, at one time a top UNCLE agent named Illya Kuryakin, found himself in a hot air balloon floating over the countryside with his former partner. For this trip, Napoleon had urged him to drop his disguise and simply go invisible. He knew it would allow his friend a sense of freedom he rarely got to feel anymore, and after some initial hesitation, Dan finally agreed. He dropped the disguise in the car, wisely pointing out that two for the price of one on the balloon rental was a better deal, which made Napoleon laugh. Some things never did change…
They shared a gourmet picnic lunch and chatted about various topics, some with little meaning, some very serious indeed. None had anything to do with their current work. This was simply too painful for the two men to discuss. Eventually, as they headed back to the landing field, Napoleon broached the subject he had been wondering about for a very long time.
"You have a beautiful wife, and good friends, Illya…sorry, Dan. Are you happy?
"Much of the time, yes. There are many times I regret what I have lost, and times I miss what we had, what we were, but…yes. I am happy. I would be happier if I could find a cure—but I know I must not count too heavily on that score. Otherwise I will miss my entire life. But there are days—I am still Russian you, know…"
Napoleon smiled sadly. He could almost see the sardonic twist to his partner's smile. "Yeah, I know."
Suddenly, the champagne bottle seemed to uncork itself, as two flutes were filled. One made its way into Napoleon's hand, as the other floated in mid-air as Dan spoke softly.
"I have thought long about my situation, my friend, and I have decided to view it in this way: The past is asleep, and dreaming of her is pleasant; but pointless. The future is not yet awakened; and striving toward her is profitable, but also ultimately pointless, as we know not what she holds. So, my friend, what we have then, is only today. Today is awake; this very moment. For it is truly all that we have. I choose then, this moment to be with you. To you, Partner Mine."
The floating glass tipped slightly towards Napoleon. Tears of fierce emotion filled Napoleon's eyes as he touched his flute to Dan's and the gentle ring of the crystal filled the air "To you, Tovarisch."
~The End~
