Miracles, Love and Promises

Chapter I

"Gentlemen, please sit down." Mr. Waverly watched as his CEA and his partner took their usual seats at the conference table. He tapped the folder on the table in front of him and said, "I have received excellent and encouraging news this morning from Dr. Carmine DeChiara."

Illya focused on his superior's face. "The Medical Director of UNCLE Rehab?"

"Yes, Mr. Kuryakin. He informed me that the Research Scientists in the rehab facility have developed a new treatment for patients with brain injuries. They received permission to test it on Agent LaSalle from his family and when that proved successful, they decided to use it on Agent Sloan. As you know, Mr. Solo, UNCLE itself is his guardian as he has no family. In both cases, the agents awakened from their comas after having the medication administered by IV drip for two days."

Stunned, Napoleon leaned forward. "Agents LaSalle and Sloan are awake? That's incredible! Sloan was in a coma for six years! How is this possible?"

Illya, equally surprised but, ever the scientist, inquired, "Have there been any side effects? And, how is their mental capacity? Are they, for lack of a better term, themselves?"

Mr. Waverly gave the barest hint of a smile. "The way it was explained to me is that the treatment forces the brain to create new pathways in order to function normally. I am very pleased to tell you that both men have been out of their comas for five months and so far, it seems their memories and personalities are intact. Dr. DeChiara and I decided not to mention this to you or anyone until we were certain of their physical and mental health. Agent Sloan does not remember getting shot but, that is not abnormal for someone who has gone through a traumatic event."

"True," Napoleon agreed, "So, perhaps I will be getting my two agents back in the lineup?"

"Perhaps, Mr. Solo but, that is not the reason I called for you and Mr. Kuryakin. Almost two years ago, I assured Ludwig Bowler that any promising treatments for brain injury that our Medical Research Team developed would be offered to him as a treatment option for his sister. Or, I should say, Adalwolf Schmidt received my assurances."

Illya nodded his understanding. "You want Napoleon and me to approach Wolf Schmidt and tell him about this breakthrough and ask him if he wants his sister Lutgard to undergo the treatment."

"Yes. You two are still the only UNCLE personnel that Mr. Schmidt has a relationship with; his sister's doctors just give him updates as needed. If he agrees, I will have Dr. DeChiara begin the protocol immediately and I will want you two there to provide Mr. Schmidt with whatever support he needs, within reason of course."

"If you think it's necessary, Sir," Napoleon said cautiously. Why do we have to babysit?, he thought as he glanced quickly at his partner.

The Old Man deduced from his CEA's tone that he did not fully comprehend the reason for this assignment. He decided Mr. Solo needed to know more. "Agents Sloan and LaSalle are and have been doing very well and we have no reason to think otherwise but, there is no guarantee that Mr. Schmidt's sister will respond in the same manner."

Mr. Kuryakin understood the implications. "So, if for some reason Mrs. Schwarz does not respond to treatment or suffers adverse effects as a result of the treatment, we will be there to show him that this organization cares and deflect him from possibly blaming us if she deteriorates."

"Precisely, Mr. Kuryakin. Wolf Schmidt's knowledge of THRUSH and its operations has proven quite valuable during the last two years. I believe he will continue to provide us with good information going forward if his sister recovers from her coma but, if she does not, we do not want him turning against us."

Napoleon said, "We will make sure that doesn't happen, Sir."

"See that you do, Mr. Solo. Keep me informed. Good day, Gentlemen."

MFUMFUMFUMFUMFU

Napoleon and Illya didn't need to have a discussion about who would be placing the call to Wolf. Originally, Napoleon had been the agent Wolf had wanted to help him get free of THRUSH but, Wolf and Illya had bonded over their similar experiences during World War II so much that he had given the Russian the account numbers to the Swiss bank accounts that contained the money he had stolen for Lutgard's care and Illya had promised to see she received it if Wolf had died at Sergio Bolivar's hands. They had developed a grudging respect for each other.

Wolf answered on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Hello, Wolf. It is Illya Kuryakin. How are you?"

The German laughed out loud. "Amenities? How refreshing! I am fine, Illya. And, you?"

"I am well. Napoleon and I wish to come see you tomorrow. Dr. DeChiara wants to discuss a treatment option with you and we want to be there."

Wolf was silent for so long, Illya thought the line had gone dead. "Are you still there, Wolf?"

Illya heard him clear his throat. "There is a way that Luti can be helped? Yes, yes, please come tomorrow. It is Friday; please accept my invitation to stay the weekend."

"We were planning to stay upstate this weekend. I will discuss with Napoleon whether he wishes to stay in your home but, I do not think it will be a problem. Are you able to meet us at the rehab facility by noon?"

"Absolutely. I will see both of you then."