They sat on the deck of the forty foot sloop moored at a slip in the harbor at Marina del Rey...Napoleon wearing a light linen suit and having abandoned his tie; enjoyed the last of the afternoon sun as he finished his Margarita.
A trio of brown pelicans gliding in tandem drifted overhead in the nearly cloudless blue sky. Sun, sand, palm trees and a lovely...boat. This was such things as dreams were made of for Napoleon Solo...it was a shame the journey he was about to take had a destination filled with the potential for a dangerous conclusion.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were an UNCLE agent?"
"I was deep under cover...what if you were lying to me and were the General's man and not from our organization? Napoleon, one can never be too careful..." Senna Alegria smiled, offering him another drink. "And besides, I am a woman of my word...I swore not to reveal myself to anyone."
"That's good to know...because I need to swear you to silence on another matter...I'm sure you overheard the conversation between Elliott and myself...about us being umm..."
"Intimate...yes I did." answered Senna.
"Senna...Elliott is my partner's wife...although they weren't married at the time you met her."
"Oh I see...so you want me to cover your lie for you."
"No, I want you to help protect a family...Elliott and I know that what we did was a mistake...you heard that I'm sure.
I don't want what she and Illya have together to be destroyed. It would devastate him...he doesn't deserve that. He's my friend and I betrayed him in a moment of complete and inexcusable stupidity."
"So since you put it that way...not protecting yourself but them; I will do it for you as that is an honorable request Signor Napoleon."
She looked into his eyes seductively...and he remembered how incredibly dark they were. And of course his thoughts drifted to their time together in her bed...
Sensing where his thoughts had gone; she asked him outright..."So would you care to pickup where you and I left off Napoleon Solo?" she practically purred at him.
"Not too long ago Senna, I would have gladly taken you up on that suggestion...but no thank you," he answered, hiding his smile," I have sworn off the ladies so to speak as I have met someone special."
"You are a man of honor...aren't you? Oh well...your loss!" she giggled as she flung off her cover up revealing a very tiny Brazilian-cut red bikini. In an instant, she dove over the side of the boat into the water.
"Come on in!" she called to him as her head bobbed up to the surface from under the deep blue water.
"No thanks...though I love sailing; I'm not a fan of swimming and there's one more thing... if you could see what I see swimming beneath you right now...I'd get out of that water if I were you?"
"Relax codardo_coward...I saw them already. They're leopard sharks and harmless...big but harmless."
Solo eyed them nervously." O.K. if you say so?"
She finally climbed up the ladder suspended over the side of the boat, then stood on deck twisting her long hair in her hands; wringing the water from it...
"One other thing Senna...if my partner mentions anything about you rescuing his wife from the General...just agree. Don't mention that I was in Brazil alright? That information was on a need to know basis...and was part of a legitimate operation...so he doesn't need to know."
"Well...O.K. only because that it's partly true as I did help her," she said, "anything else I have to do for you?"
"Nooo...I think that's more than enough...I appreciate your discretion," he said admiring her very tanned and shapely body as she stood in front of him toweling herself off.
"You could use a little more yourself... I see you still have a roving eye." she laughed as she looked up to see him staring at her.
"Hey...I have a girlfriend but that doesn't mean I'm immune to the sight of a beautiful woman."
"Napoleon...flattery will get you everywhere!"
Illya arrived a short while later at the marina carrying diving gear and two silver briefcases...they would be departing the marina on the French built sloop named 'La Belle Vie_ the good life, first thing in the morning.
Though not the Russian's favorite mode of transportation, he came prepared; bringing with him a supply of his home made ginger capsules and a case of bottled cola...both having helped him combat his seasickness in the past. He refused to take the normal anti-vertigo medicines; since they made him drowsy. He hoped that it would be a smooth journey...that at least would make him less seasick.
"Hello," he called and a woman appeared on deck as he laid down the equipment on the dock before boarding. 'Olá você deve estar Senna Alegria...Eu sou Illya Kuryakin. Wspero que a minha parceira já chegou_you must be Senna Alegria...I am Illya Kuryakin. I trust my partner is here already?"
"Hello Illya...your Portuguese is very good," she called, eyeing the blond man dressed in a tight fitting white t-shirt and equally tight fitting jeans, "and yes Napoleon is here...he's down below. She stepped down helping him carry the supplies and equipment on board still dressed in her bikini...she caught the Russian eyeing her too and smiled.
Napoleon cleared his throat as he saw his partner staring at Senna bending over while she put the case of soda the deck.
The look in Solo's eyes gave away the fact that he'd caught his partner showing his interest in the beautiful Brazilian.
"Prosto potomu chto ya zamuzhem nezhachit, chto ya mertv_just because I am married, does not mean I am dead," he called to Napoleon in Russian.
"What did you say?" Napoleon grinned at him this time.
"You understood me," he answered; bringing the rest of the gear on board.
He settled the equipment down below as Senna fired up a portable grill to prepare their dinner...locally caught sea bass, scallops wrapped in bacon and an avocado salad with green peppers, onion and cilantro with lemon and lime juice.
The three agents ate their meal, Napoleon and Senna drinking wine while she noticed the Russian drank warm cola..then saw him pop a few capsules in his mouth. He had also barely touched his food, noticing an uncomfortable look in his eyes whenever the boat rocked.
"So Illya...don't tell me, you are prone to seasickness?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"My God what kind of agents did Waverly send...neither of you like the water eh? He knew there'd be sailing involved?
Illya stood, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn."Do not concern yourself...we will not handicap the mission in any way. Senna, thank you for preparing the meal, but now I think I will leave you two alone as I am ready for bed." he said, knowing his partner and Senna had a history together.
"I think that's a good idea partner of mine...the morning will come early enough," Napoleon thanked Senna as well, then made a hasty retreat below deck leaving Illya behind.
"Wow...two handsome men and I'm being abandoned for the night...I guess I shouldn't have teased you about the water thing?" she pouted jokingly.
Illya smiled at her..."Senna, I have been remiss; it is my understanding that you were instrumental in rescuing a female agent named Elliott Mc Gowan not long ago?"
"Elliott...oh yes, the feisty red-head. She had escaped from the General while I was under cover from our Rio di Janiero office.
"I would like to thank you for your help...you see Elliott is my wife."
"Really...you are a lucky man senhor she is a very brave woman and quite beautiful I might add." she exaggerated on neither account.
"You are most kind Senna...yes she is. Boa noite_good night."
Napoleon was already in his bunk when his partner came down below...
"Senna is quite an attractive woman, someone a man would find memorable to say the least." Illya said as he lay down in his bunk, not bothering to undress "and you do not remember where you met her...I find that odd, especially for you."
Napoleon ignored him; pretending to already be asleep...Illya just shrugged his shoulders when he received no reply, then rolled over on his side; falling asleep within minutes.
Senna Alegria had discovered by sheer luck an advertisement for a young single's resort island located somewhere in the Pacific ocean...it read:
"Want a change of pace from your everyday humdrum vacation? Want to go wild while playing in the sun and sand on a secluded tropical island where you can let your inner animal free? Come on...the beast dwells within each of us! Set it free! Let fantasy become your reality..."
"This was just too good to be true,"Senna thought, but she looked into it anyway. No location was listed for the place...only a telephone number. There were photographs in the brochure of of lush island with a volcano in the back ground...that at least was a clue.
She compared the photo to one of every known tropical island having a volcanic peak but none of them matched.
Then Senna investigated navigational charts; finding no such island that fit the description...so she dug up old charts going back as far as before the turn of the century. It was there she found it...only one island fit the description in the brochure.
It was definitely there on the old charts...but not on current current ones? Sort of like what had happened to the island used by U.N.C.L.E. for survival school...it had been made to disappear from existence. That she found interesting. But there was no way to be completely certain that it was the right place...
When she contacted the number on the brochure pretending to be a potential client; asking about making a reservation. But the company required payment in full to make the booking...paying for everything in advance. Quite a tidy sum of $10,000. per person as they wished to cater to a very exclusive clientele. She was informed that a detailed medical background...height, weight, ethnic background, and any pre-existing conditions were required.
When she questioned about them needing such information; Senna was told that the activities on the island were not for the faint of heart and the guests needed to be in good physical conditon. She was sure now she found what U.N.C.L.E. had been looking for...
The representative told her the cruise was almost booked to capacity and urged her to make a decision soon as it would be leaving in five days.
"How many are booked for the trip? she asked innocently.
"Right now miss we have twenty seven...our largest group yet." he answered," the most we can accommodate comfortably is thirty, so I wouldn't wait too long to decide?"
"At present we have quite a few guests staying at the island...some people love it so much; they don't want to leave and have extended their stay...If you decide to come...make sure you bring some formal wear, clothes for outdoor activities in the rain forest and of course a bathing suit."
"Really? This is starting to sound better and better," she hedged," but one thing...could I see your charter boat before I decide? I'm from New Mexico, so I'm not used to the water and I'm a little nervous about sailing," she lied to him.
"We normally don't give that information out but O.K... you sound nice enough, "he said, we're berthed at King Harbor in Redondo Beach, slip number 35. The boat is called the 'Circe'...when would you plan on stopping by?"
Redondo Beach was south and less than ten miles away..."Oh, I could be there in about twenty minutes? What's your name?"
"Rolf...just ask for me when you get here."
Senna grabbed a couple of homing devices...figuring to attach them to the boat, allowing the UNCLE team to follow at a safe distance...once finding the island they could come ashore and blend in with the other guests...
She arrived at the designated slip on time...requesting Rolf who seemed very amicable and willing to give her a tour of the 75 ft. yacht. She feigned interest as he spoke about the galley and accommodations. She took a shot at asking how long a trip it was but he smiled, refusing to tell her as that might give away the location of their secret island hideaway.
Senna bounced on one of the bunks claiming to test it's comfort level as she tucked one of the homing devices beneath the wooden frame. Another she placed under the railing as she left the boat. She thanked Rolf for the tour and promised to get back with him...
"One last question, if you'll indulge me Rolf," she flashed a smile, flirting with her eyes," what time would we set sail...I'm not really an early riser."
"Oh...is nine in the morning too early for you?" Rolf smiled.
"Depends on what I was doing the night before..." she smiled, leaving Rolf sighing as he watched her walk up the dock and out of view.
Senna thought about the name of the boat as she walked to the end of the dock...the irony it...'Circe' was not lost on her as it was the name of a minor Greek goddess who had the ability to turn men into animals...
An old man looking very much like a derelict spoke to her as she passed him, sitting at the far end of the dock...
"You thinking about taking that charter missy?"
"Maybe."
"Well just a word of advise...people who take that charter never seem to come back. There's been a number of cars towed here because the management said they were stolen and abandoned here...but I know" he whispered," they belonged to the people who took that cruise."
A security guard walked by at that moment..."hey pops, what did I tell you about bothering people here?'
"Sorry miss...he's just a crazy old coot. They let him out of the psych ward at the local hospital."
"No that's alright... he wasn't bothering me. Thank you."
She walked across the parking lot, climbed into her metallic gray Shelby mustang in the marina parking lot, pulled her communicator and contacted New York immediately.
"Open Channel D- Alexander Waverly"
"Yes Miss Alegria, have you an update?"
She reported to Waverly in detail about her findings and indicating the management at the marina were probably involved in cover up of the Thrush scheme.
"Excellent work Miss Alegria...I will be sending Mr. Solo and Mr. Kuryakin out to join you immediately. Waverly out."
The sun rose just after 6:00 a.m...the temperature was slated to be in the low eighties the same as had been for the past few days. Kuryakin was already up on deck still dressed in the clothes he had slept in and monitoring the tracking unit that was in one of the silver cases he had brought with him. The water in the marina was blessedly calm at the moment but the marine forecast was for moderate Santa Ana winds. Moderate would churn things up enough to make his seasickness a concern...so Illya started taking more ginger hoping for the best.
"Good morning," Senna greeting him as she walked up onto the deck," you're up early?"
"I am usually an early riser," he answered adjusting the settings on until it finally registered a very slow, low level pulse; telling him the homing devices Senna had installed were working.
She offered him a cup of coffee which he refused with a wave of his hand.
"I was surprised to hear that you are married...I thought section twos were not permitted such a luxury?"
He smiled when she said that... "Well Elliott and I had a little something to do with that policy change, we have not been married that long but agents are now permitted to marry, though everything is approved on a case by case basis."
"What about children? I suppose they aren't allowed?
"Actually, we have a son, who will be two next month."
"Ohhhh..I see." she smiled...you two put the cart before the horse so to speak."
Illya ignored her comment asking his own question instead. "So when did you first meet Napoleon?" he said not looking up from his work.
"You know I can't recall exactly," she hesitated," it was some time ago I think?"
"In Brazil perhaps?" he asked, looking her directly now.
"Does it matter?"
"Not really...I was just curious. Napoleon cannot recall where he met you either...strange."
Napoleon arrived on deck a few minutes later clean shaved; dressed in khaki pants and a matching short sleeve shirt.
"Good morning kiddies..." he smiled accepting coffee from Senna. He looked out over the water..."we need to stow all the equipment below and secure it...never know what these Santa Ana winds will churn up. Napoleon went instantly into his boating mode; inspecting everything on 'La Bell Vie," readying it to set sail with a well-practiced hand.
It was eight o'clock when Illya went forward, releasing the bow line as Napoleon started the engine. Then Senna released the stern line as Napoleon put it in gear, engaging the engine; slowly powering the boat out of it's slip and away from the dock.
He checked the wind and the compass as they headed out into Santa Monica Bay...where they finally dropped sail, there Napoleon brought the sloop about southward to intercept the charter boat before it could get too far ahead of them.
Once they were out in the open waters Napoleon tried to let the joy of sailing drive his imaginings of what they would find on the the island from his mind...but he wasn't having much success.
Illya brought the second case up on deck trying to ignore the onset of mild nausea...he was feeling a little dizzy but nothing that he could not tolerate for now.
He opened the case inspecting the contents carefully.
"What's that?" Senna asked him.
"It is a supply of modified rounds for our specials...a variation on U.N.C.L.E. tranquilizer darts. Except these are poisonous...to humanely take out any of the creatures we may encounter."
"And that?" she pointed to a small black box.
"That is an extremely powerful explosive device, one of four. If in the event we are unable to eliminate the hybrid population...we are to destroy the island.
The location in Parkfield blew up because there were some very powerful chemicals stored there that I am counting that they will also be on the island."
He pointed to the explosive device,"Once armed these blow in conjunction with those chemicals and will level approximately eight square miles...the information you supplied us with back in New York indicated the suspected island was 7.6 miles...give or take some changes in mass since your reference charts were over a century old...I adjusted for that in my calculations when I made these."
"I saw the autopsy reports on the creature" Senna said to him, "you and Napoleon were the ones who found it...but it looked like a human baby?
"Trust me Senna...it was not. Unfortunately I bear the scars to prove it." He held up his hand showing her the still sore looking bite marks. "It packed quite a deadly venom in it's fangs...one small bite from that so-called baby nearly killed me within hours. Imagine what an adult specimen could do. We have no idea what Dr. Blackman and Thrush have developed in their labs...or if they have some sort of breeding program in progress. It is of concern to me that they have had a fair amount of subjects brought to the island and who knows what he has done to them already?"
He closed the case then locking it he returned it below. Thinking again of the task that lay ahead of them...Illya suddenly pulled his communicator contacting Elliott.
Annushka...?"
"Eveything alright? Ye don't call me like this unless there's something wrong..."
"No...I am fine. I just needed to hear your voice...is Demya alright?"
"He's fine...Illya what's wrong?"
"Nothing, sorry I cannot be there to help you pack...give Demyachka a kiss for me? Tell him his papa loves him?"
"Illya?"
"I have to go...love you. Out." He sat on the bunk for a moment, opening another bottle of cola...but perhaps it was not seasickness that bothered him...maybe it was the thought of having to kill babies...the creatures, if there were more of them on the island. It was that thought making him sick to his stomach.