THE WINGS AFFAIR
ACT II "Another Crowning."
During the flight, Solo had tried to brief his partner on some of the basic dos and don'ts of college fraternity house etiquette, the major rule being 'don't stick out'. Illya had listened patiently while skimming a magazine and had asked no questions, much to Solo's chagrin.
"Well?" he finally demanded. "Did you hear anything I said?"
"Every word," his stoic partner replied, not lifting his eyes from the periodical. "I'll blend in." Then his eyes lifted, sparkling, and regarded Solo. "You will have more difficulties, I think. When's the last time you cleaned your apartment by yourself?" He chuckled and returned to the print. "Custodian. I must take pictures."
Solo snorted. "You're just jealous because I have such pretty housekeepers." He adjusted his tie and settled back for the rest of the flight.
When they arrived in San Diego they split up at the airport. Illya was to go directly to the frat house, and Solo to the campus administration office to check in with the university president, the only one to know their real identities. Illya changed clothes in the restroom before departing, the first step to slipping into his role as a student.
Solo watched his partner hail a cab at the curb, and had to admit that he looked the part. He'd changed into chino pants and a striped button down shirt that were popular among the 'surfer set' of the west coast, and at the curb when the offshore wind mussed his hair, Illya looked to be barely 20 years old. He smiled briefly. Oh, to be 20 again and know what I know now! the dark haired agent thought with a chuckle. He waited until his partner was whisked off before leaving the terminal himself.
Just before getting out of the cab at his destination Solo slipped off his tie and made himself look a little more casual. He had to look the part of a newly hired custodian to the staff of the university president.
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It was a couple of hours before Napoleon actually checked in with the president. He settled his things in the small apartment on the edge of the campus first after getting the keys from the secretary. He checked out all his equipment – radios, tracking devices, explosives and other items before scattering them about the room. Each device looked like the innocent belongings of any apartment dweller; an alarm clock, a small television or simply buttons on a shirt. It would be difficult to recognize the items for what they were even with a close search.
Satisfied, he ran a brush through his hair and headed off to his appointment.
The secretary, a grey haired, matronly woman, nodded an acknowledgement, and told him that the president was now available. If the dour woman was even a bit curious as to why a mere custodian was meeting with the head of a major university, she didn't show it. She was all business. Solo thanked her and stepped inside the office.
The president's office was comfortable and overlooked a grassy common area. Beyond that was a street edged with a sidewalk bustling with students. An impressive desk sat off center, and behind it a neatly dressed man rose and extended his hand in greeting.
"Mr. Solo," the man started as the agent shook his hand. "I am VICTOR MEYES, the university president. And I must say that it took several meetings with your Mr. Waverly for me to allow this investigation." He indicated with a sweep of his hand for Napoleon to sit.
"I'm sure it was a difficult decision, sir." Napoleon offered as he sat. "There's a lot of people you have to worry about out there." He indicated the students on the sidewalk with a nod of his head.
"Yes, there's a lot of responsibility with this position. The welfare of the students and staff is a primary concern. After reading all the information your organization had on the incidents, I have to admit that I was shocked and convinced there had to be investigation. Mr. Waverly's plan seemed well thought out and the man ..what is his name?"
"Kuryakin. Illya Kuryakin, sir."
"Yes, Kuryakin. Mr. Kuryakin certainly does have the qualifications but I'm concerned about his ability to blend in. He is much older than the students he's investigating, and well educated. That is the only part of all this that concerns me. I don't want him drawing attention that would result in the students around him getting injured."
"Well, sir, I don't think," Solo started, but was interrupted by the sound of a horn honking from outside. Both his and the president's attention was drawn to the window where they saw a turquoise convertible squeal to a stop at the edge of the lawn.
The car was packed to overflowing with young men, and the girls on the sidewalk scurried out of their way when several of the boys sprang from the car.
The president sighed. "Another crowning."
"Crowning?" Solo asked as he watched the young men gather at the base of a statue in the middle of the lawn, appearing to be rooting someone on from the direction of the car.
"Yes. It's messy, but basically harmless. Sort of an initiation."
"An initiation?" Solo repeated, his attention now drawn to the young man in a baseball cap who was slowly getting out of the back seat of the car. Even without seeing the young man's face, Solo knew who it was and cracked a grin. "Really? What does the .. ah .. boy have to do?"
As the president spoke Solo saw Illya shaking a can and approach the statue. When he got to the base, he raised the can up and Solo saw his partner's face from under the rim of the hat.
"They spray the statue of the mascot with beer."
Just then, Illya held up the can and punched it with a can opener. The spray hit the statue dead in the face, and rained down on the cheering boys as other onlookers scattered to avoid the spray. When the can fizzled out of ammo, the boys dashed for the car, Illya bringing up the rear. He was the last one to leap in the packed back seat as the car squealed away, horn honking. Solo saw his partner toss the can out of the car as it sped away, and wished he could see his expression.
Meyes returned his attention to Solo. "Happens a lot during hazing week at the fraternities."
Napoleon settled down with a grin, knowing he had some good teasing ammo stored away for the future. "Well, sir, if you're worried my partner won't fit in I think you should rest assured that he is, well, experienced in these things and will blend in perfectly." Well, he's experienced now, anyway! He thought happily.
"I guess we'll have to see, but I'm not thrilled about putting the welfare of my students in someone else's hands. But I see the necessity, so good luck, Mr. Solo." Meyes stood and stepped towards the door.
"So it's hazing week, is it?" Solo asked, pleased at the thought of what his partner was going to experience.
"Yes. And as a custodian, you'll get to see the some of the rituals close up. They are generally harmless but messy." He opened the door and Solo stepped into the waiting area. "And as our newest custodian, you can go wash off the mascot outside for your first assignment. Good day, Mr. Solo."
The agents smile disappeared as the door closed in his face. The sound of someone clearing their throat caused him to turn and notice the matronly secretary glaring at him.
"Well. I guess I'll be going, then." Solo said smoothly as he gave her is brightest grin and turned to go. The woman merely followed him with her eyes and then returned to her typing.