Author's Note: Here's Part Two! Hope you enjoy it! For those feeling a bit
sorry for Danielle, don't worry, at the end of this chapter things will be
looking up for her
Part Two: "Mr. Kuryakin?!"
"What!!! His last name is Kuryakin!!"
"Didn't you know who you were dealing with? Haven't you noticed that most of the people in here were watching you?" April was baffled.
I wasn't listening to her anymore. *Illya is Mr. Kuryakin? I can't believe it! I've made such a fool of myself in front of him!* At first I was embarrassed then I slowly became angry. *How dare he play along with me like that! Why didn't he tell me who he was? Because he thought I wouldn't want to be friends with him? Why is that so important?* I put that thought away from me. Well, if he wasn't going to be honest with me then. I didn't finish that thought. But I was going to carry it out.
April had to leave so after she left I picked up my files and strode over to Patrick.
"Patrick, I know you're going to be late for your flight so while you pack, I'll give Mr. Kuryakin the files and the tickets."
He looked at me surprised. "Are you sure that's safe?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's just that I know you're kind of upset at him. I hope you won't be." I glared at him. ".rude," he finished lamely.
"Just give me the tickets."
After I got the tickets and the directions to Napoleon and Illya's office, I walked quickly away. On the way going there I was thinking of what I would say to him. I was so mad I couldn't think straight so I decided to just say what was on my mind as soon as I got there.
I headed right for the office doors and went in.
Illya was sitting in his desk. He was without his jacket, revealing a black leather shoulder holster and UNCLE special. He was reading a file on his desk. He didn't notice me coming in. Napoleon, who was standing behind Illya and also reading the same file, noticed me.
"Ah, Miss Leona! I didn't think you'd accept my offer so quickly." Illya looked up, smiled at me, and stood up. Before he could speak, I said, "I've brought some files and your tickets for this afternoon, Mr. Kuryakin." I emphasized his name. Illya's grin disappeared. I almost smiled at his expression but I was still upset. Napoleon did not seem to notice the exchange of glances.
"Miss Leona, may I call you Danielle?" I nodded to him but kept my hard gaze on Illya.
Illya interrupted Napoleon, "Could you please go tell Lisa to tell Mr. Waverly that I'm on my way out."
"No problem," Napoleon said grabbing his jacket from his desk. "I haven't seen her in a while. I'll see if she's free for dinner, too. If I'm lucky, that is. See you Danielle." He left and Illya and I were alone.
"So I guess you found out." Illya looked uncomfortable.
"Yes, I did. Where shall I put the files and the tickets, Mr. Kuryakin." He winced at as I emphasized his name again.
"Please put it here and I wish you would call me Illya."
I paused a moment after putting the files on his desk. "No, I think I'd rather call you Mr. Kuryakin."
"I'm sorry Danielle. I really did not want to take the assignment and I didn't know it was formerly your first case. I don't really know why you're so upset."
"Upset!" I could tell I was about to lose my temper. "I wasn't upset about that but as you do mention it, yes, maybe I am!"
Illya was starting to get angry now, too. "There is no reason to get mad at me. I do as Mr. Waverly tells me to do. That's my job."
"Well you could have refused when you heard it was someone else's assignment, let alone mine! It was important to me! Well, was important to me, now that my first mission will now be always thought up as my second mission." I was fuming. I took a deep breath to try to calm myself down. "And to top it off, you lied to me."
"I did not."
"Did too! Not even telling me your name and come to think of it, I bet you spilled your coffee on purpose! How low can you get?!"
"The reason I didn't want you to know is because I wanted to try to get Mr. Waverly to change his mind about sending me." Illya was trying to keep his voice down, too. "Then I was going to tell you who I was but the opportunity did not present itself."
"Well, Mr. Kuryakin, these are the files for your case. I put down some ideas I had about shutting down the security system. I hope you might use them unless you might come up with a better idea. Good-bye." I turned and walked straight out the door.
"Danielle."
I didn't stop.
**********
I left work early and went home. I just had time to say good-bye to Patrick and then I drove home. I lived in an apartment nearby. It was small but homey.
I immediately started my computer, turned on the Internet, sat down, and started writing an e-mail to Areht. I told him the outline of my day, no specifics of course.
Dear Areht, Thank you for e-mail! Happy your back, too! You're e-mail is the only good thing that happened today, though. My work situation is awful. I was just presented an offer for a spot in the (blank), and another took my place! This other person was rude and I sincerely hope I'll not have to work with him! We had an argument this afternoon. You know, it's nice to be able to tell someone about it (or write, as it is). My best friend is gone, I don't have any other close friends, and I don't have any relatives. I'm glad you're there, here, or whatever. Please write back as soon as you can. Please give me some advice I can use. NewYorkGirl
I read over the message once and clicked the send button. I hope he answers soon.
**********
Patrick was back in two days. The mission was a success. Patrick came over to my house for dinner that night and told me all about it after the meal.
"It was really exciting! I don't know how I lived through it!" Patrick was still in a state of excitement. I was so happy for him but a little jealous, too. "Illya and I overrode the security system and went on in, while the rest of the UNCLE team made a diversion. Let me tell you something, Illya's great to have at your side and once you get to know him, he's a really interesting guy." My glare stopped him and he once again tried to finish the story. "Um, ahem, anyway, we got in and found the cell where the doctor was being held. There were two guards waiting inside with both of their guns on us! Right then and there, I thought how this could be my first and last case but before they could start shooting, Illya had pushed me to the side, taken out his Special, and shot both of them before anyone, including me, figured out what was going on! Man, was he fast! Anyway, we got the doctor out of there and we took the fastest flight back to New York. Boy, it was exciting!" He leaned back against the sofa he was sitting on, catching his breath. My heart was also beating fast after hearing his narrative. *If only I could have been there. Stop it I told myself. No use complaining about it, just go on.*
Patrick noticed my mood. "I wish you could have been there, Danny," he said in a quiet voice. "I bet we could have finished the mission in half the time we did."
"No Patrick, you did great. I'm sure that the best that could have been done on that mission was done when you went."
We talked some more and since it was getting late, Patrick said good-by and went back to his apartment, which was only a few blocks away. I went to my computer and reread the e-mail I had gotten earlier that morning from Areht.
Dear NewYorkGirl, Sorry for the delay in writing you back. I've been thinking hard on the advice you asked from me. Well, I am really sorry about your work situation but I do have some advice for you: Keep going, Work Hard! Do not dwell on what happened; keep going on to the next step. Work Hard! If the boss didn't think you were up for the job, show him that you are! Do everything you do well, and he will notice how well you're doing. He will probably give you another chance, I'm sure of it. Areht
I was going to follow his advice.
**********
From then, I became a workaholic. I woke up every morning at 6:00, went for a 30-minute jog then went home and got ready for work. I arrived at headquarters at 8:00 and immediately began studying anything I could get my hands on in the UNCLE files. I enrolled into special UNCLE training course in phys ed., weapons, electronics, and computer. I guess my hard work was paying off because as time went by, there was improvement. Though I obviously wasn't anywhere the best, the other agents began to pay some attention to my enthusiasm. I started meeting and hanging out with other section two agents, especially with April, Mark, and of course Patrick. They were beginning to accept me.
Through all this I did my very best to ignore Illya. I had to admit, it was none of his fault that Mr. Waverly sent him on the mission instead of me, and I also admit I had acted incredibly childishly. But in the back of my mind, I still felt he shouldn't have to played along with me like that. He should have just told me who he was. I ignored him all I could. And to be honest, I couldn't face him. I had acted unprofessional at precisely the moment when I should have been acting just that. Anyway, what's done is done.
I still kept up contact with Areht and we are the best of friends. We can't tell each other any specifics about each other but I catch a few slips here and there. For one thing, he's not married since he once said that because he lives alone, it's always nice to write to someone. Another thing is that he works at all different kinds of hours, because I get messages from him at the craziest times. I wish I knew more about him, what he looked liked. If only we could meet, but that's impossible.
His advice was working though and I was happy. After a few months of working like crazy, it finally paid off. I was called to Waverly's office.
"Good afternoon Miss Leona." Mr. Waverly stood up and beckoned me to sit down.
I sat down and gave a good afternoon.
Mr. Waverly cleared his throat. "I've noticed that you have been receiving quiet a bit of attention. You've been doing extremely well in the special courses."
"Yes sir."
"I've spoken to your instructor and asked if I could take you off the course to go on a special assignment."
I tried to hide my excitement. "What special assignment is that?"
"Special courier work. Taking some top-secret files on a microdot from Rio de Janeiro back here to New York. My secretary will give you the information you'll need."
"Yes, sir."
"And Miss Leona. I will need you to take some extra precautions. THRUSH is not happy at the prospect of us having some of their valuable information. I am sure that they have not been tipped off on who will be the courier, but please be on the alert."
"Yes, sir." I stood up and started to walk out the door but I stopped and turned around. I smiled to Mr. Waverly. "And. thank you so much." Mr. Waverly just nodded.
After a short stop getting a dossier from Lisa, I walked, no, almost floated to my office. Courier mission, I know. Not that big a deal. But it was something, and I intended to make the best of it.
"Patrick!" He jumped and whatever he was drinking spilled onto his desk.
"Danielle! Do you have to come into the office mouth first! Come in, then tell me whatever you have to say." He tried wiping up the mess with a napkin.
I smiled smugly. "And you're supposed to be ready for anything. You are supposed to be an enforcement agent. Anyway, Mr. Waverly gave me a courier duty!"
"Really?!" The spilled drink was forgotten. I told him about the meeting with Mr. Waverly. Then together we looked through the files I had gotten. "Well, you better get your traveling bag ready because it says here that your flight to Rio is in 3 hours. Just enough time to read through this thing word for word, get your tickets, and get yourself to the airport."
"I'll be ready in 1 hour."
I was ready in 30 minutes.
Author's Note: Danielle's on a mission! The next chapter will be up soon! But be prepared for the unexpected! Please review and tell me what you think. I was wondering if UNCLE fans are a bit disappointed that Napoleon or Illya are not really main characters in the story. But I'll be having more of our two favorite UNCLE agents in the following chapters!
Part Two: "Mr. Kuryakin?!"
"What!!! His last name is Kuryakin!!"
"Didn't you know who you were dealing with? Haven't you noticed that most of the people in here were watching you?" April was baffled.
I wasn't listening to her anymore. *Illya is Mr. Kuryakin? I can't believe it! I've made such a fool of myself in front of him!* At first I was embarrassed then I slowly became angry. *How dare he play along with me like that! Why didn't he tell me who he was? Because he thought I wouldn't want to be friends with him? Why is that so important?* I put that thought away from me. Well, if he wasn't going to be honest with me then. I didn't finish that thought. But I was going to carry it out.
April had to leave so after she left I picked up my files and strode over to Patrick.
"Patrick, I know you're going to be late for your flight so while you pack, I'll give Mr. Kuryakin the files and the tickets."
He looked at me surprised. "Are you sure that's safe?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's just that I know you're kind of upset at him. I hope you won't be." I glared at him. ".rude," he finished lamely.
"Just give me the tickets."
After I got the tickets and the directions to Napoleon and Illya's office, I walked quickly away. On the way going there I was thinking of what I would say to him. I was so mad I couldn't think straight so I decided to just say what was on my mind as soon as I got there.
I headed right for the office doors and went in.
Illya was sitting in his desk. He was without his jacket, revealing a black leather shoulder holster and UNCLE special. He was reading a file on his desk. He didn't notice me coming in. Napoleon, who was standing behind Illya and also reading the same file, noticed me.
"Ah, Miss Leona! I didn't think you'd accept my offer so quickly." Illya looked up, smiled at me, and stood up. Before he could speak, I said, "I've brought some files and your tickets for this afternoon, Mr. Kuryakin." I emphasized his name. Illya's grin disappeared. I almost smiled at his expression but I was still upset. Napoleon did not seem to notice the exchange of glances.
"Miss Leona, may I call you Danielle?" I nodded to him but kept my hard gaze on Illya.
Illya interrupted Napoleon, "Could you please go tell Lisa to tell Mr. Waverly that I'm on my way out."
"No problem," Napoleon said grabbing his jacket from his desk. "I haven't seen her in a while. I'll see if she's free for dinner, too. If I'm lucky, that is. See you Danielle." He left and Illya and I were alone.
"So I guess you found out." Illya looked uncomfortable.
"Yes, I did. Where shall I put the files and the tickets, Mr. Kuryakin." He winced at as I emphasized his name again.
"Please put it here and I wish you would call me Illya."
I paused a moment after putting the files on his desk. "No, I think I'd rather call you Mr. Kuryakin."
"I'm sorry Danielle. I really did not want to take the assignment and I didn't know it was formerly your first case. I don't really know why you're so upset."
"Upset!" I could tell I was about to lose my temper. "I wasn't upset about that but as you do mention it, yes, maybe I am!"
Illya was starting to get angry now, too. "There is no reason to get mad at me. I do as Mr. Waverly tells me to do. That's my job."
"Well you could have refused when you heard it was someone else's assignment, let alone mine! It was important to me! Well, was important to me, now that my first mission will now be always thought up as my second mission." I was fuming. I took a deep breath to try to calm myself down. "And to top it off, you lied to me."
"I did not."
"Did too! Not even telling me your name and come to think of it, I bet you spilled your coffee on purpose! How low can you get?!"
"The reason I didn't want you to know is because I wanted to try to get Mr. Waverly to change his mind about sending me." Illya was trying to keep his voice down, too. "Then I was going to tell you who I was but the opportunity did not present itself."
"Well, Mr. Kuryakin, these are the files for your case. I put down some ideas I had about shutting down the security system. I hope you might use them unless you might come up with a better idea. Good-bye." I turned and walked straight out the door.
"Danielle."
I didn't stop.
**********
I left work early and went home. I just had time to say good-bye to Patrick and then I drove home. I lived in an apartment nearby. It was small but homey.
I immediately started my computer, turned on the Internet, sat down, and started writing an e-mail to Areht. I told him the outline of my day, no specifics of course.
Dear Areht, Thank you for e-mail! Happy your back, too! You're e-mail is the only good thing that happened today, though. My work situation is awful. I was just presented an offer for a spot in the (blank), and another took my place! This other person was rude and I sincerely hope I'll not have to work with him! We had an argument this afternoon. You know, it's nice to be able to tell someone about it (or write, as it is). My best friend is gone, I don't have any other close friends, and I don't have any relatives. I'm glad you're there, here, or whatever. Please write back as soon as you can. Please give me some advice I can use. NewYorkGirl
I read over the message once and clicked the send button. I hope he answers soon.
**********
Patrick was back in two days. The mission was a success. Patrick came over to my house for dinner that night and told me all about it after the meal.
"It was really exciting! I don't know how I lived through it!" Patrick was still in a state of excitement. I was so happy for him but a little jealous, too. "Illya and I overrode the security system and went on in, while the rest of the UNCLE team made a diversion. Let me tell you something, Illya's great to have at your side and once you get to know him, he's a really interesting guy." My glare stopped him and he once again tried to finish the story. "Um, ahem, anyway, we got in and found the cell where the doctor was being held. There were two guards waiting inside with both of their guns on us! Right then and there, I thought how this could be my first and last case but before they could start shooting, Illya had pushed me to the side, taken out his Special, and shot both of them before anyone, including me, figured out what was going on! Man, was he fast! Anyway, we got the doctor out of there and we took the fastest flight back to New York. Boy, it was exciting!" He leaned back against the sofa he was sitting on, catching his breath. My heart was also beating fast after hearing his narrative. *If only I could have been there. Stop it I told myself. No use complaining about it, just go on.*
Patrick noticed my mood. "I wish you could have been there, Danny," he said in a quiet voice. "I bet we could have finished the mission in half the time we did."
"No Patrick, you did great. I'm sure that the best that could have been done on that mission was done when you went."
We talked some more and since it was getting late, Patrick said good-by and went back to his apartment, which was only a few blocks away. I went to my computer and reread the e-mail I had gotten earlier that morning from Areht.
Dear NewYorkGirl, Sorry for the delay in writing you back. I've been thinking hard on the advice you asked from me. Well, I am really sorry about your work situation but I do have some advice for you: Keep going, Work Hard! Do not dwell on what happened; keep going on to the next step. Work Hard! If the boss didn't think you were up for the job, show him that you are! Do everything you do well, and he will notice how well you're doing. He will probably give you another chance, I'm sure of it. Areht
I was going to follow his advice.
**********
From then, I became a workaholic. I woke up every morning at 6:00, went for a 30-minute jog then went home and got ready for work. I arrived at headquarters at 8:00 and immediately began studying anything I could get my hands on in the UNCLE files. I enrolled into special UNCLE training course in phys ed., weapons, electronics, and computer. I guess my hard work was paying off because as time went by, there was improvement. Though I obviously wasn't anywhere the best, the other agents began to pay some attention to my enthusiasm. I started meeting and hanging out with other section two agents, especially with April, Mark, and of course Patrick. They were beginning to accept me.
Through all this I did my very best to ignore Illya. I had to admit, it was none of his fault that Mr. Waverly sent him on the mission instead of me, and I also admit I had acted incredibly childishly. But in the back of my mind, I still felt he shouldn't have to played along with me like that. He should have just told me who he was. I ignored him all I could. And to be honest, I couldn't face him. I had acted unprofessional at precisely the moment when I should have been acting just that. Anyway, what's done is done.
I still kept up contact with Areht and we are the best of friends. We can't tell each other any specifics about each other but I catch a few slips here and there. For one thing, he's not married since he once said that because he lives alone, it's always nice to write to someone. Another thing is that he works at all different kinds of hours, because I get messages from him at the craziest times. I wish I knew more about him, what he looked liked. If only we could meet, but that's impossible.
His advice was working though and I was happy. After a few months of working like crazy, it finally paid off. I was called to Waverly's office.
"Good afternoon Miss Leona." Mr. Waverly stood up and beckoned me to sit down.
I sat down and gave a good afternoon.
Mr. Waverly cleared his throat. "I've noticed that you have been receiving quiet a bit of attention. You've been doing extremely well in the special courses."
"Yes sir."
"I've spoken to your instructor and asked if I could take you off the course to go on a special assignment."
I tried to hide my excitement. "What special assignment is that?"
"Special courier work. Taking some top-secret files on a microdot from Rio de Janeiro back here to New York. My secretary will give you the information you'll need."
"Yes, sir."
"And Miss Leona. I will need you to take some extra precautions. THRUSH is not happy at the prospect of us having some of their valuable information. I am sure that they have not been tipped off on who will be the courier, but please be on the alert."
"Yes, sir." I stood up and started to walk out the door but I stopped and turned around. I smiled to Mr. Waverly. "And. thank you so much." Mr. Waverly just nodded.
After a short stop getting a dossier from Lisa, I walked, no, almost floated to my office. Courier mission, I know. Not that big a deal. But it was something, and I intended to make the best of it.
"Patrick!" He jumped and whatever he was drinking spilled onto his desk.
"Danielle! Do you have to come into the office mouth first! Come in, then tell me whatever you have to say." He tried wiping up the mess with a napkin.
I smiled smugly. "And you're supposed to be ready for anything. You are supposed to be an enforcement agent. Anyway, Mr. Waverly gave me a courier duty!"
"Really?!" The spilled drink was forgotten. I told him about the meeting with Mr. Waverly. Then together we looked through the files I had gotten. "Well, you better get your traveling bag ready because it says here that your flight to Rio is in 3 hours. Just enough time to read through this thing word for word, get your tickets, and get yourself to the airport."
"I'll be ready in 1 hour."
I was ready in 30 minutes.
Author's Note: Danielle's on a mission! The next chapter will be up soon! But be prepared for the unexpected! Please review and tell me what you think. I was wondering if UNCLE fans are a bit disappointed that Napoleon or Illya are not really main characters in the story. But I'll be having more of our two favorite UNCLE agents in the following chapters!