Author's Note: INCREDLY hard chapter to write! Basing it on the movies was
difficult since Illya is too good of a character. ;) Anyway, please
tolerate this chapter, things will start looking up in the next few
chapters.
Part Five: "Disappointments and a New Mission."
I was back in my office, just relaxing after a vigorous morning with Patrick. He was sitting at his desk, working but I could tell that he was watching me. I waited for him to finally say something.
He did after a while and just looked at me. I just looked back, knowing what he was going to say in a minute.
"What is it with you and Illya?! Whenever you're together it's like gasoline and fire, what results is an explosion!" he asked.
"It's none of your business Pat."
"What's worse is that innocent people are affected! You're my partner, when you're not happy, I'm not happy." I sighed, knowing that there was nothing that could make him leave me alone. "Pat, I do admit that Illya is a marvelous agent, one of the best and probably is the best. But." I looked him straight in the eye, just to make sure he got it, "that doesn't mean I have to like him."
Patrick did not answer and we left it at that. I took out my gun from my belt holster and began clean it. Even though I haven't used it ever before except in the practice range, I still had my responsibility in keeping it cleaned. *I wonder when I'll ever use this gun outside UNCLE headquarters*, I thought ruefully.
Patrick and I were startled when we heard the telephone ring on his desk. For a few seconds Patrick just stared at it. "Well, aren't you ever going to answer it?" I teased him. "You look as if you've never heard that telephone ring before."
"Ha, Ha. Very funny." He replied dryly. "Actually, this is only the third time I've heard it ring in here." He picked up the phone. "Patrick O'Shay speaking...yes... Miss Leona too?...yes, right away." He put the phone back, jumped up and began putting his jacket on.
I started to get impatient. "Sooooo, aren't you going to tell me anything?"
Patrick looked at me slyly. "Maybe I'd better keep you in suspense."
"You do and you'll be sorry."
"Okay, Okay!! I was only joking. Mr. Waverly wants us at the debriefing room immediately. So hop to it!"
I put my gun back in its place and ran after Patrick who was already out the door and at the end of the hall.
When we got to our destination, it was crowded in there. I looked around studying the place. I'd never been in here, only once when I had gotten a tour of headquarters and even then, only for few minutes. It was a large room with a big revolving round table in the center, much like Mr. Waverly's table, except maybe a little bigger. There was a big map in the center of the table, also an overhead projector. Most of the chairs were filled with many of the people who had been in the training class that morning: Napoleon, Illya, April, Mark, Dick Sumpter, and Sylvia Rogers, including Mr. Waverly and Mr. Spencer. We took some empty seats and after a few moments, Maiko Kitamura and Tanya Banks came into the room and also sat down.
After everyone had settled down and the room became quiet, Mr. Waverly began. "First, I would like to congratulate everyone today on their classes. You have been chosen to take on a special assignment." My heart fluttered. *A real assignment! A real assignment! I'm finally going to be on a mission!*
Mr. Waverly continued. "We have a very grave situation on our hands. More specifically, we are dealing with a double agent." There were shocked glances all around. Everyone was thinking, a double agent? Who? I too was shocked with the news.
"This double agent has recently been selling UNCLE information and UNCLE agent's whereabouts of all over the world to THRUSH. All we know about this agent is that he has only recently begun to sell information. We found out from one of our agents in Rome that a large sum of money has been sent from a THRUSH satrapy there to Japan. We believe that the money will be used to pay off the double agent, whether face to face or by communication we don't know. We do know that the agent will be paid off by the end of this week, that being four days away. I want all you agents to go to Japan, find this double agent or if the case is, find out who he is, and put him in our custody." He went on and on but I wasn't paying much attention.
*I can't believe it! My dream is coming true! I'll be able to go on a mission, and with what prestige! The chief enforcement agent himself along with many of the best. Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, the best of all UNCLE; Mark Slate and April Dancer, another legendary team; Partners Maiko Kitamura and Tanya Banks and another team Dick Sumpter and Sylvia Rogers. I couldn't wait till we left tomorrow. Wait a minute?! Tomorrow I'm meeting Areht!* I was in a panic. My great chance to meet with Areht but also my dream of going on an assignment were at stake! How could I choose! I hoped that the plane to Japan was going to be late at night.
**********
I was so happy that the flight to Japan was going to leave at 11:30 p.m. so I would be able to catch my date with Areht. I was at home now, after a whole afternoon of studying maps, memorizing our mission data, and getting our fake ID and passports ready. The whole group hadn't talked almost none at all, each busy with his or her own thoughts and getting ready. Illya had ignored me totally and I, too, had not looked him in the eye almost the whole afternoon. I was a happy that I would be traveling with Pat, April, and Mark on the same flight, Napoleon and Maiko on an earlier flight and the rest on a later one. I was also a little disappointed that I would have to be traveling with Illya and April (I didn't mind April) to Yokohama from Tokyo to meet Illya's friend, an informant who would probably have some information about where the cash to pay the double agent, THRUSH satrap or otherwise. The others would be working at Tokyo UNCLE Headquarters, trying to figure out where the cash was going to be sent and to whom. Once we get to that stage, we'd plan on our next move.
I cleared my head of work and set my mind on that evening. I was going to chat with him for a few minutes, not saying anything about my job of course, then tell him I'll have to leave because I'm going on a trip. I got changed into a comfortable knee length skirt and a nice shirt, wanting to look nice. I then pinned a corsage rose on my shirt so Areht will be able to recognize me. I left my apartment at exactly fifteen minutes before six o'clock, wanting to get there a little bit early. I walked at a normal rate, getting there a few minutes before six.
I was able to get a table with two chairs facing each other in the back wall of the café. It had become a habit for me to sit with my back to the wall, that way being able to observe what's going on around me. Being an agent, you put your back on something or someone you can trust.
I ordered coffee and waited. And waited. I looked at my watch which read 6:05. *He could be a just a few minutes late.* I had plenty of time to catch my flight, as long as I left by seven o'clock.
More time had passed when I ordered a refill for my coffee. It was now 6:10. I felt a wave a despair hit me. *Won't he come? Oh, please, do come. I've been waiting for so long to meet you.* I stared into my coffee, feeling as black as it looked when I heard the bell on the café door jingle as someone came in. I looked up expectantly. Or is expectantly the word? I didn't know what to except! As I had said in my letter, tall, short, light, dark, big, small. I didn't know what he looked like. But I didn't expect this.
Oh, no. Oh, no no no. I shut my eyes and opened them again. Why does he have to be here! Of all days, of all places, of all times.
"Well, if it isn't Ms. Leona. Excuse me but do you realize that your mouth is hanging open?" Illya said politely. He was as usual wearing his dark suit except he was wearing a trench coat over it.
I snapped my mouth shut but inside I was seething.
He took off his coat and hung it on the coat rack near the back of the wall where I sat. He gestured to the empty seat that was across from me. "Is this seat open?" Before I could reply he sat in it.
I found my voice and I struggled to keep it calm. "No it isn't and I'm waiting for someone so if you would mind and just go away!"
"I'll just stay here until your friend arrives." He looked at his watch. "My, is your friend late?"
I was just about to blow up at him when a waiter arrived. He asked Illya, "Is there anything I could get you sir?"
*Him staying! No way!* "Oh, no. He's not saying. He's leaving right now..."
"Coffee, just black please, thank you," Illya said, ignoring me. As the waiter went out to complete the order, I finally had a chance to say something. "Listen Mr. Kuryakin. I did not invite you here to sit with me moreover I don't want you here at all so will you just kindly, I'm sorry, if you are kind, LEAVE!"
"You certainly are in a foul mood today."
I snapped back. "It's because of a certain company I'm keeping." Why wouldn't he go away! I looked toward the door, hoping Areht will come and save me from this predicament. Maybe then Illya would take a hint and leave. But where was Areht?
"Just because of me you're being unkind and snappish?" He paused for a second as the waiter came back and placed his coffee in front of him. After we were alone again he asked curiously, "When your friend comes, are you going to extend the courtesy of being mean to him, too?"
I looked at him in shock. The nerve of him! Saying something like that! I replied coolly. "No I would not. Because the person whose coming to meet is kind, totally selfless, always thinking of me, and taking care of me. He gives me advice and encouragement, while you seem to like criticizing me and putting me down. No, I would not be mean to him." Finished, I watched to see his reaction. Nothing, nothing! Not even a hint of anger, a hint of worry, a hint of hurt, nothing! He just sat there, looking at me his face totally composed, drinking coffee.
I looked at my watch again. 6:17.
"But he's not here," the Russian said. "You say that he is kind, totally selfless, and always thinking of you, then if he is, where is he?"
He had me in a corner there because I was thinking the exact same thing. But I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing what I was thinking. "Even if he was late or doesn't show up, it's because he has a good reason. Not just those little silly reasons, but a good reason. You see, he's not the type who would even think of hurting other people's feeling, unlike you."
I saw a quick flash of hurt cross his face but disappear almost as instantly. Then I thought about what I said then felt ashamed. *How could I have said such a thing? I'm getting mad at him for something that is not his fault in the least!* I tried to open my mouth to apologize but nothing came out. But even before I tried Illya stood up and got his coat. "I guess this is my cue to leave. Good-bye Danielle." And he was gone.
I felt awful. For one thing, I had gotten mad at Illya about being unfair and unreasonable when I was the one actually attacking him and not giving him a chance. I almost felt like crying. Another thing. Areht still hadn't arrived. I waited as long as I could but at 7:00, gave up and left the café.
**********
"So, how did it go? You haven't said one word except for hello at the airport. You can tell me." April looked inquiringly into my face. We were on the plane heading for Seattle, Washington to catch another flight to Hawaii, then to Japan. And throughout the whole time from the airport to getting on the plane I had remained silent. I wasn't brooding or upset, but thinking about Areht and mostly Illya. I still couldn't believe I said those things to him and I still couldn't believe that Areht hadn't come. Even when I had gotten home, no e-mail had come through, no messages. I then had quickly packed my carry-on bag, gotten to the airport to meet Patrick, April, and Mark, and here I am.
I shook myself out of my reverie and looked at April. I could tell by her expression that she was concerned. I decided to tell her everything. I looked around the compartment of the airplane. We were in the first class section, having two chairs near the window and Mark and Patrick were in the two seats right behind us. Everyone else in first class were sleeping so in a quiet voice I told April everything, including my guilt at snapping off at Illya. After I finished talking I felt better. I guess it is true that when you talk about whatever is troubling you, you feel better.
Throughout my whole narrative, April had remained silent and now that I had finished, she told me what she thought. "I agree with you totally. I mean about Areht. I don't think he would have stood you up for just any reason except for something real important. And you're right, Illya isn't all that bad, it's just that, I don't know how to explain this well. He's just different, the way he feels and the way he explains things. You just have to try to understand him. And he really is kind and never holds a grudge without reason. If you just come out into the open with him, or probably he'll bring it up first, I think everything will work out, OK." April's smile encouraged me a lot right then.
"Thanks April, your advice will help me a lot. You're the big sister I never had," I said truthfully, because she really was like a big sister to me, always helping me in any way she could.
"Of course I am, I mean for this trip," she said cheerfully. For this mission, our cover stories being two sisters on vacation. Since we both looked a lot alike, we didn't think anybody would get suspicious. Mark was our half brother and Patrick his friend.
We got to Seattle no problem and then proceeded to Honolulu, Hawaii. We caught a glimpse of Napoleon and Maiko who had arrived there earlier but were catching a flight earlier than ours. Maiko and Napoleon were linking arms looking at the shops, their cover stories were as a soon to be married couple. Napoleon caught sight of us but did not wave, nod, smile, or anything to make anyone think we knew each other. And a couple hours after they had left, we also got on a plane to Tokyo, where we would all meet at Tokyo UNCLE Headquarters.
Author's Note: Please review and tell me what you think!
Part Five: "Disappointments and a New Mission."
I was back in my office, just relaxing after a vigorous morning with Patrick. He was sitting at his desk, working but I could tell that he was watching me. I waited for him to finally say something.
He did after a while and just looked at me. I just looked back, knowing what he was going to say in a minute.
"What is it with you and Illya?! Whenever you're together it's like gasoline and fire, what results is an explosion!" he asked.
"It's none of your business Pat."
"What's worse is that innocent people are affected! You're my partner, when you're not happy, I'm not happy." I sighed, knowing that there was nothing that could make him leave me alone. "Pat, I do admit that Illya is a marvelous agent, one of the best and probably is the best. But." I looked him straight in the eye, just to make sure he got it, "that doesn't mean I have to like him."
Patrick did not answer and we left it at that. I took out my gun from my belt holster and began clean it. Even though I haven't used it ever before except in the practice range, I still had my responsibility in keeping it cleaned. *I wonder when I'll ever use this gun outside UNCLE headquarters*, I thought ruefully.
Patrick and I were startled when we heard the telephone ring on his desk. For a few seconds Patrick just stared at it. "Well, aren't you ever going to answer it?" I teased him. "You look as if you've never heard that telephone ring before."
"Ha, Ha. Very funny." He replied dryly. "Actually, this is only the third time I've heard it ring in here." He picked up the phone. "Patrick O'Shay speaking...yes... Miss Leona too?...yes, right away." He put the phone back, jumped up and began putting his jacket on.
I started to get impatient. "Sooooo, aren't you going to tell me anything?"
Patrick looked at me slyly. "Maybe I'd better keep you in suspense."
"You do and you'll be sorry."
"Okay, Okay!! I was only joking. Mr. Waverly wants us at the debriefing room immediately. So hop to it!"
I put my gun back in its place and ran after Patrick who was already out the door and at the end of the hall.
When we got to our destination, it was crowded in there. I looked around studying the place. I'd never been in here, only once when I had gotten a tour of headquarters and even then, only for few minutes. It was a large room with a big revolving round table in the center, much like Mr. Waverly's table, except maybe a little bigger. There was a big map in the center of the table, also an overhead projector. Most of the chairs were filled with many of the people who had been in the training class that morning: Napoleon, Illya, April, Mark, Dick Sumpter, and Sylvia Rogers, including Mr. Waverly and Mr. Spencer. We took some empty seats and after a few moments, Maiko Kitamura and Tanya Banks came into the room and also sat down.
After everyone had settled down and the room became quiet, Mr. Waverly began. "First, I would like to congratulate everyone today on their classes. You have been chosen to take on a special assignment." My heart fluttered. *A real assignment! A real assignment! I'm finally going to be on a mission!*
Mr. Waverly continued. "We have a very grave situation on our hands. More specifically, we are dealing with a double agent." There were shocked glances all around. Everyone was thinking, a double agent? Who? I too was shocked with the news.
"This double agent has recently been selling UNCLE information and UNCLE agent's whereabouts of all over the world to THRUSH. All we know about this agent is that he has only recently begun to sell information. We found out from one of our agents in Rome that a large sum of money has been sent from a THRUSH satrapy there to Japan. We believe that the money will be used to pay off the double agent, whether face to face or by communication we don't know. We do know that the agent will be paid off by the end of this week, that being four days away. I want all you agents to go to Japan, find this double agent or if the case is, find out who he is, and put him in our custody." He went on and on but I wasn't paying much attention.
*I can't believe it! My dream is coming true! I'll be able to go on a mission, and with what prestige! The chief enforcement agent himself along with many of the best. Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, the best of all UNCLE; Mark Slate and April Dancer, another legendary team; Partners Maiko Kitamura and Tanya Banks and another team Dick Sumpter and Sylvia Rogers. I couldn't wait till we left tomorrow. Wait a minute?! Tomorrow I'm meeting Areht!* I was in a panic. My great chance to meet with Areht but also my dream of going on an assignment were at stake! How could I choose! I hoped that the plane to Japan was going to be late at night.
**********
I was so happy that the flight to Japan was going to leave at 11:30 p.m. so I would be able to catch my date with Areht. I was at home now, after a whole afternoon of studying maps, memorizing our mission data, and getting our fake ID and passports ready. The whole group hadn't talked almost none at all, each busy with his or her own thoughts and getting ready. Illya had ignored me totally and I, too, had not looked him in the eye almost the whole afternoon. I was a happy that I would be traveling with Pat, April, and Mark on the same flight, Napoleon and Maiko on an earlier flight and the rest on a later one. I was also a little disappointed that I would have to be traveling with Illya and April (I didn't mind April) to Yokohama from Tokyo to meet Illya's friend, an informant who would probably have some information about where the cash to pay the double agent, THRUSH satrap or otherwise. The others would be working at Tokyo UNCLE Headquarters, trying to figure out where the cash was going to be sent and to whom. Once we get to that stage, we'd plan on our next move.
I cleared my head of work and set my mind on that evening. I was going to chat with him for a few minutes, not saying anything about my job of course, then tell him I'll have to leave because I'm going on a trip. I got changed into a comfortable knee length skirt and a nice shirt, wanting to look nice. I then pinned a corsage rose on my shirt so Areht will be able to recognize me. I left my apartment at exactly fifteen minutes before six o'clock, wanting to get there a little bit early. I walked at a normal rate, getting there a few minutes before six.
I was able to get a table with two chairs facing each other in the back wall of the café. It had become a habit for me to sit with my back to the wall, that way being able to observe what's going on around me. Being an agent, you put your back on something or someone you can trust.
I ordered coffee and waited. And waited. I looked at my watch which read 6:05. *He could be a just a few minutes late.* I had plenty of time to catch my flight, as long as I left by seven o'clock.
More time had passed when I ordered a refill for my coffee. It was now 6:10. I felt a wave a despair hit me. *Won't he come? Oh, please, do come. I've been waiting for so long to meet you.* I stared into my coffee, feeling as black as it looked when I heard the bell on the café door jingle as someone came in. I looked up expectantly. Or is expectantly the word? I didn't know what to except! As I had said in my letter, tall, short, light, dark, big, small. I didn't know what he looked like. But I didn't expect this.
Oh, no. Oh, no no no. I shut my eyes and opened them again. Why does he have to be here! Of all days, of all places, of all times.
"Well, if it isn't Ms. Leona. Excuse me but do you realize that your mouth is hanging open?" Illya said politely. He was as usual wearing his dark suit except he was wearing a trench coat over it.
I snapped my mouth shut but inside I was seething.
He took off his coat and hung it on the coat rack near the back of the wall where I sat. He gestured to the empty seat that was across from me. "Is this seat open?" Before I could reply he sat in it.
I found my voice and I struggled to keep it calm. "No it isn't and I'm waiting for someone so if you would mind and just go away!"
"I'll just stay here until your friend arrives." He looked at his watch. "My, is your friend late?"
I was just about to blow up at him when a waiter arrived. He asked Illya, "Is there anything I could get you sir?"
*Him staying! No way!* "Oh, no. He's not saying. He's leaving right now..."
"Coffee, just black please, thank you," Illya said, ignoring me. As the waiter went out to complete the order, I finally had a chance to say something. "Listen Mr. Kuryakin. I did not invite you here to sit with me moreover I don't want you here at all so will you just kindly, I'm sorry, if you are kind, LEAVE!"
"You certainly are in a foul mood today."
I snapped back. "It's because of a certain company I'm keeping." Why wouldn't he go away! I looked toward the door, hoping Areht will come and save me from this predicament. Maybe then Illya would take a hint and leave. But where was Areht?
"Just because of me you're being unkind and snappish?" He paused for a second as the waiter came back and placed his coffee in front of him. After we were alone again he asked curiously, "When your friend comes, are you going to extend the courtesy of being mean to him, too?"
I looked at him in shock. The nerve of him! Saying something like that! I replied coolly. "No I would not. Because the person whose coming to meet is kind, totally selfless, always thinking of me, and taking care of me. He gives me advice and encouragement, while you seem to like criticizing me and putting me down. No, I would not be mean to him." Finished, I watched to see his reaction. Nothing, nothing! Not even a hint of anger, a hint of worry, a hint of hurt, nothing! He just sat there, looking at me his face totally composed, drinking coffee.
I looked at my watch again. 6:17.
"But he's not here," the Russian said. "You say that he is kind, totally selfless, and always thinking of you, then if he is, where is he?"
He had me in a corner there because I was thinking the exact same thing. But I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing what I was thinking. "Even if he was late or doesn't show up, it's because he has a good reason. Not just those little silly reasons, but a good reason. You see, he's not the type who would even think of hurting other people's feeling, unlike you."
I saw a quick flash of hurt cross his face but disappear almost as instantly. Then I thought about what I said then felt ashamed. *How could I have said such a thing? I'm getting mad at him for something that is not his fault in the least!* I tried to open my mouth to apologize but nothing came out. But even before I tried Illya stood up and got his coat. "I guess this is my cue to leave. Good-bye Danielle." And he was gone.
I felt awful. For one thing, I had gotten mad at Illya about being unfair and unreasonable when I was the one actually attacking him and not giving him a chance. I almost felt like crying. Another thing. Areht still hadn't arrived. I waited as long as I could but at 7:00, gave up and left the café.
**********
"So, how did it go? You haven't said one word except for hello at the airport. You can tell me." April looked inquiringly into my face. We were on the plane heading for Seattle, Washington to catch another flight to Hawaii, then to Japan. And throughout the whole time from the airport to getting on the plane I had remained silent. I wasn't brooding or upset, but thinking about Areht and mostly Illya. I still couldn't believe I said those things to him and I still couldn't believe that Areht hadn't come. Even when I had gotten home, no e-mail had come through, no messages. I then had quickly packed my carry-on bag, gotten to the airport to meet Patrick, April, and Mark, and here I am.
I shook myself out of my reverie and looked at April. I could tell by her expression that she was concerned. I decided to tell her everything. I looked around the compartment of the airplane. We were in the first class section, having two chairs near the window and Mark and Patrick were in the two seats right behind us. Everyone else in first class were sleeping so in a quiet voice I told April everything, including my guilt at snapping off at Illya. After I finished talking I felt better. I guess it is true that when you talk about whatever is troubling you, you feel better.
Throughout my whole narrative, April had remained silent and now that I had finished, she told me what she thought. "I agree with you totally. I mean about Areht. I don't think he would have stood you up for just any reason except for something real important. And you're right, Illya isn't all that bad, it's just that, I don't know how to explain this well. He's just different, the way he feels and the way he explains things. You just have to try to understand him. And he really is kind and never holds a grudge without reason. If you just come out into the open with him, or probably he'll bring it up first, I think everything will work out, OK." April's smile encouraged me a lot right then.
"Thanks April, your advice will help me a lot. You're the big sister I never had," I said truthfully, because she really was like a big sister to me, always helping me in any way she could.
"Of course I am, I mean for this trip," she said cheerfully. For this mission, our cover stories being two sisters on vacation. Since we both looked a lot alike, we didn't think anybody would get suspicious. Mark was our half brother and Patrick his friend.
We got to Seattle no problem and then proceeded to Honolulu, Hawaii. We caught a glimpse of Napoleon and Maiko who had arrived there earlier but were catching a flight earlier than ours. Maiko and Napoleon were linking arms looking at the shops, their cover stories were as a soon to be married couple. Napoleon caught sight of us but did not wave, nod, smile, or anything to make anyone think we knew each other. And a couple hours after they had left, we also got on a plane to Tokyo, where we would all meet at Tokyo UNCLE Headquarters.
Author's Note: Please review and tell me what you think!