Author's Note: Thank you for writing reviews everyone! Here's another
chapter for you all! For those who gave signed reviews, I hope you've
received my thank you e-mails. And for those who wrote anonymous reviews,
you'll see my notes to you guys underneath:
*Susie* - Thanks a lot! I'm hoping you'll enjoy this chapter though my story is almost finished. After this I'm hoping to publish another of my UNCLE stories I wrote a while back.
*Jeanne* - I'm always eagerly awaiting your jokes! Sorry for not writing you by e-mail, hope you're reading this message! The new name is a MUCH better than UVST, don't you think? Btw, I DID have a wonderful Easter! Had an Easter egg hunt!
*Rie* - Hi, I'm glad you're reading this! Tell me about your favorite part when I see you at school, ok?
*Gary Lee* - Very happy that you think my story is well-balanced! Not many people have commented on the plot so I was hoping that it's been written well. I hope everyone is still in suspense who the double agent is! Some more action in this chapter!
*Maria* - My faithful, faithful, FAITHFUL buddie! My thanks cannot be expressed in words, thanks for your support always! (thanks for the bruises in helping me choreograph the fight scenes!)
Part 9: "Things Become Clearer."
I found my voice and exclaimed, "You're the double agent?"
Masahiro laughed, not anymore the kind, UNCLE agent I thought he was. "You UNCLE people are so naïve. You think that THRUSH can't get through more than one double agent? No, my partner is the one you're talking about."
*Why didn't anyone think of it before! There is more than one double agent!* I tried to remain calm though the gun pointed at me wasn't helping. I looked down at Illya to try to determine the extent of his injuries.
Masahiro noticed my glance. "Oh, your friend is ok. Just took a slight bump to the head. He should be out for a few hours, waking up to a splendid headache." His expression became serious. "But we're wasting time chatting."
"What are you going to do?"
"Haven't you guessed? UNCLE knows you are not the double agent. But I am going to make sure they do. THRUSH knows about your plan to infiltrate their base. And they're going to let them."
I suddenly realized where this was all leading to. "You changed your files, putting the blame on me as the double agent!"
He nodded then continued. "My friend will make sure UNCLE finds out who the 'real' double agent is. When they return, they will start an investigation, finding incriminating evidence in you apartment, including a Swiss bank account, e-mails, etcetera and etcetera."
I searched my mind for an escape and began pulling at straws. "But I know who you are and you'll also be caught. Plus Illya."
"I won't be blamed one bit, since they won't be able to find you, along with some very secret UNCLE plans for their project in South America. And Illya here will only remember a masked man and it would be assumed that I was just a THRUSH agent or a partner." What he said sunk in. *If they can't find me, they'll assume I fled with the information! I have to do something but what?* I again glanced at Illya. *Wake up, wake up!*
"Come with me, there's a car waiting." The THRUSH agent waved his gun towards the door. As he waved, I knew it would be my only chance. I pounced on him from his side away from the gun, tackling him to the ground. I tried to knock him out but he drove a punch to my jaw. *Ouch, no time to be thinking about that!* I staggered back and before I knew it, he had me face-down on the ground with my arms pinned. I twisted my face to look up at him and saw him raise his gun for a blow. Closing my eyes, I waited for the pain but instead felt him go limp and fall next to me. *Illya!* I snapped open my eyes to see Illya reaching a hand out to me. But as he was helping me up I suddenly felt my jaw seem to go on fire.
"Hurt bad?"
"Mmmhmm. What about your head?"
He touched it tentatively and winced. "Ok I guess. Sorry I couldn't help you more quickly. I didn't have the opportunity and it was better we got some information from Masahiro."
"I thought you were out?"
"Hmph. It's just a scratch, no major damage done, just a bit stunned." He glanced at his watch before heading towards the living room/kitchenette. "We'd better get going if we want to help Napoleon." Illya opened the hotel refrigerator and took out some ice. Wrapping a rag around some ice, he handed it to me. "Put it against your jaw before it swells."
I complied as I watched him wash his own wound. "Why are we going to Napoleon and the rest? They're at THRUSH headquarters right? We've got Masahiro and he'll tell UNCLE that I'm innocent!"
"I guess you weren't listening to our friend. There's one more double agent out there. And we're going to catch him. Masahiro said that his companion will make sure UNCLE gets the information on your being the double agent. So that means."
"Our culprit is in our team!" I was baffled. *Who could it be? There's Dick, Sylvie, Tanya, Maiko. and it couldn't be April, Mark, or even Napoleon? Or could it?* "Illya," I started asking slowly, choosing my words carefully, "who do you think it is?"
He paused, deep in thought. "I'm assuming it's one of our newer recruits. Napoleon, Mark, and April have been in UNCLE too long. I can make a safe bet that they're not involved." I agreed. Illya looked up with a gleam in his eye. "And the best way to catch him or her is to delve pretty deep into THRUSH." He picked up his communicator pen and signaled Napoleon. "This is Illya. Have you gotten into THRUSH yet?"
**********
"How did you convince Napoleon to let us come?" I asked Illya who was now wearing all black. I was still nervous about his plan.
"It was pretty simple. First of all, somehow we must get into THRUSH's main frame computer to hack deep enough to find the real information we need. Second, we can't trust anybody on the team except Napoleon, Mark, April, and us. And third and most important," Illya paused to look into my eyes with a smile, "I'm the only one who can get into that computer."
Somehow or another, his simple statement gave me more hope. I so wanted to get this whole ordeal over with. And I'm sure UNCLE was also getting a bit tired with our traitor.
I reviewed the plan in my head. Since Napoleon had still been at UNCLE headquarters, Illya was able to contact him without alerting the others. Though it was taken a bit of convincing, the senior agent had agreed to let Illya and me follow afterwards into THRUSH. We were to wait for a signal from Napoleon, which was to come at any moment.
I glanced around the street. It was only 9:00 in the evening and since it was in the city, there were still people milling around, cars zooming by, and most places still open. I glanced across the street to our destination. A pretty large building made up of many small business agencies and stores, common in Japan.
Beep, beep. "That's our signal! They're in. Now it's our turn." Illya ushered me ahead of him but I held my ground.
"No way am I going ahead of you! You're the one who's injured, not me." *Plus I can't help being a little nervous.* I was glad he didn't argue as he went past me making me jog to try to keep up. But the skirt I was wearing didn't help any.
"Illya. Illya!" He stopped right in front of the building, reading a sign which had a list of all the businesses in the building. "Will you explain to me just one more time why I have to wear this get up? Skirts are not my thing!" I fiddled with the strap of my purse while picturing myself. I was wearing a clean cut blouse with a matching navy vest and knee length skirt, complete with a small purse. Illya was also looking me up and down.
"Don't worry, you look perfect. Now remember, you're my secretary and I am a businessman. I have been here about a month and since my business is finished here, I would like to book a special charter flight tour around Japan. You are both my secretary and my translator, your reason for staying with me."
"But you know as well as I do that I can't speak Japanese!"
"Danielle, and as I have already mentioned, all of these travel agency people can speak English. They'll take one look at us and since we're obviously not Japanese they'll greet us in English. OK?"
I just nodded as I made a quick glance of Illya. He was wearing his black suit and tie and in one hand held a briefcase. I reached out to straighten his tie, not because of it being crooked. Illya noticed my hands were shaking a bit.
"Hey, it'll be ok." He looked straight into my eyes, continuing, "I have complete faith that I'll get into the main frame computer. Plus, I know from experience that THRUSH always fouls up in some way. Now let's get going."
*All right, let's get going!* I summoned up all of my nervousness then let it all go as I exhaled. I was ready.
**********
The travel agency we were heading for was way back in the corner of the building. The glass doors in front showed through to a nice, small yet comfortable room. Behind the desk sat one man and one woman. The woman stood up to greet us.
"Hello, how may I help you?"
Illya said under his breathe, "I told you." I was just glad I didn't have to call up on my so-called 'Japanese skills'.
"Yes, you can help me. I am James Tekker and I would like to reserve a tour flight around Japan?"
The Japanese lady gave a charming smile. "Then you've come to the right place. Are you traveling alone or with your companion.?"
"My secretary. Yes, she will also be accompanying me. Could you tell me." As Illya continued chatting with the woman, I assessed the room, confident that Illya was also doing the same. We knew there was an underground THRUSH satrapy, one of the main entrances leading from this office. I had asked why we had to come through the front door, Illya's only response being, "because THRUSH won't expect it." One camera, ahead of us and to the left. There was only one door leading out of this room behind the desk, probably to an office.
I jerked out of my thoughts as the Japanese man sitting by the front desk computer stood stiffened slightly. He looked up at us then back at his computer. As he was getting up, Illya glanced at me, and I realized he wanted me to look at the screen. Pretending to study one of the pamphlets at the corner of the desk, I was able to get a look at the monitor. By then the man was whispering in the woman's ear. Her expression seemed to falter for a brief second, then resumed to her 'smile to everyone' face as she continued to listen. But I had seen enough. On the screen were X-ray pictures of Illya, me, my purse, and the briefcase. And it clearly showed that Illya and I were not your average business people.
I kicked Illya slightly and he got the message. He put both of his hands on the desk, slightly raised so the gun on his wrist holster was pointing directly at the two secretaries. I knew he didn't want THRUSH underground to see us through the camera. "Now nice and slowly, I want you, Miss Okamoto, to tell me if the security camera has sound." Illya spoke calmly and clearly, but underneath there was a deadly seriousness.
The girl nodded her head. The man seemed angry as he looked at her then remembering Illya's gun, didn't speak.
I let Illya do the talking as I went to one side of the room, out of sight from the camera. Then I went directly underneath it, looking at the wires. I made sure there was no sound since she could be lying. I confirmed there was no sound then told Illya.
"Very good Miss. Now, is there someone always monitoring the camera?"
"The guards in the office. There are two."
"Behind you?"
"Yes."
Illya gave a smile, more for the benefit of the camera. "Thank you. Now if you would please, I would like you," he nodded to the man, "to sit down. I will continue having a conversation with this lady. Danielle? Take care of the guards."
*Take care of the guards, simple as that. Well, I'm supposed to be trained for these things, here I go!* I strode into the office and surveyed the situation in the blink of an eye. Two guards, both dressed in suits stood up from their seats surprised. Acting also surprised, I managed a flustered appearance.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry! My boss was talking with the front desk and I just was looking around. Again I'm so terribly sorry." All the time I inched into the room without receiving any suspicion.
"It's all right Miss. But I'm sorry you must leave this room. Office personnel only."
"Oh, I totally agree! I am completely in the wrong!" Then I pointed to the computer in the room. "My goodness! That looks like such a fascinating computer! May I.?" I strode forward as if to get a look at the computer, instead I delivered a high kick at the closest THRUSHie. While he was trying to recover I then punched the second guy in the solar plexus and as he tried to catch his breathe, knocked him out with a karate chop. The other guy had already recovered by that time and came at me. I ducked down but as I did, I lifted my leg high up in a straight kick to his chin, bringing him down and out. I called out to Illya that the coast was clear.
He came in leading the other two THRUSH agents. With quick efficiency, we tied all four up, after injecting them with a knockout serum. I took off my skirt revealing the stretch pants I had worn rolled up underneath. I rolled them down then took off my light sweater, leaving the blouse on. I readjusted my hip holster and checked my gun again out of habit to make sure it was loaded up. Illya took only his tie off then opened the briefcase containing everything we would need. He got out a small black kit with the computer tools he would need, plus got extra clips for himself. I had most of my equipment in my purse so taking off the straps I clipped it like a pouch onto my belt. "Ready?" "Yes." And I meant it.
**********
It took just a few seconds for Illya to find the hidden elevator to go underground, disguised as an closet. In the elevator I asked, "Do you think Napoleon and the others will get in ok?"
"I'm most assured they will since THRUSH wants them to get the information on you. All you have to do is worry about us." That did not assure me one bit.
When we reached the bottom, there was only one guard whom Illya took care of easily. Dragging him into an empty room close by, I kept a look out while Illya switched clothes with the guard. Soon he came out wearing the guard's uniform. I gave a small smile and said, "No one would notice you." Since the guard was about a size larger than Illya, the uniform looked a bit baggy around the middle.
Illya just sighed. "Well, I can't be choosy. I'll just have to tighten my belt." It helped but not much.
Inside the guards inner pocket was a map of the THRUSH establishment. I pointed to one of the boxes marked "MF Computer". "That has got to be where the main frame computer is."
The Russian shook his head. Instead of looking at the map he was looking at another print-out piece of paper he had found. "I don't think so. This is a print-out of all the work shifts of the guards. There's one room which has the most number of guards and it's just called Room 4. Here it is on the map."
"Then probably the real Main Frame computer is kept in Room 4?" I was a bit confused. "But how would THRUSH have known we would capture this guard and look at these papers? They didn't know we would be coming through the main entrance."
"That doesn't matter. THRUSH never really trusts their underlings with valuable information anyway." Illya started down the hall towards Room 4.
"What if somebody sees me? Or hopefully they won't notice me."
The UNCLE agent smiled. "I'm not sure if anybody could not notice you." I blushed as he left his eyes drift up and down my outfit. Seeing my discomfiture, he continued, "If and when the situation comes up, I'll handle it. Stick close." And since I already was sticking close the conversation was finished.
Reaching Room 4 we found another two guards. Together we went up to them and I let Illya talk. "Excuse me, I was told to bring her to the computer in Room 4. She's a technician."
The bigger guard seemed puzzled. "But we already have a technician working inside right now. And I didn't hear anything about this woman getting any clearance to enter here." *I hope we're not in trouble* I thought sarcastically.
Illya shrugged. "Then I guess it doesn't matter." In a flash, Illya had both guards out of commission. I got my gun out and on his signal, we both went in the unlocked room and shot the remaining two guards inside. There was one other man in the room but was not dressed in a THRUSH uniform. Keeping my gun trained on him, Illya dragged the two guards outside the room and locked the door.
"I presume you're the technician?" I asked the man who appeared to be very timid. He nodded. "Would you mind getting up from your seat?" He seemed only too happy to oblige as he moved away from the chair. Illya immediately took his place then began typing away, thus leaving me to the tech. I didn't really feel like knocking him out to wake up to a headache so I got a small spray bottle from my bag. Holding it up to his face I told him, "This won't hurt at all and you'll wake up just fine." Spraying him with the drug, he was out like a light.
I turned my attention to Illya as I peered at the monitor over Illya's shoulder. "So you still think you'll be able to hack deep enough?"
"I think so," he said without taking his eyes off his work.
"An 'I think so' is not enough! My job let alone my reputation is hanging on the line here! If you can't find the information, UNCLE will have to assume that finding my name in the THRUSH computer banks is the correct information. I'll be put away for life!"
"Oh ye of little faith."
"ARGH!"
"Sorry, this could take a while though." Illya's typing on the keys did not cease for a few seconds. Realizing there was not much I could do for a while, I did the only thing I could do. Pace.
After a few minutes, Illya's communicator beeped. "Come in Illya, this is Napoleon."
Since Illya was occupied he motioned for me to answer. "Napoleon, this is Danielle." I paused before telling him what Illya was doing since I didn't know whether he was alone or with the others.
Napoleon continued. "No problems on this side. We're on our way back to UNCLE headquarters. We got out ok with the information intended for us to bring. None of the team has seen the file except me. The whole file clearly mentions Danielle is the double agent, and gives any information on how we can prove it with bank account numbers and such. Any progress?"
I looked over at Illya who was finally paying attention to the conversation. He took the pen from my hand. "Napoleon, this is Illya. Everything's fine over here but this is taking a lot longer than I expected. I'm hacked into the files but everything has to be decoded. And since I don't want to be stuck here anymore than I have to, I'm just going to download all of the files onto a memory disk. I'll work on it back at the hotel."
"All right. Hurry up, will you? You'll ruin your reputation of being a fast worker if it gets out that it takes you at least an hour to hack a file."
Illya's tone was just as teasing as he replied, "Well, it'll ruin your reputation as well if I explain that you were bothering me the whole time." I laughed quietly to myself. "Gotcha. See you later."
As quickly as possible, Illya then downloaded the file onto a disk and we were out of there. We made a clean getaway with absolutely no problems.
**********
In a few minutes we were back at the hotel. Illya changed back to his suit then immediately began working on the files. I sat down and began asking him the questions that were on my mind.
"What is the double agent going to do now? He or she knows UNCLE has the information to put me away." I was still worried about the double agent and with good cause. There was still the possibility the person would get away.
"We'll catch the person. We have all the information we need on this computer."
"Which you still haven't decoded."
"You can't rush genius." Illya grinned then stopped for a second to look at me. He seemed to think for a moment and he tried to say something but held back.
I was a bit puzzled. "What?"
He just sighed. "Nothing." He set his mind back to work. I shrugged the feeling of frustration off. *What is he holding back?*
I stood up and said, "I'm going to get some coffee. Want some?" He shook his head.
*Fine, whatever.* I left the room and went down to the lobby where there was a small coffee room and sat at the bar. Ordering a latté and cookie, I mused over the day's events. I was content that everything would work out fine. But for some reason, at the back of my mind I felt a bit wary. I felt like something terrible would happen. I remembered how sick in my stomach I had felt when I saw Masahiro Kumasaki standing over Illya's body.
Then in a flash I realized why I felt like something was not quite right. *Masahiro had said that there just wasn't one double agent, there were two, him and his partner. Well, we know that. But since Masahiro is right now being interrogated in an UNCLE cell, our traitor probably knows that he couldn't get rid of me. All he would have to do his contact THRUSH and find out Illya and I got into the real main computer.* With a sudden rush of clarity I realized that the only way the double agent would be able to save his skin was get rid of Illya, the files, and me.
I left the coffee and the cookie barely touched and rushed for the elevators. And the result of my hurry was having a run-in with an elderly couple. In frustration I put on a good face and helped pick up the bag the old woman had dropped. Fortunately the couple was good natured and just smiled and nodded. Nodding in return, I resumed heading for the elevator. But I soon realized that the few seconds delay in helping the couple had actually saved my life.
Because it was then that I saw someone waiting at the elevator. For some reason I hid behind the pillar and recognized the person. *Why in the world? Why is that person here? Unless. that's our double agent! I was right. I knew that Illya and the files are in jeopardy.* I berated myself for being so stupid as to leave my communicator pen in the hotel room. Fortunately. I had my gun with me. And I had a sneaky feeling I would need it.
Author's Note: Oh, another cliff hanger! I hope you've enjoyed my story! Just one more chapter and my story will be finished! Please review!
*Susie* - Thanks a lot! I'm hoping you'll enjoy this chapter though my story is almost finished. After this I'm hoping to publish another of my UNCLE stories I wrote a while back.
*Jeanne* - I'm always eagerly awaiting your jokes! Sorry for not writing you by e-mail, hope you're reading this message! The new name is a MUCH better than UVST, don't you think? Btw, I DID have a wonderful Easter! Had an Easter egg hunt!
*Rie* - Hi, I'm glad you're reading this! Tell me about your favorite part when I see you at school, ok?
*Gary Lee* - Very happy that you think my story is well-balanced! Not many people have commented on the plot so I was hoping that it's been written well. I hope everyone is still in suspense who the double agent is! Some more action in this chapter!
*Maria* - My faithful, faithful, FAITHFUL buddie! My thanks cannot be expressed in words, thanks for your support always! (thanks for the bruises in helping me choreograph the fight scenes!)
Part 9: "Things Become Clearer."
I found my voice and exclaimed, "You're the double agent?"
Masahiro laughed, not anymore the kind, UNCLE agent I thought he was. "You UNCLE people are so naïve. You think that THRUSH can't get through more than one double agent? No, my partner is the one you're talking about."
*Why didn't anyone think of it before! There is more than one double agent!* I tried to remain calm though the gun pointed at me wasn't helping. I looked down at Illya to try to determine the extent of his injuries.
Masahiro noticed my glance. "Oh, your friend is ok. Just took a slight bump to the head. He should be out for a few hours, waking up to a splendid headache." His expression became serious. "But we're wasting time chatting."
"What are you going to do?"
"Haven't you guessed? UNCLE knows you are not the double agent. But I am going to make sure they do. THRUSH knows about your plan to infiltrate their base. And they're going to let them."
I suddenly realized where this was all leading to. "You changed your files, putting the blame on me as the double agent!"
He nodded then continued. "My friend will make sure UNCLE finds out who the 'real' double agent is. When they return, they will start an investigation, finding incriminating evidence in you apartment, including a Swiss bank account, e-mails, etcetera and etcetera."
I searched my mind for an escape and began pulling at straws. "But I know who you are and you'll also be caught. Plus Illya."
"I won't be blamed one bit, since they won't be able to find you, along with some very secret UNCLE plans for their project in South America. And Illya here will only remember a masked man and it would be assumed that I was just a THRUSH agent or a partner." What he said sunk in. *If they can't find me, they'll assume I fled with the information! I have to do something but what?* I again glanced at Illya. *Wake up, wake up!*
"Come with me, there's a car waiting." The THRUSH agent waved his gun towards the door. As he waved, I knew it would be my only chance. I pounced on him from his side away from the gun, tackling him to the ground. I tried to knock him out but he drove a punch to my jaw. *Ouch, no time to be thinking about that!* I staggered back and before I knew it, he had me face-down on the ground with my arms pinned. I twisted my face to look up at him and saw him raise his gun for a blow. Closing my eyes, I waited for the pain but instead felt him go limp and fall next to me. *Illya!* I snapped open my eyes to see Illya reaching a hand out to me. But as he was helping me up I suddenly felt my jaw seem to go on fire.
"Hurt bad?"
"Mmmhmm. What about your head?"
He touched it tentatively and winced. "Ok I guess. Sorry I couldn't help you more quickly. I didn't have the opportunity and it was better we got some information from Masahiro."
"I thought you were out?"
"Hmph. It's just a scratch, no major damage done, just a bit stunned." He glanced at his watch before heading towards the living room/kitchenette. "We'd better get going if we want to help Napoleon." Illya opened the hotel refrigerator and took out some ice. Wrapping a rag around some ice, he handed it to me. "Put it against your jaw before it swells."
I complied as I watched him wash his own wound. "Why are we going to Napoleon and the rest? They're at THRUSH headquarters right? We've got Masahiro and he'll tell UNCLE that I'm innocent!"
"I guess you weren't listening to our friend. There's one more double agent out there. And we're going to catch him. Masahiro said that his companion will make sure UNCLE gets the information on your being the double agent. So that means."
"Our culprit is in our team!" I was baffled. *Who could it be? There's Dick, Sylvie, Tanya, Maiko. and it couldn't be April, Mark, or even Napoleon? Or could it?* "Illya," I started asking slowly, choosing my words carefully, "who do you think it is?"
He paused, deep in thought. "I'm assuming it's one of our newer recruits. Napoleon, Mark, and April have been in UNCLE too long. I can make a safe bet that they're not involved." I agreed. Illya looked up with a gleam in his eye. "And the best way to catch him or her is to delve pretty deep into THRUSH." He picked up his communicator pen and signaled Napoleon. "This is Illya. Have you gotten into THRUSH yet?"
**********
"How did you convince Napoleon to let us come?" I asked Illya who was now wearing all black. I was still nervous about his plan.
"It was pretty simple. First of all, somehow we must get into THRUSH's main frame computer to hack deep enough to find the real information we need. Second, we can't trust anybody on the team except Napoleon, Mark, April, and us. And third and most important," Illya paused to look into my eyes with a smile, "I'm the only one who can get into that computer."
Somehow or another, his simple statement gave me more hope. I so wanted to get this whole ordeal over with. And I'm sure UNCLE was also getting a bit tired with our traitor.
I reviewed the plan in my head. Since Napoleon had still been at UNCLE headquarters, Illya was able to contact him without alerting the others. Though it was taken a bit of convincing, the senior agent had agreed to let Illya and me follow afterwards into THRUSH. We were to wait for a signal from Napoleon, which was to come at any moment.
I glanced around the street. It was only 9:00 in the evening and since it was in the city, there were still people milling around, cars zooming by, and most places still open. I glanced across the street to our destination. A pretty large building made up of many small business agencies and stores, common in Japan.
Beep, beep. "That's our signal! They're in. Now it's our turn." Illya ushered me ahead of him but I held my ground.
"No way am I going ahead of you! You're the one who's injured, not me." *Plus I can't help being a little nervous.* I was glad he didn't argue as he went past me making me jog to try to keep up. But the skirt I was wearing didn't help any.
"Illya. Illya!" He stopped right in front of the building, reading a sign which had a list of all the businesses in the building. "Will you explain to me just one more time why I have to wear this get up? Skirts are not my thing!" I fiddled with the strap of my purse while picturing myself. I was wearing a clean cut blouse with a matching navy vest and knee length skirt, complete with a small purse. Illya was also looking me up and down.
"Don't worry, you look perfect. Now remember, you're my secretary and I am a businessman. I have been here about a month and since my business is finished here, I would like to book a special charter flight tour around Japan. You are both my secretary and my translator, your reason for staying with me."
"But you know as well as I do that I can't speak Japanese!"
"Danielle, and as I have already mentioned, all of these travel agency people can speak English. They'll take one look at us and since we're obviously not Japanese they'll greet us in English. OK?"
I just nodded as I made a quick glance of Illya. He was wearing his black suit and tie and in one hand held a briefcase. I reached out to straighten his tie, not because of it being crooked. Illya noticed my hands were shaking a bit.
"Hey, it'll be ok." He looked straight into my eyes, continuing, "I have complete faith that I'll get into the main frame computer. Plus, I know from experience that THRUSH always fouls up in some way. Now let's get going."
*All right, let's get going!* I summoned up all of my nervousness then let it all go as I exhaled. I was ready.
**********
The travel agency we were heading for was way back in the corner of the building. The glass doors in front showed through to a nice, small yet comfortable room. Behind the desk sat one man and one woman. The woman stood up to greet us.
"Hello, how may I help you?"
Illya said under his breathe, "I told you." I was just glad I didn't have to call up on my so-called 'Japanese skills'.
"Yes, you can help me. I am James Tekker and I would like to reserve a tour flight around Japan?"
The Japanese lady gave a charming smile. "Then you've come to the right place. Are you traveling alone or with your companion.?"
"My secretary. Yes, she will also be accompanying me. Could you tell me." As Illya continued chatting with the woman, I assessed the room, confident that Illya was also doing the same. We knew there was an underground THRUSH satrapy, one of the main entrances leading from this office. I had asked why we had to come through the front door, Illya's only response being, "because THRUSH won't expect it." One camera, ahead of us and to the left. There was only one door leading out of this room behind the desk, probably to an office.
I jerked out of my thoughts as the Japanese man sitting by the front desk computer stood stiffened slightly. He looked up at us then back at his computer. As he was getting up, Illya glanced at me, and I realized he wanted me to look at the screen. Pretending to study one of the pamphlets at the corner of the desk, I was able to get a look at the monitor. By then the man was whispering in the woman's ear. Her expression seemed to falter for a brief second, then resumed to her 'smile to everyone' face as she continued to listen. But I had seen enough. On the screen were X-ray pictures of Illya, me, my purse, and the briefcase. And it clearly showed that Illya and I were not your average business people.
I kicked Illya slightly and he got the message. He put both of his hands on the desk, slightly raised so the gun on his wrist holster was pointing directly at the two secretaries. I knew he didn't want THRUSH underground to see us through the camera. "Now nice and slowly, I want you, Miss Okamoto, to tell me if the security camera has sound." Illya spoke calmly and clearly, but underneath there was a deadly seriousness.
The girl nodded her head. The man seemed angry as he looked at her then remembering Illya's gun, didn't speak.
I let Illya do the talking as I went to one side of the room, out of sight from the camera. Then I went directly underneath it, looking at the wires. I made sure there was no sound since she could be lying. I confirmed there was no sound then told Illya.
"Very good Miss. Now, is there someone always monitoring the camera?"
"The guards in the office. There are two."
"Behind you?"
"Yes."
Illya gave a smile, more for the benefit of the camera. "Thank you. Now if you would please, I would like you," he nodded to the man, "to sit down. I will continue having a conversation with this lady. Danielle? Take care of the guards."
*Take care of the guards, simple as that. Well, I'm supposed to be trained for these things, here I go!* I strode into the office and surveyed the situation in the blink of an eye. Two guards, both dressed in suits stood up from their seats surprised. Acting also surprised, I managed a flustered appearance.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry! My boss was talking with the front desk and I just was looking around. Again I'm so terribly sorry." All the time I inched into the room without receiving any suspicion.
"It's all right Miss. But I'm sorry you must leave this room. Office personnel only."
"Oh, I totally agree! I am completely in the wrong!" Then I pointed to the computer in the room. "My goodness! That looks like such a fascinating computer! May I.?" I strode forward as if to get a look at the computer, instead I delivered a high kick at the closest THRUSHie. While he was trying to recover I then punched the second guy in the solar plexus and as he tried to catch his breathe, knocked him out with a karate chop. The other guy had already recovered by that time and came at me. I ducked down but as I did, I lifted my leg high up in a straight kick to his chin, bringing him down and out. I called out to Illya that the coast was clear.
He came in leading the other two THRUSH agents. With quick efficiency, we tied all four up, after injecting them with a knockout serum. I took off my skirt revealing the stretch pants I had worn rolled up underneath. I rolled them down then took off my light sweater, leaving the blouse on. I readjusted my hip holster and checked my gun again out of habit to make sure it was loaded up. Illya took only his tie off then opened the briefcase containing everything we would need. He got out a small black kit with the computer tools he would need, plus got extra clips for himself. I had most of my equipment in my purse so taking off the straps I clipped it like a pouch onto my belt. "Ready?" "Yes." And I meant it.
**********
It took just a few seconds for Illya to find the hidden elevator to go underground, disguised as an closet. In the elevator I asked, "Do you think Napoleon and the others will get in ok?"
"I'm most assured they will since THRUSH wants them to get the information on you. All you have to do is worry about us." That did not assure me one bit.
When we reached the bottom, there was only one guard whom Illya took care of easily. Dragging him into an empty room close by, I kept a look out while Illya switched clothes with the guard. Soon he came out wearing the guard's uniform. I gave a small smile and said, "No one would notice you." Since the guard was about a size larger than Illya, the uniform looked a bit baggy around the middle.
Illya just sighed. "Well, I can't be choosy. I'll just have to tighten my belt." It helped but not much.
Inside the guards inner pocket was a map of the THRUSH establishment. I pointed to one of the boxes marked "MF Computer". "That has got to be where the main frame computer is."
The Russian shook his head. Instead of looking at the map he was looking at another print-out piece of paper he had found. "I don't think so. This is a print-out of all the work shifts of the guards. There's one room which has the most number of guards and it's just called Room 4. Here it is on the map."
"Then probably the real Main Frame computer is kept in Room 4?" I was a bit confused. "But how would THRUSH have known we would capture this guard and look at these papers? They didn't know we would be coming through the main entrance."
"That doesn't matter. THRUSH never really trusts their underlings with valuable information anyway." Illya started down the hall towards Room 4.
"What if somebody sees me? Or hopefully they won't notice me."
The UNCLE agent smiled. "I'm not sure if anybody could not notice you." I blushed as he left his eyes drift up and down my outfit. Seeing my discomfiture, he continued, "If and when the situation comes up, I'll handle it. Stick close." And since I already was sticking close the conversation was finished.
Reaching Room 4 we found another two guards. Together we went up to them and I let Illya talk. "Excuse me, I was told to bring her to the computer in Room 4. She's a technician."
The bigger guard seemed puzzled. "But we already have a technician working inside right now. And I didn't hear anything about this woman getting any clearance to enter here." *I hope we're not in trouble* I thought sarcastically.
Illya shrugged. "Then I guess it doesn't matter." In a flash, Illya had both guards out of commission. I got my gun out and on his signal, we both went in the unlocked room and shot the remaining two guards inside. There was one other man in the room but was not dressed in a THRUSH uniform. Keeping my gun trained on him, Illya dragged the two guards outside the room and locked the door.
"I presume you're the technician?" I asked the man who appeared to be very timid. He nodded. "Would you mind getting up from your seat?" He seemed only too happy to oblige as he moved away from the chair. Illya immediately took his place then began typing away, thus leaving me to the tech. I didn't really feel like knocking him out to wake up to a headache so I got a small spray bottle from my bag. Holding it up to his face I told him, "This won't hurt at all and you'll wake up just fine." Spraying him with the drug, he was out like a light.
I turned my attention to Illya as I peered at the monitor over Illya's shoulder. "So you still think you'll be able to hack deep enough?"
"I think so," he said without taking his eyes off his work.
"An 'I think so' is not enough! My job let alone my reputation is hanging on the line here! If you can't find the information, UNCLE will have to assume that finding my name in the THRUSH computer banks is the correct information. I'll be put away for life!"
"Oh ye of little faith."
"ARGH!"
"Sorry, this could take a while though." Illya's typing on the keys did not cease for a few seconds. Realizing there was not much I could do for a while, I did the only thing I could do. Pace.
After a few minutes, Illya's communicator beeped. "Come in Illya, this is Napoleon."
Since Illya was occupied he motioned for me to answer. "Napoleon, this is Danielle." I paused before telling him what Illya was doing since I didn't know whether he was alone or with the others.
Napoleon continued. "No problems on this side. We're on our way back to UNCLE headquarters. We got out ok with the information intended for us to bring. None of the team has seen the file except me. The whole file clearly mentions Danielle is the double agent, and gives any information on how we can prove it with bank account numbers and such. Any progress?"
I looked over at Illya who was finally paying attention to the conversation. He took the pen from my hand. "Napoleon, this is Illya. Everything's fine over here but this is taking a lot longer than I expected. I'm hacked into the files but everything has to be decoded. And since I don't want to be stuck here anymore than I have to, I'm just going to download all of the files onto a memory disk. I'll work on it back at the hotel."
"All right. Hurry up, will you? You'll ruin your reputation of being a fast worker if it gets out that it takes you at least an hour to hack a file."
Illya's tone was just as teasing as he replied, "Well, it'll ruin your reputation as well if I explain that you were bothering me the whole time." I laughed quietly to myself. "Gotcha. See you later."
As quickly as possible, Illya then downloaded the file onto a disk and we were out of there. We made a clean getaway with absolutely no problems.
**********
In a few minutes we were back at the hotel. Illya changed back to his suit then immediately began working on the files. I sat down and began asking him the questions that were on my mind.
"What is the double agent going to do now? He or she knows UNCLE has the information to put me away." I was still worried about the double agent and with good cause. There was still the possibility the person would get away.
"We'll catch the person. We have all the information we need on this computer."
"Which you still haven't decoded."
"You can't rush genius." Illya grinned then stopped for a second to look at me. He seemed to think for a moment and he tried to say something but held back.
I was a bit puzzled. "What?"
He just sighed. "Nothing." He set his mind back to work. I shrugged the feeling of frustration off. *What is he holding back?*
I stood up and said, "I'm going to get some coffee. Want some?" He shook his head.
*Fine, whatever.* I left the room and went down to the lobby where there was a small coffee room and sat at the bar. Ordering a latté and cookie, I mused over the day's events. I was content that everything would work out fine. But for some reason, at the back of my mind I felt a bit wary. I felt like something terrible would happen. I remembered how sick in my stomach I had felt when I saw Masahiro Kumasaki standing over Illya's body.
Then in a flash I realized why I felt like something was not quite right. *Masahiro had said that there just wasn't one double agent, there were two, him and his partner. Well, we know that. But since Masahiro is right now being interrogated in an UNCLE cell, our traitor probably knows that he couldn't get rid of me. All he would have to do his contact THRUSH and find out Illya and I got into the real main computer.* With a sudden rush of clarity I realized that the only way the double agent would be able to save his skin was get rid of Illya, the files, and me.
I left the coffee and the cookie barely touched and rushed for the elevators. And the result of my hurry was having a run-in with an elderly couple. In frustration I put on a good face and helped pick up the bag the old woman had dropped. Fortunately the couple was good natured and just smiled and nodded. Nodding in return, I resumed heading for the elevator. But I soon realized that the few seconds delay in helping the couple had actually saved my life.
Because it was then that I saw someone waiting at the elevator. For some reason I hid behind the pillar and recognized the person. *Why in the world? Why is that person here? Unless. that's our double agent! I was right. I knew that Illya and the files are in jeopardy.* I berated myself for being so stupid as to leave my communicator pen in the hotel room. Fortunately. I had my gun with me. And I had a sneaky feeling I would need it.
Author's Note: Oh, another cliff hanger! I hope you've enjoyed my story! Just one more chapter and my story will be finished! Please review!