In memoriam - David McCallum - 9/19/1933 - 9/25/2023
Sitting behind her desk, April slowly closed the folder in front of her before glancing over to her assistant. Efficient as always, Duncan sat down the tray with her favorite teapot just as she was thinking she could really use a cup. A light sniff caused a ghost of a smile to form.
"Ginger?"
Duncan nodded as he poured her a cup.
"Yes, Madam Dancer. I thought ... with the news ... it might be best."
"That and Medical is after me to limit my caffeine intake?"
"You did instruct me that we need to choose our battles with Medical."
The small plate he sat down next has a selection of some of her favorite finger sandwiches.
"I'm afraid I'm not terribly hungry."
Duncan was having none of that.
"Which is why I brought you something light instead of a full meal. If you plan to be active in the upcoming ceremonies, you need to keep your strength up."
A frown formed on the young man's face as he glanced around the room. April watched him for a minute, taking a nibble from one of the sandwiches before questioning him.
"Is something wrong?"
"I ... suppose not. I know smoking hasn't been allowed in Headquarters for years, but now and then? I could swear I smell -"
"Pipe tobacco? It's Isle of Dogs No. 22, to be precise. I smell it now and then myself - it was the only blend that Mister Waverly used. I think of it as Mister Waverly's ghost stopping by to make sure we're still running a tight ship."
"I never had the honor of meeting him, but if the stories can be believed?"
That got a genuine laugh out of April.
"The stories pale in comparison to the man himself. They don't even do Mrs. Waverly justice. UNCLE would not be half the organization it is today without what they started. Get yourself a cup and sit with me for while. We have a great deal of planning to do in a short time. And in the near future, remind me to sit you down and share a few tales I bet you've never heard."
"I will look forward to that,"
It only took Duncan a few minutes to return with his coffee mug, a bowl of fruit salad, and more sandwiches. April took a spoonful of the fruit onto her own plate, but Duncan spoke before she could comment.
"I hope you don't mind that I've already taken the liberty of sending Agent Perez to bring HM to Headquarters. They should be here by lunch. I've also already arranged for you to have lunch with them and the other invited guests."
A small sigh escaped, but the smile told him it was one of relief. She knew that him arranging for her to have lunch with the others was his way of encouraging her to eat, but since she knew eating was problematic for her when she was grieving, she coudn't fault his methods.
"Thank you. One thing off of the top of my list. I feel like the last of the Old Guard, Duncan."
Taking a bite of the fruit salad, she mentally shook off the melancholy.
"But time goes ever forward and stops for no-one."
"Well, not since we foiled that rather strange plot of THRUSH's ten years ago."
Laughing, April refilled her tea.
"Honestly, what were they thinking? How utterly pointless to conquer an area, but be unable to make use of any of the talents or resources found there? Wasteful."
Duncan sipped his coffee thoughtfully.
"Perhaps they were more concerned with denying us access than gaining it for themselves?"
"Possibly, but they obviously hadn't given decent thought to the implications - bird and insect migrations halted. Weather patterns in surrounding areas altered. Ugh. It was fortunate for all concerned that we were able to put a stop to that nonsense before even more damage was done. But, we've gotten sidetracked. Will there be any problems with holding the memorial tomorrow?"
"None. The same room that Mister Solo's memorial was held in is being prepared even as we speak. Mister Kuryakin was not a religious man?"
"Spiritual, but no - not religious. He and Napoleon engaged on several debates on the topic. They basically kept up the debate, but agreed to disagree, as they say."
Glancing down, April noted with surprise that she had finished her finger sandwiches and fruit. Thinking of food reminded her of something else and she pulled a few sheets of paper from her stack.
"Since I will be hosting a luncheon, would you mind contacting these restaurants and seeing to catering for tomorrow?"
Taking the offered notes, Duncan glanced over them quickly.
"Quite the variety. Short notice for them, so I best start making the calls soon."
"Short notice, but not a large volume demand from any of them, so I believe they will be accommodating. Illya was a loyal customer to all of them for years."
Duncan took time to make a fresh pot of tea and leave it for her before excusing himself to start the calls. April let the silence remain for a few minutes after the door shut, then opened a drawer and pulled out a silver frame that had been one of the last gifts Mrs. Waverly had given her. Inside the frame was a copy of a photo that was the only one she knew of where both of the Waverlys, Napoleon, Illya, Mark, and herself were in the image together. It had been taken the day that Illya became a citizen of the United States.
As she held the picture, she finally felt the tears start to form.
"You've all gone and left me on my own. Who will I have brunch with every month now that you're gone, Illya?"
Taking a deep breath, April dabbed at her eyes and put the frame in a place of honor on her desk before getting up to repair her makeup. As Primus inter pares - Mister Waverly's role, then Napoleon's, now hers - she had an image to maintain. And she would do them all proud.