Thankfully, April slept through the night peacefully. The three men had each taken a turn sitting with her and when the nurse entered the room during Napoleon's watch to check her vitals, he took the opportunity to join his companions in the waiting room.
"The nurse said her vitals are definitely stronger than yesterday," he said. "Let's take advantage of her being in there and get some breakfast. I want to be present when Doctor Perez does his rounds."
They went to the hospital cafeteria, bought and wolfed down sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches, got two coffees each to go and returned to the waiting room where Mark put his drinks down and went to April's room. He returned about ten minutes later. "I saw Doctor Perez; e's on the floor and should be in to see April around 11:30 or noon. When I went to 'er room, there were two nurses or nurses' aides giving 'er a sponge bath. 'Er color is much better than it was when I was sitting with 'er. I'm thinking she's going to be okay. Oh, I almost forgot: Perez said there's no surgeries scheduled since it's Sunday, so unless there's an emergency, we can continue to use this room."
Napoleon pulled out his communicator. "That's good to know. I'm going to update The Old Man. Open Channel D."
"Yes, Mr. Solo, how is Miss Dancer?"
"We have reason to be cautiously optimistic, Sir. The doctor isn't expected to see her for at least an hour, but the nurse who checked her vitals said they are stronger and Mark who had first watch said her color is much better than when he was with her last night."
"Excellent! I'm sending Doctor James with an ambulance to the hospital. He will meet with her doctor there to discuss her case. If she is deemed fit for transport, she will be brought here to Medical. If she is not able to be moved at this time, I want you and Mr. Kuryakin to return to Headquarters with our good doctor."
Illya opened his mouth to protest, but shut it when he saw the look on Napoleon's face that said clearly, to him anyway, do not say a word.
"Ah, there is one other thing, Sir. There is a possibility that she might be paralyzed." The silence stretched out so long, Napoleon began to wonder if somehow, they had been disconnected. "Sir?"
"I'm still here, Mr. Solo. Now, I really want her here in familiar surroundings. Update me after the doctors have conferred. Waverly out."
Napoleon disassembled his device. "Well, you all heard him. If she can't be moved, Mark, you'll stay and we'll go."
Mark said, "I'm grateful for the care she's received 'ere, but I would feel better to 'ave 'er in our Medical Unit, if for no other reason than you being able to be closer to 'er, Illya."
Doctor James arrived at the hospital about ten minutes before Dr. Perez entered April's room. Mark immediately called Napoleon and the three men joined Mark and Perez. Introductions were made and after the doctors shook hands, Dr. James looked at the agents and said, "Gentlemen, the doctor and I need to confer privately. You can wait for me in the waiting area. It will be a little while; I need to review her chart. Thanks."
None of them wanted to leave the room, but they all knew arguing was pointless and counterproductive. When they got back to the waiting room, Mark went to the window and stared down at the City.
Napoleon grabbed a magazine and pretended to read it while keeping one eye on Illya who was sitting across from him looking dejected and defeated. He couldn't think of anything to say to make his partner feel better and he hated it.
Mark turned away and stepped closer to the Russian. "Illya, I'm…oh hell, I feel like I should say something to you."
"There is no need, Mark. I admit; I did feel, I do feel anger and I thought it was towards you, but you are just an easy target. I am angry at the situation. If I act like I am angry at you, please remember that I am not." He stood and pulled the taller man into a quick hug. "April told me once that she wanted her partnership with you to mirror mine's and Napoleon's because she admired our bond. So, I know how much you are hurting now. I do not wish to add to your pain."
Mark smiled and they all fell into a companionable silence. They were sitting there for approximately ninety minutes before Dr. James came through the door. "Dr. Perez feels comfortable allowing us to transfer Agent Dancer to UNCLE HQ. But I have to tell you all something: April woke up while we were in her room."
Mark lit up. "That's great! I need to be by her side!"
"Before you go into her room, you need to know that Dr. Perez ran a needle up and down both her feet and she didn't feel it. There is still swelling around her spine, so there is still a very good chance that her paralysis is temporary, but I wanted you all to know. Agent Slate, you can ride in the back of the ambulance with your partner."
"That's good, but is the back big enough for Il, I mean Agent Kuryakin, to ride back there also?"
"Sure. Agent Solo can ride up front with me and the driver."
Napoleon nodded his head. "That's perfect. We're ready to leave when you are."