Last Meetings...? - A little drabble do you (double drabble)

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Napoleon could hardly hear the pilot's words over the radio. "I'm sorry Mr Solo. We're getting a lot of fire here. There's no way we're going to make it to both extractions."

Unforgivably safe back at headquarters, it was on the tip of his tongue to demand they try anyway. But they were operating in one of the places in the world where they were not supposed to be and he couldn't take that selfish chance.

Illya had more experience than Simons - he'd have a better chance of making his own escape. Wishful thinking. (He already knew Illya would never betray UNCLE under torture.)

"Napoleon."

"Go to the river," he instructed the pilot. "Pick up Simons and get out."

If he saved Illya he would always know why.

"Thank you," Illya said. "I will destroy anything that can tie me to UNCLE so this will be my last communication." A pause. "I will see you when I get back to New York, my friend."

He closed his eyes at the uncharacteristic optimism. All to make him feel better. "You'd better," he said steadily. "It's your turn to buy dinner."

There was gunfire in the distance. The connection went dead.

Comments

[lindafishes8.livejournal.com]

Napoleon's decision was difficult as Illya's his good friend, but he chose wisely in the end. This gave me a chill that was not from my air conditioner...

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

There's only so far they can put friendship ahead of the mission, really. Thanks for commenting.

[pactnmmt.livejournal.com]

Oh my! Decisions, decisions! You can't end this here! I hope you choose to expand this someday!

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Don't know - I may well end it here, but we'll see. Thank you.

[susanpr.livejournal.com]

I could feel Napoleon's pain at the choice he had no choice but to make. I would love to see you expand this. Why were they where U.N.C.L.E. wasn'tsupposed to be? Why was Napoleon safe in NY? Does Illya get back safely, an if so, how? just food for the plot bunnies ;)

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

I have several alternative answers to all those questions. :) Depending, mostly, on the answer to the last one. Glad you liked this.

[jkkitty.livejournal.com]

A hard decision but one which both knew needed to be made.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, that was the only decision Illya would have accepted as well. He'd never have forgiven Napoleon for choosing him. Thank you for commenting.

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Wow!

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[avery11.livejournal.com]

Phenomenal. The ache in Napoleon's heart is palpable as it wars with his sense of duty. The last line is eloquent.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you so much. I think this would probably be the decision he'd most hate to have to make. But he'd always go with duty.

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

I'm certain he will be there as Illya never passes up a free meal. I have every confidence in his abilities to survive.

Great story.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Well normally so do I...but unfortunately Napoleon was saying it was Illya's turn to buy dinner. Which by logical extension may mean he won't come back at all...

Thanks!

[spikesgirl58.livejournal.com]

Ah, I misread it. Well, I still wouldn't consider Illya out for count, though. he's funny that way.

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

That decision is what makes him Waverly's heir apparent. A painful choice, but no doubt the correct one. Thank you for this drabble.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, but also, I think, maybe what makes him dread stepping into that role. I can't see Napoleon finding peace in being the one who sends others into danger.

[insaneladybug.livejournal.com]

Heartbreaking and beautiful and poignant. Poor both of them! What a horrible decision for Napoleon to make, but yes, very likely the right one. The last line is so chilling. I like how you leave things open-ended, including the question mark in the title, leaving some hope that maybe Illya gets out.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

I didn't want it to be completely bleak, but at the same time I wanted it to seem like a very possible ending. Glad you liked the last line. Thanks for commenting.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

You're not seriously considering leaving this without an ending. I mean, it's two hundred words that have set Section 7 aflame with concern and curiosity. Don't you realize yet what a hungry crowd we are, always clamoring for more?
It's really good, thank you.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Technically that could be an ending....no, we'll see. I might expand it. To be honest, this was pretty much born out of my frustration at failing to get anywhere with a first meeting story. If I ever manage that, maybe I'll take another look at a happy ending for this.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Oh Oh! I think I feel a follow-up on this one. Great tension and angst in so few words. Well done.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Really, the question of a follow up depends on whether you think Illya survived or not. But I might go back to it at some point.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Hey he has to survive, otherwise the MFU partnership story line disappears. Kaput. LOL!

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

That depends when this is set. If the reason why Napoleon is back in headquarters is that he is now in Section I and Illya is serving his last years in Section II, then the timeline is preserved and this is simply The End. Ha!

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Eeeek! You're wicked! I can't envision him dead. A few writers out there have killed off either one or both. I want them to live forever...sniffle.

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I always say about my favourite characters. And then I always seem to think of ways to kill them or worse. And honestly, I did leave this ambiguous as to whether he lives or not. He is very good at surviving.

[irisheitie.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'm just weird, but I took it as a last-as-in-final, meeting; A possible ending to, in this case, Illya.
It was VERY good!

[otherhawk.livejournal.com]

Not at all weird, that was the starting point. :) I made it a little more ambiguous with the question mark in the title etc. I'm glad that you liked it.