"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" for the Short Affair Challenge

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Challenge: Short Affair

-Prompt Word 2 – Muse

-Prompt Colour – Pink

Author: mrua7

Title: Twinkle Twinkle little star

Word count: Approx. 650

Napoleon and Illya were well into their long drive from Washington D.C. back to New York city. They’d taken turns at the wheel and were just over three hours into their five hour drive.

They were tired and sore, but still they soldiered on. They had to be back in New York to report to Mister Waverly, and they also had another assignment waiting for them. There was no rest for the weary, to say the least.

Their last mission involved a bogus courier with whom they delivered a sealed package. Once they found out they’d been duped it turned into quite a chase and eventual brawl to retrieve said package.

The fake courier had several goons accompanying him, but in the end the UNCLE agents won the day.  The package was delivered to the proper courier, at the price of some very large bruises and sore muscles.

Compared to other missions in the past that had gone wrong, their current injuries were mild, yet still uncomfortable.

Illya while at his turn behind the wheel pulled over, deciding to stop. They were somewhere near the Pine Barrens in New Jersey. That was pretty far enough from civilization. It would take them at least another two hours before they made it back to New York.

He wanted fresh air and to just not move for a bit, and a bit of quiet as well.

Napoleon gave him no argument.

“Look at that night sky,” Illya said, pointing upwards. "Amazing."

It was clear as clear could be and filled with stars. At the moment a meteor flamed in the distance, then disappeared as it entered the atmosphere.

“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time,” Illya said.

“Waxing a bit poetic tonight are we? Who’s your muse?”

“The quote was from Jack London, but that sky...is it not inspiring? We rarely stop and smell the roses, to use one of your sayings."

Just then another meteor appeared and as quickly it appeared, it was gone. This time the color was more pink, the last one appeared somewhat green.

Napoleon wasn’t about to ask his partner why. As informative as the Russian could be, sometimes it was like listening to a lecture, and he was in no mood for that.

“I forgot,”Illya suddenly said,”the Delta Aquarids and alpha Capricornids meteor showers are active tonight, though the Delta Aquarids began earlier this month, they should be peaking tonight and tomorrow. The alpha Capricornids should continue to be active through the first ten days of August.”

“Illya, I’m not going to even ask you how you know all this...wait, I know, you read it somewhere and with that eidetic memory of yours you just, well sometimes you’re like a living computer.”

“Why thank you Napoleon. Now we should relax and watch the show as it is a rare occasion two meteor showers occur at the same time, plus the moon is only at six percent, and the sky is clear.”

“You know what Illya my friend, you’re absolutely right,” Solo grinned.

The two of them climbed onto the back of the car, using the trunk as their seat while they leaned back against the rear window with their hands clasped behind their heads.

Both men sighed.

Not only was catching these meteor showers rare, but having such a moment of absolute serenity was something two agents of the U.N.C.L.E. seldom experienced.

It was nice, for a change...

Comments

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

Absolutely lovely. I love nothing more than staring up at a clear night sky. It's relaxing, and humbling. It may only be for a short while, but it's the perfect thing to refresh a tired body and mind.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Wow that was fast! Thank you cuz! The actual meteor showers are taking place here now, so maybe I'll get a decent view, Not as good as the lads have though.

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this fine and original scene, well drawn.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! It was in part inspired by the actual meteor showers that should be visible here tonight, around midnight....if I can stay awake. lol!

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Good luck!

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I went outside to watch, the sky was very clear. Still the parking lot lights were a bit bright and the temperature was very hot and humid. I didn't feel like perspiring before bed time so I called it quits and came inside. I've seen a few meteors before and even the Hale-Bopp comment, so they were pretty cool. The comet won't be around again for another 2,355 years to it was a once in a life time experience..

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

A brief respite from the action, but so very worthwhile. A couple of stargazers with a minute to spare.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

The last line said it all..."nice for a change." Thanks so much for the comment. We all need a brief respite from the action from time to time, don't we?