"In the nick of time" for the Short Affair Challenge due 1/6/20

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Challenge: The Short Affair

-Prompt Word 1 - Sustain

-Prompt Word 2 – Parade

-Prompt Colour – White

Author: mrua7

Title: “In the nick of time”

Word count: Approx 785

It was hard for Solo to watch as a half-dozen prisoners dressed in tattered clothing were forced to parade in front of him. Among them was his partner who looked as white as a ghost and seemingly malnourished.

He was sure the Russian was being barely fed enough to sustain him, given Illya had a high metabolic rate made a minimum of food made it even more difficult for him.

The other prisoners were members of MI6, DGSE, and the CIA, so along with Kuryakin, THRUSH was digging for something; what that was, no one quite knew.

“Mister Hamill,” the satrapy chief addressed Solo, who was impersonating a high level THRUSH visitor.

He was dressed in a khaki uniform, with a pistol clipped to his belt. With his beret cocked at just the right angle and sporting a pair of dark aviator sunglasses, Napoleon looked quite formidable.

He stood with his hands clasped in front of himself as he walked the line of prisoners, inspecting them.

Beside him followed an immense man also dressed in a THRUSH uniform and beret who seemed to be acting as Solo’s bodyguard.

His name was Rudolph Schmidt, a former West German wrestler, turned UNCLE agent and he could take down just about anyone in the blink of an eye.

Intelligence had indicated the real Hamill was on his way to inspect the satrapy, leaving Napoleon a small window of time to get his partner and the others out of there.

Illya’s head was downcast as Napoleon stepped in front of him.

“This one looks like he couldn’t fight his way out of a paper bag.”

“He is the most stubborn of them all,” the satrapy chief chimed in.

Kuryakin raised his head, instantly recognizing Solo’s voice, but he gave no reaction.

A covered lorry pulled in through the gate; behind the wheel wearing a THRUSH uniform was none other than Mark Slate. He was unshaven and a tiparillo cigar was sticking out from his mouth.

“That would be my man,”Napoleon pointed to the truck.”I’m taking charge of your prisoners.”

“But Mister Hamill, I was told to interrogate them myself,” Chief Fisher protested,”and I have been.”

“Have you been successful?” Napoleon took a snide attitude with the man.

“Well, not yet but I’m sure I’ll break them soon.”

“Central is impatient and soon is not fast enough. Now load the prisoners onto the transport.”

“But sir if I could just have a little more time,” Fisher protested.

Napoleon’s sunglasses slipped down, revealing his eyes as he flashed the man a cold stare, one reminiscent of the glare Kuryakin often gave the enemy to intimidate them.

“Yes sir, immediately,” Fisher saluted, trying not to tremble.

One by one the shackled prisoners were loaded into the back of the truck where they were chained to brackets set into the floor boards.

“I’ll have one of my guards accompany you sir,” Fisher offered.

“Unnecessary. My man here will oversee them.” Napoleon nodded and Schmidt climbed into the back of the truck.

“Mister Hamill, I must protest as this is highly irregular,” Fisher complained.

“Do not test my patience!” Solo barked. He put his hand on the grip of his sidearm, ready to draw it from its holster. “I however, will forget your annoying comments when I file my report with Central.”

“Yes, sir, thank you sir.”

Napoleon slipped into his car, and the driver started the engine. They drove slowly from the compound followed by the lorry.

Once out of sight, they floored it especially when a sedan passed them by, the passenger of that car was the real Hamill.

Napoleon signalled via communicator to Mark to pull over.

Awaiting them off the side of the road were two sedans. The prisoners were quickly unchained and everyone squeezed into the cars.

They sped off as they knew there’d only be minutes to spare before Fisher and the real Hamill would realize what had happened.

The truck and the original sedan were parked across the road, blocking the way to give the agents more time in their escape.

Napoleon finally turned to his partner who sat listless in the back seat alongside two other men.

“Here, drink this,” Solo handed a thermos to each man, filled with  hot chicken broth.

Kuryakin finally looked up, staring at his partner with sunken blue eyes. “What no bread?”

Napoleon shook his head, though he wondered for a second if Illya were serious or not.

Kuryakin, seeing the look on Solo’s face, flashed that mischievous half smile of his.

That told Napoleon his partner was going to be just fine. Chief Fisher on the other hand would probably not live to see the end of the day...

Comments

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Just the description of Schmidt makes me want to see him in another story. Nicely played, just perfect for an UNCLE victory.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you! THRUSH has had more than their share of burly operatives, so I thought it was time UNCLE had a big guy on their side. "D

[jantojones.livejournal.com]

A wonderfully descriptive story and, like Glenna, I too would like to see Schmidt again :-)

(Ps. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I thoroughly approve of the names 'Hamill' and 'Fisher' :-D )

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thanks cuz! I was hoping someone would get that SW nod....I was watching the Last Jedi while writing this story.

So another thing we have in common, a love of SW. Did you see the new movie? I'm waiting a bit before I treat myself, even though I get the 'senior' discount now. LOL!

I saw the first movie when it premiered ages ago. Then I saw it again, and again. At my college they had afternoon movies in one of the forums so when they were showing SW I watched it every afternoon. Lost count how many times I saw it. Before DVD it came out on VHS which I got, and am glad I did as it's the original cut before the changes were made. Not that I have a VCR anymore, but I kept the tapes anyway.

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for a fine action scene, with good suspense. I liked the bit about Napoleon copying Illya's stare.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you!!! I reckoned Napoleon would have picked up on at least one of his parter's habits. "D Glad you enjoyed the story!