The Yellowstone Affair Chapter 4

[pactnmmt.livejournal.com]

Chapter 1 http://pactnmmt.livejournal.com/10718.html
Chapter 2 http://pactnmmt.livejournal.com/10804.html
Chapter 3 http://pactnmmt.livejournal.com/11144.html


Chapter 4

Exhausted, Napoleon eased himself down onto one of the seat cushions. Bringing his cold stiff fingers to his mouth, he breathed on them for warmth then placed them under his armpits while he contemplated his next step for survival. He needed to start a fire that would not only provide a modicum of warmth, but also melt snow for drinking water, cook food, and provide a signal to any planes that might be out searching for the downed jet.

Napoleon willed himself to stand. Grabbing the stick he had been using to lean on, he shuffled through the snow looking for dead branches and dried pine or spruce needles, anything flammable, to fuel a fire. Within a half hour, he had gathered enough material to start a fire and still have some in reserve for later. He found a lighter in the first aid kit and using some of the small sticks and pine needles started a small fire. He added larger branches once the kindling ignited. As he watched the flames grow, his spirits grew as well.

Napoleon once again sat down on one of the cushions as he held his hands over the flame for warmth. He checked his watch, mildly surprised that it was still working…10:24 AM. His watch was set for Pacific Coast time and he wasn’t sure which time zone he was in. The terrain suggested Rocky Mountains so it could be 11:24 AM instead. He knew that he would have to construct a shelter soon, but his earlier activity had exhausted him. He pulled a candy bar that had melted from the fire and then recooled from the small cache of food he retrieved from the wreck and ate half of it. Filling the cup with snow, he placed it next to the fire and melted the snow for water. After eating and quenching his thirst, Napoleon lined the seat cushions up to make a sleeping palette. Pulling the scorched blankets over his torso he laid down for a short nap.

The U.N.C.L.E jet landed in Bozeman, Montana. Illya Kuryakin checked his watch, 07:25 mountain standard time. The pilot had made good time. During the four hour flight, the Russian pored over the topographic maps of the northwest corner of Wyoming and south central Montana. Yellowstone National Park took up much of the mapped area. He would have to work with the National Park Service and keep them apprised of the mission…on a need to know basis.

He was met at the plane by an agent from the Helena, Montana office, who had brought a four wheeled drive Suburban for Illya’s use. Agent Crowley introduced himself to which Kuryakin responded only with a nod. Together they began to transfer the supplies from the plane to the vehicle. As they shoved the last box into the back, Illya turned to face the man.

“Thank you, Mr. Crowley. I appreciate your assistance.”

“You bet, Sir! I have contacted the park rangers in Gardiner to give them a heads up about the mission. They are expecting your arrival.”

“How long of a drive is it to Gardiner?”

“About two hours, give or take. The road department does a good job of keeping the roads clear of snow in Paradise Valley so you shouldn’t

have any trouble. Just be glad you came today! A new storm system is supposed to hit tomorrow evening. The weather reports are predicting up to three feet of snow in the mountains and record low temperatures down to -60º, -40º in the valleys.”

The left side of Illya’s mouth formed a lopsided half smile. “Sounds like a warm day in Siberia to me, my friend.”

Crowley also smiled. “I keep forgetting that you grew up in a cold country, Sir.”  He shook hands with the agent. “Never the less, be careful out there. Communicators aren’t much good here in the mountains so help isn’t just a phone call away. Good luck!”

“Thank you, Mr. Crowley. I will endeavor to do so.”  He climbed into the truck and headed east to Livingston which would take him to the road leading south through Paradise Valley to Gardiner, the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. With a little luck he would arrive in Gardiner by 10:30 AM.

Comments

[carabele.livejournal.com]

I can just see Illya driving as fast as the mountainous conditions permit in order to get this assigned mission over all the sooner and start his search for Napoleon. Napoleon though is going to have rough time surviving in the mountains until his partner can come to the rescue.

[pactnmmt.livejournal.com]

As late as 1997, Montana had no speed limits. The rules of speed were whatever was "reasonable and prudent". I have a feeling that Illy was probably exceeding those standards.

I've driven that particular road and through the canyon many times. It's not particularly treacherous unless it's been snowing and one drives "stupid".

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Illya to the rescue. Am thoroughly enjoying this story!!!