![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
mrua7.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
section7mfu2015-01-24 09:39 am
"Energy and persistence or the path of least resistance"~ for the Ben Franklin- HOWDOWE Challenge
Challenge: HOWDOWE
Prompt: Ben Franklin's Birthday seasonal challenge.
Author: mrua7
Word Count: Approx 1700
Rating: Gen
Napoleon Solo led the way as he and his partner made their way knee-deep through the muck-filled sewage tunnel. The none too tasteful path would allow them a back-door entrance to a small red brickface building in Philadelphia...or so the old map that Kuryakin held seemed to indicate.
Neither man was dressed for the occasion, though they managed to procure boots to protect themselves as they stepped into the water of the Wingshocking sewer system, filled with only who knew what.
The smell however, was a pretty good indicator as to what it was…
“That map better be right Tovarisch,” Solo crinkled his nose at the odor; moving carefully so as to not splash anything on his pant legs.
“I presume it is accurate but until we reach our goal, we will not know. This sewer system dates back to the late 1800’s so there may have been some modifications not indicated on the map.”
They needed to get to an an exit that led to the basement of a particular house, among a number of abandoned row houses typical of the type found in the city.
Their assignment was to rescue Dr. Margaret Hayes, a gifted chemist who had been kidnapped by one Professor Quitus Heller, a fellow who fancied himself a candidate for the T.H.R.U.S.H. Council.
Apparently Dr. Hayes was abducted in order to steal her research. after which Heller would no doubt dispose of her...permanently. This scheme of his had him convinced it was the coup needed to grant him access to the inner circle.
Dr. Hayes was an adjunct at U.N.C.L.E. doing periodic work with Research and Development, so not were only were her secrets at risk, but those of the Command’s as well.
Time was of the essence, and the agents knew that. Using a small penlight, Illya examined the map, indicating they’d reached their destination. However, it necessitated the two of them crawling up along a rather cramped tunnel.
“You go first partner mine,” Napoleon gave the Russian a nudge.
“Why me?”
“Because of your size, you’re less likely to get stuck if the tunnel becomes smaller, too small for me to be precise.”
Kuryakin cocked an eyebrow. “Hmm, makes sense.” With that he disappeared up into the darkness.
After a few minutes he called back.”It is fine, you will fit. It looks as though it becomes slightly larger as you proceed.
Solo cringed as he got onto his hands and knees, following his partner, barely making out the Russian’s flashlight.
“There goes another suit,”he grumbled, feeling the slime beneath him.
After moving along the narrow tunnel for a few minutes, Illya again called back.
“There is some sort of metal door here at the end.”
“Can you open it?”
“It appears to be locked, but luckily from this side”
Kuryakin went to work with his loc pic, gripping his penlight in his teeth.
After a few minutes, there was a click.
“Ah,energy and persistence conquer all things,” Illya commented upon his success.
“Confucius?” Napoleon asked.
“No, your Benjamin Franklin.”
“I’m impressed. You’re familiar with one of the founding fathers of my country.”
“Well, given we were coming here to Philadelphia I thought it prudent to read up on the city and instead discovered Mr. Franklin. I must say he is an interesting fellow and his inventions, surprising. It was when reading about him that I discovered the underground system that led us here.”
Napoleon whispered back. “The only Franklin quote I know is, ‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.’ Now if we’re not careful, the death part of that quote might come to fruition.”
“How unusually pessimistic of you my friend. That is my job, I am the cynic not you. Let me do the worrying.”
While they were speaking to each other in hushed tones, Illya was busy applying oil to the hinges from a small can he’d produced from his pocket; hoping it would help keep the aged cast iron door from creaking once it was opened.
Kuryakin finally pushed against it, holding his breath. To his relief there was silence.
As hoped, they found themselves exiting to a dimly lit basement, with a few crates stacked about, but nothing else. On the far side of the room they spotted a flight of stairs leading to the upper floor. With Specials drawn, just as they prepared to climb the steps; they heard voices approaching.
The agents scrambled to hide beneath the stairs, hearing the footsteps as the upper door opened and several people descended. Realizing the iron door across the room had been left slightly ajar; they crossed their fingers it wouldn’t be noticed.
“You sit tight Dr. Hayes. Maybe a little solitude might make you change your mind about sharing your secrets with me,” a male voice growled.
“Not a chance Heller. I’d rather die than give you my secrets,” she spoke defiantly.
He chuckled at the older woman’s bravado. “We’ll see my dear, we’ll see.”
Quintus Heller was a heavy set man, perhaps in his early forties. His hair was thinning and to compensate for it, he had a poor comb over. He untied the doctor’s wrists with his pudgy fingers, giving her a word of warning.
“No funny business, do you hear? Otherwise I will have to be a little rough with you again.”
Dr. Hayes said nothing, but stuck her tongue out at the man as soon as he turned his back on her.
Heller trudged up the stairs the wood creaking beneath his weight and he locked the door as he exited.
As soon as it was clear Solo stepped out into the open, followed by his partner, both pressing their fingers to their lips to indicate silence to Dr. Hayes.
“Napoleon Solo, and my partner Illya Kuryakin.” Solo whispered.” We’re from U.N.C.L.E. and we’re here to get you out.”
“Oh thank God,” they grey-haired woman said. She looked haggard and worn, as Heller had indeed been none too gentle with her already. She brushed her hair from her eyes, revealing raw welts on her wrists where she’d been bound.
“Quickly Madam, we must get you out of here before your kidnapper returns,” Illya took her by the hand, helping the woman to her feet.
“What about Quintus? You’re not going to let him get away with this are you?”
“Don’t fret about that Doctor,” Napoleon reassured her.”Once you’re out of harms way, he’ll be dealt with, I promise you.”
Napoleon led the way through the tunnel, while Illya brought up the rear, maneuvering himself so he could lock the door after them. This would leave Helberg with a conundrum as to how the doctor had escaped, since there was no visible lock on the door for him to see.
As Solo stepped out into the sewer again, he lost his footing and slipped down into the water with a splash.
Forcing himself not to curse’ he extricated himself finding his pants soaked, but that didn’t stop him from offering at least to carry the doctor in his arms. She had no boots, and being a gentleman Napoleon wasn’t about to have her trudge through that disgusting mess.
Illya climbed out of the tunnel, hopping down and making a little splash of his own. He looked with raised eyebrows at his partner, seeing Solo’s wet condition, while holding Dr. Hayes in his arm... but the Russian said nothing.
Once the good doctor was safe and sound, the two agents returned; Solo not bothering to change his clothes, and together he and Kuryakin took care of Professor Heller and the few lackeys who were with him.
A couple of strategically aimed sleep darts silenced Heller in mid-rant as he’d just discovered his prisoner was missing. He and his men never saw or heard the agents coming.
As they dragged the body of the professor to the door, awaiting a cleanup team, Napoleon suddenly smiled.
“Hey I just remembered another Franklin quote, one that I think is appropo to our friend here.”
“What is that?”
“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”
“So true,”Illya smiled.”It does amaze me at times how many brilliant scientists can also be, as you say...stupid.”
“True true, chum.”
“Napoleon, might you do me a favor?”
“Sure, name it.”
“Could you please stand down wind of me?”
“Cute,” Napoleon snickered, though he didn't move an inch.
Illya gave him his typical deadpan look.” Good thing you do not have any plans for this evening.”
“Hey partner mine, the day isn’t over yet,” Solo grinned in reply, deliberately taking a step closer this time.
‘Which is why I still want you down wind of me.” Illya pinched his nose in a mock gesture.”You really are, how you Americans say... ripe”
Napoleon leaned forward, giving himself a sniff.”Yeah I guess I am. Nothing that a hot shower and a change of clothes won’t solve. Hey Mister Wiseguy, you don’t exactly smell like a bed of roses either.”
Illya sniffed himself, not understanding how he could be as odoriferous as his partner as he’d removed and disposed of his rubber boots. That was the only thing on him that had contact with the sewage waste, though the knees of his trousers still had a bit of slime on them.
“Gotcha…” Solo laughed.
“Napoleon, you think you are so funny.”
“Well I guess it’s all a matter of perception. Think about it, crowded elevators smell different to midgets.”
“What?” Illya, now bewildered, shook his head. “You my friend are impossible.”
“Why thank you. I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me today. So no pithy comeback? What happened to energy and persistence conquer all things?”
Kuryakin knew when he was beaten. For the second time that day Illya rolled his eyes, and simply walked away from his partner. In this case, he knew for once the path of least resistance was the best solution.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
Thanks for reading and commenting as well as the compliment!
no subject
no subject
no subject
It's a believable affair - the quote competition is very canonesque - though not one television would find very tempting. Set all the kids to playing Third Man!
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
Great story, and I loved the used the prompt.
no subject
Glad you enjoyed, and thanks!
no subject
'