Nexor frowned.  This was not the reaction he'd expected.  "You find something amusing, yes?", he demanded.

Illya continued to laugh.  "Oh, I do", he managed between chuckles. "What I find most amusing is that this is the best you can do, using old news to try and trap me."

Nexor's blue eyes narrowed and his handsome face reddened.  "Explain?"

"Very well.  I have known since I was six years of age that my great great grandfather was the first and true Number One of  THRUSH.  He designated that all his bloodline should follow be that person male or female.

I know that his wishes were carried out until your father was chosen to head the Genetics Department.  I know that you and I were born on the same day.  After  my birth your father had both my parents killed and usurped my rightful place...."

"Enough!", Nexor roared, noticing that all eyes had turned toward him. "These are lies!  Take him!"

As if on cue the doors burst opened and Nexor's elite security guards poured into the room.   "You summoned......", the Chief Security Guard began but the words died on his lips as he found himself face to face with Illya.  Stunned, he fell to his knees before the Russian.  "My Lord!", he cried, "You are truly alive!!"

Nexor was on his feet, now, he face nearly purple with rage.  "What nonsense if this!?"

"No nonsense, Maximilian", the man replied.  "This is the great great grandson of Ivan Kuryakin and the true Number One of THRUSH."

"Prove it!", Nexor challenged.

Under the watchful eye of everyone in the room, Illya strode toward the huge mahogany desk and held out his right hand ot Nexor.  "Give me the sword!", he demanded.

Realizing he had no choice Nexor obeyed.  Taking it by the hilt Illya raised it above his head, blade turned upward, then drove it home into the center of the desk  "I, Illya Nickovitch Kuryakin, have returned to claim my birthright and free my
people!" he cried.