27 replies to this topic

[Natalya]

Discuss the story in this thread

Nightingale: A Natalya and James Bond fan fiction

A BOND AND NATALYA ROMANCE SAGA

Chapter 1- The Beginning
Antarctica was not a pleasant place to visit.
Discovered by the modern world in 1897. It was an oddity. With no natural resources and strategic value, it was a barren and desolate continent of little value to anyone.
Still, there was an allure to it, which fired the imagination. Which drove explorers by the score to their doom. No one could explain it.
When would it end? No one could say.
Perhaps Antarctica bespoke to something deep in the human psyche. The need to challenge the unexpected. The unknown. It was a temptation few could resist.
Thus the stories began. Travelers brought back perilous tales of freezing blizzards, frostbite and inhospitable natives.
It sounded almost like sheer hell. A charming vacation spot indeed.
The public was disbelieving at first. Were conditions truly that bad? Surely the tales were a lie.
Everyone agreed there was only one way to find out.
Somebody had to go out there and come back. Preferably alive.
The question now was to find someone dumb enough to agree. It was certainly a headache for the organizers. Who would be that stupid?
Well, they needn

[Natalya]

The Confrontation- Chapter 2


Natalya viewed her surroundings.

Several hundred cubits in length, the room bespoke of opulence and decadence.
Beautiful sculptures and paintings were littered everywhere.
Heavily perfumed and carpeted. It was a perfect representation of its owner.

Amoral and yet not without taste. Everything could be found for a price. Even

[Natalya]

Chapter 3- Lost Memories

Zukovsky was dumbfounded. He slowly looked at Bond. Could this actually be happening?

[Natalya]

Chapter 4-The Morning After

[Natalya]

Chapter 5- The Invitation

Natalya pondered on what had just happened. Her estimation of Avatar went up a notch.

They were indeed a formidable opponent. The decisiveness of the Avatar Alliance's response particularly surprised her.

After all, it had only been what

[Natalya]

Chapter 6- Exclusive Meetings

Sweat soaked through every pulse of her body. As applause fell like rain around her, Natalya felt completely exhilarated. She had now reached a pivotal point of her life. One that she would long remember. Nothing would ever match it.

Natalya looked towards her partner. His face was calm, unmoving, like stone.
His eyes however were running through the crowd quickly, as he sought what he was after.

Finally he found it.

It was their

[Natalya]

Chapter 7- A Constellation of Gatherings

[Natalya]

Chapter 8- Evelyn Presents her Speech


Natalya looked up to see Bond approaching her. He seemed somewhat disturbed. However something in his features told her it was serious.

Natalya could read this man well. It was the emotional result after being many years together. The answer lay in his dour demeanour and the gait of his walk. It read volumes. Natalya could literally sense the vibes of emotions that emitted from him. It pulsated like a tidal wave. Natalya's defences went into overtime.

Something was seriously wrong.

Bond took Natalya by the arm and calmly hurried her down the stairway.

"So, have you been enjoying yourself?" Bond commented. He gave no indication to his intentions.

Natalya was at a loss. What was Bond up to? He was never one for small talk.

"I've been getting into the mix of things." Natalya paused "Would you mind telling me where we are going?" There was a note of irritation in her voice. This behaviour was totally unlike Bond.

"Immogen will be starting her speech in thirty minutes. Normally, I wouldn't be bothering you like this." Bond paused "But take a look behind you...A few rows back."

They continued their stroll for a few minutes. Natalya resisted the urge to turn her head. That would have been their undoing. Natalya remained unconcerned. This was a situation she and Bond had encountered many times before.

They knew exactly what to do.

Taking a glass of vodka in her hand, Natalya admired the scenery around her. It was exquisite. Light was reflected everywhere creating a dazzle like effect. Natalya found it refreshing to say the least. She made a mental note to inform her interior decorator to incorporate this design in her home. It was not as if she couldn't afford it...

Nonchalantly, Natalya raised her glass to Bond for a toast. After decades of experience, Bond got the message. Her glass at eye level, Natalya saw a figure's reflection. She nodded. It was just as she expected.

They had company. The Albino.

Natalya finished her drink. There was little point in letting good vodka go to waste. A fiery sensation went down her throat, awakening her senses. Refreshing her to peak capacity. Natalya felt suddenly confident.

She had expected this.

Still all in all, it was somewhat anti-climatic. She had expected his entrance to be somewhat more dramatic. Still, Natalya decided she would take her breaks where she could get it.

It was only prudent.

"I assume he paid you a visit." Natalya said, sipping her drink. She needed information to plot her next move.

"You could say that. I definitely can say he knows who I am. As for you..." Bond shrugged "It would have been too much to ask."

"What did he want?" Natalya asked. She had an idea on where this was going. It was not good.

"He wanted to see you. His employer, actually. I can tell he is quite taken by you, Natalya."

"I am flattered to be sure." Natalya said flatly. Immogen was definitely following the script just as Natalya had imagined. The trap was now set. "Did he say when?"

"Right now, actually." A pleasant voice interrupted Natalya from behind. It was gravely, stone-like, and yet it was pleasing in its own manner. "Galen Cox, at your service." The albino gave Natalya a courtly bow.

Natalya's eyes narrowed. Alarm bells began to ring in her mind. She had not detected this man's approach, which was deeply disturbing. Galen Cox was faster than he looked. Natalya examined this particular individual before her. Cox was tall, gaunt in a tomb like manner. The scar on his eye, so menacing in the photo, looked almost pitable now. He seemed like a tired old man, indentured beyond his time, awaiting his release. Natalya supposed it happened to all henchmen, Still, there was a curious energy about him; it simmered deep below the surface, penting up for release. Once unbridled, Natalya believed its fury would be colossal.

This was one dangerous individual, she thought.

"Alexa Simone, at your service." She remarked hastily, gripping Cox by the hand. Her behaviour was inelegant, but befitting a headstrong neurotic scientist. Bond noticed her accent had changed as well. It was coarser, more direct in speech. Natalya's body language differed as well. As Alexa Simone, she was jerkier in her movements, more prone to violent action. There was still class in her manner, but it now revealed itself in an obtuse form.

"A pleasure to meet you, Madam." Cox pronounced her title with a faint French accent. He then proceeded to offer her hand a chaste kiss. Natalya could feel his lips rasping her smooth skin. It was not an altogether unpleasant feeling. There was gentleness in his actions, which surprised her. It seemed genuine. Did Cox know of her? Natalya Simonova?

Most likely.

Still his actions showed a personality of multiple complexities. True. He displayed a slavish devotion to the cause he served. Avatar. And yet, there was a touch of independence about him, which demonstrated...

He was his own man. For now, at the very least.

"Thank you, Mr Cox. It is a most interesting gathering you have here tonight."

"Ah yes. We hope to do our best in all things. Miss Immogen hopes that our message for peace will spread to as many as possible." Cox paused with a hint of regret "Not all things are possible though." "But it is necessary we try our best in every manner." On that note, there was a servile tone in his voice, which surprised Natalya. Had she misread him completely? Another thought suddenly hit her, could Cox have been brainwashed. He certainly showed signs of conditioning. There were rumours that Avatar had become a cult.

"Miss Immogen would like to meet with you Miss... Alexa. As I told Mr Bond, she has had the highest regards for your work and feels that a meeting... between two like minds would be most productive."

"I am certainly flattered by her attention. But still, I am sure Miss Immogen has better things to do than meet with one simple... scientist." Natalya reflected morosely. She was putting on a fine act here. Modesty in this case was the best policy.

Bond personally thought she was most convincing. But would Cox believe it?

Apparently, he did.

The Albino smiled at Natalya's seeming naivety "I find it most difficult that a charming woman like yourself would be ...simple...as you say? Miss Alexa. Rest assured, Miss Immogen places people far above all things. Especially, rabble like this."

He waved his bony hands at the crowd in disgust.

Natalya now noticed his hands were heavily callused and filled. It bespoke of long arduous training in the killing arts.

She shot Bond a glance, and saw him nod to her silent enquiry.

Bond had tasted Cox's skills himself not very long ago.

"In that case, please inform Miss Immogen. I will be delighted to meet with her." Natalya said nonchalantly. "I assume you will be showing me to her now." Cox nodded. "Then in that case, please lead the way." She turned to Bond "Will you be all right, Darling? I won't be long." There was a touch of sarcasm in her voice.

"Of course, Simone. Please go on with your charming friend." Natalya noticed Bond gave Cox a curious look "I am sure we will see each other again". Natalya stirred. Something had just gone down between the two of them, She was sure of it. However, that was a matter for the future.

She had more pressing concerns.

Cox led Natalya through a gaggle of guests, squeezing their way past onlookers. They parted like the red sea at the sight of Cox. He was evidently well known here and it showed. Natalya took a deep breathe and prepared herself for the emerging confrontation.

This would definitely not be pleasant.

Finally they arrived at a quiet alcove by the side of the room. Cox knocked and announced them in.

What Natalya saw came as a surprise.

"Welcome in." said a clear crystal voice. It was melodious in a high pitched way, and yet soothing to the ears. Such was the way of Evelyn Immogen.

Natalya emerged in a spacious room filled with water tanks. Within them were every kind of marine wildlife imaginable. The environment swum with activity, giving an impression of constant motion. In its centre was a high plush chair decked with furs. It bespoke of class. A ragged woman, legs crossed on one another, was reading a report. She seemed totally unaware of Natalya and Cox's presence. Finally, after marking a page, the woman took off her reading glasses and graced Natalya with a careful look.

It was deep and soulful in appearance. There was knowledge and kindness in them. Natalya took a closer look. The pits of Immogen's eyes went on forever. They seemed magnetic. Natalya felt as if she was by the edge of a ravening abyss. Threatening to swallow one's soul a whole, if given a chance.

Natalya had seen the news clips of course, but it now struck her how green Immogen's eyes were. Like Emeralds. Its depths promised mysteries of secret kinship. A sense of ancient belonging and security.

The eyes matched the woman as well. Dressed in a sharp black leather suit, Immogen looked unconventional as she ever was. It was quite a surprise. Instead of emitting elegance, she looked bone weary and tired. Not quite what Natalya had expecting. Still, like Cox, there was a mad sense of frantic energy bottled up within her.

This was a woman with surprising reserves.

Though out all adversity, Evelyn's quests for inner exploration had never died. Reading from her file, Natalya knew she spoke twelve languages and held four Doctorates of Sciences.

Villain or not, she possessed an incredible intellect. Natalya would give her credit for that.

Unfortunately...

Looking at her now, Natalya felt a deep sense of foreboding. Immogen may have looked fatigued, but she was no fool.

She knew exactly who Natalya was. There was no doubt of that.

Avatar's resources were highly formidable. In a cash strapped Russian Republic, Natalya's personal file would have been sold to the highest bidder. Natalya sighed, it would have been suicidal, to assume otherwise.

Natalya sent her senses around the room for hidden assailants. Surprisingly, there were none. Cox unbeknown to her had already left leaving the two women alone. A curious silence emerged. Leaning back against her chair, Immogen pursed her lips in amusement.

For a moment, Natalya did not know what to make of it.

Immogen was attractive in her own way. In her early 30's, she seemed almost ten years younger. Raven black hair and etched eyebrows, she reminded Natalya of a panther on the move. Seeking weakness and hunting for its prey. Sensuous in her movements, there was a strange economy to them that beggared description. Immogen seemed both quick and yet silent as the same time.

There were no wasted movements.

Her leather dress seemed spotty and crumpled, and yet it bespoke of an aesthetic fashion sense.

This was a true working girl, the clothes seemed to say. She was definitely dressed for success.

Ruby red in colour, Immogen's lips were slender and full. With an oval face, it highlighted her most appealing features. While not exactly a true beauty, Immogen knew how to use what she had. With a flash of movement, Evelyn Immogen, Founder of the Avatar Institute, rose to her feet soundlessly. There was a subtle grace to her and it showed. Natalya calculated the distance. She was six steps away from the door and four from the Avatar Founder. Doubtless, Cox was waiting outside in case of trouble.

Best to meet this head on.

"I was wondering when we would meet." It was a simple statement by the Avatar Founder. There was a hint of wistfulness in her voice. "Alexa Simone." She said pointedly.

"That is my name, I believe." Natalya said flatly.

"Hmm. You know I was surprised to say the least, when I heard you

[Natalya]

Chapter 9- The Shaming of One

"Now, this is definitely going to hurt you more that it is going to hurt me."

It was truly no joking matter. Natalya's words were calm and measured, with an icy edge to them.

This was a woman that meant business. Deadly business.

The captive before her would have certainly agreed. It would have been impossible not to. Strapped to a chain, and lifted three feet into the air, he felt airborne and helpless. It was indeed a quaint sensation. He shuddered convulsively as the cold air bit painfully into his skin.

How had he ever got himself into this predicament?

Easy.

He had gotten into their way. Of two women actually. Natalya was one. The other was...somewhat more dangerous.

"I think it would be best you take her seriously, my friend." The well cultured voice spoke. It was creamy with a touch of the exotic in it. The captive could not help feeling a reddish warmth run down his weatherbeaten face.

The effect was extroadinary.

Major Anya Anasova took her place next to her colleague to watch the proceedings. Even under these circumstances, Anasova smoked her distinctive French filtered cigarettes. The sweet smell filled the cold frigid air.

Natalya resisted the urge not to turn away her head.

Anasova saw her colleague

[Natalya]

Chapter 10- Cairo Blues


Cairo, Eygpt. The Land of the Dead. "The Big Sleep"

Figuratively speaking, of course.
Much indeed had changed since those wondrous days when Pharaoh ruled half the known world. When Eygpt was considered the shining bastion of civilization. In those days, Cairo was called "Maktub Allaha".
"The Birthplace of the Rising Sun" A most worthy title indeed. A city to be proud of.

Unlike now.

Cairo was to put it politely. A stinkhole. It attracted the dregs of the Arab world.

It was all true. Decades of British and Turkish domination had finally taken its told upon it. Corruption, Nepotism and Inefficiency abounded. Woman's rights were at an all time low. Deprived of basic necessities and abused by the men of their clan, life here was sheer torture.

For single women, Cairo was hell come to earth.

Thus, it was not exactly the safest nor nicest place to visit. Especially for two drop kicking scantly dressed females.

Like Natalya and Anya Anasova.

Cairo was a place of prime opportunity for them. Somewhere inside that decrepit city was Aliya Sahib, an influential mercenary facilitator that occasionally hired out muscle to contracting syndicates. He was their only link to the mysterious Avatar Alliance that had caused so much havoc in the past few days.

"Word is breaking out on the streets, that something big is about to go down." Anasova was calmly leafing through a thick file. The past six hours had indeed been hectic for her, but she was coping with it well.

She had handled worse. Much worse.
This was simply a walk in the park.

"Let me guess, Avatar?" Her attractive Russian colleague quipped. Natalya Simmonova was a calm astute woman who was right in her element. Completely focused on the mission, her face was serene with the exception of a fierce glint in her eye. She was someone who would not suffer fools easily. Intelligent and compassionate, Natalya was in essence the antheisis of her older counterpart.

Major Anya Anasova. The renowned Agent XXX.

"Not exactly. All we have are rumors actually. All we know is that a giant amount of activity has been detected on the ground. A vast amount of personal has been deployed, for some reason. Some people think it is a military coup." Anasova carefully replied.
Dangerous and wild, this EX-KGB operative was a former lover of Bond and a lone renegade. A legend in her own time. She had an unfortunate reputation of being a maverick. She did things her own way. By her own rules.

However, if there was one thing that was certain about Major Anya Anasova. It was this.

She got the job done.

Natalya actually felt a kind of kinship between them. It was only natural of course. There were many similarities between them that contributed to that assumption. Both women were capable, beautiful and seductive. They were a lethal combination.

However there were differences though. Subtle but noticeable.

A consummate professional, Anya's methods could be...how shall we say...overly enthusiastic... at times. Natalya personally thought she took a little too much fun in her work. But she did not judge. It was probably just Anasova's way of coping with things. Espionage work could be aggravating to say the least.

However Natalya instinctively knew one thing for sure; Anya Anasova was one of the "good guys".

And that was no lie.

The two women also shared a common love. 007. Anasova had long since abandoned her relationship with Bond though. She now merely regarded him as a fond acquaintance. Natalya however was a different story. She still had feelings for him. Strong feelings. Corny perhaps, but it was true. Natalya would not allow herself lie to herself, not in this matter. It would have been most dishonest. A breach of her personal code. She would deal with it in her own way. Heaven knows how she planned to make their relationship work though.

Bond was not exactly an easy person to live with.

The two women had now come into an easy alliance to stop Evelyn Immogen from destroying the earth. It was supposed the umpteenth time something like this had happened, but it had to be taken seriously. The stakes were much too high. Besides...

It was not as if they had other things to do.

At this moment, the two women were in the air discussing the situation. Natalya was piloting the mobile helicopter with her usual expertise and competence. She seemed completely at home with the controls. Wearing a pair of dark shades, Natalya had a cool and confident manner about her. She seemed totally unflappable.

"Where exactly do you want me to land this?" Natalya asked calmly. She needed to touch all the bases here.

"We'll rendezvous at a small airstrip twelve miles from the city outskirts and make our way from there. I've done this many times." Anasova reassured her.

"Is it safe?" Natalya insisted. Avatar's tendrils had reached every part of the world. She was worries that their location may have been compromised.

"It's a...private...location you might say. None of our networks know about it. I've had it built a few years back as a back entry point into the country. It's got everything we need. Weapons, cash, transportation. All available through the black market. "

"You've been a bad bad girl." Natalya chided.
"Let's hope you were not traced." She continued.
Anasova said nothing. There were little guarantees in a business like theirs. Natalya understood that.

They simply had to hope for the best.

After twenty minutes, Natalya followed Anasova's instructions and arrived at a desolate oasis devoid of life. It looked completely deserted. Natalya studied the area expertly for minute details and gave her colleague a swift nod. It was not an airstrip, but it was close. Her first suspicions about this place were right.

It was just what they needed.

Anasova typed in a command on the laptop in her hand and waited. Nothing happened for a minutes as Natalya struggled to keep the copter in mid air. Then a grinding sound was heard as a Buick sized entrance appeared in the sands below. It was an unearthly sight.

Trying to keep the copter steady, Natalya brought their vehicle down into the entrance below. It was not easy with the howling winds and all, but she managed it. The two women retreated from the copter amid the blinding wind. Dust got into their eyes. Anasova hurriedly pulled out a remote and typed in a command. The shutter doors began to close slowly, shutting out the din of the crowd.

Finally, there was silence. Blessed silence.

Natalya felt prickly chills come into her skin. It was bitingly cold. Cairo was a land of extreme temperatures. Of blinding heat and sub zero winds. Pursing her lips, she took a second to acclimate herself to it. From a corner of her eye, Natalya could see Anasova doing the same thing.

"Interesting place you have here." Natalya said after a moment.

"It used to be an old Iraqi weapons storage centre. It's been abandoned since the Gulf War before I rediscovered it. I did some checking. All records of this facility were lost in the chaos. Destroyed most likely because of the rush. I doubt anyone even remembers where it is." Anya said musingly
"Come on, we've got work to do." She walked off into the darkness. Natalya followed.

They came into a rectangular room hundreds of feet in length. In its centre was a large table. On it was a detailed map of the city, highlighting escape routes and places for egress. Surrounding the walls were racks of weaponry and sophisticated surveillance equipment.

"This must have cost you a pretty penny" Natalya stated flatly. This facility was most impressive.

"A little." Anasova admitted. She idly began to clean the dust off her feet.
"Most of the equipment was already here when I found it. A little dry cleaning and Voila." Anasova spread her hands out. She seemed proud of her housekeeping
"Now that you can stop gawking, why don't we discuss our plan to get in?" She motioned to a large map of the city. Natalya followed and studied it intently. After a minute, she made her observations.

"From what you've told me, there has been a Hubbard of activity all around the city. If Sahib is a recruiter as we think he is, he will be hanging out in one of these four locations." Natalya tapped out four points on the map.
"I suggest we start on the North-East Quadrant. The Al-Shahir Tavern. Our reports show Sahib spends most of his time there."

"Do you think Avatar knows we are looking for him?" Anya

[Natalya]

Chapter 11- Interrogation Anxieties

Addendum: Bond will be absent from this story for awhile. He will return except for guest appearances at the closing chapters of this saga. That is still a long way ahead. Don't worry, his presence and his memories will be still felt.

"Yes, All we have to say is this..." Anasova drawled on her following words. She would have to time this carefully. Her practiced muscles tensed themselves for action. Disregarding the three bodyguards behind Sahib, Anasova made her move.

Like Natalya said, it was crude but effective.

In a single movement, Anasova reached over the table and grabbed Sahib's hair hard. A spike of sudden pain flashed through him, and before he knew it, Sahib found the cold wooden surface of the table impacting against his head with a giant thud. Surprise and outrage prevailed immediately against all his emerging emotions.

How could this have happened? What in the world were his bodyguards doing? Why didn't they react?

Natalya could have answered all those questions.
The surprise factor was critical concerning the first point. Sahib had simply not expected such a sudden change of attitude from Anasova. Call it a quaint Middle-Eastern bias against women. Sahib had always reveled in it.
Well

[Natalya]

Chapter 12- Stars in the Night

Her breathe came in labored gasps. Natalya Simonova strove to widen her lead. Her colleague, Major Anya Anasova was in not much better condition. Drops of sweat had already begun to coagulate behind their necks and behind their eyes. Though Natalya and Anya were both at the peak of their physical prowess, the events of the past few minutes had taken its toll on them. Slowly but surely they began to tire. The ravening crowd of pursuers was already fast gaining ground behind them.

Things were not looking good.

Natalya's throat was beginning to get as dry and raspy as Anya's. A clear sign of exhaustion and dehydration. A kaldescopic series of images began to flash past Natalya's eyes.

It was a feeling she was most familiar with. Her body was tiring itself out.
Natalya blinked past the sweat that trailed past her eyes. Just a few minutes more! She whispered softly. Her feet had literally been screaming in agony, since their fateful jump a while back. Natalya had given it a quick perusal. Fortunately, no bones had been broken. She had merely impacted several nerves clusters badly. With deadly determination, Natalya strove to focus past the pain. There would be time to treat it later.

The jump was one she would long remember. With their assailants right on their back, Natalya and her colleagues had made a desperate leap for safety. In that moment, time seemed to freeze still. Natalya experienced a weird sensation of unreality.

It was as if she was a distant observer to an ongoing event. Free to participate and yet unable to effect its outcome. It was a most displacing feeling. Natalya had gritted her teeth in frustration.

Her training and instincts took over. Calculating the precision of each jump, Natalya managed to place her footing just where it was needed to be. Stabilizing her body weight against the pull of gravity, Natalya let herself flow downhill. It was a roller coaster ride. One she had yet to experience since her youth in Russia. Natalya saw the floor rise up rapidly to meet her. A shiver of fear went through her. Natalya realized there would be a collision, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. With a fury of rage, Natalya forced herself into the air with a hard push of her legs. She would not allow herself to give up.

The Gods or Sheer luck was indeed looking out for her. With a catlike dexterity, Natalya managed to land right on her feet. The impact of the ground sent a wave of agony through her. Natalya gritted her teeth in pain. Suddenly she felt a movement to her left. Instinctively, Natalya turned to find Anya Anasova landing unceremoniously next to her. She looked unflustered and no worse to bear.

The guards however were a different story.

Stumbling like a stack of tumbling cards, the three guards landed without grace onto the hard ground with a loud thump. They fell into a mess, and took half of minute to get themselves on their feet. One of them limped and hurt his leg. Natalya helped him to his comrades and gave them their final instructions.

"Go!" Natalya cried and she pushed them in the opposite direction. After collecting their fallen employer, they stumbled into the night. Natalya vowed to give them a chance. Already she could hear the horde of pursuers heading their way. They would be on to them in seconds.

She had to widen that gape.

The two women fled into the night. Rushing past bazaars and dimly lit streets, it was an unnerving sight. Slim and petite, Natalya ran like the wind. Her dress hung loosely onto her, revealing large patches of skin. She was mesmerizing. A Vision of beauty. Athletic and well built, Natalya ran for the escape point Anya and her had arranged before penetrating the city.

They had planned for all eventualities. Especially this.

Natalya stole a glance to her right. Anya Anasova was steadily keeping up with her. The EX-KGB Major may have been a few years older than her, but she had definitely kept in shape. Statuesque in form, Anasova was on the prowl, navigating the city streets like a jungle cat. Not a glimmer of hesitation was in her movements.

Anasova's instincts were extroadinary. She knew the city like the back of her hand. Which made sense Natalya thought, considering Anya had kept a base near the Cairo limits. She would have done her research.

Despite all this, their assailants however were only a few blocks away and were gaining ground steadily. Natalya could already hear their cries and the rustle of their dusty feet. Idly, she wondered if Sahib had escaped safely. It was an unwelcome thought and she drove it from her mind immediately. Natalya had enough things to worry about. Gripping the pistol in her hand, her fingers moved in anticipation for things to come.

"Here!" Anasova's voice rang in her head. They had finally found their escape route.

It was an abandoned sewer well. Twelve feet in depth, it was filled with water. The manhole cover was sealed with a brass lock. Connected to a underwater passage below the surface, it would lead them out of the city undetected.

There was little time to waste.

With a smooth fluid movement, Natalya aimed her weapon and fired. Her shot was true, hitting the lock precisely, splintering it. Silently and without hesitation, the two women slid open the manhole cover and peered downwards. As expected, it was dark and murky.A pungent odure emerged from the opening causing Natalya to wrinkle her nose in disgust.

"So what do you think?" Anasova said rolling her sleeves. She was already preparing for the long swim.

"You certainly pick all the scenic vacation spots." Natalya said sarcastically as kicked off her shoes. She would need much freedom of movement for this excercise. Tired and weary, Natalya wondered if this day would never end. With a shake of concentration, she shook off a wave of dizziness and turned her head steadily to her partner.

"After you" She offered. It was now or never.

Anasova needed so further encouragement. Taking a deep breathe, she jumped in without a second thought. There was a large splash. Natalya promptly followed.

There was little point in being fastidious. Not at this point, at least.

Natalya soon found herself falling into a distance. Not quite unlike the jump before. However in this instance, Natalya met almost no resistance as she landed in the pillar of water. Submerged neck deep to her neck, Natalya found herself face to face with her colleague. She awaited her next move.

"Follow my lead" Anasova instructed calmly. At that note she took a deep breathe and disappeared.

Without wasting any time, Natalya followed. Water filled her eyes and ears. It was a most disconcerting feeling. The entire world was a greenish blue tint. Disturbing, though it was alluring in its own way. Natalya could already see Anasova dimly ahead of her and struggled to keep up. She would not be left behind. Pressure resistance hammed in her every move, making progress difficult.

Her mind however remained calm and focused; Natalya made her every movement count. Nothing was wasted. There was no one to help her, even if she wanted to. It was akin to being trapped in another dimension. Without sight and sound. The will to live was critical here. Survival depended on it.

Fortunately for her, Natalya Simmonova had that quality (and more) in spades. Finally she reached her destination.

It was a pressure lock that released a hatch to the outside. After typing in a series of codes, the hatch slowly unscrewed itself. Anasova beckoned to her and swam through the opening. Natalya wasted no time following.

This was much harder than she thought.

Devoid of water, Natalya struggled for breathe. Oxygen filled her lungs as she raced down the crawlspace. There was a distant light ahead and a silent anticipation gripped Natalya's heart.

It would not be long now.

Gripping the structure to support herself, Natalya emerged from the hole to fall unceremoniously onto the dusty ground.

Not exactly the dignified entrance, she was hoping for, but it would have to do. Beggers could not be choosers.

"We have to return back to base." Anasova's voice was clear and calm. "You did very well, My Dear." The EX-KGB Major continued with amusement "Even better than I expected."

That was high praise indeed. From a Ex-Legend. At another time, Natalya would have been flattered.

Not now though.

"Well thank you very much." Natalya spat back coolly. She studied her surroundings and shook her head. Beads of water falling unto the dry desert ground. Natalya took a moment to consider her next question.

"Do you think we got what we came for?" It was time to review the results of the mission so far.

"More or less." Anasova admitted. "It has at least given us somewhere to proceed. We'll process what we know later." She quickly shot Natalya a glance. "You do realize what they were digging out from that pyramid, do you?"

It was hardly a real question.

"Aquanium" Natalya replied coldly.

"Naturally." Anya nodded "It follows a certain pattern. But my guess is there is something else in there. Some sort of device that will help bring about Avatar's doomsday plan." She shrugged wearily.

"I know. I've went through a few of those in my time." Natalya remarked.

"Then you know what I am talking about. We have to take a closer look at it" Anasova insisted.

"Point taken. I've got a bad feeling about that pyramid. Whatever is going on in there has to be stopped. Fast. I suggest we hit it with everything we have." Natalta paused. "We are definitely going to need help." She mused worriedly.

"I suppose we could try to get in touch with M. But even if that fails, I have...other connections...that can help us." Anya mused.

"Those "acquaintances" you were talking about earlier?" Anasova nodded. She was trully impressed. Natalya had deduced it with only a few clues. Her young partner was indeed a worthy succesor.

"Two of them are already nearby. I can get them here by tomorrow afternoon, if we are lucky."

"Do it, Anya. Time is not exactly on our side" Natalya spat.

It was the understatement of the year.

The two agents gathered themselves to their feet. It would be a long walk back.

[i]Eight hours later...

Natalya was relaxing by a chair studying a map of the pyramid location. This endeavour would require precision planning. Much had already been worked out. Natalya had marked out notes and suggestions on how best to proceed. A lot of it would be depending on exactly what kind of support Anasova's "acquaintances" could provide.

Would it be enough? No one could say. Natalya certainly hoped it would be so.

"They will be here in around twenty minutes." Anasova's voice spun her out of her thoughts. Natalya frowned. It was the second time Anasova had managed to catch her off guard.

How was she doing it?

"Do I know any of them?" Natalya said calmly, not looking up from her work.

"By reputation perhaps. Not personally though. You girls will have a lot to talk about."

"I can only guess. How did you all meet?" Natalya was indeed curious on that point. How had such a group been formed?

"I meet a lot of people in my line of work. Over time, I noticed a lot of them knew Bond...personally... You know it's funny. Bond's actually quite a popular subject for them. A kind of obsession. They wanted to know more about him, so I hooked them up. We had similar interests anyway. It was interesting, to say the least."

"And then?' Natalya prompted her. She sensed Anasova had something else to say.

"We came to the realization that he's not someone we can get close to. It's a game for us, you see." Anasova shrugged.

"A game? Should I be flattered?" Natalya said cautiously. She had a small idea on where all this was leading.

"We wanted to see who could make him crack. Get past that suave hard exterior of his. Don't get me wrong, we like him. We simply want him to fall in love again." Anasova smiled shyly "I think it is going to be quite a challenge."
Natalya was speechless. That was it? It was a most childish notion.
Anasova continued her speech, as if she could read her thoughts "Oh I agree. It's ridiculous. We've all got better things to do anyway. But it really takes very little of our time. I've gotten to know many of them over the years and they are good people. Some are even married." Natalya was shocked "What?" Anasova scornfully said, seeing her expression "You thought they'll wait for him. To them i fear, Mr Bond is merely an attractive icon of their past. Something they need to get out of their system. This sisterhood of mine helps them to do that."

"Sisterhood. That's a rather feminist term. So what exactly does this group of yours do?" Natalya said curiously. Anya shrugged and a mist of mystery covered her radiant eyes.

"We trade information. Many of Bond's...friends...are in the intelligence community. We help in each other's mutual projects and provide moral support. It's isn't really that difficult. Bond has really good taste in women."

Anasova saw her colleague

[Natalya]

Chapter 13- The Planning of the Assault

Anya Anasova arrived to find Natalya and the others already seated around the meeting table. Oval in shape, its surface were strewn with papers, blueprints and diagrams. Bouvier and Galore were already poring through them with great detail.

Natalya herself looked silently amused. Anasova slid silently into the chair next to her.

"Interesting friends you have here." Natalya whispered. She had been studying Galore and Bouvier intently. Assessing their strengths and weaknesses.

It was indeed the hallmark of a good agent, Anasova thought.

"The Old Adage." To know ones enemies, but keep your friends closer.

Natalya was simply following that precept here.

And who could blame her? After all, she did not really know any of these people, except perhaps by reputation.

Anasova decided that situation had to be remedied. Trust was especially vital now. The lack of it could lead to unfortunate consequences.

"They were the best I could find. Do you have a...problem with them, My Dear?" Anasova said with mock incredulity. Privately, she could see where Natalya was going with this. Her young colleague was curious. She wanted to know more about these two women. To understand their temperaments and history.

That understanding would serve her well in the future.

Most importantly, Natalya wished to know more about this "sisterhood" of theirs that Anasova had founded. Being the object of idle gossip always kindled extreme curiosity within a woman. Natalya was certainly no exception.

"Not really, I simply wish to know more about them. About Miss Galore especially." Natalya said flatly.

Anasova stifled a quick smile. Her young friend could be charmingly predictable at times.

"Miss Galore is an old acquaintance of mine." Anasova explained "After I "retired" from the KGB, she helped me back on my feet. Giving me advice and recommending jobs that kept me alive. While I understand she may seem...strange...at times, I assure you she is a true professional in every sense of the word."

There was a feeling of true reverence in Anasova's words. Natalya was inwardly touched. It was clear Anasova held Galore in the highest esteem. They obviously had a lot of history together.That made them natural allies and friends.

"She certainly seems to have aged well." Natalya said politely. "Like a rare wine. I suppose it's just that its not often that I get to see anyone of her generation before." Natalya proceeded to explain I've heard rumors about Miss Galore while I was in training. The story I heard was that she used to have this group of all-girl pilots working for her. And that she worked with the first set of "supervillians" that appeared on the scene decades ago." Natalya mused.

"All of those rumors are true. More or less. Galore was one of our true women pioneers. In a time where female agents were regarded less lightly, she demonstrated that a woman could hold her own. Even against the best."

Natalya silently nodded. "Bond you mean."

"And Bouvier?" She pressed. "What do your feelings tell you about her?" Anasova was intimately interested in her answer.

Natalya spoke slowly. The words dragging out of her with deep effort and thinking "Bouvier is... a woman that makes me feel...used. She has an energy about her that reminds me of the very young. Energetic and proud." Natalya mused. "I suppose in a way I see a bit of her in myself when I was young long ago. Always ready to risk everything, when properly motivated."

Natalya shot Bouvier a look "I have a feeling that our time working together will reflect that." She said silently.

"Really? Is that what you feel?" Anasova gave no sign of her true emotions. Over the years, she had learned to hide them well. Out of the corner of Anasova's perceptive eyes, she saw Pussy Galore following the conversation intently.

There was no fooling some people. It would seem that Natalya's words had also caught her interest. Anya secretly smiled as she heard Natalya pour out her thoughts.

"She seems confident but on edge. My guess is she needs someone to guide her feelings. To keep her in balance. I think I can fill that role." Natalya admitted.

"Why this sudden urge to be a mentor? Pride? I hope you're not doing this to get back at me." Anasova lightly teased Natalya. Things were going better than she planned.

This trap was now set.

Natalya shrugged; "In a way. Simply put it, by guiding her I hope to guide myself. It's a mutual thing, you see. She may have more field experience, but...emotionally? That's another story."

"Let's hope you are not taking too much than you can handle. I have to warn you though; Bouvier here can be quite the character. Not exactly, the easiest person to crack. You

[Natalya]

Chapter 14- Ocean Assault

"Now that's a really big bomb." Bouvier said flatly.

"I'll say." Replied Natalya.

Pussy Galore was showcasing the team what they would be using in their aerial attack later. The material to be used was highly impressive indeed.

Two 1,000 lb, CBU-105 "smart guided" Cluster Bombs were strapped to the wings of an old World War 1 Sopwith Camel. Each was equipped with ten armor piercing bomblets; able to be dropped from an altitude of 20,000 ft. They represented a devastating array of firepower.

Just the right surprise for Avatar. Natalya thought.

"How did you even manage to strap them in?" Bouvier asked curiously. "The weight alone would rip the plane to shreds. This old Sopwith of yours is a museum piece."

"It'll shatter apart once it hits the air." Natalya added sullenly.

"Why didn

[Natalya]

Chapter 15- Aquatic Escape

The results were instantaneous.

The four charges Natalya and Bouvier set went off with clockwork precision. The shockwave passed through the entire ship with a gigantic bang sending shudders throughout the entire infrastructure. For a moment, everyone was knocked off their feet. Dazed and confused, all the Avatar personnel were caught off-guard. Weapons were invariably lowered as grey fumes of smoke poured incessantly into the command deck. Natalya's eyes gleamed feverishly.
Now was their chance to escape.

The first to recover from the blast, Natalya wasted no time. In one simultaneous movement, a forceful kick launched the Glock 37 into the air. Her timing was impeccable. Without even looking, Natalya caught it right-handed. She knew exactly what she had to do. Drawing a bead on Cox, Natalya strove to put an end to the Avatar Leader. Sentencing pressure onto the trigger, a high velocity round would indeed turn Cox's head to mush.

Nothing could save him now.

"Natalya!" Bouvier screamed. Natalya turned to see Bouvier's shotgun blast throwing an Avatar crew member heavily against a wall, an Uzi dropping sightlessly from his hand. She shot Bouvier a grateful look.

The young DEA agent had just saved her neck.

The two women were now in a deadlock. Natalya realized they had to escape the confines of the room. Realizing they were outgunned; Natalya quickly aimed a series of shots with her Glock, sending Cox and his men onto the floor. For a moment, they were stunned. Natalya took advantage of this. Two shots rang out in succession. It was followed by a loud crash, as glass cascaded down in shivers onto the floor below. Splinters of glass flew about. Some flying past Natalya's face. She remained unmoved by the sight.

Silently praying that Bouvier would follow her lead, Natalya catapulted herself to safety. Her slim body in lithe form, she flung her way through the window opening easily.

Outside it was already evening; the sun had gone down, with night fast approaching. Behind her, Natalya could hear constant shotgun fire. Bouvier was covering her retreat. Suddenly, there was silence.

"You should took your sweet time." Bouvier chided as she emerged next to Natalya breathlessly. Her hair was in disarray. The smell of cordite held thickly around her.

She looked like a bat out of hell. A dark angel.

"I needed him to talk first. Did you get Cox?" They were both running across the deck. Shots were falling all about them.

"Are you kidding? I barely got out myself." Bouvier sounded angry. Events had certainly not gone to her liking. She scanned the horizon intently for intruders. Bouvier had hated the plan when Natalya had explained it to her. It left far too much to chance.

"Is she even going to be here? Anya did say she was going to get help." Bouvier insisted. There was a skeptical tone in her voice.

Quickly running towards the stern of the ship. Hails of gunfire surrounded them as they ran. Pumping a round into the chamber, Bouvier laid a suppressing cover fire.

"I already sent the signal ten minutes ago." Natalya said calmly above the noise "What you heard was just a distraction. To throw off anyone that was listening."

She looked at the DEA agent confidently "Agent XXX won't let us down." There was a confident certainty in her voice.

"All we have to do is survive till she gets here." Natalya continued cheerfully. She could already see Avatar personnel converging on their position. Her Glock almost out of ammunition, she hastily slapped in another clip and resumed firing. Her expert shooting dropping more of the opposition.

"That'll be a blast." Bouvier said glumly.Her racked shotgun action added immeasurably to the mix, sending thunderous flame to the air. Deckchairs and portholes blew up as Bouvier wrought her devastation. The Avatar personnel began to keep a wary distance from her. However by each passing second, more men arrived, surrounding them.

Natalya and Bouvier were cornered at the bow of the ship. The blue ocean awaited them below. It was a warm afternoon and the sea seemed calm. Natalya idly wondered if they could survive the fall down, when they decided to jump.

When, not if. Natalya had no doubt on the options avaliable to them.

Bullets zinging all around them, Natalya and Bouvier took cover behind a narrow landing. The intensity of the fire increased, bracketing them.

"So when did she say she was coming?" Bouvier said sarcastically. Her shoulder scraped by a round, it was bleeding slightly. With a grunt of pain, she labored to load her shotgun one-handed.

"Be patient, Bouvier. All good things comes to those who wait" Natalya kept her head down as she scanned the skyline. Anasova's plane still had not appeared. She checked the clip in her Glock. Only four rounds were left.

Time was running out.

For the first time, Natalya wondered how a poor Level-2 computer programmer like herself could end up here. With imminent death approaching, it now seemed a poor career choice.

Bouvier returned fire as best she could. However it was meager compared to the withering barrage that overpowered them. She sneak a look at her colleague. Natalya Simonova seemed withdrawn and undisturbed. Bouvier was infuriated by the sight. They needed solutions here. It was no time to break down before her. Their lives were at stake.

Had her partner broken under the strain? Somehow, Bouvier doubted it. Her partner was definately made of sterner stuff. But if not,what?

Out of the blue, a plane's sound was heard. Turning her head towards the noise, a look of subtle satisfaction appeared on Natalya's face. Like a speck on the horizon, a small biplane could be seen.

It was the Sopwith. The cavalry had arrived.

Turning on her communicator, Natalya spoke "Anasova. How are you doing? Request immediate extraction. Over."

"Galore here. We are under heavy fire. Plane damaged. Your present location too hot for pickup. Suggest you make your way overboard. We can pick you up more quickly from there."

"Affirmative. Don't be late." Natalya turned to Bouvier "It looks like, we are going to have to take another swim."

"I am ready when you are." Bouvier said blandly."What do you say we get out of this dump?"

Natalya nodded. It was probably a rhetorical question. The two women prepared to sprint for the edge.

Positioned by the bow of the liner, the railing was only six yards away. Below was a two hundred drop down into the sea below.

Natalya calculated the odds. They were not good. In fact, it was a marvel they had already survived so far. Simmonova wondered if they should not press their luck. Taking a look at the opposition, she realized they had no other choice.

They had to go now.

One of the Avatar personnel was carrying a LAW rocket launcher. As luck would have it, he was aiming it right at them. Natalya calculated its trajectory.At this distance, it would be impossible to miss.

There was little time to lose.

"Go!" Natalya shouted. In a panic, she and Bouvier began their run. Behind her, Natalya could already hear the hiss of the rocket's launch. It would reach them in seconds.

It was now or never.

Natalya was about to perform her third high jump in so many days. This was definitely getting tiresome, she thought.

Sucking in a deep breathe, Natalya prepared for the long descent below. A hiss of the rocket was heard. Natalya and Bouvier reached the railings just before it exploded. The impact occurred just a few yards away, propelling them overboard.

It was a long fall down.

Tossed head over heels, her clothes set on fire, Natalya struggled to maintain her bearings. Time seemed to stretch overly. From a distance, she could see the water surface rapidly rising up to meet her. It was not a pretty sight. Natalya prepared for impact.

This was really going to hurt.

She was right. There was a huge splash, the impact nearly knocking her senseless.

Natalya could already feel herself succumbing to sleep. With a surge of concentration, she struggled to stay awake.

In a fit of desperation, Natalya hurriedly pinched herself. The pain invigorated her lending lightning clarity to her mind. Her arms failed about wildly in a rush.

Slowly but surely, Natalya regained control of her senses. The water was a cold blue, sending shivers down her spine. Squinting against the heavy pressure, Natalya looked hurriedly for her colleague.

There she was. A few feet away. Bouvier looked stoned and unconscious. Her wet hair spread out in a mess.

Natalya realized the fall had knocked her out. Unconscious.

Knowing she had little time to save her, Natalya began her long swim. It went for tough going. Bouvier seemed but inches away, just out of reach. Natalya struggled to get near, but progress was difficult. Vaguely, Natalya realized she was running out of air. They had to surface soon.

Finally, with her last gasp of strength, Natalya gripped the comatose Bouvier by the shoulder. Applying pressure intensely, the young American sprang awake. Her eyes rolling wildly in panic, she seemed at a loss on where she was. Bouvier flailed her arms in panic. Natalya struggled to calm her down. It did not happen easily. In desperation, Natalya slapped her jaw, silencing her. Urgently, she pointed topside. It was imperative they got more air. Bouvier understood and followed her lead.

Their lungs were on fire when they reached the surface. Bouvier and Natalya coughed violently as they threw up undissolved liquids. The sun was fast setting, its light diminishing by the very minute. It would be night soon.
Her chest in aching pain, Natalya could see the Avatar liner listing by the side. Black fumes appeared everywhere. It was clear the ship was crippled. Natalya idly wondered if repairs could be completed in time.

Most likely, she thought. They had lost this game. The Liner would escape.
It had not been a good day.

Natalya quickly pushed the matter out of her mind. She had more pressing
concerns. Natalya looked around. Anasova's Sopwith was no where to be seen. Had she abandoned them?

A sputtering engine was her answer.

Neck deep in water, Natalya saw the old Sopwith make her unsteady approach.

"Natalya, do you see me?" Natalya's communicator rang. Anasova's voice seemed hurried and disturbed. Natalya waved her hands in a flurry. She was not sure if Anasova could see her.

Luck was now on her side.

Anasova calm voice returned "We are going to come pick you up. When we make our next pass, make sure you grab on to the railings.

[Natalya]

Chapter 16- The Martial Arts

Natalya Simmonova opened her eyes as she inhaled slowly. Breathe control was critical in opening the blocked air passages in her lungs. The key now was to be observant of the moment. That precise instance when everything was in its place.

When the stars were all in alignment, to coin a phrase. It was her mind. Her body. Natalya was in desperate need of healing.

The rectangular room they were in was built for that purpose. White-stained floors covered the entire area, with elegant Sanskrit motifs carved into the walls. There was a feeling of profound antiquity about it. Moneypenny had suggested the use of this MI6 meditation chamber to Natalya.

[Natalya]

Chapter 17- Latin Odyssey

Bogot

[Natalya]

Chapter 18- Investigation Blues

Sometimes it just didn't pay to wake up on time.

Alex Theo wearily made his way through the bustling office floor. It had been over fourteen hours since he had gotten any sleep. Things had certainly gotten interesting in his absence. It was madness. All of it. Outmanned and outgunned. The Columbian Army was retreating on all fronts. Everything was going to hell in a basket. Alex urgently supped up the cup of black coffee in his hand. It was all anyone could do to stay sane.

Such was life in the CSS. The Columbian Securite Service.

Alex hardly fit the profile of the glamorous secret agents the Pulp magazines had glamorized. Nor however was he a muscle bound thug. Young, in his early 20's, Alex was unlike anyone who had ever joined the CSS.

He loved his job. Well, his boss actually.

Balancing his coffee cup and a stack of papers in two hands, Alex navigated past his flock of colleagues that had come to greet him.

"Great Job, Theo! You really showed them."

"Your hunch was right, Alex. We're getting close now!"

"Souvabitch, Theo my man! How the hell did you pull that off?"

Just another day on the job. Alex wondered how he had ever gotten into this mess. He remembered it just like yesterday.

A beginning film student at the University, Alex had been approached by a woman who had transformed his life.

Carmine Ash. The head of CSS.

She was just a pretty little girl back then. Not much older than he was. Theo personally thought she looked like a young Natalie Wood. From Gypsy. Innocent and fresh. His interest was immediately stirred.

Maybe he could get a date here, Theo thought. Single women were hard to find in Columbia.

Especially those with Theo's interests.

Carmine gave him much better than that. To his surprise, Theo discovered they were kindred spirits. Case in point, They both loved Siegio Leone. The undisputed Master of Spaghetti westerns. Alex shook his head in disbelief. Carmine was an artist, damm it, and gorgeous to boot. Theo could hardly believe his luck. This was the woman of his dreams.

"So, you remember the part when that Mexican guy...Eli Wallach...ties Clint up..." She said excitedly. They were discussing The Three Dollars Trilogy.

"Eli is not Mexican actually. Wallach was born in New York on 7 December, 1915." Theo smugly corrected Carmine. This woman sure needed to get a leg up.

To use a phrase.

"Really!" she mused silkily "Gee, I guess, you learn something every day..." Theo winced as he thought back to that moment. She had baited him, and he had not even seen it coming.

"So when are you going to ask me up to your room?" Carmine's eyes twinkled.

Theo could not believe his luck. Things like this did not happen in real life.

It had to be unreal.

"Pretty direct, are you?" He said coolly. Theo wanted to know where she was going with this.

"A girl like me doesn't believe in wasting time." Carmine pecked a quick kiss on his lips. "We believe in seizing the day. Remember "Dead Poets Society"? " Theo could still smell her scent. It was Jasmine. There was a fruity taste to it. It was delectable. Theo was emboldened. He wanted to drink this gorgeous woman in. Swallow her whole. Bespectacled and with a full bosom, Carmine could have walked out of the pages of Vogue.

He gentlemanly walked Carmine to his dorm. Theo lived in an abandoned part of the campus, where no one bothered him. Theo valued his privacy. It had many benefits. Like in this instance, for example.

"Nice place you have here." Theo's room was a menairge of chaos. Filming Equipment were scattered all about. Movie Posters from the 70's adorned all the walls. Nostalgia gone live.

"I forgot to pay the help. You know how much we aspiring film students make." Theo in a matter of fact voice.

Truth of the matter, Theo had not seen a pay check for six months. Money was definitely becoming an issue.

"Maybe I can do something about that." She purred. Carmine did a circle dance about him. Theo looked on in amusement. She traced her fingers down his chest.
Her nails were sharp. Theo idly wondered what they would do to human flesh. Theo hoped Carmine was like a werewolf in bed. At that moment, her nails sank in drawing blood. Theo gasped aloud.

Jesus, this bitch was a werewolf!

Leaping on top of him, Theo found himself flung onto the bed. Carmine straddled him, her underwear plainly seen in the dim light. Black lace, he thought. It made Carmine look more enticing. Theo's loins stiffened. He began to undress himself. First his sweater, then his pants. Theo could feel the humidity of the air. The owls cried and the nightlife awakened. Everyone was in heat. Including himself.

"You know, I used to think women like you existed only in the movies." Theo said dreamily.

"I am pretty sure I have that effect on people." Carmine shrugged wantonly. She continued to caress him. Theo strained himself to his limit to stay in control. Perspiration ran unseen down his back. His groin was on fire. Struggling to maintain his sanity, Theo did the only reasonable thing a young man like him could do.

He plunged in. From the waist down.

"You're certainly getting a good impression out of me. Let's highlight that to our satisfaction, shall we?" Theo reciprocated her actions by nibbling her lips. It was a sensual experience. He slid his arms around her, embracing Carmine like a passionate lover. Their lovemaking was intense. Theo had not much experience with women, but he did his best. As with all matters.

Then things started to go wrong.

A fit of dizziness began to come over him. His throat constricting, Theo did not realize what was happening. Pushing Carmine aside, he gasped for breathe. As the room swung wildly all around him, out of the corner of his eye, he could see Carmine nonchalantly brush up her hair, putting her clothes on. She shot Theo an amused look.

"Why?... "He asked. A defiant gaze was in his eyes. He realized this encounter was a trap. But to what purpose? He was a nobody. However, Theo would be dammed if he went go down without a fight. He tried to reach the sitting Carmine. Theo estimated she was about four feet away.

It might as well been a mile.

"Haven't you guessed. We are recruiting you." Carmine said blandly, as she put on her makeup. She totally ignored his stumbling approach. It was infuriating.

"Alex Theo. Your country needs you." Her voice rang ominously into his ear. Its significance flew past him.

As he thought back, Theo realized that from that moment on, he was screwed. Literally and Figuratively. His body moving sluggishly, a feeling of numbness came over him. Theo felt as if he was falling from a distance. Weightless and tumbling. He realized he was in deep trouble.

"Bang" He fell onto the floor. Hard. The lights went out. For him.

The whole process only took a few minutes.

An undetermined time later. (Theo later found out it was an hour) He finally found the strength to open his eyelids. Theo knew he was sleeping on something soft. Theo's body practically curled in. As light shone into his eyes, Theo instincts told him he was not alone.

He turned to his right. It was not a pretty sight.

Next to him, was a blonde girl. A hooker, from the looks of it. Theo assumed that she was in her early teens. She was pretty in a way, but signs of premature aging had begun to set in. Theo could already read her life story. Abandoned by her father and unable to find work, she had traded her looks for cash. Abused by her pimp, despair had set in. Making her cynical and desperate. Whores like her were a dime a dozen. She was part of the Oldest Profession. A grand Tradition. This little lady would not last long.

Such was life on the rough streets of Columbia.

Where the hell was Carmine? Theo thought. Looking around, Theo discovered he was not in his own bed. The room was a stranger to him. What was going on?

"Let me tell apprise you of your situation, Mr. Theo." Carmine sat idly reading a fashion magazine. Theo turned wearily to find her sitting there all along. She had not made a sound.

Considering the environment, Theo realized his senses had diminished due to the...

"Drugs, Alex." Carmine explained, stretching out her ruby fingernails "I had a makeover of sorts. They are coated with a potent anesthetic that once mixed with bloodstream has a most paralyzing effect that you experienced earlier."

"Neat, Huh." Carmine said cheerfully. Theo studied her carefully. He was wondering if his body could propel him out of this bed fast enough to strangle her before she knew it.

"Do you believe in anything, Alex?" Carmine calmly asked.

"Sure, Life, Taxes, Rodney Dangerfield and a Cold Beer. What the hell are you getting at?" He pointed at the Blond next to him "And who in the world is she?"
Theo's patience was wearing thin. Someone was about to get hurt.

Carmine ignored his tirade "Well I believe in this country, Theo. It can be a great one. All it needs is the right leader." She said smugly. Theo felt for the first time an intense dislike for this woman.

Understandable. Considering the circumstances.

"It might please you to know I represent the interests of an organization that wishes to take this country back to its people. Together we will remove the filth and scum that have clogged our streets and houses. The liberation of our people is at hand."

"That's all very nice." Alex said flatly "But what has all this got to do with me? The minute I get rich, I am getting out of this stink hole." She stared at him blandly.

His answer did not seem to shock her.

"Isn't it obvious? I am recruiting you." Theo stared at her blankly. The pieces were about to sink in.

He turned to the "sleeping" blonde next to her. Could it be? No!

Theo shot Carmine a horrified look. "You wouldn't have..."

"Oh yes. She's dead." Carmine answered his silent enquiry.

"Thirty minutes ago, three bona-fide witnesses saw you bring this girl into this hotel room for a rendezvous."

"Things got ugly and Voila! She's dead." She spread her hands in exclamation.

"You killed her." Theo's voice was in a rage. He dug his fingernails into his palm.

An innocent girl had died because of him. There had to be a way out of this, he thought frantically.

"Oh no." Carmine shook her head in mock horror "We are not barbarians, Alex. This poor girl was already dead when we found her. Dead hookers are a common feature of our way of life, as you may know. We merely set you up."

"You, Son of a bitch." He whispered with hate in his eyes.

Carmine was unmoved."Ah yes. You killed this woman, Alex. We've got enough on you to put you away for life. After all, you even had the prescence of mind to take photos of your little "encounter" Carmine threw a stack of black and white photos onto his lap. Theo examined them carefully.

It showed him in several sexual positions with the unfortunate hooker. In some, his hands were seen strangling her. His face in total ecstasy. It all looked very convincing.

Theo's heart sank. Any jury would convict him. Without a thought.

"It was pretty difficult to arrange her like that one." Carmine calmly pointed to one photo "Rigor Mortis sets in, you know. The muscles harden." She seemed almost regretful.

"You didn't have to do this." Theo protested, knowing it was futile. This bitch had him at her mercy.

What was worse was that. She knew it. There was nothing he could do.

"Oh yes I did. We've had our eye out on you for some time now. You are strong. Educated. Intelligent. Exactly what we need." Carmine said gleefully. She caught his stricken expression "Consider yourself recruited."

"Oh, don't look so peeved. You are going to enjoy working with us. There are plenty of perks to this job. Free parking, coupons...That kind of thing."

"Do tell." Theo coldly said. His eyes could melt ice.

"For one thing, you get to work with me." Carmine said negligently "I am going to take real good care of you. You are my discovery after all." Theo wanted to gag.

It was the start of beautiful relationship.

For the next two years, Carmine was a harsh taskmaster. Imparting all the skills she knew. It did not take long. Theo was a fast learner. He had reflexes like a cat. Scoring highly in every subject. She supervised every mode of his training. God, he hated her. She betrayed his trust. Theo scowled "Why doesn't she cut me some slack? We had something good going before"
Still an attraction persisted between them. Between captor and captive. It was like La Femme Nikita.

Over the coming months, Theo was tutored in a variety of surveillance arts. He excelled in Strategy and Problem Solving. A lifetime in film appreciation had taught him to be objective and accurate in his assessments. Carmine guided him through every step of it. Despite his objections, he slowly began to take a liking to her. She was about his age after all. Great minds did think alike.

"You're not still pissed off at me, are you?" She asked after a sparring session. He had defeated her repeatedly without much effort. Theo was that good. He had surpassed her completely. The tables had turned, in this instance.

"Carmine, My Dear. That will be my little secret." He winked before he left.
Truth be told. She was much too attractive for him to hold a grudge. Alex loved her in his own way. There were sides to her that he had yet to discover. She cared about her people. An idealist and cynic at the same time. The dichotomy was intriguing. Carmine was an enigma. A puzzle to be solved. She sparked his interest. Most importantly, she loved movies. One fan geek could easily forgive another.

After work, they would sit back and trade barbs with each other. It became a sort of ritual. Theo would irritate her by quoting obscure movie dialogue. She would reply. They bestowed knowledge on each other. That formed a bond that Theo and Carmine were reluctant to admit. Theo enjoyed seeing the human being within her struggle to emerge during these sessions.. Bound by ties of duty and patriotism (Now there was a charming concept), the witty personality that was Carmine was trapped. That stunning film buff, Theo liked banished and exiled, to a faraway place. Still sometimes...

He could see that individuality struggling to break out, despite her conditioning. That heartened him.

Theo swore he would rescue her before he left. No matter what. He owned Carmine that much.

As for the frame-up. That was still a touchy subject. Theo knew Carmine still had the incriminating photos hidden somewhere. Ready to be used, if he turned. The CSS was a labyrinth of spies and moles. To fight the darkness, they had taken some of its aspects. Mole hunts and betrayals happened regularly.
Theo remembered one instance, when he discovered a long-time colleague was selling secrets to the enemy. He confronted the man, asking him why. Why give up the fight?

"Christ man, I don't like this place anymore than you do. But why throw it all away? Nobody likes a rat."

"If you have to ask, you'll never know." Was his ambiguous reply.
What was he to make out of that?

Carmine had no answers. She merely buried herself in work. Were there words of consolation? Friendly advice? It really irritated him when she did that.

"You can't run away from this." He said blandly.

"I wasn't trying to." Carmine stared into her paperwork. "We are who we are. What more is there for us to say?"

Theo's job at the CSS was simple. Investigation and Prevention. In short, delay anyone that opposed the will of the people. Lupe Lamora.
Privately, Theo had never quite taken to that woman. Lamora seemed layered and calculating. That was his first impression. There was more to her than anyone had expected. Theo voiced his concerns to Carmine. He trusted her enough to keep his suspicions to herself.

"Remember Edward Norton in Primal Fear? Lupe reminds me of him. That little beauty queen of ours has an agenda." Surprisingly she nodded in affirmation. Theo was mildly surprised. Carmine had always been a vocal supporter of Lupe Lamora.

"You caught that too?"

"The question is can we still trust her to care for the greater good of Columbia?"

Theo mused on his answer "Considering her history and track record, I'd say...yes.

"I'd be real careful about trusting her though." Carmine was silent.

Theo looked at his boss curiously. "What's the problem?" He asked.

"I have heard rumors that Lamora was behind the CSS. She is the brains behind it all." Her face was frozen from the revelation.

"And this is a shock because..." Theo was beginning to understand.

"Because I thought she was innocent of...all of this." Carmine exploded violently "Alex. When they first approached me to head the CSS.

"They" assured me that the leader we were serving was an innocent. Uncorrupted by the fields of politics."

"Lamora would have no idea of our existence. We were to be her sacred guardians."

"Well, you've seen her speak live, right?" Alex nodded.

"She can be so convincing at times. So...noble. When I saw the good that she had done...I was so proud. Now knowing she was behind it all takes..."

"The innocence away from the magic." Alex finished. "You're right in feeling this, Carmine. We all want our heroes to be pure and unsullied. It just what heroes are supposed to be. Bigger than life. You just made one mistake. The one everyone makes." Alex said seriously.

"Which is?" She whispered.

"Life is not a movie." Carmine brightened at this jab. "Lupe may have her own reasons for keeping this from you, Carmine. So take it easy. Lupe has done a lot of good in her time. Unless she does otherwise, she'll have my vote."

"So wipe those tears and smile."

Carmine Ash than did something Alex had always dreamed about.

She laughed. It was the first time ever. Since their first meeting by his dorm. Her eyes sparkled with merriment. With a soulful gesture, she touched his face.

"Thank you, Alex. I'll always remember this." Theo felt a warm feeling rise to his face. He was uncertain as to what it was. He was blushing! This had never happened before. It was at this point that Alex realized his feelings for Carmine. He was fond of her.

That was hardly a surprise.

"Alex. There's something I've always wanted to say to you before. But I'll say it again..."

"Get...back...to...work." She said distinctively. Theo chuckled. This was classic Carmine.

There was hope for her yet.

Then came Le Circle. Many of the good people of the CSS were caught off guard by their appearance. Theo and Carmine included.

"Who are these guys?" That remark summed up the CSS reaction nicely.

"I want everyone working around the clock on this matter. Names, Gentlemen. I want names. Pull in every favor you have. Every snitch turn him outside out. Throw some money on the streets. Somebody out there knows something. This is urgent, people. None of us are going on home until we solve this thing." Carmine addressed her entire staff. Fatigued looks were on their faces.
Theo confided his fears to Carmine later "We going to have to go outside the box on this one. Forego our normal channels. This has to be an inside job."

"A mole?"

"Maybe. Le Circle might be more highly perched in the Government than we expected." He stopped "Can you make a...slight delay in your reports, when they come in. I'll need the lag time to get an advantage."

"Are you becoming a believer, Alex?" Carmine said "I understand you better than anyone else. You don't care about Columbia, or Lupe Lamora."

"That doesn't mean I don't care about you. Or right and wrong. This is classic Good vs. Evil here."

"Like Clint Eastwood against Lee Van Cliff."

"Exactly. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. If Le Circle succeeds in toppling the government. None of us are safe." Theo warned. "Only one of us are going to walk out of here alive." There was a pregnant pause. Carmine considered his words.

She wiped her dark hair from settling into her eyes. "You

[Natalya]

Chapter 19- Delectable Memories

Natalya had always enjoyed being caught wrong. It added an extra spice in life.

The snowy vistas of the white slopes were magnificent. Even better than she imagined. Natalya fell back into her cushioned chair with a smile. This was turning out to be a fine day indeed. She set her mind adrift, letting them soar into the blue heavens above. The experience was spectacular. Almost Zen-like.

Then

[Natalya]

Chapter 20- Fighting Levels

Every nation in the world has a sex industry. A most sordid fact, no doubt and one which many of the world leaders would like to forget. Still, everyone knew it existed. Columbia was no exception. As Theo would attest, hookers were a mainstay in Today

[Natalya]

Chapter 21- Information Conflict

Hands are truly marvellous things.

They are an important part of us human beings. We use them and rely on them unknowingly. In fact you can tell a lot about a person by simply examining them. Their texture and smoothness are a clear giveaway.

Does she take good care of them? Take a person

[Natalya]

Chapter 22- Romantic Intrusion

Edited by Natalya, 25 March 2005 - 10:04 AM.

[Natalya]

Chapter 23- Remembrances

Xenia Onatopp. The leader of Le Circle.

Evil never did die easily. Natalya had last seen this woman many years ago in Cuba. The sight of her brought back dark memories. Natalya found it difficult to swallow back the tide of revulsion that now came over her. Xenia represented the worst of the worst. She was a whole new dimension of evil.

Stripped of her clothing, Natalya's skin prickled as the Le Circle leader approached her. It was not fear she felt, but anticipation. Here was a living symbol of her past. A vile piece of excrement that would be excised from the earth. Natalya was looking forward to performing the task. Her face calm and emotionless, Natalya mentally reviewed Xenia's history.

Xenia Onatopp. Age: 34. Birthplace: Georgia. Parents: Deceased (Possibly by her own hand)

An assassin of unmatched skill. Xenia was thought by many experts to be the ultimate female killing machine. A connoisseur of fiendish malevolence. The records of her kills remained unmatched around the world. This woman spilled blood in torrents wherever she walked. Like pestilence bringing forth a plague. Eyewitnesses described an exotic colored assassin that brought death with her thighs, shattering her victims with waves of ecstasy. She was inhuman in form and ambitious to the very last.

Onatopp had been working with a rouge MI6 Agent named Alec Travelean to bring chaos to the world. Causing a swath of death and destruction. The duo had hijacked a sophisticated Russian Satellite called "Goldeneye" to pull off their final audacious scheme. Their goal? The destruction of the world's financial markets. Natalya and Bond had worked together to stop them.

It was their first partnership together. And the most memorable.

For Natalya, the reasons were personal. The Goldeneye satellite was originally controlled from the Severnaya Space Station, where she worked at. Xenia, with the help of a traitor within the Station, had slaughtered anyone that stood in her way, capturing the Goldeneye keys in the process. It was only through sheer good fortune that Natalya herself survived.

Crouching behind a ventilation shaft, Natalya emerged from her hiding spot to met by a scene of sheer butchery. Dante's hell had come to earth.
Bodies were strewn everywhere. Their eyelids staring sightlessly at the ruined ceiling. Natalya's heart broke when she saw her best friend Anna, laid out on the cold floor, her rictus frozen in horror.

"She was going to be a mother." Natalya thought sorrowfully as she leaned her head against Anya's breast. Her friend

Edited by Natalya, 27 March 2005 - 08:52 AM.

[Natalya]

Chapter 24- More Remembrances

Natalya did not even blink as the lash of the whip made its way towards her. Its speed was incredible. Despite her experienced instincts, Natalya

Edited by Natalya, 11 April 2005 - 09:28 PM.

[Natalya]

Chapter 24- Extra Additions

A moment later, a trio of armed guards entered the room. They lined themselves in a row, awaiting the Le Circle leader

[Natalya]

Chapter 25- Blood in, Blood out

Natalya found herself laid on the ground fully stunned. Her body was an aching morass of pain, making her every movement a stabbing agony. It reminded her of the price she had paid in assisting a man who now held her imagination and...perhaps even her heart.

An enigma named Bond. James Bond.

Despite the many weeks they had spent together, Natalya Fyordovorna Simonova still could not quite fathom the aura of aloneness which surrounded this MI6 agent. He was cruelly serious and yet not without a sense of humor. Also, the most passionate lover Natalya had ever knew (not that she had many). And yet...sometimes Bond could be cold. So very cold. A woman of immense intelligence, Natalya could not understand why this was so.

Bond had so much going for him. Strength, looks, charisma. He had them all. But why this feeling of...sadness which now radiated from the core of his being? It was a strange puzzle which Natalya was avowed to solve. She owned herself that much. What could it be? Natalya mused. A failed relationship? Women trouble? Natalya instantly dismissed the idea. Bond was far too hardened for something like this to adversely affect him. Women were in a way a pleasurable part of his life. Natalya instinctively knew that women flocked helplessly to his charms. How could they not? Natalya herself was one of them. The clues were all there. After their first night of lovemaking, Natalya could already tell that Bond certainly did not lack for female company. How else could Bond find the expertise to make her feel so...alive? So...energized?

It was a strange revelation.

Bond's hands were those of a master sculptor'. Manicured and dexterous. There were no wasted movements. No dallying. With a violence that shocked her, Bond molded Natalya's marble flesh into orgasmic perfection, leaving her in a breathless stupor. This came to the following question. When this mission was all over, would their relationship continue?

Natalya doubted it. Still she would do her utmost to try. This man Bond was worth the risk. A warrior (of sorts) since birth, Natalya Simonova was hardly the kind to give up.

Not without a fight at least.

These thoughts and more passed through Natalya's mind as she lay on the warm ground. They seemed incongruous at best. Distracting her from the dire situation that had befallen them.

"Enough of this!" Natalya silently told herself gritting her teeth

[Natalya]

Chapter 26- Levels Of Deception

P.S The FULL Chapter 26 is now presented in its entirety. In this chapter, the Xenia-Natalya battle comes to its epic conclusion. Watch out for more chapters of

[Natalya]

Chapter 27- Blade Dancing

P.S From this point on, you