2152 replies to this topic

[Genrewriter]

*G and 003 sit in Q-Branch with 002, watching the video. G ecxhales and turns off the set*

G: He hesitated, I don't know why but it comes through pretty clearly on the tape.

003: I think I know why.

002: Care to enlighten us?

003: It happened seven years ago. He was working with a female agent who turned out to be a double. They had been close at the time, but the stress got to be too much for her and she went bad. He tracked her down, faced her with the evidence and...

002: But did he hesitate?

003: No.

G: That was then. What about now?

003: 004 is one of the finest men I have ever known, I'd follow him to hell and back. Would you?

*002 and G think for a second.*

002: Alright. Anyone needs me, I'm in my office.

[Xenobia]

*M is quiet for a moment and buzzes Moneypenny*

M: Send for 002.

P: Yes Ma'am.

*moment's pause*

P: I got her voicemail ma'am.

M: I see. *another pause* Would you come in for a moment Moneypenny?

*Moneypenny does so.*

M: You more than anyone else seem to be able to take an accurate pulse on the character of the double-ohs.

P: I don't know about that M...

M: I do, and now is not the time for false modesty. Tell me, do 004 and 009 strike you as being particularly close?

P: In candor ma'am, yes they do, for the fact that whatever they have started very recently.

M: I see. And 002 and 007. What about them?

P: Well, you know Ja -- Bond.

M: I do.

P: This is probably one of his office flings.

M: Does 002 understand that?

P: I am sure she does ma'am. She knows better than to get too involved.

*M arches her brow*

M: And how does she know that?

*Moneypenny frowns, realizing she said something M doesn't know*

P: It was before your time ma'am, when 002 was attached to the embassy in Washington DC. She fell in love with someone there, and I am not entirely sure what happened, but she barely removed herself from the situation before she was compromised, and someone else had to remove her.

M: And duly chastised she has been the model of good behavior ever since?

P: Yes ma'am.

*M thinks for a moment*

M: Who would have removed her, had she been compromised.

P: Why your predecessor ma'am, Sir Miles...

M: I meant who would have Sir Miles sent?

*Moneypenny thinks and starts to catch on*

P: Why, it would have been 007.

M: So 007 in a way saved her career, yes?

P: Yes ma'am.

M: And now 002 is trying very hard, perhaps too hard to save his career, and perhaps his life.

P: Perhaps ma'am.

M: Phone 002, 003, 004, 008, and 009. I want them all in my office in two hours time. It's time to assess what information we have, and how best to proceed.

P: Yes ma'am.

*Moneypenny leaves*

-- Xenobia

[Joyce Carrington]

*002 is working in her office*

009: Xen?

*002 looks up and sees 009 standing her in her doorway*

009: Could I have a word?

002: Sure.

*009 closes door behind her and sits down*

009: Please say so if this is getting too personal... but... you and James...

002: You want advice on the Matt situation.

009: Um... in a way... yes. I don't know why I'm asking you this... but you two just seem to be able to keep 'work' and 'play' separated.

002: And you and Matt are not?

009: Not always. Um... I'm not sure. The thought that we might not scares me.

*long pause*

009: Sorry to bother you with this.

*gets up*

002: Joyce...

009: Yes?

002: You don't need my advice. I'm sure you two will figure something out.

[Xenobia]

*Xenobia waits for Joyce to leave*

X: Besides, 004 loves you and you love him. Unless you're a countess, Bond loves no one.

*Xenobia pauses, opens a drawer and pulls out a folder. She looks at a picture for a moment, and then closes the folder, puts it back, and closes the drawer. When she looks up Matt is at the door.*

X: Don't start.

M: I'm not. You started this.

X: I want to make sure everyone in the Double-Oh branch stays alive.

M: Then stop following Joyce and I around like we are doing something wrong, and focus on finding Bond.

X: I would be able to do that, if we didn't have to kill a few hours tracking down a brainwashed agent and then unbrainwashing her.

*Matt glares*

X: That was uncalled for, I'm sorry.

M: I'm sorry.

*phone rings, and Xen answers it without saying "Excuse me" to Matt*

X: Yes? Oh Moneypenny, what can I do for you? When? All of us? Right. I'll let 004 know. He's right here.

*Xen rings off*

X: M wants you and Joyce, G and I and Bryce in her office in two hours. Evidently she wants a full update on everything, from all of us.

M: About time.

*He turns to leave*

X: Matt, be careful. Even the best of us can get hurt.

M: Frankly 002, so far you have done nothing that warrants you being put in Bryce and I's category.

-- Xenobia

[Matt O'S oo4]

Just a added thought, 002.

She looks up at him.

When our Mr. Bond MARRIED, there was NEVER an issue of his competence, his loyalty OR his work ethic at any time. He was never informed or briefed that he could be compromised because he eas in love with someone.

Every damn one of us knows the risks. 007 knew it and he STILL married Teresa. No one at MI6 stopped from it either. I came on board shortly after that happened to her - Bond was a very quiet, distant man for a time, who buried himself in his job to wash the pain away. Maybe that's why he IS the best among us.

And, perhaps I am not considered to be at his level.

However, what I feel for Joyce IS unique. SHE is unique. Nothing and I mean nothing will alter that. As if it was EVER anyone else's concern.

You have only succeeded in putting a rift in the egency and NOT in how I feel about Joyce. You HAVE managed, however, to compromise her confidence in doing HER job.

If you want everyone to remain alive so much then support us, nurture us, help us become a team...or get out.

Perhaps it would be best if you gave everyone an opportunity to heal. Instead of making the wounds deeper.

Think about it.

Oh....and.....have a nice day

[Xenobia]

*Xenobia ponders for a moment, but decides this can't be let go.*

X: Yes Bond married, he loved and he lost. And you Mr. O'Shawnessy continue to prove your worth. And yes, I've had my issues, God only knows. But maybe you want to check 009's record. She conned the evaluators M first had in place when she came on board, and that's how she joined our club. 009's track record has been spotted since, to say the least.

*Matt tries to speak but gets cut off*

X: I have no doubt what you feel for Joyce is real. I have no doubt what she feels for you is real. But most of all, I have no doubt that the threat being visited upon us is very real, and the Cat will use any and all means to get to us. You and Joyce have obvious vulnerabilities. The rest of us don't.

*Xen smiles and goes to open her office dor*

X: Have a day Matt, and don't let my door hit you in the a** on the way out.

-- Xenobia

[Joyce Carrington]

*drinking blended Scotch in office*

*deep sigh*

*telephone rings*

Joyce: 00... Um... *can't remember the last digit* ...Joyce here. Oh, hey Penny. Oh. Now? Okay. I'll be there.

*puts phone down*

*pours herself another glass*

*drinks it*

*leaves office*

In Moneypenny's office, 003, 002, G and 004 have already gathered.

*silence*

*cold or uncomfortable stares at each other*

*the light above the door switches on*

[Bryce (003)]

*Bryce hands Moneypenny some castanets*

These were free with the maraca's.

*straightens tie, squares his shoulders*

*I'm a widower, so is James...Matt just had to do something none of us want...but he did it...I hope M treads lightly.*

Once more into the breech dear friends...

*heads into M's office*

[Matt O'S oo4]

The uncertain group of 00

[DLibrasnow]

I see how it is.....don't invite 001 to your little meeting **sniff, sniff**

[Matt O'S oo4]

Originally posted by DLibrasnow
I see how it is.....don't invite 001 to your little meeting **sniff, sniff**

Now, now.

You should be happy 001.

You weren't in trouble...yet.

For England!

004

[Bryce (003)]

*all slowly stand and with proper nods, exit. 003 catches 004's arm in Moneypenny's office*

My office. Let's talk it through Matt. 10 minutes?

(glances at 009)

No offence luv. *smiles*

*winking at Moneypenny*

Let me know when you're ready to shake those maraca's....

[Xenobia]

002: I'm sure Penny will be be counting the moments until you come back to show her how to use them.

*Looks around the room*

002: I know 003 and 004 haven't had enough play time lately, but I don't think M's talk needs to be talked through.

003: Says you.

002: Says me, who is the one who came out that meeting being slapped.

004: Your problem.

002: Duly noted Matt. But I think we all should talk about our communial problem and put our heads together to sort out where the Hell 007 is. *Looks around again* If John and Matt need to play, let them play, and then let's have all the double-ohs in Q branch in a half hour.

*Xenobia begins to leave*

003: You really do enjoy giving orders don't you, 002?

002: Yes. Because I am good at it, almost as good as you are at not following them.

-- Xenobia

[Joyce Carrington]

009 opens the door to 003

[Genrewriter]

*008 and 002 sit in Q-Branch, looking over Dr. Warmflash's report.*

008: According to the good doctor's report, the brainwashing 009 suffered from was definitely triggered by the cat we were chasing. Fortunately, you, 003 and I were able to keep a good enough distance from the little furball.

*002 takes the report and skims through the pages.*

002: Take a look at this. The chemical composition.

*008 glances over it and frowns.*

008: This can't be right, catnip is usually found only in North America. This variation was grown in Amsterdam. You can tell from the soil contents Dr. Warmflash noted.

002: Find any companies that would have the resources for this sort of thing. I think we might have gotten a break.

008: Right. You'll inform the others?

*002 nods warily.*

002: Yeah, I'm on it.

[Bryce (003)]

*Having heard all this, Bryce slowly steps out of office door*

003: Matt...Let's drink.

*goes back into office. Calls down to Q Branch*

003: G?, I need the 'copter fueled for Scotland's northern coast ready in ten minutes. Thanks.

*pours two HEAVY scotch shots*

[Joyce Carrington]

There is a knock on 009's door.

009: I'm not here.

001 peeks through the bullet holes in the door.

001: Yes you are. You're sitting under the desk with a bottle of... *eyes widen* is that blended Scotch?

009: Go away.

001: Alright, I was just curious what happened in M's office.

*001 jumps aside when another three bullets shoot through the door*

[Genrewriter]

*008 looks confused.*

008: Bryce, Amsterdam and Scotland aren't exactly near each other.

003: Well there's no reason a man can't stop off for a drink or two, right?

008: Good point. Pour me one of those on the rocks.

003: You sure?

008: I think I can take it. After all, we've all had one rough day.

*G turns to 002.*

008: Brief 009 and let M know we have a lead.

*002 sighs in exasperation*

002: Could you at least leave your homer on so I don't have to call every pub in Scotland?

*003 and 008 share a glance.*

003: We're going to be following any leads we find, my dear. What do you take us for?

*002 raises an eyebrow and leaves as 004 comes up.*

004: Did somebody say scotch?

*003 hands 004 a glass.*

003: No, but here's a glass of it.

[Matt O'S oo4]

Oooh. My favorite. Amber. Ice too.

Goody, goody, gum drops.

One more attempt to hand me blended and I'll shoot you myself.

004 walks away.

003: Where are you going.

004: I have a FaX to send be right back.

004 goes to his office and sit at his desk. He reahes into the bottom left drawer and pull out his "thinking" bottle.

It is a bottle of 75 year old Glenmorangie.

This is the second time he had taken a dram from it.

He composes and sends his FAX and finishes his shot.

Looking at the empty glass, 004 thinks to himself.

*Hope this is not symbolic.*

He holds up the nearly full bottle.

*Maybe it is.*

[Joyce Carrington]

*002 steps into 009's office*

002: Joyce?

*looks around*

009: Over here.

*002 bends her head so she can see under the desk*

*009 is sitting under the desk with a bottle of blended Scotch and a piece of fax paper*

*002 frowns and it takes several seconds before she figures out what to say*

002: Right... I will not ask what happened here. I only came to brief you about a lead on the cat. It appears the catnip is from Amsterdam.

*009 looks up*

009: Amsterdam? Sounds familar.

002: Have you been there while you were brainwashed?

009: No... I don't think so...

002: Anyway... 003, 004 and G are off to Scotland to investigate the matter.

009: Scotland? Is that unlogical or am I just too drunk to see the connection?

002: You ARE drunk... but if you ask me, they're just there to check out some pubs.

009: Oh. Okay. Anything else?

002: No, that is all. What is that piece of fax paper you're holding there?

*009 quickly hides it*

009: Oh, just the invitation to the dance.

002: Right. Well... um... have fun... or whatever... just...

*grabs bottle of blended Scotch from 009's hands*

002: Perhaps I'd better hold on to this.

*leaves office*

[Athena007]

Originally posted by Bryce (003)
*Bryce hands Moneypenny some castanets* These were free with the maraca's. *straightens tie, squares his shoulders* *winking at Moneypenny* Let me know when you're ready to shake those maraca's...

*Moneypenny clinks the castanets together and gives 003 a peck on the cheek*

Only for you, Bryce...

[Xenobia]

*Xenobia almost makes it back to her office and then goes back to Joyce. She enters the office, and Joyce is still under the desk.*

X: His name is Michael, he is American, and he was attached to our Embassy in Washington. When we met he was at the end of his career. He had started playing fast and loose with the truth.

*Joyce climbs out from under the desk to give the story her full attention*

X: Michael was part of a joint CIA / MI6 investigation looking into arms moving from the former Soviet Republics, through Greece, into sleeper cells in Europe and the US. It got to a point where it was becoming clear that certain European governments were supporting this endeavor because it would mean the downfall of Israel. It was also clear that Michael was lying real close to the dealers. No one was sure if it was a deep cover, or if he was traitor. I wasn't a double-oh yet and I was out my league, so I asked for help.

*Long pause*

009: Go on.

002: When I made my report, I didn't mention Michael's issues, although it was known at Langley and Vauxhall. That's when Sir Miles sent in 007 -- because they knew I had been compromised.

009: Is that what you are afraid of? That I'll compromise Matt? You don't have to worry --

002: Let me finish please. *pause* Bond came in and assessed the situation. He knew straight away even if Michael was a traitor, I wasn't. He also knew Michael would taint me never the less. He sat me down, laid it on the carpet for me, and asked if Michael, who logically I knew I shouldn't trust, was worth my career.

009: Was he?

002: In my heart, I said yes. In my mind, I said no. Bond gave me the option of leaving the investigation and returning to London, no questions asked. I left. I never said goodbye to Michael. Eighteen months later, Michael was drummed out of the CIA on the grounds he took bribes from the arms dealers in exchange for him looking the other way.

009: So you were compromised by love?

002: Yes I was, but not for the reasons you think.

*Joyce arches her brow*

002: Because I knew I loved Michael I forced myself to look at the situation logically -- too logically. I forgot about the human factor, how people can lie and lie again.

009: What?

002: Right before James disappeared, I asked him if he knew what happened to Michael after he was drummed out. He didn't tell me right away, but eventually he told me that Michael had been in deep cover, the dismissal was an act, and after bringing down a major arms dealing ring, making sure that enough equippment to supply a small army was returned to the proper hands, he retired from the service a hero.

*another pause*

002: Since you tend to focus on yourself, and miss the big picture, here's the moral of this story: The heart is never wrong. Matt loves you. You love him. ******* the service, and be with each other. In the end, that is all that matters.

*Xenobia turns to leave*

009: You could always call him.

*Xenobia turns back*

002: No I can't. But you need to call Matt.

-- Xenobia

[Joyce Carrington]

*deep sigh*

*pulls flask of blended Scotch out of pocket*

*looks at it for a long time*

*looks at Xen*

*looks back at flask*

*walks over to sink*

*empties flask*

*turns back*

*Xen is gone*

*sits down behind desk*

*stares at phone*

An hour later...

*picks up phone*

*dials number*

*Xen picks up*

002: Yes?

009: Hey...

002: Sobered up?

009: Um... not completely yet...

002: Called Matt yet?

009: Um... no... Listen Xen... will you please tell M I'm taking a leave... I don't know when I'll be back yet. There's just... some things I need to figure out.

002: Um... Okay. Where can I say you're going?

009: Matt'll know.

002: Um... Okay....

009: Oh, and Xen?

002: Yes?

009: Thanks.

*hangs up*

*leaves office*

[Bryce (003)]

*Bryce puts finishing touches on 006's monitor*

Matt, you almost done?

*004 gets out from under 006's desk*

Yup....This is some of our best work yet.

*Both stroll out of 006's office innocently whistling*

003: Lunch?

004: Pub?

003: Pints?

004: Quite. Dessert?

003: Scotch.

004: Quite.

003: Indeed.

*Both head for the elevator. Doors open and 006 steps out*

006: Hi Guys. Where you going?

003: Pub...Lunch.

006: Can I come....

*003 & 004 look at each other than back to 006*

003/004: No.

*Both get into elevator. Doors close*

006: Wankers.....

[Joyce Carrington]

*arrives at airport*

Hmmm.... need some privacy... good thing I gave them my alias...

*heads over to check-in*

Airport woman (actually has a name tag saying 'airport woman'): Yes?

009: Angela Stewart.

Airport woman: Flight 317 to Barbados?

009: No.

Airport woman: Not?

009: Sorry. My humour's not working today. Yes, flight 317.

*Airport woman hands her boarding pass*

Airport woman: Your plane leaves in 30 minutes.

009: Thanks.

*heads over to plane*

*sits down in first class area*

*calls stewardess over*

*notices stewardess' name tag: Candy Highbeams*

009: You're joking.

Stewardess: Nope.

009: Well, I was about to order a bottle of Scotch... but... make that two... oh, and a bottle of vodka.

Stewardess: Aaah... THAT kind of holiday...

009: You got it.

[Matt O'S oo4]

After sandwich and a full meal of ale, dark beer and a taste of heaven (scotch), 004 bid goodnight to 006 (spit in his drink), 003, with a hardy slap on the back in mid-swallow (GULP) and 008 (I'm not really sure if that IS 008, kinda looks like a swamp rat - EGAD! BLENDED SCOTCH!).

004 proceeds back to his flat.

After securing the Lagonda in the garage and activating the security system, Matt turned on his computer and tele to catch up on recent events.

After several minutes, that familiar sound bite of a e-message from MI6 chimed across his computer. (must change that sound effect, thinks 004. I'm a bit tired of Big Ben. Don't want to go back to the AK-47. Made me a bit punchy...still...)

Checking his messages, from 002.

004 almost deletes it, then as an afterthoght - opens it out of boredom and simple curiosity.

Standard Update.

Currnent Location 00 Staff.
Leave Request are now being accepted for up to four members of the 00 section.

Return to duty.

0011
006
005

On Leave

0012 Canada
0010 Jamaca

*Why is 002 sending me this now....hmmm...must be a special update.,,*

009 Not Filed

Damned. NOW what?

After thinking for a moment

With the quick click of a mouse, 004 activates his video messaging system.

Come on, be home....

NO good.

Her car....

Click, click....

002: 002 here.

004: Its Matt.

002: You must have recieved the message.

004: How could she not file a destination.

002: She wouldn't tell me, 004. She said you would know.

004: I BEG your pardon.

002: *Looks up and nods* Than's right. She said -

004: Why would she have told you?

002: Lighten up Matt. I'm not the bad guy here. Not really.

004: What did you tell her.

002: *Looks away for a moment* I told her to....to....*looks up* ....to tell the serrvie to go to hell and for her to call you.

004's mouth drops open. A tear is visible on 002 face. 002 turns away for a moment to regain her composure. And then back to the screen.

002: Do you know where she went.

004: No. Thanks, anyway. Guess I'll be taking a little leave of my own. Mind if I put in for a fortnight?

002: *Looks slowly up at the monitor, a very small smile creeps onto her face.* I think that can be arranged.

004: I'll be neediing the Lear.

002: For the whole time?

004: Why, not? It is reserved for other duty for the next month?

002: *Checks* No. But if we need it, we will recall it.

004: You wont need it. Have it ready to take off in one hour. I wont need a crew. I'll be flying it myself.

002: Is that wise.

004: No. Perhaps not. But then....*he smiles, 002 sees it and smiles back.*.....what is?

002: Right. I'll give the word. What shall I say is your flight plan?

004: *thinks* Cairo. Never been there.

002: *Nods.* Very well. `Cairo it is. anything else.

004: No. and Xenobia...? *and odd silence - then - softly* Thanks.

002: *nods* For England, 004?

004: Always, 002, always.

004 signs off and gets packed.

[Blofeld's Cat]

meeeow.....purrrrrr

[Genrewriter]

*008 stumbles out of the elevator and heads for his office. He stops as he sees 006 spit out his coffee all over the computer screen.*

006: What the-?

*008 staggers to the left, bumpiing into the wall.*

008: Oh! Sorry, miss.

*He looks in 006's office and sees a huge desktop background featuring 006's living room full of shaving cream and tabasco sauce.*

006: Wankers!

*006 stands and triggers a huge shaving cream bomb. He sits back down and slams his forehead into the desk.*

*003 steps out of his office and smiles. He notices 008 and grabs him before he passes out, pulling him into the office.*

003: Get in here, damned blended scotch.

*003 closes the door, then peeks out for one last look at 006. He smiles and locks his office.*

[Blofeld's Cat]

[Genrewriter]

*In 003's office, 008 plops down on a couch.*

003: Comfortable?

008: I would be if I were laying down.

*003 pauses, shaking his head.*

003: Is there any sort of booze you CAN take without turning into a drunken puddle of flesh?

008: Beer, beer is nice.

003: To say nothing of the fact you sound like a cross between Vincent Price and Peter Lorre right now.

*003 pours 008 a cup of coffee which he downs in a few gulps.*

003: Jeez, you do that every time you get drunk?

*008 shakes his head, letting out a loud belch.*

008: Only in the office. By the way, when did you and Matt find the time to break into 006's place?

003: We have our ways.

*003 smiles devilishly.*

008: Hmm. Well...

*008 stands*

008: I believe I was headed for the office.

*He sniffs around a buit and frowns. He opens the office door and sniffs again, grumbling to himself.*

003: Problem?

008: Smells like a cat was in here.

003: How drunk are you?

008: I'm serious! Come on, how many things could smell like a cat this time of night?

*003 raises a dubious eyebrow.*

008: Okay, maybe I'm wrong. Do you want to tell M the cat got away again?

*003 thinks for a second. He sighs and stands, loading a gun*

003: Alright, lets go find the cat.