2152 replies to this topic

[Joyce Carrington]

*looks at him*

*sighs*

*pouts*

004: Yes?

009: Yes I have. I have an appointment with M.

004: Oh?

009: Bet it's nothing serious.

004: Okay. Tonight then?

009: It's a date.

[Matt O'S oo4]

004: Sounds like a plan. Lets get back and finish up. Oh, by the way, do you have a preference for tonight? You flat or -

[Joyce Carrington]

009: - yours. My cat is sort of 'in a phase' right now. It's not a pretty sight.

004: Gotcha.

[Matt O'S oo4]

It will be a pleasure.

For both of us I hope. Let me know what or where you would like to eat.

I will head home early to tidy up a bit.

004 give 009 a kiss and heads out.

She watches him leave. She smiles. He is almost dancing. Well - not exactly - but it makes her smile non the less.

009 heads upstairs to M's office.

[Joyce Carrington]

*009 enters Moneypenny's office*

009: Hello, Penny.

P: Good morning Joyce. M is waiting for you. *checks watch* You're a tad late in fact.

009: Better hurry then.

*opens door to M's office and enters*

M: Miss Carrington, the next time you wish to use your lunch break to visit a penthouse in Lambeth, please notify me that you will be running late for your appointment with me afterwards.

009 (sitting down): Yes, ma'am. *looks guilty*

M: Oh, and I'll leave it to you and 004 to get 006 down from the flagpole.

009: Yes, ma'am. *looks at M. Is she smiling?*

M: Now, I called you in here because I have a favour to ask.

009: An assignment, ma'am?

M: Let me finish. I need you to leave for Paris tonight to help my brother out.

009: You have a brother?

*M frowns*

009: I mean, please continue: why does he need my help?

M: It is his 19 year old son, Geoff, in fact. He has put himself in a difficult situation... *M suddenly seems embarassed* ...it seems a few drug dealers want his head.

009: And what do you expect me to do?

M: Geoff's father will be out of town for a few days. I need someone to..

009: ...babysit him? *frowns*

M: Yes. In fact, I want you watching him 24 hours a day.

009 (sighing): Ma'am...

M: This is an order and I expect you to follow it, 009.

*they look at each other for a moment*

009: Yes, ma'am.

M: Good. Miss Moneypenny will give you your flight ticket. You have six hours before your plane departs.

*009 gets up*

009: How long will this take?

M: A week at most.

009 (sighing again): If that is all...

M: That is all.

*009 leaves the office*

[Matt O'S oo4]

004 is doing the routine in his office when there is a knock at the doot. It is 009. She is trying to put a smile on her face, but it isn't on "full bright."

004: Uh, oh......are you in some kind of trouble? What did M tell you. You have an assignment?

[Joyce Carrington]

*walks over to his desk and sits down on it*

009: Yes. Matt... I'm really sorry, but I have to cancel our date tonight.

004: Where to?

009: Paris.

004: Ooh.

009: Yeah. Anyway... I'll be back in a few days. I'll make it up to you.

[Matt O'S oo4]

004: Hey, no worries. Do what you have to do. Its the job. *kisses her and that eye sparkle flashes between them*

004: I will miss you, but you've got a job to do. No matter how petty it might seem. Don't stress over it. If you need anything, don't be afraid to contact Q or any of us. No even me. Okay?

009 nods a bit sad.

004 pull her to him: How much time do you have?

[Joyce Carrington]

009: Umm... about five hours.

*starts to smile*

[Matt O'S oo4]

Five hours? Just Five, huh?

*That old eye sparkle between them almost explodes.*

Ah, well, it will have to do.

004 closes the door and locks it.

[Joyce Carrington]

Five exhausting hours later...

009: I REALLY have to go now.

004: I know. *gives her another cherry*

009: Matt, this is blackmail.

004: I know. *gives her another cherry*

009: Matt - seriously.

004: Alright, alright.

*lets her go*

*009 walks over to the door*

009: Be back before you know it.

[Matt O'S oo4]

Take care.

And remember - three things -

009: Yes.

Q once said.

1. Always have an escape route.
2. Never let them see you bleed.

009: You said three things.

004: Kisses her, a very special kiss, softly: I love you. *still close, still softly* Kick ther *** for me.

[Joyce Carrington]

009: That's four things. *smiles and leaves office*

009 (to herself): Let's see... Paris. Hmm... might pick up something for Matt while I'm there.

*gets into car*

*drives to airport*

[Matt O'S oo4]

004 returns to his routine. Another hour in the gun range. An hour in the gym. An hour at the bar. An hour removing duct tape from 006.

Usual stuff.

Picks up phone to contact 003. Wonder where that bastard is?

[Joyce Carrington]

(matt, your mailbox is full again)

*plane lands at Charles de Gaulle airport*

*009 drives to a luxury flat on the Rue du Bac*

*rings doorbell*

*man opens the door*

009: Mr. Matheson?

M: Yes?

009: Joyce Carrington. Your... sister sent me.

M: Ah, Barbara. Yes. Please.. do come in.

He leads her inside. The flat is decorated in a Victorian style.

M: I'm sorry, but I must go at once. I'll introduce you to Geoff. GEOFF!

*a young man comes running down the stairs*

G: WHAT?

M: This is Ms. Carrington. She will be protecting you for the next couple of days.

G: Okay, cool. *runs up stairs again*

*009 looks at Matheson*

M: You'll like him.

[Matt O'S oo4]

004 continues with busy work. Joyce will be fine....very fine, indeed.

Ahem.

Yes, well. Time to get caught up on some work.

004 breaks down his weapons for a quick cleaning.
Leaves message with 003.

You Suck!
signed, 004

Calls Joyce via cell phone....

[Joyce Carrington]

*009's cell phone rings*

009: Hello?

[Matt O'S oo4]

How was the flight. Did you arrive at your ....uh....point of arrival...so to speak.

Give me an overview...if you are allowed/able.

[Joyce Carrington]

009: Well, I've just arrived... the father is gone, and I'm just looking around the flat. Geoff is in his room... don't know what he's doing.. computer game or something. Anyway.. miss you.

[Matt O'S oo4]

Same here. Not to worry. It makes seeing you back that much more special....not that it isn't in the first place.

Are you armed? Did M say this could be that kind of a situation?

[Joyce Carrington]

009: I don't know what to expect, really. But I'll be fine. Don't worry.

*hears a loud thud upstairs*

009: Got to go now... kisses.

*rings off and heads up stairs*

009: Geoff? You alright in there?

G: Yeah, I'm fine. Don't come in!

009: Umm... will you tell me what that thud was?

G: Okay, okay. Wait a minute.

*009 hears him move some objects in the room*

*he opens the door*

G: Come in.

*she steps inside*

[Matt O'S oo4]

004 hangs up the phone and puts it away.

The life of an operative. That is the way it is.....

Goes back to computer, cleans out his PMs and resumes research.

She'll be okay.

Still....

[Joyce Carrington]

There are only a few objects in Geoff's room. A bed, a desk, a chair... a pc and a TV. A lot of closets. There are no personal items. No pictures, no posters on the wall.

009: Nice room.

G: This book fell. It's... what you heard.

*hands her a thick book: complete works of Shakespeare*

*009 looks at him*

Geoff is a tall young man with dark, sleek hair. He has narrow green eyes and stares at her.

009: You read Shakespeare?

G: Um... yes.

*009 is looking through book*

009: Hamlet?

G: Actually, just reading 'Much ado about nothing'. *he sighs* Which is this. I don't need someone to look after me.

009: Your father thinks you do. And your aunt. And me.

*009 opens closet door*

*a big black box falls out*

G: Hey, wait -

*009 opens the box*

*inside are large bags filled with white powder*

009: Why don't you tell me... everything?

[Matt O'S oo4]

Matt gets a call from Monneypenny. He can see the extention number on the phone.

Uh, oh. Damned NOW what.

004 picks up the phone.

004: O'Shawnassey.

Monney: M would like to see you for a moment.

004: Yes. I'll be right up.

sigh......in M's office THREE times in one week.

I think that's a record....*remembers*...no, perhaps not....

[Joyce Carrington]

Joyce and Geoff sit on the couch in the living room.

*Geoff pours her another glass of wine*

G: So, what it basically comes down to... my former partners want me dead and I'm stuck with all that stuff. if I try to sell it - they will find out where I am.

009: Does your father know this?

G: No - and you're not going to tell him.

009: Why don't you just hand it to the police?

G: Hello? They'll get me. I don't want to go to jail.

009: Well, frankly - you deserve it.

G: I thought my aunt sent you to protect me.

009 (sighing): Yes. And I don't think she'd be happy if I got you into jail.

*they are quiet for a moment*

G: Is that an engagement ring? *looks at 009's hand*

009: This is about you.

G: Come on.

009: Yes, it's an engagement ring. But what do you suggest we do now?

G: I don't know. Let me sleep on it.

*009 looks at watch*

009: Yes, I suppose you'd better head off to bed.

G: Oh come on, I'm 19 now. I go to bed because I WANT to.

009: Sorry.

G: Where will you be sleeping?

009: I think I'll make myself comfortable on the sofa... keep an eye out for things.

G (shrugging): Okay. Good night.

009: Goodnight.

*Geoff walks to stairs*

G: Oh, and Joyce?

009: yes?

G: Thanks for helping me.

009: No problem.

[Joyce Carrington]

G: Joyce, wake up.

009 opens her eyes. It is very dark in the house and Geoff is standing at the sofa in his underwear.

009 (yawning): What? *looks at Geoff* Oooohh... *catches herself* Oh, bad thoughts, bad thoughts... Ahem. What is it?

G: I'm hearing something. Someone. On the roof. Or something.

*009 grabs gun*

009: Stay behind me. Do you have something to...

*Geoff holds up a Magnum*

009: Whoa.

G: Hey, I used to work with these people.

009: Right. Still... just stay behind me.

*they head up the stairs, Geoff following her closely*

009: Ssshhh...

*they walk into Geoff's room*

*Drug dealer #1 is just coming in through the window*

*009 raises gun*

009: You'd better turn around and head back out, pal.

*DD#1 smiles*

D: Just leaving a message.

*throws knife at Geoff, but he ducks away and 009 shoots DD#1*

009 (to Geoff): You okay?

G: Yeah. You were great, thanks.

009: Well - that's what i'm here for. Are you sure you're okay?

G: Yes, why?

009: You have this strange look in your eyes.

G: Wel, it's just... Damn. They know where I live.

009: Obviously. Quick, get dressed - we need to get out of here before his friends arrive.

[Matt O'S oo4]

004 arrives at Monneypenny's desk and clears his throat.

P: I know you're there, Matt.

004: Yes. Of course you do.

P: M will be with you in just a moment. I'll let her know you're here.

004: Thank you, Monneypenny.

004 walks away from Monneypennys desk and looks about the office. NOt much has changed in quite a while. Still some of the old photos of Sir Miles here and there.

P: She's a lucky girl, you know.

004, turns around, a bit startled: Beg pardon?

P: Our Miss Carrington. She is a lucky girl.

004: Why, MOnneypenny. I am flattered. Truly. No offenss but, why would you -

P: Tell you? I don't know. You've always been a gentlemen to me. A cocky bastard at times, but otherwise.

004, ahem: Yes...well...uh...Thank you, I think.

P: I've not been so terrible lucky, when it comes to the gentlemen.

004: Rubbish. Don't even go there. You're an lady. Don't even begin to think -

Monneypenny's intercom buzzes. Please send in 004, Monneypenny.

P: Yes, ma'am.

004 looks at Monneypenny and they smile a bit at each other.

004: Wish me luck.

004 goes in to M's office.

P: Good luck Matt. Not that you need it.

[Xenobia]

M barely looks up, but just enough to know Matt is in the room.

M: Thank you for arriving without your better half in tow.

004: You sent for me ma'am and only me.

M: But usually Bryce --

004: You sent for me ma'am.

*M nods in approval*

M: I'll get to the point. I sent 009 to take care of a domestic situation for me.

(Matt bites his cheek to hide his anger that a fellow double-oh has been sent to do the boss' laundry, and that in particular, his fiancee was the washwoman)

004: A domestic situation?

M: My brother has concerns for my nephew's safety. And if our friends in Paris are correct, they are valid concerns.

004: What has French *under his breath* non *in normal voice* intelligence had to say.

M: That my nephew's former business partners wish to have him killed. Complicating the situation is one of those partners also occasionally dables in arms trading. Some of those arms have a nasty habit of getting into the hands of terrorists who live in Paris or London.

004: Then I think someone needs to terrorize your nephew's ex-partners.

M: As frightening as this is, we have the same thought.

*in true shock*

004: We do?

M: Don't get used to 004. *pause* Your assignment is join 009 in Paris. She is in charge of protecting my nephew, you are in charge of finding and disarming his partner Jacques Monfret.

*Matt stands*

004: Oui madame.

*M goes back to her paper work*

M: That's all. Dismissed.

*Matt is almost at the door but then*

M: 004....

*in a quiet voice*

004: So close.... *regular voice* Yes ma'am?

M: Remember you are on a mission, not your honeymoon.

(The swipe reminds Matt that now there are TWO double-oh agents doing M's laundry.)

(in fake sweet voice)

004: I wouldn't dream of it ma'am. This is your domestic situation, not mine.

Before M can respond, Matt leaves.

-- Xenobia

[Matt O'S oo4]

004 heads for his office to quickly tidy up and grab a few items.

He quickly completes this and head to Q branh to requsition a few items.

Q: Well off againg are we.

004: Usually.

Q, under his breath: So I've noticed.

004, looks at him: I heard that.

Q: Well, at least you heard THAT.

004, looking at him with sincerity: I have heard - EVERYTHING - you've EVER tried to teach me, Q. And, believe it or not, I've been passing your wisedom along. I wont forget. Believe me.

Q is very taken aback by the sudden burst of honesty and the display of respect. For a moment he is a bit speechless. It takes him a moment to compose himself.

Q: Yes - well, I...*looking at 004* Are you on a suicide mission, 004?

004, looking at him very quickly: NO. What on earth would ever give you that notion - oh. I see.

Q: Has our lovely 009 changed you THAT much?

004: I don't know. Is it....a bad sign?

Q: No. I acutally - well - found it to be - I actually can't find the words for it. Respectful.

004: Oooh, sorry about that. I stop that immediately.

Q: Yes, I see there is still SOME of 004 floating around in there.

004: Q. *looks up at him* You can be a serious pain. But, so can I, I know. Forging close....friendships used to be...dangerous. They get killed, captured, dissappear.....and so on.

You, on the otherhand. have tried to help me, all of us. I owe you for that, sir. Thanks.

Q: I think I need a drink.

004: WELL, at least I've lived long enought to hear that.

Q: Is there something else I can get for you, 004?

004 starts to respond, raising his hand.

Q: NO, we don't have any A-bombs.

They both chuckle for a moment.

004: Just a thousand rounds of 9MM and a thousand for 009"s P99. I believe I have about everything else.

Q: ONLY?

004: Is my gettoblaster refitted?

Q: You ARE going on a suicide mission, aren't you?

004: No, Q. I just want to be prepared.

Q: For what, urban renewal?

004 smiles at him: Who know. Maybe.

Q shakes his head and has another employee provide him with the necessary item. As he walk away, 004 can hear him muttering to himself.

Q: Cocky bastard. sigh. Just don't have time to like him....

[Joyce Carrington]

Joyce and Geoff are running through the streets of Paris.

G: Why didn't we just take the car?

009: Because, Geoff, cars are easier to follow.

G: Yeah, but cars are faster too.

009: Okay, you win - I believe they're not following us anyway.

*they stop running*

009: But keep still for a while. I want to make sure.

*she looks around and listens for a minute*

G: And?

009: No, I don't think anyone's near. Good.

G: So where do we go now?

009: A hotel. We can get another few hours sleep - and worry about what to do now.

G: Well, there's one thing less to worry about. The goods. They've probably cleared the flat by now.

009: Yes, but they still want you dead, I think that's the more important thing.

G: Which hotel then?

009: I know one not far from here. Let's go.

*they start walking again*