85 replies to this topic

[Major Tallon]

Very good of you, Volante.  It was my pleasure.

[volante]

Next chapter coming real soon. Get all your catch-ups done before the week-end.

 

BOND IS BACK

[volante]

Chapter 23 on line NOW


Kohana opened her eyes.
The room came slowly into focus. Plain grey plasterboard walls and a single strip light above her.
James Bond stood over her, blocking out the harsh light.
‘Here, drink this,’ he said, holding a bottle of water.
Kohana took the bottle and drank thirstily. ‘How long have I been out?’
‘About twelve hours.’
‘Where are we?’ she sat up and looked about the room.
It was about forty feet long, by twelve feet wide; she supposed it could be a container,
hurriedly converted into a basic living space.
‘A cell, it’s what Wilund calls the Water hole.’ Bond moved to reveal a door in one of the end walls.
‘Bomb proof?’
‘I do hope so; although that ...’ he inclined his head towards an air vent on the back wall,
‘... seems to be drawing air in.’
‘Are they trying to kill us?’
Bond held up his own bottle of water, ‘Yes, and slowly. There’s no Scotch in the mini-bar.’

[volante]

Chapter 24
In for submission, just to keep all the Brits on edge until Spectre arrives tomorrow.

After forcing Shinoda's plane into the scorched African earth, Bond discovers the henchman, Shinigami is still alive - and waiting for him ...

A duel, to the death.

Shinigami unbuttoned his shirt.
‘I’m not doing this out of any misguided loyalty for the late Shinoda-san,’
he threw the shirt to the ground.
Shinigami’s torso was covered in tattoos, wonderful, vibrantly colourful tattoos.
‘I simply want to derive as much pleasure as I can from killing you.’
Shinigami flexed his substantial muscles; it appeared that the dragons on his body flowed into life.
‘Good luck with that.’ Bond took up a defence stance.

[volante]

Just a quick note to say thanks to all those that are downloading NEVER THE DEATH.
I hope you are enjoying it.
Please feel free to leave a comment or two here, for discussion.

Cheers

Paul

[volante]

Chapter 25
In for submission.
 
Wilund announces his departure from Morocco, en route to Washington.

Secretary of Defence, William Boyd, tentatively picked up the phone.
‘Hi Bill, how are you today?’ The voice sounded tinny.
‘I’m fine ... who is this please?’ The identifier on the phone pad was blank.
‘It’s Carl.’
‘Who?’ Boyd asked.
Without offering an answer, the voice continued, ‘Thought you might like prior warning. You don’t want the President seeing it first on CNN now do you?’
The voice on the phone continued, ‘There’s a chemical plant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.’
‘I’m not familiar with it, but please go on,’ Boyd offered.
‘I sent a film crew there. Get someone to call them up.’
‘What are you talking about?’
The voice grew angry, ‘Don’t play games with me, you have one minute!’ the line went dead.
Boyd held the phone out, ‘What the hell is going on?’ voice terse.
‘We just got a report there’s going to be a terrorist attack at a plant in Harrisburg. That was Wilund on the phone.’ The guard hit the key pad.
‘What the hell. Where is he?’
‘Boys in communications say the call originated from Africa. Morocco to be precise.’
Boyd weighed up the options, ‘How close are the Chinese to disarming the missiles?’
‘They say they’re waiting for you, and then they’ll press the button.’
‘I want to know the minute this guy is in international air-space,’
By the time Boyd reached the control room, there was a live fed from CNN on the Ashfield Petrochemical site. The room was crowded. The Chinese were busy with their equipment, the additional FBI and CIA busy making sure their visitors did nothing untoward. A high ranking official from the Air Force gave a slight nod, beckoning Boyd to his side.
‘Status?’ Boyd asked.
‘Evacuation almost complete, they were able to cut off supplies, if there is an attack ...’ his words were cut off by an audible gasp of the assembled.
Boyd checked the screen. A massive explosion had ripped through the tanks. A fireball of flame was twirling, and mushrooming toward the iron grey sky.
‘Oh my God.’

[Dustin]

Approved it is!

[volante]

Thanks to everyone reading my 7th fan fiction effort - NEVER THE DEATH, hope you're enjoying it.
Just like to give a quick up date on my back catalogue.
My first story, EDGE OF TREASON, was started in May 2008, but was revised in May 2013, after it got mashed in a CBn shake-up. The revision allowed me to improve the story, and change the ending to incorporate a cliff-hanger, which was to be explained in the later story DECREE ABSOLUTE.
EDGE OF TREASON, was my take on the follow-up to the film CASINO ROYALE, and features characters and locations, revealed during the filming of QUANTUM OF SOLACE.
Basically, in his revenge for Vesper, Bond goes rogue, and is considered on the edge of treason; but he gets the bad guy in the end - OR does he?
SILHOUETTES AND SHADOWS, Sept 2008, was my first attempt at a brand new story. A super-villain is about to release a deadly virus in Hong Kong - 007 to the rescue.
The Bond girl, Daisy Sinclair got a carry over into the next offering, TO KILL AND DIE FOR, April 2009. Here a Chechen war-lord was intending to flood Europe with drugs, from his HQ and cover, in the USA. Bond needs information from a Russian Presidential candidate to track him down.
The climax in Astana, was very gritty. Then I introduced a twist, in the guise of a British banker, working for the Russians. The underlying plot was to cause financial ruin in Europe, (the drugs were only a cover).
007 finally gets the villain in Macau, with a ruthless ploy in the casino.
The banker angle, was continued into BOMBSHELL, Nov 2009, where prominent members of the British Government were involved in the banking meltdown (very topical) 
A very memorable end to the slimy politician, in a cellar full of rats, vied with honours of 007 killing the bad guy in a helicopter (cough cough Spectre??)
A SECRET TO THE GRAVE, Sept 2010, took 007 to the Yemen, to defuse a corporation draining the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. The fina conversation with M, reminds me so much of Fiennes's and Craig's interaction in Spectre (just saying)
M asked “Just to appease me 007; tell me, what happened to the diamonds?” they stood face to face across the office, “only a few questions have been asked.”
“I have them; thought I’d use Daniels’ own money to fund my own operation.”
M nodded “That will keep the treasury happy.”
“I help out where I can.”
“If you do this 007, you realize you’ll be on your own; if you get caught I’ll deny everything.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Good, we understand each other then,” M searched Bond’s face for a hint of emotion; he found nothing.
“And finally Bond, I must know, what happened to Rolf Bowden?” Bond’s face remained passive and un-moving but his eyes darted toward M
“Wish I could help”
 
DECREE ABSOLUTE, Dec 2011, brought the Bond back story bang up to date, with the re-opening of the biggest cover-up in British history.

The death of an MI6 asset in Lisbon
draws James Bond into a web of intrigue.
Something is missing from Buckingham Palace.
Something which could destroy the Monarchy.
Whatever it is, 007 must ensure it never surfaces.
It and all involved must be eliminated.
Absolutely.

Bond is involved in the Arab spring, and ends up in the tunnels beneath Gadhafi's palace.

Female M dies, and leaves Bond her Scottish home, Spay Cast (the river Spay is about 30 mile east of Skyfall)

Bond has brought back his 'acquired' DB5 from the racing driver, super villain; and relaxes at home.

But, it wasn't to be a long rest.

007 was recalled to MI6 HQ to deal with the cyber threat of the terrorist organisation, Complete Darkness.

Bond travels to Japan, where he faces a torture that could bring about a death that he never thought could happen.

hence, NEVER THE DEATH, June 2014.

...and so dear reader, that brings you right up to date.

 

Currently 007 is in Washington, about to confront the villain, as he attempts to destroy the US economy.

Why Bond? easy everyone else thinks the threat is over 

[volante]

Hi guys, and ladies.

 

When accessing DECREE ABSOLUTE

Chapters 2 3 4 5 6 need to have the cursor HIGHLIGHT the text.

 

When accessing EDGE OF TREASON

Disregard the first entries, continue down to the NEW start.

 

Thank you - and enjoy

 

Paul

[volante]

This weekend's chapter will be the penultimate of the story.

Easter will see the final chapter.

Any takers on how it will end?

Any questions?

Has anyone enjoyed the story?

 

Cheers

Paul

[Major Tallon]

I've enjoyed it immensely, but I'm going to hold off on speculating about the ending.  I have a hunch you'll surprise us!

[volante]

Chapter Twenty-six in for submission.

 

Will Bond be able to rescue Kohana before he finally meets up with Wilund, for the final showdown.

Q has helped track down the villain -

Bond tapped the screen, and initiated a GPS route.
‘Genius, Q, don’t you believe what anyone else says about you, I think you’re doing fine.’
‘I hope that’s M’s opinion, after this is all over.’
‘Do you want me to put in a good word for you?’
‘No thank you, 007, I think my chances are much better if you say nothing.’

 

Get reading, the FINAL chapter goes on line at Easter

[Dustin]

Read it here: http://debrief.comma...r/#entry1330171

[Major Tallon]

Well done, Volante.  The final battle with Kohana was intense and involving.  The entire project has been a treat, and the conclusion well worth waiting for.  Reading it has been my pleasure.

[volante]

Thank you Major, glad you enjoyed it.
I got satisfaction out of writing it; we all do what we can to survive.

In-between all my other jobs as a retiree, I have been skimming through some of my own novels.
They could ALL do with a re-draft lol
However, with the news today of more evidence that the rich and powerful are avoiding paying tax, while us pensioners, are shelling out all our hard earned money just to buy a crust (and a decent bottle of St Emillion Grand Cru 72) I thought this conversation between DC's Bond and JD's M was quite apt.

It's from BOMBSHELL; M has been replaced as head of MI6,but still has her ideas on saving the country (how very Spectre!)

M set the scene, “Tanner, confirms that the French were surprised at how easily you retrieved the weapons."
"All in a day's work."
"Unfortunately, it appears there are some very sophisticated weapons still missing from their itinerary.”

Bond’s eyes narrowed “Then the whole operation could have been a set up?”

M looked sad “Yes. Somebody wanted you out of the way when the coup in Tahiti took place.”

"And you'd like me to find out who?"

M cleared her throat “Tanner also discovered that a number of French mercenaries have dropped off the radar.”

“I’ll keep my eye out”

M poured coffee from a Georgian silver coffee pot. Without preamble she started “Back in the summer, the former KGB spymaster, Vladimir Chenko, enlisted our assistance with a report that he smuggled out of the Kremlin. Most of its content you know,” She looked for a response but Bond sat impassively, she continued…
“It contained a broad overview of an initiative for Russia to reclaim the satellite countries that it had lost in the dissolution of the Soviet Union.”

Bond nodded, he had noticed that the old sparkle was back in her eyes and she was speaking with more confidence.
“The report also made comment to a second operation. One designed to destabilize the UK financial markets. Codenamed ‘Mocneahne Hoboctn’ roughly translated it means ‘Breaking news’ or ‘Bombshell’”

News of the global financial problems had been reported even in Tahiti; and with little else to do in his prison cell, Bond had read everything he could whilst waiting for his release. Now he remained silent allowing M to get to the point.

“As the banks in the UK came under more pressure, I met with my opposite number in MI5. David Mantis, I wanted to share the information that Chenko had given us; and highlight the fact that the financial problems were probably as a result of the Russian operation. Together we decided that these facts somewhat took away the random element of the Banking collapse and focused our attentions on more malicious practices. MI5 began looking for individuals who might be able to influence such a plan, if they were that way inclined.”

Bond spoke “So you believe that Russian spies have been influencing the financial decisions in the UK?”

“Yes I do”

M took a sip of coffee “The meeting with MI5 was a month ago, just as you were leaving for your last mission. I’m sorry to hear about Mathis, I know you respected him.”

“I did.” Bond replied, he reached for his own cup.

“After our meeting, David Mantis investigated a number of individuals.” M let the words hang.

“And?” asked Bond.

“And then I was relieved of my command, and asked to take some well earned leave,” She bristled.

“So there’s a cover up.”

“Yes. Bankers are going through the media-mill at the moment, but someone in that field of expertise is responsible for handing over billions of UK sterling to the Russians, and that person has yet to be brought to justice.”

“You want me to find out whom?”

M nodded her head “Of course, but who is only part of the problem. My sources tell me that MI5 have suspended their investigation. I’d like to know who in the government is responsible for issuing such an instruction. Somebody is protecting this ‘Banker’ we need to know why.”

Bond thought about the problem “It’s going to be difficult for me to operate in London at such a high clearance level.”

M shook her head “With the Americans itching to launch an air strike on Tehran, now is our best chance; besides as a member of MI6 you have no authority to conduct an investigation of that nature here in the UK, especially one which isn’t sanctioned by your bona fide superior.”

“Mmm I’ve never met Charles Burrows, should I call him C?”

“Maybe, listen Bond, the person you are looking for is in a very powerful position. Certainly powerful enough to have me removed and stop an MI5 investigation without questions being asked. You will need to produce conclusive independent evidence. Since I’ve been here I have only been able to think of one way to uncover the culprit,” She paused to take another sip from the bone china cup

“It was something that Chenko said to me when we were on board HMS Invincible,” M paused as she returned the cup to its saucer. Bond knew she was building the tension.

“The one thing the Russians fear is our new covert communications system. Basically James, I believe that names and evidence pertaining to the Bombshell operation will have been picked up by our covert devises.”

“Trafalgar!”

“If only it were that simple. No James, the submarine operating was a Trident; it will have picked up all covert communications over the past six weeks."

“Then our communications people at GCHQ will already have the down-loads.”

“Not all of it, James. The new system being trialed allowed the submarine Captain the discretion to filter certain communications; mainly those communications that start with an agreed code word. Those transmissions are held aboard the submarine on the Captain’s hard drive; and they are only accessible to MI5 personnel after the ship’s Captain has officially closed the mission.”

“How would a Royal Navy Commander know of a current Russian Codeword?”

“I told you this goes to the top, I believe the 'Who' is in the Government.” Her smile was sarcastic

Bond wondered over to the edge of the terrace; and looked out over the river, the sun glinting off the cool waters. Suddenly a salmon jumped, shaking the droplets of water from its silvery skin.
Bond could instantly see M’s fascination with the place. After a moment he turned back toward M “Have you any idea what you’re asking?”

M held his gaze “Yes. Sorry James, there’s no other way.”

Bond registered that she had called him by his first name again; after a moment's hesitation she continued “But I didn’t think it would be a problem for you.”

Bond shook his head “It isn’t a problem, I was just thinking, of how cold it is in Faslane at this time of year”

[volante]

Synopsis


Tensions rise following a cyber-attack upon Saudi Arabian oilfields
by the terrorist group ‘Complete Darkness’
When London is next targeted,
James Bond is dispatched to eliminate the threat.
Following his only lead Bond journeys to Japan.
Here he learns that the technological modern World
is soon to be threatened by a criminal genius.
Escaping certain death at the hands of Yakuza assassins,
Bond travels to Africa to foil a plot to start a nuclear war.
Bond’s task is simple, stop the cyber-attacks and prevent
World War Three.

PART ONE

Each day is full of gratitude
…and tomorrow one seeks hope
In the rising of the Sun

PART TWO

Each hour wounds
The final hour kills

Is it true?
Is Bond about to meet his death?
If he is you can be sure of one thing...
It was NEVER THE DEATH he thought he would have.

[volante]

and to think it all started with

Silhouettes and Shadows



Back Jacket Synopsis


When an otherwise impeccable financial source funds a biological weapons transaction…

…James Bond is sent to investigate the mysterious new owner of the Swiss bank responsible…

…and uncovers a powerful secret organisation that has its roots enmeshed

in the wealth amassed by the Third Reich.

With its sights set on challenging the superpowers of today, the race is on to stop the weapon being deployed,
but who can Bond trust?

A disgraced DOJ agent wanted by the FBI

An Israeli scientist at odds with the CIA

Even his old friend Felix Leiter cannot be relied upon in a world controlled by silhouettes and shadows

[volante]

9314 Yes, you know the number, 9314 downloads of NEVER THE DEATH, sees my latest offering go into SIXTH place in the all time downloads on CBn
Thanks to all the downloaders.
Please feel free to make some comments/feedback, here in the discussion forum

Cheers
Paul

[volante]

My first non-Bond novel has just been published on Lulu. Follow the link to buy a copy

http://www.lulu.com/...rt-one/19068804

Cheers

[volante]

My first published novel is now available in Hardback, Paperback, and ebook format.
460 adrenalin driven pages, check out the write up

http://www.lulu.com/...ght/Taylor_EWAF

Cheers
Paul

[Darthyan]

What about the other bond stories you wrote? Would you be willing to fine tune them or present them?

[volante]

The trilogy has a number of the Bond story elements, but the characters are so different, that sometimes only the locations remain the same.
Researching the Paris theft, and the history of a number of "Old Masters" was fascinating.
A lot of the forensic information is now becoming household names, with the likes of "Fake or Fortune" TV program.

It's a really polished story, a great addition to anyone's Adventure book library.
If you like Deaver, Leather, Child, or Dan Brown, I think you'll love Eyes Without a Face.

[Major Tallon]

I've received a lovely early copy, and it's a cracking good read!  Highly recommended. 

[Jim]

"If you like Deaver, Leather, Child or Dan Brown, I think you'll love Eyes Without a Face."

 

Careful there, old freckle, that might put a lot of people off.

 

It looks good; well done!

[volante]

"If you like Deaver, Leather, Child or Dan Brown, I think you'll love Eyes Without a Face."
 
Careful there, old freckle, that might put a lot of people off.
 
It looks good; well done!

LOL Thanks Jim, I know my place

[volante]

http://www.forbestrilogy.com/
http://www.lulu.com/...ght/Taylor_EWAF

Sales are now starting to take off, so a big thank you to anyone from Commanderbond who has partaken in
EYES WITHOUT A FACE: The Forbes Trilogy Part 1

Who knows now that I have a little time on my hands may finish off NEVER THE DEATH