crawling out of the distant past...

[recumbentibus]

Has it really been almost 6 years to the day? Your vanity is truly impressive.

Although a good pseudonym is hard to come by in this line of work, so I imagine some commendations are in order.

Comments

[justthehelper]

Six years? Really? Wow.

[recumbentibus]

Oh, don't let the number fool you. Most of that's been spent waffling around in terrible indecision. It's only just now that she's found something suitable by which to call me.

Of course, I kept telling her - names are cheap. It hardly matters what alias I go by, anyone in espionage could say as much. [ A slightly grim smile. ] But I suppose we all have our vices.

[justthehelper]

Trust me, I know. But these mundanes seem to put too much stock in appearances.

My vice is that I'd appreciate getting out now and then. But six years is a new record, I think. Don't think I could handle being on ice that long.

[breadcrumbs]

They do seem to enjoy making us wait.

[recumbentibus]

As do some other people I know. [ A beat. ] You're late, Q.

[breadcrumbs]

[His lips quirk into that not-quite-smile. More like a suggestion of a smile. An abstract smile.] My apologies, 007.

[recumbentibus]

It isn't so bad, being left to your own devices. The Canary Islands are wonderful this time of year.

[justthehelper]

Well, I hope I get work out there.

[Because even though he knows this guy's with MI6, you've gotta keep appearences up, right.]

Spent some time in Dubai a few months back.

[recumbentibus]

[ Indeed. It's all about subtlety. ]

And how was that for you?

[justthehelper]

[The IMF can do subtlety... When it's not blowing shit up.

Brandt smiles at the memory.]

Nice and quiet. Bit of a sandstorm, but that was par the course.

[recumbentibus]

... It's fine. Just tell me you at least remembered the stuff.

[breadcrumbs]

Of course. [What did you think this metal briefcase was for? Here, have it.]

[recumbentibus]

[ He takes the briefcase onto his lap and opens it without further delay. Everything appears to be in order, which coaxes a slight smile from him. ]

[recumbentibus]

[ He gives a wan sort of smile. ]

I can only imagine.

[breadcrumbs]

All as expected? [As if that even needs to be a question. Of course it is.]