Cosgrove
"Yet this mysterious assassin is able to somehow escape all that carnage – and the poetic marvel of a certain M16 agent's hit man expertise?"
Bond looks over at M. Cosgrove continues,
"Hit man expertise laced with self-serving delusions of grandeur, I'm sure."
M
"Colonel …"
Cosgrove
"Sir, on the plane, I looked over 007's recent assignments and found myself appalled by the differences in judgment regarding his files and those belonging to agent 006. 006 was not an egotistical opportunist who felt he could alter specific assignment rules whenever it suited him – he followed rules, Bond. He was an integral member of a team."
He steps in closer to Bond, then continues,
"We stood in this very office a month ago. My special instructions were clear.
Destroy the facility. Dispose of any resistance – bring the General back alive. Was that so difficult?"
Bond
"You also instructed me to meet with 006 in Geneva – and that another agent may be flown in last minute to watch our backs."
Cosgrove
"That's all correct …"
M
"According to your report, you received a coded transmission in the chopper
… a voice …"
Bond
"Yes, sir …. Telling us to expect 004 …. Already briefed."
M
"You assumed it was Colonel Cosgrove …"
Bond
"It was the Blue Line, sir."
Cosgrove
"Are you suggesting that M16 may have a mole, 007?"
Bond
"A remote possibility, sir."
Cosgrove
"Extremely remote. SPEKTRE or any of their allies don't have the brains or the manpower for a scheme of such magnitude."
Bond
"In your opinion, sir."
Pause. Cosgrove steps in closer, saying,
"Unlike yourself, 007, my opinions and recommendations are highly regarded by your superiors and even the Prime Minister. I am acting liaison between Standard Intelligence and the M16 Division – and frankly, the Prime Minister is getting increasingly frustrated with this department … and deservedly so. And if I may speak candidly, I was told to start weeding out the 'bad apples' of the bunch.
"Am I dealing with one now, 007?" Bond looks back at Cosgrove.
Cosgrove
"With your permission, sir, I would like to continue briefing 008 on the
Singapore assignment."
M
"Very good, Colonel."
Cosgrove exits the scene – closing the large door behind him.
M
"Any comments, 007?"
Bond
"Only if I can speak freely, sir."
M
"Granted."
Bond
"How much longer do we have to suffer the idle prattle of that overgrown woodpecker?"
M
"Was he pecking rather close to the mark, 007?"
Bond
"With all due respect, sir, the man is a chair-bound paper pusher who has no idea what obstacles meet us out there in the field."
M
"Men who bark orders and sit behind desks. Men like myself, I suppose."
Bond
"No, sir … I didn't mean it like that."
M gets up and walks around to the front of the desk. He then says,
"No offense taken. And you're right – men like Cosgrove forget about the unseen obstacles that can overshadow a seemingly simple assignment."
M
"You wouldn't know it, but Cosgrove was actually a dangerous agent at one time – one of the best if I recall."
Bond
"Really .. I would've thought him more at home as a switch carrying schoolmaster for wayward boys."
M
"He is challenging your abilities as an agent – acting without thinking …
that sort of argument."
Bond
"Acting without thinking …. As opposed to hesitating, sir?"
M walks back to his desk and picks up a folder. He says,
"Corbin must have mentioned the Singapore assignment, did he not?"
Bond
"I believe his description was revolving around 'something big', sir. I understand other agents were called in."
M
"Yes, they were. Do you recall Doctor Preston Page? He was our team leader in the Armory Department … secret weapons … experimental technology …"
Bond
"Yes … Dr. Page … he brought in Q and Major Boothroyd. He had disappeared a few years ago. No trace."
M
"We had always assumed that he was either lured by the CIA for Black Operations or for the KGB in Russia."
Bond
"That must've been eight years ago, sir."
M
"Nine to be exact. Last week, we intercepted a coded communication between Page and General Fong in Malaysia. Apparently the good doctor has been selling secret plans and technical information regarding experimental weaponry and the like. We can only assume that General Fong will barter with the SPEKTRE organization for such information and rebuild a new generation of terrorism.
"Their next meeting is in two days. Colonel Cosgrove is flying down there with three agents. Against his recommendations, I want you to join them – as a sniper."
Bond
"To eliminate General Fong?"
M
"If only that were the case. I know I don't have to remind you of how untouchable he is. His inescapable connection to an international incident is something our government and the U.S. have always avoided. No – your target is Dr. Page himself . Here's the contract."
Bond looks down at the folder – his hand is hesitating. He says,
"Sir – this doesn't feel right. I worked with Dr. Page on my early assignments."
M
"We all did, 007. Take the folder … "
Bond
"Is there a chance that he's being set up as a pawn?"
M
"Does that matter? He was caught red handed … I believe high treason makes him a worthy target for assassination. Wouldn't you agree?"
Bond takes the folder. M continues,
"One more thing – there's a high probability of other contractors and assassins being there that day to mix things up. The other agents will deal with them."
Bond
"That means there was a leak. Every professional assassin and hired lunatic in Europe will be there clinking glasses of saki."
M hands Bond another folder, saying,
"Look these over on the plane … some old friends that remain unaccounted for. Watch out for them."
Bond opens the folder of photos and files of killers and contractors – leafing through them quickly. He says,
"Yes, sir. This is going to feel like a reunion of sorts –" he suddenly pauses at several photos of Elsa Espiranza. He freezes at the sight of her beautiful face -- and an old wound suddenly reopens.
M glances over, saying,
"Commander Espiranza. The Black Widow. We've been trying to find her for years. Do you know her?" A long pause. Finally Bond looks up, saying,
"Only by reputation, sir."
While Bond studies the photos, M continues,
"You know that I'm only interested in results. I disagree with Colonel Cosgrove regarding your character. You don't hesitate. You don't second guess – but I do question your ego – and how it can become a hindrance to any judgment call. You remember 009?"
Bond
"Yes, sir. I do."
M
"That was his eventual downfall. Food for thought, 007."
Bond
"Yes, sir."
M switches a few buttons on a console at his desk –
"Miss Moneypenny – you can send the others in, please." "Yes, sir."
The large door opens and Cosgrove walks in with three suited men. One is 008,
Early forties, small moustache and piercing blue eyes. Another is 0010, sandy haired, round glasses and wearing white gloves. The third is the youngest of the group – 0012 – thick dark brown hair, shorter than the others, wide in the shoulders; chiseled features.
008 extends a hand towards Bond, who receives, smiling, and says,
"008 – been a long time since Cairo. You look rested somehow."
008
"You're a terrible liar, Bond. It's the cocked eyebrow – it gives you away,
I'm afraid."
Bond
"Well, I learn from the best."
008
"Touche. I don't think you've ever met my new tennis partner – 0010. He's quite the firecracker in tight spots I hear." 0010 raises both gloved hands up as Bond extends his hand to shake.
0010
"You'll forgive me if I don't share in this custom. No disrespect intended, 007."
Bond
"None taken. I've heard about your phobia to germs. I imagine that it becomes
fairly unpopular with the ladies."
0010
"You have no idea."
The younger 0012 starts snickering. Annoyed, 0010 says,
"Something funny?"
008
"This is 0012 – his Double-O status was confirmed last month." Bond shakes hands with the younger agent, who says,
"A pleasure, sir. I've heard some interesting stories about you …read some of your reports –"
008
"Trained him myself. Shows enormous potential."
Bond
"Trained? Don't you mean corrupted?"
M, from his desk, says,
"Well – now that all pleasantries are out of the way, perhaps we can fine tune the details of the mission. Colonel, if you please –"
Cosgrove
"Thank you, sir."
Cosgrove walks over with a remote in his hand. He presses a button, aiming at the far wall. The entire wall suddenly, moves and rotates, exposing a huge ante room of computer terminals and weaponry.
Q and an assistant stand there waiting. Another button is pressed – the lights dim. A projection is suddenly up – a map of inner Chong Pang – a square – Cosgrove, pointing,
says,
"As you all know, on the 23rd of this month, which is in two days, Doctor Preston Page will meet with SPEKTRE operative General Fong in Chong Pang, Singapore to exchange technical plans and classified information regarding this department. They will meet amidst the chaos of a Red Chinese political demonstration here – in Shenyang Square. Our Chinese operative, agent Cheung has confirmed their meeting as 0930 hours.
"0012 – you will be parked in this truck (a diagram of a truck appears) awaiting my signal – here, east of the plaza. 008 and 0010 will be concealed in the rear of the truck – behind the wheel of a 'Quiet Jeep'."
008
"A jeep with extraordinary characteristics, I'm sure."
M
"Q Branch will cover those details, afterwards, 008."
008
"Yes, sir."
Cosgrove
"007 – you will locate your perch here – on the roof of the plaza. A perfect spot
for a sniper." M looks at Bond. Bond exchanges the glance.
Bond says, simply, "Yes, sir."
Cosgrove
"Any special questions so far? Concerns?"
0012
"Escape routes, sir –"
Cosgrove
"Yes, I was just getting to that. When Page is hit, pandemonium will most likely follow. The crowds will disperse and Fong's soldiers will file into protective positions. According to agent Cheung, Fong and his men will flee from the city heading north – here – to a secret base in the swamps – here.
"0012, you will pursue them up to this point – just before the swamps. I want the exact co ordinates of that secret base for the CIA. Hide the truck and wait at the bottom of this ridge – here.
"008 and 0010 – you will ride out with the 'Quiet Jeep', retrieve Page's attaché case and intercept any resistance – including other hired assassins and contractors in the area."
"When you're clear to do so, take the jeep up this road – along the coast. An unmarked chopper will fly below the radar and extract you both here – this field of windmills -- then fly over to the swamps to retrieve 0012."
008 looks over at Bond and says,
"And what about 007, sir?"
Cosgrove
"Your jeep will act as his cover, as he makes his way to this ally – where agent Cheung will be waiting with a car. They will take this road to the coast – and meet with Cheung's contact. 007 – you will then dive into the bay here – and meet up with our secret Manta 500."
Bond
"A submarine, sir?"
Cosgrove
"Correct. Any other questions? Right. Q Branch has some new weaponry and equipment specifically designed for this assignment."
Q steps up saying,
"Thank you, Colonel. Each of you will be issued a new transmitting device. We're quite proud of these – something the Japanese Intelligence helped us put together. Unlike a headset, the piece fits in your ear – like this. Two taps on your lower ear opens a coded channel – one tap deactivates the transmission."
Each agent is handed an ear piece by Q's assistant and they each place in their respective ears. Cosgrove, holds up another remote with an antennae. He clicks a few buttons then says,
"There. I've locked all devices into two different channels." Bond watches Cosgrove place the remote in his jacket pocket.
Q
"Blythe –"
Blythe, the assistant, walks over to a table with a suitcase. Q begins again,
"To the common, unsuspecting eye, an ordinary briefcase. We've added more features –
watch closely." The assistant quickly disassembles the case – it becomes a machine gun.
Blythe walks over with the gun to an area where an artificial person shaped target appears. He fires a few shots. The target is hit – the chest is blasted apart.
Q says,
"Automatic machine turret –" Blythe disassembles the gun again and it turns into a metallic set of bolas. Q again,
"A few quick turns – and it also transforms into an effective set of bolas."
Blythe hands them over to 0010. 0010 walks over to another person shaped target and swings the bolas a few times – hitting the 'head' clean off the target.
Q
"The case itself can be used as a defensive vest. Bulletproof, of course."
Blythe shows the agents how the case fits around the chest and strapped on for defense. Q again,
"Extra rounds of ammunition, blades and scuba diving equipment will be packed in each case." He then pulls out a pair of generic black binoculars --
Bond
"I never knew you fancied bird watching, Q…" 0012 snickers.
Q
"Blythe …."
Blythe turns and aims the binoculars at one of the person shaped targets. He turns the focus switch and a telescopic sight pops up. Then –BOOOOOOMMM!!!! A shot is fired from one of the lenses! The top part of the target explodes into a million pieces.
He fires again from the other lens – BOOOOMM!!! The bottom part of the 'figure' explodes! Q turns and says,
"One shot from each lens has enough power to blow a house off its foundation. The focus switch will allow you to increase or decrease the explosive force with each shot."
Blythe hands it to Bond, who examines the smoking binoculars.
Q
"This last device is strictly for you, 007. Singapore weather forecast for the 23rd is calling for thunder showers all morning and afternoon … therefore, we've designed a very interesting umbrella for tight spots and for snipers sitting in the rain. Blythe …"
Bond, "No – allow me –" Bond takes the umbrella and starts disassembling. The top comes off to reveal just the pole and the handle. "So far so good?"
Q
"Yes – the sights are here – no – this switch."
Bond walks over to another target. The sights pop up. He aims.
Bond fires – Bang! Bang! Q says,
"It only carries two shots. So use them well."
0010
"Extraordinary. Can we pick the colour we want?"
Q
"I'm sorry, 0010, there's only the prototype – for 007."
0010
"Well, that's simply not fair."
Q
"Anything else, sir?"
Cosgrove
"No. Thank you, Q. Well done."
Q
"Thank you, sir."
M gets up from his chair, saying, "That's all, gentlemen. Miss Moneypenny will hand out your new attaché cases and passports. Any last minute thoughts?"
0010
"Sir, with all due respect to this department and my colleagues, I work better
alone – I think we all do. American agents assemble assignments and teams like this, sir."
M
"This particular mission is a highly sensitive one, 0010. It's not going on record – it's not going to be filed and it will be considered a forbidden subject. The Prime Minister is vaguely aware of its planning – that's why it's being code named as the 'Missing Minute.'
"And remember, General Fong is not to be killed. Not even by accident. The one
who inadvertently hits him will be on the run from every contract hit man in the world. We cannot make that clear enough."
Cosgrove
"I quite agree. I want this mission to run like a well -oiled machine, gentlemen. Follow my directions without question …. " he stops at Bond and says,
"And no sudden alterations of any kind."
M
"That will be all, gentlemen. Best of luck."
008, "Thank you, sir." Bond, "Thank you, sir."
M
"008 – we need a few more minutes of your time."
008
"Certainly, sir."
Bond looks at 008 and walks out with the other two agents. The door closes.
Bond and the other two walk towards Moneypenny's desk and pick up their
cases and folders. She says to them,
"There you are, gentlemen. Good luck." 0010, "Thank you, Miss Moneypenny."
Bond
"'Into the Valley of Death rode the six hundred.'"
Moneypenny
"You mean the four unsuspecting British agents. Oh – a lady came by a few minutes ago and dropped this card off for you. Didn't leave a name either."
Bond takes the very small envelope – adorned with a red rose illustration. He pulls out a small post card from Paris, France. No writing – no address.
Moneypenny
"A postcard – no address?"
Bond
"From Paris – she wasn't Brazilian, was she? Dark hair – shades?"
Moneypenny
"No .. Blonde … early forties … she looked quite wealthy."
Bond
"Really –"
Moneypenny
"Well, she was wearing a beautiful mink coat – it looked pretty authentic. She also looked quite married." Bond sits at the table's edge, saying,
"Moneypenny, my interest in married women has always been professional. Now – what would you like me to bring back from the Orient? A bowl of fighting fish?
A bottle of saki – a particular vintage in mind?"
Moneypenny
"Be a dear – bring yourself back." He picks up her hand and kisses the knuckles.
He starts to walk away. She utters, "Good luck."
Evening. Bond's apartment. London.
A cigarette hangs out of his mouth, as he packs two suitcases. His special suitcase is standing beside his bed – along with his 'special' umbrella. On a side table: two bottles of alcohol and a large glass. He checks his gun and holsters it under his armpit. The phone rings. Bond, "Hello.."
It's American agent Felix Leiter on the other end, in a phone booth, saying,
"Look, I don't mind you and your limey agents lousing up bombing missions – but next time, don't leave the mess for me to clean up, will you?"
