Chapter 7- A Constellation of Gatherings

Addendum: In this episode, Natalya and Bond prepare to go towards their engagement with Avatar. In it, we briefly touch on some of the events in "Die Another Day". I thought it best to introduce some familiar characters from the series into the story. You've already met Zukovsky. Well, here's another one below. As to my writing, I must apologize as to the pacing of the story. It may be a little stilted, but it is my belief that each scene must be drawn up as well as possible. There will be more dialogue here and I hope to become more precise in my descriptions in the future. As always your reviews are vitally important. Please tell me how I am doing!

"Now that's something you've never seen before." Natalya Simonova said wryly.

Natalya and Bond were both momentarily awestruck at the awesome structure that stood before them. It was the most dazzling building they had ever seen.

The Avatar Alliance Headquarters here in Oslo.

Dozens of stories in height, it was coated by a coral like firmament which literally lit up the night sky. Sky blue in tone, it gave off a ripple like effect, shimmering in the radiant dark. Bond and Natalya could literally see the patterns changing as the intricate sigils on the buildings blended into each other. It was like waves rolling into the ocean.

In a way, Natalya supposed, that was the whole point. Avatar was a Marine Organization, after all. Its motifs would rightly fit an Aquatic theme.

Change in adaptation. Beauty in motion. A most charming concept indeed, Natalya thought bitterly. Glancing at her watch, the young Russian winced inwardly. Natalya hated hidden agendas. Altruistic or not, they had the annoying habit of boomeranging against the very people they were aimed against. The most common term used was Blowback, Natalya Simonova believed. Unforeseen circumstances usually turned out to be unfortunate circumstances in most cases.

Hundreds of guests were present in attendance. Bankers, Movie Stars, Industrialists, Celebrities. They were the best of their fields. All of them sharing a common element. They were all devotees (or admirers) of the Avatar philosophy. They had all arrived here to hear their idol live in person.

Evelyn Imogene. A feminine Messiah for the turn of the century.

The Avatar Founder would be giving a special presentation later tonight. Rumor on the grapevine (Web Blogs, Anonymous Sources) was that something truly special was about to be revealed. An amazing invention that would change the face of the planet. Life would be changed irrevocably. For everyone. And for the better this time.

What would it be? A cure for world hunger? Cancer? No one could say.

Natalya didn't know either. Intelligence agencies around the world had failed to crack the surroundings that covered this mystery invention. Agents had been lost. Not just dead. Merely disappeared like 004.

They had vanished without a clue. It was an enigma that was most frustrating.

Fortunately, Natalya and Bond were individuals that never gave up easily. They confronted their problems till the end . What exactly was this mysterious invention? What would it be used for?

Those were the questions that had to be answered here. Natalya and Bond would never leave without an answer.

M had filled them in on the situation before they left for Oslo.

She had been most insistent that they stay out of trouble. They were merely there to gather information.

Though, she had her own misgivings.

"I admit it though; something about all this gives me a bad feeling." M paused, as she was loath to admit what she about to reveal, "That woman is up to no good." M stated finally," We've have always had our suspicions, but we've never been able to come up with a good enough reason to investigate her completely." The MI6 head appraised her two operatives. "Things are moving too fast!" M shouted, in exasperation. Things had indeed taken a strange turn. Bond and Natalya stared at M without expression. They seemed completely bored, as if what M had told them was nothing new.

Truth be told, they had already discussed the matter long ago and came to the same conclusion.

The issue now was how to proceed.

M had her own ideas on that.

"Just remember, James. No unnecessary heroics! This is merely a fact finding mission. Despite what we feel about Avatar, we have a higher responsibility to find out what their agenda is and where they've hidden missing operatives." M looked Bond squarely in the eye "This mysterious invention may hold the key to all of this. Evelyn Immogen must be planning to do something with it. Thus it is vital that we learn everything we can about it. Understood?"

"Perfectly, Madam"

"Miss Simonova, I assume you will not be having a problem with this?"

"None, Madam. We will find out exactly what this invention is, and report back." Natalya replied dutifully. M smiled icily. She especially appreciated the way Natalya accented the word "report". It bespoke of the young Russian's total confidence and obedience.

M grinned; she knew this Russian Agent to follow orders. M sighed.

If only, Bond was more like her. With a sigh, M dismissed the both of them. She had much thinking to do.

The die was now cast.

"She really doesn't know much about you. Doesn't she, My Dear?" Bond whispered, as they passed through the door.

"Not quite enough." The insightful Russian Agent agreed. "But soon she'll know better."

Natalya sighed. M may have been right about her two years ago, but she was a much different person now. Time and loss did that to a person. Natalya had gained experience and wisdom at a great expense.

She had lost her innocence. A tradeoff that Natalya had sometimes regretted, but accepted. Extraordinary times required extraordinary sacrifices.

Bond and every double-o agent knew that. That was why Natalya usually thought of them as kin.

Truth be told it disturbed her a little.

Bond and Natalya had arrived at their destination with hours to spare

They decided to mingle with the guests. More would be learned in this manner. Tongues easily loosened in an environment such as this. The liquor and the glitz.

All they had to do was to be personable and blend in.

The cover identities M had provided would be most useful in this instance. They had been handpicked by the agents themselves for airtight effectiveness.

It would serve them well.

Natalya examined the surroundings. Bond was chatting to a lovely blonde and checking up the security patrols. There was already several in attendance. They seemed professional in their demeanor and heavily armed. Each patrol were in close contact with one another and monitored the party carefully, alert for trouble. Nor were the guards obvious to the guests. Bond had already spotted a bogus waiter with a Walter under his jacket. An undercover operative to be sure. Bond's peripheral vision picked up further details and catalogued them. Security was incredibly tight.

As for Natalya...

She was getting herself a drink. "A double malt, on the rocks" Natalya ordered. As she waited for her drink, Natalya looked around her surroundings. It was most impressive. State of the art, in fact. No expense had been spared to provide any comforts the crowd could want in terms of food or entertainment. Natalya inwardly shuddered. It was a garish display of wealth. "Decadent" was the word that sprung in her mind. Luxuries were wasted on some people. Around Moscow, there were people in real need for amenities. Natalya sipped her drink let the cool liquid slip down her throat.

The sensation was just as she remembered it. Perfect. Natalya smiled; she had never had much use for alcohol before she met Bond. Now, she was practically a teetoller. In that respect, she was glad.

Some pleasures were indeed worth exploring.

Natalya examined the ocean blue dress she was wearing. It was made of pure silk and fit her like a sleeve. A far cry indeed, from the threadbare clothes she had wore in her youth. She had indeed come a long way. Grit and determination helped of course. Plus a little dose of luck.

How long had she stared at the women in those glitzy Western fashion magazines, wishing to be one of them? It seemed a pipe dream at best. She lacked the looks or the funds to even think of joining their ranks.

Or, so she thought.

Now, she literally was one of those women. Those vain preening beauties. She hated them. Oh, how she loathed herself.

She despised it, because deep down she wished to be like them. Natalya felt she had somewhat sold out on her principals.

They were all she had.

A product of a Strict Greek Orthodox Teaching, Natalya always yearned to be free like the wind. She had wanted to be unique. Since young, By setting herself apart from other little girls of her age. However duty and responsibilities had burdened her down.

It stifled her and this caused resentment, breaking her fantasies. In time, Natalya gave up. Telling herself it was time to put away childish things, she concentrating in keeping herself alive.

Necessity demanded it.

And there lied the paradox. Freedom and Responsibility were not mutually exclusive. She merely had to balance it. It would not be easy, but it could be done. All that was required was a little patience.

Natalya finished her drink. This was certainly the wrong time to be maudlin. She had a job to do and would do it well. She would expect nothing less from herself. It was in her compact.

She spotted Bond lingering with the guests. There was a strange look on his face. Her instincts told her something was wrong.

Natalya quickly made her decision. Bond had done his part. Now was the time for her to step in. This matter evidently required a woman's touch.

She stepped into the spotlight, catching everyone's attention.

Natalya drew looks onto her like moth onto a flame. Her physical beauty was incredible, combining both brains and brawn. There was an academic feel to her; there was no question of that. A stunning bookworm. Natalya radiated icy Charisma, striking her admirers in showers. With her speckled glasses and curveous figure, she caught everyone's attention.

This was a scientist? Where in the world did she come from?

Those were the questions that were buzzing about. Answers however were not forthcoming. Certainly, not from the subject in question. Natalya was deliberately raising a storm. Confusion and distraction was after all her goal.

If someone would have consulted the invitation list however, a name would be matched.

To a Dr Alexa Simone.

A leading researcher in Weather Ecosystems. She was a notorious recluse. No one even knew what she looked like. Rumor was it that she was shy by nature. It was certainly odd to find her here at this gathering. Dr Simone was infamous for her theories. And her conjectures. It was well known she was dismissive of her detractors. Why would someone like that be here? And what a looker she was!

She was a breathe of fresh wind in a stifling field that inhibitated creativity. Simone made Weather Study seem fun.

And that was the real achievement. Excitement buzzed around the party. Why was she here? What would happen next?

Natalya grinned her pearly white teeth. Events were proceeding precisely as she planned. Her choice for this particular identity was a marvel. It would serve her well.

Which led to another pertinent question? Where was the real Dr Simone?

She was indisposed, you could say. Some of M's men had picked the good doctor up off her lab in Peru for safekeeping. With this identity safe, Natalya was certain she could draw Evelyn's attention. Natalya knew the woman well. She was a risk-taker.

Just like she was.

This was how things would play out.

Evelyn would draw her in for some small talk. Asking for some details on this matter or that, even when she knew Natalya was a fake. A little light banter.

She would toy with Natalya a little, leading her on while planning her demise. Completely innocuous of course.

A little game of cat and mouse

It was all standard megalomaniac behavior. Or so Bond had said.

There would be no hurry.

It was after all a weekend.

Natalya was not afraid. How could she be?

Danger was simply something she lived with everyday. It held no surprises.

Her only fear lay in her passing. That it would be in vain and serve no end. That was her true fear.

Natalya wished for a purpose in her life. And now she was living it.

I suppose you could say she loved what she doing. Not being a computer programmer.

A Spy. It was the best way to make a difference against the barbarians. Those that wished to tear civilization down. Normal enforcement agencies couldn't stop them.

But people like Bond and Natalya could.

Natalya would give her life to save the world from destruction. To ease that one little bit of suffering for someone.

That was her dream. A noble one to be sure, and one she was meaning to keep.

With Bond's help, of course.

"So how good do you think you feel?" A pleasant voice broke Natalya from her reverie. She looked up to see a beautiful Russian woman in her mid-thirties. Her face was classical, noteworthy in a statuesque manner. Somehow her face seemed strangely familiar.

Could it be true?

Natalya felt for some reason she knew this woman intimately. A strange connection had emerged between them without speaking. What was it?

Then the answer hit her. Natalya smiled.

This woman was a predecessor of hers. Her exploits were the stuff of legend. Natalya had heard of her of course, but never imagined of actually meeting her.

"About as well as you are, Major Anasova." She courteously greeted the Ex-KGB woman. This was truly an individual that commanded her respect. But the question remained.

Who sent her? How did she know they were here?

"I've had better days" Major Anya Anasova shrugged. "But, it looks like I was needed again for another adventure." Anya continued "It's a pleasure to see you Natalya. I have heard good things about you."

"Thank you Major? Tell me, how exactly did you find us?"

"An old friend of yours. Zukovsky is...untrustworthy to say the least, but he was good to me during my KGB days. I have come to help."

"Did you notify Central?"

"Yes. They are aware of your situation. I know you may be wary of trusting me, Natalya. But I assure you my goals and yours remain the same." Anasova leaned languidly against the bar as she spoke. The Major seemed completely relaxed in the surroundings.

The result of years of practice, Natalya assumed.

Natalya however remained wary of her intentions. Major Anya Anasova or Agent XXX, as she was known, had left the service years ago. Citing fatigue from the game, she had finally chosen a well deserved retirement. Since then she had vanished without a trace. Rumor had it; she had turned freelance and now sold her services to the highest bidder.

It was unlikely of course, but stranger things had happened. Natalya decided to dig in further.

"It's a long way from Moscow, Major Anasova. I assume you came to see about this mystery invention?"

"Who isn't? Simonova. I have an interest in this matter. A score you might say. And when I heard Bond was involved, I knew I had to be involved." She gave Natalya a smile that would scare a crocodile.

This amused Natalya for some reason. There was something about Anya that made Natalya wish to trust her. Instinct perhaps.

"Does he know you are here?"

"No. And I like to keep it that way. Trust me, Natalya. This is a night, you will remember for the rest of your life. I do not need any distractions." Anya said pointedly. There was a curious edge to her voice.

Natalya understood. She had read Anasova's file. Bond had killed a fiancé of hers, and initially Anasova had sworn revenge. However, Anasova and Bond had achieved an uneasy peace after saving the world and surprisingly became close friends. They continued to work sporadically over the years, but the memories of her fiancé haunted her. It was too much for her to handle. Sleeping with the man who killed him, that is. Anasova found herself driving into a nervous breakdown. That did not detract from her lethality however. Far from it. Her superiors sent her on more "deletion" missions, racking herself an impressive body count. Anasova became feared inside the intelligence community. She became known as the "Separator".

One could only guess the reason why.

Intelligence work indeed could change one's character. Natalya's included.

Major Anya Anasova was now an enigma to all. Who she worked for was a mystery. Herself perhaps? Natalya wondered on what to make of her. This woman was once her idol. Her inspiration. Now those feelings had changed. Natalya steeled herself. Adolescent crushes had no place in an agent's life. It was most likely, that before the night was true, Major Anasova would make a move to seize the invention for herself.

It was unlikely of course. But anything was possible.

Natalya had to be ready. Perhaps even to end a legend in person.

Now that would truly be a disappointment.

Natalya gave Anya Anasova a knowing grin. No harm would be coming to her tonight. Not from this woman, at least. Natalya calmly smiled. Call it a hunch. Over the years, she had learned to trust her instincts.

It would not fail her now.

"Well so long you stay out of my way, Major" Natalya said calmly "I think we will get along just fine. How is Zukovsky by the way?" She added.

"He is fine I suppose. A little bruised, but he's back on his feet. That is why he gave me a call. He needed my help in getting Avatar off his case." Anasova said indifferently.

"And make a little money, by the side." Natalya interjected. Anasova shrugged.

That fact was painfully obvious. It needed no explanation.

"So, what have you found out so far?" A skeptical Natalya enquired. She was in awe of this woman, but nevertheless she would not concede her ground lightly.

Not without something in return.

"About the invention? Not much. They are keeping it under wraps." Anya looked around the crowd "No one seems to know anything. I have to say, if this is a trick, it is the best one I've ever seen."

"What about Immogen? Have you seen her?"

"Her movements have become difficult to track. I've been able to trace her location to three Avatar stations in the Artic Circle." Anasova was visibly disturbed.

"They seem to be transporting something strange there." She said ominously.

"Did you check to find out?" Natalya asked anxiously. It was a crucial piece of information.

"I haven't had the chance. This Announcement caught us all by surprise. I did not expect her back so quickly." There was a deep inkling of frustration in Anasova's voice.

"What do you mean?"

"Immogen has some project going on in the Artic. From the looks I've been able to get from her, she has been driving herself to the limit. I tell you Natalya, she looked exhausted. Why this sudden hurry to make this announcement now?"

"It looks like we are about to find out." The two women fell silent at that thought.

"So, how is Commander Bond? I heard about his little stay in North Korea." There was a melancholy tone in Anasova's voice.

"Honestly, I don't know. Have you seen him? I heard the two of you were friends once."

"I caught a glimpse of him on the way in. What happened between Bond and me was in the past. We are...friends, you might say, though it has been several years since we last met." She paused with a hint of sadness. "I doubt I was ever close to him."

"Who ever was?" Natalya wistfully commented. It was a statement of fact.

"Did you ever make contact with him? Inside, I mean?" They were like two schoolgirls discussing their high school crush.

"I think I did. I thought I was getting through. But...it got complex...and difficult. I've given up on him."

"Don't. He needs someone like you. Don't be surprised. I have my own sources as well. He's worth it. Our relationship was complicated. You could say it had too much on our past. Do you understand?"

Natalya nodded. She could guess the reasons why. It would have been too much for anyone.

"Bond is a special case. Frankly, I doubt he'll ever have a family or a normal life. But he has his attractions. If you know what I mean" Natalya stifled a laugh.

"You are an extraordinary individual, Simonova. Personally, I think you are right up his alley." Anasova plucked out a grape from a nearby tray and munched it "The others think so as well."

"The Others?" Natalya asked silently.

She had a strange feeling about this.

"There are other acquaintances of Bond that would like to see him settle down. They've had relationships with him, and well developed a...liking to him. We talk in our spare time and Bond is how shall we say...a project of ours. We only wish the best for him."

"Why me?" Natalya said with exasperation. "I've only known him for awhile. Certainly not as long as the rest of you."

"It has to do with chemistry, Natalya. You and Bond have it. We don't. Well, at least not enough to make a difference. There is a rhythm to the both of you. In the way, you get along and work together. In your case, Bond makes sacrifices for you. He adapts himself for your sake. I think you should consider that."

"I do. I just can't seem to enter that wall he's built. He can show me an exciting time. But can we built a life together, that will really last?" Natalya shook her head in frustration "I... just don't know."

Anasova stared at her successor without a word.

"I can't answer that question, Natalya. Not with certainty. With you... I think there is a chance. He looked different when I saw him just now. Exactly what it was, I could not say. But there's hope. I feel you should try to seize it. Ask yourself this question. Is he worth the risk? If so. I think you know what to do."

Natalya remained silent.

Anasova looked into the crowd "Ah, here he comes now." She gave Natalya's hand a quick squeeze. "Think about what I said, Natalya. You have no idea how important you are."

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see" Anasova shrugged diffidently. At that note, Natalya closed her eyes to consider the legendary KGB operative's words.

It certainly gave her much to think about.

After a while, Natalya looked up to find...

Anasova gone. She had once again blended unawares into the crowd. Without a word.

Natalya stared into the crowd.

"Things are certainly about to get interesting." She thought.

The truth however in this case would turn out to be far more terrible.

To be continued