The Explanation
Copyright
Patrick Scalisi
As any writer knows, it is extremely
difficult to publish
material about an existing character or "universe" (i.e. Star Wars,
Lord of the
Rings, etc.) unless you have been contracted to do so. There are all
number of
copyright laws, and most magazines will not accept stories
from a preexisting narrative. I always
thought this was a fun story regarding one of my
favorite fictional characters, but I have never tried to publish it for
the
reasons listed above.
Hello.
Please sit
down.
First, I’d
like to congratulate you on passing both your physical tests and your
psychiatric evaluations. I have reports here from all of the test
administrators, who inform me that you did exceedingly well.
Your
promotion to this section means that you’re among the best we have and,
from
here on, the demands on you will reflect that.
Very
shortly, after being outfitted by the quartermaster, you’ll receive
your first
assignment. But before that happens, I’d like to give you a little bit
of
background.
Before I
begin, let me assure you that records of your previous identity have
been
completely hidden and erased. According to official documents, you died
of a
sudden and unexpected brain embolism yesterday afternoon. Your old flat
has
been cleaned out and you’ll be set up in a new location under an alias.
In
addition, all of our new operatives receive a number and name
associated with
that number. When an operative retires or is killed in action, the
number and name
are passed on to a new agent. This allows you to maintain a degree on
anonymity. And, in case you were curious, six of our previous men have
used the
particular designation that you will hereby assume.
Without
going too much into detail yet, I can tell you that your first
assignment will
likely take place in the Middle East. American and British allied
forces are
currently embroiled in the latest religious-oil war there.
Keep in
mind being promoted to this section means that
you’ve been given license to kill which — as you’ve been reminded many
times
since this process began — you’ll be required to do both professionally
and in
your own defense. Your skills will fast be put into action.
So,
agent 007, do you have any questions?
James Bond is a
licensed trademark, and this work has not
been authorized by its owners.
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