Bond (Post apocalyptic pre-play)

[cuppa_q]

Not far from the Tower of London stood a small round building that once lead the way to the original northern entrance to the Tower Subway, a 19th century pedestrian walkway that ran beneath the Thames. It was a strange little artifact that Q had always been enamored by, and so when it came time to find a place to set up shop, that's what he'd chosen.

Power was scarce now, but Q had rigged up a little solar and water powered system that kept his workshop going, making it so he could repair nearly anything, and supporting a security system that ensured only those who could pay bothered him.

Today he was working on an old Vespa. Not for a client, but for himself. He disliked traversing London on root, and if he could get the damn thing running off a rechargeable battery, fetching supplies would be far easier. He was wrist deep in the battered old thing's engine when his security system alerted him to a visitor.

Switching on the camera, Q looked to see who was there.

Intrigued, he removed his gloves and pushed his glasses back up his nose before heading up to answer the door.

"So, you're alive then, are you?" he said, rather than 'hello'.

Comments

[0_0_7]

Bond wasn't taken by surprise easily, but it wasn't every day he ran into someone from Before.

"Good to see you, too, Q. May I come in?"

[cuppa_q]

Q looked him over, well aware the man was likely armed- And always dangerous. Common sense told him to say no and inform him he wasn't to return.

...However, Q had always had a soft spot for Bond.

"I suppose," he replied, moving out the way so Bond could come in.

[0_0_7]

Bond stepped inside and took a look around.

"You have power," he marveled.

[cuppa_q]

"I do," Q nodded. "...Why are you here? How did you find me? ...More importantly, what do you want?"

[0_0_7]

"I'm looking for survivors," he aud- which was partly true.

"I had no idea you were here, though. I had no idea you'd survived."

[cuppa_q]

"Well you wouldn't, I made a point of not being found during the first headcount," Q replied.

[0_0_7]

"And you've done quite well keeping to yourself," he noted. "This is quite comfortable."

[cuppa_q]

Q hummed in agreement, eyes sharp and focused on Bond.

"Are you still with the military then? Guarding our fallen leaders in some miserable fallout shelter?"

[0_0_7]

"There's nothing like that left, Q," he answered. Slowly, Bond turned to face him.

"I run a community, near the waste. Navy boys with no direction. We keep order."

[cuppa_q]

"Thugs, you mean," Q replied, his disapproval palpable. "Self-appointed lawmen."

[0_0_7]

"We offer protection and keep the peace," he replied. "They follow orders. Disobedience has a high price."

[cuppa_q]

"Yes, well, if you're hoping to recruit me, I'll save you the trouble of pitching and say no now," Q replied.

[0_0_7]

"Too bad. We could use someone with your skills," he replied.

[cuppa_q]

"Then you can hire me like everyone else," Q replied, sitting down and resuming his tinkering.

"Or do you plan on trying me as well? I'm sure your personal legal system is fascinating."

[0_0_7]

"Ah, there's the quartermaster charm," Bond smiled.

He moved closer.

"What would you exchange for a light. A strong light. Solar,of course."

[cuppa_q]

"A chair, a good one, with wheels that still work," Q replied.

[0_0_7]

Bond looked at him for a moment, considered that, then nodded.

"I think we can come to an arrangement, Q. I have access to things like chairs. Tools. Food. Which I would be happy to share in exchange for your...creativity."

[cuppa_q]

"I prefer to call it my genius, but potato potato I suppose," Q replied. "Let's just start with a light for now. I'm not really to get too cozy just yet. ... Though feel free to try and woo me."

[0_0_7]

"Woo you?" Bond purred, moving closer.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bit of cling film. He slowly unwrapped it and offered Q a small piece of chocolate.

"I can do that."

[cuppa_q]

Q looked at the chocolate, and very much did not want to take it.

Firstly, because he didn't want Bond to know he still had sway over him. Secondly... Well, it was Bond, it could be a trap. For all he knew it might be laced with something. Fond though he'd always been of the man, he was also well aware of how the man always got his way in the end, and if he truly did think Q would be of better use working for him, that was exactly where Q would end up if he wasn't careful.

It was enticing though, and the part of his brain that missed the simple pleasures of before so badly wanted to feel it melting on his tongue.

"...Best not," he said quietly. "I'll make your lamp though."

[0_0_7]

"No? Alright. I'll save it for later," he said, deliberately tucking it away.

"What's your price, then? Be reasonable."

[cuppa_q]

"I told you, a chair. But if that's not reasonable, how about viable soil as well? I plan on starting a garden," Q said. "Keep asking my price, I promise I can continue to raise it."

[0_0_7]

Bond exploded with laughter.

"Viable soil? Dream big, Q," he said, hand on his belly. "I wouldn't trade that for anything. If I could even find it."

He began to wander, picking things up to inspect them, then gently put them back.

"A light for a chair...but what if I wanted more?"

Bond had the thought it would be easier to simply kidnap him and force him to work for the compound, but he had a soft spot for Q. And he knew kidnapping him would become a headache.

[cuppa_q]

Once upon a time Q would have let James wander without turning to watch, offering the man his back without fear. ...Things had changed though, the world had changed, and Q never took his gaze off of him.

"Then it would cost you more," he said simply. "What more do you want, Bond?"

[0_0_7]

Bond met his eyes with a piercing blue gaze.

"I want the world, Q," he answered evenly.

He gently put down what was probably a weapon and came closer.

"I want...you."