Verencat was relaxing in the luxurious surroundings of the Air Canada 767 executive first class cabin, returning from her latest mission for the Silliness Mission Force, the ultra-top-secret division of the fabled IMF. As ever, SMF had managed to keep the cabin almost completely empty for her, save for one item of very attractive eye candy that was apparently sleeping quietly. She stretched, very catlike and uttered a subconscious "hmmmm" in a very pleasant reverie, when the steward interrupted her.
"Excuse me, Mademoiselle Verencat, would you like a sandwich?"
"Uh, no, no thank you," replied the slightly startled Verencat
"Would you consider the sandwiches of the Mediterranean? Sun-blushed tomatoes, olives, pesto and brie, in a granary bagette perhaps?"
Her mind coming back to the present, Verencat looked at the offered sandwich, smiled and accepted it. Taking a bite of what was a truly wonderful sandwich, she waited.
And sure enough a few scant seconds later the incredible chemicals and nanomachines of the SMF Communications Division performed their work and placed into her mind a fully formed and incredibly realistic memory….
"Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find, acquire and deliver the ideal Christmas present for Agent Vivaldi Rules, " said the Director General of the Overt Christmas Operations over a picture of VivaldiRules surrounded by pink flowers. "Agent Rules has provided sterling service during the year," continued the DG , as the picture changed to one of him wearing goggles and a flying helment. "It has been decided that a present must be delivered commensurate with his skills, gifts and successful missions." The picture changed again to one of him leading a pack of chiwawas into battle. "The assistance provided to the likes of Agents Wallbanger, Vera and even dangerous Agent Pshyrnk and the mythical Agent Pinwheel, must be acknowledged. We fear that the Other Organisation is attempting to entrap him with its own gifts." The picture changed to one of a website selling bacon suitcases, automatic skritting and scratching machines, subscriptions to "The Daily Bacon", and assorted other bacon products. "You are free to select such members of SMF as you see fit. Naturally, should any member of your team be caught or kidnapped by the squirrels or their agents, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. "This sandwich will self destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Verencat."
And with that, the sandwich self-immolated.
<Cue Mission Impossible Theme Music.>
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