Note- Another homage to the world of espionage and James Bond. Featuring Naomie Harris as Moneypenny.
x
Miss Moneypenny in 'Diamonds are for Foreplay.'
xxx
The rapidly dwindling Tanzanian jungle is close to the Lake Tanganyika, which is regarded as the second deepest lake in the world. Crystal clear water cascaded from the huge jungle falls right at the lakes edge, and filtered off into the Congo. A light mist rolled over the peaks as Miss Moneypenny traversed the tall grass in the late afternoon sun. As she ventured into the dripping green jungle, the British secret agent inhaled the dry smell of the African earth and the whole scene evoked countless emotions of her distant ancestry.
"This way, I think." Said she as she studied her precision engineered compass.
At first the path was rather wide, but gradually it grew narrower and steeper as the overgrowth get denser. The sky was clear yet the light became more faded the further down the vanishing path she walked. She had been advised by the Service Quartermaster, or 'Q' for short, to wear a long sleeved shirt to shield her arms from the harsh vegetation like sharp vines and prickly leaves. Likewise, instead of a welcome pair of ventilating shorts, Eve had been advised to wear long trousers to protect her legs from the underbrush. Both items were impregnated with insect proof repellent that would serve to dissuade any unwelcome mosquitoes. Alert and vigilant, she trekked on.
x
Eve had arrived just two days earlier at Dar es Salaam International Airport from Heathrow, London. The airport pick up had driven her to the Lari Hotel located in the so called technology district. where she had a room reservation under her alias, Miss Pat Myars. Thank you very much OO7, for that not so funny pseudonym, by the way. The room itself left a lot to be desired, and in particular the sheets didn't look 100% clean. The bath tub had seen better days, and there seemed tp be an odd lingering smell she could not identify. At least the air conditioning worked.
x After a fairly untroubled sleep, Eve visited the nearby Karambezi Cafe where she enjoyed a refreshing breakfast of masala octopus, calamari and prawns. The service was good, and the staff were overly friendly but nice. Later at the hotel reception, she hired a two seater Polaris all-terrain buggy with 700cc automatic engine and 12" alloy wheels. She prepared her special equipment supplied by 'Q' Branch, provisions for up to three days, and took off that same day for the national park. The drive took her 50 kilometers from the hotel, the route taking her past extraordinary sightings of giraffes and zebras. Sights not normally seen in her everyday life as a field operative in the British Secret Intelligence Service. Had it been only a week since she learned about her latest assignment?
x
"Enter."
Miss Moneypenny had dressed in a professional manner of a blue pleated skirt, matching blazer and flat heeled shoes, for her noon appointment with head of section, M. She had reason to be confidant and proud of her record as a Double-O agent as she opened the office door, as so far her missions had been accomplished without any drawbacks.
"OO5, do sit."
"Thank you, Sir."
Across the heavy duty desk sat Gareth Mallory, the latest in a unique line of carefully chosen characters to be appointed to that thankless position of head of MI6. Having a military background, he had the requisite neat and very short hair, up tilted chin and a lean, straight back. For what seemed several minutes he ignored the mocha skinned thirty something Eve, and when he finally spoke she actually snapped up in her seat.
"Ever been to a jungle, OO5?"
"No, Sir. Never."
"Africa? No. You're more of a West Indies girl, aren't you."
"Yes."
Despite her formal appearance, Eve had a tangible sexiness that had been a distinct advantage over men in her chosen position as a covert secret agent. Something not unnoticed by her chief.
"There has, in recent years, seen a significant campaign carried out by ourselves, the USA, France, and Spain against one of the greatest smuggling rackets in the world."
"Drugs, Sir?"
"Diamonds, OO5. To the tune of £100,000,000 a year. Out of Africa, and to be more precise, Tanzania. Thousands upon thousands of diamonds, from pea to walnut size have been seized and recovered in the joint op. Apparently Moscow have been sorely peeved, which leads one to suspect Russian Mafia involvement at the highest level of the operation."
Mallory paused and steepled his fingers as his brow furrowed. Eve thought he looked like the typical example of the English 'reluctant hero,' dedicated to his role, yet troubled by his actions.
"Smuggling has always gone hand in hand with the industry. In South Africa, the Gold Coast, and the Congo were found some of the finest mines in the world. I can recall Bond back in the early seventies, uncovering a similar smuggling ring in South Africa. Felix Leiter of the CIA got involved somewhere along the line somehow, if memory serves. The disreputable names Wint and Kidd spring to mind as well. Before my time, of course."
"What about the Tanzanian Government?"
"Do their best under the circumstances. The President has been actively stamping down on what he believes is corruption and exploitation of it's mining industry. But for every legal and respectful broker, there are as many illegal ones. These are the ones selling to the Russians, and in such quantities that Washington sat up got involved."
"Naturally. Trump hates Putin with a vengeance."
"Who doesn't? Awful man. Anyway, 006 has been investigating in Tanzania, and his last message suggested he had discovered the locals, aided by Russia, have stockpiled a large amount of the best stones in an attempt to depress prices by economic 'dumping.' This is a means being used by the Russian Mafia to significantly raise the price of diamonds to an artificially high cost, and then to be sold on for a big profit, after they have created a monopoly situation which they will exploit to the full."
Eve looked out of the window of the SIS Building at Vauxhall Cross on the London Embankment, and thought about 006. His name was Burrows, and he had obtained his license to kill years before her.
"His last message?"
"Quite. He has been silent for the last week. Captured or killed, presumably. Last message came out of the jungle. I want you to fly out there and investigate. And if there is a diamond stockpile, seize it and eliminate any opposition."
"Oh? What about 007?"
"Can't be spared. She's deeply involved in the 'Black Vulture Operation.' You look pretty fit physically, but I want you to undertake an intense work out with Jennings, our fitness coach. You'll need to be in tip top condition for all the rigours of the jungle. Strength, endurance, and willpower are what's needed to survive in any jungle. And plenty of water. Here's your folder."
Eve took the offered folder marked 'For Your Eyes Only' and left the office.
