Closing ceremonies
Gareth Mallory looked out over the assembled group of MI6 staff. The month had not gone as he anticipated although with the double-ohs involved, he probably should have expected the unexpected. Still there was no arguing with results.
“This month‘s games were based around our four core principles: integrity, respect, creativity, and courage. I am pleased to see that the fine people of this organization have taken those principles to heart.
“Never let it be said that MI6 does not face its objectives head on. But even when those objectives shift or yield unexpected results, I can count on all of you to find solutions that ensure the safety and security of our great nation, and by extension, the rest of the world.”
Sitting off to the side, Tanner let the speech wash over him as he thought about the previous few weeks. Yes, there had been some costs (although Medical has assured him that none of the injuries from the now infamous “trust fall debacle” were worse than an analyst’s broken wrist from when he tried to prove he could catch two people at once), but based on the gossip Q & Eve had reported, the event had achieved Mallory's objectives.
Some wise soul in psych told medical to put a note on 002’s file that they were to be given a 24 period of “dark time” once they were confirmed on home soil before being forced back to six. The agent finally allowed a note on their file that “time in nature” was truly their preferred coping mechanism.
A small group of staff from accounting and Q branch set up a system of checks and balances for paperwork. Q hadn’t seen any changes to the bottom line, but at least neither group needed to bribe, trick, or threaten their staff to get them to interact with each other anymore.
And Eve did end up meeting with HR on Mallory’s behalf to discuss the dress code. Rules were in fact adjusted, but the result balanced professionalism and self-expression so well that it felt like people had upped their office wear game.
With July over, he could now think about his upcoming time off. But just as his mind started to drift to planning his itinerary in Germany, he caught the end of Mallory’s speech.
“…next year’s initiative ‘Sea Urchin…’”
Maybe he needed to stay longer somewhere with little cell service.
ㅤ𓈒 ⋆ ⭒ ˚ 𓇼 ˚ ⭒ ⋆ㅤ 𓈒
And that’s a wrap on 007 Fest 2026! @spiritofcamelot , @kitten-kin , & @myndelling cannot thank you enough for your participation, your camaraderie, and creativity. Watch this space for further wrap up information.
