Q Quartermain
This way. Haven't got all day. Don't! (too late; English presses "Enter" on a nearby laptop, firing a disc. The disc flies across the aisle and slices the entire head clean off of a dummy, which an agent catches) Would you stop meddling, English? (guides English over to a luxurious car) Here she is.
English
Ahh, the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Truly the Rolls-Royce of automobiles.
Q Quartermain
Armour plating, all the bells and whistles. Say "bonnet."
English
Bonnet.
CS Car's computer
Command accepted. (the bonnet opens)
Q Quartermain
Voice activation recognizes only you. Rolls has fitted one of their experimental engines, the nine-litre V16. Goes like the wind... only quieter.
English
Beautiful.
Q Quartermain
Keep up. (leads English to a table laid out with gadgets that all look completely innocent) Here's what you'll be taking to Hong Kong.
English
Ah, yes.
Q Quartermain
(holds up a socket extension)
A satellite receiver, (holds up a comb) tracking device, (holds up a pack of gum) Semtex chewing gum... (English grabs a small digital camera) Ah! Now, what did I just say? (English clicks the shutter, firing a mini-dart out of the lens. The dart goes directly through the rump of a dummy and into the buttocks of an agent. The other agents laugh and English chuckles sheepishly) That's the new P2 digital dart gun.
English
[A meeting in MI7]
Right. [sits down] So, when's the Prime Minister going to grace us with his presence.
PM Prime Minister
[who is sitting to Johnny's left]
I'm the Prime Minister.
English
[he s****]
Yeah. You wish. [notices Pegasus staring at him. English realises that the Prime Minister really is who he says he is] [seriously] All right. So, we're all here. [He opens the paper in front of him. Others do the same. He clears his throat, as if to lead the meeting.]
PM Prime Minister
These talks with China are of paramount importance. Rogue states in Southeast Asia have begun secretly to develop nuclear weapons. It is vital that we get China onside. Traditionally, China has been impervious to our concerns, but I believe Xiang Ping, given the opportunity, can and will help defuse this situation.
FS Foreign Secretary
Well, with his pro-West stance, it certainly offers an opportunity, but the talks can't go ahead unless we can guarantee his safety.
PM Prime Minister
I believe, with the correct security, that we can.
P Pegasus
If Vortex is operational, it's just too dangerous.
FS Foreign Secretary
I'm inclined to agree, Prime Minister.
SA Simon Ambrose
There is a way. The Swiss are willing to lend us Le Bastion.
Q Quartermain
That's their government fortress, in the Alps. It's a stunning example of architectural engineering at altitude...and completely impregnable. I mean, that should solve all our security issues.
PM Prime Minister
Then the talks go ahead. [to Pegasus] Pamela, I hope you've brushed up on your Mandarin, I'd like you in the room with me. And I want your best man on security.
P Pegasus
[hushed]
Yes, Prime Minister.
A Attendee
Where are we on Vortex?
English
Vortex is three men. Fisher was one, Karlenko was another. Karlenko was killed today, on the orders of the third.
English
Yes, but I need time.
P Pegasus
[insistent]
We do not have time. We need to know the identity of the third member of Vortex.
English
Give me 24 hours.