Harry

[0_0_7]

Things were coming together nicely. Harry's people had moved in and after a rather chaotic week of getting everyone settled, things had evened out. The patrols were bringing back necessary items, but also items of luxury and comfort. They'd secured a truck and furniture, clothing, food, copper, and scrap for burning all poured in.

Bond was in his office, going over a ledger. Q and Tanner kept impeccable records and Bond was on top of keeping everything going. He truly hated the task, but he'd do it because it needed done.

The knock on his office door stole his attention.

"Come," he called.

Behind him, the large windows in the luxury box looked out over the pitch where dozens of solar panels were set to catch the sunlight. THe power was easily enough to keep the stadium lit at night. At night, Wembley was a shining beacon in the dark.

He waved Harry in and rose to welcome him in.

"Any hiccups?"

Comments

[lepidopterologist]

"Nothing big, not that I'm aware of," said Harry.

This had all been a bit of a whirlwind, and he was still uneasy about it. This still seemed like Bond's domain, and he still seemed very much in charge. But Harry's people didn't seem overly bothered by it, likely in part because this was such an upgrade from their previous surroundings. But it did chafe at Harry a bit.

"Is there anything I should be aware of?" he asked.

[0_0_7]

"No," he answered. "Simmons reports everyone has been orderly and patient. We had an issue with water rations. The nymph can only purify so much a day. A compromise was reached that grey water was to be used for everything but drinking for the time being."

Bond moved to the wall of CCTV monitors he had. With the press of a button, Bond pulled up a still frame of Kersen.

"This is our newest resident," he said. "You should know, he's a vampire. Don't worry. I trust him to keep to a diet of raiders," he said with a smug note to his voice.

[kersen]

"A vampire," Harry repeated. And looked at the frame for a moment. "He doesn't look very dangerous."

[0_0_7]

"I know. But don't be fooled. He's incredibly fast, and incredibly strong," he said.

"I think if we can keep him on a diet of raiders, and let him trade with people who enjoy that sort of thing, he'll remain quite loyal to us. That's why I decided to make an ally rather than an enemy."

He looked at Harry directly as he said those words.

"Scotch?"

[lepidopterologist]

"All right," said Harry. "Thank you."

He sat. "I'm not sure how I feel about the surveillance."

[0_0_7]

Bond poured from a crystal decanter.

"It's not London without round the clock surveillance, Harry. We both know that," he replied, handing over a glass.

[lepidopterologist]

"I think there is a line to walk between safety and privacy," Harry said. "Just how much are you watching?" He took the glass though.

[0_0_7]

"Me? Some. But it's all recorded.

The screens reverted back to the separate cameras.

"I'm not in your bedroom, Harry. Relax."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry rolled his eyes. "I didn't think you were interested in spending your time watching me sleep."

[0_0_7]

"If I were in your bedroom, Harry, you wouldn't be sleeping," Bond said evenly, then sipped his drink before he could smirk.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry coughed, caught off guard. Then managed to say, "Yes, well, I think you might prefer not to have detail about my sex life."

Which was limited. To Q.

[0_0_7]

"You're fucking Q," he said. "Obviously."

And then he let it go.

"What I'm more concerned about is water purification. We can't expect Nyx to purify enough water for so many."

[lepidopterologist]

"Two of my scientists are working on it," Harry said.

You're fucking Q. He wasn't sure why hearing those words from Bond grated at him so much.

[0_0_7]

"How long?" he asked.

[lepidopterologist]

"Not long, I think," Harry said. "Two days ago I sent a team to find some supplies they requested."

[0_0_7]

"Very good," he nodded.

"If you give me a list of supplies, I'll add to goods to the scouting list," he said. "Be clear. Be exceptionally clear on what you want."

[lepidopterologist]

"All right," said Harry. "I'll ask if there's anything else they need, and get you a list. I agree, it's important."

He took a sip of the scotch. "I see you found a piano somewhere."

[0_0_7]

"There's quite a bit of musical equipment in the store rooms below," he said. "If Q can run power, we can get a sound system going. I think people might enjoy a bit of culture," he said.

"Because it can't all be struggle and survival, Harry. If this is to be our home, if this is to be England, we need more. In fact, I was talking to Kersen about making a run to the National Gallery."

[lepidopterologist]

"That's.... actually a very good idea," conceded Harry. "We're the closest thing to England that still exists. We should save as much as we can."

[0_0_7]

"My thoughts exactly," Bond smiled, pleasantly surprised he didn't have to fight about it.

He thought on that for a moment.

"To the last bastion of England," he said, lifting his glass.

[lepidopterologist]

"To England," said Harry quietly, and clinked his glass. He took a drink. "I confess, you are not who I would have expected to be here with."

[0_0_7]

"Why do you say that?" he asked.

"Or are you simply hoping for a different warlord?" he chuckled.

[lepidopterologist]

"I never expected you to come back into my life in the first place," Harry said. "And then after what happened in my wine cellar I certainly never thought we would be... working together."

[0_0_7]

"Working together," he repeated, then huffed a small laugh.

"It's hardly The Office," he chuckled.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry snorted. "No, I suppose it's not. Though we do have the complicated office romance."