sixwordstories | (no subject)

So not as cool?

It all depends on whom you ask. I've been mistaken for him from time to time, if that's a definitive mark of "cool."

Bond is always cool.

...I have been told I'd make a good Bond villain.

I'm an avid reader the books myself. I travel a fair bit with plenty of time for reading.

Intriguing. Why exactly a villain? A fondness for global domination and cats?

You travel for work?

Mostly the former. I guess I'm reformed now.

For work and for pleasure. Home is London, but it feels like I'm there a fraction of the time.

Reformed, eh? Seems like we may have a few things in common. Although I don't think I was quite as ambitious as you were.

I see.

More like 'unhinged' than ambitious. You Black Ops too?

Not quite, but I've worked with a variety of different agencies before. Certainly a British equal. I'll reluctantly work with the authorities, but I tend to operate on my own terms. I'm an agent for hire, I suppose, for a lack of a better term.

So a merc in a suit. Nice.

Are you... bragging or being self-deprecating?

It can be nice. I'm assuming your work is along similar lines.

I suppose there was a bit of self-deprecation there. Certainly nothing against the man. The police tend to draw comparisons, that's all.

They do. Generally because Bond is fairly well established adolescent male archetype. They generally can't see past that.

Well, they can see past things when they need my help. Otherwise, wear a dinner jacket and bow tie at the right function and they think you a super spy.

Highly ironic, since you'd think a super spy would wear the right clothes to the right function and blend in, not stand out. But that's the police for you--An amusing mix of incompetence and effort.

Exactly. Not that a nice suit is always conspicuous, but you're quite right.

I don't think I've heard the police described so precisely before. Incompetence and effort - I'll have to save that one next time I encounter Inspector Teal.

I'm sure your Inspector will be able to relate to the sentiment. I've always wondered about the scenes with the spies getting spotted and I suppose it could be more with the fact that men simply aren't raised to be comfortable in a nice suit anymore, since they're no longer the classic standard of Masculinity and worn daily. Young men practically twitch while wearing them--Which is largely because they're cheap and off the rack. Even if they've been tailored to fit properly, you can tell from the buttonholes. Which would be my guess as to what actually gives them away. I suspect any real spy would be able to account for basic body language and discomfort.

Then again I've been accused of snobbery when it comes to clothes, so I am probably just being fussy and particular.

I've noticed that twitch you speak of.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being fussy and particular about fashion and style. It's nice to meet someone that has an appreciation for quality. I consider myself to be... well, more traditional by today's standards, in terms of style.

It would be nice to see more tradition in fashion. More bespoke, fewer tracksuits. I'd settle happily for tailor off the rack if it meant the end of Sweatpants however.

I'd love to meet the person that designed the first pair of sweatpants and have them pay quite dearly.

I'm not sure they would be able to pay enough for what they've done.

Nope. I'm a baker now.

[amused] You're not exactly a secret agent but similar?

[smiles] At least someone found it funny. I am certainly not a secret agent, though.

A baker? That's certainly a drastic change in scenery.

A pity, that seems like it would be quite an exciting job. What profession do you find yourself in then?

It's not so much a profession as it is a lifestyle. I'm a... private detective of sorts. People call me when they need help and I do just that.

Indeed! That must be a fascinating job in and of itself. There's plenty of detective novels on the subject. Sam Spade and the like.