Dear colleagues,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of my imminent departure from Q Branch. After almost three decades at MI6, I find myself ‘moving on’. I will draw a discreet veil over the precise reason for my exit, but let us, in the interests of expediency, employ that comforting euphemism ‘personal reasons’. Instead of dwelling on the matter, I shall instead use this moment to thank you for your support over the years and to reflect on my time in the Secret Intelligence Service.

Where do I begin? As a young army engineer scouted by the redoubtable M – the man that recruited me? Suffice to say that M made me an offer I could not refuse – the opportunity to apply my love of science and technology to the defence of my country. He neglected, of course, to inform me that the fruits of my labours would be placed into the hands of field agents whose idea of ‘handle with care’ would put a psychotic toddler to shame.

Having said that, it would be churlish of me not to acknowledge the work of said agents, in particular 007, a man whose daredevil missions have defined my own life. When all is said and done, Bond is a man willing to lay down his life for others – and that is no small thing. Yet 007 and his fellow agents will never be feted. They may die in the line of duty, but their sacrifice will never be properly acknowledged. Instead, their lot – and ours – is to suffer the brickbats of self-serving politicians and lickspittle bureaucrats. Our budgets are cut on mindless whims; we are censured for actions sanctioned by civil servants; we are accused of failing to care. Through it all, we persevere. For king and country, for democracy, for a way of life we hold dear. In the words of William Ernest Henley’s Invictus, we remain bloody, but unbowed.

And where next for me, the artist formerly known as Q? For now, I am contemplating a return to my home town, Wickstone-on-Water, a small place less than two hours from London. I am drawn back by the sudden death of a childhood friend. I have not been home for nigh on three decades. I am uncertain what awaits me, but I know that, like a lost salmon, I must now return to my beginnings.

I leave you now with a final thought: trust no one and believe nothing, except in yourself. 

Finally, congratulations to James B. for correctly ascertaining the answer to the puzzle in my previous memo, and for being fortunate enough to be picked at random from all the correct entries. The answer, of course, was 1940 – the year that Captain America Comics #1 was published (though the cover date was March 1941 – apparently that sort of thing was common!). Below you will find this edition’s puzzle. Good luck! 

Sincerely,

Major Boothroyd

Head of Q Branch

P.S. Here is this edition’s puzzle. One ‘winner’ shall be picked at random from all correct entries and will be mentioned in my following memo. MI6 Archives shall rustle up a book to send to you* Pot luck, I’m afraid! Fill in this form to enter . . . This month’s puzzle is as follows:

What does MI6’s motto ‘SEMPER OCCULTUS’ mean?

*UK entrants only, alas!

NOTE FROM VASEEM KHAN

This ‘memorandum’ is one of a series that we will be publishing, celebrating the launch of Quantum of Menace, the first mystery featuring Major Boothroyd, Head of Q Branch (aka Q) from the James Bond universe. Pre-orders are very important to a new series, so we would be immensely grateful if you considered pre-ordering the novel. Buy from bookshops big and small and online. Click here for some options.

To keep updated on the progress of Quantum of Menace, and to receive competitions and giveaways with prizes from the Bond-verse, simply register for my newsletter here. 

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