"He only asked me if it was an absolute necessity I use deadly force and then he took it over. I told him there was a very real threat against you personally and he stood up for us," Bond said, waving off the offer of tea. He really wasn't surprised M had his back, though it was a bit of a shock that Mallory didn't give him the sharp rebuke she</> would have. Mallory seemed to understand well what Bond had to do in a situation...and he hadn't yet been assailed by the agent's violent streak to the same degree and was more indulgent.

Bond liked that about the man. And to him it was more important what Q had to say about it all.