Memo
From: Counter-Espionage Team, HQ
To: Section Chiefs, Western Europe
Cc: Head of Region, Western Europe
We are currently investigating reports that meetings between our agents and those of other services are being routinely surveilled by hostile forces. Evidence suggests these forces are under the control of a figure known as "The Master". A copy of The Directory of Evil which we have obtained suggests there are 24 so-called leaders calling themselves The Master and we are urgently trying to ascertain the level and immediacy of the threat to our communications. In the meantime, it is imperative you remind all agents to exercise extreme vigilance when in the field.
Yours, etc.
"Miss, Miss"
"Yes, what is it Alice?"
"Why is it that The Master is called that when she's a woman?"
"Because there are 37 Masters in the current Directory of Evil so nobody takes any notice, whereas being listed as The Mistress was getting quite the wrong sort of enquiries. Now run along and find Bob and Charlie; make sure they're getting ready for the Zoo trip."