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[[File:Where_InThe_World_Spies_6175.jpg|frame|link=http://pentharis.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4c9l59|Yes, Waldo, her fingernails do count as weapons.<ref>Only that scene didn't actually happen this way.</ref>]]
[[File:Where_InThe_World_Spies_6175.jpg|frame|link=http://pentharis.deviantart.com/gallery/?offset=48#/d4c9l59|Yes, Waldo, her fingernails do count as weapons.<ref>Only that scene didn't actually happen this way.</ref>]]


{{quote| "She had such a tiny frame it was hard to believe she could kill a man seven ways without the use of a weapon. Eight if her fingernails didn't count as weapons."}}
{{quote|"She had such a tiny frame it was hard to believe she could kill a man seven ways without the use of a weapon. Eight if her fingernails didn't count as weapons."}}


[[Where's Wally|Waldo]], a [[Tall, Dark and Handsome|Tall, Dark, And Handsome]] Frenchman [[Spy Fiction|spy]], works for the World Spy Organization, combatting the dastardly designs of an evil entity called VILE. Carmen, the [[Sensual Slavs|sultry Russian]] daughter<ref>Adopted</ref> of the original [[Carmen Sandiego]], is the VILE agent Waldo has sworn to stop. She traverses the world in pursuit of [[MacGuffin|artifacts to steal]] and has been eluding Waldo for a while by the time the story begins, their first [[Overt Rendezvous|meeting face-to-face]].
[[Where's Wally?|Waldo]], a [[Tall, Dark and Handsome|Tall, Dark, And Handsome]] Frenchman [[Spy Fiction|spy]], works for the World Spy Organization, combatting the dastardly designs of an evil entity called VILE. Carmen, the [[Sensual Slavs|sultry Russian]] daughter<ref>Adopted</ref> of the original [[Carmen Sandiego]], is the VILE agent Waldo has sworn to stop. She traverses the world in pursuit of [[MacGuffin|artifacts to steal]] and has been eluding Waldo for a while by the time the story begins, their first [[Overt Rendezvous|meeting face-to-face]].


''Where on Earth, Spies'' is a [[Fanfic]] written in [[Web Serial Novel]] format by Pentharis, published on [[Deviant ART]]. It's essentially a [[Mega Crossover]] [[Alternate Universe Fic|Alternate Universe]] [[Spy-Versus-Spy]] [[Spy Fiction|Fic]] centered around the [[Foe Yay]]-charged [[Dating Catwoman|antics]] of Carmen and Waldo. Their respective spy teams are comprised of a number of [[Darker and Edgier]] [[Notable Commercial Campaigns|iconic advertizing mascots]] including Erin Esurance, her partner Erik, the GEICO Gecko (Martin), Progressive's Flo, the Taco Bell Dog (Carlos), and Allstate's Mayhem. All of them are interpereted by the author from their perspectives as spys, but they're kept in some line with their source material to fun effect. While the story itself is indeed amusing, with most things underlined by [[Deadpan Snarker|snark]] and interspersed with both action and character interation, [[There Is No Such Thing As Notability|there's not really anything particularly notable about it]]. Maybe that Waldo [[Nice Hat|wears a fedora]].
''Where on Earth, Spies'' is a [[Fanfic]] written in [[Web Serial Novel]] format by Pentharis, published on [[Deviant ART]]. It's essentially a [[Mega Crossover]] [[Alternate Universe Fic|Alternate Universe]] [[Spy-Versus-Spy]] [[Spy Fiction|Fic]] centered around the [[Foe Yay]]-charged [[Dating Catwoman|antics]] of Carmen and Waldo. Their respective spy teams are comprised of a number of [[Darker and Edgier]] [[Notable Commercial Campaigns|iconic advertizing mascots]] including Erin Esurance, her partner Erik, the GEICO Gecko (Martin), Progressive's Flo, the Taco Bell Dog (Carlos), and Allstate's Mayhem. All of them are interpereted by the author from their perspectives as spys, but they're kept in some line with their source material to fun effect. While the story itself is indeed amusing, with most things underlined by [[Deadpan Snarker|snark]] and interspersed with both action and character interation, [[There Is No Such Thing as Notability|there's not really anything particularly notable about it]]. Maybe that Waldo [[Nice Hat|wears a fedora]].


It can be read starting [http://pentharis.deviantart.com/gallery/34268949?offset=24 here], continuing backwards through that gallery folder.<ref>[[Deviant ART]] isn't exactly made for hosting stories.</ref>
It can be read starting [http://pentharis.deviantart.com/gallery/34268949?offset=24 here], continuing backwards through that gallery folder.<ref>[[DeviantArt]] isn't exactly made for hosting stories.</ref>


{{tropelist}}
{{tropelist}}
* [[Action Girl]]: Carmen. Erin as well.
* [[Action Girl]]: Carmen. Erin as well.
* [[Affectionate Gesture to The Head]]: Carmen pats Mayhem's head to remind him of his place as her servant.
* [[Affectionate Gesture to the Head]]: Carmen pats Mayhem's head to remind him of his place as her servant.
** Flo also pets Mayhem's head.
** Flo also pets Mayhem's head.
** Martin pets Erin's head in Chapter 30.
** Martin pets Erin's head in Chapter 30.
* [[Aggressive Negotiations]]: Waldo tries this when Carmen calls him to China. {{spoiler|It doesn't work.}}
* [[Aggressive Negotiations]]: Waldo tries this when Carmen calls him to China. {{spoiler|It doesn't work.}}
* [[Air Vent Passageway]]: How Carlos leaves the VILE base. He's a small dog, so it works.
* [[Air Vent Passageway]]: How Carlos leaves the VILE base. He's a small dog, so it works.
* [[The Alcoholic]]: {{spoiler|Waldo can be a heavy drinker, though he doesn't let it interfere with work. His failures to capture Carmen exacerbated the problem, as did his attempts to quit smoking.}}
* [[The Alcoholic]]: {{spoiler|Waldo can be a heavy drinker, though he doesn't let it interfere with work. His failures to capture Carmen exacerbated the problem, as did his attempts to quit smoking.}}
* {{spoiler|[[All Just a Dream]]}}: A light example. In Chapter 21, {{spoiler|Waldo wakes up shirtless in bed and [[Dreaming the Truth|realizes he's with Carmen.]] It's not presented as a dream, so it's not just a [[Dream Sequence]].}}
* {{spoiler|[[All Just a Dream]]}}: A light example. In Chapter 21, {{spoiler|Waldo wakes up shirtless in bed and [[Dreaming the Truth|realizes he's with Carmen.]] It's not presented as a dream, so it's not just a [[Dream Sequence]].}}
* [[And This Is For]]: Carmen stabs Waldo for strip searching her, but not fatally.
* [[And This Is For]]: Carmen stabs Waldo for strip searching her, but not fatally.
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* [[Big Brother Is Watching]]: Referenced in Chapter 27.
* [[Big Brother Is Watching]]: Referenced in Chapter 27.
* [[Big "What?"]]:
* [[Big "What?"]]:
{{quote| '''Waldo''': A bruise is temporary, but a scar is forever. You know what else is temporary?<br />
{{quote|'''Waldo''': A bruise is temporary, but a scar is forever. You know what else is temporary?
'''Carmen''': Pregnancy?<br />
'''Carmen''': Pregnancy?
'''Waldo''': ''Quoi?!'' }}
'''Waldo''': ''Quoi?!'' }}
* [[Bilingual Bonus]]: Every chapter begins with something said in either French or Russian. Various exclaimations are given in these languages throughout the text. The author uses Google for these and has asked for an interpereter. She found one for her Russian characters and the person receives a credit in every postscript.
* [[Bilingual Bonus]]: Every chapter begins with something said in either French or Russian. Various exclaimations are given in these languages throughout the text. The author uses Google for these and has asked for an interpereter. She found one for her Russian characters and the person receives a credit in every postscript.
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* [[Deep-Cover Agent]]: Flo in her [[Backstory]].
* [[Deep-Cover Agent]]: Flo in her [[Backstory]].
* [[Department of Redundancy Department]]: Justified when Alik tells Carmen what happened on the boat, he lists that she was shot, dove into the water, and that she was shot. She was shot twice.
* [[Department of Redundancy Department]]: Justified when Alik tells Carmen what happened on the boat, he lists that she was shot, dove into the water, and that she was shot. She was shot twice.
* [[Dog Stereotype]]: The Mexican, Carlos, became a chihuahua. He's the Taco Bell dog.
* [[Dog Stereotype]]: The Mexican, Carlos, became a chihuahua. He's the Taco Bell dog.
* [[Dreaming the Truth]]: {{spoiler|Waldo's [[Erotic Dream]] with Carmen.}}
* [[Dreaming the Truth]]: {{spoiler|Waldo's [[Erotic Dream]] with Carmen.}}
* [[Dressing As the Enemy]]: Carmen incapacitates and steals a security guard's uniform while in the spy boat.
* [[Dressing as the Enemy]]: Carmen incapacitates and steals a security guard's uniform while in the spy boat.
* [[Drowning My Sorrows]]: Waldo when he fails to capture Carmen. Also to keep himself from smoking. Yes, he knows that's bad.
* [[Drowning My Sorrows]]: Waldo when he fails to capture Carmen. Also to keep himself from smoking. Yes, he knows that's bad.
* [[Duel of Seduction]]: Waldo and Carmen.
* [[Duel of Seduction]]: Waldo and Carmen.
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* [[Elaborate Underground Base]]: Inverted as the ACME base is above ground and so garish that Waldo can compare it only to moderna art and [[Lampshade Hanging|wonders how they can hide in plain sight so well]].
* [[Elaborate Underground Base]]: Inverted as the ACME base is above ground and so garish that Waldo can compare it only to moderna art and [[Lampshade Hanging|wonders how they can hide in plain sight so well]].
* [[Emotionless Girl]]: Ivy.
* [[Emotionless Girl]]: Ivy.
* [[Equal Opportunity Evil|Equal-Opportunity Evil]]: VILE, in the sense that no matter your condition you can join, but you have to pass the same spy tests as everyone else. [[Handicapped Badass|Even in a wheelchair]].
* [[Equal Opportunity Evil]]: VILE, in the sense that no matter your condition you can join, but you have to pass the same spy tests as everyone else. [[Handicapped Badass|Even in a wheelchair]].
* [[Exact Eavesdropping]]
* [[Exact Eavesdropping]]
* [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin]]: The World Spy Organization is an [[Captain Obvious|international spy organization]].
* [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin]]: The World Spy Organization is an [[Captain Obvious|international spy organization]].
** Chapter 30, the [[Christmas Episode]] was titled the [[Christmas Special]], trope nomenclature aside.
** Chapter 30, the [[Christmas Episode]] was titled the [[Christmas Special]], trope nomenclature aside.
* [[Face Heel Turn]]: The original Carmen Sandiego to the World Spy Organization.
* [[Face Heel Turn]]: The original Carmen Sandiego to the World Spy Organization.
** Also Mayhem, but it's part of his debut. Flo too.
** Also Mayhem, but it's part of his debut. Flo too.
* [[Fainting]]: Carmen takes her flirting a bit too far and Alik can't handle it.
* [[Fainting]]: Carmen takes her flirting a bit too far and Alik can't handle it.
* [[Femme Fatale]]: Carmen. Also Flo.
* [[Femme Fatale]]: Carmen. Also Flo.
* [[Fiery Redhead]]: Inverted with Ivy, who's calm and in control.
* [[Fiery Redhead]]: Inverted with Ivy, who's calm and in control.
* [[First-Name Basis]]: Martin tells people his [[Real Name As an Alias|real first name]], rather than his code name.
* [[First-Name Basis]]: Martin tells people his [[Real Name as an Alias|real first name]], rather than his code name.
** Carlos takes pride in his first ''spy'' name basis with Flo. All the VILE agents call her by "Flo" as well.
** Carlos takes pride in his first ''spy'' name basis with Flo. All the VILE agents call her by "Flo" as well.
* [[Flat What]]:
* [[Flat What]]:
{{quote| '''Carmen''': Birds of a feather, my sweet. ''Birds of a feather''.<br />
{{quote|'''Carmen''': Birds of a feather, my sweet. ''Birds of a feather''.
'''Waldo''': I hate birds.<br />
'''Waldo''': I hate birds.
'''Carmen''': So do I, I prefer cats. You?<br />
'''Carmen''': So do I, I prefer cats. You?
'''Waldo''': Dogs.<br />
'''Waldo''': Dogs.
'''Carmen''': Pity. We could have gotten a pet. I guess we'll have to have children instead.<br />
'''Carmen''': Pity. We could have gotten a pet. I guess we'll have to have children instead.
'''Waldo''': ...What. }}
'''Waldo''': ...What. }}
* [[Foe Yay]]: Waldo and Carmen. Pentharis is open about her extravagant love for this trope when it's played well.
* [[Foe Yay]]: Waldo and Carmen. Pentharis is open about her extravagant love for this trope when it's played well.
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* [[Foreshadowing]]: Invoked by the narrator, saying Mayhem and Michief's names were "almost prophetic" before they encountered Waldo.
* [[Foreshadowing]]: Invoked by the narrator, saying Mayhem and Michief's names were "almost prophetic" before they encountered Waldo.
* [[French Cuisine Is Haughty]]: Waldo indulges in a glass of vodka early on as a toast to Carmen's ability. He speculates that she enjoys French wines in the same way and because she's classy.
* [[French Cuisine Is Haughty]]: Waldo indulges in a glass of vodka early on as a toast to Carmen's ability. He speculates that she enjoys French wines in the same way and because she's classy.
* [[Fun With Acronyms]]: "CARMEN" is actually Carmen's job title: "Careful Aquiring, Ranged Monitor, Espionage, Negation."
* [[Fun with Acronyms]]: "CARMEN" is actually Carmen's job title: "Careful Aquiring, Ranged Monitor, Espionage, Negation."
** VILE stands for {{spoiler|Vitally Improved Liberation Economics}}. "[[Invoked Trope|They mostly just wanted the acronym to sound evil]]."
** VILE stands for {{spoiler|Vitally Improved Liberation Economics}}. "[[Invoked Trope|They mostly just wanted the acronym to sound evil]]."
* [[Gay Paree]]: Carmen visits here to steal [[MacGuffin|the Mona Lisa]] from The Louvre.
* [[Gay Paree]]: Carmen visits here to steal [[MacGuffin|the Mona Lisa]] from The Louvre.
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* [[Interspecies Romance]]: They were together before he was turned into a chihuahua and Flo's sparing Carlos's life hints at this.
* [[Interspecies Romance]]: They were together before he was turned into a chihuahua and Flo's sparing Carlos's life hints at this.
* [[Involuntary Transformation]]: Spies were captured and [[Animorphism|turned into animals]] by the Doctor. Mayhem, Martin, and Carlos were among those affected.
* [[Involuntary Transformation]]: Spies were captured and [[Animorphism|turned into animals]] by the Doctor. Mayhem, Martin, and Carlos were among those affected.
* [[In Love With the Mark]]: Waldo, a completely professional spy, is accused of this by his coworkers. He wonders about it himself.
* [[In Love with the Mark]]: Waldo, a completely professional spy, is accused of this by his coworkers. He wonders about it himself.
* [[In the Blood]]: Carmen Sandiego II works for the same side her mother did, though she's adopted.
* [[In the Blood]]: Carmen Sandiego II works for the same side her mother did, though she's adopted.
* [[I Owe You My Life]]: Mayhem is indebted to Carmen this way, so he pulls a [[Face Heel Turn]].
* [[I Owe You My Life]]: Mayhem is indebted to Carmen this way, so he pulls a [[Face Heel Turn]].
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* [[Nice Guy]]: Alik.
* [[Nice Guy]]: Alik.
* [[Nom De Guerre]]
* [[Nom De Guerre]]
* [[Non-Action Guy]]: Erik E., more before he became a spy, but he's an information gatherer so he's less active than other agents. Also, {{spoiler|after being maimed, Martin}} expects all he'll be good for is a desk job of some kind.
* [[Non-Action Guy]]: Erik E., more before he became a spy, but he's an information gatherer so he's less active than other agents. Also, {{spoiler|after being maimed, Martin}} expects all he'll be good for is a desk job of some kind.
** Also Alik, but he has techie skills.
** Also Alik, but he has techie skills.
* [[Not Blood Siblings]]: {{spoiler|Zack and Ivy}}, as established in Chapter 33. Let the [[Shipping]] commence.
* [[Not Blood Siblings]]: {{spoiler|Zack and Ivy}}, as established in Chapter 33. Let the [[Shipping]] commence.
* [[Not So Different]]:
* [[Not So Different]]:
{{quote| '''Carmen''': "You and I are a lot alike, Wally."}}
{{quote|'''Carmen''': "You and I are a lot alike, Wally."}}
* [[Number Two]]: Alik to Carmen.
* [[Number Two]]: Alik to Carmen.
* [[Off the Wagon]]: Waldo with his smoking habit.
* [[Off the Wagon]]: Waldo with his smoking habit.
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* [[Pistol-Whipping]]: Waldo knocks Carmen out this way.
* [[Pistol-Whipping]]: Waldo knocks Carmen out this way.
* [[Poor Communication Kills]]: Erik notices something's wrong with Waldo, but he won't press him about it for two reasons: first, because he's a man and men [[You Didn't Ask|don't ask]] other men about their feelings and, second, because Waldo's a man and he likely [[Men Don't Cry|won't talk about it]].
* [[Poor Communication Kills]]: Erik notices something's wrong with Waldo, but he won't press him about it for two reasons: first, because he's a man and men [[You Didn't Ask|don't ask]] other men about their feelings and, second, because Waldo's a man and he likely [[Men Don't Cry|won't talk about it]].
* [[Post Dramatic Stress Disorder|Post-Dramatic Stress Disorder]]: Carmen after {{spoiler|being shot}}.
* [[Post Dramatic Stress Disorder]]: Carmen after {{spoiler|being shot}}.
* [[Precision F-Strike]]:
* [[Precision F-Strike]]:
{{quote|Merry-friggin'-Christmas to you too, rat-ears.|Waldo to Carlos.}}
{{quote|Merry-friggin'-Christmas to you too, rat-ears.|Waldo to Carlos.}}
* [[Real Name As an Alias]]: Martin is in a gecko body. He gives out his real first name as an alias because who could track down his family based upon "Martin" and a UK accent?
* [[Real Name as an Alias]]: Martin is in a gecko body. He gives out his real first name as an alias because who could track down his family based upon "Martin" and a UK accent?
* [[Red Oni, Blue Oni]]: Zack is passionate about his desire to be a spy and is outgoing while Ivy us quiet and focused. Played with a bit as Zack is better at standard medical care while Ivy considers herself a "Macguyver Medic."
* [[Red Oni, Blue Oni]]: Zack is passionate about his desire to be a spy and is outgoing while Ivy us quiet and focused. Played with a bit as Zack is better at standard medical care while Ivy considers herself a "MacGyver Medic."
* [[Rescue Introduction]]: Mayhem and Mischief.
* [[Rescue Introduction]]: Mayhem and Mischief.
* Retcon: Originally, Erik was named "[[Mr. Smith|David Doe]]" because Pentharis couldn't find out his name was. Soon after he debuted, a fan found out for her and she corrected it retroactively.
* Retcon: Originally, Erik was named "[[Mr. Smith|David Doe]]" because Pentharis couldn't find out his name was. Soon after he debuted, a fan found out for her and she corrected it retroactively.
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* [[She Is Not My Girlfriend]]: Waldo on Carmen.
* [[She Is Not My Girlfriend]]: Waldo on Carmen.
* [[Shout-Out]]: Both Waldo and Carmen are stated to have uncanny aptitudes for hiding in plain sight despite garish clothing.
* [[Shout-Out]]: Both Waldo and Carmen are stated to have uncanny aptitudes for hiding in plain sight despite garish clothing.
** Upon Carmen's arrival on a [[42|forty-second]] floor, the [[Lemony Narrator|narrator]] muses that [[Hitch Hikers Guide to The Galaxy|the answer to life, the universe and everything would be guarded by sentient singing dolphins]] there.
** Upon Carmen's arrival on a [[42|forty-second]] floor, the [[Lemony Narrator|narrator]] muses that [[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|the answer to life, the universe and everything would be guarded by sentient singing dolphins]] there.
** There are some explicit mentions of [[James Bond]].
** There are some explicit mentions of [[James Bond]].
** "[[Nineteen Eighty-Four|Big Brother]] would like you to call home more."
** "[[Nineteen Eighty-Four|Big Brother]] would like you to call home more."
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** Carlos is named after the voice of the dog in the commercials, Carlos Alazraqui.
** Carlos is named after the voice of the dog in the commercials, Carlos Alazraqui.
** Dennis, who is the black Allstate spokesman, is also named after the actor who portrays him, Dennis Haysbert.
** Dennis, who is the black Allstate spokesman, is also named after the actor who portrays him, Dennis Haysbert.
** [[Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer|Special Agent Rudolph is a reindeer]]. From the [[Christmas Episode]], naturally.
** [[Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer|Special Agent Rudolph is a reindeer]]. From the [[Christmas Episode]], naturally.
** Martin likes the [[Austin Powers]] movies.
** Martin likes the [[Austin Powers]] movies.
** The engineer in Chapter 33 says "Can you still hear me? Good!", implying he's the famous Verizon mascot.
** The engineer in Chapter 33 says "Can you still hear me? Good!", implying he's the famous Verizon mascot.
* [[Shoe Phone]]: Waldo's [[Goggles Do Something Unusual|glasses]] take pictures.
* [[Shoe Phone]]: Waldo's [[Goggles Do Something Unusual|glasses]] take pictures.
* [[Show Some Leg]]: Waldo doesn't outwardly take the bait, but Carmen tries this when he captures her.
* [[Show Some Leg]]: Waldo doesn't outwardly take the bait, but Carmen tries this when he captures her.
* [[Snark to Snark Combat]]
* [[Snark-to-Snark Combat]]
* {{spoiler|[[Sneeze of Doom]]}}: {{spoiler|Martin while in Carmen's headquarters. He's caught because of it.}}
* {{spoiler|[[Sneeze of Doom]]}}: {{spoiler|Martin while in Carmen's headquarters. He's caught because of it.}}
* [[Sneeze of Doom]]
* [[Sneeze of Doom]]
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* [[Team Pet]]: Mischief.
* [[Team Pet]]: Mischief.
* [[Tempting Fate]]:
* [[Tempting Fate]]:
{{quote| They had no building plans, no plans of action, no idea how to find out where she was, and indeed: No idea if Carmen was still there. Surely there was no possible way this could go horrendously wrong and he was going to have to explain to two children's families why they wouldn't be coming home from work that day.}}
{{quote|They had no building plans, no plans of action, no idea how to find out where she was, and indeed: No idea if Carmen was still there. Surely there was no possible way this could go horrendously wrong and he was going to have to explain to two children's families why they wouldn't be coming home from work that day.}}
* [[Terrible Trio]]: Carmen with Alik and Mayhem. Flo doesn't count because she's just another member of VILE, not part of their team.
* [[Terrible Trio]]: Carmen with Alik and Mayhem. Flo doesn't count because she's just another member of VILE, not part of their team.
* [[Texting]]: The engineer is something of an addict.
* [[Texting]]: The engineer is something of an addict.
* [[Theme Naming]]: Mayhem and Mischief.
* [[Theme Naming]]: Mayhem and Mischief.
** [[Animal Theme Naming]]: Carmen calls Alik "moi krolik", meaning "my rabbit" in Russian.
** [[Animal Theme Naming]]: Carmen calls Alik "moi krolik", meaning "my rabbit" in Russian.
* [[The Mind Is a Plaything of The Body]]: Mayhem seems to have picked up a few traits from his time as a dog.
* [[The Mind Is a Plaything of the Body]]: Mayhem seems to have picked up a few traits from his time as a dog.
* [[This Is No Time to Panic]]: When Erin starts panicking, Waldo buys her a drink so she'll calm down.
* [[This Is No Time to Panic]]: When Erin starts panicking, Waldo buys her a drink so she'll calm down.
* [[Throw It In]]: While writing the [[Christmas Episode]], Pentharis asked fans what they would get Martin for Christmas, since he's a gecko. One suggested gloves and she though it was a good idea, so she included them.
* [[Throw It In]]: While writing the [[Christmas Episode]], Pentharis asked fans what they would get Martin for Christmas, since he's a gecko. One suggested gloves and she though it was a good idea, so she included them.
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* [[Time Travelers Are Spies]]
* [[Time Travelers Are Spies]]
* [[Time Travel Tense Trouble]]:
* [[Time Travel Tense Trouble]]:
{{quote| '''Waldo''': "How goes the building of the time machine?"<br />
{{quote|'''Waldo''': "How goes the building of the time machine?"
'''Engineer''': Great, we should be done by next week, so you can leave any minute."<br />
'''Engineer''': Great, we should be done by next week, so you can leave any minute."
'''Waldo''': What? [[Drunken Master|Is this one of those things you have to be drunk to understand]]?" }}
'''Waldo''': What? [[Drunken Master|Is this one of those things you have to be drunk to understand]]?" }}
* [[Timey-Wimey Ball]]: Carmen time travels to the Doctor's lab where he's turning spies into animals. There was intended to be a somewhat lengthy gap between that point and the present, [[Plot Hole|but Geckos don't live long enough for that]]. The author noticed and she decided to play through without more exposition than that Martin thinks he's near death because of his gecko body's age.
* [[Timey-Wimey Ball]]: Carmen time travels to the Doctor's lab where he's turning spies into animals. There was intended to be a somewhat lengthy gap between that point and the present, [[Plot Hole|but Geckos don't live long enough for that]]. The author noticed and she decided to play through without more exposition than that Martin thinks he's near death because of his gecko body's age.
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Where On Earth Spies]]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Fanfic]]
[[Category:Fanfic]]
[[Category:Crossover Fanfic]]

Latest revision as of 14:27, 8 October 2022

Yes, Waldo, her fingernails do count as weapons.[1]

"She had such a tiny frame it was hard to believe she could kill a man seven ways without the use of a weapon. Eight if her fingernails didn't count as weapons."

Waldo, a Tall, Dark, And Handsome Frenchman spy, works for the World Spy Organization, combatting the dastardly designs of an evil entity called VILE. Carmen, the sultry Russian daughter[2] of the original Carmen Sandiego, is the VILE agent Waldo has sworn to stop. She traverses the world in pursuit of artifacts to steal and has been eluding Waldo for a while by the time the story begins, their first meeting face-to-face.

Where on Earth, Spies is a Fanfic written in Web Serial Novel format by Pentharis, published on Deviant ART. It's essentially a Mega Crossover Alternate Universe Spy-Versus-Spy Fic centered around the Foe Yay-charged antics of Carmen and Waldo. Their respective spy teams are comprised of a number of Darker and Edgier iconic advertizing mascots including Erin Esurance, her partner Erik, the GEICO Gecko (Martin), Progressive's Flo, the Taco Bell Dog (Carlos), and Allstate's Mayhem. All of them are interpereted by the author from their perspectives as spys, but they're kept in some line with their source material to fun effect. While the story itself is indeed amusing, with most things underlined by snark and interspersed with both action and character interation, there's not really anything particularly notable about it. Maybe that Waldo wears a fedora.

It can be read starting here, continuing backwards through that gallery folder.[3]

Tropes used in Where on Earth, Spies include:

Waldo: A bruise is temporary, but a scar is forever. You know what else is temporary?
Carmen: Pregnancy?
Waldo: Quoi?!

Carmen: Birds of a feather, my sweet. Birds of a feather.
Waldo: I hate birds.
Carmen: So do I, I prefer cats. You?
Waldo: Dogs.
Carmen: Pity. We could have gotten a pet. I guess we'll have to have children instead.
Waldo: ...What.

Carmen: "You and I are a lot alike, Wally."

Merry-friggin'-Christmas to you too, rat-ears.
—Waldo to Carlos.
  • Real Name as an Alias: Martin is in a gecko body. He gives out his real first name as an alias because who could track down his family based upon "Martin" and a UK accent?
  • Red Oni, Blue Oni: Zack is passionate about his desire to be a spy and is outgoing while Ivy us quiet and focused. Played with a bit as Zack is better at standard medical care while Ivy considers herself a "MacGyver Medic."
  • Rescue Introduction: Mayhem and Mischief.
  • Retcon: Originally, Erik was named "David Doe" because Pentharis couldn't find out his name was. Soon after he debuted, a fan found out for her and she corrected it retroactively.
  • Retirony: Martin only agreed to shadow Carmen because it was one last mission and Erin asked him to.
  • Riddle Me This: How Carmen gets Waldo to return to France in the first chapter.
  • Running Gag: Referring to Mayhem as a dog in varied contexts.
    • "My name is not Wally."
  • Sarcasm Mode: When symptoms of the Lemony Narrator arise, this is generally among them.
  • Say My Name: Erik's introduction is him calling out Erin's name several times.
  • Scary Black Man: Dennis, who outranks Waldo at the WSO, intimidates the Frenchman quite a bit.
  • Secret War
  • Security Cling: Erik and Erin hold each other when they find out Martin is in grave peril and later spend the night in each others' arms to support each other while he is recovering.
    • Ivy holds Zack's arm when they travel to Russia, where she's intimidated by not knowing the native tongue.
  • Seen It All: Mayhem, then a dog, could talk, but Carmen didn't think that was so wierd considering everything else going on.
  • Sensual Slavs: Carmen.
  • Sequel Hook: Some chapters more than others.
  • Series Hiatus: The author is in college, so there was a few months between Chapters 32 and 33.
  • She Is Not My Girlfriend: Waldo on Carmen.
  • Shout-Out: Both Waldo and Carmen are stated to have uncanny aptitudes for hiding in plain sight despite garish clothing.
  • Shoe Phone: Waldo's glasses take pictures.
  • Show Some Leg: Waldo doesn't outwardly take the bait, but Carmen tries this when he captures her.
  • Snark-to-Snark Combat
  • Sneeze of Doom: Martin while in Carmen's headquarters. He's caught because of it.
  • Sneeze of Doom
  • Soap Opera Disease: Alik lost his legs because of one.
  • Spy Fiction: Martini Flavored.
  • Spy-Versus-Spy
  • Stable Time Loop: During Carmen's time travelling, she set a fire in the Doctor's lab, killing many agents trapped in animal bodies. Carlos, turned into an animal and present there, references this event in the present.
  • The engineer constructing the time machine brings it to Waldo while his younger self is still working on it.
  • Stealth Pun: Just before she boards the Chronoskimmer, Carmen tells Alik that she'll see him "in time."
  • Stockholm Syndrome: Mayhem's joining VILE after Carmen saved his life. She plans to indoctinate him so he'll want to work for them.
  • Sympathetic P.O.V.: Half the story is from VILE's perspective and they aren't made out to look like bad people. Rather, they are Not So Different from the WSO and merely have different aims.
  • Tagalong Kids: The ACME kids to Waldo, but they pull their own weight.
  • Take That: "It sounded horrifying, 'teaching' someone to like something. But honestly, how what that any diferent from public school in the States?"
  • Talking Animal
  • Tall, Dark, and Handsome: Waldo.
  • Team Pet: Mischief.
  • Tempting Fate:

They had no building plans, no plans of action, no idea how to find out where she was, and indeed: No idea if Carmen was still there. Surely there was no possible way this could go horrendously wrong and he was going to have to explain to two children's families why they wouldn't be coming home from work that day.

Waldo: "How goes the building of the time machine?"
Engineer: Great, we should be done by next week, so you can leave any minute."
Waldo: What? Is this one of those things you have to be drunk to understand?"

  • Timey-Wimey Ball: Carmen time travels to the Doctor's lab where he's turning spies into animals. There was intended to be a somewhat lengthy gap between that point and the present, but Geckos don't live long enough for that. The author noticed and she decided to play through without more exposition than that Martin thinks he's near death because of his gecko body's age.
    • Neither is she certain about how Carmen Sandiego I's Heel Face Turn fits on the timeline because the given date of March 1973 may not be far enough in the past.
  • Token Minority: While the story is international, the main charcaters originate from caucasian countries. One of the WSO higher-ups, Dennis, is a black man, however. He's Allstate's primary spokesman.
  • Torture Always Works: Subverted when Martin did not give Carmen information because of her torture, but she didn't ask for spying information, only what Waldo thought of her.
    • Also Averted as The Doctor's torture of Mayhem was unsuccessful.
  • To the Batpole: How Carmen escapes from Waldo's clutches in the opening chapters.
  • To the Pain: "If you ever call me 'Moi krolik' again I will harvest your organs while you sleep and sell them on the black market." - Alik to Mayhem.
  • Trash Talk: Between spies, naturally. Lots of snark.
  • Tracking Device: First Carmen plants one on Waldo, then Waldo plants one on her car later in the series. Every WSO agent has one either on their person or under their skin. It stops broadcasting when they die.
  • True Art Is Incomprehensible: An Invoked Trope. Upon seeing the ACME base, Waldo can only compare it to Modern Art, which he appreciates in general. However, thinks it looks rather weird and can't quite understand why the secret base is so blatantly garish.
  • Turncoat: Carmen Sandiego I and Mayhem.
  • The Unfavourite: Mayhem has lower standing tha Michief in Carmen's eyes.
  • Underestimating Badassery: Mayhem speaks with repect when talking to Carmen, but not so when addressing Alik. He learns.
  • Underwater Base: The WSO spy boat.
  • Unresolved Sexual Tension: Much. Mostly between Waldo and Carmen, but also present in some scenes from Alik's perspective. Also towards Carmen.
  • Well-Intentioned Extremist: VILE conducts its activites to distract governments and give them something to rally against. They give the news something to report on and provide a "bad guy" for the counties to focus on.
  • What Did I Do Last Night?: Carmen upon waking up in a cot with Alik, though it was benign. Also Waldo, during his dream
  • When She Smiles: Alik for Carmen.
  • White and Grey Morality: WSO being White and VILE being Grey.
  • Worthy Opponent: One way Carmen and Waldo view each other.
  • Would Hit a Girl: Waldo.
  • Written Sound Effect: Mayhen trudging throught the snow: "Crunch. Crunch. Crunch."
  • Vodka Drunkenski: Waldo and Carmen joke about this.
  • You Can Talk: Mayhem's debut as a talking dog. Carmen takes it in stride.
  • You Gotta Have Pink Hair: Erin Esurance.
  • Your Mom: The conclusion of Mayhem's I Am the Noun speech to Waldo.
  1. Only that scene didn't actually happen this way.
  2. Adopted
  3. DeviantArt isn't exactly made for hosting stories.