Rule Britannia

( this was the charter of the land )

( While thou shalt flourish great and free )

( And every shore it circles thine )

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Sam and I were down in D.C for the Remembrance Day ceremony at Arlington. I know it's called Veteran's Day here, but old habits die hard.

After the ceremony, we sat quietly in the amphitheater, remembering times past. We both have seen our fair share of war, and it's good to know that those who died in the service of their country will not be forgotten.

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why the gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Though apparently, some people need reminding.

Virtual bonfire?! Honestly. There are some times when health and safety regulations can go a little too far in protecting us. Luckily, there are still some places in Britain which have got it right.

I'm feeling just a little homesick just reading that article thinking of having a good old-fashioned bonfire, myself. Who would be interested?

I've only been in the States a few days, but I think I like it! Even though I think Kathleen is here as well, and I don't really like her. But that's okay, Vicky will protect me!

They also celebrate Halloween here, which is really cool - though I kind of miss the days when they called it Samhain. Apparently there's some kind of party organised, and Vicky and Sam promised that I could go.

I don't have a costume yet, though. Any suggestions?

I know you're around, sister. Hibernia's been jumpy ever since she arrived here.

( extract from messaging log )

[public; but locked from Sam ]
I think I know who sent that message. And I don’t like the answer I’m getting.

[ Private ]
If there is one thing I've always disliked, it's my country being referred to as 'America's lapdog'. I can make my own decisions, thankyouverymuch. Without the assistance of someone else. Yes, even Sam.

And dare I remind everybody, there was a time when the United States of America was not the guiding power in the world?

Yet, I really do feel like kicking those damn Christians right where it hurts. So even though Sam asked if I might be willing to do some things on his behalf in the whole affair, this is my business. I am not acting as America-by-proxy.

Right?

Ah well. At least it'll give me something to do, to keep my mind off other matters.

[ Private to the 'warmongers' ]
Sam told me about what is going on with the Christians. This kind of behaviour from them is not acceptable at all. And they've been a thorn in my side for some time as well, back home.

So...

Please let me know how I may be of assistance.

I know all this talk about the Olympics may seem frivolous, compared to everything else that is going on in the world today. But for me, it's helping to keep the mind off my little email problem. I haven't had anything further from them, but it still does not put me at my ease.

Why do I feel like it's the calm before the storm?

Maybe I should buy myself one of those crossword puzzle books, or do the one in the New York Times? Anything to keep me from worrying.

It also reminds me that it's London's turn to host the Games in 2012. I hope they're managing to get everything in order. I've heard some rather disturbing tales....

We are still no further forward with my mysterious email. The boys at Computer Crimes were able to trace it to a server originating in the UK, but any further than that? No. Apparently my sender hid their tracks pretty well, which makes me wonder if they're in the spook business as well. Not a very comforting thought at all.

In the meantime, while the country goes wild over the recent Ashes victory (and believe me, I can feel the jubilation from here), some very interesting things are happening up north. Like, say, the Lockerbie bomber being released from jail. A most interesting development, indeed. And one which has attracted the ire of many, not in the least my new boss. Most in the office are not pleased with the decision.

Hell, I know Sam's not happy with it. We had more than a few choice words - especially after he practically bounded out of the office, brandishing a copy of that letter by that imbecile Director Mueller. And anti-British sentiment was running high in the office, worse luck.

Hell hath no fury like an American administration ignored, quoth the BBC.

Too true, says I. Thank God for the Ashes, or I'd have never gotten through the day without resorting to punching someone in the face. Which would have not improved the state of British-American relations in the New York FBI branch at all.

And frankly, at the moment, I feel torn by the result. I see both sides of the argument. I shouldn't. Am I becoming *too* American now?

Jock T. and I are not exactly on the best of speaking terms since he got his own parliament back, but I think we need to have a few words. A head's up would have been appreciated, my old man. Look, I know you lot are pushing for independence, but this is not going to help your case at all.

Note to self: get in contact with Hibernia again or whatever she's calling herself these days

Sam and I just returned from a spot of (re)training at Quantico a couple of days ago, and it's nice to see that my marksmanship still holds up after all this time riding a desk.

( Postcard from Quantico )

And then, there was this email, which I found on the server as soon as we arrived back in New York. It still continues to baffle me.

To: "Victoria Montgomery" <v.montgomery@ic.fbi.gov">
From: A Friend
Subject: RULE BRITANNIA

All I want you to know is this. You worry that our country has gone long without your constant protection and care. That you cannot be there as much as you used to.

There is someone who will take up the shield and trident.

Sam's talking about running it past the people at Computer Crimes to attempt to trace the sender. And frankly? I'm all for it.
I don't know whether to be flattered that someone has gone to all the trouble of burying through red tape to discover my identity, or be slightly more worried.

I'm leaning more towards the latter, at present.

Here’s a thought for you. Why change something that’s worked for generations?

Like this. And this.
I know, I know, it’s just a little 50p coin. But it’s the principle of the thing. And the welcome power boost. These days, I take whatever I can get.

I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I am sick of this mess. Which is why I persuaded Sam to book us the earliest flight back to New York. Didn’t really take much persuading – know he was anxious to get home.

And now, I don’t feel too good (and I don’t think it’s just jetlag talking, either). A good sleep might do the trick. If all else fails, there’s those old posters we stashed away in the attic. And Sam’s promised to take me to one of those British-themed pubs for dinner tonight.

I love that man – even if he can be a tad bit smug in his superiority at times. Then I have to remind him of the days when England was considered unstoppable at sea. Oh, how I miss those days.

Damn the Labor Party. I loved those coins.

And then, there's this:
EU prepares to welcome President Tony Blair
Don’t know whether I should be pleased….or worried.