Of Lion and Unicorn, of Sword and Crown

The lion and the unicorn

Were fighting for the crown

The lion beat the unicorn

All around the town.

Some gave them white bread,

And some gave them brown;

Some gave them plum cake

and drummed them out of town

Scene: A country estate

A portraits lined room, its ceiling high, white painted and gilt edged. Kings and men, hunting, and fishing. A massive one of John Dee stands at one end. There is a large fireplace to one side, and a wooden cabinet, doors open to reveal a flat screen television. The floor is thick carpet, and large ornate sofas dominate the room. An older man, perhaps in his early sixties, on the plump side of prosperous stands at the window, looking out onto vast lawns. In one hand, he holds a glass of sherry, and in the other, an expensive cigar. A small runnel of smoke pours out from it into the ceiling. Rain beats on the window. Above it is engraved "No Eternal Friends, only Eternal Interests."

Enter Smythe.

He is the man An met at the museum. He appears of age with the old man, until they are together, when something about him gives the impression he is younger. He wears an expensive grey woolen suit, a white shirt and leather oxfords.

Smythe: "Good Morning to you Sir James."

Sir James: "And to you young Smythe." He half turns, looking back at Smythe then out of the window. "You know, looking at this view I can almost believe that things are as they should be."

Smythe: "My Lord?"

Sir James: "This view has not changed since the days that Britannia ruled the waves. Long ago no. Long ago. I sometimes can't help thinking I went wrong somewhere, when I was left this post," He looks up at the portrait of Dee on the wall. "England ruled the world. Now, well, now we barely rule these islands."

Smythe: "Certainly you could not be faulted for that Sir James! You have always carried out your duties beyond reproach."

Sir James: "Yet, it was my task to prevent it. Still, one must proceed from where one is." changing the subject: "How was your operation with that man Hamilton?"

Smythe: "Complicated. There was a true mage there, an ecstatic I believe, I don't believe she was alone either. The guardian reported three intruders before it ceased sending. I decided it was wisest to reach an understanding."

Sir James: "It is well you did. The Choosen of the Moon and the Children of Caine, both are easily enough disposed off if they get above themselves, but one cannot keep a true mage from taking on airs. I know that better than anyone."

Smythe: "I believe that she knows of SCEPTRE."

Sir James: "Those Pretenders!"

Smythe: "Exactly right. I gave her some information, but I think perhaps that the Traditions might be even better placed to deal with their little schemes than the Americans."

Sir James: "Hmm. That's true. I had thought them a spent force, but my sources say they are more and more active lately." He puffs meditatively on his cigar. "What of the other matters?"

Smythe: "Progress, but complications. I have discovered several possible candidates, but they have drain other attention. The Ruined Man and his Servant are back in London. They are also seeking her."

Sir James: "Well, that is of minor note. Perhaps they'll kill each other. We would then be rid of two problems. And the far eastern operation?"

Smythe: "Proceeding as scheduled, though the target remains elusive, and our team complains of being understaffed. We must be cautious. The Technocracy, the Carmella, our truce with them is not enough to make suffer us if we step beyond what they consider our bounds."

Sir James: "The they forget that it is we who built their fortress for them, and that we can unbar the gates. If the old blood and the industrial revolution's wayward children stand in England's way, then England shall overcome them overcome them as it has overcome its foes since the dragons of old. England shall outlive them all." His smile turns nasty, then clears. "You see the Prime Minister today?"

Smythe: "I do Sir, perhaps I'd best leave now if I'm to make my meeting on time."

Sir James: "Very well. Very well. England Prevails Smythe."

Smythe: "England Prevails Sir."

Sir James: "Oh, and happy new year."