possibly going to eudio in january (canon is turn: washington's spies)

[blackpetticoats]

Ma'am, I implore you to see reason. Sending me to this-- this... place, and implying that I, a married woman, would agree to engage in intimate acts-- it's deplorable and I won't stand for it.

[...But alas, she would if she thought the chance of Eudio's representatives telling the truth; if the possibility of America's victory and the safety of her friends guaranteed...

And she's broken her vows already.]

... I suppose if I were to agree to this arrangement, I could still remain a woman of proper standing; a woman with dignity and deserving of respect... of which I have little left for you.

Comments

[hewlett]

[ Absolute shock, honestly. ]

That such a place would exist--! You deserve better than such a setting.

[blackpetticoats]

... Thank you, Major.

[Very glad she did not reference what she would be going there for.]

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Well, maybe you can talk your hubs into goin' with you! It ain't bad there!

[blackpetticoats]

... I'm afraid that's impossible. I'm... sorry, have we met? If we have, I apologise. I can't seem to recall your name.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Oh... I'm sorry, I shoulda - [He feels bad, now. He must have brought up something bad.]

Huh, met? Nah. The name's America, though you can call me Alfred Jones if you think that's better.

[blackpetticoats]

It's quite alright, Mr. Jones. My name is Anna Strong. ...It is a pleasure to meet you.

That is... an interesting nickname, America.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Anna Strong, huh? Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Strong.

It's not really a nickname, but I guess that's kind of complicated. It's not where I'm from, but I've learned since I got to that place that people like us don't exist most places.

You know, speakin' of that, you've got a pretty great name yourself. There's someone I wish I'd gotten to meet named Anna Strong.

[blackpetticoats]

Is that so? Wait... I'm sorry-- people like you? What do you mean?

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Well... Nations! I'm The United States of America, but a person. I guess I'm the American spirit, but a person.

I guess it wouldn't make sense if you'd never heard of it before, right?

[blackpetticoats]

[. . .]

Nations. Spirits.

[She sort of takes a step back and looks at him incredulously.]

Only the sort conceived by an artist's hand for political satire, Mr. Jones. Forgive me, but... the America that I know is not a country of its own, but colonies under British rule.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

[He laughs a little, but his laughter trails off rather quickly and he stops and stares at her with a very interested sort of look.]

...Is it? [He rubs his chin and a knowing little smile comes to his face.]

You wouldn't be the Anna Strong, would you, then? From Setauket?

[blackpetticoats]

[...She draws her shawl closer around her shoulders. This young man is strange.]

I am from Setauket, yes. May I ask how you know my name? You speak as though I have a reputation.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

I mean, you do, where I come from. [He rubs his neck and grins at her, feeling almost giddy. He loves his people, all of them, but there's a very special place in his heart for the people who've risked themselves for him.] I mean - Okay, so not like a huge one, right, but people who study this kind of thing might have heard of you.

[blackpetticoats]

[This boy is sounding shadier by the minute and Anna looks as affronted as she feels.]

Where you're from. I see. Where might that be, sir, and what kind of thing would a person study where my name would be of any relevance?

I don't understand why, but I feel I've known you all my life. That's no reason to imply anything about a woman's reputation after making an outrageous claim. If you're not careful, Mr. Jones, I might think you were... ... well, mad.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

I told you already, from the United States of America. People who study American history and the American Revolution might know who you are, that's what I mean.

[It's okay, Anna, he's done this whole song and dance before.]

Look, it's okay if you don't believe me. Just know that I, and a lot of other people, really appreciate everythin' you do. And I want you to know that it ain't for nothin', okay?

[It really, really isn't.]

[blackpetticoats]

[Anna crosses her arms and listens. Usually, people lacking in common sensibilities weren't so clean-shaven, nor so healthy in appearance. She tries to mull over what he's saying, but there's not many conclusions open to whatever logic he's using.]

American history...? You speak of the war for independence as if it's in the past, but I can assure you, it is my present and foreseeable future.

[She looks around and lowers her voice, because if Al hasn't noticed, there's a certain Major upthread.]

If you please, Mr. Jones, whatever it is you think I'm doing, or have done... would you kindly keep it to yourself?

[fromseatoshiningsea]

For me, it is the past and set stage for my present and future. And I want you to know that.

[Al smiles, then reaches out and places a hand gently on her shoulder.]

You got it.

[blackpetticoats]

[She glances at his hand, then up at him.] ... Thank you.

May I ask... If the revolution is your history... [she pauses. Should she believe him?]

... What was--is the outcome? You said 'United States' but I must know, I must hear it for myself.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Well... [There's a big grin, now!]

We win! It's rough, but we do it. Takes a few years though.

[blackpetticoats]

[Oh noooo, this boy's smile is infectious. Anna tries not to smile at him and fails. The idea alone of the colonies winning is a thrilling one to entertain, even though it's hard enough to believe.]

I-- Yes, of course it will. I shall take your word for it, Mr. Jones. [Anna feels like she can trust this young man and that alone is cause for suspicion. If it's true though, if he is from a later time--if that were even possible--then it could... it could be true...

She tries to hide a growing smile, not wanting to get her hopes up. What she wouldn't give...

Sorry Al, Anna's trying to compose herself, but this is a very emotional subject to say the least.]

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Glad to hear it! [He's still smiling, so pleased to see her joy at the news of their victory.]

I can tell you more, if you like.

[blackpetticoats]

... More? Please, do go on. If it's not any trouble, that is.

[SHE'S LISTENING]

I would very much like to know about the... the United States of America.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Well, I'll tell ya, we've got nearly 250 years worth of stuff to go through. Where do you want me to start?

[blackpetticoats]

[--a bit taken aback, sir] Two-hundred and--fifty? You hardly look a day over seventeen. Eighteen, perhaps, but no more.

[250. Not a long time in the grand scheme of things but a mark of solid success, surely. And long enough set against her own lifespan.]

I wouldn't know where to start. Where would you suggest? Supposedly being the 'spirit' of a nation, as you claim, you would know best.

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Aw, shucks! I'm actually older than that, but only been independent since 1776. We count from then, by the way - July 4, 1776.

[He gestures for her to take a seat and then takes one himself.]

Let's see... Well, we've gotten a lot bigger over the last few years!

[blackpetticoats]

Thank you. [She has a seat and adjusts her skirts.] I would imagine so, in nearly 250 years. How many states are there?

[fromseatoshiningsea]

Fifty! We stretch all the way across the continent.