From the desk of Mycroft de Perfossor AC.

HI FOLKS.

Not Maurice here. It's Mycroft.

I write this on the road. That's right, folks, I'm leaving Canberra and heading back to Armidale. I have an arrangement with the university there (l'Université de la Nouvelle-Angleterre) that I can teach part time, and spend the rest of the time in France where I have managed to let Maurice give me the use of his Pauillac chateau. Hehehe.

Well, I guess it was inevitable with the change in Government that there'd be changes at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and it just so happened that I was one of them. However, my departure was not at all forced, and entirely apolitical. (I am always entirely apolitical). I came to an understanding with the new PM, with whom I get along marvelously. I have every faith in his ability to do the job just as well as I imagined he would.

The arrangement allowed me to retire on my own terms, rather than being given "the shove". In return, I agreed to refrain from stapling the PM's tie to his desk. A classic win-win scenario. I do now have every paperclip that used to belong to the department in my possession at this stage, though.

Anyway, the house is being packed -- I loaded a few essentials into the Jag -- and will be house hunting when I get to Armidale. I'm looking for something just out of town. Modest -- no more than ten bedrooms, and eleven acres of grounds. I'd like a cellar. I'd prefer an older house -- is something 19th century too much to ask for? Maybe something Arts & Crafts? We'll see.

Eh, I have a long way to go. I want to get to Armidale this evening, and I'm still in Muswellbrook, so I should go.

Oh yes, Maurice. Haven't heard from him lately, eh? I'm almost starting to worry. I tried to call him a few days ago (normally I'd do anything to avoid talking to him on the 'phone) and no answer. Where could he be? I guess that, despite his agreement with the Templars, he must have had a run in with some other secret society. Bound to happen, eventually. I'd do something, but ... eh ... I'm retired now, folks.

Best finish this coffee, put some more diesel in the Jag, and head off...