 LTAOZFAN 2008-08-23 . chapter 1I wasn't on this website when you put this up, Captain, and I only just read it, so, sorry if these remarks are "chronologically challenged." Anyway. A good story, nicely written and showing Kim & Ron in a relaxing, post-mission time of rest. I have been to London five times myself, and I agree with Dr. Samuel Johnson, that when you are tired of London, you are tired of life, because everything you need or could want is in that city. No wonder Kim & Ron had a marvelous time there.
But, to your story. You did this just right, with Kim & Ron getting a very proper reward for some (for them) ordinary heroics. However, there should have been a professional photographer present at the hotel to take pictures of Kim & Ron in their finery, seperately and together. Monique would never forgive Kim for not getting a picture of her in her dress for M., and certainly Anne and James would want a copy. (So would Ron!) And what about a picture of Ron in his tux for the Stoppable's to admire. (And Kim, of course!)
Perhaps it comes from reading Robert Heinlein's "Double Star" recently, but I have the definite feeling that Her Majesty asked for Kim's & Ron's autographs before their audience was over.
I know that the Parliament clock tower is now generally called "Big Ben," and many people think that the clock is named "Big Ben," but, as Sportin' Life says, "It ain't necessarily so!" Big Ben is not the clock tower, and it is not the clock. Big Ben is the 14-ton bell that the clock strikes the hours with. There are also four smaller bells that chime on the quarter hours. Commander R. T. Gould explained it all in one of his radio talks back in the 1930s, and it was published in his book, "The Stargazer Talks" some years later.
Thus, Kim & Ron could not be "under the lights of Big Ben." But they could hear the sound of the big bell striking the hour. I have, and it really is impressive!
In any case, I enjoyed reading this story, and consider it one of your better works. When another idea for such a gem comes along, sir, please write & post it!
LTAOZFAN
"Them's my views, amen, so be it."
"Treasure Island," by R. L. Stevenson |
 Doug4422 2005-02-16 . chapter 1I have seen the picture that you used as a reference for this story, and YOU NAILED IT!!
It was a well written story all around, and matched up with the picture so well, it seemed as if the two were conceived by the same person, although I know otherwise, you did a good job, this one's going on my favorites list. |