A/N This is a bit of an odd idea, and I'll understand if people don't like it. It's just an idea that wouldn't go away so I had to write it down. The protagonists of this tale are basically Peter and Nicola, but in character as Harry and Ruth. The most important thing is it's **all fiction** and a complete figment of my imagination, not to be taken seriously. I think I am just a bit obsessed.

Pinewood Studios - Spooks Stage 6

Peter and Nicola are taking a tea break between scenes, mid Season 10. A producer walks over to talk to them.

"I've just had the most amazing email - your real life opposite numbers at MI5 want to meet you - at Thames House."

"Really? I'd love that!"

"They'd like to give you a tour of the real Grid too."

"Wow, even better !"

"Look - I have to show you the actual email from them though, it's very cool."

The producer passes them a printout.

From: MI5 Info

Re: Invitation

Section Head 'D' and Analyst Ms B Sterling request a meeting with their counterparts Sir H Pearce and Ms R Evershed at Thames House regarding the nation's best interests.

Rendezvous Putney Pier

Friday 28th November, 14:00 hours

RSVP

"The nation's best interests...?"

"I know. What do they mean?"

"It's quite intimidating isn't it?"

"What if we go in and they never let us out?"

"Keep us in the basement holding cells for exposing state secrets?"

"Show us the minimalist charms !"

"Ha, exactly !"

"Either way I don't think it's the sort of invitation you can really turn down? They'd probably just snatch us off the street if we said no."

"So shall I reply and say you'll both go then?"

"Yeah go on then, I'm so intrigued now. What do you think?"

"Absolutely. I can't wait to meet 'D'. You do realise, though, that they want to meet Sir Pearce and Ms Evershed, not the actors that play them."

"We can do that, we can play the parts. It'll be fun."

"I think this calls for the waistcoat, jacket and overcoat. All the layers."

"Definitely. And possibly a lifejacket if they're picking us up in a boat?"

"Harry wouldn't bother with a lifejacket."

"True. So do you think Ms B Sterling is an analyst? And secretly in love with 'D'?"

"God I hope so." He smiles.

"Me too." She finishes her tea and smiles wistfully.

Putney Pier, London 28th November

Sir H Pearce and Ms R Evershed wait at the rendezvous point.

"What time is it? I reckon they'll be exactly on time, to the minute."

Harry glances down at his watch. "It's ten to two"

"It's got to be a boat that we're waiting for surely? Why else have us meet on a pier? Do you think it will be 'D' and Ms B Sterling that meet us, or do you think they'd send someone to get us?"

"Oh I think they'll probably send a Dimitri equivalent - all sunglasses and tight jumper."

"Yay - maybe he won't have a name at all - just a number - like 007."

"Steady on, Ruth."

"Right, sorry." She clears her throat and gets into character. "Sorry Harry. I tend to babble when I'm nervous."

"I know - it's really quite endearing - but we must remember to keep to our legends." He grins widely at her.

"Do you think they'll split us up Harry?"

"Yes I think they might. I reckon they'll take me up to 'D's lair and you down to the registry to speak to the brainy, but quietly devastating, Ms Sterling. I honestly have no idea though. It's quite rare isn't it - to have no idea at all what to expect from something. I almost wish we had some gadgets to record the whole thing."

"They're bound to take our phones off us presumably? Oh look there's a boat coming! And he looks very 007." A black RIB is approaching with a single man, dressed head to toe in black, at the helm.

"That's not a boat, that's an inflatable dinghy. Christ, it's too cold for this."

TBC if you want to know what happens next…?