I haven't written to the list in simply ages, but here goes...
There probably aren't too many equivalents to the SAS, but that depends on who you talk to and what you believe. The US's Navy Seals or Delta Force as examples perhaps?
It's an interesting point Arlen as an officer, risng from the working grades. Her accent is obviously not "Alpha-Class", if we choose to accept other "accents" on which to base the presumption that the educated classes speak differently. Brian Croucher's Travis another example. Arlen may have been chosen specifically for the role. Her accent being natural, not learned or put on to fool people like Blake. The SAS often choose their under-cover operatives for their ability to be inconspicuous, what is termed the "grey man". If you ever meet such a person, and they don't announce themselves, your first reaction is, "I'd never have thought he was that type of person." The James Bond persona isn't appropriate...far too conspicuous and many SAS guys are outwardly quite run of the mill. Looking at Arlen, she had a bad attitude, but you wouldn't pick her for an officer. It was enough to fool Blake...his supposed testing of individuals to ensure they're right to join his cause.
Just a thought. Nathan.
Nothings so difficult as a beginning/ In poesy, unless perhaps the end. Byron.
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