"Business As Usual" is a standalone short story that takes place some months before the events of Gideon Smith and the Mechanical Girl, the first entry in David Barnett's the steampunk/Victoriana adventure series. Spring, 1890, and England needs a hero. Gideon Smith is yet to step up to the role as public protector of the Empire, but in the background and the shadows, Mr. Walsingham pulls strings to keep the often outlandish threats to Britain and her interests at bay. It is a role that lies heavy on his shoulders, and here we find him composing his end-of-year report to Queen Victoria.