I do not own Once Upon a Time
The Sound of War
London, March 1943.
Isabelle French awoke on the morning of March 7 with a severe headache. Her temple throbbed as if heavy iron bars were compressing it. The light of the new day gently invaded her room through the cracks of the heavy curtains. She had no desire to get up, but she knew she could not stay locked in that room forever, hoping that the hard times would end. Isabelle thought about that, about the hard times. It had been four years since the war had invaded their reality and presented no evidence that would end so soon. The Germans showed an overwhelming offensive, dominating many regions and condemning all those who opposed to the Cause. Isabelle was not afraid of the war or of what could happen to her, Isabelle was afraid of what might happen to others, and unfortunately she had heard reports of atrocities that the Germans subjected the innocent people. Although she hated anything related to war, she could not try to hide because, inevitably, the sounds of battle would come to her.
Isabelle lived in London with her father, who was one of the great officers of the British government. Consequently, they were frequently receive visits from other officers and she ended up getting involved in the affairs of war. Isabelle admired her father and the willingness he had to protect his country, and she, more than anything, longed to do the same, but her father never let her be part of the plans developed by the British. According to him, the war was something she should not worry because he would always protect her, and Isabelle was grateful for it, but she did not want to be one of the girls who attended dances and parties, as if nothing was happening and that the only thing she needed to worry about was touching up her makeup on. No, Isabelle wanted to fight. She wanted to defend the country where she lived and could save at least one of those lives that Germans took lightly.
After a few moments reluctant, Isabelle gave up and got out of bed, stretching. She showered and putting her clothes she left the room, closing the door behind her. She heard some voices coming from downstairs and realized that her father was in a meeting. In recent years, her father, Maurice French, had to use his office for emergency meetings, so had become commonplace Isabelle see men dressed in the uniforms of the British army to step into their home.
"Miss Isabelle" Sarah went to meet Isabelle when she got to the main hall. Sarah was the housekeeper who worked for the French family for thirty years. For Isabelle, Sarah was like a mother to her, because this woman had always been present in her childhood and, shortly after the death of her mother, Sarah was responsible for the education of Isabelle. "Your father asked you to meet with him as soon as possible," she said with a serious expression. Isabelle could observe how the housekeeper was aged . Her black hair was full of gray hair and her face was wrinkled, but still, the woman's eyes always remained on alert, showing that age does not wronged her mind sharp.
"Thanks Sarah, I will join him after breakfast," she said, going into the kitchen, accompanied by the housekeeper. She was in no hurry to join her father, taking the opportunity to quietly savor the breakfast. "They have been there for how long Sarah?" Isabelle asked not showing interest.
"They arrived quite early. Your father was not very happy, but I'm sure he will explain you everything. " the woman merely speak, her eyes showed the concern she felt.
"Then I will meet with him now," Isabelle left the kitchen, going to the office of her father and knocking the door. The voices inside the room stopped when she entered the room. Besides her father, there was three more men with him and seemed to be discussing something very important.
"Belle!" Immediately, Maurice turned away from the group that was in the room and kissed her tenderly on both cheeks. It can be noted in his father's face that something was bothering him deeply. "Thanks for coming."
Belle nodded. "You wanted to see me." She said, looking suspiciously at his father.
"Actually we all want to talk with you Belle." Maurice put his hand on the shoulder of her daughter gently, guiding her to the other men who were on foot. "I would like to introduce my daughter Isabelle French, as you requested. Isabelle let me introduce you to Mr. Buckmaster. "
Buckmaster was a tall man with blond hair, and as she heard her father speak several times, he was the head of Section F of SOE (Special Operation Executive). The SOE was the British organization created in 1940 to conduct espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance in the areas of Europe that were occupied by the Axis forces and assist local resistance movements.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss French." Isabelle returned the handshake. "These are my colleagues, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Smith" The man pointed to the other two, who greeted her in silence. "I hope not to be bothering to ask you a few moments to talk."
"Of course not, gentlemen. I think it's something important "The woman spoke diplomatically asking for the men to sit down again and, while sitting next to her father, asked Buckmaster continued.
"Miss. French, I must presume that you must be aware of the catastrophe that afflicts our country, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, so do you also should know that we are taking many losses of extremely important agents in the recent years, especially in France," Isabelle nodded silently. "Your father always helped us when we need him, showing how he honors his homeland. And again, I came to ask him to help us. "
"I'm sure my father will endeavor to protect not only our country but the world from the clutches of Hitler." She said, feeling that whatever the reason those men were there, something would change her life completely.
"We know this lady and we are eternally grateful. But I wonder if the lady would have the same courage of her father. "
"Sir?" Isabelle wanted to understand what the man wanted.
"You would be willing to fight for your country like your father?" Buckmaster asked, studying her. Isabelle realized that her father had become extremely pale.
"Yes, Mr. Buckmaster" she said, watching her father tremble at her side.
"But why do you ask?"
"The lady speaks French fluently?" The man sitting next to Buckmaster, Johnson, asked without answering the question that Isabelle had made.
"Yes, sir."
"Tell me how you learned to speak French so well," asked Mr. Johnson.
"My mother was French and taught me the language before she died."
"And the lady used to visit the country?"
"Yes, we used to spend every summer in the region. I know almost every street and know places like I know London. "
The piercing eyes of Mr. Johnson examined the woman voluminous dark hair, the blue eyes and the physique of the woman, which made her feel uncomfortable.
"The costume fit perfectly on you."
"No, gentlemen." Belle's father ruled after hearing the men before him. "I told you that Isabelle will not be sent to war. You can get to me, but not my daughter. "
"Maurice, we've explained that we need someone unknown for this mission, and your daughter is perfect, and make sure that after training it will be our best agent." Buckmaster spoke as if repeating that speech for the fourth time.
"Gentlemen, please, tell me what it is about this mission. I'm sure we can resolve this in the best way possible. "
"We cannot say what it is about this mission, Miss. French " Smith spoke for the first time. "But we believe that you miss might be useful on a mission in France."
"We're investigated you, lady, in the last days" Buckmaster resumed explanations. "We believe that you is able to become a member of our group of SOE agents. But I must warn you that the mission is to be called one of the most dangerous, and we need to consider the real possibility that you may die in the line of your duty, "Mr. Buckmaster said with a serious expression. "Now, I ask you again if Miss French: Would you be willing to fight for your country?"
Isabelle remained silent, thinking what they had asked. It was obvious that the answer she would give would change the course of her life. Though she feared what would happen to her father, Belle felt the need to do something, although she was aware that she would pay a high price for that. Like her father, she wanted to be helpful.
"Mr. Buckmaster, I totally believe in the cause for which the Allies are fighting. And I would do my best to never disappoint you. Yet, I also understand that, so far, in my life, I never been tested enough to answer your question. I'm twenty-five years and I had no experience with questions like these. I still have much to learn about myself and about life. "
"I appreciate your thorough self-assessment, Miss French, but would like to assure you that your inexperience is not a problem. We will do whatever we can to help you with anything you need before you have to leave. You will be part of an intensive training that will prepare you to deal with the many dangerous situations that you may have to face. And I can guarantee you that at the end of this process, both Miss French and the SOE leaders will know if she is able to perform the tasks which will be charged. Therefore, I must ask: Are you prepared to assume a role that includes the possibility that you die? "
Isabelle looked directly into the eyes of man.
"Yes, I am."
"Belle, no!" Maurice looked at her daughter, pleading with his eyes brimming with tears. "Belle, please ...".
"Papa, I'm big enough to make my own decisions." Isabelle held her father's hand affectionately. "I cannot stand being locked inside this house pretending not is happening, while thousands of people are killed every day. I want to help them! "
"Oh Belle ... You cannot imagine the horror that is out there! "Maurice cried. "You have no idea what war is!"
"I know there are certain things I cannot even imagine, but I want to do something father, as well as you."
"Oh Belle ... Please. You're the only thing that matters to me in this world" He held her daughter's hand tightly. "I do not want to lose you as I lost your mother."
"You will never lose me father, I promise." Belle hugged her father. She knew, at that moment, she was taking a huge step and could not go back. But she realized it was her turn to be brave, like her father was. After Mr. French calmed, Isabelle accepted the proposal of Mr. Buckmaster.
"Excellent. So we're agreed. As you Miss is the daughter of our Mr. French commander, you will not need to signed the Official Term of Secret Affairs and we don't need to continue to bother you. You'll receive news directly from Section F in the coming days. Congratulations, Miss French. "Mr. Buckmaster said, standing up to greet her. "Both Britain and France are grateful for any sacrifices that you will do."
"Thank you, Mr. Buckmaster. Mind if I ask you ... ".
"No questions, Miss French. What you needs to know will be revealed soon. Needless to say, our meetings here and its future should remain in complete secrecy. "
"Yes."
"Good luck, Miss. French. ". Mr. Buckmaster said, squeezing his hand once again and opening the door, leaving with the other two men. Belle saw them leaving the house, walking down the street and disappearing around the corner.
"Oh my Belle, what did you do?" Maurice hugged his beloved daughter, letting tears down his huge face. He had done everything to protect her daughter, but the war find Isabelle and she received the war with open arms.
During the next two days, Maurice French prayed and asked that the good Lord would not let your little Belle be taken to France, but in his view, his prayers were made in vain. On the third day after the meeting they had with the agents of SOE, a man knocked on his door, asking for French Isabelle.
"Good morning commander French. I come to your house on behalf of SOE, call Miss Isabelle Jane French, who undertook to render services to Britain. I ask that she be brief and follow me." The Man spoke his speech, coming to stand beside the black car stopped at the door.
"Sarah..." Belle embraced the housekeeper, saying goodbye. "Thanks for taking care of me, and please take care of my father for me."
"I will do my best, dear," the woman said in a choked voice because of the crying. Belle took the small suitcase, where there were only a few changes of clothes, and left the house. She handed the bag to the driver and looked at her father, who was waiting beside the car.
"Papa I..." Isabelle tried to say something to her father, but no sound came out of her mouth. Maurice wrapped her daughter in his arms. "Forgive me, Father ...".
"Oh my brave Belle. Never lose your courage, but remember that you'll need much more intelligence than courage. The War is like a chess game, you have to strategize and study every move to win. Do not let your courage blind you."
"I will not let Papa, I promise." Belle looked the man for the last time before leaving. She wanted to write a feature of the father in her mind, that she might remember him as he really was. "I love you Papa."
"I love you my little Belle. Come back home soon. "
And after saying goodbye, Belle got into the car and headed toward a treacherous destination, where she would fight with tooth and nail to ensure that she could fulfilled the promise she made to her father; that she would return home.
Belle leaned her head against the car window, immersed in her own thoughts. She didn't know that this could have been the last time she saw her beloved father. At that moment, she longed that everything would end soon and she could return home, to the place where she would be safe. But she knew she should put these feelings aside so she could complete the mission that would be designated.
She didn't realize that the driver had stopped the car and had opened the door, so she could leave. She realized she was in Orchard Court, near Baker Street.
She gave her name to the doorman, who nodded and opened the doors of the elevator. Then he escorted her to the second floor, unlocked a door in the hallway and invited her to get in.
"Okay, Miss. Wait here, please. "
Instead of an office, Belle saw that she was in a bathroom.
"They will not take so long, miss." The doorman said as he closed the door. Belle sat on the edge of the bathtub, preferable to accommodate the bidet. She began to wonder what would happen next. After a while, the door opened.
"Follow me, miss." Said the porter, leading her out of the bathroom and back to the hallway to a room where a tall woman with blonde hair was sitting on her desk, waiting for her.
"Miss French, I'm Emma Swan, coordinator of Section F. It's a pleasure to meet you. I heard many positive things about you. "
"My pleasure, ma'am." Belle said, returning the firm handshake and trying to hide her nervousness. This was a woman whose name she had often heard his father mention.
"Prefer to talk in English or French?" Said Swan.
"Any language is fine." Belle confirmed.
"Great response" she said with a smile. "Well, then let's talk in French. Now, I'm sure you're anxious to find out more about what we do here in Section F. So, I'll send you to talk to Mrs. Mills, who will take care of you now on. "
Swan swung her legs over the table and walked toward the door. Following her, Belle noticed the woman's energy and her sense of duty as she walked down the hallway until they reach another room with the air charged by cigarette smoke.
"Well, Regina, this is Isabelle French." Mrs. Swan said, smiling at a woman with black hair who was sitting behind a desk. "I'll leave her in your care. Isabelle, this is Mrs. Mills, the real power behind all Section F. We'll return to talk soon. "
Swan greeted them with a nod and left the room.
"Please dear, seat." Ms. Mills said, fixing her piercing brown eyes on Belle. "We are delighted by your decision to join us. I am at your disposal to answer any questions you have and explain what will happen next. Do you have any other family besides your father? "
"No, Mrs. Mills. My mother died when I was ten years old and since then I live alone with my father and the housekeeper, Mrs. Peter." She said.
"And you have no brothers" Mrs. Mills read the contents of a folder that lay ahead. "It makes things easier. You'll tell anyone who asks that you're going to provide services for FANY, which, as you know, Isabelle, is a Division of Emergency Nursing and Cavalry. You must say that you were convened to provide services to drive in France. Under no circumstances you should tell the truth. "
"Yes, Ms. Mills"
"You will go away for training soon, it will be somewhere outside London. You will stay there for a few weeks and your progress will be monitored daily by me, in all aspects related to the tasks you will receive in the future. "
"What is the training program?" Belle said.
"You will learn all the skills you will need Miss French." Mills said, looking at the files on the table. "After discussing your codename with Mr. Buckmaster, we decided that you should use the maiden name of your mother, who, if I'm not mistaken, is Chesneau. And your aunt on your mother's lives in Saint-Raphaël? "
"Yes" Belle nodded.
"So this is how it will perform in France, as the niece of your aunt. We believe it is a good idea to get used to your new name as soon as possible," said Mrs. Mills. "It will now operate under the name of Isabelle Chesneau."
"Perfectly." Belle agreed. "How long until I go to France?"
"We like to train our agents for a period of eight weeks, at least. However, given the conditions in France and need to send our girls out there with urgency, cannot take much." Sighed Mrs. Mills. "We owe a debt of gratitude to you lady and your father, by allowing you to prepare to run a job so dangerous. Have any more questions dear? "
"Can I just ask what are my responsibilities when I get to France?"
"It's an excellent question." Agreed Mrs. Mills. "Although the majority of our agents will perform tasks for the field of communication and sabotage, you will be assigned to a more complex mission of espionage. Our objective is to frustrate and dismantle the Nazi regime in France, though the task you will execute the is directly linked to our success in this war. "
"I understand. But I thought there were people with qualifications best than my for this job." Belle said, frowning.
"I doubt there is, Isabelle." Said Mrs. Mills, reassuring tone. "Your impeccable French and knowledge of Paris and the south of the country, combined with your appearance, make it perfect for the role."
"But ... Certainly these functions are better suited to men, are not they? ".
"It is interesting to note that this is not true. Any man can be called for questioning by his local militia or the central Gestapo. They can also be searched. At the same time, a woman who travels through France, has a train, bus or bicycle, have a chance to attract no attention. " Mrs. Mills raised her eyebrows and smiled grimly. "I'm sure, with your attractive appearance, Isabelle, you'll be able to find a way out of any problem you may face." She said, looking at her watch." Well, if you have no more questions, I suggest you go back to your apartment for a while, and enjoy what may be your last weekend in London for a long time. We will be passing more information to you about who you will spy the coming weeks." Concluded Ms. Mills, scrutinizing her with her brown eyes " I think you will do a great job, Isabelle. And you should be proud of what you won: only the best are selected as agents of Section F. "
Please, share your thoughts about this story. Review ;)