Author's note- I still don't own GSG and don't expect the updates to come this quickly in the future as I had a lot of free time due to recent extreme weather events.

Chapter 2- Luxembourg and Belgium

"We got a message from Triela," Angelica said as the girls wandered through the streets of Luxembourg City.

Thank god. Claes let out a sigh of relief, "Orders."

"Investigate the Nergal heavy industry facilities in Russia and, Taiwan, before reuniting in Japan. We have six months." Angelica replied.

"Great no pressure," Claes said.

"You just find the locations and I'll get what we need. I've done a few solo ops, so it shouldn't be a problem." Angelica explained.

"You realize that, we don't even know where the facilities are located and that they might be expecting us. Not to mention that our faces are plastered all over the news media. A smash and grab is not in our best interest right now, if we are going to do this right we'll need at least a year to find the sites and build a proper cover story." Claes said as they entered the main shopping district.

"Why, if Nergal is a public company then shouldn't they have to list all of their assets?" Angelica asked.

Claes laughed in response. "I wish, Nergal is a corporate eldritch abomination. Technically it is a manufacturer of scanners and RFID chips, but it is something else entirely. In reality it acts more like a holding company."

"Um, what does that mean?" Angelica asked.

"What it means is that Nergal owns stock in several small investment firms, which in and of itself is not surprising. Many companies own stock in other companies these days as long term investments, secondary sources of income, retain control over part of their supply, or distribution chain." Claes said.

"So what's the problem then," Angelica asked as she stopped to admire a dress on display.

"The mix of stock owned by the holding companies gives Nergal by proxy control of multiple industries," Claes replied spying a dress of her own to admire.

"Well that's just great, how many are we talking about," Angelica asked.

"I'm not sure. Mara and I only just began digging through their financial records, but we did manage to find several subsidiaries and major cash transfers to the countries we were assigned." Claes answered.

"So what's our cover while we buy time to dig through this mess?" Angelica asked.

"Find a deep hole and stay there till we are ready to come out," Claes replied as the morning rush began filling the street.

Angelica looked thoughtfully at the dresses on display before grabbing her sister's hand dragging her inside as the store opened. "Come on, we need to get you a new dress or your never to going to be able to impress him at the party." Angelica said loudly as they passed the sales woman.

"Can I help you," the saleswoman asked eying the disheveled young girls.

"Yes, see we were on our way to a friend's place in Amsterdam and we decided to stop over here in Luxembourg when our luggage was stolen last night. If it was just buying some new clothes it wouldn't be a problem but the dress my friend was going to wear to the New Years Eve party was in her luggage." Angelica explained to the saleswoman and a stunned Claes.

"Yes, that would be a problem, did you have something in mind," the woman asked eying the pair of young looking girls.

Angelica pulled the sales woman aside as Claes was too shocked to respond. "We are both something of a late bloomer and are constantly mistake for 15 year olds when we're 19 and 20. I know it will be great when we're older but right now it's a pain. It's doesn't help that my friend Fleda likes to dress like a kid half the time so anything you have to make her look like the mature woman she really is would be great."

The woman looked over Claes for a minute smiling. "I know just the thing."

"What the hell are you doing Angelica," Claes whispered harshly as the pair tried on several articles of clothing in the dressing room.

"Creating our cover story," Angelica replied. "Like it or not you look like a 14 year old and I might be able to pass for 15 on a good day, and without our handlers we will stick out like a sore thumb. We need to try and look the ages on our IDs or we won't get very far."

Claes nodded in understanding. "But why did you pick such an expensive place."

Angelica placed her finger to her cheek, "Um…, I saw a dress I liked, and Marco would always hesitate when taking in and questioning rich people. So if we look like a pair of rich girls, we might slide under the radar a little more."

Angelica's words stuck in her head as she examined her reflection in the mirror. I'm no Priscilla or Ferro, but I think this could work. Claes turned examining her profile bringing a hand to her chest. Well shit, truth in advertizing for once. I'll need some heels though.

A grinning Angelica broke the silence. "So you approve."

Claes nodded in response.

"Excellent," Angelica chuckled with a predatory grin

Oh crap, first Triela, and now Angelica, what am I some kind of dress up doll.

Section Break

"Now where the hell could they be," Mara muttered as she scanned the crowd that was literally a who's who of European power brokers. Politicians, bankers, CEOs, generals, and supposed Mafioso, intermingled freely discussing the current upheaval in the EU. I guess it had to move somewhere if they couldn't use the pubs anymore. This is sickening, when the public finds out it will be LIBOR all over again.

"Ah Ms. Devon is it delightful to see you again," a rather portly man said while leering at her.

"Mr. Danglar, I didn't know you received an invitation," Mara replied.

"A small oversight that thankfully was rectified at the last minute, would you care to join me, I have a spare seat in my balcony," the man replied doing little to mask his desires.

"Unfortunately Mr. Danglar, she has already decided to join me in enjoying Emile's performance." an older gentleman called out as he walked up to the pair.

"How unfortunate, I could have shown you a good time," Mr. Danglar said his eyes already tracking a pair of young attractive women.

"It will be my loss, but a woman never goes back on her word," Mara replied to the parting man.

"Well then Ms. Devon, shall we head to our seats," the older gentleman said as the lights dimmed.

"Certainly, Mr. Reinhard," Mara replied as they headed towards the balcony.

"So what brings the head of the Private Swiss Bankers Association to lion's den of corruption," Mara asked.

"I could ask the same thing of you Ms. Devon, or should I say Mara Hartman, the lead forensic accountant for the IMF," Mr. Reinard replied.

"You've done your homework," Mara replied tensing.

"It pays to be well informed in my position," Mr. Reinhard replied.

Taking their seats the pair waited for the performance to begin. "True, but it still doesn't tell me why you are here," Mara said.

"Business I'm afraid," Mr. Reinhard answered pulling a long slim locked box from his coat.

"It must be a very special client, if you are handling the delivery personally," Mara said giving the box an inquisitive look.

"Yes," Mr. Reinhard replied. "And you must be looking to root out another LIBOR scandal before it threatens the global economy. I would suggest looking into Nergal Heavy industries. There financials are interesting to say the least, but that is a discussion for another time. Let's enjoy the performance," Mr. Reinhard said as the curtain rose.

Section Break

The concert hall filled with the soubrette tones of the young girl as a night of celebrating Opera began. Claes was drawn in by the girl's voice, relishing in the art and mastery of opera, often forgotten in the modern music scene. Lead by the talented young singer Emile, personal favorite of Claes and her sister for her wide vocal range, the Opera review began. While not the opera fan Claes was, Angelica could still enjoy the music as they enjoyed their impromptu balcony seats.

"Are you enjoying the performance ladies," Mr. Danglar asked.

"Yes, Fleda is a big fan of Emile," Angelica replied. "We can't thank you enough for allowing us to join you. These seats are exceptional."

"Would you ladies care for a drink," Mr. Danglar asked as the scene changed.

"We wouldn't want to impose," Claes replied.

"Nonsense, being able to enjoy opera with two beautiful ladies, is compensation enough," Mr. Danglar said.

"I guess some champagne would be nice," Angelica said.

"A Taittingers would be lovely," Claes added thinking of the champagne Hilda had them try one night before dinner.

"Certainly, only the best for such beauties," he replied leaving the pair to enjoy the music.

"He's laying it on a little thick," Claes said.

"I know but he is hoping for something later isn't he," Angelica replied.

"I know, I'm going to need to a long shower before the night is over," Claes replied.

"Agreed but at least he thinks we are legal," Angelica said playing.

Changing the subject as the light shone brightly on the state illuminating a large portion of the audience, "Have you spotted him yet," Claes asked scanning the crowd.

"Third balcony second column, sitting with the redhead," Angelica said.

"Good, can you handle him while I deal with our financial needs," Claes asked.

Angelica grimaced, "Yes, but you get the next one," Angelica replied.

"Sorry for the delay ladies, but there was quite the line, and even a man of my stature cannot get around" Mr. Danglar replied returning with three glasses of champagne precariously balanced in his hands.

The girls only smiled in response quietly taking their drinks as the night of Opera continued. The girls enjoyed the brilliant performance of the young Emilie, having no trouble following the vignettes as they were performed in their native tongue. While their host seemed more interested in the low cut of Angelica's dress as she discarded the dark shawl covering her shoulders. Claes had little recourse to follow the plan slowly sipping on her drink as Angelica had several glasses, moving closer to their lech of a host.

I hope you know what you're doing, Angelica. As the lights slowly returned Angelica was enjoying Mr. Danglar's company a little her head resting on his shoulder as his meaty hand snaked inside her dress. If she doesn't teach you a lesson I will.

"If you excuse me I have to use the restroom," Claes said the pair barely sparing a glance as she left the balcony.

"What do you say we find a place a little more private," Mr. Danglar said.

"Sure," Angelica replied slowly following his lead, as her body was flush with new sensations she never felt before.

Section Break

Taking a deep breath Claes stepped onto the balcony, "Excuse me, Mr. Reinhard."

"Yes," the older gentleman said turning to face her, while his female companion gave Claes an odd look.

"I believe you have something for me," Claes asked.

"Ah you must be Fleda. I must say you are much more beautiful in person than I could have imagined." Mr. Reinhard said causing Claes to blush. The full length gown flowed down her body, high lighting a slim burgeoning physique that had yet to fully blossom. To help give the illusion of full curves the dress clung tightly to her waist helping to offset her hips. The dresses slit ran to just below her hip far higher than any parent would allow, but she wanted the ability to move quickly should the situation arise. If not for her now dyed long wavy brown hair Claes would have felt self conscious by the thin straps holding the dress up leaving her back and arms exposed, while her chest was assisted by the wonders of modern brassiere design. Finally the two inch heels and sheer stocking helped to complete the illusion of a young rich socialite enjoying a night of opera.

If you'll excuse me Ms. Devon, I have some business to attend to," Mr. Reinhard said to Mara.

"Sure, I could use a drink anyway, would you like something," Mara said. Where have I seen her before?

"No, but thank you," Mr. Reinhard replied.

"I believe this is what you were looking for," Mr. Reinhard said handing over the safety deposit box.

"Yes," Claes said pulling a small key from her purse before taking the box.

"I must say your tip on Nergal Industries was much appreciated as they are a trade violation waiting to happen." Mr. Reinhard said as Claes routed through the contents of the box, removing a large amount of cash, and a small cloth bag.

Claes's raised eyes stared over the top of the lid. "What sort of violation?"

"Well let's just say there operations in Taiwan are breaking several laws regarding their relations with mainland China, and don't get me started on what the American SEC would do to them." Mr. Reinhard explained.

"You wouldn't happen to know about their operations in Russia would you?" Claes asked closing the box.

"Can't say that I do, they do not have much of a presence there outside of a few government contracts, and supplying some equipment for the Olympics. It is a more profitable venture for them than you would expect though," Mr. Reinhard replied.

"Thank you for the prompt service and the information was enlightening," Claes said handing the safety deposit box back to the banker.

"It was my pleasure, by the way Fleda, how is your sister Maria doing, she wasn't looking well the last time we met," Mr. Reinhard said.

The shattering of glass cut through balcony. "Claes,…." a stunned a stunned Mara gasped.

A surprised Claes took a closer look at the red headed woman, recognizing the familiar facial structure and vocal intonations. "Mara."

"What are you doing here?" they asked at the same time.

"Do you have any idea how worried we were when you took off like that," Mara asked.

"How did you find me," Claes asked.

"I used the GPS locator that is part of the cars BMW assist system," Mara replied.

"Forgot about that," Claes muttered.

"Where is Angelica," Mara asked.

"Handling another transaction," Claes replied as the lights dimmed.

"Feel free to join your friend Ms. Davison. I was planning on returning once the transaction was completed anyway." Mr. Reinhard said as the orchestra began warming up for the second act.

"While we understand why you did what you did. It didn't make mom feel any better you know," Mara said as they made their way to the opposite side of the concert hall.

"We don't want anyone else to be hurt," Claes said.

"Mom will be fine, the bullets missed her spine, and she was post menopausal anyway," Mara replied. "More importantly she is quite upset over what happened, and is looking to punish those responsible for what happened. So the number one question I have for you is what do you need?" Mara explained.

"Transportation, adjustments to our IDs and some other documents," Claes replied as the second act began.

"Done," Mara replied.

"Shit," Claes cursed as she gazed over an empty balcony.

"Um excuse me," a young girl's voice called out from behind them.

"Can I help you," Mara asked the young girl dressed in an elaborate stage costume.

"If it's not too much trouble I have a problem and you are the first people I found that weren't watching the performance or working." the girl explained fidgeting nervously.

"Oh you're Emilie, why aren't you down on stage," Mara asked recognizing the young singer.

"My parts were only in the first act, and my uncle said to wait in my dressing room until the performance was over but the door was locked and someone was making funny noises inside." Emilie explained.

Claes snarled as a fierce expression loomed on her face. "Where is your dressing room?"

"Um… I'll show you," Emilie replied leading the pair down behind the stage.

Section Break

Angelica's head was reeling as she flopped down in a large lounge chair in the room Mr. Danglar led her to. There is something I'm supposed to do, but what was it. I feel funny, champagne didn't make me feel like this when I had some at Hilda's. Angelica's face was flush, as Mr. Danglar stalked over to her shedding his coat.

"Are you ready for some fun, Angelina," Mr. Danglar said pulling Angelica to her feet. Her head still swimming Angelica nodded as his meaty hands rested on her shoulders as his leg moved between hers.

Something doesn't feel right, this feels wrong. I'm too young for this. Just as the straps of her dress began to slide off her shoulders Angelica shoved the heavy set man back careening against the vanity.

"So you like it rough. I like a feisty one every once or a while," Mr. Danglar grinned. He pulled his arm back ready to deliver a mighty back hand as a still light headed Angelica ducked under the blow slamming a fist into his side breaking several ribs.

"What the hell are you," Mr. Danglar coughed struggling to get up.

"What did you do to me," Angelica said shaking her head.

"Those should have knocked you out," Mr. Danglar cried out in pain as Angelica twisted an arm behind his back.

"What should have knocked me out?" Angelica asked the adrenaline helping to blow away the fog in her mind.

"Roofies," Mr. Danglar said as Angelica's knee dug into his back.

Mr. Danglar's eyes lit up as the door flung open, the frame splintering from a powerful kick. His jubilation was short lived as Claes stood in the door way slowly lower her leg, her eyes roaring with fire as she stalked over to him.

"I'm fine Claes," Angelica said as Claes took note of her disheveled appearance. "The bastard slipped me roofies, but he didn't count on someone like us."

Claes delivered a viscous blow to the man's second head before wrapping her arms around Angelica. "Be more careful next time," Claes said.

"She is lying, I never gave her anything," Mr. Danglar moaned over the pain.

"Mara could you watch over Emile while we finish our discussion with Mr. Danglar," Angelica said her mind entirely her own once again.

"Sure," Mara said leading a curious Emilie away from the room.

"Now Mr. Danglar you are a low executive in the shipping department for FN Herstal, but we all know who you really work for," Claes said as the man visibly stiffened.

"You are the supplier for the Padania and several other nasty groups, and we had hoped to use your connections to purchase a few items from you," Angelica said.

"But after what you tried to do, to my sister the deals off," Claes said glaring down him. "Oh, we still want some rather hard to get items from you, but you will be providing them free of cost or your situation will only deteriorate."

"You can't threaten me," the portly man boasted.

"Oh but we can, I'm sure you've heard of the rumors coming from your friends in Italy, and by now some part of your feeble mind has realized just who you are dealing with." Claes said offering him a predatory grin.

"You're real," he gasped.

"Yes, and that is the least of your worries. We have been tracking your side business for over five years now and are prepared to leak that information to the press and every government agency that controls any of regulations you broke. By the time we are done Vicktor Bout will look like a boy scout compared to you, not to mention what your suppliers will do when they find out you squealed on them." Claes explained.

"What do you want," Mr. Danglar said sagging in defeat.

"One FN2000 assault rifle complete with the flash suppressor and 40mm grenade launcher attachment, plus a five-seven USG. We also require 10 thirty round STANANG magazines for FN2000 and 10 thirty round extended magazines for the five-seven with an additional 500, 5.56mmx45mm, 5.7mmx28mm and 9mmx19mm each. For the grenade launcher we want 10HE, 10CS gas, 10 air burst, 10 thermo baric, 5sponge, and 5smoke, grenades. You'll have this ready for us to pick up in the trunk of an old model Volvo at the Groenedaal station in the Sonian Forest in three days. We will know if you try anything and finish what we started. Now do you have all that?" Claes said slowly.

Mr. Danglar nodded avoiding looking Claes in the eye. "Is there anything else you want with that?"

Angelica smiled. "If you could find us some flash bang, or sting grenades we would greatly appreciate it."

"A few claymores would be great to. You never know the type of people you'll run into these days. Now Mr. Danglar has a lot of work to if he is going to have our order ready in time, so let's leave him to his work." Claes explained.

Angelica turned to face the whimpering mass of flesh one last time as they left the room. "They are beginning a civilian implementation program for our enhancements so I would be careful about what girls you try to have any funny business with in the future. It could be bad for your health."

Section Break

"No I don't want to be transferred to your technical department," Hilda yelled into the phone. "Alright, fine," Hilda relented before placing her hand over the receiver. Never one to take anything lying down Hilda was already hard at work providing a paper trail for the girl's many alias's as she remained in a small private hospital known for being discreet.

Urd turned to her mother, hitting the enter key on her laptop for a final time. "We are good to go. I hate changing educational records. They're so dam redundant it's insane. Who knew they kept the academics, financials, and personal data on three separate servers."

"And yet you work in education," Hilda remarked waiting to be transferred again.

"Only part time," Urd sighed.

"Now you listen here, my granddaughters sang praises about your school and how attentive its staff was in helping them graduate early near the top of their class. So I was preparing to send a rather large donation to your institution so that other young minds could benefit from your excellent curriculum. However if my treatment is any indication of how your staff truly operates then perhaps my donation might be better served elsewhere." Hilda explained to the administrator on the other end of the phone.

"Yes that would be wonderful," Hilda exclaimed. "Urd did we get it?"

A light chime sounded as Urd turned to the computer once more pulling up several transcripts and diplomas. "Yeah, they're all here."

"We have them now, thank you for your help. I will be contacting your financial office soon to inquire about a donation…. yes and have a nice day." Hilda said ending the call.

"That's the last of them then," Urd said shooting the documents off to her sister.

"Any luck with the online degree programs?" Hilda asked.

"No, nothing that would make sense to give any of the girls not to mention they just look to young to pass as a college graduate. Angelica, Claes, and Triela can pass as a first or second year student but a grad forget it." Urd replied.

"Well at least they all now have a believable educational history. Do you have any leads on the others?" Hilda asked.

"No, they are completely off the grid. We got lucky with Claes and Angelica. If those girls don't want to be found, there is little we can do to find them, beyond dumb luck." Urd said.

"Agreed, did you find anymore about who is after my shares," Hilda asked turning on the BBC news.

The women were speechless as the once great EU parliament was a smoking husk of its former self. "The EU Parliament was meeting in a special session to discuss the current crisis in Italy and the possibility of it spreading across the continent when a series of explosions rocked the building. It is unknown at this time how many are dead or injured, or what the full extent of the damage is. No group has claimed responsibility, but one has to wonder if the Padania movement is responsible and what their goal was for this heinous crime. Already, several parliament members are pushing to separate from the EU so that our borders can be properly protected." The newscaster said standing in front of the ruined building as rescue workers slowly crawled through the wreckage.

"My god," Urd gasped at the destruction.

"And so it begins," Hilda murmured.

Section Break

Standing in an upper level hotel room young red headed girl looked out over the carnage at the parliament building as smoke and dust darkened the sky. "I'm sorry we couldn't get all of it Yarrow." The girl said as several annexes to the parliament building remained standing.

"It's alright Fleccia, you didn't have enough explosives for that since the building was more reinforced than we thought." Yarrow replied.

"No kidding even with all of that high explosive, we still didn't have enough. I still think we could have packed a few more pounds on Fleccia," an older teenage girl with short dark hair replied cracking open a soda.

"Hmph, next time you can wear the fat suit," Flecia shot back sticking her tongue out at the girl.

"How old are you," Gattonero remarked.

"At least I don't look like a boy," Fleccia shot back at the older girl.

Yarrow sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "Either way the two of you did great for your first mission. Now when Lupa gets back why don't we see about getting some Belgium chocolates before we head home."

Fleccia beamed at the thought of trying the gourmet delicacies, while Gattonero was uninterested slowly flipping through channels on the TV. "I'd rather have an evening at one of the local brew halls." Gattonero muttered settling to watch the news reports as it was the only thing on. Why did I have to get paired with such a little kid? She just doesn't get how the world works. There are three types of people in the world, those with power and use it, those with power and don't use it, and those who have no power at all. I'm not powerless anymore and I intend to make the most of it Lupa.

Section Break

"Where do you meet these people," Angelica whispered as they entered a small secluded office located in Antwerp's Diamond district.

Mara shrugged, "The legacy of a misspent youth I guess."

"Ah, Mara when you said you had some new product, I assumed you meant gemstones, not women." a balding elderly man called out from behind an ornate desk.

Claes moved in front dropping a small bag on the table several large diamonds spilling across the surface. "We are not for sale," Claes said glaring daggers at the man.

A shudder ran through the man before replying, "Yes, of course." Retrieving an eye piece he examined the cut stones. After examining several of them he pushed back from his desk emitting a hearty laugh. "You've been had miss, these are nothing more than cubic zirconium, but I will still offer you 100,000 for such high quality fakes."

Slamming her fist down on the table, Claes growled at him, "Cut the bullshit, these are real diamonds, only cubic zirconium would be colorless and these are not, and their worth at least ten times that amount."

"That's robbery, 250,000" the old man shouted.

"750,000, Claes replied as she collected the stones.

"Wait, 400,000," the buyer added quickly.

Claes grinned. "half a million Euro's and I don't inform the press about some of your more interesting activities.

The man paled, he could survive government scrutiny, but if he was outed to the press, none of his normal clientele would trust him again and some might take it personally. "Alright I'll pay. Your friend here drives a hard bargain, Mara."

Mara shrugged, "Hey she learned from the best." A chime of a cell phone rang in the background as Claes completed her transaction, quickly examining the bills. "What," Mara exclaimed. "Shit, No I don't know why, crap, yeah they'll bug out now."

"What's wrong Angelica asked.

"The EU parliament was just bombed." Mara explained.

"The Belgian government is shutting down the boarders as a precaution as we speak." Mara replied.

Angelica and Claes shared a glance. "We need to leave immediately," Claes said taking her clichéd briefcase full of cash.

"Here take my new car," Mara said handing over her keys.

"Why," the girls asked as they left the diamond buyer.

"No GPS tracking system, and its listed as a Krupps company car," Mara explained leading the girls to the black series 5 BMW. "Your new documents are in the glove compartment, now get out of here. I have to report in. It looks like the EU is ready to split at the seams."

"Where to now," Angelica asked as they watch Mara's retreating form.

"It will take some time for the Belgian government to get the personnel in place to close the boarders down so our best bet is to get on the return leg of a British booze cruise and then make our way to Scandinavia before entering Russia." Claes explained as they made a beeline for the Ferry. Well mother I hope you have a good explanation for everything.

Author's note- I hope you enjoyed everything so far and any comments or criticisms are welcome.