Revons Plus Grand

Chapter 28:

En Marche!


The next two days for Georgette Lemare and Sadako Shimohara opened up the month of May and were focused on catering to the ladies. The owner of Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, took the time privately to speak with Thiago Motta and Angel Di Maria regarding their red card ejections against OGC Nice and how it seriously impacted their futures with the club.

It was a mixed bag of a wild weekend in which the women's team under Patrice Lair outperformed the men's team under Unai Emery, as they faltered 3-1, effectively ending the Ligue 1 title race before the month even began. The only solace for PSG was that would be the only trophy Monaco would win, unless Juventus did the unthinkable and were also outplayed by Leonardo Jardim's youthful charges in exactly the same way Paris were outplayed in the shade of the Allianz Riviera. This was the training schedule for the men and women.


Men's team

Monday, May 1st 2017

No training session

Tuesday, May 2nd 2017

No training session

Wenesday, May 3rd 2017

Training session closed to media

Thursday, May 4th 2017

Training session closed to media

Friday, May 5th 2017 - Ooredoo Training Centre

01:30 PM: Press conference with Unai Emery (live on PSG TV)

05:00 PM: Training session opened to media for first 15 minutes

Saturday, May 6th 2017 - Parc des Princes

05:00 PM: Paris Saint-Germain - SC Bastia

Ligue 1 - Week 36

Sunday, May 7th 2017

No training session


Women's team

Monday, May 1st 2017

No training session

Tuesday, May 2nd 2017

Training session closed to media

Wednesday, May 3rd 2017 (Stade du Batzenthal)

03:00 PM: FC Metz - Paris Saint-Germain

Thursday, May 4th 2017

Training session closed to media

Friday, May 5th 2017

No training session

Saturday, May 6th 2017

Training session closed to media

Sunday, May 7th 2017 (Stade Charlety)

3:00 PM: Paris Saint-Germain - Albi


"Futures," said Georgette as she prepared the spread for the ladies who were training on the pitch on Tuesday.

"What do you mean?" asked Sadako.

"The futures of the men look bleak, save for a few. Third."

"Third?"

"That's what Paris are starting at right now. A third place finish in the league and a possible drop to the Europa League next season. That is massive. I think Mr. Nasser made a horror mistake in firing their old manager."

"Laurent Blanc, right? Mr. Blanc?"

"Correct. All that greed and desire for a UEFA Champions League trophy has finally caught up to him. It's not looking good for these guys. Fortunately, we have the women picking up the pieces."

"The women? What about the women?"

"What about them, you say? We're helping them right now with their training and meals. They matter too. Case in point: our assistance at Le Parc on Saturday. It paid off and now we're even with Barcelona. Both teams can move on."

"Fair is fair. But still, can you imagine the fallout from a third place finish? Emery will be sacked if that happens!"

"Indeed," said Benoit Rousseau, walking in to check on them.

Sadako was surprised. "Mr. Benoit!"

"PSG can win the Coupe de France and they still will lose their manager. Same thing could happen regarding our women. Even if they win out the rest of their games, if Montpellier finish second in the league, we could be losing Patrice Lair as well. Mr. Nasser isn't a fan of being an also-ran.:

"I would imagine so," Jose said, frowning.

"So big changes could be coming to both teams, given their sharp drop in form. Both of our teams could be finishing runners up in the domestic cup finals and third place in their respective domestic leagues. It's not a good sign, to be fair. Our brand is regressing terribly. In the meantime, stay the course and focus on working with our teams, it's been a challenging year for both our sides but you are doing an amazing job preparing them for the games."

"Thank you, it is our pleasure," Georgette replied with a bow.

"And no need for a bow, this isn't like yesteryear anymore."

"Oh, sorry, my mistake."

"With that, I shall take me leave. Take care." With that, Mr. Benoit departed.

"I have a feeling that Marine Le Pen will win next Sunday," said Sadako.

"You think so, Sada?" Jose asked her.

"There is something about the Le Pen combine that draws the young voters and if you draw the young voters, you will win any election, according to what Sasha told us."


As the two of them continued to work on catering to the men and women, Lyon and Monaco proceeded to lost their first legs later that week. Lyon were smashed by AFC Ajax 4-1 while Monaco were shut out at home by Gonzalo Higuain and Juventus 2-0. Meanwhile, Bastia were hit with having to forfeit their home match to Lyon, but the brains trust had the audacity to appeal.

Midweek, Paris's women's team eased past FC Metz 2-0 away, a sharp contrast to a free-flowing, wide open affair between their male counterparts. They were expected to pass another warmup match at home to Albi before their test series with Lyon. They did that, rolling 4-0.

Bastia were also put to the sword with a 5-0 demolition job by the hosts. The Parisians would be guaranteed a spot in next year's UEFA Champions League Group Stage by finishing no worse than second place as a huge goal differential gap would make it almost impossible for the Eagles to catch up even if Nice won out and Paris lost their next two games. But as for Monaco, the Ligue 1 title was theirs to lose after putting AS Nancy Lorraine to the sword 3-0. And also on Sunday...


...something happened, forcing Sadako and Georgette to report to Mr. Benoit the next day. "Come on in," he said. The teams were off on Monday.

"What is it?" asked Jose.

"Mr. Macron and his wife are inviting you to dinner tonight since he won yesterday. He says that you inspired him during these last two weeks and he wants to reward you."

"Really? But I wasn't paying much attention and I thought Madame Le Pen was going to win."

"Unlike the Americans, we have common sense in doing business with our neighbors and the common sense of the French people prevailed. And you, my lady, played your role in making the dream possible. You and your companion, Ms. Shimohara."

"Thank you, Mr. Benoit," said Sadako.

"So, after catering to the teams, a limousine will be waiting later tonight to send you to the destination. There, Mr. and Madame Macron will talk with you of more important matters in regards to global issues that I do not have the authority to speak of. Regarding your role outside of your work with us, you will have a very clear idea. That is all."

"Thank you, Mr. Benoit," Sadako and Georgette said, bowing before leaving his office. This was the training plan for the next week for both teams.


Men's Team

Monday 8 May 2017

Rest

Tuesday 9 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Wednesday 10 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Thursday 11 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Friday 12 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Saturday 13 May 2017 - Ooredoo Training Centre

11:00: 1st 15 minutes of training open to media

13:30: Unai Emery press conference

Sunday 14 May 2017 - Stade Geoffroy Guichard

21:00: AS Saint-Etienne - Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1 - Week 37


Women's Team

Monday 8 May 2017

Rest

Tuesday 9 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Wednesday 10 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Thursday 11 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Friday 12 May 2017

Training closed to public and media

Saturday 13 May 2017 - Parc OL

16:00: Olympique Lyonnais - Paris Saint-Germain

D1 - Week 21

Sunday 14 May 2017

Training closed to public and media


"Mr. Macron, allow me to introduce myself," said Georgette, decked in a simple white gown with petticoat. "My name is Georgette Lemare of Barenton, an employee of the Paris Saint-Germain Football Club. This is my partner, Ms. Sadako Shimohara, a fellow employee on a temporary work visa from Japan."

"Mmmm, as I would have guess, you have assimilated yourselves well," said the president-elect as he poured some wine for the four of them. "This is my wife, Brigitte. She used to be my teacher in high school. We have three step-children and they are old enough to be my siblings."

"Oh, you don't have to give out all the details," said Madame Macron. "But yes, I am pleasured to meet you all." The attendants at La Rotonde provided the full menu. Outside, there was tight security to ensure that nothing unusual took place. "You would make a fine pair of daughters, indeed."

The two of them giggled. "Madame Macron, thank you for the compliment," Sadako said. "We are late in saying this, but congratulations on winning the election."

"I came back from doing some business with Mr. Hollande, but I did have some time to entertain you at dinner," said Emmanuel as Jose sipped from her glass. Both Jose and Sada were now of legal age so they could try the wine, but they had to show moderation.

"This is very good," said Jose. "It tastes somewhat familiar..."

"Saint-Vaast, from your home region of Normandie, whose departments I carried, more or less, including Manche," he replied.

"That explains it. It's delightful!"

"Mmmm, this is good," Sadako said. "You recommend the tartare?" She had a forkful. "Mmmm, melts in my mouth!"

"It's a very popular dish, as well as the cote de veau," added Madame Macron.

"I made a mistake of holding a party here during the first runoff, but now that I took care of business, I chose to return here, but in a more low-key setting as to now take any chances," Emmanuel explained. "And I do know your real identities and position."

"You do?" asked Georgette.

"I commemorated the victory for our nation over Germany in World War II earlier today. You come from that timeline but with a different enemy and set of circumstances. You are the Witches that my advisors told me of. I thought this was science fiction lore, but to see that you do exist, I personally welcome you to this dimension of Gallia, and this timeline."

"Goodness, so you do know the fact that a rift in the continuum has forced our enemy to conspire with yours in terms of the war of terror, correct?"

"Exactly. We gathered information from the ground, the air, the armed forces and we can confirm that a major event could be happening on May 27 at the Stade de France. The threat could be worse that any one of us may imagine but I have instructed many in my circle and the media to not disclose anything on grounds of recrimination and the event happening ahead of schedule."

"You must have a very tough job ahead of you, combining military work in unique equipment while assisting one of the greatest sports brands this country has ever known," said the madame with a frown on her face before another sip.

"It's not easy being Witches but as long as we have the magic in us, we have to be brave to the very end, fighting to protect the innocent...and defeating the Neuroi to make the world safe," Georgette said. "That's our mission and it's a global one, and apparently the battle has crossed dimensions and timelines. So if it has to be all hands on deck, we need to be ready."

Emmanuel passed a folder of documents. "For your eyes only, Sadako's, and the sisters Karibuchi, as well as the rest of your squadron that will need to arrive from the other side," he said. "It is a suggested system of engaging the enemy that will be staging in Stade Saint-Denis. We will need to have your team mobilize at Fort Neuf de Vincennes to engage the threat. You and Sadako will have to do your work with your club but both of you will play a role as well in support."

"Understood, Mr. Macron," said Georgette. She looked downward at the table, fists clenched. Despite the initial wave of success, there was the threat of war in the air as the victory was seen as a blessing for the ISIS sympathizers in Seine-Saint-Denis, who were hedging on a heavy Macron victory to eliminate the Front National's threat to their planned attack.

"By the way, Georgette," said Emmanuel.

"Yes?"

He looked into her deep blue eyes. "You remind me of my step-daughter Tiphanie in terms of maturity, assertiveness, obedience. She is slightly younger than me and would pass for a younger sister but she has the charisma and confidence that you possess. I only regret that I did not have a daughter that looked and felt exactly like you after choosing to marry Brigitte. But the fact that you are here with me will do..."

"Why?"

"...because after the 27th of May, and after we celebrate our victory, if it should happen...I will never see you again. It may as well be a dream I read in a light novel from a thrift store. I want Tiphanie to be influenced by your ways of the world and your courage and kindness. I want you to be her inspiration from now on so if you happen to see her, let her know you'll always be thinking of us. Can you do that for me?"

"As you wish, Mr. Macron."

"Thank you. So, charge your glasses." They raised the glasses. "To the future of France, to the future of Gallia, and to the future of the Witches! Vive La Republic! Vive La France!"

"VIVE LA FRANCE!" they all said, clinking glasses and enjoying the spread that Georgette happily had her massive share of. It was the calm before the storm, as in the northeast corners of the metropole, of the Little Crown, plans to strike fear and desperation in the hearts of the French people went full speed ahead. Marianne send help.


END CHAPTER 28