NOIR

Chapter Two

The Forgotten

By Steve Edward

Sheriff Phil Nagel dressed in civvies rode in the rear passenger seat of the Chevrolet Suburban which had been a wedding gift to Gina Baldwin from her husband Randy. The three were headed to Peachtree-Dekalb Airport on a cloudy Sunday morning in near silence.

Phil eyed the manila envelope that contained instructions in the event of Randy Baldwin's death. The phone call from Randy having Phil to come by for a visit had been initially a routine friendly phone call, but after arriving at the Baldwin farm, it turned out to be any such thing.

Both Randy and Gina had sat with Phil Nagel in their study and discussed what had so recently transpired. Now Phil rode with Randy and Gina where he would see them off from the airport. The rear of the Suburban was crammed with luggage, equipment cases and as Phil dryly noted enough firepower to start a small war.

The Gulfstream V sat on the tarmac already prepped and ready to fly, the only thing left was a final preflight by Randy and the loading of the baggage which Phil did while Randy examined the aircraft.

Handing the last case inside to Randy, Phil boarded the aircraft and sat briefly in a passenger seat, "Randy, are you still sure you want to go through with this?"

Randy returning from the rear of the aircraft sat across from his childhood friend Phil Nagel, "I gave it a lot of thought, but there is little choice in the matter. You know what Noir is about. Noir was never meant to be used in this fashion. The Soldats themselves are worried that if these rogues get loose there will be little chance of stopping them."

Phil sighed, "Why don't they just do what you are planning to do and have someone go in and setup a trap to ensnare them?" Randy frowned, "The Soldats gave that a great deal of thought, but who within their own is trustworthy enough to carry out the plan? The mistrust is rather high amongst them, so bringing in an outsider was their choice."

Disembarking the plane with Randy, Phil walked with Randy to the Suburban "Randy, just do me a favor and come back in one piece and bring Gina back too." Randy closed the tailgate and handed the keys to Phil Nagel, "I intend to Phil. See you in a couple of weeks."

Phil watched Randy help Gina board the Gulfstream, then the ground crew closed the boarding hatch. A few moments later the Rolls Royce power plants spooled up and the Gulfstream moved off towards the runway and France.

Nina and Irena were in Paris. Carrying forged identity documents the twins quietly entered the foyer of the apartment house where Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura lived. Nina had entered the apartment first followed by her sister. The apartment was empty, its occupants having left late Saturday evening.

Irena found the letter written and signed by Mireille and Kirika. Neither had expected to find their quarry so easily. Nina crumpled the letter slowly in her hand and with her sister exited the small apartment. Tossing the crumpled paper into a nearby waste container on their way down the street, Nina and Irena boarded a bus that would take both to the central train station.

Kirika Yumura and Mireille Bouquet traveling in separate vehicles were making their way to their next destination. The identical Land Rovers, both powered by diesels made good time. Kirika towing the trailer following behind Mireille had pondered with Mireille if they should not expect a visit from the candidates. Mireille had agreed with Baldwin's decision that if any confrontations were to take place, it would be on their terms and not the candidates and it would be at "The Manor" or the convent itself.

The chirp on Mireille's phone announced a wireless text message. Mireille smiled at the text messages as she scrolled them past. Noir's opponents had indeed visited their apartment, the concealed sensors monitoring their movements. In and out in 10 minutes according to the security system, thus having waited a preprogrammed period of time before sending the notification.

Sunday, Mid-Morning, Over the Atlantic

Gina Baldwin sitting in the cabin had continued to translate and transcribe the late Sister Altena's diary. Her husband Randy engrossed with flying the plane had remained much of the time silent after leaving the United States. Turning to the next page, Gina began anew but stopped. Flipping the page back and forth, Gina frowning keyed the intercom "Randy there appears to be a problem with Altena's diary. It is missing several pages."

Randy turning completely around as far as he could looking back into the cabin, "It is missing several pages? Are you sure Gina?" Gina nodded at her husband then stood and walked to the cockpit and handed Randy the diary as she sat in the co-pilot seat, "No doubt. Look closely at the binding." Randy did as Gina suggested and then handed the weathered book back, "So it was edited for its contents. What do you believe is missing?"

Gina replied, "The actual origins of the candidates, possibly their true identities and even information about their mother and father at least that is what I believe has been removed but the next page gives us their first names and that is all. Both are female and they are named Nina and Irena." Randy looked at Gina, "What about physical descriptions? Is there anything in the diary that might give us a clue?"

Gina shook her head no, "Only states that both have blond hair and green eyes and the physical makeup that was listed as being taken at age 8 for both." Randy musing replied, "Well so much for finding out what they look like now, but it is interesting that their height and weight is exactly the same at age 8. Gina? Is it possible that both candidates are in fact twins?"

Gina adjusting her position in the seat opened the book once again and reviewed the previous passages, "Taking into account both were 8 years old at the time Altena wrote her diary and physical makeup is exactly the same; I would have to agree that both young girls are twins."

Altena's twisted mind became more apparent to Randy, "Altena making plans for the future decides that she will not chose three but only does two. Ideally she has to quickly make the choice and soon as Mireille, Kirika and Chloe are about to have their final trial on the Manor grounds. Altena does so and directs that her two final choices for a future Noir are to be safeguarded. Her followers do so and at age 8 these two young girls already under the influence and control of Sister Altena are removed to a place of safekeeping till future word is received on the fate of Altena."

Gina nodded and replied, "After Altena's death, the two future Noir became forgotten, though not by her surviving followers. They have already been in training, since likely both could first walk. Altena's followers begin further training in earnest so that Altena's choice can become Noir as soon as possible. But someone may have inadvertently made the demand for the Lagonel Manuscript. Had they waited 4 more years, these young assassins would have been 18 years old instead of 14 years old." Randy turned to Gina, "Someone somewhere made an error in judgment, and ordered that the candidates undergo the ritual early. They knew if the current Noir found out they would have to contend with Noir who would follow the more sane directives of Soldats not under their control and Noir would begin to hunt down the remaining followers of Altena. Then it would be only a matter of time before Mireille and Kirika would finally locate Altena's final candidates and either killed them or took them into custody."

Gina glancing out the window watched as the coastline of Spain passed beneath the starboard wing, "A secret war within an organization that defies common reasoning, all because of some woman who wanted to control others destinies."

Randy agreed silently and turned back to his wife, "Gina we land in an hour, better get everything secured for landing that you had taken out of the cases. We'll have to talk to Mireille and Kirika about this when we land."

Sunday afternoon, Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes Airfield, France

Ned Smith had made himself as comfortable as he could. Directed to the hanger where Randy Baldwin's Gulfstream would be stored, Ned sat with the ground crew of the Fixed Base Operator. The phone had rang and the caller announced that Baldwin's aircraft was five minutes out. Walking out of the hanger, Ned stood in the afternoon sunshine with the French Customs Agent who had ridden up on his bicycle.

Both men watched as the Gulfstream streaked into the airfield and made a flawless landing, the smoke from the tires rising from behind the aircraft as the Rolls Royce power plants were shifted to reverse. Ned heard from behind him the sound of two diesel engines and turned to look.

Mireille and Kirika stopped next to each other and waited. The two men before them, one a customs inspector, the other they both knew from a previous encounter had turned around briefly to look in their direction but turned their attention back to the taxiing Gulfstream.

Randy looked towards the hanger and spotting Ned Smith smiled. Behind Ned Smith sat two Land Rovers. Randy already knew who was driving those vehicles. Following the directions of the ground crew, Randy brought the Gulfstream to a smooth stop and upon the signal of the supervisor; shut down the engines.

Opening the hatch, Randy disembarked first followed by Gina Baldwin. The customs inspector accepted the forms and with a tip of his hat returned to his bicycle and rode off.

Ned Smith walked up and held out his hand, "Welcome France, Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin."

Ned briefly turned to view the customs inspector peddling his way back to the main terminal, "Well that was certainly a quick inspection if I ever saw one. How was the flight Randy?"

Randy chuckled, "As well as can be expected. I was in and out of this airfield so much earlier in the year, that the customs inspector enjoyed my visits. How about you Ned? It has been a while."

Ned nodded, "Yes it has. I bear gifts from Tabitha. I assume the Land Rovers are here to pick you and Gina up?" Randy nodded, "Yes," as Mireille and Kirika shut the vehicles off and walked up to greet Randy and Gina.

Embracing Mireille and Kirika, Gina walked with them to the hanger where they joined Randy who waited for the ground crew to push the Gulfstream to its hanger, "Nothing like meeting old friends," as Gina joined her husband.

Ned turned to Randy giving a questioning look to which Randy verbally replied, "She knows Ned." Ned Smith smiled and shook hands with Gina, "It is finally a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Baldwin. Congratulations." Gina blushed, "Thank you, Mr. Smith."

With the Gulfstream safely parked in the hanger, Randy dismissed the ground crew who left and he turned to Mireille and Kirika, "Ok bring the Rovers in. Lets get them loaded."

Ned Smith helping pass the equipment cases observed the gun cases, "Jeez Randy? Are you going to start a war somewhere?" Randy chuckled, "Hopefully not Ned. Let's say its insurance." Ned had opened a gun case to examine the contents eyed the P-90 and replied, "Some insurance policy. Sheesh!"

Ned turned and motioned Randy to follow him to his car, "Tabitha made me a messenger boy for a reason." Opening the trunk, Ned reached in and removed what looked like two normal suitcases and a smaller briefcase.

Closing the trunk, Ned with Randy returned to the hanger and entered the small office nearby and setting the suit cases on the desk directed that Randy place his thumb on a small square area near the latches, "Both cases are biometrically keyed to your thumb print and as such unless programmed with another set of biometric readings, only you and you alone can open."

Randy placed his right thumb where instructed and the latches electronically unlocked and the cases popped open together as Ned continued the instruction, "The latest in communications from the Agency courtesy of Tabitha herself. Full color video transmission, fax and voice communications built-in. It also features its own GPS tracking system and the communications folks will be able to locate you during transmission and while you are on the move as well by intermittent signals. The second case, contains the satellite antenna and built-in color laser printer with a standard load out of two hundred pages of paper than can be refilled with standard office paper."

Randy looked at the equipment and turned to Ned, "What about computer interfaces?"

Ned smiled, "Everything that you could want and then some. The blue door conceals card reader ports for the most popular photo camera memory cards. Press the little white button and out pops a CD/DVD burner and reader. In short one heck of a communications center."

Ned then turned more serious, "Randy in the event that things could go south open the red door. Inside is a protected toggle switch. Lift up the protective cover and flip the switch. You have the option of designating a time delay for the detonation, for up to 10 minutes maximum and as short as zero. If you want to live, give yourself plenty of time. There are enough explosives packed into both cases if triggered right now to vaporize this hanger and anyone within 50 yards. Also once the self-destruct is activated there are no abort and the decision to activate will be final and irrevocable. Also any attempt to force open the cases will result in immediate activation as well so heed that wisely."

Randy mused a moment, "Ned can the cases be programmed for someone else to open and operate the equipment?" Ned smiled, "Yes they can? Who do you want?" Randy turned to Mireille, Kirika and then Gina, "Ok ladies lets get you registered, I do not want to have large unexplainable craters dotting the French countryside."

After completing the request, Ned turned to Randy and handed him the brief case, "Inside is something that Tabitha said you would find very interesting. What ever the hell you are working on Randy please do be careful. Good luck." Waving goodbye, Ned Smith walked out of the hanger office and pulled the door shut and walked out to his car and drove off.

Randy opened the brief case and extracted the intelligence report and began to read. Mireille and Kirika carried the communications equipment to the Land Rover with the trailer and loaded the cases into the rear of the Rover. Returning to the office they sat down and waited for Randy to finish.

Looking at Mireille, Randy handed the report to her "It looks like the candidates had their own mini-trial three weeks ago in a Russian province. They apparently were sent in to assassinate several militant military leaders and their staff. Only one low ranking staff member was still alive when Russian security forces conducting their own raid found the carnage. Several had wives with them and they too were killed."

Mireille nodded and replied, "The candidates are in France and were in Paris this morning. They apparently visited our apartment looking for me and Kirika," as Mireille held up her cell phone and replayed the text messages, "These text messages were sent by the security system that we had installed in the apartment. It recorded two entering and then leaving after spending 10 minutes within."

Gina interrupted, "Mireille, Kirika you should know that Randy and I both believe that we are dealing with twins." Kirika taking the news in frowned, "Twins? Not two separate non-blood related individuals?"

Gina nodded, "Based on Altena's diary, the candidates are twins. You should know Altena's diary has been apparently edited for content. Several pages are missing which likely identifies them further, but we know their first names, Irena and Nina. From the physical description that listed their ages as 8 at the time it was done, both are of European decent."

Mireille returned the report to Randy, "So it seems Altena was second guessing all. She would have had she survived eventually ordered those candidates activated as well. Fielding two pairs of Noir so close together would have allowed her considerable leeway and sway within the Soldats had they been ready then. But when she died, she second guessed all and created a timed delay for the second emergence."

Randy nodded, "Only one thing that bothers me the most is why activate them at such a young age? Both are only 14 years old. The tiny faction of Soldats has succeeded in raising two future Noir's but at an earlier age. Maybe there is something that Sister Katrina did not reveal to any of us that she holds the answer. Let's hit the road. There is a hostel about 50 kilometers from here where we can stay for the night. The food is rather good and the inn is rather comfortable."

Randy and Gina took the Land Rover with the trailer. Driving out of the hanger, Mireille paused long enough to wait for Randy Baldwin as he keyed the hanger door shut and activated the security system. Returning to the Land Rover, Randy signaled Mireille that he and Gina was ready to go and together Noir and Randy Baldwin drove off into the gathering darkness.

Sunday evening, London, England

The circular table was precisely measured and allowed an equal share of its surface to be utilized by those occupying the chairs that ringed the table. The three men and three women viewed the display monitors at the center of the table as the photographs shifted slowly displaying Randy Baldwin, Gina Baldwin and Noir.

Occupant number one began his briefing, "The American and his newlywed wife arrived this afternoon at Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes airfield outside of Tarbes, France and joined with Noir. After briefly meeting with an agent known to be associated with the United States Central Intelligence Agency, the group departed for Sister Katrina's convent located near Pas de la Casa, France. They will likely arrive tomorrow and will be in place to prevent access to the convent and Sister Katrina herself."

Occupant number five, turned in her chair and spoke "What of the manuscript? Does the American have it in his possession?" Occupant number two turned in his chair, "Yes, he has the manuscript and apparently our late sister's diary as well."

Occupant number three swiveled her chair, "How is that possible? How did Sister Katrina locate it?"

Occupant number six turned to look at occupant number three and swiveled her chair, "It is unknown how she found the hiding place but nevertheless she or her aids did. However our concerns are with Noir. How much do they both know about the candidates? The American and his wife have had little time to review the diary that is if they can even begin to translate it. We ourselves did not understand it."

Occupant number four turned his chair and tapped the computer mouse freezing the image of Gina Baldwin on the monitors, "Mrs. Gina Baldwin is apparently well versed in the Latin language and can both read, write and speak Latin. Since it is likely the Baldwin's had time to review the diary we can assume that they at least know our candidates names."

Occupant number one rested his hands on the table, "Should we attempt to intervene now against the Baldwin's and Noir?" Occupant number four examining his nails, "No. Let them proceed unmolested. Irena and Nina will deal with them accordingly just as they so successfully did with the militant military commanders and their staffs. Consider it part of the trial, that they must retrieve the Lagonel Manuscript and our late sister's diary."

The vote was cast and passed unanimously that the candidates were to deal with the issue of the Baldwin's and Noir. Occupant number one questioned occupant number six, "What of Tabitha Alexander's involvement? Is the CIA officially involved or not?" Occupant number six replied, "Tabitha Alexander is in the dark as much as the remainder of her brother and sisters. The CIA will not be a factor and by the time they do decide to act it will be too late. Randy Baldwin's involvement is more of a minor issue considering the rocky past he has had with Noir. It is doubtful he will be much of a problem for the candidates."

Occupant number three replied, "Baldwin's involvement is mere happenstance. Tabitha along with her fellow sisters and brothers panicked. True it does prevent us from knowing what is going on within the group, but that will also mean our much less brave Soldats will have little clue as well. There is little worry about the successful conclusion of this matter. The Baldwin's and the current Noir will soon be among the forgotten.

Occupant number six standing, "Do not underestimate them. We do need to be wary from this point forward. Good luck everyone," as the woman left.

Monday, July 4th, Mid-Afternoon, Pas de la Casa, France

Sister Jane stood examining the Peugeot that belonged to the convent which was resting awkwardly in the ditch. The rain had given way to drizzle, but that did little to rectify having slid off the dirt road. The front wheel drive car unable to get traction to move out of the ditch was firmly stuck. In the effort to free the car, Sister Jane had managed to just make the front tires dig a deeper ditch.

Sister Jane already dreading what Sister Kanna would say heard the welcome sound of two diesel engines coming towards her. Turning to see who was approaching, Sister Jane took in the sight of two Land Rovers as they stopped before her.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura eyed the Peugeot and then the nun standing next to the vehicle. Nodding to Kirika, Mireille exited the Land Rover followed by Kirika, and approached the nun.

"Do you need assistance Sister?" as Kirika warily circled past the nun and the car to scout ahead. Sister Jane bowed slightly and replied, "Yes, I do. I slid off the road by accident. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide."

The metallic sound of a weapon being placed on safe came from behind Sister Jane and she slowly turned around. The man standing above her looked down at her and finally much to her relief managed a smile, "Hello Sister. Do you happen to be Sister Jane or Sister Kanna?"

Sister Jane bowed again replied, "I am Sister Jane, Monsieur." Randy Baldwin nodded, "I am Randy Baldwin from the United States. The two women on either side of you are Noir. Sorry about the scare, but frankly we are being careful."

Randy came down the embankment and walked to the nun, "We will pull the car out for you. Afterward would you be so kind as to lead us the rest of the way to the convent, I will appreciate it."

Using the winches from the Land Rovers, the Peugeot was freed and with Sister Jane driving, she lead them the rest of the way to the convent.

Sister Kanna walking with Sister Katrina watched as the Land Rovers drove up behind Sister Jane. There were four in all, exiting the vehicles three women and one man. Two of the women seemed highly interested in her, their eyes tracking her movements. The man seemed more focused on the High Mother, Sister Katrina than her. The other woman seemed interested in the convent building itself.

Sister Katrina walking with the aid of a cane approached Randy Baldwin and greeted her visitor, "Monsieur Baldwin?" Randy nodded, "Yes I am. You are Sister Katrina? And the nun next to you is Sister Kanna?"

Sister Katrina bowed slightly, "Yes. Please come this way." Randy shook his head no, "First things first Sister Katrina. Kirika, make a sweep of the convent grounds and then the interior then join us in the convent with the nuns." Randy Baldwin motioned in the direction of the building, "After you Sister Katrina."

Kirika quickly completed the task and rejoined her group inside the convent itself, the small rectory serving as a meeting area. Gina Baldwin walked along the rows of shelves gazing at the volumes of books reading the titles, "Randy? There are additional volumes here that involve past Noir's."

Sister Katrina replied, "Yes. Madam Baldwin. The historical records on hand date back to the 12th century. The ones that I sent to your husband are only a small fragment of the history of Noir."

Gina turned to Sister Katrina, "Written history dating to the 12th century? I am impressed. If we have time I would like to review some more of the Noir history. It is enlightening to say the least." Sister Katrina nodded, "I give thee permission to do so."

Randy turned his attention back to Sister Katrina, "Sister Katrina, I and my wife did not come some 3,000 miles for history lessons. You did certainly get my attention by having the audacity of sending the Lagonel Manuscript as well as the late Sister Altena's diary to my home without getting my permission, so pardon my language just what in the hell was you thinking!"

Sister Katrina smiled, "I am thinking of the present Monsieur Baldwin and possible future. The late Sister Altena when she resurrected Noir did so own her own whim going against the wishes of those you know as the Soldats. Noir in itself was once a useful tool to be utilized when there was no other recourse presentable."

Sister Katrina motioned towards the book cases, "On those shelves are the historical records pertaining to Noir. Each book tells the individual stories of women who upon being selected carried out their duties which in many cases ended in their deaths but at the same time saved countless lives as well."

Mireille observed the anger rising within Randy Baldwin intervened, "Sister Katrina, Monsieur Baldwin is still rather uncomfortable with the activities of Noir." Sister Katrina replied, "I have been told of Monsieur Baldwin's reservations concerning some of the trials and the rituals."

Kirika Yumura walked to a bookcase and ran her finger over the books, "Monsieur Baldwin's initial involvement with Noir was completely involuntary at the time Sister Katrina and nearly resulted in his death. Though his acceptance of us in the end was beneficial, there have been situations in the past where it has not."

Sister Katrina nodded, "Kirika, I am well aware of the monsieur's involvement with you and Mireille and that at times the relationship has been on rocky terms. However there are those that decided Monsieur Baldwin's involvement would be beneficial."

Randy Baldwin frowned, "Sister Katrina, though I am aware of Tabitha Alexander's involvement within the Soldats I have no knowledge of others. The Soldats as a whole seemed to have activated the proverbial panic button in regards to the emergence of a new Noir bringing me into what amounts to an internal conflict does present an unusual situation for me and my wife. There is the matter of trust. Sending the Lagonel Manuscript was one thing but including the diary that belonged to the late Sister Altena is another matter, since it so happens to missing numerous pages. I want full discloser on who I and Noir are facing besides the candidates which I might add are already on their way here."

Sister Katrina turned to Sister Kanna, "Please retrieve the missing pages. Monsieur Baldwin will need them now." Sister Kanna nodded and departed. Sister Jane interrupted, "Monsieur Baldwin how can you be so certain that the candidates are already on their way here?" Mireille replied, "Because they visited the apartment where I and Kirika live in Paris. There was no doubt that the candidates did in fact visit. I left an open invitation for both to come visit us here. They no doubt will seek the Lagonel Manuscript and very likely Sister Altena's diary to retrieve them."

Sister Kanna returned with the missing pages and directed by Randy to give them to Gina, Sister Kanna did so. Sister Katrina waited for Gina to finish reading, "Madam Baldwin as you can see, Sister Altena did detail the origins of the new candidates. However, sadly in their case as well their parents were murdered just as Mireille Bouquet's were. Unlike previous candidates who were raised within the walls of "The Manor", the candidates were taken elsewhere and raised by a succession of Soldats who still followed the beliefs of the late Sister Altena."

Randy Baldwin sighed, "What of this inner circle that remains of Altena's followers? There is also the matter of how you came into the possession of her diary. I am aware that you participated in a previous ritual. Why is it so important that someone would demand the Lagonel Manuscript in order to carry out the ritual? As for "The Manor" exactly what can I expect to find when I go there? Are there any occupants there now who might take offence to my presence, because come hell or high water; the ritual is not going to take place Sister Katrina."

Sister Katrina turned to Randy Baldwin, "The Lagonel Manuscript bears the utterances that initiates the candidates into what they will become. As each generation starts anew so does the facilitator of the ritual, who in the end becomes the custodian of the document till it is deemed time to conduct another ritual.

I was the custodian of the document until it was taken from my care 15 years ago at which time resulted in the deaths of four nuns who were serving as my aides. Two young women participated in that event, one of which is standing next to your wife; Madame Yumura, the other named Chloe. Sister Altena sent Kirika and Chloe after my refusal to turn the manuscript over to her. Chloe in her zeal to obtain the manuscript having already killed two of my aides shattered my right hip to free it from my arms. I forgave Chloe for her actions that day and still pray for her lost soul."

Sister Katrina continued, "The followers of Sister Altena number fewer than I can count on two hands, in all there at least six are involved. Her followers more than likely can claim citizenship within various countries of the European continent and are in positions of power. The demand for the manuscript in itself was delivered by a child from a local village, who was paid by a man whom he had never seen before. When I questioned the child, he described him as being an Englishman. It was at that point, I and my aides conducted a search of "The Manor" and through sheer happenstance located the resting place of Altena's diary.

"The Manor" is currently unoccupied; this convent tends to what remains there. I am sure Madame Bouquet has described the ruins and the vineyards to you. I sent my small flock of nuns who lived here away as the danger has come too great. Only my aides, Sisters Kanna and Jane remain. As for your wishes of the ritual to not take place it is my goal as well. We have currently in our presence the Noir that Altena brought forth against the wishes of many, but who have served us so faithfully. We need not another pair."

Kirika who had fallen to her knees began to remember those events that Sister Katrina had described. The shock and brutality of what she and Chloe had done, only matched that of her killing Mireille's own family had remained a forgotten memory within her own past. Clenching her hands into fists, Kirika began to weep.

Mireille knelt next to Kirika and embracing her rocked back and forth trying to comfort, "Kirika what has happened is part of our own painful pasts. What was done was directed by a woman using you and me to obtain her goals." Sister Katrina standing, walked towards Mireille and Kirika then laying her hands on their heads; Sister Katrina with Sisters Kanna and Jane in attendance began to pray.

Gina Baldwin joined her husband who was observing the prayer vigil, "Randy, you are going to be dealing with two monsters trapped within very young bodies. I can say that the Soldats nightmares are coming true." Randy Baldwin only shrugged his shoulders in acknowledgement as he pondered the implications of involvement by an unknown Englishman and his motive.