NOIR

Chapter Six

The Forgotten

By Steve Edward

Tuesday, July 12th 0700, Zurich, Switzerland

Kurt Ludwig examined his chest in the bathroom mirror. The slash wound from the crazed knife wielding teenage girl still stung and burned. Kurt had been left alone to tend to his "charges". Galen had been insistent that as many as possible participate in the ritual. Kurt had already drugged most of the young girls, but one apparently had built up a tolerance. The young girl had used a page from his own book and ambushed him in the dormitory.

Kurt had barricaded himself in a classroom then made an undignified escape out the window, as the girl furiously slammed her body against the door. He watched her run from the school grounds with knife in her hands headed for the nearby village, and he went the other way.

Having treated himself, he had briefly driven past the school grounds the next morning; but found it swarming with German Police and ambulances. He was surprised that from all the activity there was only a brief mention made in the news. His worst fears were confirmed by Saturday when he read Sir Richard Galen's obituary.

By Sunday Kurt had arrived in Switzerland, as a former member of the late East German Secret Police; Kurt Ludwig had earlier on established a banking relationship in Switzerland. He had withdrawn traveling funds the previous day, because he knew he had become the hunted at least for now. But he would disappear as he had before.

Kirika Yumura pulled the cart with her into the service elevator and pressed the button for the 8th floor and rode the elevator. Unlike the marble passenger elevators, this one had its walls covered in padding, the floor covered with a raised rubber diamond pattern. Exiting the elevator, Kirika walked in an unhurried pace wheeling the cart ahead of her she approached room 8025 and knocking softly she announced room service.

Kurt Ludwig pulled the bathrobe around his body and cinched it closed. Exiting the bathroom, Kurt peered briefly through the peephole and satisfied he opened the door then turned away.

The brusque command to enter the room in German prompted her entry. Kirika wheeled the cart directly to dining area, and began to set the breakfast on the table. The man's hands coming from behind began to grope her body, the hands trying to find a way to her breasts.

Kurt Ludwig could not resist the sight of Kirika, her trim body as it moved about. It would be her word against his, the Asian looking woman a lowly servant would never complain.

Kirika first protesting in French switched to German, which surprised Kurt Ludwig at first but his final surprise, was when he felt the barrel of the silencer as it pressed against his chest.

Kurt looked downward at the diminutive servant before him, it was her eyes the coldness within the last thing he saw before he felt the first sledge hammer blow of a 9MM round as Kirika fired her Beretta.

Kirika Yumura fell forward atop of Kurt Ludwig as he fell backward, his left hand gripping the service uniform tightly as he fell. Kirika fired twice more, before the light of life passed from Kurt's eyes. Freeing herself from Kurt Ludwig, Kirika reached beneath the cart and withdrew a small shoulder bag then entered the bathroom and changed.

Mireille Bouquet glanced in the side view mirror and released the trunk which was opened just enough to have the small carryall bag to be placed within. The passenger door opened and Kirika Yumura sliding into the passenger seat spoke, "It is done."

Mireille slipped the BMW into gear and eased away from the hotel. Glancing at Kirika, "Kirika how about a drive through the country side this time? Perhaps you will like something that you see?" Kirika smiled in anticipation, "That would be enjoyable."

Tuesday, July 12th 1100 hours, Montfaucon, France

Pierre Seine observed the Land Rover as it exited from the trees surrounding the road which it traveled into meadow towards his workshop. He could see that there were four occupants in all, the driver a man crossed the stream that meandered through the meadow itself guiding the Land Rover skillfully as it climbed the low embankment.

Pierre Seine had thought carefully of the request and had granted the visit. There were few who would journey this far and if they did they would upon seeing his home and workshop would turn around and leave. Those that left would never obtain what they sought; the craftsman would never sell to them. Those that had made the journey had found success, as many of his instruments were in orchestras around the world.

The vehicle stopped at the end of the road, and the occupants exited. The man unhurried walked along with two young girls holding their hands into his and his wife walking to the left held the hand of the young girl to her right.

Randy Baldwin had mused over the directions to the craftsman workshop. The strange but very detailed directions had told him to turn at a specific path marked by the presence of two cows which would be there at a certain time. Gina reading the directions had noted the appropriate time and as the Land Rover crossed over a small ridge and descended into another meadow, the two cows were where they were supposed to be.

Gina wondered if this was some sort of joke, but as Randy guided the Land Rover into and through dense woodland. The dilapidated looking house and its outbuildings appeared in a sunny meadow. The final obstacle a small stream was easily crossed. Gina observing an elderly man standing on what passed for a front porch seemed to understand why he had done it.

Pierre Seine waited patiently as the Baldwin's climbed the steps and stopped before him, "Monsieur Baldwin? I am Pierre Seine, welcome to my home." Randy Baldwin introduced Gina then Irena and Nina then followed Pierre Seine into the interior of the house.

The interior was anything but ramshackle, the furnishings handcrafted and finished as was the wooden floors of the large but single story home. The support beams also of wood, the soft glow from the sunlight streaming through the widows reflecting off the finish spread the sense of warmth and friendliness. Pierre Seine led his guests to the opposite end of the house where they exited onto a stone and wood deck that overlooked a small pond feed by the stream.

A few moments later a much younger man appeared with a serving tray and pouring coffee for Randy and Gina then tea for Irena and Nina he quietly departed as Pierre Seine settled into a chair, "Monsieur Baldwin, my friend in Paris had communicated to me that you were seeking instruments of fine quality. Who may they be for?"

Randy about to reply was interrupted by Gina, "Monsieur Seine, the instruments are for our step-daughters Irena and Nina. You came highly recommended and your reputation in certain circles precedes you."

Pierre Seine leaned on his cane to stand and walked to Irena and Nina, "Please hold out your hands. Palm sides up." Irena and Nina did as instructed. Randy watched with interest as Monsieur Seine placed his hands their outstretched palms and then caressed each, his fingertips seeming to pause briefly over their fingertips.

Pierre Seine stepped away and turned towards Gina and Randy Baldwin, "Monsieur and Madam Baldwin; I will provide what you both seek. Please wait here."

Pierre Seine called out to the young man who had served them earlier, "Jonathan! Your assistance please," as Pierre began to walk the stone and gravel path; he was joined by Jonathan who matched his pace. The two men disappeared from view for a short period of time, then reappeared each carrying a violin.

Gina turned to Randy, "Why did he caress their fingers?" Randy smiled, "Monsieur Seine wanted to see just how serious we were. He was feeling for the calluses on their hands and fingers. A stringed instrument player will after a period of time develops hardened skin areas as they run their fingers across the strings. It is not something that can happen overnight but takes years. Ashley's piano playing has done the same to her only it has smoothed her fingertips while hardening the skin. Irena and Nina playing as much as they apparently were developed the calluses from lengthy playing. I found that out when they were fingerprinted at the embassy. The technician had to adjust the equipment to get a good reading on both. The technician had seen it before from applicants being fingerprinted for US entry visas. The tech estimated that Irena and Nina had been playing string instruments for at least 8 years which pretty much matches what we know of their early lives."

Pierre Seine followed by Jonathan, approached Irena and Nina then gave them the violins. Jonathan entered the house and returned with two music stands and placed them before the young girls. On each of the stands a sheet of music, which Pierre Seine directed that Irena and Nina play after tuning the violins to their satisfaction.

Jonathan placed a chair before the girls and Pierre Seine then sat and listened as they began to adjust the instruments. Irena and Nina nodded that they were ready and at Pierre Seine's signal they began to play.

The performance lasted an hour, with brief periods of rest as Jonathan at Pierre Seine's directions replaced the sheet music. Randy observed that Seine had without asking Nina's playing style had given her a violin that had been crafted for those favoring their left hand. Watching Irena and Nina play as each sought the voices of the instruments from within, musing to himself, it was like watching someone play to oneself in a mirror. At the end of the final note, Pierre Seine held up his hand that had seemed to direct each girl through the musical scores to indicate that they were finished.

Directing Jonathan to retrieve the violins, Pierre Seine turned to Randy and Gina Baldwin, "They are both superb. Please come with me. We will collect their true instruments."

Gina stood, "Monsieur Seine, surely those will do?" Monsieur Seine shook his head no, "They will not Madam. Those are the same instruments that they played in Paris. The ones that they truly deserve wait within my workshop."

Following Pierre Seine to the workshop and entering, Randy observed no power equipment. The woodiness from unfinished instruments wafted throughout. Gina watched as Jonathan paused at a foot driven bellow and began to pump air into a large metallic box that stretched for a good part of the cramped shop.

Gina turned and looked Pierre Seine, "Monsieur Seine? May I ask what that is?" Pierre Seine glanced briefly at Gina, "It is a steam box, Madam." Jonathan satisfied that he had pumped in enough air after tapping a gauge mounted on the side walked past Pierre to the rear of the shop.

Motioning for his guests to follow, Pierre continued after Jonathan who waited at rear. Nodding to Jonathan, Pierre directed that his guests sit in chairs arraigned in a semi-circle.

The violins were within carrying cases, and each bore the name of Irena and Nina. Randy with a puzzled expression turned to Pierre Seine, "Monsieur?" Pierre Seine smiled and replied, "My young brother traveled from Paris and brought recordings he had made in his shop of the performance. It was after listening to their performance that I granted the visit. The instruments within were made by my own hands and as you will hear are rich in warmth and sound. Please allow Irena and Nina to become custodians of the instruments."

Irena and Nina removed their respective violins and repeating the tuning began to play once again…

Tuesday, July 12th 2000 hours, Paris, France

The music from within greeted Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura as Randy Baldwin opened the door. Mireille had noted the mud spattered Land Rover parked in the narrow drive as she and Kirika walked to the front door. The Baldwin's having traveled to the craftsman, were enjoying the instruments. Kirika paused briefly before entering the sitting room, listening to the notes as Irena and Nina played. It was indeed a warm welcome.

Randy sat in the chair opposite of Kirika and much to the surprise of Mireille reached over and picked up two needles which lay upon a work in progress, "Monsieur Baldwin?" as Randy smiling began to add more yarn to a yet undetermined piece of work, he replied "It passes time and besides I have a commitment I need to fulfill."

Gina laughed, "Mireille, he does that when Ashley plays the piano as well. Would you please hold the yarn while I get the refreshments?" Mireille accepting the circle of yarn into her hands watched as the thread rapidly unwound.

Handing out the refreshments, Gina returned to her chair and listened to Irena and Nina play. The instruments that both were playing had been handcrafted from spruce and maple woods of which neither had been exposed to power equipment. The apprentice Jonathan demonstrated the fact by returning to a project in progress and sanding the wood by hand, pausing briefly to examine the area he was focusing on. Randy did not blink at the price quoted by Monsieur Seine and had written the check for the two instruments.

Gina heard a soft voice carrying along to the tune and turned to the source. It was not Kirika; she was busily sketching yet again. Mireille still holding the yarn around her hands was the voice she was hearing. Mireille carried by the music had begun to sing.

Randy looked up from his work towards Gina, who smiled and pointed. Turning slightly, Randy took in Mireille as she sung the accompanying German folk song and laid the needles down to enjoy. Mireille realized too late that she had an audience, but yet she continued, till the final note was played. Turning to Randy Baldwin, Mireille tipped her head in acknowledgement; "Now you know my secret."

Wednesday, July 13th 0900 hours, Euro-Disney, Paris, France

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura stood inside the main entrance waiting for the Baldwin's to enter. Mireille's impromptu performance had given Randy Baldwin the idea of going to Euro-Disney, the theme park located outside of Paris. It would also be perfect for Irena and Nina as well to become exposed to crowds and to life's enjoyments.

Randy wanted Irena and Nina to get exposure to the more pleasurable aspects of life and the day trip helped, though Randy did wonder if he was going to have a repeat performance of maneuvering oversized stuffed characters through the door of the Gulfstream. He hoped that Mickey and Minnie were comfortable being stuffed into the back of the Land Rover since he no longer had a cargo trailer.

The replica of Sleeping Beauty's castle had captured the attention of Irena and Nina as they journeyed about the park. Finally visiting the attraction both had been enthralled with the background music. Gina having sat on a bench with them and observed as they held each others hands their eyes closed listening to the violins and wind instruments play.

Thursday, July 14th 1800 hours, Paris France

Mireille and Kirika had joined the Baldwin's for a farewell dinner at the rented home. They would be flying back to the United States, Friday morning. Randy had already made a trip to the airfield to prepare the Gulfstream for departure. Randy and Gina had decided that Irena and Nina would meet their step-sister Ashley in New York. Ashley who was attending a summer camp at the Julliard School of Music was going to be participating in a recital on Saturday. It would be perfect for all of them.

Corey still in Denver, Colorado at a summer camp there would meet his sister and new step-sisters in Denver. Randy and Gina both knew that the new family needed a get together. A couple of days in the Rockies would help. Randy tempted to ask Mireille and Kirika to come with them but decided against it. Both of his friends had other things to do.

With Irena and Nina sound asleep, Randy and Gina both pondered how they would introduce Ashley and Corey to Irena and Nina. The cover story of their parent's death in a house fire was crafted. Temporarily taken in by Mireille, the adoption by Randy Baldwin and Gina was a matter of friendship and official records. Though neither Randy nor Gina wanted to conceal the truth of their origins it was in the best interests of all that it would be this way at least for now.

Friday, July 15th 0900 hours, Airfield Toussus-le-Noble, France

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura watched as the Gulfstream began its take-off roll the Rolls Royce power plants whining at full power. Mireille watched as the plane seemed to dip its right wing in farewell as it climbed into the morning sky, its destination New York. Turning back to the Land Rover, Mireille got in the vehicle and started it. Randy had rented a storage facility large enough to accommodate the Land Rover so she and Kirika would not have to worry about finding a place to park it. Randy Baldwin had told her that if they needed to use it to do so. Kirika climbing into the vehicle nodded to Mireille, "Shall we go?"

Friday, July 15th 1100 hours, Gainesville, Georgia

Sheriff Phil Nagel munched on his salad as he reread the e-mail from Randy Baldwin for the tenth time since getting it. Not a small e-mail by any means, it gave a detailed account of Randy and Gina Baldwin's trip to Europe including the surprise that the Baldwin family had just grown by two. Phil looked at the clock on the wall and did a rough calculation, "Jeez they will be in New York in an hour or two."

Friday, July 15th, 1700 hours, New York, New York

Ashley Baldwin finished the last piece and closed the cover to the keyboard. Her mentor, Mrs. Pike have spoken with Ashley's instructor congratulated her on her performance then glancing at the door turned back to Ashley, "Dear, you mother is outside. She needs to speak with you."

Ashley apprehensive wondered why. Her mother and step-father were supposedly still in Europe and were not due until tomorrow. Had something happened to her father?

Gina Baldwin waited for Ashley to appear and then embraced her daughter, "Ashley, there is something we need to talk about."

Escorted to the instructor's office, Gina closed the door then turned to her daughter "Ashley while we were in Europe, a situation came up involving Aunt Mireille and Aunt Kirika. Two young girls lost their parents who were very close friends to Aunt Mireille. Your Step-Father and I were in Paris when Aunt Mireille told us what happened and since Aunt Mireille could not care for them as she constantly travels; she asked us if we could help. You're Step-Father and I decided that we could. You and Corey have two new step-sisters."

Ashley Baldwin having sat down replied, "Cool. When can I go meet them?" Gina smiled at her daughter, "Right now." Gina and Ashley walked to the main entrance of the school where the limousine that was part of the Penthouse Package stood waiting. Opening the door for his passengers, and ensuring that both were comfortable the driver then got into the drivers seat and headed towards the W Hotel.

Randy having stayed with Irena and Nina had watched them as they took in the skyline of New York from the penthouse suite patio. During the limousine ride from the airport both had peered intently at their surroundings as the limousine made its way into the city, the skyscrapers seeming to stretch forever from ground to sky, their windows twinkling and flashing in the sunlit afternoon. Arriving at the hotel they had both leaned back trying to see the top of the hotel but could not. Was this too much at once for both? As Randy answered the phone that announced the return of his wife and step-daughter, Irena and Nina entered the penthouse to await their step-sisters arrival.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura returned from an evening out to find an e-mail waiting for them from Randy Baldwin, "My wife and I want to thank you both for your assistance in the previous matter. We will be leaving for Denver, Colorado Saturday evening to catch up with Corey. The introductions between Irena and Nina with Ashley went very well and all three girls are enjoying each others company. The hotel was gracious enough to allow an impromptu performance within their lobby which has a grand piano. Both of you would have enjoyed the performance, perhaps Mireille the next time we may meet you would like to make it a quintet?

Signed Randy and Gina Baldwin."

Mireille smiling wrote a brief reply, "Monsieur it would be a pleasure to do so. Till we all meet again. Signed Mireille and Kirika."

Sunday, July 17th 1300 hour's local, Denver, Colorado

Corey Baldwin's introduction to his step-sisters took place at the hotel where he and his teammates had been staying the night before. The mysterious phone call asking that he come to the lobby alone had at first worried him, but his step-father Randy sitting in the lobby had abetted his fears.

Randy had explained to Corey what had transpired and with Corey happy to meet Irena and Nina, Randy led him to a private reception room that had been reserved for such a purpose. Randy reflecting on how well things had gone was lost in thought while watching Corey and his teammates as they played on the field before him was not paying attention to the wayward soccer ball as it headed directly towards him.

Irena was though and did a somersault over her step-fathers head and promptly sent the wayward ball sailing back with a well placed head butt much to the surprise of Gina who had seen Irena launch herself from her stadium chair. Randy came back to reality at that point realizing just what Irena had done, "Nice form Irena," as Ashley with mouth agape looked on in amazement at the acrobatic skill of her step-sister.

Both Corey and Ashley began to wonder at that point just what else their step-sisters talents were. Gina looking at her husband pondered if they should reveal the truth.

Randy glanced at Gina and only shrugged his shoulders at her questioning looks.

Wednesday, July 20th 1800 hours, Baldwin Farm, Hall County, Georgia

Sheriff Phil Nagel sitting in the study with Randy Baldwin had met his friend at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport earlier in the day and had absorbed the bizarre tale that Randy had told. The news reports on CNN of financial irregularities in Europe which had been uncovered after the death of man involved had been recalled, "So Randy you are telling me you were involved in this from the beginning only you were an unwitting participant?"

Randy Baldwin eyeing the closed doors of his study nodded, "Yes, Phil that was the case. When I was involved in the investigation in France, I had no idea just how far and wide it had spread. Had the programmer remained on top of his little program he might have continued undetected, but it caused a cascade effect which eventually involved Irena and Nina."

Phil Nagel shook his head in puzzlement, "The two women, Mireille and Kirika? They were part of an earlier scheme to cause an upheaval, but when things went awry Galen who schemed up this mess decided to create another pair of killers namely Irena and Nina?"

Randy nodded, "Yes. That was his goal, but his was playing with too hot of a fire. Crazy as it may seem he wanted to stage a rift between the European Union countries themselves. Only things went haywire because he got greedy."

Interrupted by the knock on the door, Randy looked up to see Gina who announced; "Dinner is ready you two." Phil grinned, "I am looking forward to it."

Both men entered the porch where the table had been setup and joined their respective wives. Irena and Nina sitting with Corey and Ashley looked up as Randy sat at the head of the table.

Looking around at those gathered around the table, Randy smiled "Let's all give thanks for what we are about to receive..."

Fini

Authors Notes:

Time Line

This story takes place five years after events chronicled in the original NOIR episode "Birth". The author's story line "Associations" initially took place about six months after "Birth" and then after the initial encounter between Mireille Bouquet, Kirika Yumura and Randy Baldwin goes forward about 4 years later.

The author's story line "Secrets" takes places about 8 months after "Associations". The story line, "The Forgotten" takes place about two months after "Secrets".

Characters

With the exception of Mireille Bouquet, Kirika Yumura and Sister Altena all others mentioned within this story are of my own creations.

The creation of Irena and Nina took some thought. Sister Altena's true motives were never fully revealed but she did have big plans for Mireille and Kirika as Noir. I believe that Mireille and Kirika being the pawns that they were had been among the many duped by Altena.

Fleshing out Irena and Nina led me to look at Kirika's own background. The methods used by Sister Altena were largely effective in regards to Kirika. Kirika, at her current age is still plagued by memory losses. Also the training methods utilized on Kirika bear out her abilities as an assassin. Irena and Nina having been exposed to those same training techniques have certain abilities that not even Randy Baldwin or his wife Gina currently understand or are even aware of.

Geography

Place names such as those mentioned in the story line are accurate, with the exception of "The Manor". I took the liberty of placing it near the small town of Pas de la Casa, France which is near the French and Spanish border. The small but quaint village sits on the eastern side of the Pyrenees Mountains.

About the Baldwin's

Randy Baldwin who first appeared in the "Associations" story line would meet Gina Frazier who would eventually become his wife along with Corey Frazier and Ashley Frazier. "Helped" along by Kirika who forces the painful past from Randy, it is in "Secrets" where Randy Baldwin will ask Gina to marry him. It is during "Secrets" that the future Mrs. Gina Baldwin will learn the truth about her future husband interaction with Mireille and Kirika but their own secrets as well after her daughter is rescued by Mireille and Kirika.

Is Randy a Soldat? No. He is not. He is an outsider that had become drawn into the dark and troubled lives of Mireille and Kirika. He wears a ring that bears the infamous symbol of NOIR the two maidens each lifting a sword before them. A small but just as detailed pendant is worn by Gina around her neck; a locket attached has the photos of both Mireille and Kirika as a symbol of the women's friendships towards each other.

Cast of Characters

Below is the list of characters that appeared within this story.

NOIR

Cast of Characters

The Forgotten

By Steve Edward

Randy Maynard Baldwin – Retired Central Intelligence Agency

Randy, age 50. Birth month of June is 6 foot 2 inches and a trim 180 pounds with steel grey eyes and mix of grey in his brown hair. Retired from the Central Intelligence Agency when he was 45, specialist in economics and banking; side specialty weapons, marital arts, explosives, infiltration and when the need a rose killing. His first encounter with Mireille and Kirika had been in the Middle East, five years earlier. Present day career was freelance consulting mainly in security work involving financial situations. He lives in northern Georgia, in Hall County.

Mireille Bouquet – Blond haired Corsican beauty with steel blue eyes, current age is 26. Mireille's weapon of choice is the Walther P-99 9MM handgun; with 16 round magazine and 1 in the chamber. She is one half of NOIR.

Kirika Yumura – Slight in stature, of Asian descent, current age 25. Kirika's weapon of choice is the M1934 Beretta with 7 round magazine and 1 in the chamber. She is the other half of NOIR and is considered by Randy to be the most dangerous woman he had ever encountered.

Gina Baldwin – The former Gina Frazier age 45 is now the newlywed wife of Randy Maynard Baldwin, age 50.

First meets her future and present husband in October of last year, during a hiking trip with her two children; Corey now age 13 and Ashley now age 14. The meeting chronicled during the storyline "Associations", eventually leads both Randy and Gina to marry in mid-June after a visit by Noir in mid-April to Georgia chronicled in "Secrets".

Corey Baldwin – The former Corey Frazier age now age 13 is the step-son to Randy Maynard Baldwin. Now in high school with his older sister Ashley, Corey's favorite activities includes soccer, fishing and picking up martial arts from his new dad; Corey also just likes hanging out with Randy.

Ashley Baldwin – The former Ashley Frazier now age 14 is step-daughter to Randy Maynard Baldwin. Ashley who will enter the 9th grade of High School in the coming school year is an accomplished pianist. Kidnapped by a disgruntled Frazier family member as chronicled in the author's story "Secrets" Ashley is eventually rescued by Noir in mid-April, shortly before the marriage between her mother Gina Frazier and Randy Baldwin. Besides piano, Ashley too has picked up the martial arts bug and has become a studious learner.

Tabitha Alexander – Director United States Intelligence Agency –

Red hair and green eyed. First female director of the Intelligence Agency and Randy's former boss had grilled Randy upon his return from last and final mission he had performed five years earlier regarding events surrounding encounter with Noir. Nick name is Tabby. She is a member of the Soldats, whose activities are not controlled by any government.

Sister Altena – Deceased. Estimated to be 55 years old at time of death, she was a member of the Soldats who resurrected Noir for her own gain to be used by her at will.

Killed during a showdown with the final two Noir candidates, Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura; Sister Altena plunged to her death in an underground chamber within "The Manor" after Kirika Yumura bodily slams into her.

Sister Altena had apparently already planned for yet another pair of Noir, yet this was not known at the time by either Mireille or Kirika.

Sister Katrina – Age 84. Though in appearance to be frail and walking with the aid of a cane, her mind is still sharp and is always in the company of two young nuns; Sister Kanna and Sister Jane. Sister Katrina sends to Randy Baldwin one of the most rare books on earth, the Lagonel Manuscript including a fraction of the huge number historical records pertaining to previous Noir's. It is within these historical records that will bring Randy and Gina Baldwin to Europe in an attempt to prevent the formation of another Noir pair.

Sister Kanna – Age 19. She is one of two assistants and care givers to Sister Katrina.

Sister Jane – Age 19. She is one of two assistants and care givers to Sister Katrina.

Irena – Estimated age 14. Raised in secrecy from the Soldats, Irena is training to become part of the next Noir. She is the identical twin to fellow Noir candidate, Nina. After the confrontation at the convent near Pas de la Casa, France with Noir and Randy Baldwin it was discovered she had been under the influence of mind altering and personality altering drugs. At Randy Baldwin's request, and backed up by Noir he and his wife Gina adopts the young girl into their family.

Nina – Estimated age 14. Raised in secrecy from the Soldats, Nina is training to become part of the next Noir. She is identical twin to fellow Noir candidate, Irena. After the confrontation at the convent near Pas de la Casa, France with Noir and Randy Baldwin it was discovered she had been under the influence of mind altering and personality altering drugs. At Randy Baldwin's request, and backed up by Noir he and his wife Gina adopts the young girl into their family.

NOIR

Cast of Characters

The Forgotten

By Steve Edward

Ned Smith – Agency Bureau Chief in Paris France

Formerly part of a Central Intelligence Agency Rapid Response Team, Ned Smith is the Bureau Chief in Paris, France and receives the intelligence package along with a secure satellite communications system to be given to Randy Baldwin at Tarbes, France. This character is introduced during "Associations".

Sheriff Phil Nagel – Hall County Sheriff

Longtime childhood friend of Randy Baldwin, he sees Randy and Gina off at the airport but not before receiving a sealed manila envelope containing instructions that details what to do in the event of his friend's death.

Jill Nagel – Wife of Sheriff Phil Nagle

She is fellow school teacher and friend of Gina Baldwin.

Sir Richard Galen – Co-conspirator and member of Sister Altena's inner circle. He was occupant number one of the meeting chair in London, England. He supplied the drugs to Irena and Nina in effort to make them the next Noir. He dies by Mireille Bouquet's hands on the grounds of "The Manor" along with five others who were part of the late Sister Altena's grand scheme. Sir Galen was the only one initially identified; the remaining five involved are unknown.

Kurt Ludwig – Instructor

Kurt Ludwig had been an instructor at the former private school located in Germany. An Ex-East German Secret Police member his specialty had been torture and killing. In the employ of Sir Richard Galen, he had been left alone at the school while Sir Galen was attending the "ritual" at "The Manor". He is identified by a computer that had been found on the school grounds and is tracked to Zurich, Switzerland where he meets his end at the hands of Kirika Yumura inside his hotel room.

Steve Edward

Atlanta, Georgia

December 2004