NOIR

Chapter Two

Blind Trusts

By Steve Edward

Tuesday, September 4th 1000 hours, Funeral of Germund Kristin

Randy Baldwin had briefly stopped at what passed for the Swedish version of a funeral home to view the remains of Germund Kristin. Her frailness evident, but she still showed the confidence that had become so apparent in the photographs. The soft green dress with a white corsage adorning belied the appearance of death hinting that she was merely napping. Satisfied that all was in order, he directed that the casket be sealed for the final time and that it be taken to the chapel were the service would be performed.

Following the hearse, it was not lost on Randy the oddity of the procession to outside observers. The Land Rover, the mini-bus (driven by Sister Kanna) and what seemed to be a growing collection of vehicles as the final journey for Germund Kristin progressed. The final addition to the procession had sped past the other vehicles under police escort and slipped in behind the Land Rover, briefly blinking its headlights to attract his attention. Mireille Bouquet glanced back for a closer look, "Randy, the vehicle is bearing United States Diplomatic Plates," as the police escort accelerated ahead of the hearse and taking escort positions the procession began to rapidly speed up.

Randy glanced at Lucio Magnus, "Ok Consular, what gives? I thought this was a private service?" Lucio clearing his throat replied, "Monsieur Baldwin, I can assure you I have no idea!" Kirika riding in the mini-bus showed some concern as well as she turned to Sister Katrina, "It appears we have outsiders," as Sister Katrina looked downward to the car and seeing the diplomatic plates, "No Kirika, she is expected. Monsieur Baldwin was not informed; it was to be a surprise."

Arriving at what Randy thought was to be a chapel, instead turned out to be a massive stone church and there were more mourners gathered there as well. The cemetery behind the church would become Germund's final resting place.

Exiting the Land Rover, Randy Baldwin eyeing the entrance to the church commented, "I hope that they remembered to bring an all terrain carriage. There is no way they can roll the casket into the church, much less access the cemetery with ease."

Lucio standing next to Mireille Bouquet gave a silent nod in the direction of the gathered mourners replied, 'It has been taken care of Monsieur Baldwin," as Randy observed six men wordless step out from the gathering with military precision and approach the hearse.

Gina Baldwin having ridden in the mini-bus which had been equipped with baby safety seats eyed the entrance as well then looked at the baby stroller, "You have got the be kidding me! Roll them up that?" Lucio turned to view Gina then gave another silent nod and two more men stepped out and joined Gina at the stroller. Irena and Nina eyed the two men closely as they exited the mini-bus followed by Kirika who handed Harmony first then Olivia to the twins who set them in the stroller. Each man took position on either side of the stroller and again with military precision lifted the stroller as one and began to walk towards the entrance followed closely by Gina and the twins.

Randy viewing both activities turned back to view the Diplomatic Plated Sedan parked behind the Land Rover caught sight of red hair coming into view as the driver following protocol had given everyone a very hard look and deciding that it was safe had opened the door. Exiting the vehicle, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Tabitha Alexander finally revealed her presence.

Gina giving a sigh of relief after finding the interior floor of the church to be smooth, nodded to Randy then catching sight of Tabitha Alexander could only blink in shock.

Randy Baldwin turned and with Mireille Bouquet at his side, "Director. Your presence is unexpected."

Tabitha Alexander, dressed in all black with a red corsage gave a soft smile, "Randy, I am here at the request of Sister Katrina."

Sister Katrina walking slowly with the aid of Sisters Kanna and Jane approached, "Monsieur Baldwin, Madam Alexander. I will explain after the service. Please continue to the sanctuary."

The pallbearers carried the casket the length of the sanctuary and set it upon a low wooden cradle, then stepped away and took their seats in a nearby pew. Randy and Gina Baldwin had not missed the stone crest, which displayed the all too familiar emblem synonymous with Noir of the two women bearing swords kneeling before a nun.

Followed by Sister Katrina, Randy Baldwin ascended the raised dais then stood behind the massive podium. Behind Randy, Ashley with Irena and Nina had taken their places. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura joined Gina Baldwin in the pew with Tabitha Alexander and Lucio Magnus giving another signal, the doors to the sanctuary closed.

Randy gazed at those gathered, men, women and children. All silent with heads bowed in prayer. Who were these people he pondered? Soldats, if indeed they were made up the largest single gathering he would likely only see once in his lifetime. With a nod from Lucio, Randy Baldwin began the memorial service.

As the final notes faded, Randy stood and assisted Sister Katrina to descend from the dais. Sister Kanna and Jane stood to either side of Sister Katrina and supporting her, they exited the sanctuary followed by the Baldwin's and Noir.

The final service, graveside followed as the young nameless priest gave the final blessings. The mourners had gathered as well and each whether they were man, woman or child had laid a red rose upon the casket as they passed.

Randy had been careful to leave out specific details of Germund's life. His own children did not need to hear it. Standing with Sister Katrina, Mireille Bouquet, Kirika Yumura and Tabitha Alexander before the casket as the mourners departed Randy turned to Sister Katrina, "I would have to say the size of the turn out was much unexpected."

Sister Katrina seemed to nod, "Yes Monsieur Baldwin, the number was unusual but the Soldats have a way of wanting to honor those that served them so well."

Tabitha Alexander stepping forward and laying a rose upon the nearly covered casket replied, "Randy, Germund and Matilda risked so much and received little in return. My own father knew that as well."

Randy glancing at his wife Gina turned to Sister Katrina, "When I agreed to become Germund's Executor, I had expected the usual duties but nothing like this. You could have easily asked someone else yet you did not. Why?"

Sister Katrina solemnly replied, "Because Monsieur Baldwin, you did not view what she did as wrong, merely an occupation. You have seen the human side of Noir and have insight to what many faced in their journeys and assignments. For that reason you were chosen. Many would consider Germund's acts that of being a serial killer. Your knowledge allowed you to overlook that issue and consider other things."

The chilled air seemed to grow colder briefly. Had he overlooked or even pointedly ignored certain things, to justify what Germund had done as Noir? Pondering that, Randy's musings were interrupted by Tabitha Alexander, "Randy perhaps we can continue this discussion at your hotel? The babies are likely getting cold." Randy returned to the present, "Yes, I think you are right. We will meet you at the hotel. Mireille and Kirika have something that they want me to look at, perhaps you might be interested as well."

Gina standing next to the baby stroller which had to be carried along the rugged path to the grave site had watched the private conversation. As Randy turned to rejoin her, the same two men who had been apparently charged with lugging the stroller and the babies reappeared and took their positions.

With Randy Baldwin and Gina ahead followed by the two men, they returned to the mini-bus and the Land Rover, all of which had been turned around and were facing the direction from which they had come. Setting the stroller on the ground, the men were dismissed by Irena and Nina as they pushed the stroller towards the mini-bus.

Randy turning around to thank the two men instead found nothing. Giving an inquisitive look at both Mireille and Kirika who only looked back with perplexed looks, Randy sighed, "Ok. Who ever you gentlemen were, thank you for your assistance," out loud.

Taking one last look before getting into the Land Rover, Randy looked back towards the gravesite. Observing a lone figure kneeling before the casket in prayer, Randy watched as the figure stood and a gust of wind caught the hood revealing a young blond haired woman. Too far away to see anything further, Randy opened the driver's door and entered the vehicle then drove off.

Gloria Kristin, pulled the hood back onto her head and turned to look at the Land Rover as it drove off followed by the mini-bus and the embassy sedan and silently gave thanks, "Thank you Mr. Baldwin for all that you did for my great-great-grandmother. My country shall be in your debt." Gloria Kristin then walked slowly and with royal grace towards her transportation where the driver stood patiently waiting. The driver opening the door asked the royal princess, "Madam? Shall we return to the palace?" Princess Kristin replied, "Please take me to the palace first as I need to retrieve some items. Then take me to the Sheraton, there is someone there I need to speak with." The driver acknowledging the order, after ensuring the princess was safe within the vehicle began the drive to Stockholm.

Tuesday, September 4th 1400 hours, The Sheraton Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura looked at the printouts that Randy Baldwin had generated from the CD Data Disks that had been given to him. Mireille set them down on the coffee table and looked at Randy Baldwin, "For all apparent purposes, the information would appear as routine commodity transactions yet they are not."

Randy had thought the same thing as well but as he deciphered the codes with the help of Tabitha Alexander the commodities were human, "Anyone accidentally coming across the files would dismiss them and go on. What you and Kirika recovered in Ukraine is trading transactions involving human smuggling. The various codes describe age, sex and even nationality then go on to show where the highest demand for the specific nationalities and sexes is the greatest. The oldest age was 17; the youngest is a sickening 8."

Sister Katrina clutching her cane replied, "It is well organized. The smugglers send their wares to where they are needed the most and keep abreast of demand. Instead of dealing in normal commodities they deal with the wants of human lusts." The borrowed large screen television doubling as a computer display monitor gave a visual representation to the smugglers activities. Randy having created a historical timeline of the activities from the data had watched as the computer program retraced the activities for the past four years.

Tabitha Alexander sitting next to Kirika Yumura replied, "Randy as you can see much of organizational activities were focused in the southern regions of Africa and the Indian Ocean. The Agency has been involved in trying to track down some of the victims in this smuggling operation. Noir had been given an assignment to the Ukraine where they terminated an individual and retrieved much of this data. There is considerable interest in locating and shutting down the operations, however we have to tread lightly."

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation as Sister Kanna entered and whispered in Sister Katrina ear. Sister Katrina seemingly startled replied, "She is here? Did she say why?" Sister Kanna looked towards Noir and Randy Baldwin, "She wishes to speak with Monsieur Baldwin and Noir." Tabitha Alexander raised an eyebrow, "Who is here Sister Kanna?" Sister Katrina motioning for Sister Kanna to help her stand, "Someone who wishes to talk about Germund's past. Please wait here. I will bring her to us."

Gina Baldwin, in the adjoining suite had just laid Harmony and Olivia into their respective cribs for their afternoon naps, when Sister Kanna sitting at a desk placed across from the elevators had stood and placed herself in front of the elevator door. The only occupant having exited the elevator had stood before Sister Kanna and speaking Scandinavian to Sister Kanna waited patiently as the nun had hurried off.

Gina noted her bearing, someone who was of high class and stature and commanded respect. Irena and Nina having taken position in front of Gina though she and Randy had tried their best to keep both from showing any form aggression, both were clearly showing they were ready to defend both Gina and their young step-sisters. The young woman seemed to bow slightly acknowledging their presence, and then turned away as Sister Katrina appeared.

Kirika Yumura had cut through an adjoining suite and was observing from the hallway, her Beretta at the ready. Kirika watched the exchange of greetings, as the young woman bowed slightly towards the Head Mother then in a hushed conversation explained her presence. Sister Katrina satisfied turned to lead the guest and observing Kirika gave a silent signal that all was well. Kirika rejoined Mireille in time to see the visitor enter the room.

Tabitha's sudden intake of breath when the young woman entered gave Randy pause, as he watched the young woman remove her hood, he realized it was the lone mourner he had seen at the grave site and recognizing who she was he stood, "Princess Gloria Kristin. I am honored at your presence." Sister Katrina returning to her chair replied, "Monsieur Baldwin. I am surprised that she came forward, this is unexpected."

Tabitha Alexander stood as well then bowed, "Princess Kristin, are you sure this is wise?" Princess Kristin smiled and acknowledging the honors replied, "Yes, Mrs. Alexander it must be so. Monsieur Baldwin must be told." Gina Baldwin walking into the meeting room stopped and looking at Tabitha Alexander "Let her speak. She obviously wants to discuss certain things."

Gina turned to the twins behind her and speaking to them quietly she then closed the door and joined her husband, Randy Baldwin who moved an unoccupied chair and carried it to Princess Kristin who then sat.

The princess removed from a small briefcase a folder and placed it upon the table and opened it, "Monsieur Baldwin, as you have now surmised; Germund and Matilda were royalty."

Randy Baldwin sighed and taking a seat across from the princess retrieved the folder, "The Kristin surname is common, however with your admission I have the explanation I needed for such a large turnout at the funeral as well as the large number of military men in civilian clothing. So the information pertaining to Germund having no living relatives was a lie?"

Tabitha Alexander replied, "It was meant that way Randy. She had to sever all ties, there had to be utter deniability." Randy viewed the parchment bearing the Swedish Royal Seal, and then looked at the princess, "Matilda? What about her?" Gloria replied, "A cousin to Germund, they had been playmates when but young. When the selections were made, Germund had asked Matilda to join her and she did and together both became Noir in 1928."

Randy laid the parchment down and crossed his arms, "Ok, Princess. Why now? I want to hear it from you and no one else."

Princess Kristin replied, "It is true in a way that Germund had no living blood relatives, but she was still royalty. Volunteered by her family to become the next Noir along with Matilda, our family wrestled with what they would eventually do. It was not until recently that I was informed of Germund's and Matilda's actions. We of course could not hold a state funeral because of her secret past, but that did not stop us from honoring her in our own way."

Tabitha Alexander opened her purse and removed a small black leather book that when opened revealed several photographs, one of which Randy Baldwin had already seen earlier as Tabitha laid it before him, "You of course recognize the man holding the small sign, but do not know his identity. He was my father, and yes he was rescued by Noir in January of 1944."

Gloria with a soft smile acknowledged Tabitha's statement, "Yes that is true Monsieur Baldwin. He was eventually recruited by the Soldats as well and would eventually serve within the Eisenhower Administration." Randy looking at the photograph, "So Tabitha's father informed President Eisenhower of the existence of Noir; I can presume he was likely in the State Department?"

Tabitha replied, "Yes he was Randy. He worked diligently behind the scenes and of course one of the few with knowledge of Noir; it became his responsibility to setup a meeting with the Soldats after the Nationalist attack on Capital Hill in 1954." Gina Baldwin seeing the expression on her husband's face replied, "And the rest is history. Why did the Soldats take action?"

Sister Katrina replied, "To prevent the destabilizing of the United States. The 1950's was in turmoil and with little room for error, there could not be any quarter given. Though there was little chance of causing such a catastrophic event like making the government fall, there could be no error made. Hence the President was informed of Noir."

Randy Baldwin absorbing the information glanced at Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura, "Because Ike was privy to certain information, he in turn provided it and Noir carried out the assignments. Which leaves us with the reason for their selection, which unlike Mireille and Kirika neither of which appear related to anyone royal, why did the Soldats use this method?"

Sister Katrina replied, "Monsieur, in ancient days many royal houses realized that there would be need to have someone who could champion the cause of those less fortunate and to punish those who defied royal edicts. The use of women became custom, because a woman would be less inclined to be noticed. Before the 1400's, women in waiting would be chosen to become Noir and of course to do the battles that you had found to be so barbaric and wasteful. It was the voluntarily selection by a French Royal family that ended such trials and two young princesses became Noir. They lived among the people and when the need arose and directed to take action, the princesses would render judgment."

Randy Baldwin, turning over several of the pages within the folder looked up, "Because of the shorter life spans, there would a relatively large number of turn over because of illness and injuries and deaths. The Soldats coordinating with numerous Royal Families would begin training a new pair of within days if not weeks after the current Noir began their assignments. So hence the mythical legend of Noir began, unknown and unseen Noir would strike seemingly at whim. Those that followed royal edicts had nothing to fear but those that did not certainly had a lot to fear. I can guess that the various royal houses that existed during those times cooperated with each other and would when needed send Noir to handle the matters that troubled others."

Princess Gloria Kristin nodded, "Yes that is correct, Monsieur Baldwin. Of course their backgrounds remained hidden and unacknowledged many lived in the same conditions of those peasants that they were charged with providing a means of retribution. They became the eyes of the royal houses."

Gina Baldwin replied, "So Germund and Matilda being of royal bloodlines lived among the people and traveled the world. They would see and report ongoing problems and if directed they would render judgment. When World War II took place they were essentially cutoff and had to act on their own. They knew that the primary region where they could be the most effective would be the European Continent so they did what they did best and carried out assignments by fighting Nazi's and rescuing downed airmen under the guise of being with the French Underground, only they were not. Is that the thumbnail sketch, Princess Kristin?"

Princess Gloria Kristin nodded, "Yes that is essentially correct, Madam Baldwin. Germund and Matilda played their roles very well and remained undetected by the real French Underground. When Mrs. Alexander's father was rescued by Noir in 1944, he had already been through an escape and evasion with the real French Underground previously. Monsieur Alexander quietly confronted both out of fear of being turned over to the Nazi's and it was only after Germund and Matilda admitted to who they were that he was satisfied that he and his surviving crewmembers were in safe hands."

Tabitha Alexander spoke, "After my father and his crew returned to England in February of 1944, he was contacted by a Soldat in London. My father accepted the recruitment and became a Soldat. When World War II ended, it was he who arraigned the first meeting between the then Brigadier General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Noir. Of course Ike was not told of their true identities at that point. My father became privy to certain information on the whereabouts of war criminals that had escaped and so he began to provide it to the Soldats who in turn began utilizing Noir to render final judgments."

Randy looked over the contents of the folder, "So Germund and Matilda again able to carry out their assignments would travel through the world, both to carry out assignments and to report on current conditions in respective countries. Their reports would eventually reach the Soldats who in turn would decide if anything should be done to correct the matter." Princess Kristin nodded, "Yes that is essentially correct."

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "Princess Kristin? Do you know why Germund and Matilda were sent to Africa in 1964?"

Gloria seemed to frown but replied, "Yes it was because of slave traders, engaged in human trafficking of children used in illicit sex rings. A man involved in such an operation lived in Cape Town, South Africa however you likely know more than I do. It was where Matilda perished."

Sister Katrina spoke, "Mireille, Tabitha's father who was then serving in what became President Johnson's administration had intercepted intelligence that indicated children were being taken from Southeastern Asia, namely Cambodia and Vietnam. They were being kidnapped in exchange for weapons and other material. The children would be taken to Africa on freighters that smuggled in arms and in return for the war material, the governments would send children as payment."

Randy Baldwin his features angered, "So in an attempt to cutoff the flow of arms and the human smuggling the Soldats sent Noir to terminate the individual. However we know from history that a majority of the weapons was eventually supplied by the then USSR, and China."

Sister Katrina nodded, "Yes that is correct, Monsieur Baldwin; but though Matilda perished, Noir was successful in eliminating a majority of the human smuggling for a number of years. Then of course it has since reared its ugly head once again."

Gina Baldwin spoke, "The tsunami disaster in 2004, thousands were orphaned, and the slave smugglers descended like a plague on the region."

Princess Kristin replied, "Yes Madam Baldwin, they did indeed. Several of our countrymen were vacationing in the region and perished in the disaster. However their children became orphans and were preyed upon with the promise of being repatriated to their homeland only to find them selves victims once again. We have not been so fortunate to locate and rescue the children. They remain missing to this day."

Randy turned to Tabitha Alexander, "So the Agency became involved?" Tabitha nodding replied, "Yes Randy we did. The disaster was complex and widespread as you recall. No less than fourteen separate nations were affected. The President directed that we assist where possible and to locate, track and provide information to other nations so that rescue operations could be conducted. Noir's assignment to the Ukraine was to retrieve some of that critical information that we have now."

Gina Baldwin turned to her husband, "You are not thinking what I think you are going to do are you?" Randy Baldwin mulled over what he learned, "Gina, if there is a chance to put a big dent in the human trafficking involving children, yes I will. It is an ugly cycle, one that I find rather distasteful. If we can help bring about the rescue of a child involved in such depravity then I will."

Gina Baldwin sighed and slumped back in her chair, but she thought about Corey, Ashley and the adopted twins then imagined them in trapped in such activities with no voice. She turned to Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura and saw those that could provide a voice and a hand of punishment, "Only if they will help."

Mireille Bouquet seeing the gaze of Gina Baldwin replied, "I and Kirika will do so. But we will need support." Tabitha Alexander seemed to tense but relaxed, "As much as you will need. Randy, are you game for some consulting work?" Randy Baldwin smiled, "Yes. But with some conditions and requests," as Tabitha Alexander seemed resigned to the fact that Randy's demands would have to be meet agreed.

Tuesday, September 4th 1900 hours, United States Embassy, Paris France

Ned Smith sat at his desk reading the message that contained his reassignment orders. Ned was directed to return to Langley, Virginia the next morning for further briefing. Ned was accustomed to whims of the Agency, but the name mentioned within the message was no stranger to him. So he would be working with an Agency consultant named Randy Baldwin. Go figure, he mused. What ever Baldwin was getting involved with was certainly going to be more exciting than sitting in Paris; he was ready for a change of scenery.

Tuesday, September 4th 1900 hours, The Sheraton Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden

The combined gathering for the meal was noisy and filled with laughter. Gina resigned to the fact that her husband Randy was getting involved again with the Agency had left her subdued at best. It was not lost on Mireille Bouquet either. Taking Gina to the side, Mireille spoke privately with Gina, "You have reservations about this?" as Gina turning to check on the babies replied, "Yes I do Mireille. Because I am afraid that Randy will want to get directly involved, get into the line of fire again."

Mireille replied, "Randy has that trait that calls for him to be hands on. Over the years that I have come to know him, I have observed that he also has compassion to help others; regardless of who they may be. It is in his blood."

Gina Baldwin remembered when she and Randy had first meet, the man atop a great black stallion named Toby, galloping at full speed as he charged across the meadow with a massive western style rifle at the ready, while the two women whom she had come to know as Noir, had placed themselves between her and the children while taking on hoodlums.

Mireille continued, "Had he ignored your plight, things might have turned out differently. Had he ignored ours six years ago, I doubt we would be here today; neither would Irena and Nina or Harmony and Olivia."

Kirika joined Mireille and Gina, "Monsieur Baldwin, has touched many lives directly or indirectly. The Lopez's are an example. What if he and Sheriff Phil Nagel had not interceded that stormy morning; the Lopez's not sponsored by Monsieur Baldwin? Their lives would likely not have changed." Gina Baldwin seemed to brighten a bit, "Randy does get involved in certain situations rather closely."

Mireille Bouquet smiled, "Randy has that knack. He will do what ever it takes to accomplish an assignment. I believe we can finish what Germund and Matilda started. Randy will see to it."

Gina looked at her husband engrossed in conversation with Sister Katrina, "Let's hope a lot of good will comes from this; because if this fails there is no one else to turn to."

Sister Katrina answering Randy's question, "Yes, they were part of the British Royal family. They were the last royals to be chosen by voluntary agreement. Of course their identities can not be currently revealed and like Germund, they began new lives after Noir." Randy paused briefly absorbing the answers from Sister Katrina. So with the fading of royal governments replaced largely by democratic governments, Noir had become a relic of the past until resurrected by the late Sister Altena.

Randy replied, "When Sister Altena sent Chloe and Kirika to retrieve the Lagonel Manuscript, she did it upon the assumption that the Lagonel Manuscript would reveal the truths behind Noir. However at that point, the Soldats had considered Noir to be an anachronism. Sister Altena would discover the truth too late and considering her methods; likely based her methods on what she may have been told by Germund and Matilda."

Sister Katrina nodded, "The Lagonel Manuscript contained all the agreements between the royal houses at that time, at least of those who would provide successors. Sister Altena was not privy to that information until she had it retrieved. By then of course the agreements were null and void, merely a foot note in the history of the Soldats and Noir. So Altena having already forced the issue had to live with her choices which of course eventually ended her life. Forcing one to become Noir had already proven to be costly in the past and the Soldats realized that so hence the changes that remained in force until the 1960's."

Randy pushed his salad plate away and sat back, "So is there any doubt that Mireille and Kirika will be the last?" as Randy turned briefly to look at his wife sitting with them, Sister Katrina replied, "I pray that we will never need to select another pair. Mireille and Kirika can hope to be the last. The Soldats though they consider Noir to be useful on occasion consider such activities to be demeaning to each individual because of the actions that they must take. Each one has to live with what they have done and we all have to face the ultimate judgment later. Was it right or wrong in the first place? You have to decide for yourself."