NOIR

Chapter Five

Substitute

By Steve Edward

Monday, April 3rd 0100 Hours, Le Charmel School of Academia

Kelly Summers returning the Imager to the storage case said, "Got one positive heat signature to the left of the old rail bed roadway. The lookout is well concealed, likely they got automatic weapons and secure radio communications."

Ned Smith, his face bathed in the glow of the electronic device that he held spoke, "Jamming equipment is in place. More than one, and with the coverage I say at least three devices are active."

Slowing the Defender, Randy Baldwin switched off the headlights then with the vehicle still moving said, "Well that confirms what Timothy reported. The cell phone providers are showing their equipment functional on the ground, but they can't receive any signals." Mireille spoke, "To the right Monsieur Baldwin. I saw the signal."

Randy replied, "Thanks. The backup is in place." Ned Smith looking into the darkness, his night vision temporarily gone said, "Backup? What backup?"

Shifting into four-wheel drive, Randy sent the Land Rover Defender off the road and into the underbrush aiming for the dim blue light directed at the windshield. Ned holding onto the handhold above his head spoke, "Jeez! At least use the parking lights!" as Baldwin flattened two small trees.

Seeing the light blink, Ned braced for a crash or something worse but felt the Defender come to a stop then the engine shutoff. Looking out his window, he saw several figures standing motionless as Baldwin opening his door said, "Well Ned? What are you waiting for? They won't bite."

Following their guide, who said that Eric was waiting; led them to a large tent and whispered warning spoken in French came from the darkness ahead of Mireille and Kirika. The flap of the tent moved aside and the group entered the tent, which then filled with a subdued blue light. A small table at the center stood with a map and in the back, a cot with a figure laying on it came into view. Ned stepped aside to allow Mireille and Kirika to pass with Randy then moved to the table and looked down at the map, which showed the grounds of the school.

Seeing the figure trying to get up from the cot, Ned watched as Randy placed his hand gently on the figure's shoulder and speaking softly said, "Rest easy Monsieur Ganic. Tell me what happened. The woman next to me will translate if necessary."

Ned moved closer, surprised at hearing Serbian spoken by the young man on the cot. Kirika Yumura translating flawlessly without pause allowed Randy to finish quickly. Patting Risto on the shoulder, Randy turned away from the man then approached the table.

The man standing in the corner, stepping past Kelly Summers spoke in English, "My scouts found him at the rear of the dinning hall and administrative building," pointing to an area of the map.

Picking up a marker the man whose name was Eric continued, "Besides the lookout at the old rail bed roadway, there is another here at the wall entrance and from observations there are two more in the back on the loading dock platform."

Randy spoke, "So the dormitories are empty?" Eric picking up another marker placed large X's over the dormitory buildings then replied, "The students were moved of course to the gymnasium per the emergency procedures. I theorize that was the goal. My scouts observed extensive activity at the Science Building. The men there were using excavation equipment, then a short while later they observed explosive charges detonating. Two small front end loaders then descended and began removing or shoving debris aside."

Mireille spoke, "How many there?" Eric replied, "Ten. Five are armed and patrolling in random fashion with no discernable pattern. The remainder are operating the equipment and there are several trucks parked nearby. A dark colored Mercedes SUV is sitting parked near the work area facing it. Unknown number inside."

Randy replied, "Count on the equipment operators to be multi-functional. Weapons likely in the cabs of the equipment or even the trucks too. Primary concern is securing the administrative building, dinning hall and the gymnasium. Mireille and Kirika you are going to whittle down the goons at the Science Building. Eric? My courier said he tripped an explosive device that downed a tree on the main access road. Can it be moved easily?"

Eric replied, "No Monsieur. Much too large to pull clear. One will have to cut it in pieces or use other means." Ned nearly choked at Randy's reply, "No problem. I have about 9 kilos of C4. Let's put about a kilo on it. When the time is right, we blow the tree as a diversion." Ned spoke, "Uh Randy? That is going be one hell of a diversion! Are you sure about that? Something that large being set off could likely be heard in Reims!"

Eric said dryly in reply, "More likely than not Monsieur Smith, citizens living in Le Charmel will hear it than those in Reims."

Mireille spoke, "That will prove satisfactory. Now about communications?" Eric nodded towards another person nearby, they handed Mireille, and Kirika portable radios with headband microphones as Eric said, "Digital encryption and frequency hopping. Highly secure. Lithium powered, twenty-four hour operating time non-stop transmission. Range of 10 kilometers. Anything else Madam?" Mireille glanced at Kirika who was already walking to the tent entrance then said, "Give us 30 minutes to get into position. Your team will then take out the lookouts when Baldwin sets off the charges. Mark the time now please." Kelly Summers replied, "Zero-One-One-Five Hours."

Randy waited until Noir had left the tent then spoke, "Give them a fifteen minutes head start then deploy your team. We are going to be looking for these individuals; can your people link to my PDA?"

Eric issued orders and the team leaders entered the tent. Setting his PDA into a small stand, Eric transferred images to a laptop. Reviewing the individual photographs he spoke, "The man identified as Christopher, is he in charge or perhaps just window dressing?" Randy replied, "Window dressing more than likely. Mallwitz is the one likely coordinating it. If anyone finds Mallwitz, take him alive otherwise leave him to Noir."

Kelly replied, "Is that kind of harsh Randy?" Baldwin replied, "No its not. He has put too many lives in danger, many of which are children. He will face justice one way or the other."

Ned Smith situating the portable radio onto his equipment harness spoke, "What about this guy Christopher?" In the semi-darkness, Risto heard the audible cracking of knuckles as Baldwin replied, "I think everyone knows the answer to that, including Kelly and Noir." Ned Smith sensed his friend's anger reaching a boiling point said, "I guess that answers my question. Let's get the show on the road shall we."

Kirika Yumura speaking softly said, "In position. Two visible," as Mireille some 100 meters to the right replied, "Confirmed. Figure eight pattern, every three rotations with change over on the fourth."

Randy Baldwin with Ned Smith busy with placing the C-4 stopped to listen then resumed their work as Ned spoke, "Covering the old rail bed perhaps?" Randy, carefully joining the last of the wiring to the detonators replied "Their escape route obviously," then looking into the darkness spoke softly, "Kelly, ready to go?"

Kelly Summers sitting in the driver's seat of the idling Land Rover replied, "Ready as I ever will be. Try not to leave too big of a crater. Give everyone a count down when you ready to set things off." Randy with Ned crouching next to him returning to the Land Rover spoke, "Five minutes, mark."

Gina Baldwin relaxed her wrists, and began working the bindings loose. The nylon rope tied in such a fashion did not grip her skin. Shielded by a dinning table and chair, Gina felt the rope slip off. Looking at Lucio Magnus, she spoke in a whisper "I am loose."

Raising her voice, Gina said, "Hey what does one have to do to get a potty break around here?"

Sanford Christopher sitting at the far end of the dinning hall said, "Well Madam Baldwin all you have to do is ask. I will be happy to take you." Kamille spoke, "Please be careful, he is a sick pervert!" Gina seeing the Christopher was still out of ear shot replied with a slight smile, "Oh I am sure he is and I am counting on it."

Shane Whitfield found the storage room for the kitchen unlocked as expected and having entered, surveyed what was on hand. Quietly lifting two buckets of cooking oil from the shelve nearby, he returned to the entrance then entering the hallway, removed the cap of the plastic container and began to pour the liquid onto the hallway floor, leaving a clear path directly along the right side near the storage room. Spreading the liquid to the entrances of the gymnasium, Shane discarding the containers in a man's restroom returned towards the storeroom. As he did so, he could see the dinning hall entrance door open as he ducked back inside and closed the door leaving it cracked.

Gina Baldwin stumbled for a moment as Sanford jabbing her in the back spoke, "You think you are so smart. Your husband is likely unconcerned and will not bother calling until later in the morning. By then we will be gone."

Gina seeing the door move slightly as she approached replied, "You have no idea what my husband is capable of," and as she passed the door she heard the words, "Stay Left!" in English.

Christopher hearing the voice too and startled turned towards the source but as he did so, the door opened fully and Shane gripping the door frame lifted up and kicked outward hitting Christopher directly in the chest which sent him back peddling screaming a warning until he hit the cooking oil.

Christopher though armed with a pistol, could not fire the weapon since the weapon was on safe, and set by one of the men masquerading as the Ministry Review Team and Christopher pulling the trigger fruitlessly as his feet came from underneath him where he landed in the cooking oil.

Shane grabbed Gina pulling her into the storeroom and slamming the door said, "This way! We got to get moving!" just as Randy Baldwin set the C-4 charge off.

Kirika Yumura sprinted and fired dropping the closest guard then veering to the left ignoring the second, brought up the P90 firing a three round burst destroyed a set of work lights, as the Major seeing and hearing the explosion turned towards her.

Mireille targeting the second guard, dropping him with two shots then fired her own P90 left handed at the cab of a front-end loader as it had turned towards Kirika.

Two of the guards left the dinning hall, entering the hallway found Sanford still cursing and trying to regain his footing as they too encountering the oil promptly slipped and slid into Christopher who leveraging off one of the men slid toward the storage room door yelled, "The woman! She went through here!"

The Defender charging through the smoke and fire came into view of the guard at the entrance to the school, but his shouted warning and plea for help went unanswered. Raising his weapon to fire, he never completed the action as Eric rising from the underbrush fired. Baldwin standing on the step rail waved his thanks as he passed.

Kelly Summers spoke, "Jeez! Which way, left or straight?" as Randy replied "Left!" and Summers nearly tipping the Land Rover over during the maneuver regained her composure then said as she saw something ahead "A freaking bus! What the hell?"

Gina Baldwin, following Shane said "What about the rest of the students?" Shane opening the door to the kitchen itself replied, "Locked inside. They cannot get in. Besides, there is a lot of oil in the hallway. Let that bastard Christopher try!"

Hearing the cursing of a man crashing into a shelf from behind them, Gina said "Into the kitchen. We don't have a choice!" Entering the kitchen, Gina headed for the double doors of the exit to the loading dock and threw the securing bolts then following Shane continued past the gas stoves and ovens back towards the dinning hall. Behind them, their pursuer kicking the door to the storeroom open yelled. Christopher's angry voice spoke, "Baldwin! I will take pleasure in toying with you!"

Shane peered through the window and seeing only the staff in the dinning room said, "Looks like the rest of the guards have high tailed it! That loud boom we heard, what was it?" Gina seeing Sanford sliding into view, said as she pushed Shane through the door "The very last person Christopher will want to see. Free the staff and get them out of the dinning hall. Go. I will deal with Christopher!"

Mallwitz started the SUV and flooring the gas pedal fish tailed away from the Science Building headed for the old rail bed. Turning on his headlights, he found a woman standing directly in his path.

Mireille Bouquet raised the Walther and aiming slightly above the right headlight fired.

Kirika Yumura discarding the P90 turned to face the mercenary. A man wearing the symbols of a German Army Major spoke "Are you ready to die?" as he withdrew a sheathed knife. Kirika replied softly, "Yes. Are you?" as the major charged.

The major thrust the knife at where he expected Kirika to be, but instead found empty air. Whirling around to find her, he instead had the heel of her boot connect with his neck; then the weight of her body settled on his shoulders and as he desperately tried to rip her legs from around his neck, Kirika wrapping her arms around his head twisted violently as she shifted her weight forward. The sounds of the SUV crash intermingled with that of the major's body falling to the ground as Kirika rolling forward to her feet turned and raising her Beretta fired at another guard who then toppled over into the excavation from sight.

Randy Baldwin with Ned Smith wasted little time and approaching the loading dock fired at first opportunity. Both guards toppled over onto the ground below, the rain diluting the flowing blood trails from the bodies.

Sanford Christopher hearing the gunfire said, "The guards are well trained. There is nowhere you can run, they will come in and watch!" Gina Baldwin, walking backwards had snagged a cast iron skillet and hiding it from Sanford said, "You should reconsider what you are doing now Christopher."

Stopping and appearing unconcerned, Gina continued, "So what will it be?" Sanford discard the handgun then reaching for the locking bolt of the kitchen door sliding them into place and picking up a large cleaver said, "I am going to chop you into tiny pieces!" then charging towards Gina, Sanford raised it over his shoulder.

Lucio Magnus rubbing his wrists, walking quickly as he could slamming into the locked doors of the kitchen in surprise as Oliver Heaton coming fast behind him said, "Out of the way!"

Three pairs of booted feet kicked the double doors of the loading dock open and as Kelly Summers with Rand Baldwin and Ned Smith swept into the kitchen, the clang of iron resounded not once but twice. Ned Smith yelled, "Gina! Get down!" as Gina already swinging the skillet yelled back, "Like hell I will!" Randy Baldwin having raised his Colt Combat Commander froze at the sight of his wife connecting with the bottom of Christopher's chin. The clang joining in with the dinning room doors crashing open as Oliver Heaton with Lucio Magnus kicking them open and entering the kitchen to witness the now airborne Christopher falling swiftly to the ground; with Gina not finished advanced and landed one final blow as she said, "This is for Tamara James you bastard!"

Randy walked around the stoves and coming to the side of his shivering wife said to a bloodied and dazed Sanford Christopher "You are lucky. I was going to kill you." Then speaking into the headset said, "Dinning Hall is secured. All units report status please," while Kelly Summers coming from behind Gina took the battered iron skillet from her hand as the reports filtered in.

Ned Smith listening in to the reports said, "Randy? I'll go with Kelly to check on the kids." Gina still staring at Sanford spoke, "Oil in the hallway, stay to the left. A young boy named Shane will guide you." Lucio Magnus said, "Monsieur Heaton please go with them."

Kelly paused then gave Randy a pair of handcuffs as she passed, "I am sure you will need these." Nodding in silence Randy accepted the handcuffs then non-to-gently tossed Christopher onto his stomach and with loud clicks; locked the bracelets firmly.

Monday, April 3rd 0400 Hours, Le Charmel School of Academia

The first official response from French authorities was of a lone Gendarme on patrol responding to the numerous reports of a huge explosion heard by many residents of Le Charmel and felt as well; and his radioed report triggered what was taking place now.

The surprise was of finding Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura standing over Doctor Mallwitz having removed him from the wrecked Mercedes, eased Baldwin's mind somewhat since Sanford Christopher was no longer in any condition to talk even if he had wanted to.

Mireille's shot had grazed Dieter and he veered off the road into a stand of trees. The rumble of another helicopter lifting off came to those inside the school infirmary where Doctor Mallwitz and Christopher undergoing treatment for their injuries while under guard. Ned Smith followed by the commander of the Multi-National Anti-Terrorist Unit entered the room and motioning for Randy to follow, headed for the privacy of the doctors office.

The unit commander, about to close the door waited for his second in command to enter then shut the door. French Army Colonel Aleron Dautry and German Army Lieutenant Colonel Heidi Hecker walked past Ned Smith and Randy Baldwin. The woman spoke, "Please take seats."

Colonel Dautry spoke, "Monsieur Baldwin, Monsieur Smith, rather entertaining weekend for both of you, though I am sure you both may have other words for it."

Ned spoke, "Colonel if I may, the Baldwin Foundation did request authorities to check the school. However the sever storms caused those resources to be diverted to what was considered immediate life-saving efforts. Randy Baldwin voicing his concerns to me resulted in the actions that took place this morning. As a duly appointed representative of United States Homeland Security, I took immediate steps to ensure the safety of American citizens on French soil. My report will reflect that."

Lieutenant Colonel Hecker replied, "So noted. You were aware then there were other nationalities here as well? Besides American children, there are children from France, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, and The Netherlands and a smattering of others including Russia."

Randy replied, "Yes I was aware. My wife was here in the capacity of a substitute teacher."

Heidi replied, "From what we learned, your wife had requested additional educational materials from the Foundation offices in Paris which were dispatched by courier. That courier, a former Serbian named Risto Ganic in your employ while on the main access road to this school apparently triggered an explosive device, which downed a rather large tree. He of course crashed and that triggered a distress beacon alerting your foundation to the incident. Out of concern of being unable to make contact with either the courier or your wife; you contacted Monsieur Smith and with additional personnel from the foundation you arrived at the school to find the activities taking place; then took appropriate action."

Baldwin replied, "That pretty much sums it up."

Colonel Dautry spoke, "I see. Since authorization to carry weapons and utilize explosives by the government of France, granted well before this incident to your Foundation, I see no reason for any detainment or penalties. However, I received an odd request forwarded by French Embassy in the United States. The disk is encoded; a woman named Tabitha stated you would know the code. I can assure you that there were no attempts to decode."

Ned watching as Randy accepted the disk replied, "Tabitha? The Tabitha?" as Randy placing the mini-disk within its protective case into a pocket said, "More than likely."

Colonel Dautry then standing held out his right hand, which Randy accepted. Looking at the right ring finger, Randy could clearly see the Hand-of-The-Maiden ring. Accepting the colonel's hand, Randy saw the slight smile as he shook the hand.

Being dismissed both men departed the office and Randy walking out of the infirmary stopped to observe Doctor Dieter Mallwitz and Sanford Christopher being loaded onto a military ambulance. Mallwitz had refused to answer any questions posed to him by Baldwin and later by the Anti-Terror Intelligence Officers. With armed escort to Paris, neither Mallwitz nor Christopher would see freedom again.

Ned spoke, "Well the colonel holds his promises. I see the power has been restored." With the absence of any helicopters, Randy noted it was quiet, the emergency diesels having shut down.

The whine of a golf cart came, and Randy turned to see it was Mireille Bouquet driving with Kirika Yumura as a passenger. Stopping the cart before him, Mireille said, "The military engineers breached the inner doors. You should have a look."

With Ned Smith, Randy boarded the cart and Mireille drove away from the infirmary. Entering the main grounds of the school, Mireille spoke "There were two obstructions to breach. Our interruption prevented the men that Doctor Mallwitz employed from continuing. The second obstruction was 5-centimeter thick steel blast doors. The French Army engineers breeched the doors 30 minutes ago. I believe Monsieur Smith brought up the question about the man named Lars Geckler as to his whereabouts. He has been found."

Ned replied, "Geckler has been found?" Kirika spoke, "That of what is his mummified remains in what appears to be an administrative office in the bunker." Ned replied, "Buried alive?"

Kirika said, "There is evidence of his attempts to gain freedom, however he apparently had at some point was wounded. Whether he died from the wounds or lack of air will have to be left to someone in the field of pathology."

Bouquet bringing the cart to a halt said, "We will have to walk from here."

The group negotiating the temporary roadway, waited briefly as a French Army tractor towing part of the steel blast doors passed them. Randy acknowledged the friendly wave of the operator then continued.

Randy stopping before the bunker entrance, looked back towards the damaged Science Building then said, "The steam trunks were capped? I wonder why the ground troops did not pickup on that in 1944?" as Ned looking at the pipe ends replied, "Shunted to an above ground position. If I remember the photographs that had that Tiger-2 in the background, it would seem to those that a mobile facilities sudden removal coupled with the presence of a train leaving would have them ordering an attack on the train, which we now know was empty and was making a run for the proverbial border. All part of the deception."

Continuing onward, an engineer stopped the group then said, "The air is breathable, but rather stale. Monsieur Baldwin, you and Monsieur Smith's visit is welcome. Please follow the temporary lights. Your associates know the way already."

Randy following Mireille and Kirika marveled at the construction and briefly, stopping at each doorway as they passed viewed the unlighted interiors by flashlight.

Mireille speaking as Randy looking into what appeared to be living quarters said, "The engineers requested we stay out of the rooms till they can be thoroughly checked. There could be surprises waiting." Randy replied, "Good advice. The last room we passed, was that a storeroom?" Kirika spoke, "This was once a natural cavern. The supports we have seen date from a time when used to store casks of wine. The storeroom likely was converted from a wine storage area." Randy turning off the flashlight and continuing forward after Mireille replied, "Sort of reminds me of "The Manor". Kirika stopped then said, "Yes it does." Ned Smith spoke, "Uh what the heck is "The Manor"? Not that place near Spain?" Randy glancing at Ned said, "Yeah that place," then continued after Bouquet who had stopped at a large intersection.

Mireille speaking then pointing to the passageways, "To my right, the command and control center with communications center and offices for the command staff; behind me the passageway leads to an armory. Estimates by the engineers who found it, it can supply and arm 1,000 men. Most of the weapons are still in their original crates."

Mireille walking down the right passageway continued, "Then there is the ultimate prize and what Doctor Mallwitz was seeking." Two large steel doors stopped their progress and Mireille turned and entered a small door. Inside a French Army officer rendered a salute then said, "Gentlemen this way please."

Randy passing through the side passage was unprepared for what he saw spoke, "My God…"

Monday, April 3rd 0700 Hours, Le Charmel School of Academia

Gina Baldwin sitting with Mireille and Kirika had seen her husband return; but he greeted her shallowly and then with Ned Smith had held a private meeting with Lucio Magnus. Randy sitting beside her appeared lost in thought. Growing somewhat discouraged at his current mood, Gina raised her foot and promptly slammed it down on his boot then said, "What ever is wrong with you?"

Randy replied, "That was not needed Gina. You could have just tapped me on the shoulder." Gina replied, "I did three times. Maybe you were sleep eating?" Randy putting the fork he held down said, "I was not sleep eating."

Gina spoke, "Well for you information, school will start late to give the students a chance to get some sleep after all the chaos's this morning. Can you at least have the people at the excavation stop for the day? What ever is down there can wait now."

Randy replied, "Already taken care of except for one matter, then I will head back to Paris. Do you need Mireille and Kirika to stay?"

Gina looking perplexed said, "No I am sure with all the French military personnel running around here, I will be more than safe. However, I will not be back Friday as planned. The headmistress has agreed to extend school to Saturday afternoon to allow everyone to complete their lessons." Randy taking the last bite of his breakfast stood and replied, "I'll let the twins know. Now excuse me Gina, I have to go."

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura too stood. Gina taking Mireille's hand spoke "What is going on? What did he see down there in that bunker?" Kirika speaking softly said, "A hero, Madam Baldwin. Excuse us please."

Except for birds chirping, the silence permeated those present. The hearse with the rear door open stood in the background, the white gloved attendants standing on either side.

The whine of a golf cart behind Baldwin stopped and the footsteps of it occupants broke the silence. Gina Baldwin stopped beside her husband and the other set of footsteps belonging to Kelly Summers came to a halt beside Kirika Yumura.

Gina seeing everyone standing at attention looked towards the improvised roadway built into the excavation. The crunch of feet upon gravel growing louder caused her to look towards the source. In measured steps, six men marched in silence bearing their burden while two escorts marched front and rear.

Reaching the summit of the excavation, the lead marcher his arms swinging in slow exaggerated arcs sidestepping the procession marked time as the men bearing the stretcher passed. Joining the rear marcher, the men continued until the stretcher stopped in front of Randy Baldwin.

The remaining men stopped and stamping their feet into the ground, stood at attention. Gina felt her hand squeezed briefly then her husband stepping forward to face the men, slowly rendered a military salute. The officer on the right spoke, "We present the belongings of Hauptman Lars Geckler." Slowly dropping the salute, Randy spoke "I accept on behalf of the Geckler family." Accepting the small box, Randy executed an about face and returning to Gina's side, executed another.

Calling out commands, the officers turning to face the hearse began marching together as those bearing the stretcher continued forward to the attendants who accepted the stretcher and loading it in silence into the hearse, closed the doors.

All around had rendered salutes, some civilians with hands over their hearts and heads bowed too had shown honor. Waiting until the hearse had pulled away, the commands to carry on resounded and those present in the area returned to their work. Gina breaking the silence said, "Who was he Randy?" Randy replied, "A man who truly believed in France, and a Soldat."

Monday, April 3rd 1700 Hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris, France

Irena Baldwin entered her stepfather's office quietly then approached the sleeping figure on the couch. Touching his shoulder, Irena stepping back as Randy woke up said, "Corey called to say that the painters have finished. I will now drive you home."

Randy swinging his legs to the floor replied, "Thanks. By the way, how are Olivia and Harmony?" Nina entering the office with a cup of coffee replied, "Behaved for the time being father. Now please drink this and change. Mother said to make sure you remained undisturbed because you would likely have to answer many questions later in the day. However, I have seen to it that Monsieur Stolzberg deal with those trivial matters."

Taking the cup from Nina, Randy said "What kind of questions?" Irena elbowing her sister said, "Nothing to be too concerned with. Now we go home." Taking her answer for what it was worth, Randy headed for the changing room. Then upon changing, remembered the disk and having the twins wait outside played the message from Tabitha Alexander.

Alfred Stolzberg drawing doodles upon the notepad listened to the ambassador's representative finish his statement then spoke, "I am sure you agree the discovery is significant. We have all concluded that the items being on French soil should become property of France and its people. For the moment, the discovery needs to remain unannounced until appropriate safeguards are in place. Can I take it upon your words as representatives of your respective governments that this part of the agreement be honored?"

The men and women gathered at the conference table nodded in silence one by one. Alfred Stolzberg taking their acknowledgements as a whole spoke, "Very good. We will meet later in the week to hammer out the statements for the joint news conferences. Thank you all for your time." The attendees rising from their chairs stopped their eyes focused on someone behind Stolzberg who turned to find Randy Baldwin standing in the doorway. Alfred seeing the tiredness in Baldwin's eyes spoke, "Everything has been handled sir." Randy replied addressing the room in general, "I regret not being available, but will avail myself at a time appointed by Alfred later. Thank you all for your understanding. Good night to all of you."

Tuesday, April 4th 0700 Hours, Baldwin Foundation Guest House, Paris, France

"The excitement dying down has helped a lot. The students from my own observations formed their own study groups to help others who got behind. I think everything will work out," said Randy's wife Gina Baldwin.

Randy setting the coffee cup onto its dish spoke, "Good to hear. How is Lucio?"

Gina's voice gave a soft chuckle then said, "Coping. The real Ministry of Education Review Team arrived last night and they started with the books of course. Lucio said to tell you that he did not have any unexpected surprises." Randy spoke, "Ok good to hear. I will be at the office for most of the day. I have to find Geckler's next of kin." Gina replied, "Good luck. I will call tonight to fill you in on what took place, love you hon."

Pressing the release button for Randy, Mireille Bouquet spoke, "What will be the odds of finding Geckler's next of kin?" Randy replied as Kirika Yumura spread cream cheese on her bagel, "I am putting Kelly and Timothy on it first thing. I am hopeful that they can be located. They deserve to know the truth."

Nina paying close attention to Olivia and dabbing a dribble of applesauce spoke, "Well father if you might be late let Ashley know, it's her turn to cook." Irena dealing with Harmony said, "Besides we will be going to the office too, and Gretchen will take care of Olivia and Harmony in day care." Randy replied, "Well one of you get the Mercedes station wagon ready to take them, I still need the Defender."

True to his word, Randy Baldwin had Kelly Summers and Timothy May begin the tedious process of locating relatives and they had a little extra help. Irena and Nina Baldwin joining forces with both, helped provide the answers.

Saturday, April 8th 1500 Hours, Le Charmel School of Academia

Gina Baldwin set the textbook down on her desk then addressed the class. "It indeed will be a week to remember for all of you. I am impressed by your willingness to extend the school week by one day so that there would be no work missed. I hope that your parents will continue your enrollment so that those who are seniors will in turn graduate from this institution when that time comes. Thank you all, and please enjoy your spring break. Class rise, dismissed!"

Tonya Manning with Shane Whitfield approached her desk with book bags in hand. Looking at the two seniors, Gina said, "Well I guess this will be good-bye." Tonya replied, "So you will not return Mrs. Baldwin?" Gina replied, "My contract was but temporary Miss Manning. I came here only to ensure that none of students would miss valuable lessons." Shane replied, "So who will be our new teacher? I mean for the rest of the year. Everyone has different ways of doing things and to start over again, it is not fair to anyone. What I am trying to say is that the class liked the way you did things. You took the time to come out to the study wheel, when you could have stayed in your apartment or even gone to town."

Gina Baldwin remembered when she taught high school in Hall County, Georgia. The enjoyment it had brought her, seeing the successes and helping those who thought themselves as miserable failures to become successes.

Gina spoke, "Mister Whitfield, I appreciate the accolades but the school will begin the search by the first of the week. I have no say in who may succeed me."

Tonya taking Shane's arm said, "We tried. Let's go." The senior's turning away and walking towards the door, stopped. The figures standing in the hallway in silence met their eyes. Gina Baldwin looking to see who had been listening in took a step back. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura standing with her husband Randy then walked in. Randy motioned for the students to leave, "Your parents are waiting."

Gina Baldwin waited as Randy entered then closed the door and said, "Somehow I don't think this just is a reunion." Mireille replied, "No it is not." Randy spoke, "Frankly, I have not heard you so happy in a while. The phone calls pretty much reflected that, and you really impressed the ministry review team. Headmistress Camus is overjoyed as well."

Gina gathering her belongings replied, "I can not very well do this full time, I have Olivia and Harmony to take care of and there is the education program with your foundation too dear husband."

Mireille spoke, "You were and still are first and foremost a teacher. It would put students who have come to know you in such a short period of time at a disadvantage to learn how it is put in English the "quirks" of a new teacher."

Gina frowned then said, "So the former teacher Miss James declined to return." Randy replied, "Unfortunately yes. Christopher's malicious attack traumatized her and she wanted to seek other teaching venues. She left for the United States this morning."

Kirika Yumura spoke, "I would like you to consider a proposal that I have." Gina looking first to her husband then to Mireille and finally to Kirika replied, "Ok, I am listening."

Kirika replied, "We were honored to become godmothers to Olivia and Harmony and charged with such responsibility will carry forth those responsibilities which will leave you time to attend to what is needed here till the completion of the school year. You have my word."

Gina somewhat stunned spoke, "Both of you are serious about this?" Mireille replied, "Yes we are Gina," as Randy, reached within his suit jacket removed an envelope, and passing it to Gina who opened it. Reading the contents, she then reached for a pen and signed it. Folding it and returning it to the envelope Gina said, "You drive a hard bargain, but I accept."

Opening the door, Randy had to catch Tonya before she toppled over. Blushing because of her eavesdropping she said, "I had to wait and hear. I am sorry." Randy replied, "Go tell the rest," then letting the girl go; Randy watched her take off in a dead run down the hallway.

Gina spoke, "Just how much planning went into this husband?" Randy replied, "The morning we barged in, Miss Harding asked me to have you stay. You can guess the rest. Mireille and Kirika overheard the request and they made their own decisions. I had nothing else to do with it." Picking up her own book bag and taking Randy's arm into hers Gina said, "Well for what its worth. Thanks." Then walking out of the classroom the couple headed for the exit. Mireille eyeing the room and then the dry board at the head of the room smiled briefly then reached for the light switch, closing the door as she and Kirika left the classroom.