NOIR

Chapter Six

Substitute

By Steve Edward

Saturday, April 8th 1600 Hours, Le Charmel School of Academia

The news conference held on the grounds of the school had surprised Gina Baldwin. The Baldwin Foundation had requested pool reporters and cameras, the conditions accepted by news organizations was about to come to it conclusion. Declining to use the podium, her husband Randy instead paced at will, at times leaving the raised platform to better explain or answer questions to the individual reporters, using their given first names.

Behind the reporters, the students and their families many for the first time finding out just how dire the situation had come listened intently in hushed silence. Then Randy walking past the reporters, who turned in their chairs to follow his path of travel, watched as he approached Tonya Manning and Shane Whitfield, then motioning to two other students named Wilhelm and Claude to join him said, "These four deserve the most praise. Tonya Manning discovered the staff being held hostage in the dinning hall which among those hostages my own wife Gina."

Ushering the students to the podium, Randy continued, "While Wilhelm and Claude made sure that their fellow students were safe by barricading them inside the gymnasium and creating a nearly impenetrable barricade while Shane did something extraordinary. My wife removed from the dinning hall by a guard while under armed escort down a hallway which unknown to the hostage takers was now booby trapped by the students was rescued by Shane Whitfield."

Randy motioning for Lucio Magnus to come forward, Randy said, "There are few words that can express our appreciation but I believe these can. Tonya Manning, Shane Whitfield, Wilhelm and Claude; when you decide on the college of your choice there will be no worry about tuition, and for the remainder of the students attending this school a scholarship fund in the name of Manning-Whitfield has been established. The student or students from each graduating class with the highest grades will receive a tuition free education to the college of their choice." Gina then stood and joined her husband giving the gilded edge portfolios to the respective students.

A half hour later, the Baldwins were air born to Paris and their destination Orly International Airport.

Saturday, April 8th 1730 Hours, Foundation One enroute Frankfurt, Germany

Having swapped with Daniel Winters and Hiram Grey for the flight, Kay Milroy and Ester Grey flew the Gulfstream V gently. In the passenger cabin, The Baldwin's with their stepchildren and Noir passed the time.

Nina returned from the galley with a serving tray and setting it on the table poured her stepfather and mother's their coffee then removing the sippy cups took them to Olivia and Harmony who began to drink.

Gina looking at the rosewood box in the seat next to her husband spoke, "That looks familiar. Did that belong to Geckler?"

Randy reaching for the box and removing the simple clasp replied, "Yes it was Lars Geckler's. It holds personal mementoes of his family and his diary." Reaching within, Randy removed a weathered journal inside a clear plastic case, then a CD-ROM.

Gina raising an eyebrow said, "I don't think they had that in 1944." Irena to her rear said, "It holds the translation of the diary. The conservator's at Musée du Louvre recommended that the diary exposer to current conditions be minimal. There are three files, one in German the others in English and French for those desiring to read the contents."

Randy picked up a laptop from the storage rack next to the table and then inserted the disk after turning on the computer. Selecting the English translation, Randy selected the pages listed in September 1944. Turning the screen to face Gina, Randy said, "Lars was not a soldier, he had been given the rank of Hauptmann upon being assigned to Mallwitz's father to have some pull over the German soldiers guarding the Louvre of 1944. His specialty was preservation, which likely played a key role in ensuring the items taken from Paris remained undamaged during and after transport. The key point of his diary about what took place begins on Sunday, September 3, 1944."

Gina began reading, "My Dearest Wife,

Fleeing the advancing allied forces has taken us to a winery in Le Charmel. Dieter's plan to remove the remaining art that he felt should belong to the Fatherland has fallen through. Seeking safety, he directed that the train go to Le Charmel. The last of the material removed and stored into the command bunker, which he said will be sealed."

Gina spoke, "So the train carried stolen artwork?" Kirika replied, "Yes Madam Baldwin. Mallwitz carried out the removal on the orders of Hermann Goring. Goring was an art lover to the extreme. The rumors of gold bullion on the same train that proved true."

Randy spoke, "It had been boxed, but the wood decayed. My first look was of bars of gold seemingly piled in the open. Even the French Army engineers were stunned."

Gina keyed the next page, scanning the date she spoke "Two days later?" Randy replied, "Nina and Irena thought they had missed something, but there is a good reason for the passage of time."

Tuesday, 5 September 1944

"My Dearest Wife,

I write these words by lamp light, surrounded by wealth beyond my dreams. Dieter had asked that I accompany him one last time on Sunday. Entering the treasure room, Dieter asked that I join him in a drink of celebrating our escape. Not wanting to refuse I had accepted. I shamefully tossed the white nectar back, then while placing the glass upon the table; Dieter called my name then wished me well on my journey. I did not see the weapon until it was too late. He shot me."

Gina spoke, "Like father like son?" Mireille replied, "Apparently so."

"My estimate of being unconscious for two days is at best a guess. My watch stopped shortly after midnight as the calendar changed. Finding a lantern and returning to where the entrance once was, I discovered it had been sealed."

"Mallwitz left Geckler for dead?" said Gina Baldwin as she scrolled to the next entry.

Randy replied, "Yes he did. Lars's wound had been nearly fatal. However, during his period of being unconscious Lars's injuries began to heal but only slightly. It does not get any better."

Gina continued reading,

"My thoughts of rejoining you have faded as my own life fades; but when death comes it will be welcomed knowing that we will truly meet each other again, but till it comes I must carry out one last duty. It will be to seal small vents. Once the last one is closed, death will come. With you in my thoughts I carry out my duties to the end…"

Gina sitting back into her seat said, "He sealed the vents? He might have survived! He could even have been rescued."

Mireille replied, "Discovering the work around those vents, I presumed that Geckler was trying to get free, but he had actually sheared the valves off in the closed positions. The greatest enemy to artwork is oxygen. Take that away, microbes die as well."

Randy spoke, "Gina, more than likely Lars realized the futility of being rescued. Therefore, his last duty was to seal the doors and the vents and of course, his wound aggravated by his movements grew worse. He died peacefully in his sleep. The engineers when they breached the final doors, found him on a cot. He did his last duty rather well too. He used oil-fired lanterns to consume the last of the oxygen. It takes about 21 percent oxygen to support life both human and animal. The initial readings were below 8 percent. Most of the lanterns found had enough oil within to burn for at least three days. They are of the same type we have at the farm for emergencies. Those can burn up to five days in continuous use." Gina closing the program replied, "So we have a rough idea when he died. Will the family be fully informed?"

Randy replied, "That is my intention. His widow is in a nursing home in Frankfurt. They had one son and one daughter, both still living. Kelly Summers is on the ground in Frankfurt making final arrangements. Corey and Ashley asked to participate along with the twins, which is why we are all here. The service will be tomorrow afternoon."

Returning the laptop to the storage rack, Randy interrupted by an intercom call from the cockpit the voice of Ester Grey said, "Randy, Foundation Office in Paris has a call from Tokyo for you. Shall I patch it through?"

Gina lowered her seatback as Randy picking up the in-flight phone replied, "Go ahead with it Ester."

With her husband preoccupied with the call, Gina fell into a light sleep for the remainder of the flight.

Saturday, April 8th 2000 Hours, Home of Geckler Family, Frankfurt, Germany

Manfred Geckler with his sister Viveka who was one year younger sat before the Baldwins and their entourage. Outside the window, Manfred could see the stretch Mercedes Benz limousine in which his guests had arrived.

Between them rested the rosewood box containing his father's diary and personal effects each examined rested in the box.

Manfred spoke, "Then he was not a traitor as many alleged nor a coward Herr Baldwin." Randy replied, "The true coward was Mallwitz, bent on keeping things quiet so he tried to kill your father, but failed. In the end your father, realizing that regardless of the outcome the artwork and other material removed from Paris had to be preserved. He did an effective job of sealing the bunker."

Kirika Yumura standing nearby studied the framed drawings hanging from the walls of the sitting room. Approaching one she spoke, "Your father's Herr Geckler?" Manfred replied, "Yes. Our mother treasured those of his work; they are the only memories she has left of him till now of course."

Randy having read Berta Geckler's background information said, "You mother never remarried and raised both of you. I understand she worked as a secretary for the US Army after the war."

Viveka relied, "Yes Herr Baldwin that is correct. She served as a secretary and interpreter. You can understand the stigma of a widow just 20 years old who refused the advances of suitors willing to raise us as their own, however she still dreamed that Lars would one day come through the door."

Gina spoke, "I know you hoped that we had brought news that he was still alive and I am deeply sorry that her wish could not come true; but she will have closure now knowing his remains have been recovered."

Viveka spoke, "You have our gratitude as well. We can not repay your enough for the trouble that you undertook to find us."

Randy had presumed it would have been a needle in a haystack to find surviving relatives much less even Lars widow, however Berta's long stint of employment beginning in 1945 with the US Army did not end till her retirement over 50 years later in 1995 at 70 years of age. The Stars and Strips News Paper had carried an article about her long service, the article electronically archived and discovered by Nina made it easy for Timothy May to locate her. Her civil pension sent electronically to a bank in Germany which they provided the address in Frankfurt which Kelly Summers followed up on, made contact with Manfred and Viveka.

Randy spoke, "You can thank one of my stepdaughters for that. Nina found an article about your mother in the Stars and Stripes and the rest is history. My associate Kelly Summers who you met earlier simply followed the paper trail of your mother's retirement pension." The baby twins began chattering, interrupting the quiet atmosphere.

Gina spoke, "I am sorry that my little ones are restless but we have kept you long enough. If you will excuse us for the time being until tomorrow we all need some rest." Irena holding onto Olivia gathered her charge up as Nina took Harmony. With Viveka escorting them to the front door, she spoke "Your stepsisters have someone that they can lookup to. I envy them both, until tomorrow may all of you have a good night."

Sunday, April 9th 1500 Hours, German Municipal Cemetery, Frankfurt, Germany

The gun carriage holding the remains of Hauptmann Lars Geckler stopped on cue. With only elderly friends who had come to the service and then the cemetery none of whom had the physical strength to left the casket, Manfred asked Randy Baldwin if he would be a pallbearer. Accepting the request, Randy Baldwin with his stepson Corey lined up to accept the casket.

Another man, joining Manfred with sadness said, "At least the government realizes what he had done," as the German Army Honor Guard took their positions." Then with the funeral director leading, the small group followed a narrow cobblestone path to Geckler's final resting place.

Wednesday, April 12th 1400 Hours, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

"Madam Yumura, excellent work. The attention you have placed upon the areas of concern will help it survive another one hundred years," said the voice of the conservationist standing to her side.

The painting by impressionist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot appeared to be that of a farmer tolling in his field. The conservationist spoke, "It appears to be the island of Corsica. One can see the fledging seaport below. Corot seems to point two the two different views, that of the ships of distant lands and the farmer's small world around him."

Placing the brushes within a holding tray, Kirika stepping away bid her tutor good afternoon then left the workroom. Returning her tools to the storeroom, Kirika left the controlled environment and passing others who were returning to their own projects; entered the service elevator.

Arriving on the central floor, Kirika exited the elevator and headed for the main entrance, it was there that Mireille Bouquet waited. Mireille greeted Kirika then said, "Is your project going well?" Kirika replied, "It will be ready for display at weeks end. It will make many in the art world joyful to see the many magnificent pieces once thought lost forever to see the light of the day once again."

The discovery had rocked the art world, and it had taken thirty-five tractor-trailers to carry the recovered artworks sealed within metallic containers that had become their protective cocoons for sixty-two years. Under armed escort both ground and air based the precious cargos were returned to the Musée du Louvre; there conservationists began the delicate and tedious task of opening each metal container.

Blueprints containing the design of the containers recovered from within the former German military bunker assisted the conservationists. What surprised some was the name of the designer, Lars Geckler.

Corey Baldwin sat cross-legged atop the hood of the Defender with his stepfather Randy leaning against the front left fender. The truck parked nearby, carried the markings of Legard Industrial & Fabrication. Tipping his ball cap back to get a better view, Randy said, "Interesting way to move the new boiler. Legard's original plans were to build a sloping ramp, but the bunker entrance and the old steam service lines in the way precluded that."

Corey studied the engineering drawing given to him by Brent Legard then said, "Monsieur Legard created a jig to give support to the boiler during the lift. Once fully lowered, the hydraulic rams will push the jig into final position on the temporary guide beams. The jig will remain in place and will become part of the building's support structure giving added strength to the original beams."

With access to the bunker temporarily halted by the repair work to the Science Building, the gawking taking place mostly at the temporary office trailers where historians and even military personnel stood observing the operation served to remind Randy that this was no ordinary event.

Brent Legard in the foreground took one last sighting as the jig's weight settled onto the beams, the Teflon disks beneath spreading as predicted spoke into his portable radio then signaled to his assistant to begin the operation of the hydraulic rams. Leaving the surveyor scope behind, Brent turned away and seeing Randy Baldwin began walking towards him.

Randy met Brent halfway and then with Corey headed for the trailer that served as Legard's on-site office. Entering the trailer, Brent offered both seats and glancing at a monitor that feed a video feed of the jig's progress spoke, "Monsieur Baldwin, a pleasure to see you again. Enjoying the show so far?"

Randy replied, "I am impressed. How long before it is in the final position?" Brent spoke, "At best twelve hours barring complications, forty-eight if there are. If all goes well, when in final position, the glide disks removed and replaced by machined spacers. The critical aspect is final alignment and coupling of piping. That is the complication of which I speak of."

Corey replied, "The blueprint indicates a margin of error of only two centimeters on the horizontal and vertical plane. I am curious, did you factor time of day into the final calculations and forecasted temperatures?"

Brent Legard sitting back in his chair then crossing his arms across his chest replied, "That has been taken into account, young Baldwin as we have portable heaters in place to maintain ambient temperatures when the jig is in final position."

Gina Baldwin entered the playroom where Nina and Irena were keeping Harmony and Olivia occupied. Kneeling between the two children, who giggled at their mother then stood together and walked to her. Gina hugged each and taking their hands into hers walked slowly with them to a low couch where they sat down together and Gina reaching for a storybook began to read to each.

Irena gathering the loose toys before Kirika's arrival said, "Mother? Do you think that the emergency repairs to the school facilities will be completed in time?" Gina pausing in the storytelling replied, "Your father is confident that it will be done. Monsieur Legard pledged to have all work done, and I believe he will keep his word."

The soft chimes of the doorbell announcing visitors then sounded and Nina placing the remaining toys on the shelf exited the playroom and entering the hallway heading for the front door said, "The nanny has arrived."

Opening the door, Nina bowed in greeting as Kirika/Saya entered the home followed by Mireille. Kirika/Saya seeming to glide along the hallway paused before the open doors of the playroom and waited for Harmony and Olivia to recognize her before she entered.

Monday, April 17th 0900 Hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Paris, France

Risto Ganic returning to work from convalescence leave did not know what to expect. Monsieur Baldwin had seen to it that he returned to Paris by Medevac helicopter and that all the expenses taken care of. Ganic found his Vespa still safely parked, but it had been carefully covered and chained to prevent easy theft.

Entering the reception area, Adeline Adora greeted him and directed him to see Alfred Stolzberg in his office. Passing the Watch Room, Lehman Hermes waved at him as he passed. Steeling himself, Risto knocked on Stolzberg's door then entered when Alfred looking up from paperwork on his desk said, "Ah my good man. Come in please, I've been expecting you."

Alfred reached within his desk drawer and removing a folder, set it upon the desk then spoke, "Monsieur Baldwin directed that you were to be briefed on the status of your employment. As far as he is concerned, you are still a valuable employee and would like to retain you."

Risto who had been studying both French and English during his convalescence replied in English, "I am prepared to be fired." Alfred cocking an eyebrow said, "Why on earth do you consider your employment terminated?"

Risto spoke, "I caused loss of valuable property belonging to Monsieur Baldwin that was entrusted to me, and as a result I can not expect to compensate my employer fully for his loss."

Alfred pondered that statement then said, "Monsieur Ganic, Randy considers the motorcycle a non-issue in your case. Besides he did blow it up, since he could not disentangle the motorcycle from the fallen tree." Risto blinked then replied, "The monsieur blew up his motorcycle?"

"Yes Risto I blew up my motorcycle," said Randy Baldwin who standing in doorway with Nina looked at the puzzled Serbian. Randy entering Alfred's office continued, "I did not have much a choice. The tree had shifted and rolled onto the motorcycle. It being totaled anyway, I sent it out with a big bang; it served as a diversion."

Randy speaking to Alfred, "You have that document ready?"

Alfred moving one folder aside and retrieving another said, "The wording has been accepted and just needs the signatures of the agreeing parties," as he passed the folder to Randy, Nina said to Risto, "How is your leg?" Risto seemed to blush slightly as Nina placed her hand onto his shoulder.

Randy not missing the man's nervousness spoke, "Nina? Perhaps another time?" as Nina realizing the embarrassment she caused replied, "I am sorry Monsieur Ganic." Risto appearing relieved replied, "My leg is fully healed Lady Baldwin."

Randy bending over and applying his signature then returning the document to Alfred said, "Alfred if you would do the honors please," and Alfred Stolzberg turned in his chair an opened a drawer and withdrew a set of keys.

Standing and handing them to Risto, Alfred said, "You of course saw your Vespa. The key for the lock is on the key ring. The other set of keys belong to the BMW K1200 GT that will be your road bike for the longer trips. It is the twin to the one that was wrecked, but Randy insisted it be obtained since you had become familiar with its handling qualities."

Risto accepting the keys replied, "I am humbled Monsieur Baldwin." Randy walking to Risto's side said, "No I am the one that is humbled. You stuck your neck out while injured. What you did helped me save my wife. Thanks again." Then Randy departed Alfred's office with Nina.

If in Paris, one would presume to dress like Parisians. Kirika/Saya dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono cast a wary eye at others around her enjoying the park. Harmony and Olivia would have appeared to have been miniature versions of her had it not been for their blond locks. Though far different from anything Kirika had done before, being a substitute for the real Japanese nanny had proven easier than she thought.

Kirika understood that an organized schedule helped with discipline. Taking the twins to the park at specific times to enjoy the company of others their age had helped, but she realized that the visits began attracting observers who found the manner of dress of her and her charges to be extraordinary that the trio accompanied by the family "pet" to be in contrast to the "ordinary" park visitors.

The observers had grown in number, each at a respective distance. The first had been an older man, silver haired. With easel and a small folding stool, he had taken up his observation position from beneath a sprawling oak. It had become rather evident that she and the twins with Gregor were his subjects, when Mireille Bouquet deliberately passed nearby observed the beginnings of the man's artwork.

Mireille observing the observers to check on their projects found that Kirika/Saya and the twins had become favorites of artists who frequented the park.

Closing the book she had been reading, Mireille stood from the park bench as Kirika/Saya began gathering her charges. The silver haired artist seemed unhurried, his brush strokes slow but assuring gathered the details of what he witnessed onto his canvas as Kirika/Saya with Harmony and Olivia walking along the park path returned to the Baldwin home. The other observers, Mireille noted seemed to increase their movements translating what they too saw onto their own respective canvases until the trio followed by the family "pet" became indistinguishable among the trees along the path.

Mireille followed the silver haired artist as he walked from the park. The man approached a battered bicycle and unlocking it stored his paint and brushes in a basket then carefully securing his canvas, the man instead of riding the bicycle began to walk. Mireille saw why the man was walking instead of riding. The rear tire low on air was nearly flat.

Mireille followed the man until he arrived at an apartment building that had seen better days. Watching his progress up the stairs until he arrived on the second floor landing where he entered an apartment that faced the street, Mireille turned away retracing her path.

Gina Baldwin driving the cart stopped as the construction vehicle passed then resumed her travel. Beside her, Oliver Heaton holding a box of books balanced on his lap said, "It will not be soon enough Madam Baldwin. I will be happy when the quiet returns."

Braking to a halt at their destination Gina replied, "I know the feeling too. Thankfully the students will not have to endure the noise."

Gathering the other boxes of books, Gina with Oliver entered the building and headed for her classroom. Placing the books onto storage shelves, Oliver and Gina sorted the books by grade.

Wednesday, April 19th 1100 Hours, Paris, France, Artists Street Display

In as many days, Mireille Bouquet had quietly followed the white haired painter, first to his small apartment then to a street display where he placed his paintings for sale.

Many other aspiring artists were there as well, each displaying his or her wares. While some added eye catching flags or used other means to attract buyers both tourist and locals, the white haired artist with simplicity set out his paintings then using the same stool which he sat upon during painting waited, the sunlight catching and bringing the colors to life.

Approaching his wares, Mireille focused on the one painting she had intense interest. The oil painting seemed a moment frozen in time. The detail of Kirika's kimono, the rose print upon it detailed to the twins Olivia and Harmony own kimonos, and the fountain in the background, the white mist falling to the pool below seemed that of a photograph of rushing water.

Then there were others in the park scene as well, and Mireille noted that she too had become part of the scene, her resemblance present upon a park bench reading a book with Gregor between her and Kirika standing an alert watch upon the children.

Turning away and continuing her browsing, Mireille seeing a café, walked towards it and reaching into her purse removed her cell phone and dialed Randy Baldwin's private number.

Forty-Five minutes later a familiar vehicle stopped near the café and the driver with two passengers exited the Land Rover Defender. Nina and Irena Baldwin with their stepfather Randy approached the café and taking seats at the table with Mireille placed their orders.

Sitting back in his chair, the passerby's reflected in his sunglasses, Randy said, "So what would get my interest Madam Bouquet?"

Mireille replied, "You observed the group of artists as you passed?" Randy replied, "Kind of hard not to. Some of the paintings appeared interesting, others less so." Accepting her drink from the waiter, Mireille spoke "Very well then. Eat first then let your sight be the guide. I suggest starting on this side of the street first."

Following her suggestion, Baldwin set out after their brief lunch. With Nina and Irena at a respective distance, Randy passed various displays of paintings. Many elaborate, others simplistic. Coming to near the center of the display area, Randy stopped.

Mireille Bouquet joining him spoke, "The subjects themselves within a city park, not of Tokyo but of Paris."

He recognized the frozen movements of the subjects. Randy studied both Harmony and Olivia who were following the actions of their "teacher". T'ai Chi a form of martial arts used for health reasons and even relaxation. In the simple form that Kirika was using with the twins, it aided in developing discipline and self-control. In its most advanced form, it was deadly in the hands and feet of those practiced in that form of hand-to-hand combat; and Kirika's advanced state of training proven many times over made her the ideal teacher.

"Remarkable," said Randy turning to Mireille who replied, "Indeed. She has attracted a following, merely observers who apply what they have seen to canvas and paper." Nina and Irena going further down the sidewalk approached an artist displaying charcoal drawings. One stood out, Kirika with the twins sitting upon a blanket. Reading the title, Nina said, "Tea Ceremony," then with Irena continued among the other displays.

The artist had remained silent throughout, Baldwin turned away from the painting and approaching the man said with a smile, "I presume it is for sale?"

Friday, April 21st 1800 Hours, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

The helicopter flight from Le Charmel had been pleasant for Gina Baldwin. After lift-off, Kay Milroy had passed over the Science Building where repair work completed and all that remained was last minute landscaping. With the temporary office trailers removed, the grounds around the school appeared normal.

Arriving in Paris, Gina whisked by limousine to the Foundation guesthouse reunited with her husband, children had small snack then with Noir, Mireille Bouquet, and Kirika Yumura departed for the Louvre.

The reception held was formal, and for the Baldwin's entourage was private. The hours of labor poured into ensuring the paintings recovered from bunker at Le Charmel were properly prepared for display.

Gina and Randy walking arm-in-arm, entered the Louvre and Gina stopped gazing at the artwork. Speaking softly she said, "All of this?" Kirika replied, "These are but a small number and ones that required little attention. In the restoration center, the backlog is so significant that if done entirely here, it would take five years to fully process."

Gina replied, "I thought the containers were air tight and moister proof? Did something happen?" Kirika spoke, "Herr Geckler meant well; however because of the lack of resources he had no way to purge the interior contents. The air and moister content varied though still low did cause some deterioration in older paintings. Those created after the mid-1800's faired better. Many will require long-term treatment within special pressure chambers, which will extract contaminants."

Ushering Gina forward, Randy spoke, "There is something I wanted you to see and I might add Kirika has no idea about it either." Kirika Yumura coming to a stop replied, "Monsieur Baldwin? What do you speak of?" Mireille said, "Your daily visits with our godchildren to the park made you the subject of artists as you may be aware of. One of them was rather noteworthy."

A guard standing at the entrance to a display room withdrew the rope and stepped aside. In the darkness, a single flood light illuminated a covered easel. Nina and Irena passing both Gina and Kirika approached the easel and taking positions on either side carefully removed the covering. Randy spoke, "Lights please."

Gina releasing her hold upon Randy's arm, walked slowly to the painting, gazed in wonder then said, "My God, it's beautiful!" Arrayed about the room were other drawings and paintings all inspired by Kirika's daily activities with the twins."

Randy spoke, "While you have been in Le Charmel, Kirika assuming the appearance of Saya took the twins to the park each day. Among the daily rituals, that the twins went through was T'ai Chi. Notice the particular movement. It is part of the form of movement used to achieve discipline, which both are becoming more adept at behaving. I might add my dear wife, so far, no repeats of having ones feet kicked out from under them.

Gina replied, "You used T'ai Chi with Nina and Irena if I recall correctly." Randy spoke, "As did Kirika and Mireille, and Kirika realized that they were mimicking what they had seen that is of course after she and I were upended. Corey told her what he had seen when she left the house for the garden." Mireille said, "Your family leads a rather active and rough and tumble life full of excitement. Olivia and Harmony besides being gifted in numerous languages because of their exposure to so many also view the activities of their older siblings as a learning experience and being exposed to their training workouts with us they in turn were practicing what they had seen."

Gina spoke, "Then I guess it is settled. I obviously cannot stop the lessons. They will need further guidance, as they grow older. Mireille, Kirika, I presume that when time permits you will help with the needed lessons?" Kirika replied, "I will do so Madam Baldwin, it will be an honor."

The invitation only viewing, successful in its own right led to the grand opening the following day titled "The Lost Oil's". Including the paintings and other valuables recovered from the former German Army bunker the overall value exceeded 500 million Euros or nearly 640 million US dollars.

With agreements reached with assistance of the Baldwin Foundation, artwork in need of restoration shipped to the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Japan to ease the workload of French conservators, while conservators from other European Union Member Nations working hand in hand with their French counter-parts helped with the more delicate artwork that could not withstand extended shipping.

Gina Baldwin returned as promised to Le Charmel to finish the school year. When the school day started on April 24, the number of students officially registered to attend numbered 475, and overseen by a new school council board.

Despite the odds, Le Charmel's Boys Soccer Team led by Shane Whitfield successfully won the region championship.

Doctor Dieter Mallwitz and Sanford Christopher tried in French courts and found guilty of numerous charges including kidnapping and assault, are serving life sentences for their crimes.

Fin.

Question and Answers sent by author readers:

Numerous readers of this author's Noir Story arc have sent questions that they have about the characters created by the author who interact with Noir and other trivia.

Q: The aircraft carrier, which you referenced in conducting the retrieval Randy Baldwin and Noir in the storyline "Associations"; is that the US Navy Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz CVN-68?

A: Yes, the carrier USS Nimitz played a part in retrieving then CIA agent Randy Baldwin and Noir after their first "encounter" in a Middle-Eastern compound. The ship's well-equipped surgical suite came into play to treat Kirika Yumura shrapnel wounds under the watchful eye of Randy Baldwin, who aided in their further travels by "commandeering" a carrier onboard delivery aircraft that flew Noir and Baldwin to Naples, Italy where they would part ways until nearly four years later. In "Blind Trusts" The sisters to the Nimitz, the USS Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln would participate in operations involving Noir. The former commanding officer of the Nimitz would reunite with Baldwin and Agent Ned Smith and the ship's air wing would help provide cover for Noir and the US Marine landing team.

Q: I noticed that Randy Baldwin, being a man has managed to survive the close encounters with Noir, especially Kirika. If possible, can you explain?

A: Baldwin's initial encounter with Noir could have meant instant death for him, but the apparent lack of fear of dying at Noir's hands and his refusal to engage either woman left an impression on Kirika that she did not forget. Randy perhaps perceived as a father figure in her eyes, though she has engaged in hand-to-hand combat, in which she could have easily killed Baldwin. The injuries she has inflicted on Randy Baldwin have been survivable.

Q: Kirika appears to be submissive to Mireille, yet will at times appear to act on her own. Can you explain why?

A: Mireille is the dominate decision maker for the pair and their friendship forged in the heat of battle proved that. Kirika is the tactician of the pair and the risk taker. A quick thinker, Kirika can and will divert from the "planned" objective if she sees another way to do it without informing Mireille though one must admit Mireille has learned a great deal from her partner, so much so that she can consider Kirika merely as an extension of her own two hands.

Q: The Lagonel Manuscript, which Sister Altena used for the initiation, ended up in the custody of Randy Baldwin. Where did this take place and why?

A: The Lagonel Manuscript best described as "The Bible" of Noir; contains the "final" charge that is set forth within a religious ceremony and instills within the final candidate pair of their life mission, however long or short it maybe.

The author's story "The Forgotten" chronicled its use during an attempt by a faction of the Soldats to create a Noir pair that they could control.

Shortly after the end of Mireille and Kirika's own trial, the manuscript recovery and placement into the custody of an elderly nun named Sister Katrina living in Pas de la Casa, France for the time being was successful. However, the Soldat faction demanding custody of the Lagonel Manuscript resulted in the nun sending it to Randy Baldwin in the United States.

Baldwin with his then newlywed wife the former Gina Frazier traveled to the location of the fictional "Manor" located in the foothills of Pyrenees Mountains, where teaming up with Noir resulted in the capture of the new Noir candidates.

Q: Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura deputized by the character Phil Nagel who is the county sheriff; are they still sworn and how did Phil find out about their true backgrounds?

A: Noir deputized by the sheriff in the storyline "Secrets" assisted in the recovery of Ashley Frazier then kidnapped, and he has never withdrawn the charge he gave. Nagel learned about both women in "Associations", after coming to the Baldwin farm to investigate activities of his old friend.

Q: The Baldwin Foundation established after events in "Blind Trusts" has offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Paris, France and Tokyo, Japan. What is its precise mission and how is Noir involved?

A: Rand with Gina established the foundation to investigate cases of human smuggling involving children, and other types of illicit activities. It is also involved in settling disputes, maintaining where possible neutrality to assist in solving international disputes. The foundation also is heavily involved in aid programs that assist countries that are trying to recover from certain events, among which can include civil war and natural disasters.

Gina Baldwin developing an education program for the illiterate established teaching programs in the United States, Europe and in Asia; these programs overseen by the respective offices, where program managers oversee the education programs underway in their areas.

Noir is not by any means the "sword" of the Baldwin Foundation and conduct their own assignments. If conducive to an event taking place, Noir will interact with the Baldwin's as they may be focusing on the same goal.

Q: Where and how did Baldwin get the C130-J Hercules Tactical aircraft that appears in the author's story arc?

A: The aircraft first appears in the story "Deception", where three new characters are introduced, Kay Milroy and Else F Conroy along with the aircraft loadmaster Lisa Mead. After events chronicled in "Blind Trusts", Baldwin offered a lease to buy option on the aircraft, accepted the deal. Martha Edelstein the office manger for the Atlanta office of the Baldwin Foundation formerly worked for the company that built the aircraft. One can presume she had something to do with the foundation obtaining the aircraft.

Q: What is the satellite landing system you described on the C130-J?

A: It is an experimental landing system currently in testing for commercial use, which uses a heads-up display in the cockpit to give a view of the terrain, as it would appear in normal weather. Its first indicated use was during a mercy flight into Brunswick, Maine by Foundation II piloted by Kay Milroy. The aircraft returning from an overseas aid flight by chance heard radio traffic concerning the dire need of the medical airlift. Baldwin, onboard the aircraft diverted to Brunswick and with Milroy and Conroy at the controls made the daring landing in conditions termed zero/zero. The child of the customs agent stationed at Brunswick flown to Ohio for life saving surgery survived.