It was surely not easy trying to integrate the life of a common citizen of this world. The first contact with a person not related to the army or diplomacy had not helped, but in the end, the Princess and I are starting to understand how living here really is.
The man owning the apartment we are in is called Mathis Moreau, and he is the brother of Lieutenant Moreau. It always hurt me a little when I was seeing two siblings together, but now that I have the certainty that Lucius is alive, this pain didn't appear when this revelation was made.
One thing I'll never forget is when Sir Mathis had to buy a large quantity of food for the entire group. It's sure that when such an important number of guests suddenly arrives, you can't prepare yourself. When he asked if someone was willing to help him, the five of us expressed our interest. But the man in the long coat shook his head and ordered that the three refugees stay in the apartment for their safety. Though, he agreed, not without resignation, that the Princess and I go with Sir Mathis if there was going to have someone going with us.
And that is how I ended up visiting what they call a "grocery store". The quantity and diversity of the products available are beyond the imagination. From simple treats to meat stored in machines capable of producing cold, you can really find anything. And when you find what you want you still have choice between variations of the same products, produced by different "brands". I still don't quite get the ideas behind this kind of diversity, but I know this is one of the many surprises this world has to offer.
The one that accompanied us in this little adventure was Sir Sostat, and we had the opportunity to exchange a few words.
« Why did we wanted to conquer such an incredible city ? » I whispered to myself as we left the store.
« It is sure that sending an entire army isn't the best way to make first contact, he laughed back after hearing me. I understood that the one that lead the invasion was your brother, right ? »
This question surprised me. But I was quick on the reply.
« Yes. » I answered.
« I'm guessing that it wasn't his first time leading an army… »
« Indeed. He had already led legions during the campaign against the Warrior Bunnies. According to him, despite their savageness, their lack of organization allowed for an easy victory. »
He didn't answer immediately, like he was thinking about his past.
« I'm going to tell you something. I too already saw combat in far away lands against an unconventional enemy. There is a quote from a man called Larry Foulke that I always keep in the back of my mind, especially in such an unbalanced war. "Those who survive a long time on the battlefield start to think they are invincible." I always try to remember that. »
This sentence has remained in my head ever since. Did the Empire became so blind by its power that we just couldn't imagine an enemy with a greater military might ? Did we forget what a peaceful diplomacy is ?
Despite the somewhat sudden change in today's event, the visits that had been promised to us are maintained, and I have the feeling that what we will see and hear are going to change our perspective of this world even more. In which direction ? I can't tell. But I can affirm that it is going to be beyond our imagination.
Extract of Boses Co Palesti's diary, written in Mathis Moreau's apartment, December 1st 2016
Paris, Mathis Moreau's apartment, December 1st 2016, 1803 Paris Time
« Seriously, why didn't you tell me you were that many ? » asked Mathis, taking a large bite of his ham sandwich.
« We didn't have the time for you to give us your approval. » sarcastically answered Anthony after sipping from a glass of soda.
Inside the living room, everyone had found a place around the small coffee table, either by sitting on the couch or one of the chairs that had been moved away from their usual position around the dining table.
It sure wasn't a usual sight. Four soldiers, the brother of one of them, two Interior Security agents and five women from another world dressed in regular clothes, all eating what was basically a large inside picnic in a cramped space.
« Why do you always have to drag me into your mess ? » sighed the brother.
« I don't know… The safety of five really important people, I guess. »
Again, Mathis sighed, much to the delight of his sarcastic brother.
« Anyway, started Bonisseur, I have transmitted our position, and guard teams are in position. Everything is now returning towards the original plan. »
« And does that means what I think it means ? » asked Jordan as he took another chicken wing from a plastic bag laying in the middle of other foods.
« If what you are thinking about is the free time in the morning, Sergeant, then yes it is what you think. »
The Texan made a fist and shook it slightly. It was an obvious sign of joy for some, but not so obvious for the Princess and her aide that looked confusedly at the American non-commissioned officer.
He laughed before starting to explain to the two the meaning of the gesture and also translate the news that Bonisseur gave.
There was nothing to worry, and everything was under control.
Silence returned on the group, only interrupted by chewing sounds. You may come from one world or another, but eating is always a sacred moment. And for some, it was another part of the discovery of a brand new environment.
« Is there anything on TV right now ? » asked Trevis that had just finished her bag of chips.
« Well… I don't know… » simply answered Anthony as he grabbed the remote of the screen.
The scene that appeared on one part of the display was the summon, and more precisely Rory's answer to Retal's question, the other part being a so called expert that was trying to give an answer to the question "Can someone be nine-hundred years old ?". All around the screen were the symbols and banners of a news network, and according to the several "Breaking News" symbols, those images had been showed ever since the summon ended.
Did anyone cared about what this expert was talking about ?
Well, apart from the princess and Boses being amazed by the moving pictures, they were the people that everybody was talking about. So the only thing they were focusing on was the rolling banner at the bottom of the screen.
And the news they actually wanted to hear about appeared shortly after.
"Explosion in an apartment building near Montmartre. Two dead and five injured. First investigations identified a gas leak as the cause."
« A gas leak, huh ? » simply stated Mathis, looking suspiciously at Bonisseur.
« Let just say that's how we try to patch things up. » sarcastically replied the agent.
« Gotta give credit to those guys though, let out Moltke. The media and the rest of the world were sure that we were at the other side of the city, and yet they found where we were heading in reality. They might have fucked up at the end, but I still find it impressive. »
Some nodded at the words of the German soldier.
It was somewhat of a scary thought. Did someone leaked the information to those people ? And who where they anyway ?
Again, silence returned. This time, it was a little more awkward.
« Anyway… said Mathis to break the stalemate, we should probably find a room for everybody. My roommates aren't here, so I have two bedrooms available… »
Anthony felt the look of his subordinates on him, being technically the leader of the whole group.
« Well, guess it will be "sleep on the couch" tonight… »
« What the fuck happened ? » yelled the Boss as the three vehicles stopped in the large hangar that they had left a few hours earlier.
« I… I don't know… I told them it was not stable… It might have blew up without them pressing the actual button… It is probably just an accident. » answered the laptop man, a drop of sweat running down his cheek.
« An accident ? Just an accident ? We lost two men, their entire equipment, an entire bomb, and those we are hunting are out of the radar ! »
His powerful and angry voice echoed on the rusted wall of the factory.
The faces of his men were closed as they got out of the van and the other SUV. Some of them knew the two, and they were either sad about their death or enraged at the missed opportunity. Or maybe both.
Silently, they returned to their planning room. The weapons and the bags returned to their containers, and the men sat back on their made up chairs.
The leader was the last one standing, all the looks turned towards him.
« Men, he started with his usual calm voice. I know it might be hard for you right now. But I will ask you all to do one thing. Don't lose your faith. Those monsters might have fled, and are maybe back to their filthy world. But there is still one event where they will publicly appear. In two days, a commemoration will be hold near the Gate. We still have a chance to strike, but be ready to intervene earlier. We might have another opportunity and I want you to brace yourself for it. Make that their sacrifice was not in vain. »
He stopped for a few seconds. His men were still looking at him, but he could see through their eyes that hope was coming back. In a dramatic way, he pointed towards the dark ceiling.
« He is still watching us, and he is still protecting us. He knows that we are fighting for him, and we will not be defeated under his watch ! »
Some started to stand up and to shake their fists in the air.
« Are you going to let me down ? Or are you going to continue the fight with all your forces ? »
The response he got wasn't coming from humans. It was a beastly roar, full of a hatred that was more than justified.
They had a mission and they will accomplish it, even if the price to pay was their lives.
Paris, Esplanade du Louvre, December 2nd 2016, 0712 Paris Time
« I have to say that I'm always impressed when I come here. » let out Anthony as the group exited the white minibus.
It was still night, and the air was cold, every breath being accompanied with a white cloud. But, to the east, the sky was changing color in favor of a lighter shade of blue.
In the back of his head, two memories emerged thanks to the weather. The first one was from his high-school years, when he had to wait for the bus in the morning with similar conditions. At that time, he was naïve. The only things that mattered where his friends, his grades and his PlayStation 2. Then came the images of ten years later, an assault rifle in his hands, lying in the mud next to a VAB and shooting at Roman Legionnaires that were charging at him.
He sighed at how he evolved in ten years. Did he improve or did he regress ? He hadn't found the answer yet, but the Lieutenant knew that it will come in the future when he'll look back at those times.
« Is that a palace ? » asked the Princess as Marc was helping her and Boses getting out of the vehicle.
« Yes your Highness, answered the Caporal, or at least it was. During a long time, the French kings and queens lived here. But more than three hundred years ago, Louis XIV decided to live in a more magnificent one and left with all the court. It became many things, but know it had become one of the largest museum and one of the most visited place in the world. »
The large plaza was empty of tourist so early in the morning, much to the delight of Bonisseur.
« A… museum ? »
This time, the question came from Boses, still standing relatively close to Marc as the group made his way towards the big glass pyramid.
« Well… What do you do when you want to remember a great event or a great person ? »
« Huh… We ask a painter or a a sculptor to make a painting or a statue. » answered the princess, a little surprised by the question.
« And what happen to those paintings and sculpture when you receive them ? »
« We… expose those pieces of arts in our palaces. »
« Yeah, but apart from you, your family and your guests, no one will be able to admire it. And thus, museums exist. This is a place where a lot of pieces of arts are gathered for everyone to enjoy. That doesn't mean that you can't own art and keep it to yourself, but it sure is better when you give or sell it to one of those museum. »
« For… everyone ? » asked Pina, not conscious of the condescending tone of her voice.
« And why not ? replied Daniella that had been listening to the discussion the whole time. Everyone can enjoy art. The entertainment consumed by "the commoner", as you say, is art by all of its definition. »
« And if you are elitist about art, well most people will consider you as a jerk. »
The two knight shared the same look they had shared countless times already the day before. Their entire education relied on the fact that they were inherently superior to the simple farmer, but they had been suddenly thrown in a society where the line between the classes had blurred.
The group finally arrived next to the triangular glass structure. Two men, wearing the same coats as Bonisseur and his agent, were waiting outside the large doors that were only visible thanks to the metallic structure of the pyramid.
The princess took the time to look around as they opened the doors. The entire plaza was delimited by the stretching arms of the palace. The base of its architecture was simple, but every arch, every pillar was an excuse for a statue or a bas-relief. Compared to it, the Imperial Palace was just the estate of a courtesan, and her own personal palace was not even worth the comparison.
As she was already starting to think about all the work needed to add elements of this architecture, she was lightly pushed towards the large flight of stairs that were leading them a few meters underground.
Suddenly, the architecture completely changed. Now, everything was simplistic, cold and, according to the standard of this world, "modern".
At the bottom of the stairs, a lone woman was waiting for them. She was dressed very similarly to the Elf when they had crossed the Gate and appeared at the Assemblée.
« Good morning, she said with excitement in her voice when the group arrived at her level. My name is Christine, and I will be your guide during your tour of the Musée du Louvre. You can consider yourself pretty lucky to have the opportunity of seeing all the pieces of art exposed alone. This lobby is usually full of tourists, and it being empty is surely a rare sight. »
The look she got as a reaction quickly made her return to her goal in this premature and exceptional visit.
« Hum… So we are going to start right away… We don't have a lot of time. »
In a respectful gest, she asked to be followed and started to walk towards another flight of stairs going up inside the actual palace, much to the relief of Rory that was already holding tight to her covered halberd.
After a few minutes of walking through several corridors, the woman stopped next to an open door. From where she was, Pina wasn't able to see what was in it.
« So… We are going to start with the Greek, Etruscan and Roman department. » she said before stepping inside, the group following her.
And suddenly, it was like Pina and Boses were back home.
All around them were statues and carvings, all in a style too similar to the wonders one can find in the Imperial Capital. The characters represented were wearing togas, using short swords and longbows and, according to the small signs next to each statue, bared the names of forgotten heroes.
Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Pluto, Hercules…
She remember those names. At the court, the news of discoveries made in the ruins of Elder's settlements were often discussed and having a relic of the history of the Human species was a real privilege. During banquets, the one studying those relics were often asked to tell the myths and stories they had learned from found scrolls and tablets. That is how Pina knew those names : as the character of children stories shared by old men during feasts.
It was the last proof the Princess needed. Now, it was impossible to deny that the two worlds had already been in contact a long time ago. According to those same signs, all the statues were a little more than two thousand years old, and finding an accurate history of the Human race so much back in time was unthinkable. Even the foundation of the Empire, six hundred years ago, was mixed with myths and legends that can't be certified.
But if the priests of Hardy had taught her one thing, it was that the Gate always opens with a purpose. So why would the same two worlds be connected to times in a row ? Were all the NATO and Imperial soldiers pawns in a game of chess between gods stretching over several worlds ?
She had no time to ask herself such questions as she and Boses, still looking intrigued at the statues, were indicated the way towards the next step of their visit.
The woman, still having excitement in her eyes, led them to another section of the palace. The pieces of arts exposed there were completely different. All over the walls were thousands of paintings, each one bigger than the other, spanning hundreds of years of art styles.
But in one room, one painting was alone on its wall, protected by a thick panel of glass. There was only a woman painted on it, her hands slightly crossed and an enigmatic smile on her face. At the moment Pina started looking at her, the piercing eyes were like scanning her soul and her feelings, making the princess feel uncomfortable, like she was being judged by the unanimated woman.
Pina asked herself what "Mona Lisa", the woman represented on the painting, was thinking about her. The small smirk at the corner of Mona's mouth could mean many things.
Was she smiling at all the effort made to bring peace between the two worlds ? Or was she mocking the princess for begging for mercy almost at the boots of the French leaders ?
The rest of the visit was flawless as the refugees were passing from one wonderful painting to an even greater sculpture, shaming all the artists of the Empire along the way.
Everyone had a thought in their mind as they exited the museum. Rory was thinking about probably the most represented man in all the paintings, a man called Jesus Christ and apparently the closest person to an Apostle according to Daniella and Jordan. Lelei's mind was focused on the technical prowess of those who built the palace without the modern equipment she had saw at Alnus many times. Tuka was wondering what they were going to do during the rest of the day, because despite her basic understanding of French, she hadn't understood the words boutiques and shopping.
But for Pina and Boses, the thoughts were darker. Sure, they were impressed by the art they had seen inside the palace, but what happened to the one that lived in this same palace ? The Caporal had briefly mentioned a King when they arrived and many Kings had been painted, but now France was ruled by an elected government and a parliament. The conclusion of the intense discussion between the two as they returned to the minibus was simple : they had to learn as much as could about this world history during this day.
As the white vehicle started to roll on the pavement to leave its parking spot, everyone could see the numerous and larger buses stopping to dump an almost endless wave of tourists from all over the globe.
During the few minutes that followed, nobody dared to say a word, creating an awkward silence inside the cabin.
After a few minutes, the man driving made the vehicle turn to enter an almost empty parking lot. As he looked around for a discreet spot, Bonisseur, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, turned to face the group.
« Right now, he started while looking at his watch, it is zero nine thirty hours. We are going to split up and you will have two hours to look around and do some window shopping. Then, rendezvous here at eleven thirty hours. Alright ? »
The synchronized nod of the six soldiers and the Lieutenant's brother was a good enough answer for Bonisseur.
« So the groups are the same as last time, he added before looking at Mathis, and you… You are going with the princess' group. »
The door of the minibus opened and Anthony put a foot on the cold asphalt.
« Oh… One last thing, launched the agent now looking at Rory and Lelei. You have to let your staffs in the bus. No negotiation. We have to be the most discreet possible. »
The young mage simply executed the order and put back her staff inside the cabin. But obtaining the Apostle's agreement wasn't going to be as easy.
She swept an annoyed and almost angry look on the group before stopping it on Bonisseur to intimidate him. But for the agent that had many years of experience, he was just looking at a weirdly dressed child doing a whim.
« Rory, we don't have time for this… So please do as he says. » said Anthony, with a boldness that surprised the princess and the blonde knight.
« Ugh… Fine… » she sighed before heading towards the vehicle, scrapping her heels.
« Did he just… ordered something to Her Holiness ? » whispered Boses in Pina's ear, not believing what she had just saw.
« It… looks like it, whispered back the princess. How powerful really is this man ? »
This was yet another question she had to find an answer to.
But there was no time to wonder, as the Lieutenant indicated a nearby street to Marc.
The group separated, and for the three refugees and the two knights, it was the start of another period of discoveries.
- Boss ! Luck might be on our side !
- What do you mean ?
- Got a call from a contact… He spotted our targets at the Halles mall.
- Great ! I will relay the information.
- So what are we going to do next ?
- Tell your contact to follow them… We will see where they'll pass the night.
- But we have a shot right now !
- No. If they are in a commercial area, there will be too many people and reaching them will be too hard.
- Oh… I see…
- I have to admit that those who planned this visit are smart. But every plan has a weakness. We are going to find it and we will strike. Spread the word to your brothers. They must be ready for the call.
- Yes boss !
Extract from encrypted transmission found on a suspect's phone, December 2nd 2016
Paris, Les Halles mall, December 2nd 2016, 1120 Paris Time
« Why do know all of those places anyway ? asked Johann as he took a drag on his cigarette. Isn't your base like four hundred kilometers from here ? »
The question was directed to Anthony who was next to him, his headphones on only one ear.
« Yeah… sighed the Lieutenant. But you heard Bonisseur yesterday when he presented the results of his "researches" on me. I started to study computer engineering before passing the entry trials to become officer in the Army… And I was studying in a school here in Paris. Used to hang out here with friends. »
The air was filled with the deep rumbling sound of the large crowd getting in and out of the stores, buying, eating, drinking and chatting, totally unaware of the presence of the guests.
« Computer engineering ? launched a surprised Jordan before shortly whistling to show that he was impressed. You can get a fine paying job with that. So why the hell did you enlist ? »
Anthony let the question without answer for a few seconds.
The three soldiers were waiting in front of yet another clothing store, this time one specialized in woman underwear, for the three refugees, Daniella and Bonisseur. From where they were, they could see through the window the British Staff Sergeant giving advices to Tuka over something hidden by a mannequin.
« I was always looking at military stuff when I was a kid… sighed the Lieutenant. My two grandfathers went to Algeria and my dad was in the reserve. At first I wanted to become an Air Force pilot, but at twelve I had to start wearing glasses. So I pushed my dreams aside and started studying. But I could feel the routine starting to install, and when I saw I could pass the Saint-Cyr entry tests, I jumped on the occasion to break it. »
Silence returned between the three despite the loud background noise.
« Personally, started Jordan to prevent any awkwardness from settling in, it's my family that kind of forced me. My mom's side has been full of soldiers since World War 2. »
« Must be hard having all of them watching and judging you… »
« Yeah. When the great-grandfather stormed Normandy, the granddad survived 'Nam and the dad knocked on Saddam's door in '91, you know you have to achieve something. And I honestly think we all did. Anyway… Why did you joined, Johann ? »
The German shrugged his shoulders with a small smile.
« I thought going to college was a good idea… Boy was I wrong ! So I said fuck it and joined. I really had nothing better to do… »
Moltke looked at his watch before looking again through the shop window. Making some hand signs, he caught the attention of Daniella and the others.
The five exited the store quickly after, each of them holding bags branded with the name of different shops. As Anthony expected, it was mainly clothing and souvenirs, but he noticed the distinctive color of a computer store in the middle of the ones hold by Lelei. Apparently the electric sockets installed in the refugees' lodgings were finally going to be useful to someone.
« I know that you are all payed by the Task Force, but isn't it a little too much ? » sighed Jordan as he counted the packages.
« I never imagined that I could buy such a quantity of clothes in only one day, said Tuka with a large smile. I'm starting to prefer these over elvish clothes. »
« Even with my position, it is difficult to get those kind of goods in our world. Only a few craftsmen can make them and it's very expensive. » added Rory.
Much to everyone's expectations, the main color of what she had chosen was black.
« Anyway, we have to go. »
And so, through the even more populated alleys of the mall, the group took the direction of the parking they had left two hours earlier.
They were almost drowning in the crowd as they went through alleys and upstairs. At each step, Anthony felt one of his shoe starting to get loose around his foot and, when the crowd made itself less dense, he stopped and kneeled down to retie the lace.
But in the corner of his vision, he saw a man quickly change his trajectory in a really uncommon way. The Lieutenant turned his head in his direction and crossed his look for a second before he disappeared in the wave of bystanders. The only things that he could notice about this man was a black beard and a beanie with a white symbol on it.
« Something's wrong ? » asked Bonisseur that was with the rest of the group a few meters away.
« I don't know… Just noticed someone acting weird… Beard and a beanie with a white logo… He completely changed direction when I stopped. »
The agent simply nodded and the group continued on his way to the parking.
At the entry of the lot, the rejoined with the second group. Obviously, the Princess and Boses were both carrying numerous branded bags, answering already any question about their content.
« So… How did it go, Your Highness ? » asked Anthony as he opened the glass door marking the entry of the parking.
« It… It was… I am still taken aback by the fact that all that I saw in those shops are available to the masses. »
He let the door go after everyone entered and started to walk right next to Marc and Pierre.
« And how much did they spent ? » he whispered into the Caporal's ear.
« Too much… And who had to pay ? The two of us and your brother because the guy that went with us had nothing to pay… »
« They better classify that as a business expense… » sighed the Private.
« Bought anything for yourselves ? »
Pierre shook his head as a negative answer, while Marc grabbed from his pocket a white CD case still wrapped in the transparent plastic. The only thing represented was an amalgamation of four faces, all grimacing, while letters looking like from a glitched computer were reading "Metallica" and "Hardwired… To self-destruct", making Anthony and Jordan crack a smile.
« Didn't you say that they died in '96 ? » launched the American with an accusatory tone.
« I said it before I listened to the three singles… Really hyped me and it was probably my only chance to buy it in months… »
« Or you could have listen to the rest on YouTube or Spotify… »
« With the shitty connection there ? Might as well try to build the airfield on your own. »
The three laughed before reaching the bus. Bonisseur checked if everyone was here, opened the door, the bags were stored inside and Rory literally threw herself inside the vehicle to be reunited with her axe. A happy chatter appeared as the rest of the group boarded the bus. Only Bonisseur seemed to remain focused on his task, and now that someone was apparently following them, they had to be extremely careful.
« And where are we going next ? » asked Boses as she sat down next to the Princess, but still close enough from the rest.
« First we are going to pick up food, and then we are going to France's National Library. » answered Anthony, quickly looking at a notification on his phone.
« And why are we going to a Library ? »
« You are going to learn… »
Another month, another OMJ chapter.
I'm going to start with wishing all of you a happy new year. The last few months were great for me as the public for this story grew bigger after each chapter, and I really hope that this trend will continue in 2017. I already have some ideas for other projects, but now I'll focus on OMJ.
So I know that a lot of you waited for this part of the story, the first part to really diverge from the source material. Not only did I remove the whole "lolo the princess likes gay hentai lol xD", but I tried to focus even more on the discovery part of this trip. Now what will come next is going to be what I like to call "fixed Hakone". Some might have already understood, but I won't go in anymore detail now.
And now it's time for the reviews.
Major Simi - Murphy ? Sorry but I don't understand what you mean. English not being my primary language, I can't say if this is an expression or writer slang. Can you please explain.
Junior VB - That's for sure, but you have to understand her. Being harrased for two centuries is surely not the best way to improve relations.
The Tundra Fox & kevinkocher1 - Can't say right now, don't want to ruin the surprise.