Chapter 20

I stretched my arms for the hundredth time since we had been driving. It was around mid day and the cold wind was blowing over the snow covered forest to our right and an open farmers field to our left. "How do you think Vadim's doing without us?" Gertrude asked while leaning against me. "He should be fine." I answer her. "Yoshika and Lynne are taking care of him while we're gone. And he'll be waking up Erica to get food so be prepare for a tired Erica when we get back." Gertrude laughed at this. "Isn't she always tired." "Yea, unless there's food made by our two chefs." I shot back.

The ride was mostly us laughing and enjoying each other's company for the eight hour drive. When we made it to Paris I drove to the Hotel Lutetia and parked just out front. I had made the reservation for the three days we would be in Paris by phone. "Hello." I greeted the receptionist. "Hello, How May I help you?" She asked. "I reserved a room for three days and four nights. Do you know what room I've been assigned?" I answered. "Yes, name please sir." She said. "It's Morrison." I answered her. "Ah, you have room 112, here you go sir." She said while handing me the keys. "Thank you." I thanked her. "You're welcome." She responded before I took my leave and carried our luggage to our room.

Gertrude opened the door and went in first, I followed close behind with my hands full. "Where should I set down our luggage?" I asked her. "Just set it on the desk for now. We need to sleep after that long ride." Gertrude answers. "It's agood thing we didn't bring any guns, the security is really tight in some areas." Gertrude then turned around to see me moving my Webley into its holster. "Stefan! What did I say about bringing guns!" She shouted before smacking me with a rolled up newspaper that was nearby. "Ow. Gertrude knock it off I'm tired aswell and would like to sleep." I said blocking the blows. "Not until you answer why you brought your gun!" Gertrude said while she continued to beat me. I raised my arms in Defense before I got an idea. Ducking under the next blow I surprise her by getting up close. "Try to hit me now." I challenged. To that she tried to swipe my legs out from under me only for them to not move. "I'm a rather stable platform so knocking my legs out from under me requires a large amount of force." I teased her. "Oh yea?" She retorted before falling onto the bed dragging me with her. "How about now?" "Lets just get some sleep, we have lots of walking ahead of us tomorrow." I said as I rolled under the covers.

The first day in Paris was the stereotypical tourist stuff, you know visit all the tourist places see everything and what not. But the second day we went shopping for a nice dress for Gertrude as all she had were her uniforms and a traditional dress that Ursula had given her. That's how I found myself sitting outside the changing rooms waiting for her. "Stefan, I thought you hated shopping for clothes." A familiar voice spoke up behind me. "I do, Charles, but my girlfriend wants to have the perfect dress for tomorrow nights party." I shot back to my good friend as I leaned back and looked at him. "So, when will I meet this girlfriend of yours?" Charles asked. "Stefan, how does this look?" Gertrude asked coming out in a dress similar to Commander Minna's But in a midnight blue. She gave a quick twirl before noticing Charles. "Sir!" She said sudenly snapping to attention. Charles gave off a quick laugh before patting me on the shoulder. "She's a real beauty." He said before introducing himself. "I'm Charles de Gaulle, it's a pleasure to meet such a lovely lady, what might be your name madame?" He then took Gertrude's hand a kissed the back of it all gentilmanly. Gertrude blushed profusely before responding. "I'm Captain Gertrude Barkhorn of the 501st." She introduced herself. "Okay Charles. No need to pull out all the stops, she's taken and you know it." I said standing up from my seat. "I'm well aware of that fact. She's also far to young for me, but I can still be a gentilman and offer my assistance." Charles responded before stepping away from Gertrude. "And might I add you look stunning in that lovely dress." laying an arm around his neck I bring him down to my height. "Charles, I'm rather happy with what I have now. Don't ruin it please." I said to him. "And it looks beautiful on you Gertrude." I answered her original question. "Uh, Stefan, how did you two meet?" Gertrude asked. "Well I saved his ass from a Neuroi and killed it." I answered. "He really just pushed me out of the way of a beam before shooting it." Charles said. "He didn't know who l was until I thanked him." "Hey!" I said. "Look at the time." Charles said getting the hint. "I best be off, until we meet again, and Stefan, I have something of yours that was handed to me at the Ritz by someone." Charles then left us alone. "I have a few more dresses I'd like to try on, mind waiting." Gertrude said before disappearing behind the curtain again. I just groaned, this was taking longer than I thought.

We spent three hours, three fucking hours after her choosing a dress to pick out her mask for the party as it's a masquerade ball and what not. I chose a simple mask with some colourful purple flowers on the edges and a long white nose to match my black tuxedo. When we stepped outside after our whole day of shopping I spoke up. "Remind me to never take you shopping again." "Why's that? You loved it didn't you." Gertrude responded. "Well I cant complain about the view but the time, yes." I shot back. "Anyway, lets get something to eat. I'm starving." Gertrude said. "Yea, we probably should." I answered.

We slept like logs that night as I had exhausted myself and Gertrude usually sleeps like a log until something happens. "Where do you want to go for breakfast?" I asked her as we exited the lobby of the hotel. "How does Café de la Paix sound?" Gertrude asks back. "I'm fine with whatever, I'm just hungry." I answer. "Then we're going to the Café de la Paix." Gertrude said before grabbing my arm and dragging me along. We ate with vigor and payed before leaving. As we left Gertrude asked. "Do you think Yoshika's and Lynne's cooking is better than this place?" "Yep." I answered. "Can't beat Yoshika and Lynne even if they tried. Those two are culinary artists."

Around 2:00 we stumbled across a street boxing arena. "Gertrude, think I could make us some cash?" I asked my girlfriend as we approached. "You know I don't want any fighting on our days off." She responded. "But I'll let you cut loose today." "Hell Yea!" I shout before asking who's in charge of the ring. The man pointed me over to a man in a tuxedo and a bowler hat standing in the eastern corner of the ring. I walk up and tap him on the shoulder. "Excuse me sir, think I could get in on the fun?" I ask. "Ah, of course lad, how much you want to bet?" He asks back. "No, I think you misunderstood me. I don't wanna bet, I wanna be in there." I said pointing towards the two fighting men. "Sonny, you sure? Not many people come off the street looking for a fight." The guy said. "Well I'm doing it to blow off some steam. I'll take on the winner of this match." I said. "Alright, I'll put you down to fight him right after this, could I get your name?" He said. "Sure, name's Stefan Morrison." I said while shaking his hand.

The fight ended with a guy named Edwards being victorious for the fifth time. Shrugging off my shirt and handing it to Gertrude I say to her. "I'll be awhile, I'll toy with him and have some fun." I then stepped into the ring. The man in the tuxedo stepped into the middle. "Now we have our five times champion Edwards!" He said loudly causing the crowd to cheer. "Going up against Stefan Morrison!" The crowd cheered again before chanting "fight." Over and over again. Me and Edwards stood face to face. "Hope you're girlfriend will still like you with an eye missing." Edwards taunted causing me to laugh. "Ignorant fool. I'm here to end your win streak." I answered before we backed into our corners. "Match! Begin!" The guy in the tuxedo said.

Edwards charged at me. I just turned that speed against him by stepping out of the way and tripping him last minute. "You really aren't tough. I might aswell fight you with both arms tied behind my back." I said as I kicked him in the side causing him to roll over. "I was expecting more of a fight." This time he rolled away from my kick and stood up. "Mother fucker." He growled. "Come and get me." I said before he charged again this time swinging for my head. Ducking down I tackle him and send him sprawling. We both stand up and I swing first, striking him just below the chin and sending him flying. He stumbles back to a standing position and charges at me while swinging. I grab him fist and using his speed throw him over my back, smashing him into the floor at my feet. I let go and back off allowing him to get up. "Mother fucker! Stop toying with me!" Edwards shouts before he swings at me and tries to kick my knee cap in. I step side the kick and dodge the punch before landing my own blow on his body. I back off before quoting Muhammad Ali. "I am the greatest! I'm young; I'm handsome; I'm fast. I can't possibly be beat. They all must fall in the round I call. I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked. The heavy weight champion of the world should be pretty like me. It ain't bragging if you can back it up. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. I'm so mean, I make medicine sick. I shook up the world. Me! Whee!" Edwards then threw another punch trying to make me lose my balance. I continue to dance around his swings while landing my own blows. "Sit still so I can kill you!" Edwards shouted after I dragged the fight out this long. "Fine I'll stop toying with you." I said. "You're no fun anymore." "Fuck you!" Edwards shouted as he swung. I reach out and grab his fist before using his momentum against him flipping him over my shoulder again. He landed hard on his back before I dropped to one knee on his chest, knocking the wind out of him. I started to land quick and powerful blows to his face and chest, pummeling him.

"Give up?" I questioned him after he stopped trying to defend himself. "Y... yes." He groaned before I got off of him. "Oh my god! Edwards has lost to Stefan Morrison! Stefan Morrison wins the match!" The tuxedo guy anounces to the crowd while holding up my hand. "Thank you for allowing me to blow off some steam." I thank the man in the tuxedo before going to step out. "Any challengers! Anyone going to face Stefan Morrison!" The guy announces before I could leave the ring. "I only wanted to fight once." I said to the man. "Well you ended our old champions reign so you're our champion now. "So if anyone challenges me I have to fight them?" I ask. "Yes, But it seems no one wants to challenge you." He answers. "Good cause this fight was enjoyable but I do have a party this evening and I don't want to keep my host waiting." I said before finally leaving the ring.

"Here." Gertrude said handing me my shirt. "I never realized you had that much strength without using magic. Why do you never use it against any of the girls, I've seen you arm wrestle some of them and make it look like you're having trouble winning." "If I just beat the girls every time and I clearly overpowered them then they would get demoralized and wouldn't try again, which is no fun for anyone." I explained. "If it seems like I'm only slightly stronger than them they'll want to work harder to beat me." I finished buttoning up my shirt when I finished speaking. Looking at the time I realized something. "Hey, Gertrude." I said. "We only have an hour before the party." "Wait... WHA!" Gertrude then grabbed my arm and took off at a fast pace. "We have to shower and get dressed for the party." She said as she ran.

We made it to the party on time and were greeted by Charles. "Hello you two, you just made it on time." "Yea we know, Charles." I answered before the three of us walked through the door. "Rather nice place you have here, Charles. How's the booze?" I say upon looking around the giant ballroom. "You never change. Stop living in the moment and look to the future." He answered. "And I got the finest wine from the Closterman residence, sadly she couldn't attend today, I would have loved for you to meet her." "I know Perrine, I spent most of last year with her around." I answer. "Stefan and I both are in the same squadron as Perrine." Gertrude spoke up after marveling at the room for so long. "Well it's a small world." Charles said. "But now I have hostly duties to get to, so please enjoy the dance." "Of course, thanks for inviting us, I'll speak to you after the ball, Charles." I said as he left, turning to Gertrude I ask with a bow. "May I have this dance Mi'lady." "Of course, sir." Gertrude bows back before taking my offered hand.

We danced for a few hours before making our way to the drinks table. "Stefan, no taking an entire bottle of wine. You are our designated driver." Gertrude said. "I can drive with a couple bottles of vodka in my system. We'll be fine." I said brushing off her concern. She grabbed the bottle from my hand and poured herself a glass. "You will not drink tonight." She stated, emphasizing her point with a glare. "Okay, okay, I won't drink tonight." I said in fear of what she would do. Looking around I see that the party was still going strong. "I need a smoke break, not used to being outside of the office." "You mean off the battlefield." Gertrude said. "Go relax I'll be fine here." "Thanks, I'll be just outside the doors." I said before making my way outside.

The air was cool and crisp as I stepped outside and light a cigarette. I sighed as I looked up at the dark sky. I could see the stars poking through the clouds. Looking around I see no one else outside. Not even body guards, which was somewhat strange. "Good evening, Wing Commander Morrison. I wasn't expecting to see you here." A voice spoke up. "Who the fuck are you?" I asked it as I turned around. I spot a man who stood at about 5 foot 6 standing no more than three meters from me. He was holding a letter, the one I asked Major Sakamoto to toss out. "Think you can decline us this easily? You'll regret this, we will make you pay for your sins." He said before stepping back inside and disappearing into the crowd of people dancing. I was set on edge by the creepy guy but finished my smoke before returning to the dance and finding Gertrude where I left her. "Care for another dance, Mi'lady." I said while holding out my hand. "Of course, good sir." Gertrude said before we waltzed onto the dance floor again.

I watched as the last couple left the building and Charles closed the doors behind them. "Now that the party's over, I can give you you're book." Charles said as he walked past us. "A book?" I asked following him with Gertrude. "Yes, a book, that's atleast what I can guess from how it's wrapped." Charles said. "Alright, I'll open it and we can see inside." I said before we continued our walk in silence. We climbed up a couple spiral stair cases before he stopped infront of a plain oak door. "I left it in my study so it wouldn't be damaged while the party was going on." Charles explained as he unlocked and pushed open the door. "Thanks for holding onto it and taking such good care of it for me." I said as I stepped in behind him. We walked up to his desk while Gertrude looked around the room for a couple seconds. "Here you go Stefan, this is the package I received." Charles said as he held up what appeared to be a book covered in a thick brown paper. "Thanks." I said as I took it, I drew a small knife from one of my tuxedo pockets and cut the paper off to reveal a book. "The Godfather, by Mario Puzo." I read the title and author. "Never heard of it." Charles said. "What about you Madame?" He said gesturing to Gertrude. "Me neither." Gertrude answered him. "To Stefan Morrison, From... the names scratched out and covered with a black mark." I said after opening up the book. "Who ever sent it doesn't want us to know their name." Charles said. "Yea. They definitely don't want you to know who they are." Gertrude said. "Anyway, Stefan we should get going. We still have a long drive tomorrow." "Yea, I'm aware." I answered. "Anyway, thanks for having us Charles." "Of course, Stefan. Come back anytime." Charles said as he escorted us out.

It was about lunch time when Gertrude woke up. "Stefan? Where are we?" She asked as she rubbed sleep from her eyes. "We're on our way back to base. Candy?" I said before offering her some of the Ukrainian candy I had seen a few days early. I had bought some jars to take back to base with us as I enjoyed the candies. "Sure." Gertrude answers. "Better nor give any to Hartmann or you'll never hear the end of it." "I won't, they'll be locked up in my office, just like my liquor supplies." I said. "You probably should have done that in the first place." Gertrude said. "Well you didn't have to drink any and could have left the others to their drunken stupor." I shot back. We quickly descended into bickerings and teasing mostly done by myself.

Pulling my car into the hanger I look around and spot a shipping container and a Ju 57 transport aircraft. "It seems like Ursula's here." I groan. "Yea well you can just unpack and get some sleep. You slept less than me." Gertrude said as she got out of my car. "Wonder what's in the crate?" I asked. "Yea, but it's probably something for you to test or yours and Sanya's new equipment as you both broke or abandoned yours." Gertrude pointed out. "Don't remind me." I cringed. "Whaa! Vadim stop, heel, sit, stay!" I heard Yoshika shot from the hallways. I gave off a sharp whistle and Vadim came bounding to me covered in flour. "Vadim, I thought I said stay out of trouble." I said to him as he sat on the floor at my feet. He just barked while Yoshika and Lynne finally caught up. "I see you had your hands full with this little bugger." I said as they panted. "He got into a bag of flour and started running around. We tried to catch him but he was two fast." Lynne explained. "Seems like you two need to train more. I'll tell Major Sakamoto." I said while picking Vadim up by the scruff. "But for now this bugger needs a bath." "We came do that." Yoshika said. "Just don't let him run." I stated as I handed him off too them. "Come wake me if you need to… on second thought just asked Gertrude." I said before walking away.

I reached the room I shared with my two roommates and pushed the door open before fumbling with the buttons on my tunic and dress shirt but still getting them off, I draped them over the back of a chair and poured myself a glass of whiskey before bed. Tossing it back before stumbling into bed and flopping down and rolling under the covers to make sure I'd stay warm. "Hey Stefan, did you get me anything?" Erica asked. "No, now let me sleep, Erica. I'm tired." I mumbled before drifting into unconsciousness.