A/N I couldn't believe that it had been over a year since my last chapter on this story. I knew I was behind but… But as bad as I have been, I do still fully intend to finish all my stories. I hope I have at least retained some of those who supported this story. This chapter is a little shorter than most of the chapters, but I really wanted to get something out there.

A very belated thank you to SRAM, Harakan, and bamadude who left reviews on the last chapter. I will try not let you and my other reviewers down from now on.

These characters still are the property of Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady.

As Jacque Blanchet was ushered into the office of Colonel Charpentier, the Colonel rose to meet him.

"Ah, Lieutenant Blanchet, it is good to see you again."

"And you as well, Colonel. It has been too long."

The Colonel signaled him to take a seat as he sat back down behind his desk. "Yes, it has." He sighed, "It was all so much clearer back then. So much easier to be a soldier." He hesitated, "There was no question of whom one served."

He looked Jacque in the eyes, "Did the Marquis send you? Is he well?"

Jacque took a deep breath. The Colonel seemed to still be loyal to the Marquis, but he knew he could never be sure. He realized he could be in great danger if he went ahead with what he wanted to say. Then he straightened, he needed to complete his mission.

"For the time being, I believe he is safe. But only because I and other soldiers formally under his command protected him from being killed."

He paused, "The First Citizen has made it clear he wishes him dead."

He hesitated again, "I do need to tell you that he helped Queen Helena escape back to England."

Charpentier's eyes widened, "And the King?"

"They left him to his fate."

"They?"

"Helena was rescued by Admiral Hofstadter of the British Royal Navy and his wife, a British major."

Charpentier was stunned and sat back. He smiled ruefully, "I remember the Major well. I was deeply impressed by her courage during the battles with the Germans."

He leaned forward, "Why would the Marquis help them?"

Jacque sighed, "He felt that Helena was innocent. That she should not pay for actions of the Royal family."

He hesitated, "He believes that it is time for the killing and revenge to end. That we need to move forward to build a nation."

Charpentier contemplated what he was saying. He had to admit he was a little disturbed that the Marquis would take part in allowing the Queen to escape. But he also knew that the Marquis had a special regard for the British Queen. He was relieved that he had not allowed the King to escape as well.

Charpentier knew the hatred the Marquis had held for King Louis. He also knew he had believed that King Philip was trying to make changes. At the same time, Charpentier believed in the Revolution. But he also shared the view that it was time to move on.

He looked up at Jacque, "Why have you come?"

Jacque gathered his thoughts, "The Marquis believes that Monet realizes he might have erred in allowing the Marquis' soldiers to be in control in Paris. He feels he will wish to bring another Army to Paris that would be, let's say, more willing to follow his orders. Then he could move against the Marquis."

He hurried on, "We believe that he will contact the nearest French Army whose commander has been known to share his views. That would be the Army of General LaPlante. It is stationed at Champagne-Ardenne."

The two men looked at each other. They both knew exactly why Jacque was there. But Charpentier needed Jacque to say it.

"How does that concern me?"

Jacque took a deep breath, knowing he was about to commit what could be considered treason, "The Marquis wishes you to bring the Grande Force to Paris."

There, it was out there. Colonel Charpentier sat back, "Did he order me to come?"

"No, he knows he no longer has that right. He believes you share his concerns about the present situation in France."

"You realize of course it is possible this could cause a Civil War."

"I admit that is possible, but I also believe that General LaPlante will be hesitant to confront the Grande Force if it is in control of Paris."

"You know you are asking me to commit treason against France."

"I do not believe the Revolutionary Council can claim to represent the will of the people of France. They have served their purpose. It is time to move forward."

"You realize that LaPlante is at least a three-days march closer to Paris?"

Jacque felt himself beginning to hope. He managed a smile, "Yes, but we all know that he is usually in no hurry."

Charpentier smiled back, "I suppose that is true." He grew serious, "If I am to do this, I need to know my men will support this."

He got up and called out, "Sergeant Laurent."

A Sergeant came through the door and saluted smartly.

"Sergeant, I want you to assemble the men. I will talk to them in one hour."

"At once, Sir." He then saluted and left.

Charpentier turned toward Jacque, "Well, would you like to share a wine? We could easily have just started down a path that could end with our heads on the Guillotine."

Jacque smiled, "I think a drink would be in order."

When the steward brought their wine, Charpentier stood up. As Jacque also did, the Colonel raised his glass, "To France."

"To France."

Early the next morning, the Grande Force began its journey to Paris. The response of the men had been overwhelming. If the Marquis felt they were needed, they would respond.

Penny laid back, fully sated. She smiled and looked over at Leonard, "Well, I see being a Knight has not affected your lovemaking." She smirked, "But I suppose I should have said, "Oh, God, Sir."

Leonard laughed, leaning over to kiss her softly on the mouth. "I think we can let that slide."

He looked down on her, "I love you, Penny."

Penny smiled happily but couldn't resist, "I love you, Sir."

Leonard gently punched her shoulder. Penny pretended it hurt but smiled, "I guess I had that coming."

It had been a month since the Knighting and the Queen learning about Bernadette's pregnancy. Everyone had been thrilled when word had come from Germany that King Girard and his fiancée would be coming for the birth.

Although Leonard enjoyed being in London with Penny, he also missed commanding a ship. Although the Navy held the position that woman were not allowed on warships, Leonard knew that officers often took their wives with them. He finally decided to see what Penny would think. It would not be an easy life. She would have to share his quarters and food.

He realized he should not be surprised that Penny quickly agreed they should try. She reminded him of all the time she had spent at sea. They both felt she would be accepted by the crew.

When they presented their proposal to the Queen, she was at first shocked but then also realized she shouldn't be. She also knew that Penny would not be content to just be the Admiral's wife, that she would want to be part of the action. It was also true that she had been considering asking Leonard to return to command. He was much too valuable an officer to waste.

She knew she could be setting a precedent but at the same time she knew that the situation was unique. That these two individuals were unique. She had to smile to herself, unique was a huge understatement.

She shocked everyone when she not only agreed but stated that Penny would retain her rank and be a Naval officer. She would serve as a Royal Marine.