I do not own Once Upon a Time

Let's Get It Started

On Monday morning, Belle was on the steps of Wanborough Manor, a huge house on the outskirts of Guildford in Surrey. She was led to the upper floor of the house, to a room containing four single beds. It seemed that only one bed was occupied. Belle opened her little suitcase and hung her clothes inside the closet spacious mahogany, realizing that whoever was the woman with whom she would share the room, had a much more extravagant in relation to the clothes that Belle wore. A golden sheath dress for use at night was hung alongside slacks and a silk scarf long and colorful.

"You must be Isabelle" said a drawling voice behind her. "I'm glad you're here. Do not want to spend the next few weeks being the only girl in this place. I am Ruby Lucas or rather, Claudette Burroughs! "

Isabelle turned to greet her and was shocked by her dramatically appearance. She had black hair and bright that fall in a cascaded almost to her waist, ivory skin and big green eyes highlighted with eyeliner; to complete a pair of lips painted red. The contrast between the appearance of the sexy girl with the regular FANY uniform could not be more striking. Belle was surprised that the woman had been selected, she would stand naturally in a crowd.

"Isabelle French, or rather, Chesneau" Belle said, smiling and greeting Ruby with a handshake.

"French? Are you related to the commander French? "Ruby said, throwing herself on the bed and ascending a cigarette.

"He is my father," said Belle, approaching the mirror and checking if her hair was still in order, stuck in a bun behaved.

"I thought that of daughters commanders were not sent to war" Ruby said, raising her eyebrows while inhaling the smoke. "Why they choose you?"

"They said I was selected because of my fluent French and because I know the country."

"I do not know anything at all in France. I was selected because I am fluent in German "Ruby approached a potted plant that was on the window sill and tapped her cigarette on the edge, letting the ashes fall there. "Looks like they desperately need people who can operate radios equipment in France. Has I have coding skills, I am the girl that they need. Did you know that today the life expectancy of a communications operator specializing in radios is about six weeks, "she asked turning to bed and lying down.

"It cannot be!"

"Well, is not really surprising, is it? After all, it is not easy to hide a radio transmitter under our clothes, is not it? "

Belle could not believe the tranquility of Ruby to comment on the possibility of subsequent death.

"That does not scare you?"

"No idea," Ruby said "I only know that the Nazis must be stopped. My father was able to take my grandmother from Berlin before the war began, but the rest of our family disappeared in Germany. Must have been taken to some of those death camps that we hear. So if there is anything I can do to harm the Germans, I will" Ruby said with a sigh. "I imagine that life is not worth it for any of us, unless Hitler and his happily gang be buried six feet under the floor. And the sooner this happens the better. The only thing that bothers me is having to cut my hair, according to what they told me. This, indeed, will be a problem." She said, shaking her hair black and glossy.

"Your hair is beautiful" Belle said, thinking that if someone had a position to deceive and defeat the Nazis alone, would be this extraordinary woman.

"As life changes," Ruby said, lying in bed and resting her head on palms. "Just four years ago, I was a debutante in London. Life was just a huge party. And now," she sighed and looked at Belle so conspiratorial. "See where we are"

"Yes" Belle agreed. "Are you married?"

"No way!" Ruby said, smiling. "I decided a few years ago, I wanted to live life fully before finding someone and accommodate me. It seems that this is exactly what I'm doing. And you?"

"Nor. And I doubt I'll find someone. "

"I doubt it." Ruby said with eyes full of compassion. "This war is really horrible. But I'm sure you'll find someone sooner or later." Concluded, erasing the cigarettes in the potted plants.

During the meal at evening in the elegant dining room, Belle was presented to four other agents that participate in the training. As the wine was served, Isabelle noticed the people gathered around the table, realizing that the scene could pass for a casual dinner, occurring in various tables throughout Britain at that time.

After dessert, Captain Hooper, the instructor, clapped his hands for silence.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope tonight has given everyone the opportunity to become better acquainted. You will spend the next week working together. However, I fear that the fun ends here. The breakfast will be served at six o'clock and then each of you will receive an assessment of the overall condition of your health and physical fitness. In two days, will have to run a distance of eight kilometers every day before breakfast ".

There were protests amid the group.

"Many of the activities that will be here will focus on increasing physical endurance you. It is extremely important that all departing for France in the best physical condition you can achieve. It's the kind of fitness that could save your lives. Some have gone through military training, then you are accustomed to the rigors of exercise. For others, especially for the ladies," he said looking at Ruby and Belle "It may be a little harder. The coming weeks will be the hardest of your lives. However, if we really give value to them, devote all attention and energy to learn the skills we'll teach… I'll put the day's schedule on the wall next to the entrance hall at six o'clock every day. During the weeks that you are here, you will learn to shoot, detonate dynamite, the basics of Morse code, survival skills and how to jump with a parachute. I'm sure everyone knows that agents of the SOE are probably among those who face the greatest danger when compared to all compatriots who are fighting against the Nazis in France by common right to freedom. "

The room was suddenly silent. All eyes were focused on the captain.

"I should also add that without men and women of the caliber of you who know and understand the dangers, and yet are prepared to meet the challenge, this war and our victory could never be conquered. So, on behalf of the British and French governments, we thanks to the presence of each of you. Now we have coffee and brandy in the art room for those who wish. For those who do not, here take my leave. "

While other companions disappeared through the door of the art room, Captain Hooper asked that Belle waited a few moments.

"Miss Chesneau, I assume that you has not been informed about your mission in France?"

"Not yet, sir," Belle confirmed.

"Well, Mrs. Mills asked me to deliver this envelope. Tomorrow she will meet with you to explain some more details."

"Thank you, Captain" Belle took the yellow envelope, which was sealed.

Isabelle chose not meet in the art room, going up the stairs to the bedroom.

She settled in bed, leaving the lamp on. She looked at the envelope in her hands, whatever its content, Belle knew that her future was in that envelope. Resisted a moment, wondering if she should open it or not. Isabelle sighed, opening the envelope and dumping the contents on her bed.

There was a folder and a plastic bag with some cards and a watch inside. Belle opened the folder and saw the face of a man portrayed in the pages. He had black hair that went down like curtains around his face. Belle deduced that he should have around 50 years, his eyes revealing little about who that man could be. The photos were dated 1940. They were all photocopies of articles detailing the disappearance of Adrian Gold.

Belle examined all the ads that reported that Adrian Gold, Special Agent of SOE, had disappeared during mission in France in July 1940.

After reading, Belle got the credentials that Gold had used during his missions, and finally, she looked at the watch, which intrigued her intensely. It was a nice watch, silver-plated and a bracelet with suede.

Belle heard some footsteps in the hall and put everything back in the envelope, placing it under the pillow. Ruby entered the room, with a laugh as she stumbled on something that was on the floor.

"You're awake, Belle?" She said in a whisper.

"Yes" replied when she heard Ruby's bed creaking.

"My goodness, tonight was fun! Hooper is really a dream, don't you think? "

"He's very handsome, yes."

Ruby yawned and said:

"I believe that the coming weeks will be much more enjoyable than I thought. Good night, Belle. "

Isabelle was sitting in the back of the art room, holding the envelope she received last night close to her body. Throughout the night, the face of Adrian Gold surreptitiously invaded her dreams, what made she wake disturbed every time. She had read more than five times the articles delivered to her; She knew that Gold was born in Scotland and was the only son of one of the most powerful families in the region. His father had participated in the First World War, which motivated his son to fight. There were no records indicating whether Gold was married or had any children, and also there was no concrete reports about his disappearance.

Moments later, Mrs. Mills came into the room, accompanied by Mr. Buckmaster.

"Miss. French!" Buckmaster greeted Isabelle with enthusiasm. "It's great to see you again. I must say that your father is in perfect condition, although missing you. "

"Thank you, Mr. Buckmaster. I also miss him," Belle said, feeling calmer when receiving the news of her father.

"Miss. French, you had received my envelope." Ms. Mills said after complimenting Belle and ask for everyone to sit.

"Yes, ma'am"

"And what did you think?"

"I found it very ... Intriguing" Belle put the envelope on the table in front of her. "While I have some questions about it"

"And what are these questions, miss?"

"Well, as the lady had told me before, I'm being called to a mission of espionage, in which, probably, who should I spy is Mr. Adrian Gold. But how can I spy someone who is missing? "

"Because he is not missing"

"Ma'am?"

Regina smiled, opening a documentation file above the table, and handed a sheet to Belle.

"Our fellow Gold was selected for a mission in France in 1940, when the SOE was created. During the period that he served, he was considered our best agent. In 1941, after an attack by rebels organized in France, Gold disappeared. We believed that the Gestapo had arrested him and the only thing we could do was pray that the torture sessions did not make he open his mouth" Mills reached a cigarette, offering one to Belle, who refused. "But after a few months, one of our agents clearly saw Gold dinner with some German officers."

"He faked his own disappearance to join the Germans?" Belle asked incredulously. She could not imagine what would make someone want to join the Nazis.

"That's what we thought too," Buckmaster agreed. "At first we thought he was using a double identity, and that could give us valuable information about the attacks of Gestapo and SS's plans, but it was not what happened."

"We started to suffer large losses on our side, and we deduce that Gold walks passing information to the Nazis."

"But how he is having access to our information? He has captured a radio signal or something?" Belle asked.

"No, and that is exactly your mission Miss French. You should find out all about Adrian Gold, whatever the cost." Mrs. Mills stressed the last words, which made Belle shudder.

"After the end of your training we'll pass the latest information you will need."

"You'll do very well, Miss French. You never participated in the war, so no one will recognize your face." Buckmaster studied her seriously. "But I must remind you to never mention your name. Unlike your face, your name is well known. "

"Yes, sir. And what name Gold use in France? "

"According to our informant, he is known as Anton Carruthers. But when you arrive to France you will receive all necessary information about Adrian Gold" Mills said, standing up. "Remember Miss French, the possible fate of our success is in your hands."

Unlike the initial impressions of Ruby, the following weeks tested the agents to their limits. All days were filled with rigorous physical and mental exercises; if they were not in a trench learning to detonate dynamite, were climbing trees and hiding among the branches.

Nuts, fruits, shrubs, mushrooms and leaves of edible plants were identified, as well as endless shooting sessions and the inescapable race that occurred five miles every morning.

Belle was surprised that she had the ability to withstand the rigors of training.

A month later, the preliminary training drew to dim. Each agent was summoned to a long and grueling session with the captain, who, without any ceremony, pointed out their strengths and weaknesses.

"You did very well, Isabelle. And everyone here is happy with your progress. I'm sure your father will be proud" confirmed the captain. "The only criticism made by the officers responsible for your training is that you sometimes takes too long to make decisions. In field operations, your fate may be decided by your immediate reaction to a situation. Understood?"

"Yes, sir"

"You have proved that you've good instincts. Rely on them and I doubt that you will stop in trouble. We'll send you to Scotland with other members who went through basic training here." Concluded the captain. "That will complete your training to missions to accomplish in the future" He stood up and reached out her pair. "Good luck, Madame Chesneau" he said smiling.

"Thank you, sir"

When Belle closed the door behind him, he added:

"May God be with you"

Belle, Ruby and two other companions were sent to the wilds of Scotland to begin the advanced training of guerrillas. Far from any form of housing, the four practiced their skills in blowing up bridges and navigating small boats without sink them. They also learned to carry Germans, British and American weapons, and hide them in trucks amid complete darkness.

The importance of the Vichy line was explained in all its details and agents in training were informed about how the Germans had established a border that cut France in two, separating the zone "occupied" from north to south.

The basic survival skills they had learned in Wanborough Manor became a reality when they were abandoned in the Scottish moors to learn to live with the resources they could gather or hunt for several days. A trained killer came to teach them how to kill an aggressor quickly and quietly.

After two weeks of starting training in Scotland, Ruby was removed from the group.

"Thank God" she remarked, as she hurriedly packing. "Apparently, I will be sent to Thames Park to improve my communication skills with radio. There is something very serious going on in the region of the Channel, as they are in urgent need of a person that is specializes in this type of communication. Oh Belle" she said, hugging her friend. "I hope we meet soon in France"

Someone knocked the door.

"Miss Lucas, the car is waiting at the front door. "

"Time to go" Ruby said as she picked up her bag and walked toward the door. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

"You too. Please keep believing" Belle said. "You'll get through it all"

"I'll try" Ruby agreed, opening the door. "But I'm sure I'm going to die when I be there, Belle, I know I will."

Ruby shrugged.

"Adieu!"

"Well, Isabelle, you have completed the training and you're about to be sent to France. How do you feel? "

Belle was back in London at the headquarters of Section F, sitting across the desk from Emma Swan.

"I think my preparation was the best" Belle replied automatically, a phrase that did not express even a tip of her thoughts and feelings. After the month she spent in Scotland, they moved to Beaulieu in Hampshire, another appropriate home by the government in England, where her espionage skills were further refined. She learned to distinguish the different uniforms militia French and German (the extension of police obnoxious Vichy government) and learned what to look for when recruiting French citizens to their network of contacts. She also learned the importance of never register on paper what had learned. "I think I'll feel better when I be on the field," she concluded.

"Great. That's what we like to hear," said Miss Swan, cheerfully. "Your trip to France is scheduled for the next full moon night. I think you will like to know that you will not have to enter the country with a parachute, instead, you will be taken on a Lysander plane and land safely on French soil. "

"Thank you," Belle said, feeling relieved with that detail.

On the night of June 17, a car took Belle and Regina Mills to the Tangmere airfield in Sussex. In the hangar, they sat around a small table near the back of the structure and Regina handed a sheet of paper to Belle.

"Please spend the next twenty minutes memorizing everything that is written in this paper. Your nickname will be "Rose" and will be used whenever you are in contact with us or other agents in the field of operations, both British and French. When landing in France in Vieux-Briollay, you will be greeted by a welcoming committee. They'll take care of you and will give you the necessary transportation, beyond the details of where you will stay there "

"Yes, Mrs. Mills"

Mrs. Mills placed a small leather suitcase on the table.

"Here is everything you will need. Identity documents in the name of Isabelle Chesneau, a librarian who lives in Paris. You have several relatives in the south of France and that's where you come from. This will be your justification if you need to cross the Line of Vichy to enter or leave the occupation zone in the north. "

Belle watched Mrs. Mills withdrawing a small glass tube that contained one pill.

"This is your pill C. You must guard it inside the heel of your shoe. "

Already knowing how things worked, Belle withdrew her foot off her shoe specially adapted and opened a lid covering the sole of the heel. Mrs. Mills entered the pill to the cavity.

"I hope you never have to use it."

"Me too" Isabelle nodded, knowing that innocent-looking pill contained a lethal dose of potassium cyanide, if she were arrested or tortured.

"Well, are you ready?" Ms. Mills said in a jovial tone.

"Yes"

"So let it embarks on the plane."

The two walked towards the small aircraft, painted black to avoid being detected on a moonlit night. Upon reaching the steps, Mrs. Mills stopped.

"Do not trust anyone Isabelle. Time to embark on, sweetheart." Mrs. Mills said brusquely. The propellers of the plane's engines began to spin. Regina Mills extended her hand to greet Belle. "Goodbye, Isabelle, and good luck."

Stunned, Belle climbed the stairs and entered the tight cabin of the plane. While held the belt in her seat, trying to process what she just heard. Belle bit her lip hard to stifle tears. At that moment she wished she could be at home, wrapped in the arms of Sarah and her father.

Feeling the heart weigh in her chest, she understood why they don't let her write to her father. They knew it would make her abandon all training and would give back the terrifying task she was about to play.

But now there was no turning back. As the plane took off, breaking into the night sky, Belle looked out the window and watched the darkness that covered the region's rural of England.

"Goodbye, Papa," she whispered. "I swear I'll be back as soon as possible."

Thanks for all the support and I'm sorry if take so long for me to post a new chapter. I'm trying to do my best with english! Please, share your thoughts about this story. Review ;)