Revons Plus Grand
Chapter 6:
Who Said I Would?
Aside from helping the men's teams, Georgette Lemare and Sadako Shimohara attended to the women's team during their training. Jose and Sadako seemed to be more at ease helping the women's side. It was no different than helping the 502nd with preparing their meals and cleaning their spaces. Jose saw a proper maturity and vibe with this women's team, who, for many years, had been second fiddle to Olympique Lyonnais in French's women's club football.
Patrice Lair, the current manager of PSG Femenines, was a reason behind Lyon's domination that continued into the current timeline Jose and Sadako were in. Now, Patrice wanted to help PSG's women experience the same vein of success that Lyon's women had the past several years. PSG had belted Arras FCF of the second division 5-0 in the Round of 32 of the Coupe de France Femenin last week and would find out their next opponent on Thursday. Perhaps the presence of the two Brave Witch housemaids would help reverse the team's bridesmaids status.
There were times during their housekeeping work and facility management that Sadako would look at Georgette and wonder who she would be years from now. She imagined a young daughter looking like her asking her different questions about what the world looked like, why things were the way they were, why people live, why people die, why people believed in what they wanted to believe, why people withdraw themselves from being integral parts to society. Jose herself wondered about the future as well. Soon, she would have to live the life of a commoner, return to Normandy and live an unhurried lifestyle that she was used to. The rural life of little worry and being one with nature was what she longed for but she knew that adapting to any circumstance was more important, so long as she was able to live to tell everyone she loved about it.
It was a mature, assertive mindset of confidence now in full bloom that Sadako knew very well, a mindset that both of them shared as the young maidens on the pitched passed spheres with their feet, did calisthenics, circulated their legs and disseminated plans for the next contest on the agenda: a Feb. 1 match with AS Saint Etienne in league play. A league loss to Montpellier left a bad taste in the mouths of the players and they needed to make a point. The catch: the PSG women were on the road as well. That meant that the two of them had Wednesday off since the facility was closed.
But, Mr. Benoit Rousseau did bring the two of them into his office for a meeting on that day. "So, as part of your contract, not only are you going to cater to the players, but also to our fans during special events," said Benoit to Sadako and Jose, the latter fueling up on bread with Nutella. "In March, we will be having an fan week for interested supporters from America and have them come here. Your job to work with providing meals and assisting with preparing and breaking down a number of receptions, as well as being a liaison for all of the guests in attendance."
"It gets even better Jose," Sadako said.
"What does?"
"Our job."
"You mean it gets even bigger."
"And they do dream bigger."
"We dream bigger," they both said, laughing.
"The event is in March, but it also includes viewing a Ligue 2 match, a match the second division."
"A Ligue 2 match?" asked Jose, rolling her eyes.
"It involves another club from this city."
"You mean there is another team? I thought PSG were the only ones!"
"In Ligue 2, there is a team called Red Star Saint-Ouen, and they play at the Stade Jean-Bouin."
"Where is that?" Sadako asked.
Benoit pulled out an oversized map. "Here," he pointed.
"Oh," they both groaned.
"Right next to Le Parc. Next door. It is also the home of our local Top 14 rugby team, Stade Francais Paris. One thing you'll like about this rugby team: they wear pink."
"PINK!?" exclaimed Sadako. Comical smoke came out of Sadako head before she fell off her seat, awestruck. Her mouth twitch as she laughed victoriously, blood coming out of her nose slightly.
"Sada, are you all right?" asked Jose, nonplussed.
"Jose, strong mean wear pink. Strong men wear pink. The Illuminati was right, strong! Men! Wear! PINK!" A punch, sending Sadako flying. "Ow, ohhhh baby! Why you do this to me, Jose? Mou!"
"Sada! Get a hold of yourself, there is no need to be shocked by something like this, do you know what era we're in?" Sadako took her seat. "Really, I hate putting you in line in front of Mr. Rousseau here, he doesn't need that from you at all!"
"That's enough, Ms. Jose, you two are fine, don't worry about it," said the man with a grin. "But I do have this to show you. Here is the itinerary. Please." They both took a look.
SPRING BREAK PSG 2017 ITINERARY
THURSDAY MARCH 16TH
Arrival with early check-in available
Evening – Welcome Reception with all tour guests & PSG staff
FRIDAY MARCH 17TH
Morning – Centre Ooredoo Tour / PSG practice / Lunch at the Facility
Afternoon – Free Afternoon in Paris Paris Bus Tour or Louvre Tickets (optional)
Evening – Ligue 2 Night: Red Star FC v. Amiens SC at Stade Jean-Bouin
SATURDAY MARCH 18TH
Morning – Parc des Princes Tour & PSG Lunch reception
Afternoon – Free afternoon in Paris Paris Bus Tour & Louvre tickets (optional) Walking tour of Roland Garros & Bois de Boulogne (optional)
Evening – Péniche Seine Riverboat Dinner with the PSG Legends & Staff
SUNDAY MARCH 19TH
Morning – Tour Eiffel & Champs-Ellysee Walking Tour ending at PSG store
Afternoon – PSG Fanclub Pre-game Meetup (TBD)
Evening – PSG vs Olympique Lyonnais at Parc des Princes
MONDAY MARCH 20TH
Morning – Goodbye Breakfast & transportation to CDG
THE HOTEL/TICKET PACKAGE
The PSGUSA Spring Break Trip includes:
Four nights at Novotel Paris Centre Eiffel Tower including breakfast & VAT (additional nights available at a discount)
Ticket(s) to PSG v Lyon at Parc des Princes
Ticket(s) to Red Star FC v. Amiens SC at Stade Jean-Bouin
Parc des Princes, Centre Ooredoo & Paris Walking Tours
Private Coach Transportation around Paris events
Paris Metro Pass
PSG International Membership & Gift
PSG merchandise discount card for use at PSG stores during the trip
A Paris Spring Break Survival Kit (delivered in advance)
All gratuities, taxes and fees included
"CDG...I think that is Charles De Gaulle," said Sadako. "That's the name of the city's airport."
"Named after one of my country's greatest heroes," Georgette said. "An awesome, brilliant man."
"I guess so. And the airfare is not included in the tour,. If you could be a witch in this case and use striker units, who needs airfare?"
"If only, but we're not the patrons of the club, we're servers representing the club."
"Good point."
"From a different dimension and time."
"But Mr. Rousseau wouldn't believe us regarding that, so it's good not to tell him, because it won't matter because he may think we are cosplaying."
"What's that?"
"People dressing up as superheroes and villains from any show they watch in this dimension. According to what I read last night."
"Interesting, that."
"Were both of you saying anything?" Benoit asked.
"Nothing, Mr. Rousseau!" chorused the two of them.
"Okay. Well, that's it for now, you can go ahead and watch the Coupe de France games tonight on Eurosport 2. Have a good day."
"Thank you, sir!" said the two of them, and they took the shuttle heading back to the apartment, the cat tracker joining them. The cat tracker had shown to the watchers at the base a reproduction of the itinerary and the participating teams.
"Ah, there is that darn cat again," said Jose, the white Persian curled up on her lap. She gave it a good pet. "Hmmm, but there is something about this cat that is...different."
"Different, Jose?" Sadako asked as the coach rolled out of the Camp des Loges. "I have a wild idea. What if that cat is actually a tracker from our dimension following us here to make sure that we are doing quite well and nothing is happening to us?"
Jose looked at the cat, who winked and laid a wide smile. The cat knew that Sadako was right. "Don't tell me...you guys!"
A projection screen above the cat who was sleeping revealed. "HEEEEEEEY!" the girls from the 502nd all said, waving from the dining hall at the base.
Jose shed tears of joy. "You guys, I...oh my gosh...!" She had to compose herself. A salute. "Th...This is Pilot Officer Georgette Lemare reporting from Paris, Gallia in the year 2017. Me and Pilot Officer Sadako Shimohara are safe and have settled in! We are unharmed."
"This is Pilot Officer Shimohara, good afternoon from the future in Gallia. We are heading back to our quarters after another shift at our civilian position, working for the men and women of the Paris Saint-Germain Footbal Club!" Sadako said, saluting.
"At ease," said Gundula Rall. "Good afternoon, both of you. We have monitored your progress and have been treated to interesting scenes from life more than seven decades into the future. We are relieved to know you are safe and doing well and no issues have arisen since your arrival. Do you have anything to report, Pilot Officer Shimohara?"
"Commander Rall, we have been given the day off today as both teams are out of town for their respective contests. We will be reporting to our worksite, the Camp des Loges, tomorrow," said Sadako.
"9 a.m. to 5 p.m. civilian position with one hour lunch break?" asked Waltrud Krupinski.
"Affirmative, Countess," said Jose. "Although we are at call to work other hours as needed and we also work during home match days, with the needs of the men's team being prioritized."
"The power of settling in, thank you, Pilot Officer Lemare."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"So, it seems that if there is nothing else to report, then that is that," said Commander Rall. "One more thing. We also did get the report regarding the possible threat. The source of that, we can disclose. Flight Lieutenant Pokryshkin, please."
"Yes, Commander," said Aleksandra I. Pokryshkin. "That is coming from preliminary reports coming from Flying Officer Malvezzi of the 504th Joint Fighter Wing and Flying Officer Juutilainen of the Suomus Air Force. The identities was intentionally kept undisclosed when it was sent to Mr. Al-Khelaifi for evaluation and dissemination."
"So the Red Pants detected a possible threat, as well as Eila," said Jose. "Now I know."
"What we can advise to you," said Edytha Rossmann, "is to always be aware of your surroundings and defend yourself if you are in danger. Gallia in 2017 is really no different that Orussia in 1944 with a few quirks here and there, so please be watchful and be safe. Your tracker will also be monitoring you." Naoe Kanno laid a menacing look. "As well as maintain your personal space. As usual."
"Thank you, Flight Sergeant Rossmann," said Sadako.
"So with that, good luck, and we will talk to you later," said Commander Rall.
"Bye!" they all said waving, before the screen faded out.
Georgette and Sadako sighed. "I hope there is a supermarket near here," said Jose as they reached the apartment and got off the shuttle.
"Ah, I see it," Sadako said. "I think." They both walked to the a store down the Rue Edouard Vaillant. "Carrefour," she read. "Carrefour? Let's go inside."
"Hmmm..." They both went in. "Oh mon dieu!" Food, clothes, and lots of other materials. "You know something?"
"What?" Sadako asked, as the people went in and out in stock footage fashion.
"Dinner is going to be epic."
One hour later... "Jose~~~~?"
"Yes?"
"Why are you making me carry all the heavy stuff?" Sadako asked as she carried the bulk of the groceries back to the room.
"Because you are the designated man of the house and you think like a man every time you are with me and I have to put you in line as a result. And I'm not as strong as you. And you love to fondle me as well. Hmph!"
"Jose, I am a girl, you know? I am your woman, for crying out loud! Please be reasonable! Mou!"
"With that hair you might as well be a tomboy. Put on a wig if it makes you feel better."
"Did we even buy any wigs at the Carrefour?"
"No?"
"Exactly." A flick of the forehead.
"Really, Sada, you're such a tease!"
"And I aim to please. Okay then, let's get cooking, I want to enjoy a good dinner while watching the football."
"We do. In Spanish, as Ms. Larrazabal would say, 'Futbol Para Todos.'" She was desensitized to Sadako touching her soft sports so much, she had decided to welcome it as a second skin. Georgette turned on Eurosport 2 as the two of them cooked some pot-au-feu, steak frites, a salad and baked bread. To finish, Sadako poured into glasses some of the wine that they tasted at Frog XVI and bought in bulk at Carrefour. "I think there will be a simulcast of matches that take place before our game, which is later tonight. Check the guide if you can, please to confirm, Sada?"
"Sure." Sadako pulled out Le Figaro and saw a list of matches for the Coupe de France Round of 32.
Tuesday, 31 January 2017 at 18:00
Bergerac Périgord FC (CFA) - RC Lens (L2)
Girondins de Bordeaux (L1) - Dijon FCO (L1)
La Berrichonne de Châteauroux (NAT) - FC Lorient (L1)
LOSC (L1) - FC Nantes (L1)
Le Poiré-sur-Vie Vendée Football (DH) - RC Strasbourg Alsace (L2)
US Quevilly-Rouen Métropole (CFA2) - GS Consolat (NAT)
Sarreguemines FC (CFA2) - Chamois Niortais FC (L2)
Tuesday, 31 January 2017 at 21:00
Olympique de Marseille (L1) - Olympique Lyonnais (L1)
Wednesday, 1 February 2017 at 18:00
Angers SCO (L1) - SM Caen (L1)
AJ Auxerre (L2) - AS Saint-Etienne (L1)
US Avranches MSM (NAT) - FC Fleury 91 (CFA) ou Stade Brestois 29 (L2)
CA Bastia (NAT) - AS Nancy Lorraine (L1)
FC Chambly-Thelle (NAT) - AS Monaco (L1)
EFC Fréjus Saint-Raphaël (CFA) - AS de Prix-lès-Mézières (CFA2)
Vendée Les Herbiers Football (NAT) - EA Guingamp (L1)
Wednesday, 1 February 2017 at 21:00
Stade Rennais FC (L1) - Paris Saint-Germain (L1)
"They call the multiple simulcast a multiplex," Sadako said. "And we're on the right channel. Eurosport 2."
"I know, because the commentators here are previewing the games. Now, I get to watch the thing live on what this dimension calls television!"
"It would be probably be called televi in Fuso," Sadako replied.
"A proper abbreviation, but I think in Brittania and Australis and Kiwiland it's telly. And perhaps in Liberion it's TV or tube. All mean the same thing. But at least we attest that this is a Karlsland invention where we are."
"Think the Hartmanns will get rich from developing the first television in our dimension?"
"Gotta make a business somehow," Jose said, sticking her tongue out, silly like a season. Speaking of which, the January silly season, the transfer window, was wrapping up. Eventually, dinner was ready and the two of them were quietly feasting on a prematch meal.
"This sauce with the steak is to die for, really," said Sadako. "What's it called?"
"Apparently it's called Cafe de Paris Sauce. But the origins of it is not in Paris, it's in Geneva at a restaurant called Cafe de Paris. We didn't even use what we bought, there was some stuff in the refrigerator: chicken livers, fresh thyme and thyme flowers, full cream, white Dijon mustard, butter, water, and just some salt and pepper from the cupboard. I remember my mother trying to make something like this when cooking it with her version steak and pommes frites, but I wanted to refine it and improve on my mother's creation. It was opportunistic."
"You definitely will not want to serve this to the players, that's for sure, as yummy as this is."
"Not even at the end of the season. The richness can sometimes be overwhelming. This really is nice for us, though." A sip. "Mmmm, and it goes so well with the Chateau Le Clariot. Divine."
A bit of the baguette. "I think slowing down while enjoying this is key. Small conversion while watching this." Scorelines, betting lines, headlines, all types of lines to go with the football lines on the pitch while dancing with the homestyle wine and dine. Mighty fine all the time. "I also overheard on the radio that one of the players on the men's team has headed to Spain."
"Who?"
"Jese Rodriguez. He didn't get a lot of playing time here so they loaned to some club in Hispania called UD Las Palmas. In the Canary Islands."
"Well, having a little too many players is a bad thing. But the Canary Islands? That's off the coast of North Africa...and the beaches, blue sky, pure, clean waters...so dreamy...!" Jose shook her head from side to side. "But we can't worry about that now! We have to think about the football! The football!" She pointing to the talking heads rattling hot takes in French.
"And our dinner," added Sadako, enjoying the pot-au-feu.
"Yes, that as well."
"This is melt in your mouth material. Jose?"
"Hmmm?"
She offered a piece of wagyu fillet. "Say aaah..."
"Aaaah..." Down the hatch. And the ears and tail sprouted out as the richness of fine Japanese wagyu overwhelmed her soul. "Oh, for crying out loud! Look what you made me do, Sada!" Jose pouted, a long sustained purring noise coming out of her pursed lips. "Couldn't you at least wait until we both headed to bed so that they popped up? My word!" They disappeared on cue, and Georgette continued to eat. "You're so impatient."
She wagged a finger. "It wasn't me. I'm being honest with both of us. It wasn't me. You like the food here, because you're from here, sort of. It wasn't me. You wanted this."
"That's true..."
"And..." A whistle. "The game is starting. Don't sleep this time..." A wink. "Eheh!"
Chills down her spine."R...right!" And a lesson well learned.
END CHAPTER 6