[At the leBlanc villa in Languedoc] "Mon dieu, I came as soon as I heard the news! Is there anything I can do?" "Sit down, Renald. I am still sorting through Noir's personal affairs. Here is the package of his effects from the front. I do not have the heart to go through them now." [Renald ruffles through some papers] "What is this? A letter dated just last week! Apparenty the day before Noir's death!" "Open it, Renald" ******* Dearest Papa, I hope this letter finds you well. As you know, the Queen's Own is still at the front, although I have still managed to make waves in Paris despite my absence. The King has seen me fit to appoint me Commissioner of Public Safety for the coming year. It is not the most glamorous of positions, but it is a step towards higher government office. While I do not begrudge my time serving in the military, and the QOC has certainly been good to me, I would be quite happy never seeing another field ration again. It is, in fact, my new appointment which has prompted this letter. I have only been the Commissioner a few days [and in the field to boot!] and I have had a dozen men approach me with various slights. Most of them are issues best solved within the units, but one man has implied some irregularities with the army's supply which I feel must be looked into. Indeed, if his story is true, there is something fishy in the highest levels of the army itself! I'm sure things are not as bad as he suggests, but the threat is simply too big to ignore. Well Papa, I have gone too long on my problems. Enclosed is a small sum which should help you through the planting season and get Louisa that dress I hear she has her eye on. I look forward to seeing you all in April. Your loving son, Noir ******* "Treason against France, eh? That explains a lot. As you know, Renald, I use to be in the Quartermaster's office, and I can tell the difference between Franch and German shot. The bullets which killed my son were French. I hesitate to say it, but Noir was killed by his own men." "Mon dieu! This must not go unavenged! I will go to Paris myself and find who is responsible for this travesty." "Yes, Renald, go. There must be answers. We must find them." [OOC: X5 is Renald leBlanc, Noir's cousin] ************************************************** Steve Nicewarner Cerebral Hobbies Chapel Hill, NC www.cerebralhobbies.com **************************************************
