That was the color of Jean-Baptiste's face after the seemingly unimportant incident. "I knew this was a bad idea, damn you Cochet!", he thought to himself while excruciating waves of shame ran across his body.
"My apologies, Madam. I will be more careful next time, when--", Jean's speech was brutally interrupted by the demolishing elbow of a lady from the lounge staff that needed space to clean the mess. "Whene...whenever that maybe", he added while gasping for air. "I am sorry if I ruined your morning routine." Jean performed a slight bow, but with his infamously sharp peripheral vision he caught sight of more people closing in on the scene- all of them females, all of whom were superior in rank.
The reddish hue on his facial features was now transitioning into light blue, probably indicating cardio-vascular tissue failure. He never felt so much pressure, not even when he faced hordes of Gaian fighters around the orbit of Bordeaux. Oh, what he wouldn't give to be in the cockpit of a war machine in stead of being in the middle of this puddle.
A sudden strike from the cleaning lady's mop reminded him that perhaps now is the best moment to vacate the area...
Lauren Charlotte La'Row -> Jean-Baptiste Grenouille
Lauren kept her neutral expression face, it seemed way to much for guy with a bad luck, but she has decided not to intervene, yet. Even the staff didn't help him either with wordless attempt to push him away, so the mess could be cleared. It was at this time when ashamed soldier was looking toward exit, Lauren has decided to intervene. "Don't rush, soldier. It's just a bad luck, trust me on that one. It's just a cup of coffee after all et not a life of your friend or colleague, oui? Man yourself up! " Lauren said in calm tone but raised it slightly with last words.
"Stay and enjoy your free time here, also a new cup of coffee, my cup of coffee. But if you still desire to leave and sort your stuff out on your own, I won't stop you." She said with a grin appearing on her face afterwards.
Jeuge Duval is bored, he decides to stop the music and go back to where he has seen people with familiar faces, when he arrives, he notices a crowd around a person, so he decides to observe the scene without making any noise.
he doesn't understand much, so he asked a question "What's going on here then?"
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille -> Lauren Charlotte La'Row
The scent of a sweet perfume immediately caught Jean-Baptiste's attention. It was not a sharp, intrusive smell; rather it was a delicate fragrance with perfect proportions which signified the noble character of the bearer. And after he heard her soothing voice, Jean immediately remembered who was the lady in front of him.
"Madam La'Row, a pleasure to see you again...although under such trivial circumstances. I remember we've met once before in space and you've helped me with intel on a trespassing transport in the Hebrides."
Jean guessed that the Duchess did not recognize him at first, but given her kind offer, he was quick to accept:
"I'd be honored to stay in your company in this fine peaceful morning. Shall we look for a free table then?"
A noticeable smile began to appear on Jean's face as his nerves finally calmed down.
Lauren kept her straight face on, but felt the need to answer this question of curiousity. "Just a small accident, or a triple threat match between one man, cup of coffee and floor. Floor won though as you can see, despite a furious attack of coffee which seemed quite promising." This time a grin appeared on her face.
Lauren Charlotte La'Row -> Jean-Baptiste Grenouille
Then Lauren turned back to Jean, she recognised him now. A transport pilot threatened by a red communist who ran away, yeah it was him. "Monsieur Grenouille, it's pleasure to meet you in person, also I am glad you are still alive." Lauren said while looking around for a free table. "So tell me, how have you been? Beside surviving in space any new encounters?"
Baron Montluc slowly approached the entrance to the lounge des capitanes. The heat of Bordeaux was a good incentive to seek shelter by itself, and an opportunity to rub shoulders with the Enclave's officer personnel led him to Fort Ansel. The interior was reminiscent of the old days of serving with the Marine Royale, although the fortifications that Montluc was raising on Quillan were much simpler in design. Passing the mess hall, baron smiled seeing the soldiers of the Enclave having fun and showing high morale despite being tied to a yet not possessing sufficient infrastructure Bordeaux.
"This is something we are about to change. Hopefully, the self-assembling modules will be released soon..."
His thoughts were interrupted by approaching the control point for the captains' lounge. Baron Montluc straightened up for the visors, presented his credentials and introduced himself to the monitoring hardware:
"Fabian Montluc, baron of Uxeau-de-Bordeaux, CEO of MAE. Requesting access for recreational purposes".
Emeline Coste slowly moves along the corridor. She put on the only civilian clothes she found in her room. A blue shirt tucked into white trousers and high-heeled shoes are not the clothes Emeline is used to.
After walking a few meters, she saw Baron Montluc itself at the entrance to the Lounge des Capitaines. Going up to him, she put on her glasses and said: “Baron, let me help you. This premises does not require additional clearance.”
Emeline presses a button and the door opens automatically. "With your permission, I will go forward. Relax, people are resting here." With a little laugh, she said, and went into the room. "I hope he doesn't take me so selfish." Thought Emeline.
There were so many people in the room. She knew all the people, but few people knew her by sight, since she rarely left her laboratories and almost always went about her projects.
Emeline noticed that Amiral Rose-Marie Dumont is also here. It would not be nice on her part if she first approached the junior officer, and then the senior.
Slowly, she went toward her.
- "Didn't expect to see you here, Amiral." - “My people will be waiting for your transport at the appointed place, as we agreed.”
"I beg your pardon, Mademoiselle. I am not a military officer of the Enclave and just want to be sure I am a welcomed guest. A mere courtesy."
Baron smiled, and proceeded in. Wearing a dark blue tuxedo typical for Gallic nobility, he stood out a tad from the military uniforms around. His gaze crossed the premises and stopped on the bar.
"Well now, I had no doubts the officers of Gallia would have a fine bar. Le's check out if they have some wine from Orleans...".
Rose-Marie amusingly watched the scene and just as La'Row finished, she heard Director Coste. After a brief smile, she nodded. "Director, I did not expect to see you here either. Thank you for reminding. The transport is on the way. Look for a pilot that will give you the name Tobias Wayne. He is not supposed to know about the mineral though, he will just get 'the package' and move it to the place." Then she took a sip from her wine. "Enjoy your break. We both will have busy times ahead."
Emeline nodded. - “Tell your pilot to be careful. I recorded a lot of activity on enemy ships while I was getting here.” - "I always have a lot to do, Amiral." Smiling, she said. - "With your permission, I will leave."
Emeline headed towards the bar. The bartender smiled and greeted her. - “What do you want, Director?” - "Cappuccino and three tablespoons of sugar." - "Will do it now."
While the bartender was busy with his work, Emeline turned her face to everyone present. - "If I just come up to her, then it will be strange, because I have not seen her before." She thought.
The bartender has already finished and hailed Emeline. - "Your coffee, director."
Emeline without hesitation asked the bartender. - “Listen, I should have met mademoiselle La'Row. Tell me, where can I find her?” - "Yes, the girl who is closest to monsieur Grenouille. She is the one you are looking for." - "Thank."
Emeline took a sip of hot from the mug. The coffee was perfect, so you could still drink it hot.
She took a few more sips and after a while she drank her coffee. Emeline put the cup on the bar and slowly headed towards Lauren Charlotte.
Before reaching a couple of meters, she called to her. "Mademoiselle La'Row? We need to talk about the product that you wanted to convey to me."
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