Paris.
Ministry of War Headquarters
The walls of the Ministry's south wing were lined with portraits of long-dead marshals and glories of past campaigns, many now obscured under dust and indifference.
War, it seemed, was not declared here only prepared for.
Major Moreau stood straight outside General Beauchamp's office.
Captain Renaud, leaning against the wall beside him, hummed a march tune under his breath and made a mock salute to one of the portraits.
"General Hédouin," Renaud whispered, eyeing the oil painting. "Died in his bath in 1874. A hero of soapy martyrdom."
Moreau gave him a sidelong glance. "Try not to say something idiotic in the first ten seconds."
Renaud grinned. "That's a tall order. You know I peak around eight."
The door opened.
A corporal nodded them in.
General Beauchamp stood by the window.
Maps were pinned across the wall behind his desk.
Folders were stacked in a rigid grid on the desk itself.
The room was warm but cold at the same time.
