[Quenelle]: 633.Corbin Branston Chptr 3

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Corbin sat alone at his desk, starting down at the manila envelope before him. He needed to open it. It was his mission, and his job. “But it was Jean's mission, and it still is, he hasn't come back” Corbin ran the rim of his scotch glass idly over his bottom lip, trying to delay the inevitable. He paused, contemplating, then slammed his glass down and tore open the package. There it all was. His passport, papers, and his mission brief. He picked up the paper and swore. Tomorrow he was returning to France.

The next morning Corbin reported to the firm awaiting his dispatch. The ever present Randolf and Head of intelligence were waiting for him.  
“It a pleasure to see you this morning Mr. Branston!” Elmer said extending his hand.
“I've come for my dispatch Sir. I'd like my equipment please” Corbin ignored his outstretched hand.
“Of course, always were a 'Go and Get'em' kinda guy weren't you Corbin.” Elmer mused. “Randolf!” the bulky man snapped, “The gear!” Randolf scurried away nodding, coming back with a duffel bag and haversack.
“Everything you need is included. I presume you've been briefed on your mission,” Elmer cast a quick glance at Randolf who was too busy fiddling with Corbin's luggage to notice. “And you are aware that you are sailing out in 3 hours form the City Docks. You will board the Naval Ship 'SS St. Helene’ and arrive in the Southampton harbor in seven days time. You will then be taken to the Air Force base, from where you'll be air lifted to behind enemy lines. You'll be dropped outside of the town of Saint-Diè. Your contact will meet you in the Cafè L'etoilè on the town’s main street. He will be wearing a red scarf and will have a blue bond book on the table. You will walk up to him and say 'May I join you?' he will reply 'Do you intend to speak of glory days gone by?' and you will respond 'No, I only wish to discuss the weather.' This man is your contact. He has the information Jean-Perrier was not able to recover to us. It is imperative that you get it and bring it to La Rochelle and board the 'SS Aquarius' back to New York - you know our contacts their. Return to the firm, you have 21 days to complete your mission. Dismissed.” With non-nonchalant wave of his hand Elmer signaled Corbin's dispatch, leaving him and Randolf to negotiate the baggage and Corbin's embrakment to the war front.