Le Bourget Airfield, Paris
Mechanics and aides ran around in the morning about the aircraft an elegant silver Farman 223, modified for diplomatic travel, its interior refurbished for comfort, not combat.
A tricolor fluttered beside the aircraft, flapping softly in the cold wind.
Major Étienne Moreau stood near the foot of the stairs, a leather satchel in one hand, a freshly brushed overcoat draped across his arm.
He wore civilian clothes now a simple grey suit with a discreet lapel pin shaped like the cross of Lorraine.
Subtle enough not to provoke, sharp enough to remind.
Minister Pierre Laval arrived moments later, flanked by aides.
His gloved hand rose in brief salute to the press cameras held back by uniformed gendarmes.
"Comfortable in civilian dress?" Laval asked, his breath visible in the cold.
"I've worn worse," Moreau replied.
"Dont worry it will be fun" Laval said, climbing the stairs.
