A Birthday Celebration

by Mr. David R. Dorrycott

the usual suspects copyright Mr. Simon Barber

Millicent surrendered her invitation to the German guard, stepping aside enough to allow others better known than herself free passage while the Shepard and his supervisor checked her name against the list. “Ah, Fräulein, you may prooceed” the officer announced, returning her card to her. His look though was one of distrust. On one her last two visits the English tabby had not been invited, had no card with her yet had bluffed her way past both his guard and himself. Much to his later regret. This time though she had an invitation. How things did change he thought, watching as the attractive feline entered the building. Such an impressive... presence he thought, before turning his attention to the next card passed to him.

Millicent though was ecstatic. First the Swedish birthday party, where she found herself watched carefully. Then later the Japanese festival where her connections with a certain Priestess left many uneasy as to how, or if to approach her. Yet it had been exactly that still tenuous connection that had landed her the invitation. Now this, the German Consulates birthday. All three events had been where she was able to offer that wonderful ivory pastecard. Those first two times it had simply said GUEST. This time the card had her name embossed upon it in silver. She was official again. No longer slipping along the walls in hopes of not being ejected too soon. Of avoiding everyone not her own age, and even then having nothing as impressive as this gown to wear. Her Tatiana had been correct yet again, and the thrice weekly sessions at Madam Maxine’s had truly given her preparation she had not been given by her parents. Now she understood some of the signals that passed from party to party, along with knowing not to admit that she had seen them. Certainly never to repeat them. Lest she find herself in an upstairs bedroom, with a locked door between herself and freedom. She also knew which fork to use with which food, which spoon went where and not to speak unless first spoken too. Certainly never to a male, unless introduced first.

Her pride though was the low cut very fashionable dress her own consulate had arranged for her. A pale peach color, it showed a great deal of upper fur. So much so she had expressed discomfort to the seamstress as she worked upon it.

“Nah worry deerie” the doe had explained. “Tis only iff someon opens tha back tha yer gonna show yer true treasures. Say breath out nah...”

At Madam Maxine’s though the answer had been different. “Tease dear girl. You must tease, not so blatantly advertise.” A thin layer of matching fine lace had been added to her decolletage, muting what had once been to open view. Then Madam Maxine’s seamstress had further tightened certain parts of the dress while loosening others. Especially in one certain place, where she was none too politely instructed to wear a dagger. “A lady is a lady, until a drunk decides otherwise. Never be afraid to defend your honor, for any gentleman will understand. A cad never will” she was told. Before she could complain one of Madam Maxine’s girls had already arrived with a deadly looking blade, quickly strapping it to Millicent’s naked leg. Where she could draw it from a very well hidden slit that had been added to her skirt.

When she argued Madam Maxine herself hushed her. “Your honor may be nothing to you child. It is everything to your Tatiana. How you comport yourself reflects upon her.“ At those words Millicent had ceased her complaints. Humiliation was one thing, to humiliate Tatiana. No, she most never allow that. Not to her love. Not ever.

Thus it was she found herself standing in the German ballroom wearing a dress her birth mother would go into shock simply to see, with a deadly blade again strapped to her leg out of sight. This was the second party that she had worn such, and though less self conscious about the matter she still could not quite put away the naughtiness of her devices position. And where it touched when she sat. Tatiana had inspected her, accepted what was then warned her to keep her paws away from that knife ‘Unless life in danger.’ Thus she had.

A young collie greeted her, taking her card to the older Doberman acting as herald for this event. It was a shiver of delight to hear him announce her name, “Representing the youth of the English Consulate” he finished, his voice deep, commanding. Stepping forward into her few seconds of limelight she curtsied to those present, then made her way to those of lessor rank such as herself. Always now she moved among them with eyes and ears open. How much useful information had she herself let free, prattling along like a canary in her own self importance those other times the feline asked herself. How many now looked upon her as a source of useful, if not yet too important information. As two young and rather attractive males, both foxes, approached her she ticked off both nations. The Japanese and the Americans. So, she would play them to her best ability, but not try for further. Both would be too much better at this game than she after all. It was her duty to bring back only tidbits of information, not some great military coup. Putting on her best smile she went forwards to greet the two.

“Welcome to the shindig” the American fox said in greeting.

“Shin Dig?” Millicent asked, amused. “I assumed that we were to attend a social event of some importance. Not to dig shins.” Once she would have agreed. Even though the term was rather crass, trying to fit in. Now all that had changed.

Hardly a flicker of emotion crossed the Japanese foxes face. “I believe that my companion referred to this event” he explained, privately amused at the American’s gaff. This was an impressive female, for a Gajin. A very impressive female. He found it hard to take his eyes off her chest, for Japanese women did not have nor display such... He pulled his thoughts back on tract. “I am Nakamura Sadaharu. My companion is Mr. Grant Underwood. You are?”

“English” Millicent replied. “Nakamura, your clan is from...” She rummaged through the information her future mother in law had given her. “From Toyama Prefecture. Yes?”

“My family is from that Prefecture yes. I though was born in Edo proper. How is it you are so aware of such things?” Sadaharu ignored the look his American companion gave him. They were always in battle, this time each attempting to capture this delightful female before them, and she had given him first salvo rights. He certainly was not going to let such an opening slip away so easily, though he had been briefed about her connection with the odd exile known as Wei Oharu.

“I could claim a very lucky guess” Millicent answered. “Yet, to be honest I have been studying Cipangu and her history of late. It has been suggested to me that a few years in your country might broaden my outlook of this world.”

‘Broaden’ Sadaharu repeated in his mind, his eyes again traveling down below this delightful creatures neck. ‘Oh I would much like to broaden...’ He shook himself, realizing that he had again lost track of his thoughts. Only then did he realize that the hairs of his tail were beginning to straighten. This would not do, it simply would not do. “Would you a drink” he asked, searching for a temporary withdrawal to regroup.

“Why yes. Tea if they have it. A Sherry if not.”

“Very good. Grant? If you will keep our dear lady company please?” Making his successful withdrawal the Japanese fox made his escape. He had been to many of these events, spoken to this woman once before and discarded her. Why did she now have such an effect. Why, she had straddled his hull with her first ranging fire, split a seam with but her presence. Oh what a presence she had. He had to try another course. And that scent, why was she wearing Jasmin? He so loved that scent.

Grant Underwood was used to such battles with his long time friend. It would be quite interesting to hear how the winner came out with this one. He too remembered Millicent, though with less clarity than Sadaharu. For English girls were always so plain that he usually ignored them. But Millicent.. Yes, that was her name. “Millicent English?” he asked gently.

Millicent laughed at the name. So someone had remembered her. She well remembered these two though. Most of the younger crowd had a very specific opinion of these two. Fun to play with, but not for long term commitment. “Millicent only” she answered. “I do not use my fathers name for personal reasons. He is somewhat important within the Diplomatic world. I wish to make my own way. Miss Millicent, if you please. My back if you do not.”

‘Ah’ he thought. ‘This one has changed.’ “Miss Millicent then it shall be” he answered. “I apologize for my earlier crassness, however you must remember that the last time we met, a year ago, you were a much different woman.”

“I was a girl” Millicent corrected softly. There was after all no reason to anger the American and he was right. “A foolish young girl. Though it has been only a year I have been shall we say, brought to heel?” She smiled, and her smile caught the American by surprise. He had expected haughtiness from this English girl, like all English women. Yet she seemed approachable. Though from what he could see her approaches would have to be navigated with extreme care.

Grant mentally slapped himself. He was at the German Consulate representing his uncle. He had to keep his mind out of the gutter, at least until after the party. Yet this Millicent had changed. Why was she was so attractive now. What in the world he wondered would have created such a change so quickly. Did she have a lover? Yes, she must. It would explain her new found assuredness. But whom, and how could he pry her away from him for at least a night. That was now his main goal. Perhaps letting Sadaharu throw himself against those impressive bulwarks in vain would be the trick. Again he mentally slapped himself, thinking carefully. He was better than this, so why was he tripping up now?

“We all grow as time passes” he said, slipping into his most effective ‘praise them, then slowly edge yourself into their confidence’ mode. “I think you though have changed the most of we three, seeing as I remember a young kitten scurrying along the walls trying not to be approached. I think the change is wonderful really.”

“Thank you” Millicent answered. He had caught her off guard slightly, only Sadaharu’s return with a glass of Sherry gave her a chance to recover. Thanking the Japanese fox she sipped her drink slowly, looking for a way out. By themselves these two might just be manageable, but together they had her at too great a disadvantage. She needed more time to perfect her social abilities, at least a century or too. ‘Father’ she thought as she sipped a bit more of her drink. ‘Why did you and mother deny me social training.’ That her parents might not have been able to afford such for yet another daughter didn’t occur to her.

“Oh, and who is this delightful creature” a dusky female voice asked from behind Millicent. Turning she found herself staring into the eyes of a very well dressed otter. A female otter who’s slightly military cut of clothing announced her as German.

“This is Miss Millicent, from the English side of the fence” Grant announced, pre-empting Sadaharu’s opportunity. “Miss Millicent, please. May I introduce Fraulein Jarvinia Schwarzkopf. Her father is Director of Communications here.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Schwarzkopf” Millicent announced, giving the somewhat older looking girl a slight curtsy as she had been taught to do in such cases.

“And so polite” the otter nearly gushed. “Oh I must talk to her alone for time. You boy now go wander away please?”

Millicent had enough training to give both boys a practiced, near pleading look. One both took as ‘please do not leave me with her.’ But social niceties aside, it was the German Consulate. So within their own group Jarvinia outranked them all, at this time. Giving excuses both young men backed away, turning for other prey.

“Come. We will talk yah?” the otter asked. Giving up to the inevitable Millicent followed the otter to a slightly more private area, a small balcony overlooking the consulates small garden. With the balconies French doors closed behind them Jarvinia allowed a short laugh to escape her. “You were I think two timed” she explained. “Those two. They are always on the hunt. They are very good. Welcome to my place of private escape.”

“Thank you, I think” Millicent answered. She carefully finished her drink, looking for a place to leave the empty glass when Jarvinia gently plucked it from her paw, tossing it over the balcony into a pool below. “Is my job search garden after parties, to find such” she explained. “Glass not often break in pool, when hit path is large mess.” She smiled down at the ripples bouncing along the pools surface. “I am not important here Miss Millicent. I am youngest daughter of widower who likes parties. But you have not yet given me last name. Though you know mine.”

“I haven’t given it to anyone” Millicent explained. “Like yourself, my father is in the Diplomatic Corps. But he is an Ambassador to another country far away. I prefer not to rely upon his name, yet make my own way in this life. Also, should I create a problem it will not reflect upon him. My father and I do not often agree, still damaging his career with my own errors is not something I wish to do.”

“Ah, that is impressive” Jarvinia agreed. “So many, they want stand on father, mothers reputation. Sadaharu is like that. His father is important military officer. Give him chance he will melt ears off speaking of father and family.”

Was it the Sherry Millicent asked herself, or had the otter moved slightly closer. It was the otter she decided, for she had only had a very little Sherry. Tatiana did not like her when she was drunk, she missed things. Best to be careful with this one the tabby decided. Until Tatiana had time to tell her how to proceed. “Like yourself Miss Schwarzkopf, I am proud of my family history and parents” Millicent continued, edging slightly away. “Why, should you ask I believe that I too could talk your ears off with such stories.”

“Touche” the otter laughed. “We are all like that. To impress others with what we are, what we know. Will there be war?”

“What?” Millicent asked, caught off guard.

“I think you are not such the fool you have lead others to think this last year or so” Jarvinia explained. “Today you are much the lady. Do not be upset, for we are all watched. You have been spending much time at Madam Maxine’s. For a cleric that must be of great expense. You have decided to stop playing the spoiled child?”

Millicent shrugged, her visits to that place were open knowledge after all. “I found myself lacking in certain social graces. A good friend suggested Madam Maxine as an effective social instructor. As long as I requested only social instruction. She is paying for my instruction.”

“Not how to say, entice boys” the otter asked. Her finger touched the lace on Millicent’s dress. “Very nice touch. Much her style for higher society.” This time the otter did not laugh. “I have studied there too. What father calls touch up.” She noted Millicent move slightly away from her again, the motion causing her to smile. “We are watched Miss Millicent” she warned in a much lower voice. “Your two paramours wish know if you are really Sappic, or just act for Russian Songmark girl. As does guard who watches me.”

“We are to be married soon” Millicent admitted. Of course her situation with Tatiana would be common knowledge among these people. Well, best to simply let things continue to be in the open. Perhaps her watching of others might be taken as interest in other women, though she in truth was not really. Not with Tatiana always in her arms. “Our date will be posted in the Daily Ellie, should that interest you or your watchers.”

Jarvinia moved closer again. “Then is not act?” she asked seriously. “These meetings with your Russian? You are truly hers?”

“If you come any closer” Millicent warned. “I will most certainly prove to you that my love for Tatiana is no act. That she is truly my desire.”

“Ah, then you would shoot me?”

“Shoot?” Millicent asked. “I have no gun.”

Jarvinia actually stepped back, turning to face Millicent at an angle that hid her right side from others view. “You are but unarmed? Among these wolves?” Moving a bit of her dress that could not be seen by anyone but Millicent the otter allowed a slit in her skirt to open, the grip of a luger was then exposed. “Foolish girl. I will protect you then. This time. Be more careful, for though those two are fairly safe. Many here are not. Especially when one is so attractive. I will not always be here.”

“And I am safer than those two?” Millicent asked. Boldly she moved closer to Jarvinia. Tatiana had told her that opportunity almost never comes twice. The absolute worst she could expect in such cases was a slap. Her paw easily slipped into that slit, avoiding the hard iron weapon for softer, much warmer places. Much less defended places she was shocked to discover, still it did not slow her movements.

Jarvinia gasped, trying to move away. Only to realize that doing so would expose where the tabbies paw was. “You are bold” she whispered. “In so... oh my God” she whimpered as Millicent’s fingers found their mark and her legs weakened. “Do not do this. Please. Not here.”

“I am very much in love with Tatiana” Millicent whispered as she continued to explore. Her heart raced, for this moment she was in control, she was the aggressor. It felt stunningly wonderful. “You may freely tell your friends that I am not available for any male, and if forced it will be Tatiana who exacts payment. Tatiana and her adopted mother.” She very slowly withdrew her paw, finally turning her back to the doors so that, as she licked her fingers no one but the otter could see. “Tatiana would like you, you are very sweet” she continued. “I find you very desirable.”

Flustered the German girl started to move away, then remembered her watchers and instead moved closer. “No woman has ever” she gasped, bringing herself back under control with difficulty.

“Perhaps then Germany and England should have a private meeting. To discuss the possibility of peace. And war. Or should I explore those wild lands again now? Yes Miss Schwarzkopf. Tatiana has asked me to find my own releases since she is so rarely available. Tatiana has explained her fears about the future. I myself have made but a little investigation into such matters, for as you are well aware I am as yet nothing but the lowest of clerks. As yet. I do have dreams, as do you I think. One day, if I continue to work very hard, I might become a Diplomats aid. Or even with great luck a Diplomat. That would be a challenge I much would like very much to face square on. Still yes, there will be war. Whom against whom I do not know, but I fear for all of us.”

“You are then a spy?” the German girl asked, finding herself leaning against the younger feline. Finding herself wanting that touch again, but knowing to do so would be absolute madness. Only the tabbies unexpected action had allowed her watchers to miss it. They could not do so again.

Millicent smelled the otters scent, enjoyed it. She even made so bold as to lift one paw, placing it against the otters breast that could not be seen by those inside. Easing her claws out to easily penetrate that cloth between her and what she now so wanted to touch. “Oh yes. I dream to end up with my head on a French wall as well. No Jarvinia, I am no spy. Your own investigations will tell you that.” She released her grip, turned carefully away and looked down at her paws, sighing. “I wanted adventure, instead I found boredom. Until I found my Tatiana. Trust me in this my dear otter, Tatiana is all the adventure I can possibly manage. Now or ever. I will have children for her and be the most happy woman alive. But stick my head into the guillotine for men who will simply shake their heads at my death, then release yet another like me to the wolves? No thank you. You be the spy if that is your wish. Let me enjoy my life, make friends. Let me see what the world has to offer with my Tatiana before all our rulers turn everything to black ash.”

“You are true romantic” Jarvinia decided. “Bold, still romantic. I think maybe I like you. Still. Better we return to party Ja?”

“So that you may escape this dangerous tabby” Millicent asked. “Oh yes, let us let free the otter. That she may amuse her friends with her adventures. But I shall not step alone upon a balcony with any other but you tonight, warn them of that.” She turned to leave, to feel her sleeve pulled lightly. Turning to face the otter again Millicent oddly found herself amused at the emotions crossing that face.

“You not understand, no I see now. You are beginning social. This was not test, not joke. I try save you from hunters, but you turn table on me. I think Millicent I might like you. But must think upon this. What last name you take when marry?”

“Wei” Millicent answered, then pulled herself away to open the doors and return to the party.

Late the next morning Millicent finished her report. What she had noted, whom she had met and especially her encounter with Miss Schwarzkopf. She placed no personal views upon her observations, other than to say that she had no idea what had come over her to make such advances upon the German girl. Finally she signed her report with the code name she had been given and slipped the entire thing into her Most Secret case. It would be delivered directly from her paws to those of Jacob Dasher. Though Captain Heller was her normal ‘controller’ as Tatiana called them, all her reports went directly to Dasher without exception. Later, after delivering Dasher’s materials to him she continued on her business, unaware and uncaring of what her report would bring in the future. If anything.

Across the way in the German Consulate Jarvinia Schwarzkopf too was giving her report. This one though was in person and in her native language. “And this English woman. Millicent is her name?”

“Yes Major” Jarvinia answered the mastiff. Gone was the helpful young woman, replaced with a harder, more professional personality. Jarvinia had been trained by some of Germany’s best. “Millicent, she would give no last name though we do know her father.”

“Yes. Incorruptible and not at all too incompetent. For a Diplomat. Your opinion of this woman?”

“She has been turned by the Russian Major. Not that it matters, her interests are of the flesh, not the mind. I do not believe she could be more than the most minor of observers.”

“Yet she took you by surprise.”

“Yes Major, she did. I expected words, shock at least to find me armed in what is basically a minor embassy. Yet instead she moved on me. We were watched, I could not defend with violence. By the time I determined a counter she was already at her goal.”

“You do not mind such attention?”

“Major. I was trained to do what needs to be done for the Fatherland, for our leader. No Major, I was not bothered by her action, only humiliated that such a child could so easily place me into such a position. I was also chosen as I do not mind whom I am with, as long as it is my choice.”

“She would be your choice?”

Looking at her paws the otter thought but for a moment. “She has raw talent. She is aggressive but only barely so. She is interesting, attractive, possibly even intelligent. Yes, she could be were it not for the Russian. But only as an aside I believe. She has not the aggression I desire..”

“So you are certain that the Russian controls her?”

“Absolutely Major” the otter answered. “Karl has tracked the money paying for her lessons directly to the Russians. At every moment this Tatiana is free from her studies Millicent is with her, her own career allowing. It is her single warning that bothers me.”

Picking up Jarvinia’s report the mastiff studied it a moment. “Ah, she says that, ‘if forced it will be Tatiana who exacts payment. Tatiana and her adopted mother.’ Then she has been warned well, and has powerful allies. I myself would not wish to cross this Oharu.”

“She is but a stage magician” Jarvinia countered. “Nothing but a confidence artist. A liar, a cheap player of others emotions. I will happily stand before her.”

“And be crushed as others before you have been” the Major warned. “Still I may find myself accepting your offer. Beware, it will probably be the last time I ever see you alive. Could you take this Russian?”

This time Jarvinia delayed her answer, eventually licking her lips. “I do not think so” she admitted. “My skills are not in combat. I have basic skills yes. This Millicent, easily so. I have seen what even a second year Songmark girl can do. Tatiana came already trained in Russia’s best fighting styles. No Major, even in an unfair fight I do not think that I am any match for the Russian. I am aware of my limitations.”

“Millicent will warn her of your luger, which will warn her of your abilities. Perhaps that move was a mistake. Still it is done. We will work around it. I wish you to think of this encounter. Watch her. It may be that we will need to become involved. We may not, still it is an opening. For when we invade Russia it would be best to know as much as we can in advance. Now about these twin terror foxes. They were up to their normal activities? You have managed to fully insinuate yourself into their confidences?”

Major Thomas William Hawkins sat aside Millicent’s report. “I know well Jarvinia Schwarzkopf. She is a minor German Agent. A small P, but larger than Millicent.” He pulled out his pipe, absently tapping his open paw with the device. “She is not a violent woman, so why show our girl a weapon then?”

Dasher turned from his window, letting his eyes adjust to the rooms somewhat brighter light at this time of day. “Many possible reasons. Try to befriend her perhaps. Or simply discover why she is marrying Tatiana. It is a rather exciting bit of gossip among the women here after all.”

“Perhaps” the bulldog agreed, now absently sucking on his cold pipe. He had stopped smoking when his second wife had become ill, though he always carried a pipe. It was a habit impossible for him to break. “Certainly the Germans would wonder why a Russian agent was after an English clerk. There are also those rumors, that house painter might have eyes on Russia. Gather in Millicent, whom we both know could never become a good agent, use her as a wedge to gain Tatiana’s trust? Tell me please. She didn’t acknowledge that she carried a knife did she?”

“How... No sir, she claims she did not.”

“For how. Sergeant Proud found himself instructing her on proper knife work. He of course asked why.”

“Millicent of course almost gave the poor fellow a heart attack when she showed him the device” Dasher chuckled. “Wha ahll tha bloody CHEEK!”

Both men laughed at Dashers imitation of the infamously serious Sergeant. “He probably hasn’t seen that much young sweet English female fur in years” Dasher managed through his laughter.

“Without paying for it” Hawkins agreed through his own laughter. Fighting his laughter Hawkins managed to gain control of himself. “She is awfully innocent in the oddest ways. Much like Amelia. Why that one move had Proud so flustered it took until next morning for his to return to normal. Yet she had no idea what she had done to him. Still she is the only material we have to work with. Order Proud to suck it up and train her as best he can how to use that blade. Remind him that she’ll probably lose her lunch the first time she nicks someone then see’s blood. Then tell Millicent that if this Schwarzkopf continues her friendly advances to feel her out. No wait, not...” He broke up laughing again.

“Warn her the German is possible dangerous, but to try and make a friend of her anyway. Such friendships may prove fruitful later?”

“Something like that” Hawkins managed through his giggles. “Oh God in Heaven. I haven’t laughed this much in years.”

Millicent pulled Tatiana tighter against her, even though the sable was already laying on top of her. “Have I ever told you that I love you” she asked softly.

“Dah. Couple dozen time now” Tatiana answered. She was tired, it had been a long day at Songmark and only by the skin of her claws had Liberty managed to gain them enough points for a twenty-four hour pass after that bonehead stunt Brigit had pulled. It was something the coyote would never let them forget, but worth the coyotes smirks. Besides, she was beginning to like being with Millicent. Could she be changing the sable wondered. But no, even mother had told her that wasn’t possible for her. Women were not her true life choice, she had simply learned to enjoy what a sister had to offer her. She could though be adapting. “Maybe I nibble more here” she whispered to Millicent, bringing her teeth together somewhat painfully on a sensitive section of the cats anatomy.

“Mmm yes” Millicent moaned, wiggling to cause friction between their bodies. “You do so know exactly what I most desire. But I have something import to tell you.”

“That is?”

Carefully Millicent reported events at the party between herself and the German girl. “I don’t know why I did that” she finished. “It. Well. You said never pass an opportunity and oh. I just don’t know why.”

“You lusty woman is all” Tatiana explained. “I not enough for you is pravda, so you hunt. Is good but care you take dah? Now sleep, is not much time we have together. You, I.”

She lay there, feeling as the contented feline slowly slipped into a deep sleep. ‘Jarvinia Schwarzkopf’ the sable thought, turning her head to look out the hotel room’s window. ‘I will keep close eye on you German. Tread carefully. Harm my Millicent and I will gut you for the fish.’ Her eyes opened fully in the darkness. When had Millicent become ‘My Millicent’ and not just Millicent. Mentally she shrugged, burrowing herself deeper into the soft yielding fur below her.