“Reconciliation”

A Gaby FanFic

The first thing I have to do is to publicly thank Angharad, KarenJ and last, but certainly not least, Jillian, for all their efforts to decipher my scribbles. It was also their encouragement that gave me the courage to submit this to Maddy, in the first place.

I also extend a warm ‘thank you' to Maddy, for creating this ‘universe' and giving my mind a place to occasionally wander.

Six

Four years later - 2012; Gaby and Maddy are now 23 :

“GABY … DAD'S READY TO GO …”, Jules shouted to her sister from the bottom of the stairs.

“… ARE YA REad … dee?” As she saw Gaby descend the stairs, Jules fell into a stunned silence.

“WOW! … An' exactly who you planning to seduce, sis?” Jules mischievously asked.

Without missing a beat, Gaby shot back, “Maddy … if I can lose Aunt Carol and Uncle John for the evening.” Her playful response caught Jules by complete surprise.

Gaby was well aware her mum was within earshot and the temptation to wind her up was just too great to pass up. As soon as the words were out of Gaby's mouth, Jenny peered out from around the corner. By her expression, Jenny took the bait – until she saw the faces of Dave and the two girls.

“I must say you do look lovely, Gaby.” Jenny managed to get out after the laughter died down.

“Thank you”, Gaby replied as she gave her mum a hug.

“I'll see you Sunday, mum.” Gaby said and then gave her mum a peck on the cheek. She gave Jules a hug and then turned to go out the door with her dad to pick up Maddy's parents, before going to the Bonn-Cologne airport. They arrived at the airport in plenty of time and after they confirmed their Sunday return flight, Dave told them he'd be there to meet them then started his journey back to Bad Neuenahr.

Gaby and Maddy's parents were flying out to attend Maddy's graduation from UMIST. Since the graduation ceremonies were on the Friday, Gaby thought it should give Maddy and her plenty of time to drive into Warsop to see Em and if they were around, Bernie and Ally.

The graduation ceremony was held in the University's ‘Convocation Hall' and was predictably full of ‘pomp and circumstance'. After the ceremony Maddy found her parents. Since Maddy was unable to meet them at the airport and unaware Gaby could come, she was pleasantly surprised to see her. Maddy greeted her parents with a hug and Gaby with a kiss.

“Why didn't you tell me you got the time off, darling?” Maddy asked Gaby.

“I wanted to surprise you.” Gaby replied, still holding her fiancée. Maddy tightened her hold on Gaby.

“I have to back with the team, on Monday.” Gaby added.

Since most of Maddy's things were already shipped back home, John arranged with Maddy to pick up the rest of her clothes before going to the hotel. Maddy then turned her attention to Gaby.

“Remember we were talking a bit about who we'd like to see in our wedding party?”

”Yeah … you were thinking of starting with Kat as your Maid of Honour because I already had Jules. An' Bernie and Ally as bridesmaids...” Gaby replied.

“Change of plans … Bernie's unavailable for an indefinite period … she's a nursing sister with the British Army an' she's currently in the Middle East.” Maddy explained.

She went on to say, “… lately, they've been staying over there up to a year before coming home … even her mum isn't sure when Bernie will be back.”

“Guess that rules her out, huh? … We should at least sent her an invite … any other candidates?” Gaby mused.

Maddy asked her parents to excuse them for a short moment, as she pulled Gaby aside. When Maddy asked, Gaby named four girls she'd like to have in her bridal party and admitted she would have problems trimming that number down. Maddy agreed, so after a very short discussion the girls agreed their bridal parties would comprise of four bridesmaids apiece and a Maid of Honour.

Maddy suggested Gaby and her parents meet her three good friends from university. Asking them to wait where they were, she went off to find her friends and eventually returned with the three girls in tow.

“Gaby, Mum, Dad … I'd like you to meet my three closest friends. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be standing here with a BSc. in ‘Molecular Biochemistry'.”

Maddy continued, “This is Ann Jordan, Brenda Helmsley and Cathy McGuire … guys … my fiancée, Gaby Bond … and my parents, Carol and John.”

“ … Gaby's a professional cyclist with the German team, Team Apollinaris … an' her mum was the 2003 Women's World Champion while riding for them.” Maddy was beaming with pride, while Gaby only blushed.

Maddy's candid introductions caught both her parent's and Gaby slightly off guard but her friends were just glad to finally meet Maddy's intended. Brenda answered Gaby's unasked question of when they figured Maddy was engaged to another girl. She explained that Maddy was never one to be interested in the boys and she did have Gaby's photo in her room. Cathy added that the three soon put two and two together. Brenda quickly added Maddy's been a great person to ‘hang' with and they never gave her orientation a second thought.

Ann asked if they've set a date or even thought about the wedding. Gaby just looked into the air and said, “I dunno … what about a year today? … May 18, 2013 … it's a Saturday isn't it? … That should give us some time to put things together.” Maddy looked at Gaby and repeatedly nodded her approval.

Someone produced a pocket calendar out of their purse and confirmed the day.

Maddy then asked Gaby, “Now that we've agreed on a date, I guess we can seriously start to plan, right dear?”

“Uh huh”, was all Gaby replied.

By this time the parents of Maddy's friends joined the little group and all the introductions were made. Since the girl's parents already knew Maddy, there were no surprised faces when Gaby was introduced. With all the parents listening in, Maddy went on to explain everything that she and Gaby had discussed, including having two bridal parties.

Then she looked at Gaby for her approval and turning back to her friends, said, “I might take some time off and accompany Gaby on the ‘2012 World Cup Tour', so it may be awhile before I can physically see you guys again … so I'll ask you now, while I can do it in person … I'd really like it if the three of you would be my bridesmaids … what'dya say?”

Ann looked at the other two and then speaking for all three, piped up “We thought you'd never ask!” Cathy and Brenda just nodded in agreement. Maddy gave all three hugs. “Thanks, guys!”

As the parents chatted, the five girls performed a final bit of ‘business' and everyone exchanged contact information including home and mobile phone numbers as well as email addresses. As the girls parted company, they all promised that they'd keep in constant touch.

After Maddy picked up her luggage from her residence, she joined her parents and Gaby as they headed for the hotel. As teatime was approaching, once settled in her room with Gaby, Maddy placed a call to the Morgan residence, in Warsop.

“Hi Sylvia, it's Maddy Peters … is Em around? … Hi, Em? … hold on.” Maddy then passed the phone to Gaby.

“Em? … It's Gaby. Mad and I are just going out the door, but you gonna be in tomorrow? We'd like to see you and Ally, if she's around … GREAT! … See you around noon, ‘kay? … Bye.” Gaby was glad they were able to arrange to meet with Em and Ally.

Following tea in the hotel restaurant, everyone decided to walk around, checking out some of the nearby stores. After they agreed to meet back at the hotel, the four soon parted company. The girls left John at a W.H. Smith's browsing through some books while they hit the shops.

Maddy and Gaby stopped in front of a window display when Carol caught up with them. Carol noticed the store was a bridal boutique.

“Com'on girls, let's go in … now that you've set a date, you'd better start looking. The earlier you get your gowns, the better your nerves.”

Almost as soon as they were in the store, a salesclerk descended on the three and asked if they needed assistance. Carol politely explained both girls were starting their search for a wedding dress, but she intentionally let the salesgirl labour under the belief that it was for two weddings. The girls didn't see any need to clarify matters, either.

The clerk inquired as to their tastes and Maddy deferred the question to Gaby, preferring to follow her lead. Gaby thought about that for a brief time, then told her that she was looking for something simple, nothing fancy. She also mentioned she didn't want a train, which right away, eliminated a large portion of the store's stock. Maddy told the salesgirl much the same. They were shown a few dresses, but the choice was very limited. After looking them over, the three women thanked the clerk for her trouble and left the store.

On their way back to the hotel after some serious ‘window shopping', Gaby noticed a store that advertised they supplied Medieval and Renaissance clothing for re-enactment Faires.

“There!” She exclaimed. “That's it!!”

Gaby pointed at a poster showing several styles of men and women's period clothing. Carol and Maddy both looked at the poster and saw that the dress styles were simple, yet very elegant and could indeed substitute for wedding gowns. Soon the three found themselves in the store and talking to a salesperson about their plans.

At first they were shown period wedding dresses, but in each case dismissed them for being much more extravagant than they wanted. Many of the gowns were more ornate and fancier than modern wedding dresses.

As they browsed through the store's catalogue, both Maddy and Gaby realised that the more ‘every-day' dress of a Renaissance noble woman was in line with their vision. Since closing time was approaching, Gaby asked for a business card and catalogue. She noted the store was also online, so they could browse it on the web, as well as searching other similar clothing retailers.

As they neared their hotel room, they felt they'd actually accomplished something. Carol promised to join the girls and look through the catalogue in more detail after she told John she was back. She was intrigued by Gaby's idea of looking at Renaissance fashions. Carol couldn't help thinking that Gaby was right, it was a more romantic time and in many ways, simpler and that summed the girls up rather nicely. The more she thought about it, the more she fell in love with their ideas.

The next day, John leased a car and all four drove into Warsop for the day. While Maddy's parents visited with friends, the two girls went around to Sylv's to see Em and Ally.

“Both girls are out on the patio, kids… I'll call Em if it gets busy in here but she has a one o'clock.” Sylvia motioned for Gaby and Maddy to go on through.

“Hi, Em … Ally”, Gaby greeted their hosts, while Maddy nodded to each of the girls.

“Hi, guys”, Em replied in a subdued tone.

In order to let Em talk to Gaby alone, Ally found some excuse to get Maddy away from the two.

“Gaby … l”, Gaby knew what Em was going to say, so she stopped Em by gently putting her finger up against Ems lips.

“Shhhhhhh … Em … don't keep trying to apologize. Just put it in the back of your mind … it happened, ok? … But what's done is done … an' I really don't want to hear any more about it.” Gaby softly intoned as she put her arms around Em and gave her a hug. “Just drop it … ok girl?”

As Em closed her moist eyes, she quietly replied, “Thanks, Gaby … thanks.”

Gaby changed the subject. “Guys … Mad and I came here with a mission.”

Both Maddy and Gaby got right down to the purpose of their visit. The two girls summarized what they managed to figure out for wedding plans so far and then Maddy let Gaby speak first.

“Em, you and I … or rather Rhod and Drew … have a lot of history together, don't we?” Em, slightly taken aback hearing her old male name, nodded in reply.

Gaby continued, “So … I'd really like it if you agreed to be one of my bridesmaids.” Em's worried expression immediately changed and her response was to give Gaby a tearful hug. Even before Em released her hold on Gaby, Maddy turned towards Ally.

“Guess you know what I'm going to ask, right? … How ‘bout it … would you be one of my bridesmaids?” Ally nodded her reply and gave Maddy a hug, confirming her answer.

Shortly after Sylvia appeared at the patio door. “Sorry to break this up but, Em … your one o'clock is here.”

The four girls rose to part company with hugs all around. As they passed Sylv in the door, Em turned to her mum.

“Gaby asked me to be one of her bridesmaids.” Em excitedly told her mum.

After Em got to work on her appointment, Sylvia insisted she hear more of Gaby's wedding plans. Em had mentioned something about the girls being engaged, back when they all met at the school dance and now that Gaby and Maddy were here with her, Sylvia wanted to know all. Finally the girls bade good-bye to Sylvia, Em and Ally then left to meet Maddy's parents for the trip back to Manchester.

The next day saw the four up early, packing and getting to the airport for their flight back to Germany. They arrived in Bonn just before noon and Dave was there to meet them. On the way back home, John filled Dave in on all the news from Warsop and their mutual friends.

When they got back into Bad Neuenahr, Dave dropped the Peters off at their place but not before Maddy asked Gaby to stay with her for the afternoon. John informed Dave he'd drive her home. Dave mentioned he'd just leave Gaby's luggage in her room and drove off.

After Maddy was settled in, they called Kat to check if she was free for the afternoon and then they walked over to the Pinger's.

“I heard a rumour that you're a smart person, now.” Kat was smiling when she met the girls at the door.

“According to a piece of paper they gave me, I am.” Maddy replied with a smile.

Mad and Kat traded university stories and then talk finally shifted to the girls wedding plans. Kat was quite enthralled about the girl's ideas for wedding dresses and together the three girls spent the rest of the afternoon exploring online Renaissance clothing supply stores, starting with the one they visited in Manchester. They noticed that the models all wore their hair long and straight. Pretty soon they arrived at the conclusion that it would look nice if the entire wedding party wore their hair in the same style.

Then Maddy looked at Kat and following a very brief silence, asked her…

“Kat, tradition says that Jules is Gaby's Maid of Honour, but we both really would like you to be in our wedding … would you consider being my Maid of Honour … please?”

Kat looked into the hopeful faces of both girls. “I'd be very honoured Maddy … thank you ... thank you”, as she hugged the two girls. When Kat hugged Maddy, Gaby noticed Kat's eyes were more than a little moist.

Later after John dropped Gaby off at her home, she was talking to her mom and Jules about the weekend and what progress Maddy and her had with starting to plan the wedding. As she told her mum about Kat being Maddy's Maid of Honour, Jules asked Gabs if she's picked her Maid of Honour yet.

Gaby told her sister that she chose her Maid of Honour a long time ago and then noticed Jules had started to get visibly upset. With Jenny looking on, Gaby put her arm around her sister's shoulder in an effort to comfort her.

“You never asked me ( sniff )… ” Tears started to run down Jules' cheek.

“I'm sorry Sis … I just assumed you knew you would be my Maid of Honour.” Gaby quietly told her, as she tightly hugged Jules.

Gaby continued tightly holding Jules while quietly talking into her ear.

“Sis … Drew may have thought you a ‘real pain' at times … an' you have to admit you were a bit of a cow when you thought I was just pretending to be a girl … but for all the rough times and … even the good times we've had … you always … ALWAYS, stood by me ... I can't think of another person on this planet that's more deserving … I love you Sis an' I want you as my Maid of Honour … will ya do it?”

“Of ( sniff ) course I will … “ Jules closed her eyes and tearfully replied, squeezing her sister that much tighter.

A short time later, Jenny reminded Jules that Heinrich would be by early to take her into Bonn for her interview. With that, everybody called it a day.

“Ok, ladies … shall we go for a little early morning ride to wake up?” George exited the team clubhouse and was crossing the car park when he addressed the assembled team.

As they mounted their bikes, the four former members of the Jr. Team Apollinaris were all sarcastically thinking what George meant by a ‘little ride' and they couldn't help but quietly laugh among themselves. Still, they knew that with the upcoming race schedule, their training couldn't afford a break, even though the 2012 UCI* World Cup schedule allowed it.

Four hours later, a weary bunch of women rode into the car park of the Apollinaris clubhouse. George was well pleased with the workout and he didn't hesitate to pass his feelings onto the ladies.

“Go cool down and I'll have a lunch brought around for you and we'll all get together later … around two? … Make it three, ja?” George called out as he retired to his office.

‘Cooling down' is what all the girls looked forward to, for it meant a dip in the pool, a sauna and a massage, not necessarily in that order. Later in the sauna, Gaby cornered her three friends.

“Guys, I've something I want to pass by you and this is the first chance since Maddy's graduation I've had with us all together.” Gaby was quite serious when she approached her friends.

She went on to explain everything she and Maddy had come up with, in terms of wedding plans. Gaby went on to mention now that a date had been decided upon, they were moving ahead and acting upon those plans.

“What it all comes down to is that both Mad and I really would like all three of you to be my bridesmaids.” Gaby voice had a certain ‘pleading' quality about it. In what seemed like an eternity to Gaby, all three said they would be honoured to be her bridesmaids.

“Just one more thing … could you keep your hair long for the wedding?” Gaby asked.

After a short discussion, they figured Gaby's mid-back length was probably the most suitable. It not only looked good but it was still manageable for riding.

“That's gonna look cute during a race … same skins, same hair style … confusion reigns supreme!” Nina's observation invoked a short round of laughter from the four girls.

After the team meeting later that afternoon, Gaby approached George and asked if she could have a moment.

On the way back to his office and in an effort to make small talk, he asked Gaby how the wedding plans were shaping up. George knew of the building excitement from casual conversation with Gaby's parents, but he wanted to hear it directly from the bride, or one of them, anyway.

“Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about.” Gaby replied as they entered George's office.

“Two things … would it be possible for Maddy to accompany us on the remaining World Cup Tour … maybe working with Mike like she did with Hans for the 2008 Jr. World Cup?” Gaby asked.

She explained, “That way Maddy and I could still plan things on the road. We want to use the Internet to get ideas and email to keep in touch with everyone.” Gaby remained silent while George pondered her request.

After some minutes, he finally looked up at her and replied, “Ja, that we could do. We could always use another body … have her call me tonight at home and we'll set things up … anything else or was that it?”

“I could also use some kind of a team schedule for the rest of the year, something that would let Maddy and I schedule time when we could plan things or physically get together with everyone, like … getting our dresses an' other stuff that would be better if done in person.” Gaby looked at George, hoping he'd appreciate the need for her request.

She added, “We'd probably need that schedule to go into next year or at least get a new schedule in the New Year.”

“You set a date then?” George thoughtfully asked.

“May 18, assuming that next year's World Cup has a break in the schedule like it does this year.” Gabs replied.

“I'm sure the break will be there but I'll try to confirm that with the UCI, for you. As for the schedule, we'll have to work on that one and see what we can come up with, ok?”

Gaby thanked George and started to leave to meet her parents and go home but as she moved to get up, George indicated to her to stay put.

“ bitte?” George softly asked.

George knew exactly what Gaby was requesting. After all as a family friend, a proud Jenny had kept him abreast of the girl's wedding plans. He also knew from talking with Jenny and Dave that travel was a concern to the couple, considering that half of the wedding party and possibly their gowns were back in England.

“Now I'd like to talk to you, if I may.” George was looking directly at Gaby. She quickly searched her mind for something she did or didn't do.

“I understand, from talking to your parents, that you and Maddy chose to pay for your own wedding … is that correct?”

“As Mad and I started to plan things, it became clear this wasn't going to be your standard wedding … we just felt our parents shouldn't have to pay for our ideas, they have enough to worry about.” Gaby replied.

“I know about your ‘ideas' from your Mutter … und the sponsor would like to help if you'll allow them.” George put the question to Gaby.

“Both you und your Mama have done a lot for this team und Apollinaris like to offer as their wedding gift, the use of a corporate jet to assist you und Maddy in your travels between Germany und England while you're putting things together. They'll even fly the British members of the wedding party home, after your wedding … ok?”

George noticed the odd tear rolling down Gaby's cheeks as she walked around his desk and gave Maria's ‘teddy bear' a big hug. “THANK YOU”, as all she could manage to get out.

As Gaby gave George his hug, he looked up and saw Jenny smiling in the doorway to his office. He somehow managed to return a weak smile to Jenny as he returned Gaby's hug. Finally he told her that Jenny was waiting to go and he'd see her tomorrow.

“How'd the interview go, Sis?” Gaby asked when she finally got home and saw Jules.

“I think it went ok, but I'll have to wait until next week before they make their minds up.” Jules replied.

When Maddy came over later that evening, Gaby excitedly informed Maddy of their wedding gift from Apollinaris. They made sure they emailed Em and all of Maddy's bridesmaids informing them of the free travel as well as their unusual request for the long hair. Both girls figured the use of the plane would save them a fair chunk of cash. Maddy resolved to thank George when she saw him.

Later in the evening, they joined their mums and Jules around the kitchen table for a tea and the semi-weekly wedding update – as Jules called it. When the question of hairstyle was put to both mums and Jules, all loved the idea. Jenny commented how the look would complement the romantic look of Renaissance gowns.

Jen also started both girls thinking of whom they wanted to invite and suggested they draw up a list. She and Carol would likely have people they would like to have there, so once all the lists were complete, they could get together to form a final list.

Somehow in all the planning and excitement, Gaby remembered to have her mum give Maddy the number to call George. Following the call, Maddy told all that she was to see George first thing tomorrow and Jenny said they would pick her up on their way to work.

“ Morgen, Liebling … you look pretty this mornin'.” Gaby greeted her fiancée as she sat in the backseat, next to Gaby.

“ Morgen ”, cooed Maddy.

“ You're only seeing George.” Gaby intoned, indicating Maddy's outfit.

“… An' what makes you think I wore this for George?” Mad asked in a sexy voice, as she put her hand behind Gaby's head and leaned in for a kiss.

Then with a pouting look, Maddy added, “Besides, if I get the job, it might be the last time I get to wear a skirt, for quite some time.”

Maddy agreed to stay at the Apollinaris facility following her interview with George and meet Gaby for lunch. Jenny told her someone would run her back home when she was ready. When they pulled into the car park, Gaby was going to walk Maddy to George's office but they met him in the parking lot.

“ Morgen, George”, both girls greeted George. When he turned to return the greeting, they both asked him to convey their thanks to Apollinaris for the wedding gift. Gaby wished Maddy luck and reminded her about lunch, then left to join the rest of the team to prepare for her morning training ride.

At lunch, Maddy told Jenny and Gaby that she got the job. She'd be helping Mike on the World Cup Tour. Hans resumed his work with the junior program for the summer season and Kat wasn't expected for another two weeks, so Kat arranged for a position to help Hans with the junior team leaving a void with the pro team.

“I start next Monday, so I'll be with you when the team leaves for Montreal on the 23rd!” Maddy exclaimed.

“In fact, you'll be stuck with me every day until the tour is over early September.” Maddy smugly stated. Then she very quickly added with a seductive little pout, “ … Well … as far as this job is concerned, anyway.”

The mood quickly changed, as she excitedly added, “Here's the best news … George gave me the schedule you asked for … PLUS the World Cup Tour schedule ... notice what's listed for July 2nd ?” Maddy handed a copy of the schedule to Gaby.

“ … Your Mum know?” Maddy excitedly continued.

“I expect she does.” Gaby looked up at Maddy and flatly replied.

“Here's the ‘kicker' … does she know George has you scheduled to ride ?” Maddy leaned over towards Gaby and quietly asked.

Maddy continued, “He told me he'll announce the rest of the schedule and the selected cyclists for each race at this afternoon's team meeting … an' he wants both your ‘rents and I to be there … Gaby … you ok?”

“Yea … I'd like to see Mum's face when she's told.” Gaby solemnly replied as the realization dawned on her.

Gaby looked at her fiancée and added, “It's ironic … even as Drew, I dreamt about this and back then it always seemed so strange ... All my cycling dreams managed to be of me riding with Mum in the women's races and now that I am, she's not riding with me ... I really wish she was, especially in the Tour de Féminine … Ever since she won it and I was sharing the podium with her for the PR shots, I've always hoped that we'd be sharing the podium as team mates. ( SIGH )”

Gaby's training between races and her performance in a race became if anything, more aggressive for the remainder of the 2012 World Cup series. She left Montreal with a fourth place finish and a firm hold on second place in the overall World Cup standings.

It was only when the team was enroute to France, Gaby learned that her parents would be there to see her ride every Stage of the race. Apollinaris had decided to bring the participants of their 2012 jr. program along, to observe the “Tour” first-hand.

For Gaby, her mum was there ‘riding' every kilometer with her daughter in spirit and physically re-living the day's ride with her, in the evenings! Feeling like a case of déjà vu, Jenny's involvement with the jr. program during the race season meant she'd never been able to take time-off to see Gaby race as a pro. Now that the jr. program was viewing the ‘tour', Jenny was finally able to see her daughter riding for the first time as a pro.

On her first ‘Tour', Gaby captured two of the five stages, including the Time Trials. She placed fifth in the last stage of the race but came in overall third in the ‘Tour de Féminine' with her accumulated points.

In the first part of August, Gaby proudly rode for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics. In a very close finish over a 125 Km course that wound around the Regent Park site, Gaby managed to win a silver medal behind her team mate Nicole Cooke, by less than a wheel-length. Katherine Bates of Australia came a distant third.

In all the 2012 World Cup series, Gaby had been on the final podium a total of six times and two were first place wins – the ‘Tour de Berne' and the ‘Rotterdam Tour'. Gaby managed to convincingly keep her place in the GC and ended the season overall second in the World Cup standings. Gaby was the youngest cyclist in the top 10!

She also got her wish, in a strange way. Like Paris, those many years before, the three Bond women shared the podium at the ‘Rotterdam Tour'. This time Jenny and Jules posed with Gaby. Jenny, rightly so, was simply beside herself with pride in her daughter!

Needless to say, Team Apollinaris was very pleased with their newest ‘Bond girl', that year. George finished the season believing he had found the perfect all around combination for the team with Tina, Susan, Gaby, Kristen, Judith and Nina. He also had his Porsche – Bond duo back, just like he always thought he would.

*UCI – Union Cycliste Internationale: based in France, the UCI is the governing body for the sport of cycling, covering both amateur and professional levels.

To be continued:

PB 20.12.06 © 2006

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