Grace Memorization Flashcards

1
Q

1:2 (Agnes) How do you do, Miss Banker?

A

Welcome to the Bell team, Agnes. We’ll have you up to speed in no time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

1:2 (Morris) You’re in good hands, Miss Coleman. Miss Banker is one of the most experienced chiefs we’ve ever had. She’s been here three years, if you can believe that.

A

It’s really not such a long time. Mr. Morris has been here almost six years… in the same post.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

1:2 (Morris) Luckily, Miss Banker doesn’t seem to be leaving us anytime soon. And at this point she’s trained almost everyone here.

A

You’d think they would have made me a traffic supervisor by now!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

1:2 (Morris) Haha… Miss Banker is joking. Our supervisors are all men, of course.

A

In New York. Chicago and San Francisco both have female supervisors now.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

1:2 (Agnes) You must really like it here.

A

Most days. Now, let me show you the boards.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

1:2 (Agnes) Excuse me, Miss Banker?

A

Yes, Agnes?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

1:2 (Agnes) A call just came in… for you!

A

Oh! I’ll take it over here. Suzanne, you know you shouldn’t call me at when were working…

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) But this is important!

A

What is it?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) Did you see the add in the paper today? They want operators to send to France!

A

Who does?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) The Army, Grace!

A

So… they want us to train the troops?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) No, they want us to be the troops. To serve as operators… over there!

A

Listen, Suzanne-

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) Grace, you have to do this!

A

Why?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) Because I’m doing this. Come on-it’ll be an adventure!

A

It’s war, Suzanne, not a sightseeing expedition.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) I know. And we all have to do our bit. But girls like us- we aren’t cut out for tending victory gardens. How many times have you told me you wished you could be doing something more?

A

I have been known to say that.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) And, you know how I knew this was meant for us? The ad in the paper says you gotta speak French! They need the operators to be able to translate.

A

But I haven’t spoken French since college.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) Mademoiselle Banker! Ne sois pas une poule mouillee.

A

… what?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) You know perfectly well what I said! Grace, you always do this. You think of all the reasons why not, and I have to be the one to talk you into it. Remember the summer we both got pompadours?

A

That was a terrible idea.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) But this isn’t. Tu dois avoir la foi, mon amie…

A

I must have the goose liver?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

1:2 (Suzanne) Not fois gras… la fois! Didn’t you major in french?

A

Actually, I was double major- French and History.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

1:4 (Riser) A Civilian does not salute.

A

Oh! I’m sorry…

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

1:4 (Riser) Have a seat. Miss Banker, you’re one of the most experienced operators we’ve had apply. College educated… promoted to Chief within two years… a glowing recommendation from your boss.

A

Really?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

1:4 (Riser) “There is no on I would more enthusiastically recommend for service overseas,”

A

Mr. Morris and I have always had a special rapport.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

1:4 (Riser) And lieutenant Wessen tells me that you even helped improve our screening process.

A

Yes, well… when you have a four-part process, it doesn’t really make sense to keep one girl waiting until the girl ahead of her has finished all four parts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

1:4 (Riser) An efficiency expert, I’m begining to understand how your team members are able to connect… three hundred calls per hour.

A

That’s on average. It’s higher during peak hours-

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

1:4 (Riser) On the other hand, your french is rather poor.

A

I know I’m a bit rusty. But it’s coming back more and more.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

1:4 (Riser) Miss Banker, forgive me if this seems abrupt, but we’re near the end of our process, and we’ve already selected most of the women for our first unit.

A

I understand, and I only ask that I be given the chance to re-apply for the Second Unit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

1:4 (Riser) The Second Unit?

A

If the Army needs more operators. I know I can do better.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

1:4 (Riser) Miss Banker- I don’t think you understand. We want you to head up the First Unit.

A

To head it up?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

1:4 (Riser) Chief operator. It’s the same job you’ve been doing for Bell, only now you’ll do it for the Army. That is, If you accept the post…

A

Oh! I… well, what would I have to do- no, that doesn’t matter. I accept!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

1:4 (Riser) AND THATS A LIEUT

A

Loot?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

1:4 (Riser) There will be thirty-three women- twenty-eight operators, reporting to four supervisors, reporting to one Chief. That’s you.

A

And I report to you?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

1:4 (Riser) Correct.

A

And are you in charge of anyone except me?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

1:4 (Riser) No.

A

That seems odd.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

1:4 (Riser) A LADIES’ SWITCHBOARD UNIT NUMBER ONE

A

You don’t think it’s a good idea?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

1:4 (Riser) My opinion doesn’t matter here, Miss Banker. That’s the beauty of of the army. If my commanding officer tells me to train a group of women as soldiers - I don’t need to think about whether that’s advisable or even possible. I do it. And if he asks me sharpen begonais into bayonets, I would do that too.

A

Lieutenant, I’m sure that women who’ve been chosen for this unit won’t be a delicate flowers, if that’s what you’re implying. And I’m sure we wouldn’t want to be treated any differently than the men.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

1:4 (Riser) Chief Banker, see that this gets sorted out. I’ll leave you to it.

A

All right, ladies! I know it’s been a busy few weeks… and we’re all looking forward to a day off tomorrow. But we still have the afternoon, and there are ways we can all improve! Operator LeBreton, you were out of step in the drill - remember, left foot first. Operator Hunt, I’d like Operator Prevot to coach you on the boards - there are tricks to connect the lines faster. And everyone, please study those French exchange tables! We need to know their network like the back of our hand. Let’s meet back here in one hour - Yes Operator Hunt -

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

1:4 (Suzanne) Don’t be silly. Women aren’t allowed to vote.

A

All right now, everyone! I think we should stick to the plan. Let’s split up and re-assemble for a practice run in one hour. And , operator Hill, please come see me privately. Company, dismissed. When do you think your uniform will be ready, Helen?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

1:4 (Helen) Well… it’s ready now… but there’s a problem. I- I don’t have any money, Miss Banker!

A

They can take it out of your salary, can’t they? That’s what they did for mine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

1:4 (Helen) ……. And I can’t even afford a train ticket home…

A

Shhhh, shhh… it’ll be okay, Helen. We’ll make sure you get your uniform.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

1:4 (Helen) You will…?

A

I promise. Let’s go see the quartermaster - I have an idea about what we can do…

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

1:6 (Riser) AND INVITING JUNIOR OFFICERS TO TURKEY TROT MAKES MATTERS WORSE!

A

Lieutenant Riser, I take full responsibility, and it won’t happen again-

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

1:6 (Louise) And it wasn’t the Turkey Trot. Nobody does that anymore.

A

Louise! He doesn’t care what kind of dance it was!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

1:6 (Riser) Oh, and one more thing. Before you board, we’ll need you to swear the army oath.

A

But weren’t we sworn in before? At the recruitment center?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

1:6 (Riser) If you really meant it, it won’t hurt to say it twice. Especially the part about obeying the orders of the officers appointed above you.

A

I, Grace Banker, do solemnly swear bear true allegiance to the United States of America , and to serve them honestly and faithfully, against all their enemies or opposer whatsoever, and to observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States of America, and the orders of the officers appointed over me.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

1:6 (Suzanne) There it is.

A

No turning back now.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

1:6 (WOMEN) SEE YOU ON THE THE OTHER SIDE…

A

Bertha, you know we’re not allowed to keep diaries.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

1:6 (Bertha) This isn’t a diary. It’s un journal.

A

We’re already on thin ice with Lieutenant Riser. If he finds out-

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

1:6 (Bertha) He’s never going to come in here again. He’s terrified of accidentally seeing us in our petticoats.

A

Well… that’s true. I’ve never seen a face turn that shade of red before! But if your diary ever fell into enemy hands-

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

1:6 (Bertha) The Germans would learn more than they ever wanted to know about ma digestion.

A

It’s just that we can’t make any more mistakes. We’re the first women ever to do something like this.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

1:6 (Bertha) That’s exactly why someone has to write it down!

A

I’m sorry, Bertha. We have to do things by the book.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

1:6 (Helen) Of course, The Brittanic was sunk by a mine, not a torpedo-

A

Helen, I think we’ve all had enough facts about ships, thank you.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

1:6 (Man 1 and 3) SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE…

A

He’s been overly friendly with several of us - asking a lot of questions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

1:6 (Suzanne) “Where are you going to be stationed? What kind of equipment are you using?”

A

You told us to let you know if we encountered anything suspicious, sir. And, well… we think he might be a spy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

1:6 (Matterson) Yes, sir.

A

This is how much you trust us? After all the screening we went through just to get here?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

1:7 (Suzanne) How much farther to Paris? It feels like we’ve been traveling forever.

A

We’ll get there. Tu dois avoir la fois, mon amie.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

1:7 (Suzanne) I have faith in you. Just maybe not Lieutenant Riser. And definitely not that rat Matterson.

A

I’m sure Lieutenant was only trying to do what he thought was best.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

1:7 (Suzanne) How can you defend him?

A

I’m not! I just… once we have the chance to prove ourselves, he’ll come around. He’s not the enemy, Suzanne.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

1:7 (Helen) Oh! - Devrions-nous parler francais maintenant?

A

Ils ne te laisseront pas faire, Louise.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

1:7 (1st Doughboy) Did I say it wrong?

A

Sorry, we don’t know when it gets there.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

1:7 (Louise) Sure. We’re in the Signal Corps.

A

We’re telephone operators.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

1:7 (2nd Doughboy) I think he wants you to answer…

A

Number, please.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

1:8 (Riser) Captain Ackerson is the O.I.C. at this exchange. This is Chief operator, Grace Banker.

A

I’m sorry- what does O.I.C. stand for?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

1:8 (Riser) Officer in Charge.

A

Oh, I see.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

1:8 (Riser) Officer. In. Charge.

A

I got it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

1:8 (Ackerson) And how do you like working with good ole’ Riser here, Chief Banker?

A

He’s the best O.I.C. I’ve ever had. Really makes sure he knows everything about everything.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

1:8 (Ackerson) I don’t doubt it! He and I go all the way back to the academy, you know…

A

Really? I’d love to hear about it some time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) Long distance. Please hold…

A

Excuse me, but… why are there so many calls on hold here?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) Glad to meet you, Miss Banker! Now that you ladies are here, I can go back where I belong - twenty feet up a telephone pole.

A

I was just wondering why you have all of those calls holding…

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) There’s a bit of a backup. I’m waiting on Amiens for an English operator.

A

You don’t speak French?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) Not well enough! With these local operators - the accent can be quite a challenge!

A

So why don’t you clear these other calls while you’re waiting?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

1:8 (Officer) Telephone and Telegraph Detachments. We value speed and efficiency, so we use a lot of abbreviations.

A

Well this is my first time at a TTD, but at AT&T our SOP was: connect every call ASAP.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) Still no English-speaking operators available!

A

May I?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) Like a concert pianist settling in…

A

Page 50 monologue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

1:8 (Dempsey) You know… Pershing might be onto something with these girls! (explosion)

A

What was that?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

1:8 (Riser) It sounded like it was only a couple blocks from here!

A

Was it a bomb?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

1:8 (Riser) Did you boys hear that whining sound, just before the explosion? It sounded like a shell.

A

You mean artillery?

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

1:10 scene begins

A

Dear father and mother: I hope this letter finds you both well. I miss you a great deal, but I know you would be proud of the work we are doing. We’ve been assigned to General Pershing’s headquarters and are settling into our new accommodations. My team is working hard.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

1:10 (Louise) Eeeeee! General Pershing just asked me for the time!

A

Miss Le Breton! Follow me, please…

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

1:10 (Louise) But, Miss Banker, he really did call!

A

If General Pershing were in residence, our office would have been notified.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

1:10 (Louise) I’m telling you, he called from his office here asked the time. I swear-!

A

Louise! You are confined to quarters for seven days.

80
Q

1:10 (Riser) Pershing is coming. He wants to see your accommodations.

A

General Pershing is here?!

80
Q

1:10 (Bertha) It’s safe. You can come in.

A

What’s going on?

81
Q

1:10 (Riser) The man is a fiend when it comes to surprise inspections. There had better not be so much as a missing button…

A

You won’t find any missing buttons around here, Captain Riser.

82
Q

1:10 (Riser) And he’s been known to look in foot lockers too - so we’d better make sure those are tidy.

A

They are.

83
Q

1:10 (Adjutant) General Pershing is here and wishes to inspect the ladies’ billet. May we enter?

A

Yes - please come in.

84
Q

As you were… Hello, ladies. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to give you a proper welcome Chaumont. But I’m delighted to see you now. Which of you is Chief Banker?

A

I am, sir.

85
Q

1:10 (Pershing) At ease. Are you properly settled here? Is the equipment working well?

A

Yes, sir.

86
Q

1:10 (Pershing) And the accommodations satisfactory?

A

Better than we could have hoped.

87
Q

1:10 (Pershing) Good. I Imagine the rough and tumble of army life must be a bit of a shock.

A

It’s hardly rough, sir. Nothing compared to what you must have gone through on the Mexican border.

88
Q

1:10 (Pershing) You’ve followed my career, I see.

A

Well… you’re famous, sir.

89
Q

1:10 (Pershing) And will you absolve your operator now that you’ve learned the truth?

A

No. The punishment stands.

90
Q

Discipline is the lifeblood of the army. We can never afford to be lax about anything - even our living spaces. These foot lockers should always be kept closed, Chief Banker.

A

I’m sorry about that, sir. We’ll do better.

91
Q

1:10 (Pershing) Our first offensive of this war. We’ll need our Signal Corps here at the front.

A

We’re ready, sir.

92
Q

1:10 (Pershing) That’s very brave, Chief Banker. But I cannot put any of our women in harm’s way.

A

Sir, we all knew what we were signing up for-

93
Q

1:10 (Pershing) I’m sorry, but I made my decision. I’ll be here at headquarters receiving reports from the field - so I’ll need your team running the switchboards here at Chaumont.

A

Yes, sir.

94
Q

1:11 (Riser) … It’s going to be a busy morning, gentlemen.

A

It’s going to be a busy morning, ladies. Trunks 1 through 5 are Cantigny-only. Operator Hill, you’ll handle all the regular Chaumont traffic through trunk 6, and those calls will be bumped if we need the line. Trunk 1 is reserved for General Pershing; I’ll take that line. We expect constant updates from the field to headquarters.

95
Q

1:11 (Suzanne) They’ve taken the town!

A

Put him through to the general!
Excuse me, General Pershing.
We have Cantigny on the line.
All right, I’m putting it through now…
No American casualties! …
One hundred German prisoners! …
We pushed ‘em back half a mile past the village!

96
Q

1:11 (Adlib)

A

Patch him through to me!

97
Q

1:11 (Louise) He wants you on the line to translate.

A

Louise, you take this.

98
Q

1:11 (Louise) But it’s the general… it’s two generals!

A

Your french is best. You take the call - hurry!

99
Q

1:11 (Bertha) We should have heard from them by now… shouldn’t we?

A

The lines are cut.

100
Q

1:11 (Bertha) I might as well be back in Idaho for all the good I’m doing here.

A

Helen, see if you can get a line to Amiens. They’re within radio range. Maybe they’ve gotten a message.

101
Q

1:11 (Suzanne) Captain Riser…?

A

Sorry about that, Captain. It’s just - we hadn’t heard anything for so long.

102
Q

1:11 (Riser) I sent him to repair this line we’re talking on. He got hit by a shell fragment on the way back. In the leg. It’s not pretty, but he’ll live.

A

And the rest?

103
Q

1:11 (Riser) Twelve hundred of our boys wounded. Two hundred killed. You’re lucky you were safe at Chaumont, ladies. It’s hell out here. Now put me through to Pershing.

A

Captain Riser for the General. Please go ahead, you’re connected.

104
Q

1:11 (Helen) Thank God. It’s over.

A

Oh, Helen. It’s not over. It’s just begun.

105
Q

2:12 (Suzanne) OH YOU GOTTA BE AT THE FRONT!

A

What about Chateau-Thierry? They were short-handed there.

106
Q

2:12 (Riser) That’s why General Pershing wants you to train more men.

A

My girls should be at the front, running the fighting lines.

107
Q

2:12 (Riser) What can I tell you? General Pershing wants you here at Chaumont.

A

Any of the newer women’s units could handle the traffic here. I’m talking about the heavy engagements - three hundred calls and hour and each one could be life or death!

108
Q

2:12 (Riser) It is life and death there. And mud, and rats, and no sleep, and never knowing if the next German bomb has your name on it.

A

We could make a difference!

109
Q

2:12 (Suzanne) What did he say?

A

The same as always.

110
Q

2:12 (Suzanne) And you took no for an answer. Again.

A

What else can I do? It’s frustrating when you have a commanding officer who won’t go to bat for you.

111
Q

2:12 (Suzanne) Yeah - I know the feeling.

A

They want more male operators. I need you to train a fellow.

112
Q

2:13 (Bertha) What’s this briefing all about, Chief Banker?

A

Your guess is good as mine. The memo said we’d be receiving “new protocols”.

113
Q

2:13 (Helen) You mean we have to memorize this whole book, sir?

A

Of course, Operator Hill. There will be no slow-down in our work.

114
Q

2:13 (Riser) Yes. Codes will change every two weeks.

A

Captain Riser, what is this all about?

115
Q

2:13 (Riser) Remarkable! The men grumble about learning the five code words they need - but your team is up to speed on the whole system.

A

We’re tri-lingual now: fluent in French, English, and Gibberish.

116
Q

2:13 (Riser) Ha - I like that!

A

It was Operator Prevot’s joke.

117
Q

2:13 (Riser) A superior always takes credit for his team’s best work. By the way, if Major Kelly asks how you learned the codes so quickly…

A

I’ll tell him you’re a fiendish taskmaster, who makes us stay hours after every shift, reciting the code book.

118
Q

2:13 (Riser) You are a quick study! Your team has exceeded expectations at every turn. In the days ahead, things may become a bit more… intense. And I hope that when that time comes…

A

Yes, sir…?

119
Q

2:13 (Louise) SO NEAR AND NOW WE’RE HOLDING THE KEY…

A

How did they even find out about this?

120
Q

2:13 (Suzanne) Because they listened to the call, Grace.

A

Don’t tell me that! That is against so many regulations…!

121
Q

2:13 (Suzanne) Does it really matter now?

A

Yes! Riser is finally starting to trust us.

122
Q

2:13 (Suzanne) Listen: Pershing is going to meet with Riser, and he wants you there too. This could be our best chance to get to the front!

A

I want it as much as you do, but it’s not our decision.

123
Q

2:13 (Suzanne) But it is our fight. Do you know why women aren’t allowed to vote, Grace?

A

What does this have to do with this?

124
Q

2:13 (Suzanne) When I was little, I asked my mother and do you know what she told me? She said men get to vote because they risk their lives for their country. Well I’m ready to do that. But unless we get to the front, they’re gonna say: “You were never soldiers. You were secretaries.”

A

Suzanne - Captain Riser believes in us. If there’s a chance for us to go - we will.

125
Q

2:13 (Suzanne) Riser will never be on our side! You have to go over his head.

A

You want me to break the rules.

126
Q

2:14 (Pershing) Precisely. Chief Banker…?

A

I’m sorry, sir. I don’t know anything about it.

127
Q

2:14 (Pershing) … Chief Banker, how can we get our male operators up to speed?

A

Permission to speak freely, sir?

127
Q

2:14 (Pershing) Granted.

A

You’ll never get them up to speed. You need us there.

128
Q

2:14 (Pershing) Thank you, both, for your time. That’s what I needed to know.

A

All this time… all this time you’ve been saying that General Pershing was keeping us here. But it’s you! You’re the one who’s been holding us back!

129
Q

2:14 (end of song)

A

One… two… three… four…

130
Q

2:14 (Riser) All right, all right. You’ve made your point , Grace.

A

Help me count!

131
Q

2:15 (Suzanne) Grace - what’s wrong?

A

I’m sorry - I had to drop everything and make arrangements. They’ve barely given us enough time…

132
Q

2:15 (Suzanne) But what’s going on?

A

New orders.

133
Q

2:15 (Suzanne) Helmets and gas masks… I think we’re in the Army now, girls.

A

I was running around all afternoon to make sure they’d be able to get us our gear in time.

134
Q

2:15 (Helen) Monday?! But that was four days ago!

A

Three days from now, Helen.

135
Q

2:15 (Louise) Ugh, how many numbers are there going to be?

A

Twenty.

136
Q

2:15 (Suzanne) Ooh, he sounds sore about it. Did you go over his head?

A

I didn’t have to.

137
Q

2:15 (Louise) So he actually recommended us for the job?

A

No, but I changed his mind.

138
Q

2:15 (Helen) What’d you say?

A

Actually, I don’t think it was anything I said. I think it was the push-ups.
Dear Father and Mother: It’s finally happening. We leave tomorrow. I hold you in my heart, and often recall the words of Father’s favorite hymn:
Let not fears your course impede.
Great your strength if great you need. Though opposed by many foe, Onward then in battle go.

139
Q

2:16 (Louise) Yes, Helen… we wouldn’t want to track mud onto the nice dirt floor.

A

This is our new home, Ladies. Let’s each claim a bunk and then… well I guess that’s about it. Maybe we can hang something on the walls, so it won’t look so gloomy.

140
Q

2:16 (Louise) C’est magnifique!

A

Now, the good news is, our office is only about twenty steps from here. We’ll start shifts tomorrow morning - with teams working in eight-hour rotations, We have some time to settle in, but the drive could begin any day. We have to be ready…

141
Q

2:16 (Louise) Hey - Do you hear that? Sounds like an airplane!

A

One of ours, I hope.

142
Q

2:16 (Suzanne) Look at that Fokker go…

A

It looks so harmless - like a dragonfly sailing along in the clear blue!

143
Q

2:16 (Helen) Ooh, look at those little white puffs all around it.

A

Like cotton balls…!

144
Q

2:16 (Suzanne) That was a close one!

A

Is everyone all right?

145
Q

2:18 (Happy birthday)

A

Thank you, all, for a splendid meal. The duck was divine. The cake was… a good effort, given the lack of eggs. And the champagne was-

146
Q

2:18 (Suzanne) Untasted!

A

Well, tomorrow is an early morning for all of us. But I’m impressed that you were able to get it. Also, thank you all for being born in October. It’s been wonderfully efficient to celebrate four birthdays at once! And I commend the decorating committee for their ingenious use of available resources. And now, at the ripe hour of nine o’clock, the time has come for -

147
Q

2:18 (Louise) Dancing!

A

I was going to suggest sleeping.

148
Q

2:18 (Suzanne) Are you coming, Grace?

A

I’ll stop by before curfew if you’re still at it.

149
Q

2:18 (Riser) Are you going to stand for this mutiny, Chief Banker?

A

Oh I’ve learned - sometimes a dance beats a bake sale.

150
Q
A
151
Q
A
152
Q

2:18 (Riser) What…?

A

It’s just a saying we have.

153
Q

2:18 (Riser) You really seem to know your girls, and you work wonders with them.

A

They’re always there for me. No matter what.

154
Q

2:18 (Riser) I was sorry to hear about your father, Chief Banker. My condolences. Losing someone id never easy - whether on the field or back home.

A

Thank you, Captain Riser.

155
Q

2:18 (Riser) But it’s important to keep our spirit up. These days when the fellows ask about my outfit, I’m proud to tell them I’ve got the sharpest crew in the corps!

A

How much of the champagne did you have..?

156
Q

2:18 (Riser) Not that much. Why?

A

It’s just that I seem to recall that you didn’t want us to be here.

157
Q

2:18 (Riser) And I lost that fight.

A

But did you recommend us to the General… or did he decide on his own to send us?

158
Q

2:18 (Riser) … well, sometimes a dance is better than a bake sale.

A

You still don’t think we belong, do you?

159
Q

2:18 (Riser) Let’s not get into that.

A

Perhaps some more champagne?

160
Q

2:18 (Riser) I think men and women are different. I’m sorry id that makes me an irredeemable chauvinist.

A

Just because we’re different doesn’t mean we can’t serve. In fact, that’s why we should.

161
Q

2:18 (Riser) … You’ve worked, and you’ve worked hard-but you don’t know what it’s like to feel…

A

What?

162
Q

2:18 (Riser) Fear.

A

You don’t think we’re afraid? Every night, falling asleep to the sound of shelling. Every day, getting up and walking out into… this?

163
Q

2:18 (Riser) … Just like men. Because war is our invention.

A

I don’t know. I don’t know what would I do, Captain RIser… because I’ve never been given the chance.

164
Q

2:20 (Scene start)

A

Ladies, this is the G3 Board. These are the fighting lines, and we expect they will all be in use almost all for the time.

165
Q

2:20 (Lost Boy 1) WE’RE BURRIED DEEP BEHIND THE LINES WITH HOSTILE FORCES ALL AROUND…

A

Every advance, every retreat, every artillery barrage will be called in over these lines.

166
Q

2:20 (Lost Boy 1) CUT OFF FROM ANY OUTSIDE HELP WITH LITTLE HOPE OF BEING FOUND…

A

Once the drive begins, shifts will be four hours on, four hours off. Sleep when you can.

167
Q

2:20 (Helen) Chief Banker, how long will we be on that rotation?

A

Until the war is over.

168
Q

2:20 (Riser) We just lost the colonel. What’s going on?

A

It’s trunk 6 again. Captain, we have to get those lines back up.

169
Q

2:20 (Riser) They’ve got all of our stringers making repairs near Apremont-

A

We’re backed up as is, and without all our lines we won’t have the capacity when Fifth Corps moves on Champihneulles.

170
Q

2:20 (Riser) That’s wonderful news!

A

What?

171
Q

2:20 (Riser) Fifth Corps… moving to champigneulles… I think we’re having a good day!

A

Not on Louise’s line. I need Trunk 6!

172
Q

2:20 (song end)

A

Hello, WideWing. I’m sorry, sir. We’re short on lines. I’ll put you through as soon as I can…

173
Q

2:20 (Riser) Grace! What the hell are you doing?

A

Someone has to be on the G3. Hello, sir - I have waterfall for you. Go ahead.

174
Q

2:20 (Riser) You have to get out of here. There’s a fire!

A

I’m aware, Captain. Oui, monsieur - J’ai les nouvelles coordonnees…

175
Q

2:20 (Riser) Where’s the rest of your team?

A

I sent them away. Too dangerous.

176
Q

2:20 (Riser) Exactly! And now I’m sending you away.

A

Captain, in the last five minutes I’ve relayed three different artillery strikes, put through a call ordering a retreat, and connected a warning about an incoming air raid. If I leave, we have none of that.

177
Q

2:20 (Riser) Chief Banker - I am giving you a direct order. If you don’t leave, you’ll be subject to court-martial.

A

Good! Then at least I’ll know I’m being treated like a soldier!

178
Q

2:20 (Riser) I am treating you like a soldier! Soldiers obey orders -

A

You wouldn’t give that order to a man.

179
Q

2:20 (Riser) Yes, I would!

A

You send men out to repair lines under enemy lines under enemy fire. The work I’m doing is just as vital! How many more times do we have to prove it to you?

180
Q

2:20 (Riser) Chief Banker! Where are you going?

A

You ordered me to leave the building. I left.

181
Q

2:20 (Riser) But I’m not finished!

A

Then by all means, Captain Riser - go ahead!

182
Q

2:20 (Riser) Grace… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you. I just… I’m exhausted.

A

We all are. But this isn’t about us. If your men can save the switchboards, we have to keep going. I’ll find my team.

183
Q

2:20 (Riser) Yes but you don’t-

A

Captain, it’s our job to get the fighting lines back up and running. Pershing is counting on us.

183
Q

2:20 (Suzanne) Grace - will you settle this? Tell them it’s Tuesday.

A

Show of hands - who here thinks it’s Monday?
And Tuesday…?

184
Q

2:20 (Suzanne) You have to break the tie, Grace.

A

Wait a minute…
Church bells! It’s sunday…?

185
Q

2:20 (Louise) Yes, but what day of the week is it?

A

Are you serious, Captain?

186
Q

2:20 (Riser) … Chief Banker, will you please connect us to Forth Corps headquarters.

A

Right away, sir. Hello, Nemo… this is WideWing. I have an urgent communication from Whiz-Bang’s office.

187
Q

2:20 (Helen) Is it real?

A

Yes, Helen. Now it’s over.

188
Q

2:21 (Bertha) I love it! I always thought our uniforms could use a little something extra on the front…

A

I wish Suzanne could have been here.

189
Q

2:21 (Bertha) What does she mean by that?

A

Apparently the VA says we’re civilian contractors. We aren’t eligible for veterans’ benefits.

190
Q

2:21 (Bertha) But… we have uniforms, and ranks. And I never signed a contract, did you?

A

No. But I did take an oath of service - twice.

191
Q

2:21 (Bertha) And we came under enemy fire, and you were threatened with court-martial!

A

It did feel a lot like being in the army.

192
Q

2:21 (Bertha) We have to fight this!

A

Suzanne wants me to bring it up with General Pershing.

193
Q

2:21 (Bertha) You know, it was exactly one year ago today that you first met the General, that day at Chaumont.

A

Was it really? I thought that was later in May.

194
Q

2:21 (Bertha) - memory… because I made sure to remember the date. I told myself, this moment is -

A

Bertha- it’s all right. I kept a diary too. You were right. It was too important.