The Weary Dawn
Feb. 14, 1945 07:10
As the early morning sun brought its consoling light to the village of Vanvikan, Penelope and Mookie met Leutnant zur See Nisgeis at the pier. Neither side presented a comforting face.
“We lost Oberon last night,” said Mookie.
Penelope’s eyes were red and weary. “He was so determined to get to the bottom of this, to understand its nature. Now he’s gone.”
“We were attacked last night as well,” said Nisgeis. Kapt. Jimbuna order all men to stay on U-13 and he buttoned the hatches directly after yesterday’s execution.”
Penelope gasped, “You mean to say—“
“—ja, the beast found its way into the boat. Either he is one among us or someone let him in. Seaman Firewall was ripped to pieces in the after torpedo room. The audacity of such an attack has left Kapt. Jimbuna in a shock. Firewall was like a son to him.” He turned and looked back the U-boat tied up at the sea buoy. Seaman Aramike on the bridge raised his arm and Nisgeis returned the gesture.
“What time did the attack take place?” asked Mookie.
“Only an hour before dawn. The blood is still fresh.”
“Oberon was heard screaming for his life at midnight. There is six hours difference.”
No words were spoken for a time, then Penelope raised her chin. “We are not beaten yet. We have paid a heavy toll to the Devil, but we must learn to be equally good at what is short and sharp and what is long and tough. There will be no flinching and no thought of giving in; and by what will seem almost a miracle to those outside this village, though we ourselves never doubted it, we now find ourselves in a position where I say that we can be sure that we have only to persevere to conquer.”
She turned and walked off the pier in a measured stride to the village path.
Mookie turned and looked at Nisgeis. “We had better pick wisely today.”
DAY begins
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