Truly enjoyed those stories already written on your actions at sea and being saved by Emmermann etc. and the touching poem about our fallen kamaraten. Just enjoy reading all these stories :)
Prost!

Once again, thank you all. The compliments have been overwhelming and truly appreciated. At the same time, I welcome constructive criticism too.

I have never read anything on "how to write" and other than the basic education we receive in school as children, have had only my imagination, a dictionary, and one severely dog-eared thesaurus for my tools. Even if it sounds like criticism, any suggestions how to improve my writing are appreciated as well.

Dowly, my friend, as a title, How does "Despite all Odds - Last Voyage of U-406" sound?

As far as a cover picture, were I an artist, a depiction of a surfaced U-boat being tossed about on rough seas, a mangled tower and foredeck, and desperate men abandoning her to life rafts. In the sky and very close, a large bomber, her guns blazing with bullets kicking up geysers of water about the stricken submarine and a bomb frozen in midair only a second or two from impact."

Unfortunately, I am nowhere near talented enought to draw such a scene. If you wish to use a picture or photo, I will trust your judgement as to what to use, bearing in mind any copyright protection on such.


By the way, the story is not yet quite complete and I will post more as it progresses into it's final chapters. I'm still waiting on the final outcome and this all depends on the success or failure of U-735 in getting us home.

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to read this and for your comments, good or bad.

Sincerest regards,

Heather

I´ll use that name then. :)

I have a screenshot which I might use as a cover photo. It shows a uboat and a huge water pillar raising just aft of the boat. And on the foreground, RAF aircraft is taking altitude after the attack run.

Cant really explain it. I PM it to you, when I sometime today. :up:

Man! Miss Behavin that was one long read!

:up: :yep:

Else, meine Schatz!

My, my, your renoun has grown since leaving the 21te. Well done.

My friend, OLzs Herbertus Korndörfer, of the U407 (waw) passes on his best regards and much success to the survivors of the U-Spatz (U406).

You spin a great yarn lass, keep up the good work.

Cheers,

"You spin a great yarn lass, keep up the good work." I'll second that. When might we expect the conclusion,to your short story? :ahoy:

Thank you.

In regards to the conclusion, as previously mentioned, other players are involved regarding their boats, primarily U-735. The player handling that boat has been on vacation but is supposed to return home today. The conclusion depends a lot on his luck in getting us home or not. Once I start seeing his reports, I can carry on with the story. Sorry for making you all wait.

Sincerely,

Miss Behavin'

Chapter Twenty-one - Too Stubborn to Die

8:43 p.m. April 13, 1944

My mind was befuddled as I struggled to get to the surface. My limbs felt as though they weighed a ton and a great pain filled my chest; I knew I’d been hit. Breath would not come to me and I realized I would soon drown should I not make the surface. Through the water above, I could still see the blurry Leigh light of the enemy bomber and knew that only death awaited me on the surface. Maybe better to just let go, to embrace peace and sink to the depths to join so many of my colleagues who had preceded me.

Distant voices I could hear and though some were strange to me, others I knew; Ringelmann, Pfennings, Dortmund, Wiese, and many others. My crew, even if only a few, were still alive and as long as they were, I could not give up. I could not abandon them, as much as the peaceful darkness beckoned to me; and him, my green-eyed Viking, I had fought too hard to give up now.

My head broke the surface and I cried out, “Wolfgang!�

As my vision cleared, the Leigh light became that of the lamp over the radio operator’s station. My breathing was shallow, but I was breathing, and it tasted sweet. As my head began to clear, I recognized my XO, Lt. Ringelmann, “Albert,� hovering over me and gently mopping the perspiration from my face.

Albert turned his head to call for the Doctor but found, instead, Kaleun Pedersen who had hastened to my side when I had called out for him, an expression of abject worry furrowing his brow. His hand grasped mine, gently holding it between his as Albert encouraged him, “The fever, it has broken. I’ll get the doctor.�

As Albert left, Wolfgang moved closer, his face near mine. I peered into his green eyes, and although my chest felt like someone had hit me with a sledgehammer, I felt as though his life force flowed into me through our touch and I could not help but feel a warm smile come to my face. My mouth and throat was dry and I fear my plea of , “Don’t let go of me Wolfgang,� came out more like a croak than anything audible. He understood though for his hands tightened on mine and shaking his head, a fire of heartfelt adulation burning in his eyes, he said, “Never, my love.�

Letting go only long enough to help me raise my head while he lifted a glass of water to my lips, he continued to assure me that I would not be lost to him. Over his shoulder, I could see someone arrive who looked like a doctor and it was with great obvious reluctance that Wolfgang moved aside to make room for him. With a stoic expression, the doctor began checking my vitals but my eyes were not for him, not once leaving Wolfgang’s; a gaze that connected us as surely as though our hands were still grasped.

As the doctor proceeded to inspect my wounds, recollection of the last few days was rapidly coming back to me, most of which had been explained to me by either my XO, Albert, Kaleun Pedersen’s XO “Bernard,� or Wolfgang himself; who had incessantly been at my side whenever duty did not require him elsewhere.

Only an hour or so past midnight, on the morning of the 9th, U-735 surfaced to successfully rendezvous with the captured patrol craft on which we’d made good our escape. With utmost haste, everyone was transferred aboard and the little vessel was left adrift to be reclaimed by the Amerikan navy. Less than five minutes later, the powerful search-lamp on the Amerikan-built bomber swept over the water where, only moments before, the tower of Pedersen’s boat had disappeared below the surface. Fortunately, their ASDIC-bearing destroyers were farther out and we would be well away from the area by the time one could arrive there. For now, we were safe.

At the time, I had only been semi-conscious and had struggled to stay alert enough until I knew for sure everyone had been safely brought aboard. Focusing on the pain of my wound, this helped me to do so while Bernard assured me that all of my crew was aboard and the wounded were being seen to by a medical staff that had been sent with them. Kaleun Pedersen had been busy at the time personally flitting about in seeing that everything was being seen to and the safety of the boat made good with our descent and flight from the rendezvous area. I remembered thanking him and that I had never given up hope that they would find us. Even better now, I knew the mettle of the man to whom I’d lost my heart to.

During the following hours when consciousness punctuated my sedated sleep, Wolfgang was at my side more often than not; and when he wasn’t because of his duties, somebody else was. It was as though a perpetual guard had been placed over me so as to warn death, should he arrive at my bed, to move along; he had no business here.

Between Wolfgang, Albert, Bernard, and the myriad of crew that came through to see and wish me well, both of the U-406 as well as the U-735, I learned that Kaleun Pedersen’s boat had been retrofitted into something resembling a submersible hospital before it had left Bergen. The only torpedoes aboard were in tube one through four, all others left behind to allow the forward torpedo room to be converted into a barracks. Even the rails and hoists for handling the torpedoes had been removed so that room would be available for carpenters to build a network of wooden scaffolding to be used as bunks. The same had been done with the aft torpedo room as well. In this fashion, enough bunks were available for the large number of men aboard to work a rotating watch.

The officer’s mess had been converted into a respectable surgery, whereas the petty officer’s quarters now served as a sick-bay for the treatment and recovery of the wounded.

Members of my crew who had not been wounded, had been incorporated into manning Pedersen’s boat for he had come with only the bare minimum of crew so as to make room for mine when they found us. I was pleased to learn that all of them worked together in a professional manner and the atmosphere aboard our rescue vessel was jubilant with renewed hope.

Although I did not remember doing so, I had been somewhat embarrassed to learn that I had threatened to shoot the doctor myself if he let a single one of my men die and had even demanded my .45, the M1911 I had liberated from the Amerikan Colonel, be brought to me. Needless to say, this order had been prudently ignored. Despite the pain that this caused, there were a few times, in my desire to see for myself the conditions and care being given to my crew, I tried to rise from my berth only to be forcefully restrained from doing so. After a few repeated warnings from the doctor, he made good his threat and was keeping me mildly sedated. I’m still not sure if that was to keep me in bed, or if there were ulterior motives just to make sure that I did not indeed come hunting him.

Those crew that I had lost, as well as the fate of the missing raft, haunted me and was quite often on my mind. This dread was lessened somewhat by the good news that the two worst cases, Thiel and Imme, would survive their wounds; and Thiel would even keep his leg, although it would still cripple him enough that for him, the war was over.

The unpropitious Colonel Weyland had been incarcerated in the aft torpedo room and placed under heavy guard. He thought far too highly of himself to consider trying anything that would get him killed and hence soon became a silent, deflated figure of a man and left alone to contemplate his future at the hands of his captors. Regarding him, I personally did not give much thought or care, other than that he was treated within the dictates of the Geneva Convention. His usefulness to me was past and I only hoped that he possessed knowledge that would prove valuable enough to warrant the trouble of bringing him along.

The following day, I took a turn for the worse when, despite the best efforts of the highly skilled doctor, I became somewhat delirious with fever and he kept a closer watch over me in fear that infection had set in. I remembered little or nothing of that time but had seen others in the same state before and only hoped that I did not ramble on too much while in this condition. There were some things I had to say but these were words reserved only for the ear of my beloved Wolfgang.

My thoughts were brought back to the present when the doctor finished examining the progress of his treatment and redressed my wounds. Satisfied with his findings, he allowed a smile to assail his normally stolid demeanor and, rising to his feet, he said to Wolfgang, “She’s past the worst of it Herr Pedersen. I am confident that she is going to recover fully. Providing no further problems develop, I imagine she will be up on her feet in a month.�

A big grin came to Wolfgang’s face as I found myself glaring at the doctor and saying, “Two!�

Turning his attention back to me, a tone of assurance in his voice, “Oh, no, Oblt. Hessler, in spite of your wounds, you are a very healthy woman. I am confident that you will recover quickly and be back up and about in no more than a month.�

I think Wolfgang was grinning because he knew me better and understood what I meant the first time. The doctor’s browse rose when I repeated, “Two, two weeks. I do not have time to languish about in a hospital bed any longer than that. Save it for those who need it more than I.�

Shaking his head and turning back to Wolfgang, “Does she not realize the seriousness of her wounds? Is she always this stubborn?�

Nodding his head in silent acquiescence, Wolfgang’s grin only grew wider as he moved closer in place of the retreating doctor to, once again, hold my hands in his.

Moving off to attend to his other patients, I clearly heard the doctor muttering, “I feel sorry for the foolish man that ever marries that woman.�

Chapter Twenty-two - One More Engagement

21 April 1944

06:24

The boat was secured and an overwhelming silence flooded throughout when the motors, after days on end of continuous running, were finally shut down.

The fever I had suffered a week earlier had left me feeling weak at the time, but I felt that I had gained sufficient strength to be able to exit the vessel on my own two legs. When I expressed this desire however, I was met with a resounding “No!� not only from the doctor but from Wolfgang, Lt. Ringelmann, Bernard, and at least a few others. It came out so simultaneously that it was almost as if it had been choreographed and I could not help but laugh and concede. There was no doubt whatsoever that I had been overwhelmingly outvoted. The thought of protesting crossed my mind but I could still see worry in Wolfgang’s eyes and I could not bring myself to do anything that would cause him undo anguish. I therefore allowed myself to be secured to a stretcher in preparation for disembarking.

While I listened to the hustle and bustle of the crew shutting things down and exiting, I allowed my mind to lazily drift back over the last week. I could feel the heat of a blush still come over my face as my memory went back to a few days after I had recovered from a fever-induced delirium, when Lt. Ringelmann had leaned close to whisper in my ear some of the things I had said in my incoherent state. I had been extremely embarrassed, to say the least; and especially when he informed me that I had been rambling on about the names Wolfgang and I would choose for our children. He tried to assure me that only a few had heard this and that it was kept discreetly secret amongst them. I was highly suspicious, however, that he was not being entirely truthful with me on this.

Raising my hand up so, for the hundredth time, I could look at the beautiful engagement ring Wolfgang had placed there; I realized that he’d had it for some time, even before engaging in this rescue mission. My vision blurred with tears of joyous emotion as I played back in my mind the little celebration he had held in the mess today when he announced our engagement. I would swear to this day that the cheer that went up from both crews would have drowned out all but the absolute closest of depth charge barrages. Despite doctor Wankel’s protestations, even I got to enjoy some of the celebratory Bolinger ’39 that had been broken out for the occasion.

Afterward, every crewman who was not otherwise occupied with duties or bedridden by their wounds came by to personally offer their congratulations. I could not help but be amused by the thought that Colonel Weyland, even were he allowed to come forward to do so, would most likely not be offering me any form of congratulations. There was no doubt regarding the venomous feeling he harbored toward me; and I suppose no one could particularly blame him.

All of my crew that came by, expressed right then and there that it was their desire to sail with me again once I got another boat and I returned their loyalty with an oath that I would do everything possible to see that they would stay with me when I received a new command. I knew that this would be difficult to do as many would most likely be reassigned to other boats during the time of my recovery in hospital. I would have to remember to bring this up to Kommandant Hellstrom to see if he could pull some strings for me.

I was still looking at the ring, a peacefully content smile upon my face, when another approached my side. Before even looking up to meet those green eyes of his, I knew that it was Wolfgang and, despite others moving by, he bent to kiss me before telling me it was time. Able crewmen, under the watchful eye of Wolfgang, took hold of my stretcher and, as though handling fine china, carefully extricated me from the interior of the boat.

As I was brought down the gangplank, I could see that a surprisingly large crowd had gathered and they began to applause. It was my sincere hope that this was in recognition of Herr Pedersen’s rescue efforts as I certainly did not feel worthy after having lost my boat and more than a few of my crewman. Would THEIR families be applauding were they here? I did not think so. Many of the faces were familiar to me and I scanned the crowd looking for old friends, especially Klaus and Adolf, but I did not see them. It was as well that I could not know that they had been lost on patrol and I assumed that they were currently engaged at sea or on leave.

As I was carried toward an awaiting ambulance, Kommandant Hellstrom approached and, with obviously sincere pleasure in seeing my return, offered his congratulations. I promised him I would be back soon and to have a boat ready for me but he countered it with a certainty that I would, but first to concentrate on getting well. Before they could lift me into the ambulance, Wolfgang was there and before God and everybody, gave me another kiss; much to the joy and cheering of the crowd present. I really wanted him to come with me but reminded myself that when all was said and done, we were both still officers in the Kriegsmarine and he still had much to do in seeing to his crew and other official matters before he could call the day quits. Nonetheless, our eyes did not part until the doors were closed and I could feel the vehicle start moving on its journey to the Bergen hospital.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter Twenty-three – The Escape Artist

9 May 1944

It had been just a day shy of three weeks since my internment at the Bergen hospital. Even though Wolfgang had been there at every opportunity, and many were my visitors, my idleness was beginning to get the better of me and to say that I was anxious to get out of there would be an understatement. It was starting to show in my demeanor too as even the nurses were beginning to avoid me unless they absolutely had to. I could only imagine the derogatory nicknames that I had been labeled with; all probably well deserved. I do not make a good patient. I had even snapped at Wolfgang a few times and I felt horrible for it. He had been such a dear, even sneaking in goodies for me that one would never see on a hospital menu. I really needed to get out of there.

The medical staff and care at Bergen hospital were excellent and I felt a hundred times better than I had upon my arrival three weeks prior. It was 11:00 p.m. and the ward had grown still with most of the patients asleep. I could hear the lowered voices of the two nurses on night duty and make out enough of their conversation to determine that they were preparing to attend to a patient who had come in the previous day with serious wounds that required constant attention and redressing. I knew that even with both of them, this would take at least fifteen minutes and probably a little longer.

Sitting up I swung my feet to the floor and immediately regretted moving so suddenly as I sat there for a moment waiting for the dizziness that had washed over me to subside. I had been off my feet for over a month now and it had certainly taken a toll, not to mention my wounds. Carefully standing up, and profoundly hoping that no one else was awake, more for my own modesty due to the insufficient coverage my hospital gown gave to one’s backsides, I began to make my way to the nurse’s station, making sure to stay well within the many dark shadows cast by the few dimmed lights that remained on.

No cries of alarm or inquiry called out and with one ear attuned to the activity of the nurses, I slid into a chair at their station and began quickly searching through myriad of papers and forms. After a moment, luck was still with me as I found what I was searching for. I was fortunate in that the attending doctor who looked me over every morning actually had handwriting that I could decipher. Studying his signature on some other paperwork, I practiced it a few times on a notepad until I was relative sure that it would pass a cursory examination.

Even though I could not see them, I glanced in their direction and listening momentarily to be sure that the night-duty nurses were still actively engaged. I then proceeded to carefully fill out the blank discharge form that I was guessing would be the one that would be put with my chart by the authorized doctor. I had considered indicating that I was to be released for return to full duty status but on second thought, decided that might raise too much suspicion and hence, questions that I could not answer. Writing in a script in a reasonable facsimile of the doctor’s handwriting, I indicated that I could return to light duty for a period of no less than four weeks before being returned to full-duty status.
Examining his signature one more time, I carefully transcribed his endorsement to the appropriate line at the bottom of the form.

Putting everything back in their proper places, I rose, with papers in hand, and stealthily made my way back to my bed. With the exception of the discharge paper which I placed behind all of the other papers on the clipboard hanging at the foot of my bed, I hid all of the other ‘practice’ papers far beneath the mattress where it would be unlikely that any attendants would find them even when changing the bedding. Only if they were to turn the mattress would it be likely that they would be discovered.

By now I could feel a twinge of pain from my wounds and a slight shortness of breath. I congratulated myself in having enough foresight to have indicated a return to ‘light’ duty as I’m not sure I could handle an entire day on a full regimen. When the nurses returned to their station, I waited for them to notice anything out of the ordinary but after half an hour, no mention was made of it as I drifted off to sleep; a self-satisfied little smile upon my lips.

The next day, shortly after breakfast, the doctor came through on his morning rounds. After asking a few questions regarding how I was feeling, he spent a moment looking over my charts. While doing so I silently prayed that he would not go all the way to the back and discover the bogus release form I had hidden there the previous night. My luck held and he hung the clipboard back on it’s hook at the foot of my bed. Smiling, he started to inform me of how much longer I would be there but before he could get out enough for the attending nurse to hear, I spoke up indicating that he was the doctor, who was I to challenge his decisions. He looked at me a bit strangely for a moment, blinked, and then wished me well until he would be seeing me again the next morning. “Not if I could help it,� I thought to myself.

Listening carefully for anyone approaching my room, I slipped from under the bed-covers to make my way to the clipboard and, removing the discharge paper I had forged the night before, placed it directly on top of my charts.

About half an hour later, housekeeping came in to change the linens. I could have gotten up to make their work a bit easier but stayed put so as to make it more difficult for them to lift the edges of the mattress so as to tuck the sheets under. I certainly didn’t want anybody finding my ‘practice’ forgeries until I was well away from there. I asked them if they knew whether or not anyone had yet notified my HQ to send over some clothing for me so that I could return to base. Of course, they didn’t know but assured me that they would inform the charge nurse of my inquiry.

They apparently didn’t get in any hurry to do so as it was almost an hour later before said nurse came into my room. She gave me a curt nod of greetings and went immediately to my charts, a frown pasted upon her face with one brow rising in surprise upon discovering the discharge paper. In the meantime another nurse had come in but held her silence while her senior was reading the form.

Her frown deepened and when she said, “This will not do,� my heart sank as I realized she had seen right through my ruse.

“I would not release you so soon,� she stated to me, “but then, I am not the one who makes those decisions. For the life of me though, I wish that he would learn to use the proper forms!�

Turning her attention to her subordinate, “Olga, take this and a ‘correct’ discharge form to the doctor and tell him this must be filled out again.�

“But nurse Agnetha, he has just gone into surgery,� the nurse replied, “I cannot interrupt him there.�

Charge nurse Agnetha would have frowned even more deeply, if that were possible, and studied the forged document again. After a reprieve from believing I had been found out, I was certain that if she studied the paper much longer I most certainly would so I took a small sip of water from the bedside glass and faked a small coughing spasm. This worked in diverting the charge nurse’s attention and she watched me carefully until the coughing stopped. I assured her that I was alright and had only choked on the water. This seemed to placate her somewhat but she repeated that were it her choice I would be remaining here at least a few more weeks. “You should be more careful,� she warned, “especially so soon after recovery.� Turning to the other nurse, “Very well then. At least he is one of the few doctors here whose writing you can actually read. Take this and type it up on the correct form. We can get his signature on it later. In the meantime,� frowning at the bogus document, “this will have to do.�

She then informed me that my Kommandant would be informed to send someone over with a uniform and transportation to return me to base. She explicitly reminded me that I was returning to ‘light’ duty only and not to overly exert myself for at least another two weeks.

It was still plainly obvious that she was not pleased at my release and I fervently prayed that the doctor’s surgery would keep him too busy to question for at least a few hours.

A little more than an hour later, one of the female secretaries arrived with my uniform and informed me that a staff car was waiting out front. I had to be careful not to rush too quickly and hence bring on a wave of dizziness but at the same time, did not wish to dally any longer than absolutely necessary lest I run into the doctor in the hallway. In a few moments I was dressed and was enjoying the fresh air and sunshine on my face as we stepped out of the hospital and proceeded down the walk toward the waiting car.

I have really enjoyed reading your story, you do have a way with words. If you are not a writer by profession, you should be. :up:

Such kind words! Thank you!

No, I have never written professionally although friends and family have often tried to get me to. Some day perhaps. The hard part is coming up with a story that would sell. Lord knows I could use the income. ;)

Stay tuned as there will be more as Marlena's activities with the 11th over at W.A.W continues.

Cheers!

Heather

Chapter Twenty-four – It’s All in the Wording

Getting back to the base, I made a temporary detour to my quarters to check my appearance before reporting to Kommandant Hellstrom. Looking in the mirror, a pale face stared back at me, but then, that was nothing unusual in the U-boat service. I had also lost some weight during my ordeal and the fit of my uniform was a bit loose. There was nothing to be done for that however, so it would have to do. Just a hint of make-up did wonders to conceal my sallow complexion and, with a deep breath of commitment, I left my quarters and proceeded across the compound to the Administrative building.

Along the way, I decided to delay a bit and have a look in the pens. Most were empty, apparently most of the boats still out on patrol, but in pen number three was U-1019, a new VIIC/40. Dockworkers and technicians were scurrying over the boat preparing her for service with some of the latest ‘goodies’ that the Kriegsmarine had at hand and I could not help but hope that this boat was my next command.

On the quay alongside, I saw a familiar profile and coming up behind him, I tapped his shoulder. “Leutnant Albert Ringelmann I presume?�

At the sound of my voice, my former XO spun around, confronting me with an obviously surprised expression at seeing me so soon out of the hospital. “Kaleun Hessler! What are you . . .� For a moment he was without words while I stood there grinning at him like the cat that ate the canary.

Finally overcoming his surprise, “We did not expect you to be released for at least another few weeks.� Glancing at my torso where the Amerikan bullet had passed through me, puncturing my right lung along the way, “You are healed? You are feeling well?�

Placing a reassuring hand on Albert’s arm, “I am fine Albert. At least fine enough to be out of that hospital. I was going crazy in there!�

Albert still looked surprised. “So, how did you manage to talk the doctor into releasing you?�

I didn’t immediately reply, looking at Albert with a sheepish grin, and I had to bite my lower lip to keep from laughing outright. Albert started to get the look he always did whenever he thought I was up to something. “He DID release you, right?�

I waved the release papers in my hand as I turned to start walking to the Kommandant’s office. Albert was right on my heels. “Why are you grinning like that? You’re always up to something when you do that.�

Putting on my most innocent expression, I glanced back at him over my shoulder. “But whatever do you mean Albert? I’m not up to anything; just returning to duty like a good Kaleun.�

Albert narrowed his eyes. “Now I truly know you are up to something. That is the most guilty looking innocent expression I have ever seen; and I know you too well.

Stopping I turned around and placed my hands on Albert’s shoulders, my face only inches from his. “Okay, here’s what’s going on. I forged the doctor’s signature on a release form and checked myself out.� Albert’s eyes began to widen. “I expect anytime, starting from tomorrow on, that the hospital is going to be calling over here to report me missing. So, for now, I need to get into the Kommandant’s office and report in before they do.�

“Gott im Himmel Marlena!� Albert cried, “Have you gone mad? They’ll have you up on AWOL charges!�

I just stood there looking at him with a smug smile on my face. He knew me well enough by now to know that I rarely entered into any situation without more than one angle to fall back on. After a moment, “What?� he inquired.

“First of all, I don’t recall ever hearing or seeing any orders telling me to stay there. Second, that is a civilian hospital with a civilian staff. Now they certainly can’t bring any charges to bear, can they.�

Wagging a reproachful finger in front of my face, Albert retorted with, “No, no, no. I distinctly recall when we were exiting the boat that Kommandant Hellstrom ordered you to get better.�

Laughing, then abruptly cutting that off as it still hurt somewhat to do so, “Well of course he did silly; but note, he said get better, not stay in the hospital. Well, I’m better, and I can finish healing up back here at the base.�

Albert rolled his eyes and slapped his hand to his forehead. “How do you get away with these things?�

With a facetious little smirk, I replied, “My charming personality, perhaps?�

It was right then that I realized that Albert was still here instead of having gone out on another boat. It had been three weeks since our return and although I had asked Kommandant Hellstrom, no, pleaded was more like it, for my remaining crewmen to stay under my command, I did not really expect that to happen and had assumed that most, if not all of them would be reassigned to other boats during my stay in the hospital. With a ponderous frown pursing my brow, I asked, “Albert? Where have you been reassigned?�

Now it was Albert’s turn to tease and a broad grin spread across his face.

Punching him lightly on the shoulder, “Albert, come on, don’t play games with me. Why are you still here?� With a dawning realization, my eyes went wide as it came to me, “The 1019, that’s your boat isn’t it! They gave you a command?� I was so pleased for him. Albert was dammed good and deserved it. During our time together I had learned as much from him as he had from me. “That is fantastic! I am so happy for you!�

By now, Albert’s smile had faltered a bit and he held up a hand halting me from any further accolades. “No, they have not given me my own command yet. The 1019 is to be your boat once you are deemed fit for full active duty again. It will take longer than that anyway to get her ready for front service.�

I was genuinely disappointed for him and it showed. “Not all news is bad Marlena,� his grin reappearing, “I am still here, as well as the rest of the surviving crew of the 406, because you got your request. Kommandant Hellstrom pulled some strings and has kept all the men together until you return to duty. We’re all still under your command.�

A squeal of delight pierced the air as I wrapped my arms around him in a fierce hug; only to be immediately cut short as a sharp pain stabbed at my ribs. Clutching a hand over my not-so-completely healed wound, I still could not help but grin. My crew and I had been through so much together and it had grieved me to think that we would all be separated. Regaining my composure as the pain subsided, “This is great news Albert! You know I would love nothing more than to see you get your own command, but until you do, I wouldn’t have another XO at my side.�

At this, Albert smiled, “It will come, Marlena. Perhaps you will get command of one of those new boats they are talking about and I can have your leftovers, hmm? In the meantime, you’d better settle down or you’re going to have yourself back in that hospital again. What are you going to tell Hellstrom when he learns you sneaked out?�

Drawing myself up and with my most haughty tone, “I did NOT sneak out, thank you very much! For your information, I walked out the front door in plain sight of everybody; well, everybody except the attending doctor.� After a pause, “Oh, I don’t know Albert. I’ll just have to convince the Kommandant that I can finish healing perfectly fine right here and at the same time be useful, even if it is helping with some filing in the office. Anything would be better than lying in that hospital for another two weeks. I’ll think of something to tell him.�

With that, we both turned and proceeded on to the Kommandant’s office. Coming up the steps to the Administration building, my navigation officer, Leutnant Pfennings, was just coming out, his attention currently focused on some papers he was reading. I was smiling when he glanced up then did a double-take when he realized it was me. My ‘early’ release caught him completely by surprise and he halted in his tracks. “Kaleun Hessler?�

Without losing a beat in my stride, I gave him a cheery smile and waggled my fingers at him in greeting as I passed him and entered into the main foyer of the building. As I proceeded down the hall to Kommandant Hellstrom’s office, Albert remained behind to fill Pfennings in.

Passing through his outer office, I placed a finger over my lips, beseeching his aide to silence, and went straight to Hellstrom’s door. Knocking on it smartly, I stood there grinning foolishly at his astonished secretary until I heard from within, “Enter.� Opening the door I stepped within to find the Kommandant pouring over a pile of paperwork. Others may not have noticed but for those of us who had been around him awhile, I could see how haggard he looked. Our losses were hitting him hard.

Bringing myself to a position of attention before his desk, I executed a salute and exclaimed, “Oberleutnant Marlena Hessler reporting for duty Sir!�

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Chapter Twenty-five – Shall We Dance?

Fifteen minutes later, I came out to find Ringelmann and Pfennings milling about waiting for me. In response to their anxious looks, I smiled and gave them a thumbs up. “So far, so good. He made no mention of my early release so apparently the hospital has not contacted anybody here since I left. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll completely forget about me. Come on, let’s go to the Drakkar. I could use a drink or two.�

Neither of two officers looked entirely enthusiastic about my ruse remaining undiscovered but remained silent as we turned and headed toward the unofficial watering hole for the 11th Flotille officers.

My XO and Nav officer were both curious as to my reception by the Kommandant so I went on to explain that yes, he was a bit surprised to see me back this soon. A good thing I did not mark myself as fit for full duty. He’d have never believed it. On the other hand, he was more than glad to have me back and since I was restricted to light duty for a few more weeks, Kommandant Hellstrom had no doubt that they would be able to keep me busy helping with the incessant flow of paperwork. My enthusiasm left something to be desired, yet it was better than lying around in that hospital; and at least being here I could keep up on current affairs.

My running about since leaving the hospital that morning had, by now, my wounds throbbing painfully with each beat of my heart. Of course, this business I kept to myself but I was looking forward to getting off my feet and downing a few cognacs to deaden the pain. They had given me medication for it but I preferred not to take it as it made me drowsy; besides, cognac tasted better anyway.

The three of us paused outside the Drakkar as I took in the crest I had painted some time back and reflected on the memories it generated. “Seems like a long time ago doesn’t it?�
Ringelmann and Pfennings nodded silently then followed as I pushed the door open and proceeded inside.

Pausing momentarily to allow my eyes to adjust to the relative gloom of the interior, I could see that there were very few men present, and most of them were strangers to me. Most of the other boats must still be out on their patrols. Sweeping my hand to take in the myriad of empty tables, “Grab us a table gentlemen. I’ll join you in a moment.�

As the two men headed off, hailing the bartender as they went, I moved over to stand before the Memorial wall; looking over the faces I remembered being there before, as well as taking in the new ones. My eyes lingered on my cousin Bruno and many were the memories of years past. He had been so patient with me when he would take me hiking in the Alps. I found myself wishing that I had a bouquet of Edelweiss to lay here for him now. He never failed to pick some for me.

My eyes slowly scanned over the others, pausing here and there as memories of better times came to mind. Coming to Klaus Hilgendorf, I paused to study his face, my hand raised to let my fingers caress his face. Although my thoughts were silent, I heard myself saying, “Oh Klaus, what are you doing up here?� He had become a good friend and would be missed dearly. Turning my hand, as if the man in the photograph could actually see, the lamps over the photographs made the diamonds in my engagement ring shimmer with sparkling light. Smiling, I told the silent image, “Look what Wolfie went and did. I’m in for it now aren’t I?�

I light touch on my arm told me that I had company and I turned my head to see the bartender, Heinrich, at my side, his expression that of fond compassion. “It is so good to have you back with us Frau Hessler. You really had us all on pins and needles there for a while.� Smiling, he extended his hand to offer a snifter of cognac. “On the house Frau Hessler. One of your favorites, Domaine Guy Lherauld, 1936. Welcome home. I have sent the bottle to your table.�

Overwhelmed by his honest sincerity, I took the small tumbler and, being careful not to spill it, stepped forward to give him a light kiss on the cheek. “Thank you Heinrich. It feels very good to be back. You’re going to be at the wedding aren’t you?�

His expression took on the countenance of being appalled at the thought of missing it. Drawing himself up, “They would have to shoot me to keep me away! I would not miss it for anything. So, is it true? Little ‘Wolfie’ if it is a boy and Gertrude if it is a girl?�

My mouth dropped open in surprise; my thoughts racing back to the U-735 and Ringelmann telling me about my delirious ramblings while in a fever. Closing it and narrowing my eyes as I turned my gaze to my XO sitting across the room. “So, a secret he said. Only a small handful, he said.�

Quickly regaining my composure, I put on a smile that might have made a tiger think twice before pouncing. “Well Heinrich. I would think it would be best if I got the marriage out of the way first before we start talking of children, don’t you?�

Heinrich knew that he had stumbled into something but wasn’t quite sure what. Stammering, he was attempting to regroup. “Ye.. ye.. yes! Of course, Frau Hessler. I did not mean to imply …�

Laying my hand on his shoulder to calm him, “It is alright Heinrich. You have done nothing. I am going to go join the others now. Oh! One more thing. Might I possibly have a glass of water please?� Heinrich, nodding and turning to go to the bar, paused as I added, “With ice!�

“Of course Frau Hessler, right away.� Heinrich scurried off behind the bar and in short order came back to hand me a tall tumbler, filled to the brim with crushed ice and water.

Offering him my sweetest smile, I said, “Thank you Heinrich, you’re such a dear.� Raising the snifter of excellent cognac to my lips, I took a sip as I peered over the rim of the glass at the back of my target, bearing dead ahead, at anchor; engaged in animated conversation with Pfennings, unaware of the impending attack.

Sauntering over to the table, Ringelmann was seated with his back to me, leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. This posture presented the back of his neck quite nicely above the collar of his tunic. It was here where I tipped the tumbler of ice water to pour the entire contents down the back of his neck.

Expecting as much, I stepped back in time to prevent myself from being bowled over as, with a scream like that of an incoming eighty-eight shell, he leapt to his feet; his chair tumbling and rocking the table where Pfennings was gallantly saving the drinks and bottle of Domaine Guy Lherauld from certain disaster.

Some laughter was drifting over from some of the others present as Ringelmann spun around, his fist drawn back to waylay his assailant. This, however, quickly unclenched and his eyes went wide when he realized it was me. “My apologies Kaleun Hessler. I thought . . . “

Cutting him off, “You blabbed!�

This set him back and for a moment his face bore a look of complete confusion until I enlightened him. “Aboard the 735, after my fever? You said it would stay a secret? My delirious ramblings? Little Wolfie or Gertrude?�

With the last said, the color coming to his face told me right there that had indeed told others. Pfennings was slouching down in his chair looking as though he wanted to slide under the table and hide. I really wasn’t angry. I was more embarrassed than anything else; but I wanted him to sweat a little bit.

Looking thoroughly chastised, my XO stammered out an apology, saying that he had only told a few others. Of course, these few then told another few, and so on and so on. By this time, I doubted there were very few who were not aware of the complete litany of my delirious ravings. Deciding he had suffered enough, I very primly took a seat and smiled at him. “Besides,� I said in a nonchalant manner, “I have changed my mind. If it is a boy, I was thinking more along the lines of Albert Bernard Wolfgang Pedersen.�

I took another sip of my cognac, grateful for the deadening effect it was beginning to have on my wounds while letting this set in with Albert.

Albert continued to stand there for a moment longer until the little light finally came on. As hard as it would be to top it, he actually looked more surprised than he did when I poured the ice-water down the back of his neck. His mouth dropped open to speak but nothing was coming out. Reaching down, he grabbed and righted his chair so as to drop into it, a stunned expression still covering his face. Finally regaining a small measure of composure, “Frau Hessler, Marlena . . . I . . . I don’t know what to say!�

Leutnant Pfennings had straightened back up in his chair, now grinning like a loon at his compatriot’s embarrassment.

I continued to smile at him for a moment before replying. “There’s nothing to say Albert. You took care of our wounded. You saved Wiese’s leg. Lord only knows how many more we would have lost had it not been for you; and Albert,� pausing to make sure I had his full attention, reaching across to rest my hand on his, “there is no doubt that you saved my life. Naming my first-born son in honor of your actions is a small payment in return. You’re going to make one holle of a doctor when this war is over.�

Albert was completely flabbergasted and as the initial shock wore off, it was replaced with a huge grin. “You are serious, Marlena? Really?�

With an exasperated huff, “Of course I am serious! Albert, what happened out there, I could not have done it by myself; and I am eternally grateful.�

Our discussion is interrupted when Lt. Geissler, the LI of 735, enters the bar and after spying us, strides over to join us. We are informed that Wolfgang is not far behind so I turn in my seat to face the doorway.

True to his word, Oblt. Pedersen and Lt. Bernard enter a few minutes later. In an instant Wolfgang spies his LI and comes straight to our table. My eyebrows rose in surprise as, for the first time in ages, he is very clean and well-groomed with a close shave, hair cut to fashion and wearing newly pressed navy blues crowned by the old yellowish cap.

His green eyes see only me and his demeanor shines with a beaming smile as his warm hands take mine.

A spark of desire grows in intensity as his hands take mine and he lifts me to my feet. My eyes are locked to his as he tells me, "Marlena, my little pirate! I would be the biggest idiot if I ever thought they were to keep you for any longer time. Capturing a trawler, escaping with an American Schnellboot, saving your boys .... They had no chance to keep you longer had they? Still you go on surprising me, still you do. Oh Marlena!�

We both embrace in a long, passionate kiss, our arms entwined around each other, oblivious to the cat-calls and applause of those around us. Any pain I may have been feeling from my wounds earlier has vanished and I cannot take my eyes from him as we retake our seats to engage in friendly conversation amongst our friends.

After a short while, Wolfgang leans back and, picking up the glass of cognac I had poured for him, raises it in a toast, "My friends, life is a mystery for us all, for some it ends too early, for us we got another chance.... and remember when getting it, grab it before it slips away leaving you empty handed. Now a toast for the eleventh.....and for love.........Prost!�

Everyone there raises their glasses in salute and tosses back their drinks, myself included. Turning to the bartender, Wolfgang calls to him, "Heinrich, put it on....please you know which one don’t you....."

A moment later, a very popular tune by French artist Rina Ketty fills the room. Wolfgang turns his attention back to me. "Kaleun Hessler, may I have the honor?"

A smile spreads across my face while at the same time my vision blurs with tears of happiness as I rise to join him. We move to the corner by the phonograph where we start gently dancing to the music that meant so much to our survival and rescue by the man I have come to love more than life itself.

(to be continued . . . )

:up: :up: :)

OMG! This is so great. I love it.

Do you realize you have written a pretty nice little novella here!?

Send it to some publishers! NOW!


err.. small bit of editing: third last paragraph, usage error. witch vs. which.

Thanks again for the kudos. Very much appreciated, as well as pointing out any editing errors. The "witch" has been corrected.

LOL! Believe it or not, when I started this story, my initial plan was for something relatively short; no more than twelve or fifteen pages at the most. So much for plans. :oops:

Cheers!

Heather

The 'book' already has 25 pages and I´m on the chapter 4. :rotfl:

Great story! :up:

You have us all on the edge of our seats waiting and looking forward to each new chapter of the story. :up:

You should seriously consider submitting your story.

Last night. And maybe someone else also saw this. I watched a movie 49th Parallel (1941). About a German u-boat attacked and sunk by aircraft in Hudson Bay. In order to regain their freedom, the surviving crew must travel through a Hostile Canada. I had to chuckle, as I stumbled across this movie. Then noticing the similarity with your story. Only at the start, then the story lines part company. From an Inuit village and fur trading post on the Hudson Bay to southern Manitoba's wheatfields and Winnipeg, over to Banff Alberta, then Niagara Falls Ontario. A propaganda and travelouge movie wrapped into a wartime suspense thriller. I really enjoyed this movie. If you haven't seen it; do so. One Academy award for writing and original story. Nominated for best picture and also screenplay.

Just thought maybe you might try and explore what your story might bring to many more people. At least get us some revenge for the aweful U-571 travesty.

Then again I ain't no Speilberg.

I think this deserves to be stickied for a while.

Um, by the way. Can I be the techincal advisor?

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, pretty please, pretty please, pretty please!!!!

I know there are people more qualified than me. But I called it. :smug: