Reporting Aboard (BALZ)
Lt. Keller observed the activity on the submarine pen and studied the frog emblem on the conning tower of U 111. It probably reflected the character of the commander. A frog would mean a sober individual with a light sense of humour. Keller took a deep breath and boarded his new home.
In the officer's nook he saw a man in a burgundy smoking jacket and a number of medals, on his head he wore a bunny tea cozy.
Keller cleared his throat. "Mein Herr, excuse me, could you direct me to the Komandant?°
"What for? And anyway I am der Kommandant, see the medals and my commanding form of dress?"
Keller came to attention. ""Leutenant Keller reporting for duty, Herr Kaleun."
Balz stopped reading the article about him published a year ago in Das Tageblat. "Reporting for duty now?"
"Yes,Herr Kaleun."
"That explains why I did not see you during breakfast."
"I had breakfast on the train, Herr Kaleun."
"Good idea to have breakfast on the train when you travel by rail."
Balz handed Keller the newspaper and pointed at the photo of himself shaking hands with Hitler. "How do you like this picture?"
°Very nice," Keller answered still standing at attention. "Which one is you?"
"I am the one without the moustache, looking heroic. Do I still look heroic?"
"Yes, of course, Herr Kaleun, very heroic."
Balz sighed." It is difficult to be a hero full time."
Keller focused on the tea cozy. "It must be."
Another tale of heroic action on the high seas, to be continued.
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