[Silverleaf]

I woke from a terrible dream, sweat rolling off me. Light a cig, and wonder for the thousandth time what could have been done differently to prevent such an attack. No information as to what motivated Hendreck has been found. No letters, contacts, or even family members wanting his personal effects. A full investigation is ongoing, or so they tell me.

I pine to get back and visit my ship. I've wanted to see her and the crew so badly these last few months, but I wasn't permitted. I felt like a prisoner most nights at the hospital, and the staff there wouldn't allow anyone to see me unless they were Kriegsmarine. I can deal with the pain, I can deal with the loneliness, but I miss the sea, my ship and my crew.

I was informed that I've an important meeting tomorrow at 0700 hours near the harbor. Try to sleep, but can't. Set out early this morning and feel alive for the first time in months, salt air sinking into my pores, a vibrancy about the streets, the smell of fish, close now. Around the corner she waits, I can hear the sounds of work, cranes, welders, and distant voices.

I stop. Heart pounding, breath shallow. Lean back against the wall, catch my breath and try to calm down. In that alligator part of my brain I shouldn't be afraid, I'm completely safe, and yet I'm overwhelmed. Hands shaking, kneel down, light a smoke and feel sweat rolling down my back. This close and yet...

"Sir?.. is that...ah it is you, glad you made it, we're just around the corner."