[Laughing Swordfish]

I gaze at Heidi's photo for a long time.

I glance up. Eyes narrowed.

'This wouldn't be the lads' odd idea of some kind of joke, would it, Chief ?'

"No sir" he beamed..

My heart was soaring. She cares!

Heidi cares....

I reached for my beer bottle, but it was long empty. I hadn't remembered drinking it

'So why the happy mood, Chief...?'

'..and why the champagne, my friend?'

"I finally got a line through to Frankfurt today, Sir. "

'And...?'

"She thought the U-46 was lost, Sir. Hell of a job convincing my own Gertie it was really me..."

Otto's eyes misted over. He was staring , not at the gaudy walls of the Chat Noir, but right through them. All the way back to Germany..

'And...?'

Otto popped the cork and champagne foamed all over the table.

"..And I'm to be a father, Sir!"

'You salty old sea dog, you!' I exclaimed

The champagne was soon gone, and I beckoned another bottle over, whilst Otto described the peace-time plans for his child.

After the third bottle, I remembered myself.

'But Otto, why are you still here? I'll sign a leave chit and...'

"No, Sir. We have to turn the boat round, and finish the job. Then maybe I can go home again. The lads are working hard on her, but you know I have to give her the once-over. Noone else will do."

'Sounds like we both have a reason for coming back from the next one, Otto......'

Lt de Bunsen, U-46