[U777]

This is my first attempt at writing a story so here goes. Any constructive critiques are welcome and they will be associated with a new career I started with FS commander.


It was a mild evening in Munich for which the whole city was grateful for after the last few blistering hot days. I was walking home after a satisfying meal enjoying the cool breeze, and listening to the crickets chirping a peaceful melody when someone from behind called out my name. "Rienhart!" I heard that voice before......... turned around and who else could it be, Wally an old classmate back from our days as seekadetts back in '35.

"And a pleasant evening to you too Wally, what are you doing all they way from Cologne? How's officer life compared since your days as a Stabsoberbootsmann?"

"I've decided to move here and become a recruiter, pushing paper Berlin gets old really fast but the pay is much nicer than a NCO's pay".

I cracked a smile, everyone told him to avoid choosing a administrative occupation but he is thick skulled as usual, he is one who prefers to learn from his own mistakes vs taking advice from others.

"My place is a block away, want to catch up over a mug or two of bier"?

"Nien, I just finished dropping an applicant off at the PS hotel and had a ton of stuff to deal with, how about tomorrow night around 7"?

"Sure, guten nacht Wally"

"Guten nacht" Wally replied with a smile.

I finally walked up to the steps of the apartment complex and opened the mail box. Water bill, electric bill, ads from a tailor, yet another contact attempt by Julie, and finally a yellow envelope from the Kriegsmarine base in Kiel marked urgent. Closed the mailbox and walked up the 5 flights. I plopped down in living room and set aside the bills, saved the ad (could use a new suit), and the envelope from Julie flew into the fireplace. After opening the yellow envelope I was surprised to see a train ticket enclosed. Fished out the letter and it was from the base commandant.

"you are to report to Kiel shipyards no later than August 1st 18:00 hours. Report to the adjutant's office and tell him that you have an appointment with me".

It was signed by Rudolf Hoft. Well August 1st isn't for another 15 days, its probably regarding my recent graduation from U-boat commander training. I locked up the envelope's contents in the already crowded safe and collapsed into bed for tonight................