"What to do, what to do?" Doenitz clutched his head.
"What is bothering you, Herr Admiral?" Captain Lorenz asked.
"Itīs that hoochie woochie singing I keep hearing. That Balz will drive me nuts."
"hmmmm."
Doenitz threw his arms up. "Yesterday he presented me with one hundred size 43 baby booties. He apologized for being late with the delivery because he could not find pink ribbons for them.
"Size 43?"
Doenitz banged the desk with his fist. "Thatīs my size. Imagine what Churchill will think if he finds out I have a collection of baby booties."
"It would be worse if Hitler did."
doenitz shook his head. "And then Balz asked me to give him a IX boat."
Lorentz chuckled. Thereīs your solution. Give Balz the boat he wants and send him on a long patrol."
"Splendid idea, wonder why I didnīt think of that."
Two months without Balz should be enough time to compose your nerves, Herr Admiral."
The following day, Balz presented himself at the Chateau des Sardines to pick up the orders of his new command. He was surprised how quiet it was as the BDU staff walked around wearing woolen booties. This made sense for an arm that called itself The Silent Service.
Stay tuned for Balz's adventures aboard his brand new type IX