I come back down to the pen.
And there she is, as good as new, the U-46, men busy all over her, the clanging and banging, shouting and hoisting and loading of torpedoes. The last of the provisions being lowered down. Joachim standing over the whole operation like an avenging angel. They are his eels, and he insists on high standards. We had more than one patrol where some were duds. Not Joachim's fault, noone pays more attention to torpedo maintenance than my Weapons Officer. But he takes it personally when one fails. (Actually all of us may take it personally, we could get killed if our torpedoes don't work...but that's another matter).
It's Willi that sees me first.
"Kapitan on deck!"
Everyone snapped to attention, and formed up on the fore deck.
They know I don't go in for that formality.
How's she looking, Willi?"
"Never better Kap. We'll be out in no time."
"Where are Christian and the rest of the officers?"
"Below Sir, we weren't expecting you back quite so soon..."
Willi can't keep a straight face, and there's obviously something up.
The men lined up on the deck are laughing too.
There is a commotion behind me as Christian and Bruno appear, carrying Heidi shoulder high, protesting down the gangplank. Oscar is walking solemnly but smiling behind them. Cox is carrying Josie on his shoulders behind the entourage, so she can get a view
I sighed. There are no secrets in the 7th Flotilla, or in the U-46.
Heidi fell into my arms just under the conning tower to great applause.
Thankfully Oscar kept it short.
"Friends and comrades, this is not a formal wedding, but a betrothal between two dear friends of mine. I ask you to witness it here on our boat, and celebrate with some cake!"
At which point Kuki appeared on cue from behind the bridge bearing a huge iced apple and walnut cake. Wine and beer came out too, but all I wanted to do was hug Heidi, even in front of the men.
"Thank you Oscar, Christian, all of you, you bastards, how did you know?" And then I saw Josie hopping on her good leg near the gun with a glass in her hand, and that was that mystery solved.
LS
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