Vortex (story) installment of 22 June posted

[Brag]

Vortex (22 June 07)

Previous installments are found in : http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/

#

The period of doubt about acceptance into his paternal homeland and the Kriegsmarine was over. Now in Willhelmshaven, Goss felt in a similar elated mood as when he detrained in Berlin. Unlike the capital, the streets were not a richly festooned with red bunting and Nazi Swastikas, but the upbeat mood of a nation united, marching toward victory was palpable everywhere.
After a good breakfast of cold cuts, cheese, a soft-boiled egg and excellent coffee; his first meal at the officers' mess, Ignoring the light drizzle, Goss marched toward the dock where U-57 was supposed to be berthed.
At the end of the pier a crane lowered a torpedo.
"Is that the U-57?" Goss asked a civilian leaning on a truck, smoking a cigarette..
"Jawhol. Two more torpedoes and it's ready to go out."
The submarine had a splotchy appearance where new paint had been applied.
"Hey, you" A beefy man on the conning tower pointed at Goss. "Are you the officer I'm waiting for?"
The man wore a leather jacket, shoulder boards missing. By the white cap on his head Goss guessed the man was the captain. "Jawhol, Herr Kaleun."
"Vorsicht," The man yelled at the sailors on deck as the torpedo began to swing and hit one of the men on the head.
"You, Lumpi! Keep your eyes on your work."
His attention returned to Goss. "Don't just stand there, Mensch. Come aboard, and where is your luggage?"
This was not starting well. With an accelerated heartbeat, Goss rushed down the gangway, Saluted the Ensign on the stern, tripped and sprawled on the deck.
As he staggered to his feet, Goss heard the skipper roar, "Keep your eyes on that torpedo."
Goss cursed as he wiped flakes of chipped paint off his trousers. He was a right mess to present himself to his new CO. He took a deep breath and climbed into the bridge.
"Leutnant, Goss reporting for duty, Herr Kaleun."
Kapitanleutnant Heissler waved his hand in something resembling either a return salute or a failed attempt at scratching his head.
"Goss, you're late."
"My train was delayed in Hamburg, something to do with military traffic."
"Your paperwork arrived on time, and paper has no legs." Heissler leaned over the rail and yelled, "Lift that tail a little and slide it in gently." His attention back to Goss, "I'll keep doing your work for thirty minutes. Go back to your quarters, get your kit and be back, ready to sail in half hour, in working uniform."
Goss hurried back to the officer's quarters building. At least, all he had to do was transfer his toiletries bag from his suitcase to his seabag and he was ready. Being treated like some idiot midshipman rankled. This captain was not only an idiot but the boat was a mess. The dirt accumulated on the deck was not only unsightly but dangerous. Someone could slide on it and land in the sea.
Embarrassed. Unable to wipe off the damp bits of chipped paint that stubbornly clung to his uniform, Goss did not meet the gazes of the men who stood at attention and saluted him as he passed. The beginning of his career in one of the world's great navies was not starting well.