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Post by blaird on Jun 1, 2016 2:09:56 GMT
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 7, 2016 14:57:15 GMT
10 October, late afternoon, on the Peterstrasse in Wilhelmshaven
Karl Schneider and Viktor Radel walk down one of Wilhelmshavens main streets. There is a slight chill in the air as the October sun begins to fall lower in the sky. Despite the waning light, the two friends are in a cheery mood, having just shared a good meal and drink, and now reminiscing on earlier shared career ‘events.’ Both men are dressed in the uniform of KptLts of the Kriegsmarine.
The men’s conversation is interrupted by a frustrated exclamation rising above the din of the vehicular and pedestrian traffic surrounding them. The exclamation is punctuated by the sound of a fist slamming into metal and then a woman’s pained cry. Looking up from their conversation, the two officers see a woman standing beside a car, holding her hand to her lips as though kissing or sucking on it.
The woman is striking, the Aryan ideal! She is trim and well proportioned. Her finely sculpted face topped by hair the color of ripened straw that cascades in waves to just below her shoulders. Her coat is of the latest style. As she continues to nurse her injured hand, tears flow down from light-brown eyes.
“May we be of assistance?” the two men voice in unison.
Favoring her bruised hand, the woman wipes the tears from her cheek as she flashes Karl and Viktor an enticing smile. “It won’t start,” she complains in a somewhat pouty manner, indicating the car beside her.
“Perhaps we can try?” Karl offers. The woman gestures for Karl to have a try and he slips past her into the driver’s seat. As he does so, he catches the trace of expensive French perfume.
With one foot on the brake, Karl disengages the clutch while turning the starter. To his chagrin, the machine does not respond. “Would you mind?” Karl addresses Viktor, who seems mesmerized by the beauty before him. Karl selfishly hopes that she is not returning a similar gaze.
Taking his eyes from the woman, Viktor opens the engine hood and leans inside to examine the situation. Thinking he sees the problem, Viktor takes hold of a wire and jiggles it as he tells Karl, “Try again.” The latter does so and Viktor pulls back his hand as the engine fires up.
“You need to have the battery cable tightened, that’s all,” Viktor tells the woman as he shuts the hood on the now running engine.
“Thank you! Thank you so much,” she addresses the two men.
As they wait for Karl to exit the car Viktor takes the woman’s good hand and, executing an exaggerated bow, raises it to his lips. “Our pleasure, Fraulein.” He holds it there momentarily, giving her the chance to correct the form of address used. She does not, but fixes his eyes with hers and smiles enticingly.
“May I offer you a ride?” she asks Karl and Viktor. The two men look at each other, each sensing the familiar friendly competition rising.
Knowing that time is on his side with another month in port for refit while Viktor will be out on patrol, Karl quickly answers for the two of them before his friend can speak. “Another time perhaps, Fraulein…” He lets his voice trail off, awaiting her name. Viktor shoots his friend a questioning glance.
“Just call me, Jutte,” she laughs, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “And what should I call you?”
“Kapitanleutnant Viktor Radel, commandant of U-86,” Viktor strikes first.
Not to be upstaged, Karl steps halfway between his friend and Jutte. “Kapitanleutnant Karl Schnieder, of U-38.” Karl snaps to attention in the Prussian fashion and bows.
Jutte laughs, it is a pleasant sound. “Both U-Boat men! Wonderful!” Her earlier injury seemingly no longer bothering her, Jutte claps her hands together while a mixed expression of delight and cunning crosses her face. “I will see you again.” Her words sound more promise than question. With a flourish, Jutte turns and gets into her car.
As she drives off, Viktor teases his friend, “She’s too much woman for you.”
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 10, 2016 3:45:28 GMT
25 November 1939, late afternoon, U-Boat docks
News of U-86’s sinking of HMS Royal Oak having preceded her arrival home, there is a reception committee consisting of more than the wives and sweethearts of the crew waiting as she ties up to the dock. A military band is playing patriotic tunes and KptLt Viktor Radel salutes Konteradmiral Arnald Furst.
Descending the gangplank Radel is besieged by members of the BDM pressing bouquets of flowers into his arms. He takes the opportunity to study each of them, making a mental note of which ones to ask their names.
Viktor’s mental hunting is cut short as a man steps through the bevy of beauties. “Herr Kapitan.” The man holds his hand out toward Radel, a small envelope just visible. Catching Viktor’s gaze, the man shifts his eyes over the crowd to the parapet overseeing the docks.
Following the man’s eyes, Viktor sees a well-dressed blond woman standing, watching. She waves and Viktor recognizes Jutte. Radel lets the man press the envelope into his hand and continues his progress down the pier.
25 November 1939, evening, one of Wilhelshaven's better hotels.
Having completed his post mission paperwork in record time, KptLt Viktor Radel washed off the last month’s accumulated patrol and, dressed in his best uniform, now stands in the lobby of one of Wilhelmshaven’s finest hotels. The decor is designed to impress, and possibly intimidate. It has succeeded at both. Pulling the perfumed note from his pocket, Viktor checks the address once more to make sure he is in the right place. Confirming his location, Viktor looks at the room number then puts the note back in his pocket and strides purposely toward the elevators.
Getting off on the designated floor, Viktor immediately notices that the hallway is not lined with doors. The few that are in view are all paired, as though the double doors to a manor house, and of a similar size. Proceeding to the appropriately numbered pair of doors, Viktor knocks.
The doors swing open and Jutte is standing there. The blond is dressed in a gown that reveals more than polite society would find acceptable, is the first thought that enters Viktor’s mind. The second is, “Fortunately, I’m not polite company.”
Seeing the reaction of the man before her, a satisfied smile forms on Jutte’s lips. “’Come into my parlor,’ said the spider to the fly,” she says teasingly, stepping aside to allow Viktor passage. As he enters the room, Jutte closes the doors. Viktor thinks he detects the sound of a lock being worked.
Looking about, the room is no less impressive than was the lobby. There are multiple doors off the main apartment. Given the luxurious surroundings, Viktor is somewhat surprised at the apparent lack of a servant.
Jutte walks (“No, slinks, like a great cat stalking its prey,” Viktor thinks) past to where a bottle of champagne is chilling.
“To your coming Knight’s Cross,” Jutte intones as she starts to open the bottle. The cork explodes, eliciting a surprised laugh from Jutte. Viktor finds he likes the sound of Jutte’s laughter. It is full of life and the promise of pleasure. “I’m glad that one of the knights who rescued me is being recognized.”
Recalling their first meeting a month ago, and the fact that Karl Schneider has been in Wilhelmshaven while Viktor was at sea he feels a rising jealousy. “And have you thanked your other knight?”
“Let us drink to tonight,” Jutte responds, avoiding answering the question and enjoying Viktor’s sensed competition for her. She fills two glasses till the Champaign flows over the brims. Taking them up, Jutte approaches Viktor, heedless of the bubbly fluid that sloshes over her fingers and onto the floor.
When Jutte offers a glass to Viktor he instead takes her hand in his. Leaning in, he licks the spilt wine from her fingers. More champagne spills as Jutte’s body shudders involuntarily. Satisfied with the effect, Viktor takes the proffered glass.
Raising her glass, Jutte assumes a tone of mock seriousness. “To KptLt Viktor Radel, the lion of Wilhelmshaven.” They both take a long drink.
Viktor now raises his glass. Fixing Jutte’s eyes he begins, “To Jutte…I’m sorry, but I still don’t know your last name.”
Jutte places a silencing finger over Viktor’s lips. “Does it matter?” Jutte asks, laughingly answering her own question, “No! Come.” She moves to the divan and sits down, patting the space beside her. Viktor dutifully obeys.
Seated thus, Viktor notes that the slit in Jutte’s gown lets the fabric fall to either side, revealing her well-toned leg to the top of her stocking’s garter. Catching where Viktor’s eyes are focused, Jutte smiles. Putting down her glass, she takes Viktor’s hand and places it on her exposed thigh.
Jutte leaves things thus just long enough then rises. “If you’ll excuse me a moment.” She flashes Viktor a coquettish smile then disappears into one of the adjoining rooms. A moment later her voice calls out, “Would you be a dear and come here?” Lured by the promise in her voice, Viktor follows.
26 November 1939, late morning, one of Wilhelmshaven’s better hotels KptLt Viktor Radel wakes up slowly, his head foggy from all the champagne consumed the night before. Recalling the champagne, other memories from last night flood Viktor’s mind. He reaches over beside him in the bed, but instead of finding Jutte, his hand settles on a piece of paper.
Forcing himself to sit up, Viktor reads the paper, a note from Jutte.
Sorry, Had to leave on urgent business. Had a wonderful time and look forward to more.
Viktor notes that Jutte didn’t even sign the note. For a moment he considers taking advantage of being alone to search the suite for some clue as to Jutte’s identity. Deciding that’s not what a ‘gentleman’ would do, Viktor instead lies back and relives the wilder moments from last night.
Eventually Viktor rises, cleans up, gets dressed, and leaves. He tries not to think about Karl having enjoyed a similar experience. Telling himself that the constraints of a gentleman don’t extend to male roommates, he considers searching the apartment he shares with Karl. By the time he reaches their apartment, Viktor has convinced himself that rifling Karl’s possessions would be a greater violation of trust than searching Jutte’s. Besides, he doesn’t want to confront the off chance that his friend and brother officer is Jutte’s lover as well.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 12, 2016 16:16:45 GMT
4 December 1939, on the train to the Bavarian Alps
Viktor Radel reads the note once more. A brief missive simply stating, “I have enclosed a train ticket. Please join me in the Alps.” As before, the note is unsigned, though the handwriting and the perfume are unmistakably Jutte’s. Viktor looks forward to the coming tryst with his mysterious mistress, though it will have to be short; Viktor having already promised his 1WO Leon Schmidt two weeks leave to visit his fiancé commencing on the 9th. Still, that will leave several nights for unbridled passion.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 17, 2016 18:00:44 GMT
18 December 1939, early afternoon, streets of Wilhelmshaven
KptLt Viktor Radel walks along the Peterstrasse, pausing occasionally to peruse the shop windows. He looks at a scarf here, some chocolates there, a piece of jewelry. He struggles, trying to decide upon the appropriate Christmas gift for Jutte, a woman who seemingly has everything…but a last name, at least one she is willing to divulge. Thinking of Jutte, Viktor’s thoughts turn to their time together. It only serves to increase his desire for her.
The sound of air raid sirens intrudes upon Viktor’s reverie. It takes a moment for it to sink in that the sound is real. Viktor begins running toward the harbor and U-86. As he does so, his eyes search the western sky.
To Viktor’s surprise, he hears the firing of Flak guns not to the west, but to the east. For the briefest moment the thought runs through his head, “The Russians. They attacked Finland and now Germany.” Then a group of twin-engine bombers rumbles by overhead, barely 10,000 feet above, if that. Close enough that Viktor can see the unmistakable roundels of the RAF decorating their wings. “Wellingtons,” aircraft recognition drills automatically provide Viktor the information.
The Bombers are pursued by Messerschmitt fighters and an aerial fight ensues over the harbor. Viktor watches as bombs, and aircraft, fall from the sky. With a sigh of relief, Viktor can see that the bombers are targeting the surface fleet. He watches as several bombs hit Admiral Scheer, though none seem to explode. Emden is not so lucky, a wounded Wellington crashing into the light cruiser’s forecastle.
Almost as quickly as it began the fight is over with only a few injured bombers limping away to the west, harassed by a swarm of fighters like angry bees about the bear that stole their honey. Viktor rushes to the U-Boat docks to confirm that all is well with U-86.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 23, 2016 17:31:48 GMT
3 January 1940, U-Boat docks
A chill wind blows across the harbor at Wilhelmshaven, though it is not nearly so cold as the feeling in KptLt Viktor Radel’s heart. He has not seen Jutte for three days and, despite knowing that she is married and most likely going to be with other men while he is gone, Viktor resents not having had his last days in port with her.
“Herr Kaleun.” U-86’s navigator, Obersteuersman Heinz Zastrow holds out an envelope to his kommandant. I was given this and asked to delivery it personally to you by a lady as I came back from obtaining the latest chart updates.
Looking past Zastrow to the throng of well-wishers on the dock, Viktor catches sight of a familiar face. Looking back from under her wavy straw-blond hair, Jutte smiles when their eyes meet. She blows him a kiss then turns to walk away.
His mood suddenly improved, Viktor decides to wait until later to read Jutte’s missive, for now stuffing it into his pocket. Taking a last look around to make sure that everyone is onboard he leans into the speaking tube and instructs, “Ahead slow.” To the men standing by the lines on U-86’s deck he shouts, “Cast off!” Feeling the successful hunter once more, KptLt Viktor Radel takes U-86 out on her 3rd war patrol, confident that he will have another conquest upon his return.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 30, 2016 0:30:20 GMT
28 January 1940, U-Boat Docks
As U-86 slides alongside the pier KptLt Viktor Radel scans the assembled crowd there to greet her return. Try as he might, he cannot locate Jutte among the throng of relatives, girlfriends, and officials. His mood darkens despite the four victory pennants flying from U-86’s masthead.
“Herr Kaleun?” 1WO Leon Schmidt interrupts his kommandant’s thoughts, hoping for an early leave and the chance to visit his girlfriend, Gisela Poel, in Berlin.
Irritated at the other man’s apparent success where Viktor seems to have failed he snaps, “As soon as the Boat is secure and an anchor watch set, half the crew on leave for two weeks. You included, Leon,” Viktor finishes, trying to sound less harsh. It’s not Schmidt’s fault that Baroness Jutte von Rothenburg felt she had better things to do than meet U-86.
“Aye, Sir!” A broad smile crosses the 1WO’s face and he hurries to see that all is in order as quickly as possible, leaving Viktor to ponder the meaning of Jutte’s absence.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 1, 2016 16:02:21 GMT
28 January 1940, evening, Baroness Jutte von Rothenburg's suite
KptLt Viktor Radel knocks at the large double doors, the sound echoing in the otherwise empty hotel hallway. He is still seething from the perceived slight of Jutte not meeting his U-Boat at the docks earlier in the day. When she opens the door, his suspicions are confirmed. Jutte’s expression of complete surprise, combined with the fact that she is wearing nothing more than a flimsy robe lead Viktor to assume she is entertaining another man. Her negative, almost frightened response when he asks to come in confirms it.
Pushing past Jutte, Viktor storms into the room demanding, “Who are you with?” He stops cold as his entrance is met with a scream and the sight of another woman reaching for something to cover herself. Bewildered, Viktor turns to Jutte.
“My friend, Frau Carla Frey.” Jutte indicates the other woman who, still clutching some random piece of clothing to cover her otherwise lingerie clad body, nods self-consciously. “I was helping her select an outfit to wear to the theater, hopefully with Karl. If not, she’ll accompany us. We’ll be going as well.” Jutte’s tone clearly conveys annoyance. Only now does Viktor see various gowns and formal evening wear draped over all the available furniture.
Trying to salvage the situation, and her reputation, Jutte continues, “Frau Frey, KaptLt Viktor Radel. As you know, Otto supplies the U-Boats and KptLt Radel is a U-Boat Kommander. Otto will be otherwise occupied and has asked the Kriegsmarine to provide us with suitable escorts for the theater.” Perhaps a little too formally, Jutte continues, “I’m pleased to have a hero of the Fatherland as my escort this Saturday, Kapitan, but my husband might consider it inappropriate for you to see either myself or Frau Frey like this.” She indicates the various female trappings lying about the suite as well as both women’s being dressed in robes. Jutte then hustles Viktor out of the suite and back into the hall.
Once in the hall, and with the doors closed behind her, Jutte lays into Viktor. “Do you want to ruin us both!” She follows it up with a hard slap to Viktor’s face.
Stunned, the U-Boat officer stammers, “I…I’m…sorry. I thought…”
“No!” Jutte continues. “You didn’t think! Or you wouldn’t have come here without knowing that Otto or one of his spies wasn’t watching me. I, we, have to be careful.” Then, calming down a smile forms on Jutte’s lips. Looking at Viktor’s red cheek she rises up on her toes and gently kisses it. “Still, it is nice to see that I can make you jealous. Now, go. We’ll see each other on Saturday.” Jutte spins about and enters the room. As she does so Viktor can hear her tell Carla, “Sometimes these naval types can’t wait for regular business hours.”
Still somewhat taken aback, Viktor reaches up to rub his cheek as he turns and walks away.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 3, 2016 20:50:18 GMT
31 January 1940, at the Orchestra Viktor has to admit that Jutte is stunning in the gown she chose, bare shoulders under her wavy blond hair and a plunging back that fuels Viktor’s desire to get her alone. The prospects of the latter seem less likely now, Karl Schneider being unavailable or unwilling to serve as Carla Frey’s escort, the short curvy brunette is along as well. At least she provides some additional scenery, Viktor thinks, Carla Frey’s gown calling complimentary attention to her figure.
Arriving at the Baron’s box at the orchestra, Viktor finds the layout leaves them relatively isolated, heavy curtains separating this box from the one on either side. Viktor helps Jutte with her wrap and then Carla. He lingers over both women, appreciating the contrast between them and making plans to turn the situation to his advantage.
The two women chose their chairs so that there is an empty one between the slender wavy-haired blond and the buxom brunette with the bob. Just to make sure Viktor gets the hint, Jutte smiles up at him while patting the intended seat. On the other side, Carla’s hazel eyes look no less predatory than do Jutte’s light-brown ones. The Brunette struggles to suppress a giggle.
Once the lights dim Jutte and Carla each take hold of one of Viktor’s hands and lean in to rest their As the orchestra plays Jutte and Carla do their best to ensure that Viktor’s thoughts aren’t on the music. They are successful, Viktor in a high state of agitation by the time the lights come back on.
At the conclusion of the concert Viktor helps each woman with her wrap, doing his best to expedite the process. Jutte and Carla then exchange conspiratorial looks and, looping their arms through Viktor’s, lead him back to the suite where the trio spend the night.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 7, 2016 17:28:40 GMT
20 February 1940, midday, Office of the 15th Flotilla Ordnance Officer KptLt Viktor Radel enters the office of the Ordnance Officer, LtzS Derk von Rohtenburg. Viktor tries not to think about a possible relationship between the young man and his stepmother and Viktor’s lover, Baroness Jutte von Rothenburg.
Looking up from his paperwork, Derk cannot suppress a taunting smile. “KptLt Radel, how may I be of service?”
“I’m here to arrange the loading of mines onboard U-86.” Viktor tries to keep the tone professional, saying no more than necessary.
Selecting a sheet from among the papers on his desk, Derk rises and steps forward. “Ah, yes. Here is the requisition. You will be going to sea soon.” Again he cannot suppress a smile. “Mother will be disappointed…briefly.”
Though Viktor says nothing, the look in his eyes is sufficient to cause Derk to step back defensively, the smile disappearing from his face. Trying to placate the older man, Derk blurts out, “You don’t believe you’re the only one?”
Digging his nails into the palms of his clenched fists, Viktor snaps, “Just see that the mines are delivered, Leutnant.” He then takes his leave before losing control completely.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 7, 2016 19:16:52 GMT
26 February, late night, Baroness Jutte von Rothenburg's suite Jutte’s finger traces small circular patterns on Viktor’s chest. “That was nice,” she purrs. “I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t invite Carla.”
“I’ve hardly seen you at all this month. I’m not in the mood to share you.”
Viktor’s answer elicits a pleased laugh from Jutte. “Good. I like to think you’re all mine.”
Taking hold of Jutte’s hand, Viktor pulls her atop him. Looking into her eyes he replies, “As do I. Are there others?”
Jutte laughs again, "Jealous?" Then she explains, “Otto is growing suspicious. I’ve got to be careful.” She leans down in preparation of giving Viktor a passionate kiss.
Viktor stops her. “Leave him.”
“Otto?” Jutte sits upright, any playfulness gone.
“Get a divorce and be mine, openly, publicly. No more sneaking around or brief encounters," Viktor says earnestly.
“Leave Otto?” Jutte speaks as though the idea were completely foreign. “Give up all that I have? For what? You’re only here half the time and…” she pauses before bringing up the next point. “…You could be gone forever. Let’s just enjoy what we have while we can.” Jutte starts to snuggle down but Viktor stops her once more.
“Not just Otto. Leave all of them.”
“Now, now.” Jutte smiles coquettishly and tries to place a silencing finger over Viktor’s lips.
Batting Jutte’s hand away, Viktor seizes her by the shoulders and pushes her off him and onto the bed. While Jutte tries to recover and make sense out of what is happening Viktor rises and begins dressing.
“What…what are you doing?” she asks, a hint of panic in her voice. Propped up on an elbow Jutte purrs, “Come back to bed,” though there is a slight tremor in her voice.
Viktor ignores Jutte’s entreaties and finishes dressing, not bothering to look at her for fear that the temptation will prove more than he can resist. When he finishes, Viktor heads for the door, telling Jutte over his shoulder, “You have a decision to make.” Then he is in the hallway, reflecting that he has a decision to make as well.
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Post by crushedhat on Jul 21, 2016 0:24:07 GMT
19 April 1940, late evening, suite of Baroness Jutte von Rothenburg Jutte rests her head on Viktor’s chest. Tilting slightly, she looks at his face. “I don’t want this to end,” she murmurs, snuggling in closer.
Caressing her straw-blonde hair Viktor replies, “It doesn’t need to, if you leave your sham marriage.”
Jutte props herself up on one elbow, a slightly pouty expression on her face. “Let’s not go there again. I just want to enjoy the time we have.” She runs her hand down Viktor’s chest. “I was thinking that I’d ask Otto to sponsor a party at the estate in honor of our brave U-Boat officers,” she changes the topic. “You’d come?” She flashes Viktor a pleading smile.
“If I’m in port.” Viktor’s words serve to remind both of them that his life and schedule are not his own. “And,” he adds, “if I don’t have to compete with others for your attention.” Taking hold of Jutte’s shoulders, Viktor pulls her atop him. Thoughts of the uncertain future give way to the passion of the present.
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