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Post by crushedhat on Jun 14, 2016 19:29:08 GMT
5 December 1939, the Bavarian Alps
KptLt Viktor Radel has to admit that it has been a long time since he felt such a deep sense of trepidation. But, standing at the top of the slope on a pair of skies is a new, and admittedly unexpected experience. Truth be told, the only reason Viktor is in such a situation is because of the blond standing next to him. During their lovemaking the previous night she had asked him if he was willing to do anything for her. Foolishly he answered, “Yes.” Now Viktor was paying the price.
“I’m not sure…” Viktor begins, hoping to talk his way out of the situation.
“If you want me, you’ve got to catch me!” Jutte laughs as she pushes off and begins her descent. Having no choice, Viktor does likewise.
While he has no problem stalking an enemy freighter or facing enemy fire, Viktor is completely out of his element on skis. He automatically stiffens up as he picks up speed going down the hill. The action causes his skis to angle slightly forward. The tips dig into the snow and the next thing Viktor knows he is catapulted, head over heels, down the slope.
Looking back over her shoulder, Jutte’s laughter turns into a cry of alarm as she sees Viktor fly through the air. Expertly stopping, she jumps out of her skis and, shouting for help, races back up the hill to the fallen man.
8 December 1939, train station, the Bavarian Alps
While it was not the way he had hoped, Viktor had spent the last several nights in bed in the same room as Jutte. Unfortunately, his body was too sore for any extracurricular activities after his tumble on the ski slopes. On the plus side, at least nothing was broken. Also, he found that Jutte could be a very tender and attentive nurse.
No, however, Jutte was in a bad mood. She had tried to persuade Viktor to remain a few more days. As he explained, he had to return to Wilhelmshaven to relieve LtsZ Schmidt for his promised leave. Jutte was very dismissive of Viktor’s appeal to ‘Duty.’ She was equally adamant about not returning with him, wishing to enjoy the slopes as much as possible.
Not wanting to admit that Jutte may not be his and his alone, Viktor turns to her before boarding the train. “Will someone else be replacing me here? Is that why you won’t come back with me to Wilhelmshaven?”
“Jealous?” Seeing her answer in Viktor’s eyes, Jutte’s mood brightens noticeably. “Good!” she laughs, then throws her arms around him and kisses him passionately. “That’s so you’ll know what you’re missing she teases.” As the whistle sounds and the train begins to move Jutte turns with an exaggerated flourish and walks away.
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Post by crushedhat on Jun 18, 2016 16:53:03 GMT
23 December 1939, evening, the ballroom of one of Wilhelmshaven's finer hotels
Like the other officers of 15th Flotilla, KptLt Viktor Radel is decked out in his best uniform complete with ceremonial dirk. The necklace he purchased for Jutte makes a slight bulge in his pocket. Thinking about Jutte, Viktor is still annoyed that she continues to play the mystery woman, stating that she would see him there rather than accompany him. Thinking back on their conversation, Viktor can’t shake the impression that she was more secretive than usual, secretive and almost…regretful. The last puzzled Viktor as, apart from the skiing accident, he thought they’d enjoyed their time together.
As the various VIP guest arrive and are announced Viktor scans the room. Catching sight of KptLt Werner Bornhof, Viktor nods to his fellow U-Boat kommander. He also decides to use the time before Jutte’s arrival to make the obligatory rounds, starting with the ‘Old men.’ Viktor pays his respects to 15th Flotilla Komannder, Konteradmiral Arnald Faust; his XO, FKpt Klaus Edel; and the personnel and supply officers, FKpts Maximillian Gorman and Adolfo Frantz, the latter two possibly having more impact on U-86’s future operations than either the Kommandant or XO.
There is a young man standing beside Frantz, decked out in the uniform of an Oberfanrich zur See. The FKpt introduces the young man as the new officer in charge of supplying torpedoes, ObfzS Derk von Rothenberg. Rothenburg appears to have an air of assumed boredom and Viktor takes an immediate dislike of the young man. Viktor is about to make his excuses and take his leave when he notices ObfzS Rothenburg’s attention perk up at the Major Domo’s announcement of the next VIP arrivals.
As the Major Domo announces, “The Baron and Baroness von Rothenburg,” Viktor turns to see an older man accompanied by a younger woman. Looking closer, Viktor recognizes the woman as Jutte! Their eyes meet, Jutte’s face flushing slightly as Viktor’s heart sinks.
The Baron and Baroness descend the steps into the ballroom, making their way to where Viktor stands. Despite his falling mood, Viktor cannot escape recognizing how beautiful Jutte looks. Though her gown would not meet the approval of the BDM, it stays within socially acceptable bounds while still calling attention to her physical charms. The necklace in Viktor’s pocket becomes a dead weight as he compares it to the jewelry she is wearing. In contrast to Jutte’s ostentation, the Baron’s attire, while of the finest quality material and craftsmanship, sports the minimum required adornment, with the exception of a Nazi Party pin on the lapel.
Reaching where Viktor stands with the others, the Baron addresses Frantz. “FKpt Frantz, I trust the latest shipment was satisfactory?”
“Yes, yes,” Frantz responds. Indicating Viktor, the Supply Officer says, “KptLt Viktor Radel, the Baron Otto von Rothenburg and his wife, Baroness Jutte von Rothenburg. The Baron is a major supplier for the Flotilla as well as a prominent member of The Party here in Wilhelmshaven.” Von Rothenburg gives Viktor perfunctory notice while Jutte’s eyes beg for understanding and secrecy. “The Kapitan has just recently been awarded the Knight’s Cross,” Frantz adds.
“Indeed,” is all the Baron says. If he is aware of Viktor and Jutte’s affair, the Baron gives no indication.
Jutte, playing her role, graces Viktor with a smile and adds, “Germany is lucky to have such brave warriors. Perhaps we can host you for tea sometime? What do you think, Otto?”
“Of course.” He waves his hand dismissively and pulls FKpt Frantz aside for business talk. Viktor is about to ask Jutte what is going on when he receives his next shock, though he should have been able to make the connection.
The young ObfzS steps past Viktor. Taking Jutte in a warm embrace Derk intones the single word, “Mother.” The band begins to play a waltz.
Separating herself from Derk, Jutte turns to Viktor. “My husband,” Viktor imagines she has problems pronouncing the word, “appears to be otherwise occupied. Would you dance with me, Kapitan?” Before he knows what is happening, Jutte has led Viktor onto the dance floor.
“I should have told you earlier,” Jutte apologizes as they dance. “But I was afraid I’d lose you.” She waits for Viktor to respond. When he does not she justifies her actions with, “There is no love. It is strictly a marriage of convenience, for both of us.”
“What now?” Viktor mutters, striving to maintain control.
“There’s no reason we can’t keep seeing each other,” Jutte offers hopefully. She looks into Viktor’s eyes, a slight smile forming as she sees that despite his better judgment he still wants her. Relaxing slightly, she lets her head rest on his chest.
“And what about your son?” Viktor wants to ask, Jutte not being old enough to be the young man’s mother.
As if on cue, Derk taps Viktor on the shoulder. “May I?” Not waiting for an answer, Derk insinuates himself between Viktor and Jutte.
“Please do visit us for tea at the estate?” Jutte reminds Viktor as Derk sweeps her away, her eyes pleading for understanding. Watching them, Viktor cannot help but notice that Derk’s embrace and posture with his ‘mother’ is hardly that of a son. Turning, Viktor makes his way to table were the food and drinks are. Ignoring the former, he picks up a glass of champagne and downs it. It is quickly replaced by another.
After several drinks Viktor walks out onto the balcony and fresh air, suddenly finding the atmosphere in the ballroom stifling. He is looking out over the night, toward the harbor and U-86 when a voice tentatively ventures, “Viktor?”
Turning, Viktor sees Jutte. When he says nothing she pleads, “Don’t be upset with me…”
“Upset!” Viktor’s response is more vehement than he intended. Dropping in volume he continues, “Why would I be upset? Because you’re married and we have no future…”
It is Jutte’s turn to interrupt. “In a few days you go back out on patrol, possibly never to return.” She reaches out to place her hand on his arm. “All we have is now. Isn’t that enough?” Stepping in close gazes into his eyes. “Take me home. Tonight.”
“Your husband? Your son?”
“Otto is talking business and thus is lost to this world.” There is a hint of resentment in Jutte’s voice. “He’ll never notice. As to Derk, he’s not my son but the son of Otto’s first wife. Besides, he’s barely more than a boy.” Jutte flashes Viktor a smile full of promise.
Unsure when his roommate, KptLt Karl Schneider will return form patrol and not wishing to be interrupted, Viktor proposes, “Your suite.”
Jutte agrees. “We shouldn’t be seen leaving together. I’ll go first, to get ready.” She graces Viktor with another teasing smile.
As Jutte lets go of his arm, Viktor takes hold of hers. “Wait! Where this.” Reaching into his pocket he pulls out the small wrapped necklace. “For at least tonight you’ll be mine.” Jutte accepts the offered gift. Rising up on her toes, she gives Viktor a quick peck on the cheek before departing.
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