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Post by silentwolf on Apr 27, 2021 17:12:42 GMT
Pointe de Chef de Baie (a rocky stretch of coastline just outside of town)
Mid September, 1943 16.00 hours
Tobias Hopf and 1WO Jonas Ackner sit down upon the rocks of a small jetty, taking a break after a long day of fishing.
They each have a line in the water while they talk.
"This is great, Tobias. Tell me, how did you find out about this spot?"
"You know me, Jonas , I like to move around in my free time."
Hopf points and continues,
"Not too far up that way, to the Northwest, is Plage Chef de Baie. Very different terrain. Sandy. Last weekend I brought Gertrude out. We put a blanket down on the beach and had a nice picnic - A meat and cheese board, fruit, fresh bread, french wine and beautiful scenery."
" Gertrude, Jaaaa! How did it go, you old sea dog? "
" Let's just say that we got to know each other very well"
They both laugh.
Hopf Continues "Don't forget that your Kaptain still has skills with the ladies, they don't seem to mind the promotion denial"
" Tobias - you're a great captain. Anyone would have done what you did in that situation. Escorts were thick and we were loaded with steam torpedoes. It was too great of a risk to take. If we could have received more fuel and continued hunting, I'm sure we would have scored a kill"
Ackner continues,
"Together we've sent a lot of tonnage to the ocean floor, Myself and the crew would follow you anywhere"
Hopf jokes,
" Then perhaps I should request command of a type IX. They sent Freyling to the Caribbean earlier this year. What a lucky..."
Hopf laughs for a moment and then continues,
"I know it's nothing personal. They've been giving all of us the run around. Take Radel for instance - last year he was denied promotion even though he runs an elite crew. Our brilliant and fearless leadership has more important things to worry about the reality of our situation in the Atlantic. The control of North Africa", Hopf's voice takes a sarcastic tone , "for the security of our people, is of greater importance."
Hopf smirks and continues,
"Perhaps next time, our boat can be sent out to the open Atlantic, nowhere near the shipping lanes. It makes for good hunting!"
The two sit quietly for a few minutes.
Suddenly, the familiar sound of line running off of a reel fills the air as Hopf's fishing pole violently jerks and bends towards the water. It nearly falls off of the jetty and into the sea. Hopf and Ackner quickly rise to their feet. Hopf saves his rod, just in time.
"Fish On!" Hopf joyfully shouts.....
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Post by silentwolf on Apr 28, 2021 15:53:36 GMT
The Apartment of Tobias Hopf Late September, 1943 23.45 hours
Tobias enters his apartment building and makes his way up a darkened staircase towards his unit.
The information given to him by Ackner earlier in the evening has made him feel uneasy and paranoid. He feels as if he is being followed. He keeps his hand on his side arm under his jacket.
He reaches the top of the staircase and looks down the hallway towards his apartment. There is no one there. He eases up a bit and makes his way down the hallway.
Without warning, a black cat runs down the hallway and brushes against Tobias' leg, startling him.
Hopf jumps and then produces his Walther P38. He quickly conceals the weapon after realizing what has just happened.
He shakes his head and utters to himself, "I need to go out to sea."
Tobias enters his apartment and almost steps on an envelope that has been slid under the door.
He opens the envelope and reads a short letter inside,
"My Dearest Tobias,
If you are reading this letter, my contact has made good on the favor I am owed.
I have safely made it to America and everything is going well. Tobias, there is something that you need to know. I can't keep this from you - I am pregnant and you are going to be a father. The child is due in late September. Please come to America. You can still find me at the address I have given to you.
Love always and forever -
Claire "
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Post by silentwolf on May 2, 2021 19:56:17 GMT
The Apartment of Tobias Hopf Thursday, October 1st, 1942 07.00 hours
A growing light fills the purple and amber sky as the sun begins to rise. Rays of light slowly flood the apartment of Tobias Hopf.
Hopf is asleep on his bed, still partially dressed in uniform.
His eyes slowly open but remain squinted.
"Oh my head, what a night....I've got to get going..." , He thinks to himself.
He notices the familiar smell of cigarette smoke and then immediately sits up when he realizes that he is not alone.
A man whom he has never seen before in his life is sitting at his table.
" Who the hell are you! What are you doing here! " Hopf shouts, While reaching for his pistol - Which he soon discovers is no longer on his belt.
" Take it easy. I'm a friend of Claire's. You know Claire, don't you, certainly you must know the mother of your child?"
The man takes a long drag from his cigarette and laughs. He continues,
"You left the door open so I let myself in. Rough night? You look like you've got one hell of a hangover... You're going out to sea later today, tsk tsk...."
Hopf's adrenaline is now kicking hard. He quickly jumps out of bed and swiftly makes his way towards the unknown intruder in his apartment.
Hopf grabs the intruder by the collar and pulls him up from the chair.
"Who are you and what the hell are you doing here!"
"Take it easy, Tobias! What are you going to do? Kill me too? You've been corrupted and I have plenty of dirt on you!"
Tobias throws a right hook and the intruder falls down on the table, then rolls and falls to the floor.
Tobias stands over the intruder and loudly shouts in to his face, clinching both fist tightly,
"Why shouldn't I kill you? I'll be deemed a hero for killing a filthy anarchist who was caught breaking and entering!"
The unknown intruder calmly responds,
"Lovely story, Tobias, but I'm not so sure it will hold up when the photos of you, Claire and your "drunken" friend Goetner surface. You do remember the stroll the three of you took, don't you? Yes, you'll see the firing squad immediately.... and that poor child, growing up in America without a father..."
Tobias pauses for a moment and then lowers his fist. He steps back.
"What do you want from me? "
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Post by silentwolf on May 3, 2021 0:41:37 GMT
The Apartment of Tobias Hopf Thursday, October 1st, 1942 07.15 hours
"It seems that we both have something that the other wants, Herr Hopf.." , The unknown intruder states.
He stands and straightens his collar.
The stranger continues, "I have photographs of you with Goetner's dead body and you have access to arms and ammunition. You're a smart man.. I think you see where this is going, Herr Kaleun..."
Hopf stands silently for a moment and does not answer. He does not know how to handle the situation he is now in.
The stranger continues, " We both know that you have MP-40s stowed on board, locked in the armoury...You also have two Kar98k's and a few pistols, don't you, Hopf?"
Hopf doesn't answer but it is obvious that he is shocked that the stranger knows the contents of his U-boot's armory so well.
"You need a shave and some coffee, Hopf," the stranger states while gathering his hat and coat. He continues, "You look like garbage. Don't worry, You'll have a few weeks at sea to figure things out. We'll talk when you are back. Don't bother looking for me, I'll find you. Good Hunting, Tobias..."
The stranger shows himself to the door and leaves the apartment.
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Post by silentwolf on May 7, 2021 15:06:11 GMT
The Bait Shop of Jean-Guy Gaudreu (A small supply shop near the Harbor of La Rochelle) Saturday, October 31st, 1942 06.00 hours
Hopf enters the shop carrying two very large buckets.
He is greeted by the shopkeeper, Jean-Guy Gaudreu,
"Good morning, Herr Kapitan. How may I help you on this brisk fall morning?"
Hopf places both buckets down on to the counter.
"Good morning. I'll take the usual."
The shopkeeper takes the two large containers and quickly makes his way to the back of the shop. He speaks loudly,
"Yes, Herr Kapitan, right away! You're my best customer indeed! You've been in here every day for the past 10 days and each time, you've cleaned me out!"
The burley shopkeep makes his way back to the counter and places the two large buckets down. He loudly says,
"You always buy so much bait, Herr Kapitan!"
"I do a lot of fishing." Hopf snaps.
He pays for his order with a large bill.
"Keep the change. I'll see you again tomorrow morning."
Hopf collects his buckets and leaves the shop.
The shop keeper is pleased with his customer's generous tip. He shouts,
"Good luck, Herr Kapitan!"
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Post by silentwolf on May 9, 2021 18:53:23 GMT
The Apartment of Tobias Hopf Thursday, November 5th, 1942 05.00 hours
Hopf is awaken by the scent of brewing coffee. The mysterious blackmailer has made another surprise visit.
"Rise and shine, Hopf" the intruder sarcastically jokes.
Hopf does not find the joke to be funny.
" You could try knocking. "
The intruder laughs, "Lock picking is one of my specialties, I enjoy the practice. Coffee?"
Hopf nods and the intruder pours two cups. The stranger continues, "It's time to talk business. Were you able to acquire the weapons?"
Hopf replies, "I'm working on it. I have a plan in place and we will be able to make the trade soon. I think you are going to be pleased. I am getting you two MP40s, two Kar98ks and six P38s. I know you are expecting ammunition but I'm going to be upfront with you - You will only be getting a few loaded magazines. I simply can not smuggle out large amounts of lead at this moment, It's too heavy and cumbersome."
The stranger seems satisfied.
"I understand ,Hopf, and frankly, I'm surprised that you are going through with our deal."
Hopf replies,
"I need those photos - they will end me. I have to make it through this war alive. When this is all over, I will travel to America to be with my family. But, there is more to it - You may not understand, but I am sympathetic to your cause. I fully supported my government back in '39 but things have changed.....Now I feel as if we are no better then the stinking Brits..."
Hopf pauses for a second. He continues,
"If you follow through with your end of the bargain, You can look forward to more transactions with me. I'll have another shipment for you next month, and it will be free of charge."
The stranger looks shocked.
"You'll get your photos, Hopf. When can we make the deal? "
Hopf draws out a simple map on a piece of parchment and hands it to the stranger.
"I'll need three weeks. Meet me here, at Pointe de Chef de Baie, on Saturday the 28th, at midnight. Come alone and make sure you bring the photos. Now, please, I have to be at the sub pen soon. It will look suspicious if I am late, Herr.... I never did get your name?"
" Fair enough, Hopf. I'll leave you be so you can get to work. I'll see you on the 28th. "
The stranger exits but stops and turns towards Tobias before shutting the apartment door,
"You can call me Marcus."
"Going forward, Marcus, Could you please refrain from making any unannounced visits? I plan on having a few guest over while I'm in port.. I don't think they would appreciate your lock picking skills..."
Hopf clears his throat and continues,
"My intentions are to eventually be with Claire, but I am still an unmarried man... I'm sure you understand?"
Marcus smirks and gives a nod before turning and closing the door behind him.
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Post by silentwolf on May 10, 2021 16:11:29 GMT
Pointe de Chef de Baie Sunday, November 15th, 1942 08.00 hours
Tobias Hopf and Jonas Ackner stand together on the small rock jetty at Pointe de Chef de Baie.
They each have a line in the water.
"Thanks for coming out today, Jonas, I appreciate your help with the bait buckets."
Ackner responds, "We busted our butts lugging four huge buckets of rotting baitfish all the way down here and then you decide to throw all but a few small pieces of it into the sea?"
Hopf laughs.
"Be patient, Jonas. Good things come to those who wait."
"Ja. Ja." , Ackner replies.
Ackner continues to speak,
"That shop keeper is a crazy guy, what a character.... He sure seems to like you.... You must be giving him a lot of business."
A few minutes later, Ackner gets a hit. It's a big one. He shouts, "Fish on!".
Hopf couches his friend who is battling a very large fish at the end of his line,
"There you go, Jonas! Keep your rod up!"
Ackner's rod bends into a perfect arch.
Suddenly the tension loosens up.
Ackner quickly reels in his catch.
To both Ackner and Hopf's disappointment, the severed head of a large fish is all that remains on the hook.
"Taxman." Hopf simply states.
Hopf and Ackner both laugh and then begin to pack up their equipment.
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Post by silentwolf on May 11, 2021 15:45:35 GMT
Pointe de Chef de Baie Saturday, November 28th, 1942 23.55 hours
Tobias Hopf patiently waits near the rocky shoreline of Pointe de Chef de Baie.
In the sky to the East, light from the waning gibbous moon occasionaly punches through the cloud cover, exposing breaking waves that continously lash against the rock jetty and shore.
Hopf is early. He arrived over an hour ago.
Approximately 20 yards away, closer to the shoreline, His fishing pole rest in a rod holder. He has a line in the water.
Hopf is sitting on a rectangular wooden crate, Approximately 4' long and 2' high.
Shortly after midnight, Marcus arrives.
He appears to be alone as planned.
"Good evening, Marcus , I'm glad you could make it. "
Marcus replies, "Hello, Tobias. I wouldn't miss this appointment for the world."
Marcus looks towards the sea and notices Hopf's fishing pole,
"Looks like you arrived early. Fishing? Seriously? "
Hopf laughs, " It's something I really enjoy and this is a great spot. I figured I would take advantage of the opportunity while I am here. Don't worry, it will draw no attention. A patrol boat passed by about one hour ago and will not be returning for another three hours."
Hopf continues,
"Did you bring the photos?"
Marcus opens his jacket and reveals a large envelope.
"Right here, Hopf. Let's see the guns."
Hopf and Marcus are interrupted by the loud squealing of Hopf's fishing reel. There is a fish on the other end of the line and it is huge.
Hopf rushes to his pole. For a moment, he seems to forget about his transaction with Marcus entirely.
" This is a big one! " Hopf shouts.
Marcus cannot believe what is going on but he still watches, curious to see what Hopf lands.
Suddenly, Hopf's rod snaps and breaks in two.
"Verdamndt! Sharks have been moving in lately. They destroy all of my gear!"
Hopf shouts to Marcus while collecting the pieces of his broken rod,
"Go ahead, check them out. You will be satisfied. I tossed a grenade* in the crate as a special bonus. Consider it my gift to you. "
Marcus removes the lid from the crate.
The moonlight dimly illuminates the contents of the crate.
Marcus sees that the crate is filled with some sort of packing material. It appears to be Hay.
He notices the grenade Hopf had mentioned.
He places his left hand in to the packing material. To his shock, His hand does not touch steel, but only Hay.
He quickly moves his hand to the left and right digging slightly deeper into the crate.
He turns and looks towards Hopf, who is still near the shoreline but has now hit the deck.
It is a trap.
The crate has been rigged to remove the grenade's pin when opened.
"What it thi...."
Marcus does not complete his sentence.
The grenade explodes sending a blast of shrapnel and wood fragments from the crate everywhere.
Several pieces have hit Marcus. He lay on the ground, in the fetal position. He is seriously wounded.
Tobias stands and makes his way towards Marcus.
"Tsk Tsk, Marcus...."
Hopf grabs Marcus by the shoulder and rolls him over onto his back. Hopf sees that part of Marcus's face has been burnt badly and that he has been hit with shrapnel in the neck.
Hopf reaches into Marcus's jacket and retrieves the envelope. He opens it and briefly peers inside to verify the contents.
He looks down at Marcus and coldly states,
"You picked the wrong one."
Marcus groans loudly.
Hopf draws his P38 and places it inches from Marcus's forehead.
"Nooo!"
Marcus's frantic plea is cut short by muzzle flash and the crack of a 9 mm round.
Marcus is no more.
" What a mess... " , Hopf thinks while analyzing the gruesome scene, "the tide will clean it up by morning...." , he assures himself.
Hopf grabs Marcus by the feet and drags him out on to the rock jetty. He brings the body to the water's edge and pushes it on to a rock. Hopf gives a swift kick and the corpse slides off and falls into the sea.
Hopf stands on the jetty and observes Marcus's lifeless body floating, face down.
The corpse ebbs and flows in the rolling surf, slowly making it's way further away from the rocks and out to sea.
Hopf removes the envelope from his jacket. He produces his Kriegsmarine issued wind proof lighter and lights the envelope on fire.
As the envelope burns, Hopf stares out towards the sea. He watches Marcus's corpse bump and occasionaly shake as a frenzy of hungry sharks complete his cunning plan.
When the flames reach the corner of the envelope, Hopf uses them to light a cigarette.
He then tosses what little remains of the envelope into the sea and exits the scene.
*Author's note Hopf was able to obtain this grenade by falsifying information in the Kriegstagebuch, see entry 15.10.42
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Post by silentwolf on Jun 3, 2021 15:06:19 GMT
The Apartment of Tobias Hopf Monday, February 15th, 1943 05.00 hours
Hopf is fast asleep. His mind is plagued with stressful dreams, He watches them unfold in his mind like a movie -
In the first scene, Hopf is sitting in a crowded, smoke filled, jazz club. He is approached by Claire Wilson.
"May I?", She ask while gesturing towards the empty chair opposite from Hopf.
Hopf tosses and turns in his bed. The scene playing out within his mind changes -
Now he is standing on an empty road somewhere near the French/Spanish border. It is very late. Claire is speaking to him,
" I really do love you. You can find me at this address... "
She hands Hopf an envelope.
The scene changes yet again -
Now Hopf is in command of U-47. The boat is on patrol somewhere in the Atlantic. He is undergoing a heavy depth charge attack.
Hopf shouts orders to his crew,
" Take her down to 250 meters! Right hard rudder! Ahead two thirds!"
A volley of well placed wasserbomben rocks "Delphin" violently.
1WO Ackner is panicking - He shouts , "Kaleun, the hull is breached! We are taking on water in the foreword torpedo room!"
The crew frantically scurries and attempts to save themselves from a watery demise.
Suddenly, there is an incredibly loud "Pop".
"Delphin" implodes, all on board are killed.
Startled Hopf quickly sits up in his bed.
He is covered in sweat but feels a sense of relief when he realizes that he is in his apartment.
To his left, nude Helferin Gertrude Stein lay.
She has been awoken by Hopf's unexpected shout.
" Are you OK, Tobias? You must have been having a nightmare. Who is Claire? You kept saying her name in your sleep...."
Hopf replies,
"No one. It was just a bad dream."
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Post by silentwolf on Jun 6, 2021 17:36:09 GMT
The Apartment of Tobias Hopf Sunday, March 7th, 1943 03.00 hours
After a long night of heavy drinking, Tobias Hopf loudly stumbles through the door and enters his apartment. Hopf usually holds his liquor quite well, but, that is not the case on this evening - tonight he is three sheets to the wind.
Hopf slams the door and tosses his jacket onto the floor. He makes his way to the kitchen and sits down at his small dining table.
The liquor has got the best of Hopf. He has slipped into an emotional state filled with anger and sadness.
He drunkenly rants very loudly to himself, perhaps hoping that someone will hear his frustration,
"I hate this stinking table!"
Hopf slams his fist down upon the dining surface, knocking over a glass of water and spilling it.
"The red tape is endless in this clown show that is an excuse for a flotilla! Two years I've been passed over now!"
Hopf quickly stands. His chair is knocked over behind him. He continues to rave, even louder,
"We're getting killed out there! My Men - Ortmann, Hohenlohe and Schulte are gone! The list of lost boats continues to grow! For what reason?!? We risk OUR lives to starve the British Isles so OUR troops can run out of fuel and supplies in Stalingrad!?!?"
The small table crashes into the kitchen floor after violently being overturned by Hopf, who has now entered a state of mind that is blinded by rage.
His thoughts turn to Claire. He shouts,
"I just wanted to listen to some Jazz music!!! Why did she have to come along and ruin everything!?!?"
Hopf turns and picks up the overturned chair from the floor. He holds the chair by one leg and swings his arms in a motion similar to that of an American baseball player at bat.
He releases his grip at the end of this motion.
The chair flies across the room and collides with a wall. It breaks into several pieces.
Hopf then stumbles across his apartment and makes his way towards the restroom.
He thinks of his child, whom he has never met.
"I'm so sorry, kid...."
Upon entering the restroom, Hopf raises his head and looks at his reflection in the mirror that is above the sink.
He does not like the image that he sees.
The mirror shatters when Hopf punches it with all of his might. Shards of glass fly across the room.
Several pieces remain in Hopf's bloodied right hand.
Hopf lets out a loud roar that is filled with pain - not from the lacerations on his fist, his adrenaline has blocked such discomfort, for now, but of a broken man, who is lost in a pit of despair.
Hopf falls to his knees, clenching his wounded hand. He then begins sobbing uncontrollably, like a small child.
After a moment, he somewhat composes himself.
He speaks loudly with slurred speech,
"Come on Hopf, don't be a pansy. Get up off of the floor and stop feeling sorry for yourself."
Hopf stands and wraps a towel around his injured hand. As he moves to his bed, he continues to speak, still in a drunken rant , but now in a softer tone,
"If they want a hero, I'll give them a hero... But I won't return from this patrol....."
Hopf falls onto his bed.
"I'll show them a fearless hero......"
He then quickly loses consciousness and fades into a deep slumber.
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Post by silentwolf on Jun 9, 2021 0:26:21 GMT
The Bait Shop of Jean-Guy Gaudreu Saturday, March 20th 1943 06.30 hours
Tobias Hopf enters the shop.
He is greeted by the shop keep, Jean-Guy Gaudreu,
"Bonjour Herr Kapitan! It's been quite a while since I've seen you!"
He notices that Hopf's right hand is covered with a bandage,
"You are wounded, Herr Kapitan?"
Hopf quickly brushes off the question,
" It's nothing serious. A minor injury suffered while moving some furniture. It's healing quickly. I'll take half of a kilogram of squid, please. "
Gaudreu shrugs and makes his way to the back. He shortly returns with Hopf's request.
"Here you are, Herr Kapitan. A considerably smaller order this time..."
Hopf pays and then makes his way towards the door, he pauses for a few seconds,
"Take Care, Jean-Guy."
Hopf then exits the shop.
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Post by silentwolf on Jun 9, 2021 21:19:05 GMT
The Local Bar Thursday, March 25th, 1943 20.00 hours
Tobias Hopf enters and takes a look around. This establishment usually gets pretty wild but tonight the place is completely empty, with the exception of a Barmaid and 1WO Jonas Ackner, who is sitting at the Bar.
Hopf takes a seat next Ackner.
" Tobi ! Right on time! Sit down friend, I've already ordered you a drink. "
" Thanks Jonas. What's going on in here tonight? This place is dead."
Ackner answers,
"Not sure. Everyone must be down at the cat house."
Ackner gives a wink to the barmaid. A few seconds later, she leaves the bar counter and disappears into another room.
Hopf and Ackner enjoy their beverages but the conversation is minimal.
Suddenly and without warning, all of the lights in the bar go dim. The room is darkened to almost pitch black.
Hopf turns and looks towards Ackner,
" What in the hell is going on Jo..."
Hopf is interrupted when the lights are suddenly turned back on.
"SURPRISE!!!!!"
Almost the entire crew of U-47 seem to have appeared from nowhere.
Today is Hopf's 29th birthday. The crew have arranged for a surprise birthday party for their captain.
" Happy Birthday, Kaleun " , Jonas Ackner happily states.
Hopf is truly surprised and shocked.
" Guys, Thank You. I don't know what else to say. How did you pull this off?"
LI Schmidt explains,
" We all chipped in and closed the bar down for the night. You're the best captain a crew could ever ask for. Happy Birthday, old man! "
1WO Ackner Adds,
"Happy Birthday Old Man, We'd follow you to hell and back!"
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Post by silentwolf on Jun 11, 2021 5:33:44 GMT
The Deck Gun Training Range Tuesday, March 30th , 1943 07.00 hours
There is an offshore breeze on this early spring morning in La Rochelle.
KKpt Tobias Hopf has summoned the first and second watch AA gunnery team to the deck gun training range for an impromptu training session.
Hopf adresses his crew while they stand at attention,
" Gentleman, I have prepared a special surprise for you. Go ahead, Ackner..."
Hopf signals to Ackner with his right hand, which has now healed.
Ackner stands on the gunnery platform. He removes a large sheet to unveil a 3.7 cm M42U AA gun that has recently been mounted.
Hopf continues,
" We've lost plenty men to enemy aircraft..... I think it's time that we start taking out their planes! You slobs need some practice! No one will leave this range until I am satisfied with the team's performance! Now, man the gun!"
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Post by silentwolf on Aug 26, 2021 22:28:10 GMT
The Local Bar Tuesday, February 1st, 1944 22.00 hours
FKpt Tobias Hopf sits at a corner table with 1WO Jonas Ackner.
The two are talking about current events and the heavy losses suffered by their country's armed forces.
Hopf lights a cigarette and exhales,
"We're rationed six Zigaretten per day, the old man knows what's best for our health, I hear that we can soon expect a mandated vegetarian diet."
Hopf laughs, and continues,
"I've smoked a pack today. Don't let them find out, I'll be shot."
Ackner laughs but his eyes look tired. The stress of tomorrow's deployment is wearing his nerves thin.
"Ja! He knows what's best!" Ackner raises his glass and toasts , "to those who were stranded in Stalingrad!"
The two men drink.
Hopf sarcastically toast , "Here's to our thriving economy, to the lack of fuel across Deuchland , and to the comradeship of our Italian "friends!" "
The men drink again. Each finish their drink and slam their mugs down.
"It's getting bad, Hopf..." Ackner waves to order another round. He continues to speak in a somber tone,
"What the hell happened? Everything was going so well.. Has the old man lost his mind? We are weak now and our enemy knows it..... The Soviets continue to drive us back on the Eastern front, the allies are beginning to achieve air superiority and the damned British have subs in the Bay hunting for us!"
Hopf notices the bar maid making her way towards their table. He quickly injects,
"Now , now... Question not his infinite wisdom, for our glorious leader will use all available resources to put an end to such dissent.... Never mind the saboteurs tampering with our torpedos....."
They both remain quiet as the bar maid approaches and places two mugs onto their table.
"Danke." Hopf knods and then takes a sip.
"Bitten." The attractive bar maid knods and makes her way back to the bar.
Hopf places his mug back on the table and speaks to Ackner, now in a more positive tone,
"We've been doing this for a long time. 19 war patrols and we're still here.... We do have a chance in this game. We have the best scientist and engineers in the world on our side - I'm certain we will see many more breakthroughs with technology to aid our cause before it is all said and done..."
Hopf reaches across the table with his right arm and places his hand on Ackner's shoulder, he continues,
" The wolfpack tactic works. We will locate a convoy and give them hell from long range. Their escorts won't have time to look for us. Have faith, my friend."
" I hope so, Tobias, I hope so...."
They continue to drink late into the evening.......
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