Occupation

by Jeff L. Dawson

  "Follow me, Herr Reichsfuehrer. The Fuehrer has agreed to meet with you. He has allotted you ten minutes and no more. He has a full schedule tomorrow. I hope your issues are as important as you suggest."

  The sound of their boots hammering against the cold concrete floors echoed and bounced off his eardrums. The steady synchronized walk flashed his mind back to the many rallies he had attended when Hitler laid out the plan for the new government of Germany. On the face of it, Adolf Hitler portrayed to the world and the German people that the National Socialist Party was interested only in the concerns of the people. That he and the new party only wanted peace and to overturn and abolish the ills of the Versailles Treaty. He displayed Germany as a benevolent, loving country. Those who knew the truth, knew it was only a facade. The Nazi party was cold, calculating, and prepared to devour all who could not be converted.

  The private unlocked the steel door and let Himmler in. "Herr Reichsfuehrer, ten minutes."

  "Danke, Private. I will notify the Fuehrer of your diligence to duty and regulations." The comment placed a smile on the private’s face. A good word from Himmler could result in a nice promotion and higher pay.

  Himmler entered the room. The pleased private closed the steel door behind him. Hitler's quarters, a two room suite, were cold and spartan. The first room was brightly lit but bare. The furnishings were a small table, two wooden chairs, and one medium-sized leather couch. The only painting was a portrait of Adolf from the rally in Nuremberg from 1936 on the wall to his left.

  Hitler's voice came from the bedroom and increased as he walked out to meet Himmler. “What is it , Heinrich? I am a very busy man. It was my understanding from the briefing we had last week that all of the details had been covered. What else is there? I have more pressing issues to concern myself with. Guderian is having second thoughts about the upcoming invasion. I must have him on board, for it is his armored units that will pave the way to Leningrad, Moscow, and the Ukraine. With these areas under our control, there will be no shortages of raw materials or food to feed our new Germany. Our people have suffered enough under the Versailles treaty and the vermin of Bolshevism. It is our destiny to right the wrongs of the past, and put the Fatherland at the forefront of all other cultures. It is I who will bring light upon the masses. It is I who will go down in history as one of the world's greatest leaders. It is I...”

  Himmler knew the private would be knocking on the door soon. Adolf was a great orator. It was his ability of speaking that had sparked the masses with hope and joy. But this was not a time for speeches. This was a time for learning.

  "Mein Fuehrer,"

  Hitler balked with the interruption. His face started contorting into a scowl, as a parent about to punish a child.

  "I apologize for the intrusion, but I have limited time. Private Kluge, a very efficient aide, will be returning soon to escort me out. The matter I bring is one of utmost importance." Himmler's words were succinct and concise. His tone was controlled and smooth. He had Hitler's attention.

  "Proceed, Heinrich."

  Himmler explained what had happened at the castle earlier. The strange transformation of the two captured peasants. The gruesome deaths of Colonel Eckhardt and General Von DerGraff, and the superhuman strength displayed by the creatures from Southern Poland. A rap at the door broke the conversation.

  "Yes, what is it," barked Adolf.

  "Private Kluge, Mein Fuehrer." The words were audible but muffled as they came through the steel door.

  "Leave us, Private. I will call when we are finished. Thank you for being so efficient."

  A loud "Heil Hitler" resonated behind the door.

  "Heinrich, this is a fantastic tale." Hitler had always rolled his eyes or dismissed Himmler's obsession with the occult. The Reich had spent tens of thousands of Reichmarks on the wild-goose chases Himmler insisted on. To date, none of those expeditions had borne any fruit that would encourage Hitler to invest more. But it appeared they had been looking in the wrong places. It wasn't in India or Tibet. The Scandinavian countries had yielded nothing, and all of the scholars who had poured over the readings of the ancient religions and rituals, shed no new light on a master race. It was in Southern Poland, a country Hitler had held in contempt since the treaty that ended World War I. Poland was where they should have been looking.

  Heinrich continued with all of the details, including those allowing the men to return home unmolested. He was expecting Hitler to go into a violent tirade. Adolf processed all of the information and produced a small smile.

  "Heinrich, you have proven worthy of your position. It would have been nice to have detained both men for further investigation, but based on the events described, you chose properly. I agree, let them believe they are living in peace. First we shall deal with the Russians. When that is complete, we shall examine your find in more detail. It is late and I have grown very weary with the weight of the new campaign on the horizon. Please, see Private Kluge and have him prepare some quarters for you. Have a safe trip home, my friend."

  The relief from Himmler was monumental. At any time his Fuehrer could have erupted in an epic outburst. To have him remain calm and relaxed was a welcome relief. Himmler stood up, saluted the master and left for the door.

  "One other thing, Heinrich."

  "Yes, Mein Fuehrer?"

  "Keep me posted on General Heidrick's progressing condition. That is most interesting. We could have much to learn from him in the future. Oh, and Heinrich, how is the construction around Krakow progressing?"

  Heinrich turned and smiled. “Everything is on schedule, Mein Fuehrer."

  Each man flashed an evil grin of approval to the other. Heinrich saluted and sought out Private Kluge. His work for the day was done.

  Chapter 23

  Return Flight

  Himmler was good to his word. As the staff car entered the tarmac at Paderborn, the guards who hours ago had been dismissive and arrogant towards the prisoners, now stood at attention as the car came to a stop. A guard approached each of the passenger doors and opened them for the officers. They stood at attention and provided every courtesy they had shown Generals Heidrick and Von DerGraff hours before. Two dozen guards stood at attention flanking the walkway leading to the open airplane doors. The engines were fully warmed and ready for take-off.

  The men entered the plane and were requested to take the front two seats where they would be more comfortable. Nikoli and Kirilli gladly accepted the gracious offer and seated themselves in the plush leather seats. One of the guards asked if they might like a drink once the plane was airborne and they had escaped the turbulence. Both men nodded in agreement. The captain's voice came over the intercom.

  "Gentlemen, please fasten your belts as we will be starting our take-off shortly. Enjoy your flight home." Both men complied as the large BMW engines were fully revved and the plane started moving down the runway. The plane lifted off effortlessly and started winging its way back to Poland.

  Within ten minutes the plane had acquired a comfortable cruising altitude. Kirilli was seated next to the window and tapped Nikoli on the shoulder. "Take a look, my friend. I believe we are being escorted back home."

  Nikoli loosened the belt and looked out the window. There was a small sleek plane with a yellow nose on the single propeller. "Kirilli, it appears they wish for us to return home safely."

  Both men smiled and let out a relaxed laugh.

  "Gentlemen," said one of the guards. "Would you like something to drink?"

  "Why, of course," boasted Nikoli. "The finest champagne for my fellow officer. It has been a trying day and our throats are dry and parched."

  The guard was a bit surprised by the request. "I'm sorry, but all we have on board is water or warm wine." He was very apprehensive with his response; it was always dangerous to disappoint an SS Officer.

  Nikoli didn't miss a beat. "Is it red, Private?"

  Kirilli could not contain himself and let out a very loud laugh.

  "Nikol
i, do you not know when to stop? Private, either one will do."

  The private quickly made his way to the back of the plane.

  "Nikoli, we have done well to date. Everything has gone according to plan with the exception of losing Stephan."

  Yes, the loss of Stephan at the hands of the Germans had been avenged, but it would not replace him. Everything had gone according to plan, but the loss of Stephan had filled him with two emotions he didn't recall ever encountering even as a human: remorse and emptiness.

  Kirilli could almost read his mind and his thoughts. They had not spoken of Stephan since the attack on the police station and the heated meeting that ensued. It was time to address the issue.

  "Nikoli, we shall give him a proper send off. Dmitri has kept his body on ice, preserving his remains as much as possible."

  "Thank you Kirilli, thank you. He was a good son."

  Kirilli continued with the first thought, "But we mustn't get overconfident. We are still in occupied territory. Only time will determine if Herr Himmler and his fuehrer will really honor their words."

  Nikoli nodded in agreement recognizing the seriousness of the current situation. "Kirilli, I have one question."

  "Gentlemen, your drinks," interrupted the private. Both men thanked him, then waved him off.

  "What shall become of Dmitri and Nicole? It appears over the past months, they have become quite fond of each other. Imagine, a child shared between our clans? Would you have ever thought it possible?"

  Kirilli had noticed how during the hunts, Dmitri volunteered to go with Nicole or at least be in her company even when the situation didn't warrant a protector. He and Dmitri had argued a few times over the deployments and assignments.

  "I'm not sure, Nikoli. But I do not plan on interfering with those affairs. I believe they are old enough and sacrificed all for this moment to be achieved. Let us sit back and see what happens."

  "Nikoli, do you think they will keep their word, or will we be forced to increase our activities to convince them to leave?"

  Nikoli pondered the question for a moment. “Kirilli, based on the current situation and the uniforms they loaned us, I believe Herr Himmler will more than keep his word. I detected a faint smell as we left his office. I believe he lost control of himself. I would wager it occurred when the poor doctor's head popped off. No, Kirilli, we have made him a true believer of what the occult is capable of performing." Nikoli was almost sad with the words. He had risen to the task assigned and had excelled beyond even his own expectations. The last six months had been a true campaign. He had been assigned a specific objective and had executed it with perfect precision. He would miss the fight and the planning.

  Kirilli agreed with Nikoli's evaluation of the situation with a short, "Yes."

  There was silence except for the drone of the engine noise. The long silence was interrupted by the pilot. "Gentlemen, please buckle your belts. We will be landing in five minutes. I hope the flight was pleasant?" The two men could not help but laugh out loud, unnerving the pilot just a bit.

  "My dear pilot," roared Nikoli. "We came on this plane as peasants, partisans, prisoners, and return as Generals of the SS and served wine? Yes, we have had a pleasant and successful flight. I hope for your sake your Herr Himmler holds to his truths, or I fear we will be seeing you in the very near future."

  The pilot gulped hard. He knew something terrible had happened at Wewelsburg Castle. None of the prisoners he had flown in, had ever left the castle alive.

  "Todt tower, this is Flight 11 from Paderborn requesting landing instructions. Repeat, this is Flight 11 from Paderborn requesting landing instructions."

  "Jawohl, runway two-niner."

  The plane landed without mishap. The private sitting, actually cowering, in the back of the plane, opened the doors for the two guests. Nikoli and Kirilli slowly made their way down the small aisle. The fresh air poured in invigorating their lungs.

  "Kirilli, we are home."

  The men stepped off the plane and were greeted with a full escort again, along with a waiting staff car. They graciously walked to the car where an aide opened the door.

  "Where to, Generals?" Where to indeed? The women would be waiting for their arrival at the Amadeus.

  "The Amadeus, driver."

  "Jawohl."

  * * *

  Sasha and Svetlana were anxiously awaiting their return at the Amadeus. They had introduced themselves to the desk aide as the night's entertainment. The private smiled at the thought of enjoying each woman.

  "Colonel Eckhardt will not be arriving for another two hours. You can either come back or wait for his return." Svetlana moved up to the desk looking deep into the orderly's eyes.

  "I believe we shall wait, if that is all right?" Her green eyes lured the orderly into her trance.

  "Of course, follow me to the library. If there is anything you require, do not hesitate to call." He quickly came from behind the counter and escorted the two women into the large, well lit room.

  The room was thirty by thirty meters and well furnished. It was a room which could easily accommodate any dignitary that might wish to come to Krakow. The walls were adorned with oil and water paintings from across all regions of Europe. The room displayed a quality none of the Germans possessed - warmth.

  Svetlana picked a deep plush chair to rest in. Sasha moved over to a leather couch three meters long and 1.5 meters wide. The women would rest until their men returned, or convince Colonel Eckhardt to let them return home.

  It had been over ten hours since Nikoli and Kirilli had departed in irons. They had no way of knowing if the mission had been successful or if the men were now captives of Herr Himmler and chained up at Wewelsburg.

  Both women tensed as they heard the sound of a car come to rest in front of the elegant hotel. Muffled sounds of "Heil Hitler," and "Jawohl, Herr Generals," flowed from the outer halls barely penetrating the large wooden door. The sounds of hobnailed boots striking hard and firm on the stone floors grew louder and louder then stopped just outside. Both women braced for the figures on the other side. Had the men been successful or would it be Colonel Eckhardt ready to be pleasured?

  They both held their breath. The door slowly opened. The initial sight of the two men struck fear in their throats. Each man was in full SS uniform. The visors on the caps had been pulled low over the brows to shield their cold-stone faces.

  "Good evening, Frauleins. I gather your stay here has been pleasant?"

  Each man removed his cap. A wave of relief poured from their bodies as their husbands slowly strode into the room. The women had been given instructions that if they had not returned by first light to leave Krakow and never return. They were to make their way south to the Aegean and possibly escape to Cairo, then attempt to settle in Southern Russia around Maikopf or Gronzy. There was a chance there were others there who could help them rebuild the clans. The inhabitants of the Georgia region had been very grateful for the service the Romanovs had provided during the revolution.

  "Kirilli! Nikoli!" shouted the women.

  Svetlana reluctantly moved towards her husband. "And?" He knew what she was asking.

  "Stephan's death has been avenged." He stood waiting for a response from her.

  She let the words sink in for a few moments and then approached her husband. "I am glad you are safe," and they embraced for the first time in decades.

  After they had all been well reunited and were preparing to leave the confines of the Amadeus, Nikoli paused, "Wait here for a moment. There is something I forgot."

  The others were perplexed. What could he have forgotten?

  Nikoli returned carrying a canvas. "Many months ago I had commented to the dearly departed Major Ernst how much I liked the painting. He assured me it would never be mine. Do you think he will object if I borrow it for a while?" and let out a long relaxed laugh. The other three could not restrain themselves and joined in.

  "Svetlana, I think Mr. Monet will make an excellent addition t
o the new M-Spartanin. Kirilli, take us to Bezpieczenstwo. We need to properly celebrate our victory and honor the death of Stephan."

  Chapter 24

  Withdrawal

  Two weeks had passed since the meeting at Wewelsburg with Reichsfuehrer Heinrich Himmler. Kirilli and Nikoli weren't letting their guard down. They had learned over the past few months that the activities of the Germans could not be trusted long term. Short term, yes, but a long lasting peace? No. The man they relied on, lies to accomplish his vision of Europe and any other country that defied the "new order."

  Both men had become more than just hunters of the new enemy; they became students of the oppressors. They scoured any and all books, magazines, and newspapers to understand their foe. Hitler had promised peace with Poland, Great Britain, Yugoslavia and others. The fate was the same, invasion, conquest, and deportation. Nikoli had prided himself with his military background, but had to confide to Kirilli that none of the empires he served with, or under, had shown such a grievous lack of compassion for men, women, or children. There had always been a reason for killing. The Germans needed none. They did it with enthusiasm and brashness. If they prayed to a God, both men wondered who it was; for on some of the soldiers they converted or fed on there was an inscription on the belt buckles "Gott min uns." God with us, but what God, Adolf Hitler? Regardless of who they worshipped, it was obvious they were intent on world domination. Kirilli had taken the time between planning missions to read the absurd book "Mein Kampf", which Hitler wrote while in prison for inciting a riot and a failed coup of the Weimar Republic. It was a difficult read, but the underlying message through this tirade and waste of print, was "Germany was destined to rule the world and rid it of any race deemed inferior to participate in the new Reich." The military actions over the past few years was proof enough that Germany was intent on world domination and the activity of late was a sign that they were actually going to attempt what no other nation or empire known to man or beast had ever accomplished; defeating Russia. Hitler and his generals should heed the words of history as written by Napoleon and The Kaiser; those who venture into Russia seldom are seen or heard from again. But it seemed that was a lesson they would have to learn for themselves.