Opening Moves

The main door opened and four soldiers came bursting in. The MP Lieutenant and his two men saw that the boot was now well and truly on the other foot. Weapons were raised and the tension rose dramatically.

The extra man was a staff Captain wearing a shiny helmet and ready to take on the world with his Thompson sub-machine gun.

Rhodes finally had his Colt automatic in hand and did his best to impress everyone that he knew how to use it. Its barrel lay against Rolf’s skull behind his right ear.

The General holstered his own colt now that the intruders were well covered.

He looked at the Thompson-toting Captain and smiled, partially out of relief and partially because the man’s attempt to look warlike was more than comical. Even he had noticed the weapon was not cocked.

“Grice, I want another platoon of men posted here right now. Contact Colonel Lee and arrange it at once.”

With specific orders, the Captain left the room immediately.

It was apparent that the MP Lieutenant had something to get off his chest.

“Report, Lieutenant.”

“Sir, the flares were set off by an Austrian civilian who has been apprehended. Two other men in our uniforms that were with these men,” he almost sneered at the two stood there, hands extended towards the ceiling, “Have been taken prisoner. Only this man,” he indicated Schwartz, “Seems to have been carrying a weapon. The other three are being held downstairs under armed guard. Our perimeter is secure sir.”

“Thank you Lieutenant. We will discuss how these two got this far later.”

The young officer winced. It was his watch after all.

“Ok then,” the General looked at Uhlmann and folded his arms. He had not heard any of what Schwartz had said to Rhodes but grasped that there was something deeper going on.

“Who the hell are you and what are you doing here, and talk fast son.”

Schultz started.

“I am Major Schultz, CO of…”

Clark shot out a hand, palm first.

“I know who you are son. I pinned a goddamn Distinguished Service Cross on your chest some weeks ago, and that’s the only reason I am stood here now ready to listen.”

The General’s eyes narrowed as his gaze turned to scrutinise the silent one whilst still addressing the major. “You are in deep shit but at least you’re kosher. It’s this man I want to know about.”

“Sir,” Schultz ventured, “This officer does not speak English. He is an escaped German kreigie who has risked much to stand before you tonight.”

That got the General’s full attention, and the calm and unfazed demeanour seemed suddenly a little shaken. Pursing his lips, Clarke nodded slowly.

“Do go on Major.”

“This is Sturmbannfuhrer Uhlmann, late of the 5th SS Panzer Division, and until recently a prisoner of the Russians at Edelbach in North Austria.”

Although it looked theatrical it was not Uhlmann’s intent, but he could not help but click to attention when the General looked directly at him as his rank, name and former status were announced.

“Sir, if I may speak,” Schwartz waited until the senior man gave an acquiescing nod before he continued, “This man had escaped the Russians and was free, as were those men downstairs, but they have chosen to give up that freedom and risk their lives to come here with vital information, direct for your ears. He has not come to harm you and is unarmed. I know what he has to tell and you must hear him out Sir”

Majors don’t normally use the ‘must’ word to General’s and escape unscathed, but inside Clark had to admit that the boy looked fit to burst, and it wasn’t going to hurt to hear the kraut out.

After what seemed like an age, the General spoke.

“Alright son. You two get your audience. Clarence,” he looked at the unfortunate officer, “Tidy yourself up and join us.”

“Lieutenant?” he queried, looking at the young MP.

“Athabaster, John S. Sir.”

“Search these two thoroughly, and then post your men outside. No one gets in. Clear? You will then accompany them into my room and ensure that you keep these two under control.”

“Yes Sir.”

Clark disappeared into his suite.

A swift search revealed Schwartz’s own Colt and a wicked knuckleduster. Uhlmann carried nothing.

The two were ushered into the General’s room, where they found him sitting on a desk, leg idly swinging, and a mug of steaming fresh coffee in his hands.

“Guess you are going to have to translate what this sonofabitch says for me Major. I don’t need to tell you that this had better be goddamned impressive to keep your narrow ass outta the stockade, son.”

“Yes Sir.”

And as the famous Enns tower struck three o’clock, Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Uhlmann, late of the 5th SS Panzer Division, spoke quickly and accurately of all that he had seen, with Schwartz translating rapidly.

Moreover, by the end of it, Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark was extremely impressed, but he sure as hell wished it otherwise.