| [Chapter One] |
| Chapter One Germany 1941 The harbor was teaming with Nazi�s as they were getting ready to get in the boat. They were planning to go out and stop any spies that were coming their way. The captain of the crew looked down from his hotel window. The man never wore a smile on his face. Even when he saw his young cousin Paul with his beautiful girlfriend, a hint of a smile never appeared. There was a knock on his door and he turned around gruffly calling, �Come in!� �Hello, Captain Weibe.� Johann Menze greeted him as he entered. �Johann. What can I do for you today?� he asked. Johann shut the door and swiftly crossed the room. The sunlight glinted off the nametag that displayed �Captain Gunter Weibe� when he stopped next to the tall man. Johann looked down and spotted the young couple he was looking. �I want you take Claudia along.� Johann said sadly as he watched his young daughter laughing at the man she was standing with. Gunter watched Johann out of the corner of his eye. The old man�s eyes looked sad yet set in his decision. �Johann, why do you want me to take your daughter? You said she was miracle, a lifesaver for you and your wife after Anna died.� Gunter pointed out. �I know.� Johann replied. �She�s a lifesaver to your crew too. You know how depressed the men get out on the boat, but when they come back here and they all see Claudia, they become happy again. She provides entertainment for your men, and they all appreciate it. And you know how happy Paul is whenever he�s around her.� Gunter looked out the window again at his cousin and this man�s daughter. Paul was practically shining with happiness. �Yes, he is happy when she�s around. But, would she want to go?� �She would love to. If there�s an opportunity for her to be with Paul, she�d take it in a heartbeat.� He paused for a moment and then went on. �And you know how much she loves adventure. Your men barely get to sleep when they come back, they always have to tell her the stories.� Gunter wet his dry lips and said, �You do know there�s a chance we may not make it back?� Johann continued staring at his daughter. Nodding his head he said, �Yes, I know.� Gunter nodded his head. �She would be good to have along. Her presence lightens up the mood in the room. There would most likely be less fighting among shipmates.� �Good. Then it�s settled. You�ll take Claudia with you.� Johann said looking at Gunter. �But, you have to take me down there with you. I have to say goodbye.� �Of course.� ~**~**~ The noise on the street was loud as the men were bringing supplies into the ship, singing loudly. Paul had to practically scream so that Claudia could hear what he was saying. He loved the way she smiled when she was happy. He could hardly bare it when they left the port to go out into the ocean, never knowing if they�d return. One minute she was totally happy, and the next her eyes were brimming with tears. It was almost enough to tell her she couldn�t come to the port anymore, but he knew that he needed those last few minutes with her so much he wouldn�t be able to tell her to stay at home. Besides, the other men would most likely kill him if she stopped coming to say goodbye. The light kiss on the cheek she gave all the men was a tradition none of them wanted to give up. He looked up and saw Captain Weibe coming towards the men. Claudia�s father was following behind. Claudia saw him staring and followed his gaze. When she saw who was quickly approaching her smile disappeared. They�d be leaving soon, and once again she�d be separated from Paul. The men all saw that their Captain was near and lined up in the traditional line that was formed, waiting to receive their goodbye kiss from Claudia. Paul pulled her into his arms, and holding each other, they watched as Captain Weibe approached. He stopped and held up his arm. All noise stopped and everyone turned to look. �Men! Get on the ship!� Cries rang out. �Get on the ship now!� Captian Weibe yelled out. He knew why they were upset, but he wasn�t going to calm their fears before he talked to Claudia. The men grudgingly walked up onto the ship. Paul stood in front of Captain Weibe and Johann, Claudia still held tight in his arms. �You too Paul.� Captain Weibe ordered. Paul looked into Claudia�s eyes. The tears he always was visible. Paul kissed her, not wanting to let go. �Paul, get on the ship!� Captain Weibe ordered after a couple minutes had passed. Paul pulled away from Claudia, and quickly kissing her again, ran up to the boat. Claudia smiled at her father, who had his arms behind his back. �Claudia,� he started to say. �Would you like to go with them?� �Of course I would father. Why?� she asked. He moved his arms from behind his back, holding a bag. �Because you can go.� Claudia looked at the bag in his hands and then into his face. �Really?� �Yes. Captain Weibe and I both think it�s a good idea.� Her father told her. �Thank you Dad!� she said, throwing herself into his arms. Johann laughed as he took a step back to make sure that they both didn�t fall to the ground. �Your welcome.� He pushed her away to arm length so that he could look at her. �I love you honey. Take care of yourself.� �I will Dad.� She said tears spilling onto her cheeks. �You too.� Johann smiled through his tears as he wiped hers off her cheeks. �I will,� he nodded. �Hey, I hate to do this, but we have to get going.� Captain Weibe said. Johann nodded. �I understand. I love you Claudia.� �I love you too, dad.� She said, taking her bag from him. Gunter walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulder. She turned around and they walked to the boat. When they reached it, she looked over her shoulder and waved. As she turned around, Gunter pulled her closer and caressed her shoulder. The crew watched from the deck amazed and confused. It was the first time their captain had shown a little emotion, especially the emotion of caring. And they were all wondering why Claudia was coming on board. |
| � 2001 Crissie |