The War Without Honor

By: AliasCWN

Chapter 2

"Four days ago G-2 got some information that worried headquarters. They spent two days trying to confirm it." Troy tried to decide it Dietrich knew what information he was referring to. The Captain was listening but appeared to be clueless but interested.

"What kind of information?"

"They got wind of a plot to spread some kind of germ among the Allied troops. Some kind of disease or virus that would wipe out large numbers and leave many more too sick to fight."

"Why tell me Sergeant? It sounds like a problem for the Allies." Dietrich was watching the sergeants eyes. So far he believed that the sergeant had been truthful.

"Yeah it will be." Troy admitted. "It could kill an awful lot of our guys. We wouldn't have a cure for it."

"Again, why tell me?"

"Because I need your help to stop it Captain. We need to stop it before it gets started." Troy leaned toward Dietrich.

Dietrichs' fingers tightened around the grip of his luger. He saw the sergeant take note of the move and freeze. The sergeant relaxed slightly and sat back in his chair, moving away from the captain.

"I don't see why I should help you Sergeant. I'm sure your doctors will be ready for whatever happens." The captain rubbed his fingers absently over the grip. "Why would I risk my career and my life to help you?"

"Because," Troy explained, "according to G-2, the attack is supposed to start here. The informant said that you and your men were going to be deliberately infected and sent against the Allies. Any kind of contact will spread the disease. It doesn't matter to those in Berlin if your men are killed or captured as long as they have contact with our side."

Dietrich felt his breath catch, his expression didn't change but he knew Troy had noticed his reaction.

Troy nodded. "Yeah Captain, you and your men are going to be sacrificed to carry the germ. You'll die, along with who knows how many of our people. Apparently you have an enemy in Berlin Captain. Your unit was chosen specifically."

The captain tried to remain calm, trying to hide his alarm. "Perhaps it would be worth it Sergeant. We could help Germany win the war."

"I don't think you want to win it that way Captain. At least I hope not. Besides, you're forgetting one thing, we know about the plan."

"Then you do have a cure?"

"No, but we do have a plan." Troy blew out his breath and hung his head. "I'm not going to say it's a good plan, or that I agree with it, but it's what we're going to do." The sergeant looked Dietrich right in the eye. "You and your men will be shot without a chance to surrender. Even the wounded will be killed. Your bodies will be burnt where they fall. If anyone on our side gets sick, they will be sent to infect POWs. Those POWs will be returned to various German bases here and in Europe. If our people are exposed, we have no choice but to give it right back. Otherwise you might just win this war while we are fighting the outbreak."

"You can't be serious! You would expose non-combatants, POWs?" Dietrich looked shocked.

"We wouldn't have much choice Captain. We would have to do something to keep your troops from over-running us while we fought the epidemic. So you see Captain, it would benefit both sides if we could stop this before it gets started. Let's be honest here, that's not a very honorable way to fight a war."

"I can't believe that you would do such a thing." Dietrich stared at Troy.

"I told you, I may not agree with it, but headquarters didn't ask me. Don't forget, it's your side that is starting this. My side is giving you a chance to stop it." Troy leaned forward again. "Believe me Captain, I had to do a lot of fast talking to even get you this chance. There are still some who believe it would be best to let you come and just turn flamethrowers on you. Is that what you want? Think of your men Captain."

Dietrich rose to his feet so fast that he knocked his chair over backwards. It hit the floor with a loud bang.

There was a knock on the door and one of the guards ask if he was alright.

The captain stared at the door, not answering. The knob turned slowly and one of his men stuck his head in to see what had happened. Seeing his captain standing behind his desk and the prisoner sitting in his chair in front of it, he mumbled a quick apology and pulled the door closed.

"Think about it Captain." Troy lowered his voice as he watched Dietrich. "You have about twenty-four hours to make up your mind before it's too late."

"And what are you going to be doing in the meantime Sergeant? You are my prisoner, or are you planning another of your miraculous escapes?"

Troy shrugged. "I'll stick around to wait for your answer," he replied matter-of-factly, "as long as you don't take too long."