When Gruber was announced into Klinkerhoffen's quarters, he found the General in a cozy ascot settling down for supper. General von Klinkerhoffen was a man clearly enjoying the perks of the job. He was a descendant of the Kaiser, himself and Gruber sometimes suspected that Klinkerhoffen felt as if it was owed to him to be living the life of a King in his conquered French chateau.

In Gruber's presence, the General's entire demeanour changed. No longer a stiff, dominating creature, he became more relaxed and placid. As he organised his place setting to his liking, he indicated for Gruber to take the empty seat across from him.

A fine spread lay before him. There was roast chicken, baked potatoes, bouillabaisse and a nice schwarzwalder kirsch torte for dessert. To drink there was a fine vintage wine, no doubt procured from the cellars of a peasant villager.

"How are you getting on, Hubert?" No one who knew the General would believe that he was capable of speaking in a voice that wasn't commanding someone to do something yet here he was.

Gruber, himself seemed to be a different person. His jovial bounce was gone, his eyes became more serious and his face relaxed ever so subtly to affect distinct change upon his features. "Apart from Colonel von Strohm plotting about the Fallen Madonna, the original of which he thinks he has, nothing much is happening. I will say it again. We are indeed lucky to be stationed here in Nouvion. Apart from fleeting bombing from the RAF and the French Resistance there is not much to deal with. Lately their attempts are so poor; I'm beginning to wonder at their resilience. Nevertheless, it will make life-and this war-all the easier for us." Gruber reported.

"Yes it will," the General agreed. "No one suspects your cover, I hope?"

"Not so far. I have played my part well." replied the Lieutenant.

"Gruber, I will never forget this sacrifice you are making for us. If your mother knew-"

"That should never happen!" Gruber brought a hand down hard on the table. "I will do what I can and more for my country but I cannot bear the thought of my mother hearing of dirty business such as this." Gruber was almost spitting in heat spewing from his ears in panic.

"Yes, I know. I suspect your she is even now shopping for a bride for you and counting down the days until you can return to see her. I know what a position it put you in but can you not see? I don't have another man whom I can trust with this plan. Haven't you been reading the paper? I don't see how you could have missed it anyway. What Stauffenberg and his crew tried to do. No one can be trusted."

"Yes. I read about it, General. I would not normally complain but there is very little to do. I have not seen the fruits of this act that I put on. To pretend to be smitten with the fat frog is the worst. I hear the troops talking, saying awful things about me."

"There is something else, I think" Klinkerhoffen narrowed his eyes and gazed at Gruber.

"Yes, General, I want to make myself known to Helga." Gruber's words left a ringing silence in the room.

"Helga…."

"Ja, Helga. Since the day I've been here I've been forced to snub her. I can't bear seeing her as that terrible man's puppet. He is using her. Filling her head with a fantastical aftermath to this war whilst using her to achieve his own dirty means. I would never ask the woman I love to tease and tantalise another man like he did."

"You love her." Said Klinkerhoffen quietly.

"I do." Gruber was never a man who shirked the truth.

"I'm very pleased with your choice, Gruber. And I'm sure your mother will agree. I have observed Helga. In my conclusion, I believe she is trustworthy and will consider letting her in on our plan. However, I also firmly believe that her being surrounded by twit Colonel and that ghastly Flick may have an influence on her. It is curious, though, much as I try to pin it down I can't figure out her true allegiance. She is assigned to von Strohm yet she seems to be loyal to Flick. Then again at times she seems discontent with that arrangement. It seems she's simply accepting the best she thinks she could find in these times." Klinkerhoffen brow furrowed as he contemplated the situation.

"Oh come now, anyone would be better than Flick!" Gruber exclaimed." I would rather her be with a common soldier than Flick if he treated her as she deserves."

The corners of Klinkerhoffen's mouth twisted into a frown. "I can see that you are genuine in your interest. I will allow her to be brought into our plan but it must be left to me. Do nothing, say nothing. We are in tricky waters at the moment with her. It is important that the process is gradual and that she realizes that any future with the idiots she's loyal to will bring ruination to her. I will tell you what move to make and when to make it. In the mean time, carry on as usual." The General then turned to his chicken as he surveyed it with relish,'' These French really do know their food."

Gruber gripped his fork as he said," I'm not worried, Uncle. I have complete faith in you."