When the three old souls returned to the media center, Hogan wasted no time. "Hitler lives, and he's about to surrender Germany. Marya and Trudi, go to the teletypes and follow Captain Mundesinger's instructions. It's time for a broadcast to the world."
Mundesinger switched on the equipment. Hogan patted Carter's shoulder.
Carter said, "People of Germany, and soldiers throughout the Reich: I am Adolf Hitler your Führer. I have struggled for eleven years along with all of us to bring peace and good order first to our Fatherland, then to all Europe. We have built much, and despite the especially hard struggles of the past year and a half, we continue to hold much. All of our armed services have earned the respect of the world through the courage and skill of the German soldier. We all can be proud of our conduct in this Second Great War.
"However, circumstances have made the continued prosecution of this war worse than useless for Germany. I therefore order a cease-fire which shall take effect at midnight. All soldiers on every combat front will cease fighting at that time. In the interim, no offensive action is to be taken. Positions may be defended at the unit commander's discretion until the cease-fire becomes effective. All military and police checkpoints in Germany and throughout the German dominion will stand down immediately, as the free movement of people and goods is not to be inhibited. An immediate holiday is also ordered for all border officials in the German jurisdiction."
Every light on the switchboard was flashing.
"The Home Army will place protective cordons around the homes and offices of all Reich Ministers and all Gauleiters. These people and their deputies must be restricted in communications and movement until further notice. All government buildings are to be sealed off.
"Effective immediately, an amnesty is granted to all who have been imprisoned in the Reich since 1933. Those prisoners who are unable to support themselves will receive all available services from social and medical organizations, including the Red Cross. As of now, borders of the Reich are open to shipments of food and medicine, and to medical personnel. Searches for fugitives are to end at once. Ghettoes are to be unsealed, as their populations now have liberty."
Carter spoke on for another two minutes, specifying the buildings (like the Reich Chancellery and the Propaganda Ministry) which were to be especially guarded, along with top Nazis such as Goebbels, Göring and Himmler. He finished with, "I request to meet the Supreme Commanders of the Western Allies and the Soviet Union at a place of their choosing. May Providence be with us all, and long live Greater Germany."
Kinch turned off the microphone and said, "Next step is to speak to the generals. Dozens are calling." He passed a handset. "Here's Rommel."
Carter took the handset and swallowed. His Adam's apple bobbed more than Hogan had noticed before.
