Prague, Safe House in Stare Mesto
October 23, 1943, 1130 hours

The old farmer had brought another message the day before. This message indicated that The Center had received the warning, and had briefed Sam of the situation before he began his journey to East Prussia. She was to continue with her original mission of distracting von Waffenschmidt.

In the three days since the first message, she had formulated her plan to neutralize von Waffenschmidt. The flamboyant Marya would return, and make him really believe that she is the one who is getting the information back to Moscow. To do this meant that she had to stop all contact with of her agents to avoid the risk of their discovery. It was a risky plan. If von Waffenschmidt believed she acted alone, he might just shoot her and be done with it. She knew that wouldn't stop the information leak, but it would put a stop to Marya.

Before she broke off contact, she had several transmissions to make, to coordinate everything that must be done. She knew Vladimir would not yet be in Rastenburg, but she needed to contact the agents there with instructions for them. Michael, in Berlin, would be her emergency contact. Any messages for her would be sent to him, and relayed to her if she made contact. He would also be informed of the alternate plan to carry out in the event something happened to her.

She had decided that when the old farmer returned today, she would accompany him to his farm, on the pretext of meeting his granddaughter. It would be easier for her to send her communications if she was operating the radio herself, rather than passing many messages back with the farmer.

She had resumed her perch on the crate outside of the market, looking over the square. She had been sitting there every day since she had arrived in Prague, and several of the local residents had started to convey their greetings as they passed. This bothered her a little, as they would also notice her absence after she had gone. Since she had told people that she was the niece of the proprietor and was visiting from her village, the proprietor would just say that she had ended her visit and returned home.

As she looked around, she saw the old farmer talking towards the market, his shoulders hunched as he carried a heavy sack of produce. It was almost time for her to go.

As she rose, to greet the old farmer, an SS Captain stopped in front of the market. He was the same Captain that had been stopping for an apple every day that she had been there.

As the SS man looked over the fruit in the barrel, the old farmer stopped beside Marya and said, "Today's produce is not so plentiful. I had to pick it myself, as my granddaughter is not feeling well today. I do hope your uncle will still buy it." This was the code phrase that told Marya that there was not a message for her.

"I'm sure that he will give you a fair price," she replied smiling. "I am sorry to hear about your granddaughter," she said. "Maybe I can accompany you home to visit with her."

The old man looked at her and nodded. "I am sure that she would enjoy that," he said. The farmer had understood the meaning behind Marya's request.

The SS Captain had picked an apple. He said good-bye to Marya and nodded at the old farmer as he walked away.

"Please come inside," Marya said. "My uncle will look at your produce." The SS Captain did not look back as he walked away. The old farmer breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "I am nervous when they are around."

Marya nodded and led the farmer into the market. "Here is some produce for you to look at uncle," she said, motioning to the sack that the farmer had set on the floor. "His granddaughter is not feeling well. If you can spare me today, I will accompany him back to his farm to visit with her. I will return tomorrow."

The merchant nodded his understanding. Marya had told him of her plans to travel to the farm to use the radio. "That is fine. Enjoy your visit," he said.

As they left the market, Marya's mind was going over her plans again. Her time in Prague as the merchant's niece was nearing an end, but she had decided that Marya would return to Prague while leading von Waffenschmidt around. That would give her a chance to see more of the city. She smiled at the thought. Look out Third Reich. Marya is back!