Rastenburg, East Prussia, Farm of Tadeauz Malewicz
June 27, 1944, 2200 hours

Vladimir sat at the kitchen table of the small farmhouse with the rest of his small team. He had recently been reunited with them after being called away when Hitler had left the Wolfsschanze in the spring. Tadeauz Malewicz and his wife, Jacinta, had welcomed him back warmly, as had Grzegorz, the other member of the team. After being back for only one day, it seemed almost to Vladimir as if he had never left.

They had spent the evening sitting at the table, sharing drinks from a jug of homemade vodka that Grzegorz had traded for and sharing news of the past several months. Vladimir was happy to learn that the time had passed uneventfully for his friends in Rastenburg.

Vladimir was filling them in on the trouble that Marya had found herself in, and his role in her rescue.

"And it was Jack who was able to get her away from this Gestapo Major?" Tadeauz asked.

Vladimir nodded. "We got her away and took her to the prison camp where I had been before coming here," he replied.

"I still cannot believe that there is an operation that can run from a German prison camp," Grzegorz said. "The German's are so brutal to their prisoners."

Vladimir shook his head. "Not to the Americans and English," he said. "It seems that they save their brutality for their Russian captives."

"Except for you, Wladimir, my friend," Tadeauz commented.

"This camp is a special case," Vladimir said. "The American Colonel who heads the operation was able to convince the Kommandant that it would be in his best interests to tell everyone that I was an American flyer. I was the only Russian in the camp."

"The Kommandant of that camp sounds like he is not too bright," Grzegorz said laughing.

"And it sounds as if you have met him before, my friend!" Vladimir replied. "We were able to allow Marya to rest until she was able to travel again."

"I am glad to hear that she is well," Jacinta said. "Where is she now?"

Vladimir shrugged. "I do not know," he replied. "I was told to return here and wait for Hitler's return. The Center believes it will be sometime soon."

"So you did nothing but sit around the camp and wait?" Grzegorz asked, pouring Vladimir another cup of the homemade vodka.

Vladimir drank the strong liquid and felt the pleasant burn travel down his throat. He shook his head. "No, that wasn't the only thing," he replied. He then proceeded to tell them about the meeting Colonel Hogan had with Hans Wagner.

"And Colonel Hogan accepted this man's word that he would cooperate?" Tadeauz asked.

"He did," Vladimir replied nodding. "And Hans Wagner might keep his word … but only for a while. He hungers for the power that goes along with leadership."

"He reminds me of the man you replaced, Wladimir," Grzegorz observed. "He wanted the power and didn't care about anyone but himself."

"I would have killed this Hans Wagner on the spot," Tadeauz said. "I'm surprised Colonel Hogan didn't do it."

Vladimir shook his head. "It is not the Colonel's way," he said. "He will not hesitate to kill, but for him, it is not the first choice."

"It does not seem to be your first choice either, my friend," Tadeauz observed.

Vladimir shook his head. "I will kill to protect my family and friends … and even myself," he said. "But I don't feel the need to kill just because it is possible."

Grzegorz filled the cups again. "One more drink," he said. "And a toast to the return of our friend." He held his cup out to meet the others in toast. "To victory!" The cups clinked and everyone drank.

- - - - -

Vladimir was surprised at how quickly he had forgotten the aroma of a barn full of animals. He had again insisted that he help out with the chores around the farm, and again he found himself, pitchfork in hand, mucking out the stalls. He didn't mind – it gave him something to do and made him appreciate the fact that when the war was over, he would live in the city for the rest of his remaining days.

Vladimir jumped when the barn door opened. He whirled around to find General Stauffen standing in the doorway letting his eyes adjust to the relative darkness of the barn's interior. When he finally saw Vladimir, he smiled. "Ah, I am glad I found you here," he said.

"You are back in the area?" Vladimir asked. "Does that mean he is …" His voice trailed off.

"No, he is not here yet," Stauffen said. "He is due back here two weeks."

"My friends will be glad to hear that," Vladimir said with a small nod.

"Your friends will also be glad to hear something else," Stauffen said.

Vladimir said nothing. He raised an eyebrow as an invitation for the man to continue.

"The time has come," Stauffen said. "When he returns, it will happen."

Vladimir nodded. He didn't have to ask what would happen – he knew. Stauffen had told him of the plan they had to assassinate Hitler and take over the government. "When?" he asked.

Stauffen shook his head. "You will know when it happens," he replied. "I will tell you. Until then, you will not see me."

Vladimir nodded his acknowledgement. "Many people will be glad when it is done," he replied.

"None more than me," Stauffen said. Without another word, the German left the barn.

Vladimir stared at the door. You are wrong – there will be many millions of people happier than you when that madman is killed.