Before we start, I'd like to extend a huge thank you to reader Vox has drawn some lovely artwork to accompany the story; head over to voxdrawsstuff on tumblr and search 'wwII' to see it. Seeing such happy fans gives the motivation that's needed to see this story to the end.
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"Do you think all that's Pearl's doing?" asked Darren to no one in particular as another blast ripped through the facility pushing the flames higher into the sky.
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000 Beach city lighthouse park - Easter Sunday, present day
"WWWWHAAAAAATTTTTT!" shouted Steven and Connie in near unison as Pearl finished the latest installment of her war stories. The shout echoing around the lighthouse park above the temple picnic area disturbing some of the other families out for the day. There was a brief pause while the two children gathered their breaths before launching into a barrage of questions; their voices blending together.
"You kissed him!? I thought you only like girls!?" asked Connie practically dancing with excitement at the revelation. "It must have been so romantic that first kiss!"
"How come you never talked about James like that before?" inquired a stuttering Steven as he reached for his soda and took a sip. "I mean, you've always seemed kinda, up tight on those things? And starting a relationship with a human seems kinda out of character for you"
"But what about Rose? Weren't you committed to her?" squawked Connie as she sat back down to catch her breath. "Why date a human you'd only known for like, nine months?"
"You got poofed that early in the war? How did you escape the German spies?" asked Steven as he reached over for his notebook to write down the answer. "Did you cheat again?"
"Did you do the rumpy pumpy? Show him your moves?" This last one from Amethyst in giant bird form as she swooped on the picnic table with a whoosh of wind as she landed. "I could hear you guys talking on the way in"
"Amethyst! That's … rude! obnoxious and well, private!" squawked Pearl as she blushed blue at the highly suggestive question. "That's no topic to bring up in front of the children! And it's none of your business anyway!" seethed the pale Gem from her seat at the edge of the picnic blanket.
"Well did you? I didn't hear a denial in that" asked Amethyst again as she shifted into humanoid form to pick up a sandwich and stuff it greedily into her mouth. "I mean, a young handsome commando all to yourself, hot stuff!" she said with a leering smirk and winked suggestively.
"Ugh!, you're impossible, I said it's private. Honestly you're watching too much TV lately it's not a good influence on you." grumbled Pearl as she turned away from the still mischievously grinning purple Gem. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she thought for a moment before beginning her answer. "Well, it was bound to come up eventually, okay, time to clear this up"
"It's complicated to say the least. Rose and I had been off and on over the millennia and her - personal - interest in me was always fleeting or at times one-sided. After the evening with James I was riding high on positive emotions and it was the first time someone was genuinely interested in me and only me in well, forever. The tipping point was that Rose always seemed to enjoy the company of human men and I figured there must be something to it as though those months I'd felt what you might call 'chemistry' between us developing. So I decided to try something new and went for it consequences be damned. I mean there was a war on and all."
Finishing her explanation she leaned back on her elbows to just watch the clouds drift through the sky as memories of their brief time together flickered through her imagination. The good times, the very good times, adventures, camaraderie, pain, sadness, depression, "Stars I miss them".
Ever attuned to the feelings of those around him Steven was the first to pick up on Pearl's onset of melancholy, "Can't have that" he thought quietly before remembering there was one last question that needed answering. "Okay, I guess that makes sense, but you didn't answer the last question, how did you escape? Did you use your Gem powers and bust out or something?"
That seemed to have the desired effect as Pearl seemed to startle a bit as if shaken from a powerful daydream. Sitting back up to resume her seat she idly played with the blue sash around her waist as she thought for awhile on an answer. "Well, I remember how I escaped and found the others but I couldn't tell you what they were up to while I was … well .. knocked out"
"I think I can help with that part of the story" answered Garnett from off to the side of the picnic table where she had been intently listening to the day's story time. "Now mind you I wasn't there for all of the events but I have an idea what happened."
"Thank you Garnett, that would be very helpful" replied Pearl in a very pleased voice. She was slipping back into her lecturer mode, a comfortable setting that always helped her relax.
Before Garnett could begin Amethyst lept to her feet again to shout "WAIT! You still haven't answered my question! Did you do the nas….." But she was silenced mid-shout when an irritated 'ahem' off to the side made her glance over at Pearl who was giving her a look that could have set stone on fire. "Eerrrr nevermind…. Yes, Garnett, please tell us what happened. I don't remember much of it myself but I'm sure you do."
Nodding her approval Garnet continued "So, as I was saying it was …."
000 Safehouse, Bern Switzerland - September 24th, 1939
The rapid ticking and clicking of a typewriter mixes with up-beat swing music wafting from an old record player tucked into the corner. The device is old and poorly maintained causing the keys to sometimes hesitate or suddenly strike with excess force causing the ink to splatter and the devices operator to grunt in frustration as yet another report must be restarted. A loud scratch from the direction of the record player signals the end of the current record and now a continuous scratching sound has replaced the music. Aldebert is certain of it now, frustration is now the defacto normal for him as he sat in his office typing out a situation report for the home office on the finicky typewriter.
"Will you shut that thing off Wilhelm? You might be injured and doped up on drugs but I know you can reach that record player from the couch!" snarled Aldebert in a release of pent up frustration.
Across the room the aforementioned Wilhelm reclined on the rooms single sofa with his leg propped up in a makeshift splint. "Can do" he replied drunkenly as he reaching down to the floor he picked up his latest bottle of pain-killer, Jägermeister, and flung it at the offending device where both the record player and bottle smashed to pieces. "Happy now schlappschwanz?"
Aldebert simply glowered at the now destroyed music player, his one source of sanity in all this madness. Rising from his chair he grabbed up a walking stick and in two quick strides crossed the room to the drunken Wilhelm. "You Fickfehler, you stupid blood thirsty Fickfehler!" shouted Aldebert as he raised the cane above his head, then brought it down on the SS agent's shattered leg.
Wilhelm's eyes bulged and his face went tight as he struggled to suppress a scream of agony. After a moment the pain subsided a little as he glared back at Aldebert with the new found hatred of betrayal. "What's the matter? Does the little lustmolch miss his herrin?" replied Wilhelm with a voice dripping with venom and mockery. "You do don't you" he grinned.
Stepping away from the mad SS Agent Aldebert paced the room for a bit before stopping having now come to a conclusion. "It was you wasn't it. First the overly powerful bomb at the train station, then those poor station managers, and now your blood-thirsty ways have cost us our objective. She was to be our key to advanced technology the likes of which would have guaranteed the future of Germany. But because of you she's dead and I have just the solution to deal with you. The Reich has no use for agents who sabotage their own operations!" Going over to his desk he rummaged around in a drawer then withdrew a long syringe filled with some form of dark colored liquid.
Wilhelm just smiled. "Going to kill me eh? This world has only ever shown me hatred and ugliness, why should I fear leaving such a wretched place?" Reaching under his blanket he withdrew a small Luger pistol and pointed at Aldebert. "Come on then lustmolch, try and kill me"
With unexpected speed Aldebert lept to the side, Wilhelm swung the pistol to track his target but the strong alcohol and pain-killers were making his movements sluggish. A few more quick steps and random direction changes Aldebert his target and slapped the pistol away with one hand then with practiced ease plunged the syringe into Wilhelms leg.
With the brief battle concluded Aldebert returned to his desk where he began to gather his finished reports and belonging into his travel case as Wilhelm felt around the needle hole in his leg. "So, what was in the needle? Slow acting poison? Air? I only feel a slight headache but nothing else, not even an itch or pain. Come on lustmolch, fess up, what did you kill me with?"
Aldebert said nothing as he continued to pack his travel case with documents, extra clothes, the Luger pistol with ammo, and finally a small metal box placed gently into the protected center of the suitcase. With his task finished Aldebert stood up, put on his coat, picked up his suitcase and headed for the door before pausing as if in thought.
After a long pause he spoke, just loud enough for Wilhelm to hear the answer. "Even enemies can show respect and honor to each other and clearly you have neither. That was dissolved asbestos powder, it's going to either leave you a drooling mess for the rest of your life once it works into your brain OR you'll die slowly of blood poisoning IF you're lucky"
With that, Aldebert stepped out of the room and slammed the door behind him as he whistled a merry tune to himself as he practically skipped down the stairs to hail a cab. The next appointment was only a short flight away but hopefully would solve the mystery of the stone.
Back in the room Wilhelm lay on the sofa, the small headache he'd felt earlier was rapidly growing in intensity; for the first time since he'd been a small child, he was afraid.
000 Salem-Spital Hospital, Bern Switzerland - September 26th, 1939
The clomp of combat boots on hard tile floors echoed through the building as four men dressed in olive colored dress uniforms and wearing berets walked through the hospitals maze of hallways. The nurse walking ahead of them strode confidently through the hallway seeming to know where she was going without checking a map or placard. Occasionally she would glance up at the many mirrors that lined the hallway to make sure the soldiers were still following.
"The patient is right this way Corporal Williams, please be brief as he's in a bad way and needs his rest." requested nurse as the group finally arrived at a large door guarded by two armed police officers. "His chart says the landlady found him in his room a couple days ago and he was brought here by the police, what did you say your interest in him was again?"
"Oh, um, we're here under orders from her majesty's military service to interview the patient to make sure that he's being properly cared for under the rules of the Geneva Conventions" stuttered Darren as he struggled to maintain his composure in front of the nurse.
"Is something the matter sir?" asked the nurse as she checked the name on the clipboard and made some notes to log the visitor's arrival. "Well, nevermind then here is the room, be quick now."
"Thank you Ms … I'm sorry young lady, I don't think I got your name" inquired Darren having gotten his voice and composure more under control.
Smiling the nurse approached Darren and made a show of adjusting his uniform collar and tie "Its Ms Dübendorfer" she replied in a chiding voice as she pointed to her nametag then leaned in close making the soldier take a step back as she whispered "and you need to work on your cover story, even I can see you're here on other business". With that she turned on her heel and strode purposely away to attend to the next patient on her list.
"Oy Darren, looks like you've got some luck with women eh?" snickered George off to the side as he made no attempt to hide what he was looking at as he watched the nurse turn a hallway.
Making a poor attempt to hide his embarrassment Darren turned towards the squad and whispered conspiratorially to them so as to not be heard. "Oh quiet you, exhaustion makes thinking hard okay? Alright men, our suspect is behind this door, we go in, we get the info we need, and we leave…. Right James?"
James didn't reply immediately as he was seeming lost in thought as he just stared at the name on the clipboard. "Patient is John Doe, suspected poisoning, suspect german national. Condition awake but unresponsive." he muttered quietly to himself seemingly oblivious to those around him. "This is the man who killed...hurt… Pearl; he's a very lucky bastard that we need him alive."
Hearing this Frank stepped up and gently tapped James on the shoulder to get his attention "snap out of it brother, we need you focused and on point, no revenge as we can't risk getting caught or we'll lose the cooperation of the local FIS service and their contacts."
At this James dragged himself back to the present and turned his attention to his squad mates "Sorry Sir, won't happen again sir. Just worried about Pearl is all and this dog knows where she is."
Darren smiled back reassuringly as he motioned for the squad to resume their original march formation when the entered the hospital. "Don't worry, we'll get her back, we're all worried about our sister but we must make sure we conduct ourselves properly. Oh, and while I give you all a long leash on fraternization regulations if it becomes a problem you'll have to break it up, okay?"
Nodding his understanding he buried his emotions for the coming confrontation. "Must be cool as ice, for Pearl, I must keep my cool, this monster isn't worth it, for pearl"
"Good lad, okay, here we go", grasping the doorknob Darren pushed open the door to stride confidently into the room followed closely by the others.
"Good afternoon Mr. Wilhelm, I believe you might be able to help us with some questions
000 Hotel Kreuz, Bern, September 27th, 1939
The morning sun shown through the hotel rooms windows gradually bringing light to the room; its bright rays gradually creeping across a desk covered in news clippings and folders. The last few days had been busy as the squad chased down every lead they could find and contact that the FIS would share with them. Which wasn't much after the visit with Wilhelm; he was found in a public hospital after the landlord found him half-dead and with his mind seemingly gone. All they could get out of him was the name "Aldebert" over and over; but at least they had a name. Eventually the sun's rays had crept far enough up the desk that the sleeping face of James was soon awoken by the invasion of sunlight into his dreams.
"Gah!" shouted James as he sat up at the desk to look around for the source of the disturbance. Looking around he noted the scattered papers on the desk, the one nearest to him had drool marks from where he had passed out reading the report. "Oh bugger, um, okay this one wasn't important, need more coffee" he grumbled as he swept the ruined paper into a waste bin.
Readjusting himself in the chair and straightening up the documents into neater piles he resumed his task of reading reports. "There has to be something in here; the FIS is very good and that second SS agent seemed to know what the stone was" he whispered quietly to himself.
The click of the door latch opening followed by heavy boots signaled that Darren had returned from his errands. Closing the door behind him he set down two bags, one filled with food stuffs, coffee powder, some eggs, cereals and milk while the other contained more documents and photos. "Ah, glad to see you're awake, you had fallen asleep around 4am and I figured I'd just let you rest. You're useless when you're cross-eyed from exhaustion and can't read plus that concussion is still with you."
"Part of me wants to slug you for not waking me up, the other side is grateful for not waking me up" replied James with a tired grin. "I've been going through these reports for any mention of a man named Aldebert; the other two men were just hired local muscle and so are useless"
"Well, glad to see that you've selected not to punch a superior officer, but under the circumstances I think I would have let it slide anyway." Pulling up a chair to the desk and sitting down Darren reached into the first bag and withdrew some cheap metal bowls and proceeded to fix some cereal. "Here, eat up, fresh milk is a rarity these days and we don't have a way to preserve it." Taking his own bowl he began to eat his own cereal; the dry flakes crunching loudly in the otherwise quiet room.
James gave an annoyed glance at the sound before taking his own bowl and digging in. "George and Frank still out chasing ghosts? How did that last lead pan out?"
Swallowing a large spoonful Darren wiped his mouth and continued "Well, they checked the name Aldebert at the local FIS office and learned that there was a known SS Agent by that name here in Bern this last month and that he was at the opera house." He paused for a moment to take a thermos out of the bag and began to pour two mugs of black coffee and hand one to James, "here, this will wake you up"
"Ugh, coffee is terrible… but thanks anyway. What else did they learn?" asked James as he took a large swig of the dark brew then nearly choked "kinda strong eh?"
"Quite, I asked for double shot espresso, figured you'd need it. Anyway, he hasn't been seen since and most of the known safe houses, including the one Wilhelm was found in, are either empty or contained the expected occupants." Another pause this time to drink his own coffee left Darren gasping for air. "Damn, even bad plonk is better than this" he wheezed then sipped again.
"Well, we'll just have to keep looking, something is bound to turn up; let's check the airport logs again. There must be something in there." grumbled James as he returned to searching.
~{0}~
The sun was setting by the time James and Darren quit to seek out an evening dinner and more strong coffee so they could work later into the evening. Heading down the street they arrived at a little bistro that was still open and serving hot sandwiches; James felt a pang of guilt as his eyes passed over the dessert case. Sighing to himself he placed their orders and wait at the pickup counter.
Darren had seated himself at a table having picked up the newspaper to review the headlines and the latest news from England. He'd just started the next article when chair across from him moved and a heavy weight thunk down into it. "Service is a bit slow today isn't it…. Who are you?"
Lowering the paper revealed a tall thin man with a gaunt face and sunken eyes framed by thick black glasses, a stylish fedora hat and coat rounded out his appearance. "Good evening Corporal William's my name is Rudolf Roessler, and I believe I can help you."
Having noticed the interloper at their table James left the pickup counter to stand imposingly behind the man now occupying his seat. He was about to speak when Darren signaled for him to be quiet and keep an eye on their surroundings instead. James glared back at the order but relaxed his posture to begin keeping watch as requested, but always keeping an ear towards them.
"How do you know who we are or what we're looking for? I'm not about to confirm anything until you give us a little more information. Please" responded Darren warrilly.
Mr. Roessler just leaned back and nodded as if he understood everything "Yes, that's quite acceptable, I've been, ah, keeping tabs on a mutual enemy…"
Behind him another man hunched over his own drink coughed as if suppressing a snicker before hastily composing himself.
"Mr Blosser, if you're going to listen in just come sit at the table and stop being cagy about it." remarked Roessler over his shoulder to the other man. "Don't mind him, he's the FIS agent assigned to monitor me and doing a damn fine job about it too!" he continued sarcastically.
Grudgingly Mr Blosser stood up, moved his chair over and sat down with his drink at the table. "Okay, fine go on then, but don't let my handlers know that you know about me please"
Mr. Roessler just stared at Blosser with unmistakable amusement, "Amature, I'm sure they already know. This is the spy capital of the world right now isn't it?"
"Um, can we get back on topic please? You said you had information about Pearl right, please spit it out as we're wasting time and heaven knows what's happening to her while we sit here!" bit out James as he almost slammed his fist down on the table, instead he stuffed his hands in his pockets and glared at the two spies. "Sorry, don't mind me, just a bit mad with stress is all"
Mr Roessler seemed nonplussed by the outburst as he returned his attention to Darren. "Anyway, as I was saying, I came across information about Pearl, not much but it should point you in a direction. There was talk of a fokker trimotor with German markings departing on the 25th with a flight plan to Stuttgart for a science conference with 'special passenger with cargo' on board and diplomatic priority"
Hearing this Darren looked to James as if asking a silent question to which James simply shook his head. "Mr Roessler we have been backwards and forwards through the airport flight logs and found nothing of this, how is it you know about it?"
As if on queue Mr Blosser spoke up in answer "He's got extra special contacts which is why we're watching him, just leave it at that Corporal Williams"
Nodding his understanding to Mr Blosser Darren leaned back in his chair to consider his options. After a moment or two he leaned forwards again having formed his plan of action. "Mr Blosser, you're going to fix us up with papers and passage over the border to Germany."
Blossner nearly fell out of his chair as he sat up in surprise at the boldness of the statement. "Are you mad too? No way I'm going to help you with that." he complained
"Okay, we'll just tell your FIS boss about your performance keeping tabs and maybe Roessler here can help cook something up for you to use as an excuse to help us?" said Darren confidently as he leaned further over the table to the now fully intimidated Blossner.
Blossner held his nerve for just a moment more before giving up "okay, fine you Globi"
000 Polytechnic University - Stuttgart Germany, September 28th, 1939
The afternoon sun shown through the thick pane windows of the laboratory illuminating the scant few dust specs floating around in the cool laboratory air. Strewn about the large room where various types of microscopes, burners, test vials, and a multitude of other apparatuses that couldn't be recognized by the layman. Off in the corner a heating grate ticked and popped with expanding metal as the building's hvac system struggled to keep the interior comfortable. Gathered around one of the laboratory tables a group of men in white lab coats, and one in an SS Officer's uniform, were gathered around a small metal box, its lid locked tight.
"Its radioactive, giving off very faint alpha particles but not enough to be dangerous to anyone. You say there is a pearl inside this box? I hope you didn't gather us all here on short notice for an empty box!"
"Yes, there is a large pearl inside the box, what can you tell me about it?" replied Aldebert with a hint of irritation.
The scientist thought for a bit before answering; "Well, without being able to open it I doubt there is much I can tell you other than the alpha radiation. Are you sure we have to wait for your friend?" he asked as he picked up the box and began to fiddle with the latch.
"Quite certain!" squawked Aldebert as he quickly snatched the box out of the overly curious mans hands. "Our expert should be along momentarily, he has experience with these and told me over the phone to make certain the box stayed closed."
Setting the box back down on the table and standing protectively over it Aldebert made a show of checking his pocket watch. "We're lucky he wasn't far away when summoned, he should be along shortly."
"Speak of the devil and he shall appear" remarked another researcher dryly as the heavy footfalls of someone running could be heard out in the hallway, growing louder by the second.
A moment later the door burst open and a harried looking Earnest Schäfer quickly dropped his coat and briefcase on a table by the door as he rushed over to the workbench.
"Is this the pearl? Is this her?" asked Schäfer in near frantic tones tones from the excitement. "Please tell me the stone is intact and undamaged, such an opportunity! I wonder if she's conscious of what's going on around her in there!?"
"Her? Conscious? You speak of that rock like it's alive!" guffawed the first researcher.
"Settle down everyone, settle down. I gathered you here for two reasons" shouted Aldebert as he motioned for everyone to calm down and line up so he could speak to them. "One, you are the only trusted scientists with the level of clearance needed. Two, you were available on short-notice and within easy transport distance. You will be assisting Schäfer in the coming research"
"Dummkopf! What could be so interesting about a rock, it's impossible that it's alive! You all must be mad!" complained a third researcher.
Stepping over to stand next to Aldebert, Schäfer had picked up the box and was holding it out to the other researchers as if it was the source of all knowledge. "Yes, this is indeed alive, I encountered her in Tibet and saw another being like this take shape. As long as we keep the stone contained she shouldn't be able to take shape and we can study the stone safely. It should be a great boon of knowledge for the Ahnenerbe and our nuclear research efforts!"
Resigning themselves to their fate the group of researchers set about preparing the lab equipment and figuring out how to research a stone without letting it out of its box. Eventually one of them found a small quarantine box with a glass window and manipulation gloves.
000 Zoll, Thayngen, Switzerland - border crossing October 1st, 1939
89 miles souths of the university, at a border crossing in the town of Thayngen a passenger van waited in line to cross over into Germany. Inside the commando's dressed in the business suites and uniforms of representatives of the Swiss Federal Energy Agency waited nervously. Further down the line of cars a squad of SS border guards was carefully inspecting each vehicle in line checking papers, passengers, and vehicle contents. Occasionally a car would be waved off and have to turn around due to some unknown problem; seeing this the squad relaxed they're grips on their small Luger pistols a little.
"That's good to see; if they catch us we'll just turn back so long as we're on the Swiss side of the border." commented Frank brightly as he watched the denied vehicle pass by.
"Don't get your hopes up; if they really think you're up to something there is another road-block further up the road they'll stop and shoot you at." corrected Dübendorfer who was posing as the group's driver and local guide. "Last time we crossed over we saw a shot up car covered in blood at it."
Seeing Ms Dübendorfer had come as a surprise to the squad when they had met up with Mr. Roessler to get equipped for the rescue mission. Apparently the two were working together to pass information on German activities to 'interested parties' for a nominal fee and sometimes favors. A few phone calls back to Clarke back at the War Office Building had confirmed the orders; gotten them the cash to pay Mr. Roessler. Mr Blosser had provided the documents and uniforms needed to pull it off and the rest was going to be a comfortable drive through the German countryside.
If they made it past the border that is; and all the random patrols and inspections likely deeper in.
"Well thats Cheery thought" replied Darren sarcastically as the van moved forwards a bit more closer to the checkpoint. "James, you doing okay back there? James? Annoyed Corporal to James!?"
"Peachy, just Peachy Corporal" answered James gloomily from the window seat where he had been watching the the SS Agents checking the cars. "Just itching to get going is all."
"What's wrong with your man there Corporal? His head in the game or not?" asked Ms Dübendorfer as she inched the vehicle forwards to the next position in line.
"Our squad sister got captured the other day and we're on our way to rescue her" answered George as he sat scrunched up in the backseat. To anyone who didn't know him they'd think he was sleeping and harmless when the truth was that he was sitting on two loaded pistols and listening for trouble.
"I know that, but why is he so glum, was she his girl or something?" pressed Ms Dübendorfer as she twisted in her seat to get a better view of the young soldier sitting in the back seat.
Darren said nothing for awhile as he just watched James sit and watch the border guards. Finally after a few minutes he dared to speak his mind. "James, this isn't healthy, where is the rage? Where is the anger? Why aren't you practically ready to kill any German you see in revenge!?"
Tearing his eyes away from the enemy James sat straighter up in his seat to look back at the squad leader. "Because it's not what Pearl would want. She would want me focused on rescue and to accomplish that I need to keep it together, under control. Like a good Commando. But don't mistake my calm for lack of anger. Wilhelm was an empty husk not worth killing. Aldebert however had better pray that I'm not the one to find him."
Nodding his understanding Darren adjusted himself to sit down in the passenger's seat again to pass the remaining time in silence.
A few minutes later the quality of the fake documents was put to the test as the SS Agents reviewed the papers against a list of known or scheduled Swiss government agents. After a long, tense, wait the German soldiers returned the documents with the needed stamps and they were on their way.
000 8 miles south of Polytechnic University
Deep within a hillside bunker, a special laboratory had been setup to study the strange stone the SS Spy had recovered. Occasionally a faint rumble could be heard echoing through the facilities chambers as tanks maneuvered and practiced across the surface of the hill; the sound not unlike a faint earthquake. The facility was not large as far as underground bunkers go but it was sufficient for the research team that had taken up residence two weeks ago. There were bunk rooms, kitchen, laboratory, offices, latrine, and one special room specifically outfitted for one very special event.
The little quarantine box had allowed them to study it in greater detail, and the skeptical researchers had eventually come around that the stone was especially special. Once transferred to the larger container it had begun to occasionally float and flash with light before settling down again. At one point the box was shaking and the glass began to crack which prompted a scramble to re-enforce it and a decision to move the research team.
Which is why Ernest Schäfer was standing in the observation room looking into the special containment room, standing as his excitement drove him to almost press against the glass for a better view. "You say that her name is 'Pearl' and that she had pale skin, peach hair, blue eyes and slim figure? That has to be the same one from the temple expedition!" his voice conveying his excitement.
"Indeed, we have a bit of history ourselves as I've told you. I had thought she that fool Wilhelm had killed her; I hope you're theory of her just being, unconscious, is correct." replied Aldebert from his seat next to the scientist. "Are the recording devices ready?"
"Yes, the devices are ready, once everyone is evacuated we just need to engage the cameras and the remote-opening mechanism" confirmed one of the other researchers in charge of a large control board. "I believe everything is ready"
Hearing this Schäfer turned to Aldebert, his face like a kid in a candy store, as Aldebert guessed what he was about to ask. "Yes, Schäfer, you may give the order."
Straightening himself out and adjusting his coat Schäfer gave the orders that would set the next line of research into motion. "Engage the high speed cameras, once those are warmed up... break the box and let her out"
000 Stuttgart Germany, October 6th, 1939
"GOD DAMN IT!" shouted James as he flipped over a heavy table sending its contents crashing to the floor in a flurry of papers and broken glass. Breathing heavily he stood over the mess as he looked around the room for something else to vent his pent up anger against.
"Oy! Ease off lad, we're getting close. What happened to 'cool warrior for Pearl'?' asked Frank as he placed a hand on James's shoulder to steady him. "We can't blow our cover either".
"Oh sod off!" grumbled James as he made a point of deliberately crunching some of the broken glass under his boots as he made his way over towards another desk to search its papers.
"Hey, hey, I get it. Pearl's special to all of us, you especially but we're all angry, we all want her back. We're getting close, I can feel it and if we blow it now we'll never recover from it". Offered Frank as he made his way to the trash bin in the corner to search the papers within.
James gripped the edge of the new desk tightly, his knuckles cracking as he pushed down the building frustration and resisted the urge to flip this desk too. After a long moment of struggling he blew out a long breath he didn't realize he'd been holding and shoved the anger down again. "You're right, let's keep looking, there must be some clue left behind here. The main office had directed us here to the mineral department but it looks like everyone has gone on sabbatical"
"Anything from Darren or George?" inquired Frank as he finished checking the trashcan then went to check the next that looked to be still full of crumpled papers.
"Nothing yet I afraid, I saw lights in the other building going on and off but no signal that they found anything…. I think we" but his train of thought was cut off by the sound of approaching footsteps and something with a squeaking wheel.
Quickly the two Commandos drew readied their pistols and took up positions near the door that looked 'normal' but provided cover and good firing angles on the door if it came to a fight. A minute later the footsteps and squeak stopped at the door to the laboratory. There was a sound of keys and shuffling then the door was thrown open and a man in uniform stepped in.
"Oh, hallo Herr. Forscher sind Sie?" asked the elderly man standing in the doorway holding the handle of a mop-bucket in one hand and flashlight in another. "Sie vermisste sie. Sie gingen vor ein paar Tagen."
The two Commando's nearly collapsed with relief that it was just the school janitor. "Sorry sir, didn't mean to intrude, we were sent here to speak to some scientists about the quality of coal being sent to Switzerland. Do you know where they went?" asked James in putting on his friendliest smile and as much warmth as possible into his voice.
The old janitor just looked back at him like he was crazy, clearly not believing something as he looked at the coats of the two men standing before him. "Son, you need more practice, no one is that happy to see a janitor." pausing to enjoy the look of utter shock on the men's faces he then pointed to the mess on the floor "unless it's to have him clean up a mess they made. Now whats this all about?"
James was too stunned to say anything as he just stood there looking like a kid caught trespassing in the adult section of the bookstore.
Losing a sigh of frustration Frank decided it was up to him to salvage things. "Well sir, I actually am here about the coal as an excuse to get James here so we could confront the trottel who wooed his girlfriend away from him just before he could propose to her."
Still not quite convinced the old man was clearly looking at their pockets and what appeared to be the heavy objects contained within. "And the guns? Why guns? Don't try to deny it, I was in the Weltkrieg, I know when someone has a gun on their person. You going to shoot him?"
His mind finally catching up to itself James scratched at the back of his head and tried to look embarrassed as he played along with Frank's developing narrative. "Yeah, I'm not quite sure what I was thinking. Look. If we leave the guns with you and our papers, would you tell us where they went? I'd mean allot to me as Pearl was very special to me and I'd love to try and win her back. Peacefully that is."
Smiling the Janitor held out his bucket into which both pistols and spare ammunition were dropped unceremoniously into the dirty water within. "Keep your papers, you'll need them to get around the city if the Polizei catch you as foreigners ,even if you are from a neutral nation, could get into trouble with the war on. Now then you're in luck as I heard they were headed to."
000 Panzer Kaserne, Germany, October 6th, 2 weeks since poofing, 1939
It was something out of a Reichsfilmkammer production the room was well lit to give the dozen or so camera's and their remote operators the best view of the main event. With a loud crack the miniature pyrotechnic charges shattered the glass of the containment unit releasing the gemstone contained within. Then nothing happened as the gemstone just lay on the table within the remains of the container as the smoke from the pyrotechnics wafted around on an unseen breeze.
Aldebert and Schäfer watched anxiously as the minute on the hand ticked loudly in the soundless observation room, each tick-tok marking the passing time.
"This is pointless, you said she would reform immediately after the box was opened. Wilhelm shot her several times, she probably is dead and this is all for naught" growled Aldebert as he began to pace about the room. "Glad to be rid of that stupid Fickfehler, i hope his mind has turned to pudding as death is too good for him" he thought quietly to himself.
Schäfer just glared at Aldebert in annoyance before speaking irritably "Maybe they're all a little different? The one in Tibet was more animal than sentient, maybe smart ones take longer to form?"
As if on queue the containment room was suddenly lite by a blindingly bright light as the gemstone flew from the table to hover in the air. The observation room was silent as the men within watched in awe as first an outline like a child's doll formed in the air. The doll held its shape for a moment, then began to flash through a series of outlines like clay figured or paper-cutouts before finally taking a final shape and the figure landing on the ground in a crouch.
There in the middle of the room, surrounded by cameras and floodlights a woman was standing where once there was just a seemingly normal giant gemstone. She had peach colored hair, pale skin, large blue eyes, slim figure and dressed in a white ballerina's outfit complete with thin white skirt, leggings, slippers and top.
Aldebert just stared in wonder, "she looks just like the performers from Swan Lake" he whispered as if he feared speaking loudly would shatter this reality as if it was a dream.
Schäfer was the first to recover from his shock as he stepped up to a microphone mounted on the wall of the room. Taking a moment he looked back into the room to watch as the being calling itself Pearl looked around the room as if trying to figure out a number of unknown questions. Steeling himself he pressed the intercom button causing a brief squelch as the system activated and drew the attention of the woman to the observation room windows.
Seeing that he had her attention Schäfer pressed the button again and asked the first question that came to his mind. "Hello Pearl, good to see you again. Why are you dressed like a Swan Lake ballerina?
000 Hill just above the Panzer Kaserne facility - October 6th, 1939
Having received a general location from the friendly janitor the squad had re-grouped to device a rescue plan that had the least chance of getting everyone killed. Eventually they had settled on a multi phase plan consisting of recon, re-group, planning, then careful infiltration of the facility at dusk the following day to maximize available darkness. After an hours drive through the woods the squad arrived at an overlook just after dark that was not far from the facilities border fence where they could make a small camp and prepare for the coming mission.
What non anticipated was that a rescue may not be needed for just as they parked and began to get ready; a large hill a fireball was scene rising into the night sky. Alarms began to sound all around the base as soldiers scrambled to reach their duty stations while others ran to try and get the growing fire under-control.
"Do you think all that's Pearl's doing?" asked Darren to no one in particular as another blast ripped through the facility pushing the flames higher into the sky.
After a minute of silence just watching the developing inferno James dared to answer for everyone. "Well, who's idea was it to steal a tank a few weeks ago?"
"Okay everyone, we'd best get down there and see if we can find her. If this is her doing she may need help with extraction." ordered Darren as he walked to the back of the van to get the infiltration gear. He was just picking up the first pack when he heard George yelling "FLARE GUN! FIRE THE FLARE GUN STRAIGHT UP!" Without hesitating or asking why he quickly grabbed the requested gun and fired a shot straight up; a moment later a red flair began to slowly descend above their position marking it clearly for anyone watching.
Annoyed at the unexplained outburst Darren walked back towards the front of the van to see what had prompted the shout. "Okay, whats going on, why did we … "
But his words were cut off as with a whoosh of wind and a loud thump; Pearl landed in front of them. "Thank you for firing the flare, I was going to just jump out of there but you're being here makes thing much more convenient. Is everyone here? MMMFFFF!"
Without warning James rushed forwards to grab her into his arms and spin her around as he laughed with joy at seeing her alive and well. "PEARL! Oh thank the stars you're okay. I thought we'd lost you or would be too late but here you've come to us!" Still laughing he set her back down on her feet to plant a quick kiss on her forehead.
Pearl allowed herself a moment of happiness at the reunion as she squeezed James gently back. Taking a deep breath she pushed him away so she would have room to speak. "Happy to see you too James, I'll tell you all about it but first let's make haste and leave before we're caught."
000 Panzer Kaserne research facility - three hours earlier
Blinking away her initial surprise at being alive Pearl stood up and checked herself over; silently cursing her base programming forcing her to choose a 'fancy' form on each regeneration. One she was satisfied that her form wasn't glitched she turned her attention to the room around her as she took in the lighting and recording camera's pointing at her. Not one for wasting time she began to form a plan of action and a change of outfit when she heard Schäfer familiar voice.
Looking down at herself she redoubled her silent frustration at the outfit before touching her gem and concentrating. In a flash of light she was wearing a shirt and pants similar to the outfit she'd been wearing in beach city but with slightly darker colors. "Thats better, much easier to fight in this outfit" Once set she turned her attention back to the window and the voices behind it.
"Hello Schäfer, fancy meeting you here. Come to study the captured Gem is it? But to answer your question it's part of my base programing as a former servant class Gem." she spoke loudly into the room, letting her annoyance show in her voice.
Another squelch from the speaker and Schäfer was heard again. "I'm surprised you recognized my voice seeing as we only met for a brief period during a battle. Thank you for the quick answer but I'm sure you understand that that only raises dozens more questions. What _IS_ a Gem, how do you form, why are you radioactive, and does the 'programming' mean you are some kind of computer?"
Pearl considered her options for a bit before replying as she took another look around the room; this time she noted the heavy security doors and what appeared to be some kind of remote weapons stations flanking it. "I can use my spear to blast through the door, but those guns will be a problem unless I can overwhelm them. Okay plan formed now to just build the energy for it. Keep them talking".
"Okay Mr Schäfer, you seem to have the advantage for the moment so I'll entertain your curiosity." With that she began to explain the basics of Gem's while leaving out anything of critical importance as she began to slowly build up energy into her Gem.
~{0}~
Time seemed to pass slowly as question after question issued from the speakers and Pearl did her best to answer them without giving away critical information. She was getting close to being ready as her gem's energy well was nearly topped off with enough for her escape plan to work. So far it had only been Schäfer's voice speaking but her sharp eyes could pick out other shadows moving or standing motionless behind the thick one-way glass of the observation room. With her plan nearly ready she was growing tired of the charade; it was time to go on the offensive.
"Okay, I've answered enough of your questions, now it's time to answer some of mine! Who else is in that room with you and what are your plans for me now that you've got me?" she demanded of the figures still hidden within the room.
To her surprise a different voice answered and with it at least one of her questions was answered as a familiar voice issued forth. "Hello Pearl, I'm sure you recognize my voice but just the same, yes, this is Aldebert speaking to you now while Schäfer goes on break."
Venom crept into her voice as several recent events all clicked into place in an instant. "You, was it you who was stalking us through the mountains? Was it you who blew up the train and killed all those people!? I know from the captured intelligence on the Gleiwitz incident that you had a hand in starting this stupid war!" shouted Pearl at the glass as she seethed with anger.
There was a long pause from the speakers before Aldebert's voice was heard again. "I'm sorry about you being shot and the disaster with the train; those were never supposed to happen as the goal was to capture you and your friends alive and intact. The agent responsible for both has been dealt with accordingly and will not be a problem to anyone anymore. I remember what you said, that even enemies can show respect and I intend to abide by that for both our sakes"
Pearl continued to glare at the shadows moving behind the glass; her anger had lessened at the apology as it sounded sincere and Aldebert didn't strike her as the bloodthirsty type from their previous encounters. However she still had to escape and her gem had reached optimal levels.
It was go time. "Taking a deep breath to steady herself for what was to come "Thank you Aldebert, I believe you. You'll want to take cover now".
Before Aldebert or anyone in the booth could reply Pearl's gem flashed white and an instant later a heavy fog filled the room blocking the view within. One of the researchers opened his mouth to shout for the guns to engage but the words never left his mouth. The thick fog flashed orange from a large blast that sent the heavy security doors flying. An instant later the accompanying blast wave shattering the glass into millions of deadly shards causing several of those inside to shriek in agony as they collapsed to the floor, bleeding from multiple glass cuts.
Aldebert lifted himself from the glass covered ground and stood up wincing in pain as his hand felt like it was on fire; lifting it to his face he was surprised to see a large shard of glass sticking out of it. Looking around at the others he was thankful that no one seemed to be bleeding out and Schäfer was unconscious but otherwise intact. Shifting his view to the containment room he looked through the shattered glass through the fading fog to see the twisted steel of the security doors laying out in the hallway.
A sudden wave of nausea swept through him as he felt the effects of a concussion beginning to take hold of him. "I'm sitting this one out; not going to push my luck further" he thought quietly to himself as he kneeled down to help tend to the wounded.
~{0}~
Pearl was running at half-speed through the hallways to allow herself time to dodge or check a blind corner. To try and run at full speed would be to miss some crucial detail like an exit sign and get lost deeper into the facility. In her hands she carried her spear, its tip glowing with energy ready to blast open any heavy doors or hapless soldiers who dared to stop her escape.
Even at half-speed she nearly missed the opportunity that had presented itself in the form of a sign with a filing cabinet on it. Skidding to a halt she paused her escape long enough to peek inside the room, and was rewarded with the sight of a laboratory filled with research equipment. But it wasn't the equipment that caught her eye, it was the filing cabinets along the back wall and the group of desks in front of them. Quickly checking if anyone was coming yet she ducked into the room to begin stuffing as many documents as possible into her gem's pocket dimension.
She'd only been at it for a few minutes when her sharp ears picked up the sound of heavy boots and shouting in German echoing down the hallway. One long jump brought her to the doorway where she leaned out just enough to see down the hallway; "Good, still clear and just enough time". Closing her eyes and focusing her thoughts; a bright light issued from her gem and rapidly two forms dressed as ballerinas appeared then solidified in the room.
"Hollow Pearl Ready; issue instructions" stated the two holo pearl's in perfect robotic unison. These were too weak to fight men armed with high powered guns, but they could still serve a purpose and only push the limits of Rose's decree a little bit.
Putting on her authoritarian voice Pearl issued the commands. "Your orders, run and hide, last as long as possible and wreck any scientific looking thing you come across. Don't kill anyone. Self destruct if you are about to be captured or disabled."
Wordlessly the two holo-pearl's nodded their acceptance of the orders before turning and rushing out the door. The approaching soldiers must have seen them as there was a shout and soon a squad of heavily armed soldiers charged passed the office in pursuit.
Pausing to make sure the coast was clear Pearl continued her flight down the halls. Soon she arrived at the bunkers main security doors; a few shots from a fully charged speer later and the doors were reduced to heaps of twisted, molten, metal lying outside the gate. Taking advantage of the surprise destruction of the doors Pearl opted for the 'fast and bold' method as she charged through the opening then immediately leapt high into the sky to clear the hazard area.
Landing well away from the burning cave entrance she turned around, blasted the guard shack, a few parked security vehicles, and a few out buildings. Satisfied that she'd created enough of a distraction and demonstration of strength to discourage continued pursuit she took one last look around before making another high jump to head out away from the now fully alert facility.
At the apogee of her third jump she saw the flare rising into the sky out over one of the nearby hill. At first she was confused as to who could be firing flares at a time like this. Confusion soon gave way to joy as she realized there was only one group who would do such a thing.
000 Hotel Kreuz, Bern Switzerland - October 7th, 1939
"So when I saw the flare rising into the Sky I figured it had to be you lot coming to rescue me. I don't have words to describe how happy I was to see that against all odds you'd come to rescue me and just in time too!" concluded Pearl happily as she reclined on the hotel room's sofa.
Next to her James sat leaning against the opposite side sipping from a cup of celebratory brandy. "I'm just glad you're back okay. I don't know… well, scratch that… I do know what I would have done if you hadn't survived .. and .. I'm glad it didn't come to that" he said solemnly as he reached over to run his fingers lovingly through Pearl's hair.
Pearl smiled softly towards James at the touch as she reached up to grasp his hand in hers then gently guiding it down to rest on the space between them. "I'm glad too; we'd just begun this … um...relationship? And it would have been a shame not to see where it went"
For a long moment the reunited lovers just gazed at each other as each took comfort in the others company. But the moment was dispelled as quickly as it happened by a pointed cough from Darren. "Sorry to interrupt, but we have orders to head for Paris and to begin going through those captured documents with the intelligence teams stations there. Pack your things and get rested as we're going to be hitching a ride on the next transport plane out tomorrow morning."
Fully back on duty the group saluted and set about their tasks to get ready for the next trip.
000 Dahlem - Berlin Germany, October 8th, 1939
The wall clock ticked loudly in the small office buried deep within the university research buildings reminding its two occupants that time was passing both too quickly and at the same time not fast enough. The day's after the disaster at Kaserne had been busy with reports, flights across the country to deliver research results, meetings and much more. The result was the two men sitting at the desks were exhausted but determined to continue their work.
Finally breaking for lunch Aldebert and Schäfer stood up from their desks, picked up their coats and headed for the door to find the cafeteria making sure to securely lock the door behind them.
Folders covered their desks in great piles with only loose organization as the men were too busy to properly sort and stack them. One of the stacks was knocked from its position by a sudden, strong, breeze wafting through the office's small window. Landing on the desk with a thud it's content was thrown across the table revealing its contents.
"STRENG GEHEIM - Kristall empfindungsfähig Mineral"
000 End Chapter 16
Author's Notes
I painted myself into a corner with that last chapter; the result was a difficult time to develop a plausible recovery that also moved the story along. Making things more difficult is that this story is supposed to be based on the real world so everything had to fit with actual history, locations, people and more.
Why do I make things so difficult for myself? Because you guys are worth it.
Really though, I'm not happy with this chapter. I feels like a bit of a kludge but after a month+ of writing and about three for four re-writes (I have 13 pages of junk content) I'm calling it done. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the next chapter and will be more careful about avoiding potential dead-ends in storylines.
Next chapter is a time-jump to move us into 1940 called "Phoney War" if you want to know what happens next 8-D.
As always - Reviews and feedback (good and bad) are the fuel that drives us to write. Please like, favorite, subscribe, bookmark, whatever to let me know how I'm doing.
Onto the history
Fanart Alert - I'd like to extend a huge thank you to reader Vox has drawn some lovely artwork to accompany the story; head over to Vox's Tumbler Page to see it. Its support from the fans that provides the motivation to continue the story.
Slang - Did you catch all the slang in the story? I learned allot more than what I used in the story; this gives me several new and exciting ways to insult my co-workers.
Hotel Kreuz, Bern - one of the oldest hotels in the city
Asbestos - More commonly known for its effects on the lungs it can also cause severe brain-damage if it gets into the bloodstream as microscopic particles. That is assuming the victim doesn't just die after painful organ failure due to toxic shock and blood contamination. I was originally going to use morphine or other drugs but most of those didn't have the desired effects for the story. Having spent some time researching this, I wonder if I'm now on some govt watch list.
Lucy Spy Ring - Switzerland based spies who collected intelligence from sources deep within the German government to pass along to the Soviet Union. The story of the spy ring was eventually developed into a novel titled "A man called Lucy" which you can buy online.
Rudolf Roessler - Leader of the Lucy Spy Ring, his code name 'Lucy' was developed from 'Lucern' which was the city where he lived. Interesting master spy, go read up on him.
Rachel Dübendorfer (de) - code-named "Sissy", worked within the Lucy Spy Ring as a handler for some of the other agents to keep everything organized, equipped, and running smoothly.
Polytechnic University - Now renamed Stuttgart university after the war. It's one of the few universities within 100 miles of the Switzerland border that has hosts classes and research into the field of nuclear power and physics.
Panzer Kaserne, Germany - Today it's a military barracks and training ground for the infantry as well as hosting several related warfare schools. But back in 1940's Germany it was one of the primary training facilities for Panzer tank crews with firing ranges, garages, machine shops, etc.
Reichsfilmkammer - German equivalent of Hollywood during WW2 churning out propaganda films and documentaries for consumption domestically and abroad.