Chapter Fifteen

The day Georg arrived home; Friedrich had been roaming the halls after school when he'd overheard Frau Schreiner's call to the Reich officials. She was speaking to someone in a very high position at Bremerhaven about the Captain.

Friedrich was afraid to let his presence be known to Frau Schreiner, one, because she knew as did the rest of his family and Dr. Skinner's staff where his own loyalties were and two, because in spite of that, he couldn't let his father be harmed unjustly.

Growing up with the Captain, one learned two things; to stand up for your principles and once you've chosen a course, you do your best for it. Friedrich knew, even with his mind clouded with Reich propaganda, that his father had chosen a course against his politics to protect their family. Georg had even gone so far as to admit it. Regardless of his reasoning, the Captain had chosen to support the Reich, Friedrich knew his father would remain loyal if only because he swore he would. He wasn't a spy, he would never be a spy. Frau Schreiner's fears were unfounded.

For the next week, Friedrich took part in family events, meals, and sing-alongs while forever debating what he should do in his mind. Should he hold his tongue and let his father's own prowess be his defense? Should he confront and challenge Frau Schreiner? Should he warn his father?

Now, it was the morning of the day the Captain would leave, and Friedrich still was not sure of his course of action, but he had run out of time.

Friedrich took a deep breath and knocked on the door of his father's study, where Georg and Maria sat conversing about household issues, before the Captain had to leave again.

Maria had seen the change in Friedrich since Lucas was born. He'd yet to come around to their way of thinking, but he'd stopped believing his family evil for not sharing his opinions. It was not ideal, but acceptable.

"Excuse me. Father, could I have a private word with you, please?" the young man asked. "Maria, would you please excuse us?"

Maria rose cuddling the baby to her breast, "Of course, Friedrich," she smiled, glad Friedrich wanted to talk to his father, even if he still refused to call her "mother" as the others did. "We'll finish this later, Darling," she said to Georg giving him a quick kiss.

Nervously, Friedrich sat down across from his father and took a deep breath.

"You wanted a word with me, Son?' Georg asked sitting back in his chair.

"Yes, Sir," Friedrich replied. "I'm not sure if it's the right thing to do or not, but I think not doing anything would probably be worse."

Georg was intrigued, "Usually doing nothing when you know you should do something is worse, yes. Just by doing something you're showing you're in tune with the world around you," Georg explained. "What are you not sure of, Son?"

Friedrich liked these talks with his father. His father was, in spite of Friedrich's earlier feelings, a wonderful example of manhood. He could learn from his examples and his mistakes.

"Well," Friedrich explained. "It's like this. The other day I overheard someone tell another person suspicions about a 3rd persons motive for doing something. It sounded like the person knew information about the 3rd person and if that information gets mistaken or to the right person, the 3rd person could get in trouble, serious trouble. So I'm wondering, do I tell the 3rd person what I heard?"

Georg sighed, he had to think about it for a moment. He knew he had an opportunity here with his son to teach him how to do the right thing. "Friedrich, you know one should not listen to other people's conversations."

"I know, and I hardly did, but...it sounded like something that should not be done and..."

"All right," Georg stopped Friedrich. The boy was getting nervous, and he didn't want to lose this opportunity. "Why don't you tell me what you heard, then I can think about it."

"That's the problem, Sir," Friedrich said. "You see, you're the person I heard the thing about."

Georg was silent for few minutes, while he thought. He wanted to know what was being said, but at the same time, he didn't. He sighed, "Friedrich, you have to decide this for yourself. Will the information you have be helpful or hurtful to me if you don't tell me?"

Friedrich sighed then nodded, "Then tell me."

"Father, I don't know all the information, but...I heard Frau Schreiner and she's told someone; I don't know who, about your loyalties, or lack thereof. I just wanted you to be aware."

Georg took a deep breath; this situation could be very dangerous for him, for Maria and the children, for everyone concerned. "Thank you Friedrich for telling me. I'll be prepared when they speak with me. Don't concern yourself with this anymore."

Friedrich nodded, "Thank you, Father for listening."

Georg nodded rising behind his desk, "It's always my pleasure to listen to you."

Nothing else was said about what happened in the study. Georg didn't say anything to Maria, nor Friedrich to the other children, they just kept it themselves. When Georg packed up his things to leave, he kissed each child, when he reached Friedrich, he held him extra tightly, and whispered in his ear, "You were a man today son. You made me proud."

"I love you, Father," Friedrich whispered before they ended the embrace.

Bremerhaven Naval Base

Admiral von Schriever consulted with the Captain who was assigned to take care of the "von Trapp situation."

"What if he catches on?" Captain Johannes asked.

"He won't," the Admiral replied.

"What if he does? Then what?"

"By the time he notices you are charging him, it'll be too late," von Schriever affirmed. "This must be done. I'll be deploying his sub three days after he returns. Make sure Tom knows that the moment he gets back I want to see him," the Admiral instructed.

"Yes, Sir," Captain Johannes acknowledged, giving him the Reich salute, before leaving.

24 hours later

Georg arrived back at Bremerhaven with time to spare. He was grateful for that because he knew he'd need to mind his ways with all eyes on him. He knew he'd have to be careful, that he couldn't anger anyone. There were Nazis in close proximity to Maria and the children, and while he was sure Dr. Skinner would do everything he could protect them, his loyalties were with the Reich first and foremost.

"Good afternoon, Sir," Tom greeted when he saw Georg arrived back.

"Good afternoon, Tom," the Captain replied. "Any telegrams or messages?"

"Not many, Sir," Tom replied. "Admiral von Schriever requests to see you upon your arrival. Also, your wife telegraphed to say that Frau Schreiner had a healthy baby girl."

The Captain smiled, "Excellent. Please call the Admiral and let him know I'm on my way."

"Yes, Sir," Tom replied, doing as ordered.

When Captain von Trapp arrived in the Admiral's outer office, his assistant greeted him with a salute, "Captain von Trapp, welcome back, Sir."

"Thank you, Karl. Is the Admiral in?" he asked.

Karl shook his head, "No, Sir. He wasn't expecting you so soon, Sir."

"All right. I'll wait for a while," he told Karl before having a seat.

The Captain waited nearly an hour before Karl's phone rang. Georg listened with one ear to the professional exchange before Karl disconnected the call and rose from the desk, "Excuse me, Sir. I must deliver these orders to the other side of the base. I'll be back soon."

Georg nodded and continued waiting for the Admiral to arrive. Another hour slowly ticked by and neither Admiral von Schriever nor his assistant returned. The phone rang and the Captain debated answering it, it wasn't his office, so he let it go. A few minutes later, it rang again. The Captain then decided it must be important and the incessant jingling every five minutes would make this wait even more interminable. Finally, the Captain took the call.

Georg listened to the General on the other end and offered to take a message for the Admiral. He searched the top of the desk for a pen or pencil which he found under some file folders. One of the names on the folder caught his eye, First Lieutenant Brandon Heinz. Lieutenant Heinz was a member of his crew. Out of curiosity, Captain von Trapp searched the names on the other folders in the pile; Lieutenant Schreiner, Hempstead Baer, Corporal Krell…they were all members assigned to his U-boat crew.

Finally, a thick record folder was revealed with his name on the label.

By this time, the voice on the other end was growing annoyed and was repeating, "Hello. Hello."

Quickly the Captain took the phone message and put it in his uniform pocket. He glanced at the clock. He didn't know how long he had until the Admiral or Karl returned. All he knew was his gut was telling him to read that file.

Georg opened Lt. Heinz's folder and read remarks written in Tom's writing, his writing, and the Admiral's writing. Georg scanned the words and the sheets of paper inside the folder. On a blank slip of paper was written a list of contact names in case something should happened to the young lieutenant and underneath those names was a handwritten note of what appeared to be instructions for what to write in a death notification telegram.

To Whom It May Concern:

We regret to inform you that your brother, Lieutenant Brandon H. Heinz was killed in action in the North Atlantic when his U-boat was depth charged while defending the Third Reich forces. We were grateful to him for his service in the Navy of the Third Reich, from November 19, 1937, until September 23, 1939.

Admiral von Schriever

Navy of the Third Reich

September 23, 1939. Today was September 12. How could the Admiral know Brandon Heinz would be KIAed on a depth charged submarine in nine days? Georg's stomach dropped as he began leafing through the other folders, finding similar messages in each, along with relatives benefit forms, and medal recommends. Something was going on, and he knew that the information Friedrich told him had something to do with it. This was all part of an elaborate plot and it sickened Georg that the Admiral would murder innocent men to remove him without exalting speculation and questions from the public. His popularity amongst his countrymen would hinder any trial or formal action, so the powers that be were forced to be diabolical.

It made sense, when he thought about it. Make it look like they were all heroes, while eliminating him as a risk to the Navy. They'd lose some innocents, but they could replenish them with brainwashed youth members and promote enlisted to the rank of COs if necessary. It was all very clever.

Before Georg really had time to think about it, he heard Admiral von Schriever's voice in the hall. He hurried to take a seat and opened his briefcase to study his own files to avoid suspicion.

Admiral von Schriever seemed shocked when he entered but not worried, "Ah, Captain von Trapp, I hope you weren't waiting too long."

"No, Sir," the Captain replied saluting his superior. "I arrived early."

The Admiral nodded, "Excellent. How long has Karl been gone?"

"Not very long, Sir," Georg fibbed. He didn't want to tip his hand and reveal any possibility that he knew about the plan, or that he was formulating one of his own.

"Come in," Admiral von Schriever invited. "Have a seat."

Georg sat across from the Admiral and prayed he looked relaxed and was acting normally.

"So how are things home? How are your wife and son?" the Admiral asked.

"They are well, Sir. My son is getting really big, all my older children are back in school, so Maria was glad to have some help for a while," Georg answered.

"Don't you have a governess?" the Admiral asked.

'No," Georg replied. "I offered, but Maria wanted to do it all herself so…"

"Well, I admire that. Our doctor reports she is every bit as wonderful as you say," Admiral von Schriever said.

"She is a rare gem," Georg agreed with a smile.

"Now, down to business," the Admiral began. "As you are aware, our ground forces annexed Poland for the Reich's expansion and the Brits have since declared war on us. Now, your missions will be more crucial than ever, and more dangerous."

"I understand, Sir. The British Navy is one of the best in the world," Captain von Trapp commented.

"Yes, it is. So long story short, Captain, you and your crew will be deployed in the North Atlantic seeking British aircraft carriers in position to launch air raids on German controlled territory on the continent. The mission will be short, about 90 days, but crucial," the Admiral said. "Get your crew together, Captain. You'll be deployed in 48 hours."

Georg felt sick. Forty-eight hours was not enough time to formulate an effective counter plan against what the Admiral and his cronies had cooked up. Thus, he'd have to devise some safely measures in case the idea he was formulating in his head was not successful.

The start of that plan would be to reach of two Max and inform him that in the event of his being killed, he was to take Maria and the children out of Austria to safety in Switzerland so they could not become targets. He was working on a time limit and had a few important things to do, so as soon as the Admiral dismissed him, he set about writing.

Dear Max,

I don't have long to write as I'm pressed once again for time. I must cut to the point and ask you without preamble or pleasantry a most urgent favor.

I've just learned that my submarine is to be deployed to the North Atlantic for reconnaissance and now that the Reich is at war with England, this is a dangerous assignment. As a result of this, I may not be able to return home to Austria for some time. There is a chance, however slight, that I may never return home if the battles go badly. That is why I ask you, my dearest friend, to go to Salzburg, assail yourself of my hospitality and take care of my family.

I thank you in advance for the favor I know you will grant to me and always remember; the reddest fern grows on the snowcapped mountain.

Georg.

The code was something Max and Georg devised before he left. If Georg ever had to instruct Max to move his family in the event of his death or capture, he would use that code to do it. That way, if their correspondence were intercepted, it would seem like an inside joke between two friends. It was times like these; Georg adored the conniving side of Max's nature.

The two-day allotment before deployment flew by and before Georg realized it, there were only four hours left to go. He had to be on deck briefing his men in two hours and he'd yet to leave word for Maria.

He wanted to phone Maria, hear her voice, carry it with him into battle if he had to, but he had to think of her. A phone call was not something she could keep later on, it was not like a letter that could be savored, read and reread, so he quickly began outlining his thoughts of things he wanted to say to his wife and family.

It took Georg nearly the full two hours of time he had to write the letter, leaving both words of love and words of instruction for his wife and each of his children. He'd told Maria she was to read those parts to each child in the event they were notified of his death. On his way out to the dock, he gave the letter to Tom, the one person he still trusted, "Tom, make sure this gets to my wife in Salzburg," he ordered, his shoulders square, his posture not betraying a hint of the fear he felt.

"Yes, Sir," Tom replied, "May God go with you."