Chapter 19 - Bremerhaven, Germany, five days later (Monday)
Compared to the claustrophobic spaces of the U-Boats, the briefing room was practically spacious.
Georg leaned heavily on his crutch, trying to be the attentive and stoic captain once again. It was difficult; his right leg was broken and he glanced at a nearby chair with longing. The doctors had protested that he shouldn't be standing, but the two Admirals before him had insisted. They wanted to learn what had happened with Herr Zeller and how Georg knew about it.
He blinked, hiding behind the impassive mask he'd been wearing for the past few weeks. It was getting easier to do, to play the part they demanded of him. But if this meeting went the way he'd hoped it would, it would all be over soon.
Admiral Bergmann, a man larger in his own mind than in reality, sat next to a man of similar rank. Georg believed his name to be Schultz, and if Georg had done his research correctly, he was grateful Bergmann was there. Bergmann, who knew little of U-Boats and whose commission had been well paid for, was going to be the easier to work with. Georg would focus his attention on him if he could.
Schultz was reading the report and then gazed up at Georg, his gaze thoughtful and unnerving. Georg allowed his fingers to flex nervously. Hopefully they'd believe his jitters were due to the physical discomfort.
That wasn't entirely not the case. Putting any pressure on his right leg was tortuous. Even with the crutch and his left leg bearing the majority of his weight, Georg was desperate to sit.
Admiral Schultz closed the report. "Captain von Trapp, it is good to see you standing."
Georg offered a wry smile. "It is not easy, if I may say so, sir."
The other nodded but did not suggest he sit. Georg's jaw tensed. He could do this.
"I have read the report," Schultz continued. "But I would like to hear your account." He met Georg's gaze. "What happened?"
"I received intel that Joseph Zeller was providing confidential information to third party vendors," Georg began. "When I learned he would be in Bremerhaven, I arranged to confront and arrest him." He offered a sheepish wave to his leg, hoping he appeared self-deprecating enough. "Things got slightly out of hand." He smiled.
Schultz did not return the expression. "And you said you received intelligence of this?"
Georg inwardly braced himself. "Yes, sir."
"From where?"
Georg raised his chin. "A source that wishes to remain anonymous," he said, and before the other could reply, he added, "I have an…interest in Zeller's movements."
Bergmann perked up. "Yes…Salzburg."
Schultz re-opened the report and skipped through some papers, silent.
"Zeller is being sent to Berlin," Bergmann supplied.
Georg nodded. "I was hoping to accompany him," he offered, which had been the truth. His injury had altered those plans, and now Georg prayed it would work in his favor in a different way.
Schultz looked up. "Your testimony here will be sufficient."
"Of course, sir."
There was a long silence between them.
"The Kriegsmarine owes you a debt of gratitude, Captain," Admiral Bergmann said.
Georg nearly snorted at such a statement. Instead, he nodded.
"Although your motives concerning Zeller are noted," Schutlz added.
Inhaling, Georg tried to smile again. "I ask for leniency in that regard," he tried.
Schutlz frowned.
"Come now, Werner," Admiral Bergmann said and stood. "Captain von Trapp's tenure with us may have started in an…oh… questionable manner."
Both men gave him an incredulous look he didn't notice. He walked over to Georg, placing a hand on his shoulder. Georg gritted his teeth but managed not to recoil. "But he has proven himself loyal, and at great personal cost." He gestured to Georg's leg.
Schultz stared between the two men, remaining silent.
"He should receive a promotion."
Please no.. Georg thought.
Schultz tapped his fingers on the table. "That will not be necessary."
"Well I recommend highest honors!" Bergmann continued, and Georg wished he'd keep quiet.
Admiral Schultz appeared to have a similar opinion. He pursed his lips and regarded Georg. "Captain von Trapp, you commanded several U-Boats in the Austrian-Hungarian Navy."
"Yes sir."
"Your record is of quick and effective attacks."
"That was twenty years ago, Sir. But yes," Georg said.
"You are most effective on a U-Boat," Schultz continued, studying him. "What is the diagnosis for your leg?"
"Broken fibula, sir." May I sit, please?
"How long until the bones heal?"
Georg inhaled. "One to two months, sir… and may I… due to the nature of the break, the doctors have said I will need assistance walking for a much longer period of time. Perhaps indefinitely." That was true. The doctors had said he'd probably need a cane for the rest of his life, due to how badly his leg had been broken. Georg had been almost elated at the news. It was worth the price. He'd be frustrated about it later.
"Are you serious?" Schultz opened the file again, searching.
"Yes sir. It is in the report," Georg said.
"Then commanding a U-Boat is impossible," Bergmann said, returning to sit next to his fellow Admiral.
"Yes," Schutlz muttered, studying the medical diagnosis. Exhaling in resignation, he closed the file and exchanged a quick glance with Bergmann. Georg held his breath.
Schultz regarded him. "You are clearly not in any condition to command a vessel, Captain. And that is where you are needed most. We have no need or place for additional Commodores or Admirals. It was the goal of the Kriegsmarine that you serve as a Captain."
Georg nodded, daring not to hope.
"And as that is no longer possible, you are to be relieved of duties," Schutz declared.
"With honors," Bergmann added.
"Effective immediately," Schultz concluded. "You have shown true bravery and you are to be commended."
The world started to spin. Georg forced himself to remain attentive. "Yes sir. Thank you, sir."
Schultz stood. "Good day, Baron von Trapp."
Likewise, Bergman also stood. He offered a smile. "Thank you again, Baron."
Georg nodded. "Of course sir. Permission to leave."
Bergmann chuckled. "You're no longer required to ask."
"Of course. Good day," Georg said, turning too quickly. His leg protested, but he barely noticed the pain. As fast as he could, he hobbled out of the office and outside.
The bright sunlight blinded him at first, and he leaned heavily against the wall. His mind raced, and his heart hammered in his chest. He was free. At a cost, but that was inconsequential. It hadn't gone at all as he'd initially thought. Things had actually gone in his favor, more or less. Max's news about Zeller was a gift Georg never would have anticipated . Georg's hand tingled at the satisfying memory of exacting his pain and frustration on the man who'd caused him so much anguish.
And now he was released, and he didn't have to worry. His idea of slipping away en route to Berlin would have cast a shadow over everything; he would always have to look over his shoulder. He wouldn't even have been safe in Italy, if he'd been able to make it. But not now. For not only had he been decommissioned, they were going to celebrate him. Georg felt like laughing aloud at the absurdity.
The nightmare was nearly over. He'd done it. Four weeks of hell snapped away, and he felt almost buoyant with the relief of it. He was free to go anywhere. In a matter of days, he'd be with his family.
He wouldn't waste another moment. Pushing himself from the wall, he moved as fast as his body would allow. He had telephone calls to make, tickets to purchase. His broken leg twinged at his quick pace, but he felt no pain, only the deep pressing desire to keep moving. To Italy. To his children. To Maria.
Tears stung his eyes. "My love, I'm coming," he whispered.
To be continued…
A/N: While it's probably unlikely they'd just let Georg go, I didn't want him to escape and be on the run. I didn't want the shadow of a pursuit hanging over the upcoming chapters. And thank you all for your fun comments - You don't know how much they're appreciated and how they've even shaped things to make this story more fun.
And yes, it was my original idea for Georg to sabotage a sub; he was going to "save" Bergmann and luckily get injured himself. He was always going to end up with a busted leg. But confronting Zeller seemed more noble and punching Zeller was very satisfying.