Oppenheim II

October 1944
Smolensk, Greater Germanic Reich

Months passed since the fall of Britain and the Allied forces in the West. The Wehrmacht, having diverged a sizable portion of their forces from the eastern front to secure England and France, was pushed back with Smolensk and Stalingrad and other cities under threat of being recaptured by the Red Army. Neither would allow to get the upper hand, yet peace talks are not considered. Yet, one final attack is considered to bring an end to the war, an attack on Moscow. Esdeath finds the plan to be great yet one major problem eludes them, supply lines to Smolensk to prepare for her attack have all but been disrupted by partisans with heavy Soviet attacks that major Wehrmacht and Waffen SS units broke ranks and fell, Leningrad is secured. The expeditions into Kazan and Saratov have all but failed and caused a mass retreat into Stalingrad. Emboldened, the Red Army pushed westward to recapture what was taken from them and to reach Berlin to end national socialism.
Esdeath can hear the sounds of war outside of her temporary office. Artillery and gunfire as both sides have bogged down to the trenches of the Great War. Esdeath looks out of the wall-sized hole that was blasted to the side of the building during the battle and fall of Smolensk. Like many other cities, the majority of its buildings are in rubble due to the war. Esdeath waits in the rear lines for her opportunity to storm and finally take the city of Moscow: the capital of the Soviet Union, and even Leningrad: the birthplace of the October Revolution. Though the pragmatism of using Esdeath could end the war quickly, Hitler knew that his Wehrmacht generals had grown envious of his favoritism to not only the SS but also Esdeath. Yet it backfired when his death was supposed to happen in July yet failed. As several members of the Wehrmacht command were jailed or executed for any connections to the July plot, Esdeath awaits her orders.

"I have to give it to those officers," Esdeath sits on her chair with her feet on her desk, swirling and sipping from a wine glass she imported from France. "To stand up to the Führer is one thing but to attempt to assassinate him. Now that was an interesting move. Had this occurred in my old world then there was no doubt those generals would all have faced death," Esdeath continues to drink. "I wonder how Germany's armies would have faced in my old world. No doubt that the Revolutionary army, Imperial Army, and the tribal armies of the north, the southern tribes, and the western tribes would fall if not eradicated," Esdeath puts her feet down from her desk and stands up from her chair, wine glass in hand she walks over to her window. She looks down and spots two trucks and a staff car stopping just before her makeshift office building. A total of twelve men stepped out of their trucks and began to line up the steps, each holding a Kar-98k. She takes a closer look and notices that all of their uniforms are clean and have not seen many battles. Then she sees two men step out of the staff car of the SS and notices one of their arm patches immediately: SD. Esdeath steps back from the window and begins to contemplate the reason the SD is here. "What is the SD doing here?" Esdeath walks over to her desk and places the wine glass down. "I know I hadn't said anything that is outside of the party line. So what does the SD have to do with me?" Esdeath asked herself. "Perhaps they're finding connections still to the July bombing," Esdeath continues to think until a knock on her door is made. "You may enter." Esdeath gives permission. An SS-Unterscharführer enters her office, closing the door behind him. He salutes Esdeath before she reciprocates the salute.

"SS-Brigadeführerin. SS-Obergruppenführer und General der Polizei Ernst Kaltenbrunner and SS-Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann are waiting outside. They wish to speak with you." The SS-Unterscharführer tells Esdeath. Giving a brief sigh, Esdeath turns to the SS-Unterscharführer.

"Let them in," Esdeath gives her command. Following her commands, the SS-Unterscharführer salutes Esdeath before stepping out to let the two men in. As the two men step in Esdeath steps over to the front of her desk, she raises her hand to salute the two men. "Heil Hitler." Esdeath saluted.

"Heil Hitler." The two men reciprocated her salute but in a more relaxed tone.

"To what reason do I owe a visit from you two?" Esdeath asked. Both Kaltenbrunner and Eichmann both walked. She turns to Eichmann. "And who may you be Herr SS-Obersturmbannführer, I don't think we've met?" Esdeath asked, glancing at a file being held by Eichmann.

"I believe you two haven't met," Kaltenbrunner spoke. "SS-Brigadeführerin und Generalmajorin der Waffen-SS Esdeath Partas this is SS-Obersturmbannführer of the Sicherheitsdienst, Adolf Eichmann. SS-Oberstrumführer Eichmann, this is SS-Brigadeführerin Esdeath Partas: leader of the 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Division." Kaltenbrunner introduces the two to one another. Eichmann walks closer to Esdeath.

"I've heard many great things about your exploits SS-Brigadeführerin," Eichmann reaches out his righthand. "Despite our strictness to traditional roles of the sexes, you are an exemplar of SS excellence. Especially that of the Aryan woman."

"I see, thank you for the praise," Both Esdeath and Eichmann shook hands. "May I ask what your position is in the SD?" Esdeath asked, the two then pulled out of the handshake.

"I am an expert on Jewish affairs in the Reich. Your work has helped us in facilitating the final solution process. Keeping the Red Army at bay and liquidating partisan camps while we evacuate the dangers from the Aryan and German society that we want to develop in the east," Eichmann comments on his role. "Including evacuating the Jews from our territories."

"Is that so?" Esdeath responded. "I remember them talking much about the Jews back in my cadet days but I cared little for it. Seeing this in person does shine some perspectives." Esdeath thinks back to the partisan camps that she had liquidated. No matter who or what they were she saw them all equally weak because they fell so easily to her and her soldiers. "Mind if I offer you men a drink?" Esdeath points to the open bottle she has on the side.

"No thank you. I have no favor in partaking drinks or spirits made from the inferior state or peoples." Eichmann comments.

"It's French. A pinot noir from the Burgundian region." Esdeath continued. Wishing to further the reason for their arrival, Kaltenbrunner claps his hands once.

"Now that we are all acquainted, we must resolve this matter." Kaltenbrunner announces. The three take a seat. The two face Esdeath as they sit in front of her, separated from her desk. Eichmann grabs the file that he has in his left hand and places it on Esdeath's desk, sliding it to her.

"The SS Race and Settlement Main Office was dealing with an officer application that you sent on behalf of one SS-Scharführer Friedrich Oppenheim. There is one thing that should have immediately stood out while reviewing his application, his surname." Eichmann opens up.

"How so?" Esdeath asked, grabbing hold of the file. An inflection in her voice became one of that of questioning, questioning how one's surname can connect them to enemies of the Reich. Eichmann clears his throat before continuing.

"The surname originates in Jewish settlements of the Rheinland near the Rhein River. Some families kept the town name or changed it to 'Oppenheimer' when many moved to east Prussia or other parts of the globe," Eichmann briefs Esdeath. "We were willing to overlook it as the case was similar to our departed leader Heydrich's family tree when one of his ancestors had a Jewish surname but was not a Jew himself. Similar discretion was undertaken when we received SS applicants who have Jewish-originated names but are not ethnically Jewish themselves," Eichmann explains. "But as the SS Race and Settlement Main Office was reviewing his official genealogical records, it turned out to be fraudulently made. His family baptismal record from his Lutheran church in Rostock and of his ancestors in Stettin came up to one generation. His parents and siblings. The immediate family. We've managed to discover his genuine family record and discovered that his family has a mixture of German and Jewish surnames. Which led to the conclusion of his true race." Eichmann pointed to the file. Esdeath opens the file and reads SS-Scharführer Oppenheim's file. Reading in red is his race, Jew. "We've also found five others to be part of the mischling first-degree category." Eichmann continued.

"And what does this mean to me and my unit?" Esdeath asked. "Because I never take into consideration my men's racial past when it comes to those who wish to serve me. I only asked for the best and even the most courageous. I do not care for their racial past," Esdeath comments, bringing down the file on her desk and closing it. "As per these six men, their actions wouldn't warrant an investigation and I've seen personally that these men are ascribed to the Christian beliefs that made the German state." Esdeath continued.

"We are moving away from the Christian roots and morality that weakened the German state and the people since antiquity. Whether it be catholic or evangelical," Kaltenbrunner retorts to Esdeath's point. "But it matters not if a Jew like Oppenheim and his family had converted, nor does it matter if he fought hard for the Fatherland. Because it is ingrained in their blood, this is why we have to take these precautions when it comes to selecting SS applicants in the Allgemeine and Waffen branches. There are a few exceptions to membership. One of them is you." Kaltenbrunner further elaborates.

"To return to the subject matter, this incident was forwarded to the Reichsführer-SS Himmler for his decision," Eichmann interjects catching Esdeath's attention. "He ordered a full investigation of every single SS member's genealogical heritage to uncover non-Aryans. Any Jews and mischling of the first and second degrees in the SS are to be removed from the SS immediately. Reichsführer-SS Himmler wants to have these infiltrators dealt with as soon as possible. No matter if they had fought valiantly and were awarded medals," Eichmann continued. "In the case of Oppenheim, having won an Iron Cross of the 2nd Class and one more of the 1st Class. Plus several awards, promotions, and unit citations. Despite having done well for the fatherland he is now seen as a threat to the SS powerbase."

"Not only did these men and the SD look into my unit's geological records without my authorization but had also brought this along to Himmler? Just what are they getting at? Because if it is an attack on these men of my division then it is an attack on me. Just how forgetful are they of my power?" Esdeath thinks to herself. Seeking to end the meeting, Kaltenbrunner leans forward, standing and placing his hand on top of Esdeath's desk. "I still find it perplexing how you men are more concerned of wanting him dead than the actual enemies of the Reich. The Red Army still stands to the east and partisans from France, England, and the eastern territories are already causing a muck. If you wanted him dead then I would've sent him on suicide missions. Even then, men like him always stand above the rest in those missions and complete them while also returning alive. Such impressive soldiers are a rare find." Esdeath continued.

"Here is what we want for you to do SS-Brigadeführerin. Under the orders of Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler. We want the locations of these six men," Kaltenbrunner reaches over and takes the folder back. "They are to be present and accounted for. We would've gotten to work earlier but this is the perfect time as your division in its entirety is away from the frontlines," Kaltenbrunner sits back down.

"If I were to collaborate... will the return of these men back home be assured?" Esdeath asks. "Not that it mattered anyway. But it's always good to ask."

"For the five men who are labeled as mischling of the first degree, they will be sent back to Germany. Where they will most likely see an expulsion from the SS with a possible purge of their accounts. Or could possibly be sent to the Wehrmacht, but now almost no one trusts the Wehrmacht. As per SS-Scharführer Oppenheim then it is a different story." Eichmann responds to Esdeath's question. Intrigued by his lack of response for Oppenheim Esdeath pushes further.

"And if I refuse?" Esdeath asks, having changed her mood. The two men see a shift in Esdeath but remain stern in their convictions.

"As it stands, SS-Brigadeführerin. You only have one choice. We merely ask for your cooperation. It would be either these six men or your career in the SS and the military as a whole." Kaltenbrunner tells Esdeath. "You only have ten minutes to think about it," Kaltenbrunner turns to Eichmann. "Let us go, Herr Eichmann." The two stand up from the chairs and leave Esdeath's office. Now left alone, Esdeath contemplates about what to do next.
In one of the damaged but standing buildings of Smolensk, Oppenheim and his comrades sing and cheer about their victories and survival. He looks at the many young faces of his comrades, refreshing but concerning as he knows they may not survive a week with Esdeath. But he cares little for the minor details.

"The bloodied red sun rises, Colors the edge of the forest, Ends the time for rest and dream, The path has been stained in blood!" Oppenheim plays the piano, and his men sing the ending verses to Ritt am Morgen, a Freikorps song. "Our trail leads to the enemy, Behind us are broken paths! Homeland wide 'n yet so far." Oppenheim and his friends sing the last stanzas as he presses the final keys. "Okay... what next?"

"Erlkönig!" A comrade of Oppenheim suggests with enthusiasm.

"Too sad. But later... next." Oppenheim rejects the request and points to another. "Uhh... you."

"Erika!" Another proposes the song: Erika as the next to play.

"Ehhh, good but also kind of overplayed. But later. I know. I've been trying to make this song for years," Oppenheim points to his head. "But tell me how it is?" Oppenheim decides to play his next song, Freikorps voran, a song all know about. But as he begins to play his name is called out cutting short of the song he just started playing. "Eis forward, the border burns. The Reich is in trouble! Eis forward, the border burns, there is one command!" Oppenheim inserts his own lyrics into the original tone of the song.

"SS-Scharführer Oppenheim... I'm looking for SS-Scharführer Oppenheim," A runner from Esdeath's office calls for Oppenheim.

"I'm here. What is it?" Oppenheim stands up.

"You are to report at the SS-Brigadeführerin's building" The runner relays the orders to Oppenheim.

"Now?" Oppenheim asks.

"Yes, now follow me." The runner continued. Oppenheim grabs his gear and turns to his squadmates.

"Sorry fellas, I wish I could play more, but it may seem that the SS-Brigadeführerin calls for me. We'll continue later," Oppenheim turns to the two men who gave their requests. "When I get back I'll make sure to play Erika and Erlkönig. Take care men." Oppenheim puts his M43 cap on and grabs his MP-40 while also buttoning up his tunic. He turns and follows the runner to the Zündapp KS 750. As the two reach Esdeath's building he sees a few other men also standing and lined up but he senses a sense of uneasiness in him. He glances over at the SS men standing guard in front of the building. He holds no doubt in his heart that they are not a part of the 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Division. He approaches five other men, keeping his MP-40 close to him. "Hey Weiner, what is going on here?"

"I don't know. All of us are called up here from our resting positions. I'm pretty sure we might be getting our marching orders soon enough to march on Moscow soon." SS-Untersturmführer Weiner responded.

"Attention," An SS-Hauptsturmführer gives out his orders. "You six, line up!" As the drill orders were given the six men stood at attention facing the building, "Attention, present arms!" Four of the men hold their Kar 98ks in front of them as Oppenheim and Weiner hold their MP-40s in front of them. Stepping out of the building and descending the stairs were Esdeath, Kaltenbrunner, and Eichmann. Though Esdeath does not show much emotion aside from joy while fighting, Oppenheim can see right through. As Esdeath, Kaltenbrunner, and Eichmann descended the final step all three of them raised their hands, Oppenheim and the others greeted them immediately "Heil Hitler, SS-Brigadeführerin Partas!" All six greet Esdeath.

"To make this process easier I ask each one of you to voluntarily surrender your service firearms and stand at attention." Esdeath gives her orders. Kaltenbrunner turns to the SD guards and directs them to grab their weapons. Without a second thought, they each gave their weapon to the SD without hesitation. Though he hopes it for a moment, Oppenheim hopes to receive his MP-40 quickly as he feels incomplete without it. They walk over to one of their trucks and toss the firearms inside the cabin. Not wanting to wait any longer Oppenheim breaks rank and steps forward once.

"Permission to speak, SS-Brigadeführerin?" Oppenheim asks but he continues without giving Esdeath a chance to give her clearance. "But what is the meaning of this? Why have we been called up for and our weapons taken away?"

"Fall back in rank SS-Scharführer. These two gentlemen will explain further." Esdeath responded. Oppenheim can tell something is troubling Esdeath but has to follow her orders nonetheless.

"You must be SS-Scharführer Friedrich Oppenheim: squad leader of the 1st Troop and receiver of the second and first degrees of the Iron Cross. Distinguished service to the Fatherland and Hitler," Eichmann speaks walking close to Oppenheim. "We investigated your genealogy after your family records were provided to us. You are not of Aryan ancestry and attempted to cover up your Judaic ancestry." Eichmann walks closer. "Your father is of pure Jewish descent with your mother having half of it. Jewish by blood and denoted by the Nuremberg Laws. Even if you and your parents had converted to Lutheranism, forgone your Jewish ancestry and its faith, and dedicated your life to the SS and the Führer... your blood will not change. You are a Jew, Herr Oppenheim. And for that reason, you know what that means." Eichmann breaks the truth to Oppenheim, before turning away.

"This makes no sense! I'm a pure German, like every one of you here. So what is the meaning of these accusations? Where is your proof? Herr Obersturmbannführer?!" Oppenheim responded in disbelief. "Aren't we all Germans? You five know that right?" Oppenheim grows more confused and frustrated as the five other men do not heed the questioning SS-Scharführer.

"It matters not if you proclaim to be German, speak German, know our culture, and are a Christian convert to an extent," Kaltenbrunner speaks next. "As Obersturmbannführer Eichmann had said, even if you served honorably for Hitler, the party, the SS, or your precious Frau Partas. All of that is now stained by your Jew blood. You cannot change it Oppenheim," Kaltenbrunner walks closer to Oppenheim, taking each step seriously but Oppenheim doesn't budge. "In the end, you are nothing but a traitor to the Fatherland and the Führer. You are nothing but an infiltrator, with an objective to take down the SS." Kaltenbrunner continued and smacked the paper on Oppenheim's chest, turning to leave. Oppenheim grabs the paper and reads the paper. It's clear to Oppenheim but he doesn't believe it. His face becomes worried and frustrated but he keeps his emotions in check. He turns to face Esdeath who only remains in silence. This is a first for him for Esdeath had been vocal about the quality of her troops but not boastful.

"SS-Brigadeführerin, you don't believe in any of this do you?" Oppenheim calls for Esdeath, walking up to Esdeath while scrunching up and tossing the paper aside. Before he continues further, he stops a few meters away from her. "Please SS-Brigadeführerin, tell them that I am not an infiltrator nor a Jew. You've seen firsthand of my exploits!" Oppenheim continues to plea to Esdeath who remains silent. In disbelief, Oppenheim walks closer but Esdeath stands her ground, seeing him slowly turn to despair. "I'm asking of you to tell them the truth. I've sacrificed much for the Division and the Fatherland!" Oppenheim pleas further but sees Esdeath will not make a sound in his defense.

"SS-Scharführer Oppenheim, you are hereby ordered to cooperate without any resistance." Esdeath gives her orders.

"But-"

"I will not repeat myself, SS-Scharführer," Esdeath silences Oppenheim just as he is to respond. Esdeath head turns to the other five men who are standing in rank. "You five were classified as mixed race of the first degree. You are to cooperate for what is to come." Esdeath continued. Hearing Esdeath's capitulate, Oppenheim stands his ground in front of Esdeath.

"It appears that your precious SS-Brigadeführerin is not going to protect you," Kaltenbrunner walks up behind Oppenheim, walking closer to him. "It would be best for you to resign yourself and to-" Kaltenbrunner is interrupted when Oppenheim becomes fed up, punching Kaltenbrunner on his left mensur scar. The punch pushes Kaltenbrunner to the ground as the others appear to be stunned after witnessing a lower rank punching an officer. Even Esdeath shows an emotion. The SS guards raise their rifles at Oppenheim but both Esdeath and Eichmann gesture for them to lower their rifles. As the SS lower their guards, Oppenheim rushes forward and places his hands on her shoulders, his face shows it all to Esdeath.

"SS-Brigadeführerin, you have to understand. I am not a Jew, these accusations are" Oppenheim pleads before he is grabbed from from the back of his tunic collar, letting go of Esdeath, and thrown down away from Esdeath by Kaltenbrunner. As he is thrown down his cap flies off from his head. Kaltenbrunner walks over and begins to kick him down.

"Get up," Kaltenbrunner orders Oppenheim. He tries but is kicked down again. "Get up," Kalten repeats the order and kicks Oppenheim down. "Get up and stand down you filth!" Kaltenbrunner kicks Oppenheim in the face. Oppenheim struggles to stand, remaining on all fours as he keeps his right hand to stop the bleeding. This is the first he'd let fear take him over, the other five SS michling soldiers look away in pity after seeing Oppenheim being kicked and beaten. "We are purging out all members of the SS who are not of the pure race. This includes you," Kaltenbrunner informs Oppenheim. Kaltenbrunner then points to Weiner and another SS mischling soldier. "You two, help this thing up." Kaltenbrunner tells the two, they move instantly to follow his commands. Oppenheim struggles to free him from their grasp but Esdeath sees how everything unfolded.

"SS-Scharführer Oppenheim," Esdeath calls out taking a step forward. "As my final order, I command you to stop resisting." Esdeath commanded Oppenheim but he did not listen, not even after serving four years with Esdeath had he disobeyed her orders once. Walking over in front of Oppenheim, Oppenheim looks up to see Kaltenbrunner smirking down on him.

"You foolish thing," Kaltenbrunner comments. He strikes Oppenheim in the center of his chest, causing him to cough up blood by the first punch. "That is for disobeying your officer," He repeats again. "That is for striking a member of the SS general staff," And again. "And this is for you being a member of the soon-to-be-gone race," Kaltenbrunner strikes Oppenheim once more. "And this is for getting your jew blood staining my uniform. Not that your blood had already stained the reputation of the SS and the 9th SS Panzergrenadier already." Kaltenbrunner throws in one final punch against Oppenheim. He looks down and tears off his shoulder and collar ranks. "And you wouldn't be needing these ranks and medals anymore." Oppenheimis r jerked as Kaltenbrunner rips off Oppenheim's rank and awards that Kaltenbrunner can see. He holds the ranks and medals high before dropping them to the ground and stepping on them. "You are a fraud who has brought an unimaginable disgrace to the SS," Kaltenbrunner kicks the rank and medals to the side. "Where you will be going you won't be needing them." Kaltenbrunner gestures for his pistol to be handed. He slides the pistol, looking down through the iron sight at Oppenheim. Oppenheim looks up at the barrel of the gun, but instead of being dismayed, Oppenheim comes to accept his fate.

"Hold your fire, Herr Kaltenbrunner," Eichmann speaks up. "I believe that is enough," Eichmann walks close to Kaltenbrunner. Taking a step and standing over his rank and medals kicked aside. "Furthermore, what you would be granting him is something many of the men of the 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Division desire, death on the battlefield." Eichmann continues glancing over and side-eyeing Oppenheim. He glances back over to Kaltenbruner "I know where exactly he is to be taken. To show the reality of his people who've already been evacuated. To show the Jew's true place in our society." Eichmann continues. "You two take him to that truck on the right to be processed and follow the other three onto the frontmost truck," Eichmann continues. "The rest of you get back on the trucks and do not let that Jew go."

"Let go of me!" Oppenheim cries out as he struggles while being dragged to a truck. He turns his head back to see Esdeath still standing and remaining silent. "Pa-Partas! Help me!" Oppenheim cries out as he continues to struggle to free himself from the arms of those he considered his compatriots. "Brigadeführerin please!" Oppenheim shouts as he is thrown into the back of the truck and a few SS members of the SD climb into the same truck as Oppenheim to ensure he does not escape. "Es-ESDEATH!" Oppenheim shouts out Esdeath's first name. Hearing her name, she looks up and sees Oppenheim being pulled back into the truck and the truck begins to drive off. It may be the last time Oppenheim may see Esdeath. The five other SS mischling soldiers are seen being thrown into the back of the truck with the rest of the SS guards walking up into the back of the truck to make sure that none of the five leave. the other truck also leaves but in a different direction after being given orders from Kaltenbrunner.

"It would've been better for him to have died on the battlefield in glory and not be beaten by his superiors like a dog. But why did I stand back as a bystander?" Esdeath thinks to herself placing her right hand above her heart. "What is this feeling above my heart? This is nothing like how my heart had throbbed for Tatsumi." Esdeath brings her hand down as Eichmann turns and walks close to Esdeath.

"I would like to thank you for your cooperation, SS-Brigafeführerin Partas," Eichmann thanks Esdeath. "You helped rid of the pests that held your division back from glory." Eichmann stands in front of Esdeath with a continent smile on his face.

"Just what will happen to them, SS-Sturmbannführer?" Esdeath asks looking straight directly at Eichmann. "You assured me that they will be going back to Germany proper."

"It depends," Eichmann twists back around and sees the second truck leave. Leaving him, Klatenbrunner, and Esdeath. He turns to face Esdeath with a smile still implanted. "They may be put to work but I believe that they would be sterilized first until they're released back into the Reich. But since they've done good for the Reich then some exemptions could be presented and be released. Albeit their service records expunged and their denial of benefits. The fate of Herr Oppenheim is bound to be like that of his people."

"Death," Esdeath responded sternly. "The fate of his people is death isn't it?" Esdeath walks past Eichmann to pick up the medals and ranks torn off from Oppenheim. "I've known it since the beginning of my SS career in Bad Tölz and now when my unit was put on liquidation duty at the request of the Reichskommisariat Ostland and Reichskommisariat Ukraine against partisans." Esdeath stuffs the items in her tunic pocket. Eichmann's smile slowly turns into displeasure after seeing her pick up the items torn from Oppenheim's uniform.

"That is the reality we are living in, SS-Brigadeführerin," Eichmann follows Esdeath and stands by her side. "It is no use to hold onto mementos of a race that will be soon eliminated," Eichmann continues to walk until he reaches the SS staff car. "Until we see again, SS-Brigadeführerin." Eichmann and Kaltenbrunner both leave in the SS staff car leaving Esdeath to be alone. She looks around and sees a few from Oppenheim's squad. Many of them are fresh faces from different divisions or the SS training centers. Seeing their squad leader being called a jew, beaten, and humiliated, only to be taken away.

"Brigadeführerin," A man calls out to Esdeath."Why did they take SS-Scharführer Friedrich like that? He isn't a Jew, is he?" He continues to ask Esdeath. Stepping closer to Esdeath who continued to remain silent. She knew it had to be done to continue as she was in the SS. "Is or is he not?!" He asks once more in a sterner tone but Esdeath stares at him deathly in his eyes stepping back from her presence.

"Forget what you saw and return to what you were doing. We'll be pressing forward to Moscow soon." Esdeath turns and leaves after giving her final order returning back to the building with her men of the first troop at a loss of what had passed.

Thirty kilometers west of Smolensk, away from Esdeath's earshot. The truck carrying Weiner and the four mischling of the first degree takes a detour from the main path leading to an SS station. The truck stops and turns around to face the main path.

"Everyone step out, we'll be taking a short rest before reaching Germany. You five line up over there." The Hauptsturmführer gives out commands. Weiner and the others line up behind the trucks to stretch out their legs, Weiner brings up the topic of what they've witnessed. A pang of guilt floats their minds but the thought of Oppenheim humiliating himself in front of Esdeath overtakes them.

"I kind of feel awful for what SS-Scharführer Oppenheim went through," SS-Rottenführer Koch speaks first, pitying his former comrade and platoon leader. "It would've been more honorable for him to die with what dignity he had on the battlefield instead of being hauled like an animal." The SS-Rottenführer continued.

"So what, he's a Jew. If he wasn't caught who knows what further stain he would bring to the SS-Brigadeführerin and the 9th Eis. It was for the best for our division and people." SS-Sturmann Ardnt responded.

"Do not speak ill of him, Ardnt. Weren't you also picked out as a mischling of the first degree, how did you get in? I bet it is because of your Polish mother sucking off and bending over for an SS officer that you were allowed in. " SS-Rottenführer Koch retorts.

"Do not speak ill of my mother! Poles are above Jews. At the very least I am more proud to be a German than a Pole!" SS-Sturmann Ardnt responds quickly against Koch. "I've been suspicious when I first met Oppenheim. Now that the truth is out, Germany will strive, and even the SS-Brigadeführerin will soar to greater heights! It's best that he got beaten up like a dog! Perhaps they will shoot him like one too." Ardnt continued.

"Will you two stop fighting!" SS-Untersturmführer Weiner repimands the two. "Arguing over Oppenheim's status is the least of our worries," Weiner continues to reprimand but changes his tone. "Furthermore, he was the most loyal out of anyone. So keep your comments to yourselves," Weiner continued. He turns to face the rest of the SS who are looking at the five as if they were dead. He turns to face the trucks he sees a flap being opened up from the back. A dreaded feeling sinks to his core. But he knows what is bound to happen to him. "RUN!" Weiner cries out, turning in the opposite direction from the trucks. As Weiner cried out, the flaps behind one of the trucks revealed an MG-42 gunner. Opening fire at the fleeing five. All five are swiftly cut down as their escape is in vain. Taking out his Walther-P38 the Hauptsturmführer walks up to the five and places a bullet in each of their skulls.

"This one noticed immediately. How clever," The Hauptsturmführer comments as he looks down at Weiner, lying on his back bleeding out. "A shame that you are a mischling of the first degree. You would have been a good officer... if you weren't a mischling," The Hauptsturmführer uses his foot to nudge Weiner while he barely holds onto life. "You had your duties and I have mine. No difference." He fires a shot at Weiner's skull. "Dedress them and take their identification tags whole. We can blame this on some partisan group or something." The Hauptsturmführer further gives his order, leaving the five naked, dead, and identityless.