Vol 1 Chapter 2 (2/2)
“…”
“Although I cannot tell if that pilot’s words are true… The circumstances of her rescue seem to match your report”
Theodor wanted to sigh Being thought of as a “savior” strongly disgusted him
“One last thing Considering the burden on her psyche, we have omitted the fact that the main force of her company was completely destroyed Take care not to let it leak out in your words That is all for now” With that, Gretel closed the notebook “She responded quite readily to casual questions, though she did not divulge any internal infor the Bundeswehr”
“Then the possibility of her being a spy is…?”
“We are continuing the investigation into her background”
Theodor silently nodded in understanding The DDR would get their own spies in the West to check on the background of possible spies “But, well, how should I put this…?” Gretel added with amazed disbelief “If that person really is a spy, then they must think that we are total idiots”
“What…?”
“Followthis only at the insistence of Comrade Hauptmann Understand that under normal circumstances you would not be allowed to show your face”
It’s not like I wanted to showthose words, Theodor passed through the door
In the sickrooe ponytail sat in paja on a chair beside her and talking to her with a voice recorder at her side
Theodor ran his eyes over the girl’s body thoughtfully There didn’t see with her condition, he decided
“Ah, are you…!” As soon as she saw Theodor’s face, Katia leaped to her feet Nervousness, exciteether in the expression on her child-like face “Erm, are you, Unterleutnant Theodor Eberbach…?”
“…I alance at Irisdina
“Ah, th- thank you veryhis right hand with both hands
“…Geh!”
“I heard that Theodor-san was the one who saved me from the BETA! It’s thanks to Theodor-san that I’m alive now…!”
Theodor felt like soently hold his hand, no longer existed –Only that person was allowed to do so!
“Don’t touch me!”
“Ah…!”
Theodor yanked his hand away from her After a ht in her eyes dulled She bowed her head in apology
“Ah, I’m… I’m sorry…”
“…”
“But, I was just so anxious to thank you…”
Theodor looked away as he tried not to click his tongue He still felt the pain with every beat of his heart Taking a deep breath, Theodor looked around for so to cover up his actions
“Hey, do you plan to thank everybody who rescues you on the battlefield in this way?” Hearing hiain She replied in a passionate voice
“Yes! It’s only natural that I should say thanks since my life was saved!”
Feeling a headache growing, Theodor pulled up a nearby chair Gretel shot him a look, as if to say, “See what I reeive her an explanation about our squadron,” Irisdina cut in, as if nothing had happened
“Comrade Hauptmann! Information about our squadron would clearly be classified ence!” Gretel immediately exploded Irisdina replied in a conciliatory tone
“I’s that are covered on the TV and newspapers”
“Tch…!”
“The 666th TSF Squadron, they should have heard of us in the West as well— Isn’t that right, Unterleutnant Waldheim?”
Katia nodded quietly as she sat back down on the bed
“Yes, I’ve heard of you Using the MiG-21, the strongest TSF squadron in the NVA, having killed more BETA than any other unit in the whole of Europe…”
Irisdina s an eyebrow at them
‘…Huh?! You’re going to raise the question…?’
“By the way, Wal—”
“Erm, excuse me! I’d like to ask a favor of everyone!” Katia suddenly raised her voice, cutting Irisdina off in h Irisdina was entle reply
“Please feel free to ask The Unterleutnant is our guest As long as you are on this base, ill do our best to make you comfortable”
“Erm, I know this request may sound extremely unreasonable, but…” Katia took a deep breath “P- please let me join your squadron!”
“…!!” Theodor couldn’t believe his ears His mind refused to understand What Katia just said was totally beyond his iination The other tere the saape, and Irisdina had an expression of disbelief
Not noticing the three’s expressions, Katia continued to pour out her heart
“I’ll do iveyou…!”
“Comrade Hauptmann! Just what did you say to this kid when I wasn’t around?!” Gretel shouted furiously “Are youto say…?!”
“…This girl is speaking on her own You can check the tape recorder later to confir by her perplexed expression, it didn’t seem to be an act
‘What’s going on…?’ Theodor thought as his head spun ‘What’s this person saying? We haven’t even asked the question yet, have we?’
“Could you let us hear why?” Irisdina asked her, giving Katia an intent look “What you just said has a significantand the coht with, in order to join us? You h”
Katia was silent for a entle smile
“I’ve wanted to knowtime, what kind of place it is, what kind of people live there… I alanted to visit it someday To make friends in East Germany if I could…”
“…”
“A- actually, to be honest I was bullied as hen I was in West Germany… Ahahaha…”
Theodor’s face grew strained as incos welled up in him
‘This damned country, what could be attractive about it…?’
“…Comrade Oberleutnant What do you think?”
“Do you truly trust this person, ould defect for such a thoughtless reason?!”
“Whatever her motive is, it’s a fact that we’re short of manpower Thus, this is an offer we can’t refuse So far I have thought it necessary to turn a blind eye to the minor details in order to accomplished our main purposes Or could it be that you’re not confident in your ability to provide political guidance, Comrade Oberleutnant?”
“Tch…!” Wearing a thoughtful expression, Gretel re to convince herself “…I understand, Comrade Hauptmann Humph, as expected of a selfish capitalist Very well, let’s take advantage of her offer” Gretel turned to Katia to confirm her resolution “Let us confirm this then Unterleutnant Waldheim, do you wish to defect to the Geriance to our Fatherland, the Party and the Army?”
“…!”
“The moment I accept your defection, you will become a DDR citizen temporarily under my custody and responsibility, and you will be under the cohts as a citizen of West Germany will be immediately revoked Furthermore, as an officer, it would not be unreasonable for you to be shot dead should you be caught trying to escape If you are found to be a spy by others around you, you can also be executed Naturally, we still have our doubts about you You will need to show constant effort in order to gain our trust Do you agree to that?”
Katia stiffened up, feeling the pressure froh she hesitated for a moment, Katia replied in a loud and clear voice, as if to challenge so
“Yes, that’s correct I, Katia Waldheim, request to defect”
Hearing that, Theodor felt as if he had lost touch with reality Despite the unexpected development, the end result was as Irisdina desired, with the addition of this pilot into their ranks And so quickly as well…
‘Even if it wasn’t a sure thing, for Irisdina’s guess to be so accurate…’ Theodor turned his gaze to Katia She must have hardened her resolve fully tohold of the sheets tightly, she stared at the floor, awaiting the response
“Unterleutnant Katia Waldheim, as of now you are a reserve personnel of the 666th Tactical Surface Fighter Squadron, Schwarzesht hand Realizing the htly with a smile across her face
“Yes! Thank you very much!”
“In our squadron, we’re always short of pilots Therefore I would like to assign you as a pilot Is that acceptable?”
“Yes! I will do my best to work hard!”
“An excellent reply” Irisdina gave a ht that it was another act
“Coh this may be sudden, could you complete all the necessary official procedures by tomorrow? Under the present state of alert, it wouldn’t be surprising if ere ordered to sortie at anytime”
“I’ll ements Under my authority, her defection and temporary incorporation into the squadron can be accepted immediately at least” Gretel wearily lowered her shoulders as she resigned herself “Usually the official acceptance of defection and admission into the squadron would take about one otiate with the Departement at political headquarters to have it completed within a week I have a classmate there”
“Many thanks”
“Hu the BETA isn’t the only duty a commissar has”
“E-ExcuseI wanted to ask…” Katia tried to ask Gretel
“What, Corabbed Katia’s collar with her right hand
“Ha, hauu…!”
“You have some nerve to speak to me without permission Are you aware that I can send you to a forced labor camp at my discretion?”
“Ehh…? But—”
“Co childish!+” Irisdina sharply ordered Gretel to back down “She will soon become a comrade-in-arms whom you will have to entrust your life to Treat her a little ently It will take the Unterleutnant some time to become familiar with the hierarchy of our army”
“…You’re too lenient, Co Irisdina a stern glare, Gretel let go of Katia’s collar “So, what is it you wish to ask ofa little, Katia timidly asked her question
“E-erm… About the fact that I have become a pilot in the East, will the West be notified…?”
“…As a general rule, we have no obligation to inform them Therefore it is quite likely that you will be recorded as MIA (Missing in Action) by the Bundeswehr”
“…”
“Isn’t that good? This way, you won’t be considered a traitor by the pilots in the West”
“I, I understand”
“Also, you will addressto be working together as comrades, supposedly I will conduct your political indoctrination together with the transfer procedures” With that, Gretel spun on her heel andsharply as she left the sickroom
“Er to annoy that person…?” Katia asked Irisdina tearfully Irisdina gave a sigh before replying
“That’s the couidance and personnel assignments of the squadron’s pilots”
“Commissar…”
“In the Bundeswehr, you have a ht? I believe that they perfore of the idea so “Therefore, it cannot be helped that she’s more sensitive compared to others in her speech and conduct towards the pilots Should political problems occur in the squadron, she’ll be the one held responsible The reason she treated you so severely is because you’re from the West, and she doesn’t knohat extent you can be trusted yet Please understand”
“Okay…”
“Well then, Unterleutnant Waldheie the mood “Let’s talk about the future now Firstly, how do you feel? Are you in good health?”
“Yes! Thanks to you, I’m as healthy as a fish in water!” Katia nodded happily Theodor could only feel his mood darken when faced with that pure and sincere smile
“In that case, though this is sudden, I would like you to get familiarized with the base, complete the adjustments of your new fortified suit, and practice on the simulator”
“Erm, my fortified suit…”
“I’m sorry but that has been confiscated Since you wished to join us, the Bundeswehr fortified suit that you wore is now the property of the NVA”
“…”
“That being said, half the reason is for the sake of for is incompatible with the systems in our army Understood?”
“Yes, I understand now!”
“I’ve already left ith the ar”
“Understood! Erm, then, about my F-4…”
“Ah, you s that were in the control unit? No need to worry, I’ on to it for now I checked the contents just to be sure, but there wasn’t anything suspicious in it I’ll return it once things have settled down”
“Ah, thank you very much!”
“Then, for the familiarization of the base, adjustment of the fortified suit, and your duties in the squadron, you’ll be under the guidance of Unterleutnant Theodor Eberbach”
“Yes, I understand!”
“W-what did you say?!” Theodor shouted upon hearing that, his eyes ith surprise “I was never told about this! Why should I have to take care of her?!” “Is that so? The other day, didn’t you say that you’ll cooperate with me on this?”
“Tch…!”
“Unterleutnant Theodor Eberbach is an outstanding pilot with three years of experience in the Arh opinion of him”
Theodor’s ape, theblood to rush to his head
“However, as you saw just now, he has a somewhat shy personality You can tell from the fact that he rescued you before that he’s not a bad person Since he’s the youngest in the squadron, you should find him easier to talk to”
“Is that so?” Katia gave Theodor a look of respect, and bowed her head slightly “I’m sorry that I was impolite just now! Please take care of me from now on, Theodor-san!”
“…Un- understood…” Theodor barely ed to eke out an answer, his blood vessels at the bursting point from fury Irisdina nodded with a pleased expression
“Well then, I’ll leave the rest to you, Unterleutnant Eberbach I have to attend a strategyat headquarters with Walter now, and I won’t be back until late at night I trust that you will not disappoint ht?”
“Tch I understand…”
“A good response” With that, Irisdina lightly patted Theodor on the shoulder and left the room
‘I have to look after this kid…?’ Theodor clenched both fists tightly, glaring with hatred at Irisdina’s back ‘Why, why do I have to do this…?!’ Behind him, Katia stared at Theodor’s back, aon her face
++The German Democratic Republic
++District of Cottbus, Cottbus military base
Cottbus base was once an old fighter plane airbase used by the Soviets before it was taken over by the NVA It was no bigger and had no better facilities coh it was s features would be the 2,000runway it had
Theodor was showing Katia around the base as per Irisdina’s orders Officially, the squadron was a rapid response reserve unit under the direct command of the Eastern Front General Headquarters, with no permanent base However, this time they had been stationed at Cottbus base for nearly a month now
“…”
“…”
There was an aard silence between the two At the beginning of the familiarization, Katia would say, “The base’s ~!” and, “Oh, there are cats at the base too! Which do you like Theodor-san, cats or dogs?” in one-sided conversations But as Theodor ignored her corew silent as well, and for the past thirty minutes, they only spoke when necessary
‘This person, does she even think before she speaks…?’
“Ouch! I-I’m sorry!” ca behind, see with a click of his tongue He wasn’t particularly worried about what happened, just that if she were to becos become troublesome With uncertain steps, Katia avoided the crowd, and rushed towards Theodor’s back
“Ernored it, continuing to walk “Theodor-san, you seem to be very upset…”
“…”
“I’ve always been told by others, ‘you can’t read the atet it, as usual…”
“…”
“I, did I do sory…?”
Theodor let out a sigh
“It’s nothing, I’ry”
“That’s a lie! Theodor-san is angry! If I’ve done soize! But if you act like that without telling me why, I won’t knohat to do…!” ‘da his resentment, Theodor looked at Katia
“First of all, don’t address me so familiarly Call me Eberbach No need for rank”
“…B-but, since we are of the same rank, so that we can become friends, isn’t this way better…?”
“Is our relationshi+p close enough that you can call me by name?”
“…Auu~…”
“And secondly, don’t treatorders On the battlefield, helping so…” Theodor faltered at the end
“That isn’t so!” Katia turned aith a lonely look in her eyes “…After all, Theodor-san, you’re the first one who risked his life in order to rescue me…”
“…Eberbach”
“Ah…! S-sorry!”
“…Third, don’t bother trying to get close to me”
“Ehh-? Why…?”
“Because I don’t like it”
“…”
“You can go play the friendshi+p game with the other pilots Just leave me out of it”
“Th- that won’t do!”
“Tch…!”
“Th- Eberbach-san, you not only saved my life, but you also have to take care of me now You’re someone that’s important toto fight together, it’s better if we know each other!”
Theodor pressed his lips into a thin line It was obvious that his blood was boiling all over
‘Saying such things, doesn’t she realize howme…?!’
However, the next words out of Katia’s mouth, made Theodor turn pale…
“I’m a pilot from the West, and Eberbach-san is a pilot as well froet to know each other better, we can surely get along well! There’s no such thing as East or West when fighting the BETA!”
Theodor stopped breathing—more than that, all the blood drained from his face in an instant
‘What, the hell is she saying…?!’
The next thing he knew, the surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly The nearby soldiers all froze in their tracks, staring at them coldly Fear, bewilderment, displeasure… and suspicion, could be seen in their eyes If there was a Stasi inforst them, they would definitely report this After all, the suspects had just declared themselves to be enemies of the Party and the Fatherland—in other words, prey
Theodor’s body started to throb with i frayed off—ation and torture he received three years ago That ti him out, he saw hell
In thean expression of innocent confusion, had only just started to sense the hostility around them
“Ehh…? What’s going on…?”
“Oi, you—!”a harsh voice called—from one of the duty officers orked at the base headquarters Theodor sucked in a breath and straightaway grabbed hold of Katia’s arm
“I’ with her head!”
“W-what’s wrong with my head—?!”
“I’uidance, so there’s no problem!”
“You bastard, what are you saying…?!”
“And so with that, please excuse me!”
“Eh…?!”
Theodor grabbed Katia’s arm and ran away at full speed In his panic, he couldn’t think of anything else but to escape The next place they headed to was the hangar—where they would receive the fortified suit
At the hangar entrance, Theodor gasped for air His heart was beating so hard that he couldn’t even speak
“Wh…as that… just now…?” Katia painfully asked in between breaths, sinking to the floor “Did…did I say… soe…?”
Beyond the anger, Theodor could only feel shock What had just happened was enough to turn the attention of the Stasi towards them Rumors would spread instantly as well, and Gretel would be sure to hear of it Theodor felt as if he were rapidly driven into a corner
“Erm, Eberbach-san…?” Katia anxiously asked Theodor, who had fallen silent even after he had caught his breath He took several e to slap her face grew
“There’s onethat you should know…” he told her as his stoain…”
“N-no matter what?”
“Never”
“…Is that such a bad thing for me to make friends with Eberbach-san, and for the people in the East and West to get along in order to fight the BETA?!” “Tch…! What did I say about saying such things…?!”
“I don’t get it! Please tell me why!”
“…That’s enough” Theodor let out a deep sigh He had not given up on persuading Katia It was just that this wasn’t a good place to continue that dangerous conversation Therethe mechanics there would definitely be someone who reports to the Stasi “Anyway, let’s talk about this later You have to get familiarized with the MiG-21 by the end of today, understood?” Katia reluctantly nodded her head “Then followaround the hangar for the maintenance chief
◊ ◊ ◊
Inside the hangar’s fortified suit storage locker room, Katia put on the East German fortified suit she’d just received and stood in front of theherself over as she turned this way and that “It certainly is the same type as the West… The only difference is in the color…” Katia spun delightedly in front of the mirror “The size is also a perfect fit for me!” Theodor watched her coldly; she seemed happy for some reason
‘It was taken and altered froht As proof of that, countless repair iven to Katia Nothat was newly ordered
“Then, try out another one It would be aard if you don’t have a spare when this one starts to stink because you peed yourself”
“W-when I peed myself…?!”
“Yup, I heard about your first battle…”
Katia tearfully went back into the locker rooh
“That’s a rather peculiar girl you got there, son,” a loud, brassy voice rang out from nearby “I heard about it indirectly froht she would come”
Turning his head, Theodor saw athere in oil-stained coveralls Even though he was over sixty years of age, his still had an aura of vitality bursting from his body Oberleutnant Otto Strauss, the maintenance chief of the 666th TSF squadron One of the squadron’s veterans, he was the e family with more than two hundred members It seemed that he had been an associate of Irisdina’s frouard action at Poland His tradeht eye, which he’d lost during a maintenance accident
“I feel the same way, Chief,” Theodor nodded without reserve Otto was one of the few people in the squadron in whom he felt he could place his trust He had no interest in political h the final years of World War II as aveterans Back when TSFs were first being introduc
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