Vol 4 Chapter 2 (1/2)
Chapter 2
“Haha, this is too much. It suits you too well, haha!”
Lieutenant Colonel Harron was laughing so loudly, gasping for breath as he clenched his stomach.
“What’s so funny? We are not the same, yet you laugh at me? Hmph, General, you should at least stop Lieutenant Colonel Harron from continuing to mock me.”
Major Sanders, the commander of the 38th Reconnaissance Battalion, said angrily to Xu Jun.
Because of his outstanding performance during the French campaign, Sanders was promoted to Major. The two commanders had formed a deep friends.h.i.+p as the Reconnaissance Battalion reported directly to Harron’s 25th Panzer Regiment. But now he was wearing the Army uniform of a corporal.
“Haha, that’s ridiculous. Weren’t you once a corporal? Harron proudly showed off his new uniform to Sanders.
“Oh, come on. I really miss those days of being a second lieutenant. Those were some really carefree times. I was fearless, as if the whole world was under my feet. Haha, re-wearing this uniform makes me feel a lot younger.”
Both Harron and Muller perhaps spent too much time around those older officers. Both of them adapted to the strict and tense environment. Becoming the stereotyped experts of tank warfare. This was a rare chance for Harron to show his more cheerful side.
“Yeah, I remember back when I was a second lieutenant… Good times.” Muller said as he walked into the room. Also dressed in a second lieutenant uniform.
“Oh, Colonel Muller, are you nostalgic? Surely, you would fondly remember your days as a corporal. I’m sure you can experience some more sentimental memories if you switch your uniform with mine.”
Sanders cast a glance towards Xu Jun. However, the General was still feigning ignorance as Hans helped him put on his uniform.
“Step aside … Corporal Sanders. I became a Warrant Officer directly after graduating from the military academy. So, I did not have the experience of being a mere corporal. Muller smirked as he walked past Sanders.
“But, but I also started out as a warrant officer!”
“Now pay attention to your actions. You need to understand the General’s painstaking efforts.”
Colonel Dorgen walked in, but he was not addressing poor Sanders. Instead, Randolph that was following behind him. Dorgen was wearing a uniform of a Waffen SS lieutenant. Randolph was dressed similarly but with a helmet and an ordinary uniform.
“Well, I think I should explain why I’m having everyone dress the way they are.” Xu Jun finally turned around. Showing off his uniform of an Army captain.
“Hans, get the other officers here too. I will give you all a talk about the details of our holiday vacation.”
“Yes, General.”
After a moment, the officers of the Cerberus Corps all crowded into the room. But instead of their usual uniforms, they all wore new ones. The mid-level officers soon became sergeants and others, low-level soldiers. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter as the officers joked with each other.
“Alright, everyone quiet down.”
Xu Jun waited a few moments before giving a quick cough. Silencing the entire room as all eyes became locked on him.
“I already said this on the plane. This holiday leave is my request to the Fuhrer. This was an opportunity for you all to spend it as you see fit. You officers could have returned home to your families. There is no obligation to spend it with me. And so, you are the group that volunteered to be with me. For that, I am very grateful. Especially Colonel Muller and Colonel Hans. I have been very moved by their dedication to be apart from their families to follow me here.”
“Do not say that, General. It is my re
sponsibility as an adjutant to follow you anywhere you go.”
“Yes, it is my duty as deputy commander to follow you even in peacetime.”
“We came here voluntarily. Your safety can only be guaranteed if we came as well. You are the most valuable a.s.set to Germany; any harm to you cannot be tolerated.”
“Yes, Lieutenant Siegel is right.”
“Yes, maybe we can learn something by following the General.” Those officers started to speak out.
“Since everyone has stated so, I feel relieved. As I said earlier, this time is very precious. Everyone has been tired fighting b.l.o.o.d.y battles on the front. Now that we have time to rest, of course, it cannot be wasted right?”
“Yes, General.” Everyone nodded in agreement.
“If we went to Berlin, we may very well enjoy ourselves. But we would also be surrounded by our admirers. I would not like my holiday to be spoiled by constant banquets with officials and politicians. So long as we stay in Germany, there will be no end to the hara.s.sment. Rather, it’s a bit embarra.s.sed to say no to them. Especially, when you see the looks of admiration they have towards you…
As a result, I came up with this solution. I would disguise myself and come to this place away from Germany and have a peaceful break. And since you’ve decided to go with me on vacation, I certainly have to disguise you as well. Otherwise, if five colonels, five lieutenant colonels, and more than a dozen captains suddenly appeared on the streets of Warsaw, it would create a mess.
You also know how good the noses of the Gestapo are. My vacation cannot be allowed to be ruined by those guys. My current whereabouts are only known to the Fuhrer and the heads of the SS. Even Army high command has no idea where I went. We are currently in the Luftwaffe base near Warsaw. The base commander has been giving absolute orders to not reveal my arrival.
Now, we also need to pay attention to our new ident.i.ties. We are lower-level regiment officers transferred from Germany for a holiday leave. The uniformed soldiers are to be our guards. We are affiliated with the 10th Corps of the Army. Wait a few minutes and I will give everyone a new set of identification doc.u.ments. Once we leave the room, we can gather some weapons from the warehouse outside. Of course, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble, you have to bring your real doc.u.ments as well. I’ve arranged with the best hotel in Warsaw. The luggage will soon be delivered from the Luftwaffe base. Do you have any questions?”