Operation Ganymede - 10. Chapter 10 - Preparations for Infiltration

The two "Jugends" sat on one of the steps of the manor’s porch, watching distractedly as the Pimpfes were still dealing with the Oberleutnant inside.

— "See, Eiseinmann? What did I tell you?"
— "I admit it! A mission, can you believe it?!"
— "Yeah, what luck!"
— "‘Luck,’ you say... Honen would go mad if he knew!"
— "Your squad leader?"
— "Yeah. A real bastard. Always putting himself forward as if we didn’t even exist, especially the younger ones like me."
— "I think I know who he is… but I didn’t know he was like that. Mine is still okay."
— "Well, either way, if there’s trouble, I’m always the one who gets blamed."
— "And yet, here you are, and you got chosen!"
— "I know… and deep down, I’m glad we’re together in this."
— "Haha, yeah… but tomorrow, we’ll be separated. The Oberleutnant clearly said: each of us with a Pimpf."

A brief silence settled. Then Eiseinmann resumed:

— "By the way, who would you rather be with?"
— "Meh… both seem fine. And you? Do you have a preference?"
— "Not really. I was just wondering…"

He paused before adding:

— "You know, when I did rallies with the Wandervogel, I always tried to pair up with those who knew the terrain well. That way, we’d save time."
— "Yeah, but here, we don’t even know where we’re going. Or what we’ll be doing."
— "True… Anyway, it’s a change from the usual games!"
— "It’s going to be awesome, I’m telling you."

Then, throwing an annoyed glance at the manor’s entrance:

— "Come on already! Are they reciting a sermon or what?!"

Ten Minutes Later

The two "Jugends" stood at attention in the Oberleutnant’s office, focused and eager to hear the next instructions.

— "At ease!"

They slightly spread their feet apart and clasped their hands behind their backs, eyes fixed on the officer who scrutinized them with sharp attention.

— "Your outfits… Mmm…"

He lingered on Klein, nodding slowly with apparent approval.

— "Not bad… You really look like a local kid. What are you wearing underneath?"

Klein blinked, caught off guard by the question.

— "Uh… under the shorts? My… my underwear, mein Oberleutnant."
— "The one you usually wear?"
— "Ja."
— "Nein!"

The Oberleutnant gestured toward the basket of old clothes they had already rummaged through earlier.

— "Look in there. I don’t want you wearing anything that could betray you. Your underwear is new, I assume?"
— "Uh… yes… well, from this year."
— "That confirms my thoughts. Find one that’s worn out. Even if it’s in bad shape, that’s even better."
— "Ja voll, mein Oberleutnant!"

The officer turned to Eiseinmann.

— "Your turn. What are you wearing underneath?"
— "The underwear I’ve had since the start of camp, mein Oberleutnant."

The Oberleutnant observed him for a moment before ordering:

— "For you, better to wear nothing under the shirt. If I recall correctly, the one I gave you is the same type as those worn even at night, isn’t it?"
— "Ja, mein Oberleutnant!"
— "Good. It will seem more natural this way."

He took two steps back, examining them critically before nodding.

— "Tomorrow, you will have a heavy responsibility. Not only must you successfully complete your mission, but you will also be responsible for your teammate’s life."

A heavy silence filled the room as he studied them one by one.

— "If any of you feel the burden is too much, now is the time to speak."

The boys exchanged a quick glance before returning their gaze to the officer.

— "Nein, mein Oberleutnant!"

A fleeting smile crossed the Oberleutnant’s face.

— "Perfekt."

He crossed his arms before announcing:

— "You will receive your orders tomorrow morning after breakfast. You may leave. Dinner is in half an hour. No need to change, except for what I asked you to adjust."

The boys saluted with discipline before leaving the room. As they closed the door behind them, a shiver of excitement and anticipation ran through Klein. What would happen tomorrow? A real mission… at last!