The old Mercedes bus bounced along the road, swerving back and forth along the hilly terrain. The driver kept focused on the road before him and didn’t care one whit about passenger comfort. Already someone had gotten motion sickness. Petyr had noticed that there were aircraft overhead, and hoped they were ours. There were twenty people in the bus which was designed to carry thirty. It meant some could stretch out between the seats. Petyr kept beside the window and simply watched the scenery go by.
Master Sergeant Ricks got up from his seat at the front of the bus and began walking along the isle. It was difficult, mainly because the bus was swerving, but also because his legs just didn’t function like real ones. Ricks was used to having to improvise with them. He prided himself for being able to still outrun or outfight some of the best in the Army.
As he walked down the center aisle, Ricks could see some of the people were scared to death. He wasn’t sure if it was the driving or because they were getting so close to the front again. A few were talking with friends, some were trying to read, and others seemed to stare straight ahead. He noticed Petyr looking out the window and sat in the seat beside him.
“Getting used to your new rank?” Ricks asked.
Petyr smiled and reached over instinctively to rub the insignia. “I still can’t understand why this is happening so fast. I didn’t expect it,” he said with a blush.
Ricks chuckled. “Yea, but in a war we have to recognize talent a little faster than in peacetime. You’re good at what you do, Pete. Don’t worry about it, just keep doing what you’re doing,” he said. “Everything else okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s all been so rapid I guess I’m a little tired. Being home helps some. I remember this area of Poland. My family used to come camping here,” he said wistfully. Then he turned to Ricks. “Can you tell me what this move is about? All I know is we got thrown into this bus and told we were going back to Poland.”
Ricks sat back in his seat and shrugged his shoulders. “From what I make out, they are forming a new drone section. Evidently there is a new version we will be using where we can fly during daylight hours. I’m told it will have a range of about twenty five miles and can carry more ammunition. I’m sure they dreamed up a few more bells and whistles, but I guess we’ll hear more about that later. They are taking us to some place called Zabierzow. We’ll find out more when we get there,” he said.
With the name of the town, Petyr sat up. “Zabierzow? That’s just outside of Krakow!” he exclaimed.
“Really,” said Ricks. “I didn’t know that, but it makes sense. After Krakow fell to the Russians, I guess they will want it back. If these things work like I hear, we could help out a lot in that effort.”
Petyr sat back with a smile on his face. Home. They were going to be near his family and near Freda. Maybe he could at least use his drone to see that they were safe. “Maybe I could see my family,” he almost whispered.
Ricks saw the change in the boy. Petyr was much like he was when he joined the army. At first he was kind of lost, but after a while he got on mission and did his job. True, Petyr was better than most of the young men and women in the unit, but he still had a way to go. He couldn’t let something get in the way of the job they were doing. “Pete, you know we can’t use the equipment for personal visits with your family. If we did, there wouldn’t be any left for fighting. Just be patient. We are probably going to be in every section of the city. You’ll get the chance,” he said with a grin.
Petyr nodded. “Oh, I know, but it would be nice. Besides, then you’d get the chance to see my girl,” he said sheepishly.
“Wouldn’t miss it. Now tell me a little bit more about Krakow and how we might be able to get in,” he said. The rest of the trip was filled with information, planning and a growing friendship.
It was a little frustrating. Here he was, the Supreme Allied Commander and could not leave his military compound. All he wanted to do was go out in the city, have a nice meal and see a little bit of one of the most exciting cities in the world. But his security people said no. He was now a target and they couldn’t know all the spies and agents running around the city. He sat in a windowless apartment set up deep within the military headquarters compound near the suburb of Potsdam. It was a nice apartment, but it wasn’t something he wanted to live in for a few years. It was more like one of those sterile medical facilities you would see in the movies when there was a disease outbreak. Hammond was certain that the overhead lights would give him cancer.
Many would think the situation was pretty good. All he had to do was pick up the phone and almost anything would be brought in to him, from steak to lobster. But what Hammond craved was simple company away from his work. “Screw this,” he said to himself. He went to his closet and took out civilian clothes. If they can’t handle it, it’s their problem, he thought to himself. Putting on slacks and a shirt with a woolen sweater, he was about to call for his driver when there was a knock on the door. He was surprised to see General Moynahan standing there in his own civilian attire.
“Wanna date?” he asked with a grin.
Hammond laughed. “Looks like you and I have the same needs.”
“You bet. My people said no, but I’m the CO and I said yes. What do you say?” Moynahan asked.
“I say let’s go. Want me to call my driver?” Hammond asked.
“No, I have a car. I heard about a place that has seafood to die for. The GPS is plugged in and working. I think it’s time we escaped,” said Moynahan.
“I’m your man,” said Hammond.
The two men went out and jumped in the car. Hammond informed the guard where they were going and that if they wanted to come along, great, but don’t let him see them. The two jumped into a white Mercedes with a driver and swooped out the drive and down the street. Almost immediately Hammond began to relax. The city was teaming with people going back and forth. Shops were open and they passed several small beer halls overflowing with people.
After about ten minutes, the GPS told the men they had arrived. The Atlantik Fischrestaurant was on Potsdamer Strasse sitting almost right on the street. The driver pulled up and let the men off right in front. At first glance, it didn’t look much like any fine restaurant, but the outdoor covered eating area was packed. Moynahan led Hammond into the front doors and saw a gentleman who introduced himself as Mr. Yenel. “I called ahead and asked for a small table for two. The name was Albert,” Moynahan said.
Yenel smiled. “You are just in time. Although I thought…” His face suddenly changed to recognition as he saw Hammond. “Perhaps I better place you around the corner where you will be a little more private,” he said. Yenel led the men around the corner to a small table with two chairs. From there, they could enjoy the atmosphere without attracting much attention. After seating the men he leaned in to Hammond. “It is an honor to have you with us, Admiral. I hope you can enjoy your meal,” he said in a low voice.
Hammond smiled and shook the man’s hand. “Thanks, Mr. Yenel. I appreciate your help. Just being here is making me feel relaxed,” he said.
Yenel beamed with pride. “Is there something you were particularly interested in,” he asked.
Moynahan handed back the menus. Mr. Yenel, we would like to leave the meal to you for tonight. I think we would like a good German beer, then we can order wine later if we want,” he said.
Yenel grinned. “I hope you are hungry. I will bring your beer out in a minute. Let me know if you need anything,” he said before dashing away.
Hammond took a better look at the place. Though worn slightly, everything was neat and trim. The food at the other tables looked amazing and the others in the restaurant were all having a marvelous time. He leaned over to Moynahan. “Good choice,” he called out over the noise of the crowd.