Berlin blood

Tielike was treated in the hospital for two weeks. After the last dressing, he was told that he was completely ready to return to normal life and now he did not need medical attention. And indeed, Tilike is covered in scars, burgundy and lilac because the wounds have just healed. His stitches were removed, his hand, which was now missing two fingers, was bandaged, and he was sent to headquarters for distribution. Thielick did not think that he would be able to continue his service, in the depths of his soul he hoped that he would be sent to the reserve, sent to hell and he would not return, however, to his surprise, he was informed that he was now the adjutant of the still unknown Oberfuhrer Gotter Meir. However, it’s better than nothing. The only thing they told him was that he was a man of unique views and Tilika was very lucky. And they told me to hold on to this place. Thielike, driving past the lush alleys and beautiful fields that stretched to the right and left of him, tried to make out the house. He has never been to such richly furnished houses of high-ranking officials, he is nervous and does not know what to expect. Now he is not a tanker, he is an adjutant and has no idea what his duties are. However, Tilike relies on fate, because he knows: if you cannot influence the situation in any way, then throw it to the will of fate and then it will show the right direction. “The Oberfuehrer is waiting for you,” a polite man at the entrance to the house, opening the door, led him to the living room, where his immediate superior was now located. The living room is richly decorated and it is clear that the house passed into the hands of the owner by inheritance. Around the paintings, which apparently depict famous commanders and generals, from whose family the colonel came, awards and orders hang on the wall, victories and honor emanate from everywhere. The sofa on which the man sits is leather, like all the furniture, the walls are painted beige, and the ceiling is painted with elaborate frescoes. The only lamp in the room, standing somewhere in the corner, barely illuminates the walls, but its light is enough to see the man’s face. “Mister, Tilike Schlosser has come to see you, he…” the man doesn’t have time to finish. “Yes, my new adjutant, I’m aware,” the man turns, gets up from his chair and, smoking his pipe, looks straight at the guy standing in front of him. Tielike is embarrassed under the imperious gaze, but only for a minute. He raises his eyes to look at his boss’s face. They stand for about two minutes, studying each other. Power and authority emanate from the Oberführer, and Thielicke feels his inferiority, but pushes it away. “I like you,” the man says in conclusion. He gestures for the butler to leave, and he invites Thielike to take a walk in the garden to discuss work and responsibilities. They walk slowly. Gotter understands that it’s clearly new for the guy to be someone’s assistant, he’s only from the front. Therefore, he is in no hurry to attack him with questions, and decides to start by simply finding out who is in front of him. In truth, when August came to him with a request to take a boy from the front line as his assistant, Gotter did not want to agree, citing various arguments, ranging from “he is young” to “I can handle it myself.” However, looking at his case, he realized that this was the young man he needed. Fresh from the front, which means he understands what war is. Wounded means he won’t be sent to the front line, as they could have done. Young means he can do a lot of work. And most importantly, he has absolutely nothing — no family, no friends, no girlfriend, as Gotter thought, which means he won’t be able to betray him and he has nowhere to go. An ideal option for him. — Tilike, tell me, why tanks? Why did you become a tanker? Not into infantry, not into snipers, but into tank crews,” Gotter begins very carefully, so as not to inadvertently make the guy emotional, knowing that he is not in the best psychological state right now. “Unfortunately, you won’t get a clear answer from me, since even I myself don’t know why.” Probably because in the tank you feel like in a cocoon. Being in it, you understand that you are protected by something. And if things are really bad, then you can at least hide,” Thilike answers timidly and uncertainly, not knowing what kind of answer is required from him. — Quite a good answer for a young man your age. I read your story and I’m sorry that your career as a tanker ended at its very dawn. However, know that the work of an adjutant at first glance seems boring, especially in comparison with battles; I myself once went through this, having received the rank of Oberführer, I could not come to terms with the paperwork. However, it’s not all bad. “Don’t worry, I don’t find the work of an adjutant so boring.” Tell me about the responsibilities that I have to perform, I don’t know anything about this job and I hope you can help me. “Okay, I like your zeal, it’s commendable.” You will accompany me on trips, draw up schedules, personal errands, and all documents that come to me. Whether they are letters or reports, they must first pass through you. You will also be my confidant, sometimes you will train and monitor the cadets who were assigned to me. And you will also partly perform the role of the driver,” Thielike was amazed, he did not expect so much work, imagining that the adjutant’s job was to bring coffee in the morning. But, as the Oberführer said, the reality is not so bad. — Okay, then tell me, can I start work tomorrow? — the man turned around and looked him up and down. — Are you from Berlin? — the question took Thilike by surprise. “What does this even have to do with it?” — the guy thought, frozen for a minute. — No, I’m from Stuttgart. To tell the truth, I don’t know the city very well…” the guy didn’t have time to finish, he was interrupted. “Then your service will begin tomorrow.” Today you will need to get a uniform and a car, and also know the rough layout of the city. Tomorrow I will be waiting for you here at 8:30. Till tomorrow! — the man said, turned around one hundred and eighty degrees and walked towards the house. Tilika only managed to say a short “yes” after him. Thielike looked at the retreating figure of the colonel and grinned. Yes, the reality is not that bad. Maybe he will be able to contact Hilda or find out something about her. She couldn’t just disappear like that. Thilike sighed and walked along the trees.