Difference between revisions of "The Hansa Way"

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'''OUTLINE'''
 
'''OUTLINE'''
  
''Spring of 1945: The German army, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorched_earth Scorched earth] Northern Finland during its retreat to Norway, leaving a desolated land behind. [[Elisabet]], pregnant from German Navy sailor, is now an outcast in her home country. In hopes of finding her lost lover, she sets sail on a journey with her new born daughter, hopping from fishing trawlers to reallocated U-Boats and cargo ships along the Hansa route leading her from Helsinki to Danzig. She is finally evacuated to Lübeck along with thousands of ethic Germans expelled from Soviet controlled Poland.
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''
  
''[[Elisabet]] is delivering her baby daughter as the radio announces that the German Army has retreated to Norway. Amidst the celebration that follows, she is being pressured by her family not to divulge the identity of the baby's father. Not wanting to bear such a burden on her daughter and yearning to find her lover upon hearing about Hitler's death a few days later, she talks to Red Cross personnel stationed at the hospital who assist her in tracking the father's family in Danzig. In the disarray that follows the German capitulation and with no way to communicate via mail or telegraph, she embarks on a fishing boat hoping to reach Soviet controlled Estonia.
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[[U-3955|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[The Chengdu Concubine|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
  
''Elisabet heard about the massive evacuation of German troops and civilians from the Baltic countries. Only experiences fishermen can navigate the dangerous waters along the "mine net" laid between Helsinki and Tallinn. Elisabet boards an Estonian fishing trawler at night.
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{{
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#display_map: 55.06067, 15.13237 ; 54.3772259, 18.6566258; 53.8761318, 10.687912
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|zoom=7
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====U-3955====
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A minimal crew operates the speeding submarine as an eerie silence in only intermittently broken by Marie's music box which resonates throughout the compartments where men are lying down, eyes wide opened.
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====BALTIC SEA, 3 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF NEXØ, BORNHOLM ISLAND, MAY 7-8, 1945, NIGHT====
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[[File:VonDornbuschBisSchoplin.png|thumb|right|480px|Bornholm Island Seabed Map]]
  
[[Bonnie & Clyde|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[The Chengdu Concubine|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
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After a 15 hour submerged journey at full steam from Fårö, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_snorkel snorkel] of U-3955 emerges 3 Nautical Miles off Nexø, on the still German controlled island of Bornholm, Denmark. The inflow of fresh oxygen revives the sleepy crew. The Navigator is first to peak through the periscope. The small town is ablaze and bombs keep falling from the sky.
  
{{
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-Shit! I don't know what this is but it sure doesn't look like peace. Take a look Commander.
#display_map:60.1811287, 24.9738194; 59.764922, 25.0288039; 57.960573, 19.3508766 ; 54.3772259, 18.6566258; 53.8761318, 10.687912
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The Commander grabs the periscope and orders the Radioman.
| layers=osm-mapnik, osm-cyclemap
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-Radioman... Get High Command in Rønne. See what's happening. Whoever is on it, it doesn't look like they're only targeting the port. The whole town is on fire.
}}
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The Radioman starts setting rotors on the Enigma as the Commander approaches.
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-Forget about the code... Get them on the Radio.
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The Radioman scans the frequency dial.
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-This is U-3955, I repeat this is U-3955... requesting situation report on the port of Nexø.
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The Radioman looks back at the Commander who's surrounded by the rest of the crew... Radio Silence...
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-This is Rønne High Command. Identify yourself.
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The Commander grabs the mike.
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-This is Commander XX of the Kriegsmarine. Requesting authorization to dock at Nexø. Out of fuel and supplies.
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Long silence at the other end as the Commander looks at Eveliina who joined the group around him.
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-Negative. Nexø at risk of imminent attack.
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The Commander hands the mike back to the Radioman as he addresses the Navigator.
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-No shit imminent... What do you say Nav!
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-I say we have no choice. We could sail submerged all the way to the main dock and evacuate between two waves of attack. We spread on the island an lay low until things settle down...
  
 +
1WO who has been quietly listening to the conversation intervenes.
  
====HOSPITAL ROOM, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
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-This would mean an almost certain sinking or capture of the ship by the Soviets.
  
An assistant nurse gently pulls a baby girl from of her mother's womb. As no one else is around to cut the umbilical cord, she asks [[Elisabet]] to hold her dripping newborn while she gets the scissors. Elisabet weeps a mixture of joy and sadness as the assistant nurse cuts the cord then wipes the baby before exiting the the room.
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-Yes but we'd all be safe and in still German controlled territory... responds the Commander as he grabs the mike again.
  
====HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
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-This is U-3955 Commander XX, requesting to speak to the garrison’s commander.
  
A crowd of doctor's and nurses are gathered around the radio as the newsman announces that the last German soldier has just crossed the Norwegian border. The short war with Germany has left desolation throughout Northern Finland and the Finnish Army will now concentrate its resources on the Eastern front to block any Soviet invasion attempt.
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A fifteen minute silence is interrupted by a voice breaking over the sound of explosions.
  
The assistant nurse sees a middle aged couple quietly sitting behind the cheering crowd.
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-This is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerhard_von_Kamptz KZS von Kamptz], commander of Bornholm... We are holding the island against a Soviet attack while expecting a response from Allied command in Copenhagen at any moment... We have lost contact with Nexø's Kriegsmarine and DCA bases. Do you have a visual on the port and town of Nexø?
  
-Mr. and Mrs. Ahlström? asks the nurse.
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-Affirmative. The town is ablaze and several civilian ships are either burning of sunken in the port. Explosions seem to have slowed down over the past few minutes... Do you have an ETA on the British contingent?
  
-Yes, anxiously replies Elisabet's mother.
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-British or Americans... No... We were expecting a plane but our airstrips are all down so it will have to be a ship... In the morning I hope. What about the situation at sea? Our radar stations are all down...
  
-It's a girl!
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-We can't give you our location on air but so far...
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 +
The Commander peaks at the Radarman who nods his head then he grabs the periscope while keeping the mike in his palm and rotates a 180.
  
-Is she healthy? asks the father.
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-... So far, nothing on the horizon...
  
-Yes, both the baby and the mother are fine. You can come in now, replies the assistant nurse with a smile.
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====DOCKS, NEXØ PORT, MAY 8, 1945, EVENING====
  
The mother looks at the father who holds her back.
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[[File:Nexo_Havn_1945.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Nexø Havn]]
  
-No, thank you, we have to go now. Please give her this, replies the father as he hands an envelope to the assistant nurse.
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The fin of U-3955 emerges by a sunken passenger ship along the main dock in Nexø. Most of the town is burning and an eerie silence shrouds the port. The Commander and the Radioman followed by six seamen jump onto the dock's ladder and make their way up the hill to the Kriegsmarine's station which flag catches on fire as they reach the main entrance.
  
====HOSPITAL ROOM, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
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-HALT!
  
The assistant nurse walks back into the room holding the envelope and a notepad.
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The U-boat crew ducks as they hear the warning coming from the roof of a nearby building.
  
-So? asks Elisabet.
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-Don't move, orders the Commander to his crew, before shouting back at the voice on the roof.
  
-They left...
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-This is Commander XX, we just docked our ship. Can I speak to you're CO?
  
Elisabet holds her baby tight and stares out the window.
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A minute later, a wounded German sailor walks out of the building using his gun as a crutch. The Commander walks up to help him out.
  
-Hypocrites!
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-Where are the others.
  
The assistant nurse places the envelope on the night table. Elisabet grabs it and peeks inside finding a stack of 1000 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_markka Markka] notes.
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-I don't know, every one in my squadron is dead. The bombardments just stopped about an hour ago. They've been bombing us for over two days. I thought the war was over. What's going on?
  
-You are sure that you don't want to think about it some more?
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-I don't know. Have you seen any British or Americans?
  
-Yes, I'm sure, replies Elisabet as she puts the envelope back on the table. [[Alma]], Alma Grass. That's her name.
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-No, only planes coming from the East. Russians for sure... Do you have a doctor on board?
  
-You can stay here until tomorrow if you want... You should rest now, says the nurse as she writes down the baby's name on the birth certificate.
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-No, but we'll take care of you. Is there a place where we could take cover for the night? Food?
  
====PUB, PORT OF SOMPASAARI, A WEEK LATER====
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-Maybe the church, just a few block south of the port. It's still standing.
  
-With the baby? asks the seamen.
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-What about the radio room? asks the commander.
  
-Yes, replies Elisabet holding Alma tightly wrapped in a white cloth.
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The wounded sailor, points to the still smoking Kriegsmarine's station building.
  
-I don't know. I was told one passenger. Didn't know you were a woman... And a baby.
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-In there, on the 2nd floor, I believe, but I've never been inside.
  
-I'll pay double.
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The commander orders the Radioman and 2 seamen to get into the Kriegsmarine station and and radio and establish contact with U-3955.
  
-Ok I guess... So meet us a the end of the dock at midnight. Be discreet. One luggage only... and the baby...
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====U-3955, PORT OF NEXØ====
  
-Thank you... thank you so much.
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Back inside the U-Boat, the Navigator, with both hand squeezing the Radioman's headset, repeats the incoming message to the 1WO.
  
====ESTONIAN FISHING TRAWLER, BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN, 4 MAY 1945, DAWN====
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-The Commander has ordered us to evacuate. We have to meet them at the church.
  
The Baltic Sea is eerily quiet on this third day following the announcement of Hitler's death. A fisherman, alone on deck, scouts the foggy horizon. Hearing voices mixed to the sound of the diesel engine and of the water hitting the hull, he looks towards the cabin to make sure he isn't being called but the trawler's captain is sleeping at the helm and there are no other souls on deck. Hearing more calls, he is befuddled when a surfaced submarine appears through the fog, meters away from his slowly sailing trawler. On deck, several sailors call him in German, and in various Baltic languages.
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1WO looks perplex.
  
Confused, the fisherman takes a few seconds to realize that the U-boat is not in a firing position, then replies to the German sailors telling them to hold on as he calls his captain twice before he could wake him up. Hearing the commotion, Elisabet climbs on deck holding baby Alma in her arms. Two other fishermen are now on decks trowing ropes at the U-boat as more German seamen pop out through the submarine's fin.
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-Abandoning the ship?
  
The captain of the Estonian trawler is baffled when the very young captain of the U-boat jumps on his rusty fishing trawler.
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-Yes, replies the Navigator after receiving confirmation at the other end...
  
-Are you the captain? asks the German.
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-ALERT! shouts the Radarman as he sees multiples dots appearing on his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plan_position_indicator PPI screen].
  
-Euh... Yes, replies the Estonian fisherman in German with a thick accent.
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1WO runs to the Radarman's position and notices about a dozen advancing figures.
  
-We need Diesel. We can pay you.
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-Ships?
  
-Diesel? The Estonian fisherman looks at his Finnish crew which have gathered around him.
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-Yes. About 10 Nautical Miles East!
  
-Do you understand what they want, he asks his 3 men crew in Finnish.
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-Speed?
  
They all reply that they don't as Elisabet walks up to them still holding Alma.
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The Radarman waits for a few wipes to refresh his screen and scribbles a few numbers on his pad...
  
-They want to buy Diesel... They're willing to pay, claims Elisabet.
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-30 knots!
  
All men turn towards the mother and baby.
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1WO looks at the Engineer who has just arrived from the engine room.
  
The Estonian then looks at the 75 meters [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_XXI_submarine Type XXI ''Elektroboote''].
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-The Russians are invading the island in 20 minutes! How long to sail out?
  
-Diesel! I don't know... How much do they need?
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-At least 15 minutes, answers the Engineer. But we have barely enough diesel to sail out 10 NM.  
  
Elisabet translate in German then Finnish from now on.
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-We have to evacuate now, continues the Navigator. They'll probably send a last wave of air-strikes before landing.
  
-Enough to reach passed the Soviet lines. Maybe 10 tons.
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-Close the hatches! Orders the 1WO to the Engineer.
  
-10 tons! Our tank only holds two tons and we're probably half empty.
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-But what about the Commander? I could try a run to get him, argues the Navigator.
  
-You can buy some from the Soviets in Tallinn, not us.
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-No Time. Arm the tubes.
  
The Estonian fisherman hesitates...
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====TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955====
  
-From the Soviets... It's risky.
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The Navigator wakes up Eveliina who is lying next to Marie in the torpedo room.
  
-We can pay you...
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-Eveliina. Wake up.
  
The German captain pulls a 1kg gold bar bearing an engraved swastika.
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-What's going on?
  
-This one now, for your reserve... and one more per ton you bring back.
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-You got to get out now... We're sailing out.
  
====DOCKS, TALLINN, NIGHT====
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-Why can't I stay on board...
  
The docks are bearably lit by a single lamp post on this chilly spring night. With its lights down, a Soviet Army truck slowly drives by the docked Estonian trawler. The captain and two of his Finnish crewmen apprehensively walk across the truck's path. The driver flashes the head beams twice and stops. The three fishermen walk up to the truck.
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-I don't have time to explain. Give me the baby and climb me up this ladder. I'll pass him to you when you're outside.
  
-Let's move, says the driver in Estonian.
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Eveliina carefully grabs Marie and hand her to Navigator before climbing up to open hatch.
  
-How many you got? asks the captain.
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====DECK, U-3955, PORT OR NEXØ====
  
-20 barrels.
+
As Eveliina exits from the forward hatch, the engines start roaring and the U-Boat starts moving, getting her to panic.
  
-Ok, that will do, replies the captain, figuring out the maths as he answers. Can you pull back directly by my boat.
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-MARIE!
  
-No, replies the driver nervously. Let's do it here right now. You have the money?
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At that moment, one of the Navigator's hand pops out of the hatch followed by Marie in the other.
  
-Better, the captain pulls the gold bar and hands hit to the driver. That's three times the value.
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-Grab her an jump on the dock!
  
The driver inspects the Swastika bullion as the two other fishermen roll up the tarp and start rolling down the drums.
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Eveliina loses her balance as she grab Marie but reaches the dock's iron ladder, holding on with one hand as the U-Boat sails out. The Navigator shouts at her before closing the hatch.
  
====NAVIGATION TABLE, INTERIOR U-3955, 5 MAY 1945, EARLY MORNING====
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-Go to the church...
  
The U-boat Captain, his Chief Engineer and Navigation Officer, all in their early 20s, are drawing radius with compasses on a map of the Baltic sea as the Estonian captain accompanied by Elisabet and Alma stand by. Alma starts crying as heavy metallic noises emanate from the pressurized hull. Elisabet sings a traditional Finnish ballad to soothe her.
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====RADIO ROOM, BURNING KRIEGSMARINE STATION, NEXØ====
  
-20 times 0.1341 ton, that's 2682 kg... With what's left in the tank, it's barely 3 tons, says the Chief Engineer.
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Through a thick cloud of smoke, the Radioman adjusts the rotors on the station's Enigma before encrypting a message to the Rønne HQ.
  
-We won't make it passed Gotland, replies the Navigation Officer looking at the map.
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-THIS IS NEXØ KRIEGSMARINE STATION. TOWN AND PORT ABLAZE. NO SURVIVORS. MORE THAN 12 SOVIET SHIPS 15 NM EAST. U-3955 OUT TO SLOW THEM DOWN. ABANDONING POST. OVER.
  
The U-boat Captain looks at the Estonian, then at Elisabet still singing to Alma's ear.
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====DOCKS, PORT OR NEXØ====
  
-You're sure he can't get more, asks the Captain?
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Holding Marie with one hand and grabbing each bars one by one, Eveliina finally makes it to the deserted dock as she sees the fin of U-3955 disappearing into the sea. Buzzing over the horizon, the sound of an approaching squadron of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyushin_Il-4 Ilyushin bombers] gets her to run for cover.
  
Elisabet translates.
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====PORT OR NEXØ====
  
-No, he will already have to account for the missing 20. That's all we can do... Can you ask him to bring us back up now, says the Estonian to Elisabet.
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As the bombs start falling, the Commander makes his way back to the port and finds a panicked Eveliina holding Marie and ducking behind some crates.
  
Before Elisabet could even translate a message pops from the Enigma machine. All heads turns towards the Communication Officer.
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-What happen? They Left!
  
-From OKW, Flensburg: ALL SHIPS ARE TO CEASE FIRE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE NEAREST ALLIED FORCES PORT FLYING A BLACK FLAG.
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-I don't know... Nav just pushed us out as the ship was sailing out.
  
-That means we can't even surrender to the Swedes. We've got to make our way to Fehmarn, says the Captain to his Officers.
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The Commander climbs onto the crates to get a better view of the sea. He is taken aback when he sees the approaching Soviet fleet.
  
-Captain! A 4 engine bomber is flying low at 11 o'clock, screams the watchman looking through the periscope.
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-Shit... They're preparing to land...
  
-That's the third one this morning. They're is no way we can resurface before sunset, says the Captain.
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At the same moment, a huge explosion rocks the horizon as one of the Soviet ship bursts into flames...
  
-If the fishing boat stands still all day, it'll attract attention. Maybe they'll dispatch a Corvette, says the First Officer. We have to move on.
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-They went on a suicide mission... That's why they offloaded you...
  
Elisabet who understood the conversation, thus the implications for her, Alma and the Estonian captain, becomes the center of attention.
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Eveliina kisses Marie on the forehead as she continues to shake and cry.
  
-What's going on, asks the Estonian.
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====TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955====
  
-I don't mind trying to reach Germany with you, claims Elisabet to the Germans ignoring the Estonian. That's where we are heading anyways...
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The voice of 1WO resonates through the loud speaker.
  
-What about him, asks the Chief Engineer.
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-FIRE!
  
All heads turn towards the Estonian who looks confused.
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As a the Mecanikaermaat, releases the firing clutch, Navigator looks at the others around him...
  
====BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN====
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-Last one! That's it.
  
The Estonian Captain pops out of the water like a fishing quark followed by a tiny black inflatable raft which unfolds as it reaches the surface. He climbs onto the raft, sinks into it and stares at 3 gold bars which he pulled from his pocket before starting to row towards the fishing boat half a NM away.
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====BALTIC SEA, 2 NM EAST OF NEXØ====
  
====COMMAND POST, INTERIOR U-3955, EARLY MORNING====
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U-3955's last torpedo hits a the side of a Soviet destroyer which bursts into flames as a series of depth charges explode simultaneously splashing water high up in the air.
  
-15 meters down, 220 degrees WSW, 90 percent speed, shouts the First Officer to the Crew as the Watchman pulls down the periscope.
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====PORT OF NEXØ====
  
-Welcome aboard ladies, says the captains as he looks at Elisabet holding Alma bearing a smile.
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The Commander, Eveliina and Marie make their way towards the inland as they duck to hide from Soviet aircraft flying over their heads.
  
-Thank you Captain.
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-You have to make it to the church... If they haven't bombed it yet. They might spare it... Says the Commander. I'm gonna get the rest of the crew before the ground troops...
  
====SLEEPING QUARTERS, U-3955====
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-That one? asks Eveliina as she points towards a Nexø Church's bell tower.
  
The numbing sound of a transformer fills the U-boat. Elisabet sits by Alma who's lying on a lower berth in the forward sleeping quarters. The Captain walks to them and kneels down.
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-It's gotta be it. I'll meet you there.
  
-So what's her name?
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====NEXØ====
  
-Alma.
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[[File:Il-2_attacking.jpg|thumb|right|480px|''Sturmovik'' Ilyushin Il-2]]
  
The Captain caresses Alma's forehead.
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Eveliina, holding Marie, start walking away from the Commander then freezes as she recognizes the strident sound of Ilyushin engines from afar. She scans the sky with her bare eyes then turns back and screams at the Commander to take cover as 3 ''Sturmovik'' aircraft start unloading their guns on their position. The Commander has just the time to turn towards the mother and child before he get's hit in the chest and collapses. A second later, the planes disappear into the horizon and Eveliina crawls towards him.
  
-Hopefully, she'll get to grow up in peace.
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Holding Marie in one hand, she desperately tries to get the wounded Commander back on his feet.
  
-Yes, replies Elisabet not too sure on how to react to the Captain's proximity.
+
-Grab my arm...
  
-How old are you?
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As the Commander tries to stand holding Eveliina, he collapses again bringing them all to the ground. He utters a mixture of words and blood.
  
-17...
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-You still have a good eye... But that's it for me I guess... Go before they come back...
  
-That's how old I was when I got on my first patrol, 5 years ago. When I leave this ship, hopefully we all will, I'll be 17 again... All these years underwater... It's like time stopped.
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Eveliina, understanding that there is no hope for the Commander, places her free hand behind his neck to relieve his twisted neck. The Commander looks at Marie, then back at Eveliina. She smiles and cries at the same time then kisses the Commander on the forehead. Chocking on his blood, the Commander whispers his final words into Eveliina's ear.
  
-You're only 22? and a Captain.
+
-The gold... The gold...
  
-This is my first patrol as a captain. We've been playing hide and seek with the Russians for over two months.
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====NORTH  BEACH, NEXØ====
  
----
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A first wave of of makeshift [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_craft landing crafts] beach north of Nexø's port and scores of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Infantry_%28Russia%29 Soviet Naval Infantrymen] jump out as their destroyers pound the deserted town from afar.
  
====CAPTAIN'S QUARTER, AJKESVIK BAY, FARO ISLAND, SWEDEN====
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====NEXØ KIRKE====
  
One by one, the Captain pulls a dozen of compact wooden boxes from his safe and hands them to the Navigation Officer who places them side by side on the Captain's berth. All are sealed and bear an engraved Deutsche Reichsbank eagle on their top.
+
Amidst the heavy pounding, Eveliina and Marie finally reach the Church. When the front door closes behind them, the sound of bombs ceases immediately. Marie's eyes scout the peaceful atmosphere of the sober protestant church which contrasts with the noisy rubbles of the outside and the stuffy U-Boat where she spent the first fortnight of her life.
  
-You are sure about the position? asks the captain.
+
Relieved to be alive and safe, Eveliina sits on a church bench and cuddles Marie. She pulls the Music Box from her pocket and winds it as Marie stares at her.
  
The Navigator is stunned by the number of boxes.
+
As the tiny wooden box resonates in the church, Eveliina hears footsteps next to the altar. She lies down on the bench trying to get Marie to keep quiet by whispering the ''The Swedish Rhapsody'' theme into her ear when someone calls her name.
  
-Yea... How much is that? I thought you meant 20-30 kg...
+
-Eveliina? It's me, Radioman... Eveliina... Calls the Radioman who recognized the tune.
  
-One hundred kg per box. If we secure 10, that's a ton... We can't risk them seizing it all from us. Not the Russians nor the Swedes.
+
Eveliina peaks above the church benches and sees the Radioman walking down the aisle.
  
-Hell no!
+
-Hi... When did you get ashore? Did the boat come back? asks the Radioman.
  
-So that's why we have to make absolutely sure that we have the right coordinates...
+
-No, they left. I mean I don't know if they came back or what... The Navigator got us out as they were sailing away.
  
-I double checked with the sextant and triple checked with the lighthouse... We're spot on...
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-They went to strike the Soviet ships... I got a last message about an hour ago. I don't think they made it...
  
====SEABED, AJKESVIK BAY====
+
-You mean... They're all dead? asks Eveliina.
  
Standing on the seabed by merely 15m depth, the Navigator is scanning the horizon with a battery lantern, trying to count the boxes. His stiff [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_diving_dress diving suit] prevents him from looking up at a wooden box which is plummeting down along his breathing tube. The box hits the side of his helmet and knock's him down on the murky seabed creating a cloud of dust.
+
-Probably... it was a suicide mission. Maybe the Commander shouldn't have left the boat to WO1. Have you seen them, the Commander and the other crewmen?
  
====U-3955 DECK, AJKESVIK BAY, NIGHT====
+
Eveliina looks down...
  
A seaman holds the umbilical breathing tube/cord as the Captain dumps the remaining boxes one by one aiming at the fading light below.
+
-He's dead... We got attacked by planes as he was trying to find you I guess...
  
-It's getting tighter. Like if he got deeper... warns the seaman.
+
The Radioman stares at a model boat hanging from the churches ceiling.
  
-The light hasn't moved... Is he responding?
+
-Shit...Well, it's only us now...
  
The seaman hits the cord twice and waits for a response as the Captain's focus shifts from the bottom of the sea to the rotating beam of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A5r%C3%B6_Lighthouse lighthouse].
+
He strum Marie's cheek with the back of his fingers.
  
Suddenly, the cord is pulled 3 times meaning that the diver requests to be pulled back up...
+
====NEXØ PORT====
  
====U-3955 DECK, AJKESVIK BAY, NIGHT, LATER====
+
Soviet Naval Marines spread into platoons across the port and town.
  
Elisabet climbs down the fin's ladder and walks towards the Captain who's staring at lighthouse at the ship's stern.
+
====NEXØ KIRKE====
  
-Can I join you Captain? asks Elisabet.
+
A stack of hay that has been laid down on the churches floor where Eveliina and the Radioman lie on either sides of Marie who has just fallen asleep.
  
The Captain turns around and smiles at Elisabet.
+
-I can't believe that they all died... The war was over... saids Eveliina as she caresses Marie's forehead.
  
-Sure... You want to sit down? replies the Captain as he lays his life vest on the steel deck as a cushion. You smoke?
+
-After all this! We were so close... And the commander... I can't believe he's gone too, replies Radioman.
  
-Ok...
+
====NEXØ KIRKE, LATER====
  
The Captain pulls a couple of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernte_23 Ernte 23] and blows a long flames out of his tube lighter to light Elisabet's cigarette.
+
The 3 are sleeping on the hay stack when 5 Russian Navy Marines erupt through the front door. Radioman stands up but is shot down when one of the Marines recognizes his German uniform. Eveliina covers Marie with her body and shouts in Swedish.
  
-That's good... We have to save the petrol! says Elisabet as she gently pulls the Captain's hand away.
+
-Don't shoot us please, I have a baby.
  
The Captain lights his own.
+
The wounded Radioman raises his hands and begs the Russians to spare the woman and child in a mixture of German and Russian.
  
-You should go back home Elisabet... The war is over now and Germany is not the place to be, says the Captain as he looks at the Faro coast.
+
-We're not armed. Don't shoot. Don't shoot.
  
-I'm sure I'll find him...
+
The platoon's Petty Officer (PO) walks towards Radioman pointing his rifle at his head then strikes him on the head with back of his gun.
  
-Even if he made it, which is more than unlikely, he's gonna be held prisoner in Russia for years before coming back.
+
-Shut up, German fucker, saids the PO as Radioman collapses.
  
Elisabet looks at the lighthouse beam passing right above their heads.
+
The PO then grabs Eveliina's arms and notices Marie under her body.
  
-Then I'll wait... I'm not going back to them. I want my daughter to be wanted... proud. Proud of her mother and proud of her father. I don't want her to grow up ashamed... hiding the fact that her father is the enemy and that her mother was a loose girl...
+
-Little German rat! Come here, I'm gonna show you better.
  
-Maybe you're right... But a loose girl... That much? replies the Captain teasing Elisabet.
+
The PO grabs her by the hair and she lets go of Marie as she's get dragged behind the altar.
  
-You know what I mean... You have a wife?
+
-Don't touch her! Don't touch my baby... screams Eveliina as Marie starts crying.
  
-No... Never even had a real girlfriend.
+
-1&2, search the rest of the church! 2&3, keep and eye on the German! orders the PO to his men as he trows Eveliina to the ground then leans on top of her pulling her skirt and tearing her underwear.
  
-What do you mean ''Real''?
+
As Eveliina is being raped by the PO, one of the Russian Marines kneels down towards Marie to muffle the sound of her screams with his glove. He notices that the Radioman is still conscious, bleeding from gunshots in the leg as well as from a cut on his forehead.
  
-Well like a girl I go out with... Write to... That kind of things.
+
-Let's do him, saids Marine 3 (M3) to M4.
  
-But you've been with women before?
+
-Let him rot, answers M4 as he kick Radioman in the back.
  
-Of course... I'm a seamen.
+
M1&2 come back from having searched the churches annexes.
  
-You mean prostitutes...
+
-Noting... saids M1. PO's still at it?
  
-Yes... Kind of.
+
At that moment, the PO stands up from behind the altar tightening his belt.
  
-And did you love them.
+
-Good German pussy, he saids laughing before spitting on Eveliina as he keeps her down with his boot. I'm done. Anyone wants a taste of this before we move on?
  
-I liked one... She was a polish girl in Danzig. I think she liked me too.
+
M3 stands up releasing Marie's mouth who continues crying even louder.
  
-And?
+
-For sure PO!
  
-Don't know. When my patrol came back, the brothel had been destroyed during an air raid.
+
Eveliina screams from behind the altar as M3 walks pins her down.
  
-Sorry...
+
-Don't hurt my baby... Please don't hurt her...
  
-I don't think she died. Neighbors said all the girl went to the shelter... But no one know where they went after...
+
Radioman gestures to his guard that he'll try to sooth the baby to quiet her down. M4, who's now alone next to Radioman while PO, M1 & M2 are by the altar peeking cheering as M3 rapes Eveliina, gestures back with his gun agreeing to the request. Radioman rolls towards Marie and notices the Music Box next to her. He kisses her on the forehead as he winds the wooden box. ''The Swedish Rhapsody'' resonates through the church in a surreal sound of war.
  
Elisabet kisses the Captain of the cheek.
+
====NEXØ KIRKE, NIGHT====
  
----
+
Badly bruised, Eveliina wakes up half naked behind the altar. Radioman is by her side holding sleeping Marie.
  
''The Captain organizes a team of 4 (wo)men to reach the Swedish base on Faro by foot and negotiate the purchase of Diesel. As no-one on board speaks Swedish, he is surprised to find out that Elisabet's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish-speaking_Finns mother-tong is Swedish].
+
-Is she ok? Utters Eveliina.
  
====SHORE, FARO ISLAND, NIGHT====
+
-Yes... She fell asleep... Replies Radioman.
  
The Captain, the Navigator and Elisabet beach their inflatable boat on the northern shore of Faro Island.
+
Eveliina tries to smile but her swollen lips prevents her from doing so.
  
-Don't worry, she'll be fine... says the Navigator to Elisabet. There are 50 daddies on board.
+
-Thank you... Did they leaves?
  
-I've just never left her...
+
-Yes... They're gone. Don't worry...
  
-Let's go... says the Captain as he grabs one side of the boat.
+
-I want to go back home... I shouldn't have brought her into this...
  
The trio takes covers in a wooden patch about 500m from the Faro Fyr.
+
-Soon... Soon.
  
-There should be a road leading to the lighthouse. We can walk along until we hit a cross road. Saids the Navigator.
+
The Radioman caresses Eveliina's head and she looks up seeing his bloody face.
  
-Do you guys know where we're going? asks Elisabet.
+
-They didn't miss you either...  
  
-To get diesel! reply the two guys, looking at each other.
+
Then, noticing his wounded leg.
  
====FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND====
+
-Let me see.
  
The trio reach the lighthouse and take cover behind rocks, scouting the area for potential vigils. The lighthouse beam intermittently hitting a fog patch over the sea, illuminates the area revealing several barrels sitting at the bottom of the tower.
+
-Don't worry... I think the bullets went through.
  
-Do you think they're full, asks Elisabet noticing the barrels.
+
-Still, you have to stop the bleeding.
  
-Most likely paraffin for the lamp, replies the Captain.
+
Eveliina stands up and grabs a cloth placed over the altar. She kneels next to Radioman, then carefully ties a tourniquet above his wounds.
  
-Strange that the whole set up is left unguarded, saids the Navigator.
+
-It was too late for Commander...
  
At that moment, light beams flicker through the trees, announcing an incoming vehicle and defining the prospective road.
+
-It was the first time you saw someone dying.
  
An [http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terr%C3%A4ngpersonvagn_m/43 M/43 Volvo all terrain vehicle] arrives and stops at the foot of the lighthouse. The two men on board walk out and start calling a name out loud... No one replies... Until a dark shape, lying a couple of rocks away from Elisabet, starts moving. The Captain muzzles her from behind as the Navigator aims his handgun at the Swedish seaman slowly standing up, gathering his weapon, helmet and backpack, on which he had been sleeping, and walking towards the vehicle.
+
-Yes... First time I saw someone dead...
  
-Yeah, yeah... shouts the sleepy vigil as the two others break into laughters.
+
-Well, at least he was with you. Didn't die alone.
  
The tree Swedes sit by the paraffin barrels and pull out a bottle of akvavit leaving the vehicle unattended, 10 meters away...
+
-I guess... Eveliina becomes pensive. Before he died... The commander uttered strange words. I mean. I didn't get why he saids this to me.
  
Behind their rocks, the Navigator looks at the Captain, who then looks at Elisabet, still muzzled, then back at the Navigator...
+
-What?
  
-I guess this is our chance! If we get separated, walk 500 steps towards the north, there, and hide. We'll either be there or they'll send boat to get you.
+
-''The Gold''. ''The Gold''... He repeated twice, then closed his yes and never opened them again.
  
-What do you mean separated! Let's stay together right, saids Elisabet as she pulls the Captain's hand away from her mouth.
+
Radioman pulls up his leg with pain, then looks at Eveliina...
  
On those words, the Navigator notices that one of the Swedes stands up to take a piss against the lighthouse tower.
+
-What did you guys brought on the island? Did you notice if they stashed some boxes.
  
-Let's go.
+
-No... We had nothing on our way in.... I would have noticed. The boat was so tiny... And we remained together throughout the journey...
  
The trio climb onto the road and make a loop around the vehicle to approach it from behind, hidden from the Swedish seamen. The Captain pushes Elisabet onto the back seat then climbs over the front seat where the Navigator is busy trying to figure out the starting system.
+
-This was my first patrol on a U-boat. I didn't know the Commander or any of the crew before. I think that the Navigator, the Engineer and him had done patrols on another ship before they got the Elektroboot. Whatever he meant, don't ever mention this to the Soviets or whoever interrogates you in the future... It'll will only bring you trouble.
  
-You think this is it?
+
Eveliina looks at Marie who turns around. Radioman pulls her blanket back up and stains it with his bloody hand as he notices the embroidered inscription.
  
-How would I know...
+
-Sorry...
  
-Well, they're about 3 seconds away from us... maybe 5 because they're drunk. So you got to get it right the first time. I don't want to start shooting at Swedes... Plus the war is over.
+
-Don't worry.
  
-Shooting! I thought you guys brought me along because I could negotiate with the them, murmurs Elisabet from the bottom of the back seat.
+
-What does it mean?
  
-Well, change of plans... We didn't know they'd provide us with a getaway car...
+
-Little Angel... My mother gave it to her.
  
The sounds of the escaping vehicle steer the Swedes into motion, but the darkness of the Baltic night prevents them from firing a single shot.
+
At that moment, 3 Soviet Navy officers followed by Marines enter the church and are surprised to find the three civilians there. Not recognizing Radioman's Kriegsmarine uniform, they mistakenly take him for a wounded Danish national and order his evacuation to a field hospital. There, he is separated from Eveliina, unknowingly bringing along the secret about U-3955's treasure.
  
====MAIN GATE OF THE SWEDISH NAVAL BASE, FARO ISLAND====
+
====EVACUATION====
  
All lights down, the trio's vehicle is parked a short distance from main gate of the island's Navy Base.
+
Although she claims to be a Finnish national and requests to remain in Denmark, the Soviet deport Eveliina and Marie to a facility in Koenigsberg where German military and some civilian are held before being sent to labour camps.
  
-We're talking not even 10km... They'll be back within less than 2 hours!
+
====KOENIGSBERG====
  
-The way they were guarding the lighthouse, maybe we have a shot at getting in.
+
''Soon after arriving in Koenigsberg, Eveliina is released because the Soviet can't hold her in an all male labour camp. Following its "liberation" by the Red Army, the city is in disarray and now prone to "ethnic cleansing". Eveliina wanders around the city and eventually tags along a convoy of Ethnic Germans heading West.
  
-It doesn't look like there is a fence besides the gate.
+
====VISTULA SPIT, EAST-PRUSSIA- EVENING====
  
-But where is the depot? Plus how many barrels can we fit in here.
+
[[File:Flüchtlingstreck.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Ethnic German refugees on a westward trek]]
  
The Navigator looks at the space behind him.
+
The sun is setting on the Vistula Spit. Eveliina is lagging behind the convoy of German refugees making its way across the peninsula. The wheels of the baby carriage squeak and sink into the sand as the '''Swedish Rhapsody''' continues to lull Marie. Exhausted and not able to catch up, Eveliina stops and kneels down holding onto the handlebar. The convoy disappears into the Western horizon. Marie, awaken and serene, stares at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus Evening Star] blinking out of focus in front of her.
  
-Like 6 max.
+
====ANTI-AIRCRAFT OBSERVATION TOWER, PORVOO, FINLAND, SUMMER 1944====
  
-That's good. We could probably get passed Rugen with that. We just need to know if the Soviets reached much further.
+
In a small town East of Helsinki, Eveliina scans the sky with binoculars. At the bottom of the watch-tower stands [[Gunter]], a young German [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flak_corps Falkkorps] advisor who calls her name. Her co-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotta_Sv%C3%A4rd Lotta Svärd] gives a complicit look at Eveliina.
  
----
+
-I'll be back in half an hour... Tell them I had girl's stuff to take care of if they ask, says Eveliina as she climbs down the wooden tower.
  
====ROAD BACK TO FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND====
+
-Half an hour... He's fast your German... replies the Lotta as she grabs the binoculars.
  
The trio's M/43 Volvo stacked up to the roof with diesel drums zooms by the 3 seamen they stole it from before they could once again have time to pull their weapons. Confused and concerned about the outcome of the potentially embarrassing situation, the Swedes start walking back towards the lighthouse.
+
-Keep your eye in the air, says Eveliina as she disappears bellow the deck.
  
-Did you notice a slipway at the end of the road.
+
Eveliina embraces Gunter and the two walk hand in hand towards a nearby wood.
  
-No, but it wouldn't make sense that they're wouldn't be one.
+
====WOOD, PORVOO, FINLAND, SUMMER 1944====
  
-Well we have maybe half an hour to get the raft and dumps the drums.
+
A woodpecker carves a groove through the bark of a pine tree, 10 meters above Eveliina and Gunter making love on a soft bed of brownish needles. A vivid green caterpillar hangs on a silk tread, swinging through the gentle wind.
  
-Elisabet, can you drive?
+
-I wish we could stay like this forever, murmurs Eveliina, locked into Gunter's arms.
  
-No... I drove the farmer's tractor when I was a kid.
+
-Me too...
  
-Ok so you get the boat and steer it back. Don't for get both paddles and the rope.
+
-I will follow you to the end of the world...
  
-You think it's all gonna fit on the boat? There was barely enough room for the 3 of us.
+
Gunter kisses her.
  
-We'll tow the barrels.
+
-When the war is over, I'll come and get you, then we'll go together... to China...
  
-But they'll sink!
+
-India...
  
-Don't worry.
+
-Indochina...
 +
 
 +
-Argentina...
  
====FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND, DAWN====
+
-I love you.
  
-Shit, it's gonna be day before we even leave.
+
They make love again....
  
-Hopefully the 3 drunks are making their way back here.
+
The sound of aircraft engines echoes through the trees and fills the silence between the woodpecker's knocks. In a panic, Eveliina grabs her underwear and buttons up her skirt.
  
-Ok, let's go. Elisabet, to the boat, Don't forget the paddles and the rope.
+
-Shit, they're coming!
  
-Nav, help me unload then drive the kastenwagen back at least one km up the road and run back. Find a way to stall them when they find it...
+
Gunter gently places his palm over her mouths and signals her to listen.
  
All three execute their task in a flash.
+
-Listen... Listen to the purring... like a panther... like a cat... [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_132 BWW 132]. German engineering... Close your eyes, shut down your ears, then open them from within... a whole new world will open up... inaccessible to most.
  
====SIDE OF THE ROAD, FARO ISLAND====
+
Gunter slowly moves his fingers away and softly replaces them by his lips as the aircraft engines sound fades away and the caterpillar drops on them.
  
The 3 Swedes take cover in the forest as they notice the head beams of their m/43 pointing towards them. After debating a action plan, they cautiously walk to it pointing their weapons its direction. After a longish standoff, they realize that the vehicle has been empty all along. They debate weather they should report the whole incident. One starts walking back towards the lighthouse as the two others drive back to the base, hoping that the longish watch turnover will get unnoticed...
+
====VISTULA SPIT, EAST-PRUSSIA, DAWN, MAY 25, 1945====
  
 +
A seagull lands by Marie's carriage who is staring at an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_%28astronomy%29 aurora] filling the northern sky. Her white damask blanket bearing the Finnish words '''Pikku Engeli''' is tightly wrapped around her. The music box has stopped playing and lies next to her pink cheeks.
  
====AJKESVIK BAY, MORNING====
+
Far away, silhouettes from a new convoy of refugees emerge from the Eastern horizons. No signs of Eveliina. The carriage stands alone on the sandy road.
  
The fin of U-3955 pops out of the water to the great relief of the Captain, Navigator and Elisabet who are arduously rowing with 6 fully loaded barrels in tow.
+
====NOTES====
  
-One day you'll have to explain to me how you knew that such heavy barrels would float...
+
''Marie is raised in an orphanage on the Inner German Border near Lübeck.
  
-Easy. Diesel weight 20% less than water. Therefore it floats.
+
''Mention ties between Eveliina's father and the Nazi Regime.
  
====FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND, MORNING====
+
''Strengthen 1W0/Commander tensions... Soviet barbarism VS Morgenthau Plan
  
The Swedish relief vigil finally arrives by foot to the lighthouse just in time to witness the German U-Boat diving less than 300m from shore.
+
''Add writings from the Commander's War Diary.
  
Increadulously, he starts walking back towards the base...
+
''Hint of Gold in last Enigma transmission from Faro.
  
====TALLINN====
+
''Why was U-3955 loaded with gold? Who was in charge? What was the intended destination?
  
''U-boat seized and reallocated to Baltic Fleet to Danzig.
+
''If U-3955 drifted from Danzig with a current of 30cm/s, it would have reached the Helsinki straight in 40 days (march26-may4). Normal currents are at 5cm/s. Strong currents are at 100cm/s.
  
''U-3955 is seized by the Soviet Navy and sailed back to Danzig by its captured German crew under Soviet command and escort to be refitted and reallocated to the Baltic Fleet. Elisabet and Alma remain clandestine passengers.
+
''A saline pulse entering from the Atlantic Ocean though the Danish straights could have provoked an extraordinary deep current which would have run North-Eastward along the Baltic States coastline. No data on such pulses were collected (or has been preserved) between 1939 and 1945.
  
====DANZIG====
+
''Besides the fears of mistreatment of German military personnel and civilians by the Soviets, one should raise the fear of implementation of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgenthau_Plan Morgenthau Plan] by the Brits and Americans.
  
''Following its liberation by the Red Army, the city is in disarray and prone to "ethnic cleansing". Elisabet finds her lover's family home repossessed by displaced Poles. Claiming the German citizenship of her daughter, she takes part in a massive exodus of Ethnic Germans towards the west.
+
''Marching deported Germans will care for Marie all the way to Lübeck where she will be raised as ''Ulla''...
  
''Elisabet talks to a rat...
+
''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf_children Wolf children]
  
====LUBECK====
+
''During the seventies, Radioman reads an ad from The Red Cross' Information and Documentation Center in Munich that rings a bell:'' Found in a baby carriage on May 25, 1945, on a beach in Pomerania. In the baby carriage were a damask blanket with embroidered Finnish words '''Pikku enkeli''' (little angel) along with a Music Box playing '''The Swedish Rhapsody'''.
  
''Elisabet and Alma take shelter in a house bordering the British and Soviet zones where Alma was raised.
+
''He then tries to contact Marie through various means but learns that she has now vanished and is suspected to be part of the RAF's underground. He then starts broadcasting series of codes through a '''Number Station''' playing the '''The Swedish Rhapsody''' as an intro to try to get Marie's attention. The message never reaches Marie but will one day catch Jouni's attention when  she finds the Music Box when her mother's dies...''
  
''Alma is raised on the Inner German Border by her single mom mother.
 
  
 +
[[U-3955|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[The Chengdu Concubine|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
  
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[[Category:Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
[[Category:The Venetian Cell|2.003]]
+
[[Category:The Passengers|2.003]]
 
[[Category:The Clan|2.003]]
 
[[Category:The Clan|2.003]]
 
[[Category:The Age of Anne (1943-1953)]]
 
[[Category:The Age of Anne (1943-1953)]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 22 December 2023

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U-3955

A minimal crew operates the speeding submarine as an eerie silence in only intermittently broken by Marie's music box which resonates throughout the compartments where men are lying down, eyes wide opened.

BALTIC SEA, 3 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF NEXØ, BORNHOLM ISLAND, MAY 7-8, 1945, NIGHT

Bornholm Island Seabed Map

After a 15 hour submerged journey at full steam from Fårö, the snorkel of U-3955 emerges 3 Nautical Miles off Nexø, on the still German controlled island of Bornholm, Denmark. The inflow of fresh oxygen revives the sleepy crew. The Navigator is first to peak through the periscope. The small town is ablaze and bombs keep falling from the sky.

-Shit! I don't know what this is but it sure doesn't look like peace. Take a look Commander.

The Commander grabs the periscope and orders the Radioman.

-Radioman... Get High Command in Rønne. See what's happening. Whoever is on it, it doesn't look like they're only targeting the port. The whole town is on fire.

The Radioman starts setting rotors on the Enigma as the Commander approaches.

-Forget about the code... Get them on the Radio.

The Radioman scans the frequency dial.

-This is U-3955, I repeat this is U-3955... requesting situation report on the port of Nexø.

The Radioman looks back at the Commander who's surrounded by the rest of the crew... Radio Silence...

-This is Rønne High Command. Identify yourself.

The Commander grabs the mike.

-This is Commander XX of the Kriegsmarine. Requesting authorization to dock at Nexø. Out of fuel and supplies.

Long silence at the other end as the Commander looks at Eveliina who joined the group around him.

-Negative. Nexø at risk of imminent attack.

The Commander hands the mike back to the Radioman as he addresses the Navigator.

-No shit imminent... What do you say Nav!

-I say we have no choice. We could sail submerged all the way to the main dock and evacuate between two waves of attack. We spread on the island an lay low until things settle down...

1WO who has been quietly listening to the conversation intervenes.

-This would mean an almost certain sinking or capture of the ship by the Soviets.

-Yes but we'd all be safe and in still German controlled territory... responds the Commander as he grabs the mike again.

-This is U-3955 Commander XX, requesting to speak to the garrison’s commander.

A fifteen minute silence is interrupted by a voice breaking over the sound of explosions.

-This is KZS von Kamptz, commander of Bornholm... We are holding the island against a Soviet attack while expecting a response from Allied command in Copenhagen at any moment... We have lost contact with Nexø's Kriegsmarine and DCA bases. Do you have a visual on the port and town of Nexø?

-Affirmative. The town is ablaze and several civilian ships are either burning of sunken in the port. Explosions seem to have slowed down over the past few minutes... Do you have an ETA on the British contingent?

-British or Americans... No... We were expecting a plane but our airstrips are all down so it will have to be a ship... In the morning I hope. What about the situation at sea? Our radar stations are all down...

-We can't give you our location on air but so far...

The Commander peaks at the Radarman who nods his head then he grabs the periscope while keeping the mike in his palm and rotates a 180.

-... So far, nothing on the horizon...

DOCKS, NEXØ PORT, MAY 8, 1945, EVENING

Nexø Havn

The fin of U-3955 emerges by a sunken passenger ship along the main dock in Nexø. Most of the town is burning and an eerie silence shrouds the port. The Commander and the Radioman followed by six seamen jump onto the dock's ladder and make their way up the hill to the Kriegsmarine's station which flag catches on fire as they reach the main entrance.

-HALT!

The U-boat crew ducks as they hear the warning coming from the roof of a nearby building.

-Don't move, orders the Commander to his crew, before shouting back at the voice on the roof.

-This is Commander XX, we just docked our ship. Can I speak to you're CO?

A minute later, a wounded German sailor walks out of the building using his gun as a crutch. The Commander walks up to help him out.

-Where are the others.

-I don't know, every one in my squadron is dead. The bombardments just stopped about an hour ago. They've been bombing us for over two days. I thought the war was over. What's going on?

-I don't know. Have you seen any British or Americans?

-No, only planes coming from the East. Russians for sure... Do you have a doctor on board?

-No, but we'll take care of you. Is there a place where we could take cover for the night? Food?

-Maybe the church, just a few block south of the port. It's still standing.

-What about the radio room? asks the commander.

The wounded sailor, points to the still smoking Kriegsmarine's station building.

-In there, on the 2nd floor, I believe, but I've never been inside.

The commander orders the Radioman and 2 seamen to get into the Kriegsmarine station and and radio and establish contact with U-3955.

U-3955, PORT OF NEXØ

Back inside the U-Boat, the Navigator, with both hand squeezing the Radioman's headset, repeats the incoming message to the 1WO.

-The Commander has ordered us to evacuate. We have to meet them at the church.

1WO looks perplex.

-Abandoning the ship?

-Yes, replies the Navigator after receiving confirmation at the other end...

-ALERT! shouts the Radarman as he sees multiples dots appearing on his PPI screen.

1WO runs to the Radarman's position and notices about a dozen advancing figures.

-Ships?

-Yes. About 10 Nautical Miles East!

-Speed?

The Radarman waits for a few wipes to refresh his screen and scribbles a few numbers on his pad...

-30 knots!

1WO looks at the Engineer who has just arrived from the engine room.

-The Russians are invading the island in 20 minutes! How long to sail out?

-At least 15 minutes, answers the Engineer. But we have barely enough diesel to sail out 10 NM.

-We have to evacuate now, continues the Navigator. They'll probably send a last wave of air-strikes before landing.

-Close the hatches! Orders the 1WO to the Engineer.

-But what about the Commander? I could try a run to get him, argues the Navigator.

-No Time. Arm the tubes.

TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955

The Navigator wakes up Eveliina who is lying next to Marie in the torpedo room.

-Eveliina. Wake up.

-What's going on?

-You got to get out now... We're sailing out.

-Why can't I stay on board...

-I don't have time to explain. Give me the baby and climb me up this ladder. I'll pass him to you when you're outside.

Eveliina carefully grabs Marie and hand her to Navigator before climbing up to open hatch.

DECK, U-3955, PORT OR NEXØ

As Eveliina exits from the forward hatch, the engines start roaring and the U-Boat starts moving, getting her to panic.

-MARIE!

At that moment, one of the Navigator's hand pops out of the hatch followed by Marie in the other.

-Grab her an jump on the dock!

Eveliina loses her balance as she grab Marie but reaches the dock's iron ladder, holding on with one hand as the U-Boat sails out. The Navigator shouts at her before closing the hatch.

-Go to the church...

RADIO ROOM, BURNING KRIEGSMARINE STATION, NEXØ

Through a thick cloud of smoke, the Radioman adjusts the rotors on the station's Enigma before encrypting a message to the Rønne HQ.

-THIS IS NEXØ KRIEGSMARINE STATION. TOWN AND PORT ABLAZE. NO SURVIVORS. MORE THAN 12 SOVIET SHIPS 15 NM EAST. U-3955 OUT TO SLOW THEM DOWN. ABANDONING POST. OVER.

DOCKS, PORT OR NEXØ

Holding Marie with one hand and grabbing each bars one by one, Eveliina finally makes it to the deserted dock as she sees the fin of U-3955 disappearing into the sea. Buzzing over the horizon, the sound of an approaching squadron of Ilyushin bombers gets her to run for cover.

PORT OR NEXØ

As the bombs start falling, the Commander makes his way back to the port and finds a panicked Eveliina holding Marie and ducking behind some crates.

-What happen? They Left!

-I don't know... Nav just pushed us out as the ship was sailing out.

The Commander climbs onto the crates to get a better view of the sea. He is taken aback when he sees the approaching Soviet fleet.

-Shit... They're preparing to land...

At the same moment, a huge explosion rocks the horizon as one of the Soviet ship bursts into flames...

-They went on a suicide mission... That's why they offloaded you...

Eveliina kisses Marie on the forehead as she continues to shake and cry.

TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955

The voice of 1WO resonates through the loud speaker.

-FIRE!

As a the Mecanikaermaat, releases the firing clutch, Navigator looks at the others around him...

-Last one! That's it.

BALTIC SEA, 2 NM EAST OF NEXØ

U-3955's last torpedo hits a the side of a Soviet destroyer which bursts into flames as a series of depth charges explode simultaneously splashing water high up in the air.

PORT OF NEXØ

The Commander, Eveliina and Marie make their way towards the inland as they duck to hide from Soviet aircraft flying over their heads.

-You have to make it to the church... If they haven't bombed it yet. They might spare it... Says the Commander. I'm gonna get the rest of the crew before the ground troops...

-That one? asks Eveliina as she points towards a Nexø Church's bell tower.

-It's gotta be it. I'll meet you there.

NEXØ

Sturmovik Ilyushin Il-2

Eveliina, holding Marie, start walking away from the Commander then freezes as she recognizes the strident sound of Ilyushin engines from afar. She scans the sky with her bare eyes then turns back and screams at the Commander to take cover as 3 Sturmovik aircraft start unloading their guns on their position. The Commander has just the time to turn towards the mother and child before he get's hit in the chest and collapses. A second later, the planes disappear into the horizon and Eveliina crawls towards him.

Holding Marie in one hand, she desperately tries to get the wounded Commander back on his feet.

-Grab my arm...

As the Commander tries to stand holding Eveliina, he collapses again bringing them all to the ground. He utters a mixture of words and blood.

-You still have a good eye... But that's it for me I guess... Go before they come back...

Eveliina, understanding that there is no hope for the Commander, places her free hand behind his neck to relieve his twisted neck. The Commander looks at Marie, then back at Eveliina. She smiles and cries at the same time then kisses the Commander on the forehead. Chocking on his blood, the Commander whispers his final words into Eveliina's ear.

-The gold... The gold...

NORTH BEACH, NEXØ

A first wave of of makeshift landing crafts beach north of Nexø's port and scores of Soviet Naval Infantrymen jump out as their destroyers pound the deserted town from afar.

NEXØ KIRKE

Amidst the heavy pounding, Eveliina and Marie finally reach the Church. When the front door closes behind them, the sound of bombs ceases immediately. Marie's eyes scout the peaceful atmosphere of the sober protestant church which contrasts with the noisy rubbles of the outside and the stuffy U-Boat where she spent the first fortnight of her life.

Relieved to be alive and safe, Eveliina sits on a church bench and cuddles Marie. She pulls the Music Box from her pocket and winds it as Marie stares at her.

As the tiny wooden box resonates in the church, Eveliina hears footsteps next to the altar. She lies down on the bench trying to get Marie to keep quiet by whispering the The Swedish Rhapsody theme into her ear when someone calls her name.

-Eveliina? It's me, Radioman... Eveliina... Calls the Radioman who recognized the tune.

Eveliina peaks above the church benches and sees the Radioman walking down the aisle.

-Hi... When did you get ashore? Did the boat come back? asks the Radioman.

-No, they left. I mean I don't know if they came back or what... The Navigator got us out as they were sailing away.

-They went to strike the Soviet ships... I got a last message about an hour ago. I don't think they made it...

-You mean... They're all dead? asks Eveliina.

-Probably... it was a suicide mission. Maybe the Commander shouldn't have left the boat to WO1. Have you seen them, the Commander and the other crewmen?

Eveliina looks down...

-He's dead... We got attacked by planes as he was trying to find you I guess...

The Radioman stares at a model boat hanging from the churches ceiling.

-Shit...Well, it's only us now...

He strum Marie's cheek with the back of his fingers.

NEXØ PORT

Soviet Naval Marines spread into platoons across the port and town.

NEXØ KIRKE

A stack of hay that has been laid down on the churches floor where Eveliina and the Radioman lie on either sides of Marie who has just fallen asleep.

-I can't believe that they all died... The war was over... saids Eveliina as she caresses Marie's forehead.

-After all this! We were so close... And the commander... I can't believe he's gone too, replies Radioman.

NEXØ KIRKE, LATER

The 3 are sleeping on the hay stack when 5 Russian Navy Marines erupt through the front door. Radioman stands up but is shot down when one of the Marines recognizes his German uniform. Eveliina covers Marie with her body and shouts in Swedish.

-Don't shoot us please, I have a baby.

The wounded Radioman raises his hands and begs the Russians to spare the woman and child in a mixture of German and Russian.

-We're not armed. Don't shoot. Don't shoot.

The platoon's Petty Officer (PO) walks towards Radioman pointing his rifle at his head then strikes him on the head with back of his gun.

-Shut up, German fucker, saids the PO as Radioman collapses.

The PO then grabs Eveliina's arms and notices Marie under her body.

-Little German rat! Come here, I'm gonna show you better.

The PO grabs her by the hair and she lets go of Marie as she's get dragged behind the altar.

-Don't touch her! Don't touch my baby... screams Eveliina as Marie starts crying.

-1&2, search the rest of the church! 2&3, keep and eye on the German! orders the PO to his men as he trows Eveliina to the ground then leans on top of her pulling her skirt and tearing her underwear.

As Eveliina is being raped by the PO, one of the Russian Marines kneels down towards Marie to muffle the sound of her screams with his glove. He notices that the Radioman is still conscious, bleeding from gunshots in the leg as well as from a cut on his forehead.

-Let's do him, saids Marine 3 (M3) to M4.

-Let him rot, answers M4 as he kick Radioman in the back.

M1&2 come back from having searched the churches annexes.

-Noting... saids M1. PO's still at it?

At that moment, the PO stands up from behind the altar tightening his belt.

-Good German pussy, he saids laughing before spitting on Eveliina as he keeps her down with his boot. I'm done. Anyone wants a taste of this before we move on?

M3 stands up releasing Marie's mouth who continues crying even louder.

-For sure PO!

Eveliina screams from behind the altar as M3 walks pins her down.

-Don't hurt my baby... Please don't hurt her...

Radioman gestures to his guard that he'll try to sooth the baby to quiet her down. M4, who's now alone next to Radioman while PO, M1 & M2 are by the altar peeking cheering as M3 rapes Eveliina, gestures back with his gun agreeing to the request. Radioman rolls towards Marie and notices the Music Box next to her. He kisses her on the forehead as he winds the wooden box. The Swedish Rhapsody resonates through the church in a surreal sound of war.

NEXØ KIRKE, NIGHT

Badly bruised, Eveliina wakes up half naked behind the altar. Radioman is by her side holding sleeping Marie.

-Is she ok? Utters Eveliina.

-Yes... She fell asleep... Replies Radioman.

Eveliina tries to smile but her swollen lips prevents her from doing so.

-Thank you... Did they leaves?

-Yes... They're gone. Don't worry...

-I want to go back home... I shouldn't have brought her into this...

-Soon... Soon.

The Radioman caresses Eveliina's head and she looks up seeing his bloody face.

-They didn't miss you either...

Then, noticing his wounded leg.

-Let me see.

-Don't worry... I think the bullets went through.

-Still, you have to stop the bleeding.

Eveliina stands up and grabs a cloth placed over the altar. She kneels next to Radioman, then carefully ties a tourniquet above his wounds.

-It was too late for Commander...

-It was the first time you saw someone dying.

-Yes... First time I saw someone dead...

-Well, at least he was with you. Didn't die alone.

-I guess... Eveliina becomes pensive. Before he died... The commander uttered strange words. I mean. I didn't get why he saids this to me.

-What?

-The Gold. The Gold... He repeated twice, then closed his yes and never opened them again.

Radioman pulls up his leg with pain, then looks at Eveliina...

-What did you guys brought on the island? Did you notice if they stashed some boxes.

-No... We had nothing on our way in.... I would have noticed. The boat was so tiny... And we remained together throughout the journey...

-This was my first patrol on a U-boat. I didn't know the Commander or any of the crew before. I think that the Navigator, the Engineer and him had done patrols on another ship before they got the Elektroboot. Whatever he meant, don't ever mention this to the Soviets or whoever interrogates you in the future... It'll will only bring you trouble.

Eveliina looks at Marie who turns around. Radioman pulls her blanket back up and stains it with his bloody hand as he notices the embroidered inscription.

-Sorry...

-Don't worry.

-What does it mean?

-Little Angel... My mother gave it to her.

At that moment, 3 Soviet Navy officers followed by Marines enter the church and are surprised to find the three civilians there. Not recognizing Radioman's Kriegsmarine uniform, they mistakenly take him for a wounded Danish national and order his evacuation to a field hospital. There, he is separated from Eveliina, unknowingly bringing along the secret about U-3955's treasure.

EVACUATION

Although she claims to be a Finnish national and requests to remain in Denmark, the Soviet deport Eveliina and Marie to a facility in Koenigsberg where German military and some civilian are held before being sent to labour camps.

KOENIGSBERG

Soon after arriving in Koenigsberg, Eveliina is released because the Soviet can't hold her in an all male labour camp. Following its "liberation" by the Red Army, the city is in disarray and now prone to "ethnic cleansing". Eveliina wanders around the city and eventually tags along a convoy of Ethnic Germans heading West.

VISTULA SPIT, EAST-PRUSSIA- EVENING

Ethnic German refugees on a westward trek

The sun is setting on the Vistula Spit. Eveliina is lagging behind the convoy of German refugees making its way across the peninsula. The wheels of the baby carriage squeak and sink into the sand as the Swedish Rhapsody continues to lull Marie. Exhausted and not able to catch up, Eveliina stops and kneels down holding onto the handlebar. The convoy disappears into the Western horizon. Marie, awaken and serene, stares at the Evening Star blinking out of focus in front of her.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT OBSERVATION TOWER, PORVOO, FINLAND, SUMMER 1944

In a small town East of Helsinki, Eveliina scans the sky with binoculars. At the bottom of the watch-tower stands Gunter, a young German Falkkorps advisor who calls her name. Her co-Lotta Svärd gives a complicit look at Eveliina.

-I'll be back in half an hour... Tell them I had girl's stuff to take care of if they ask, says Eveliina as she climbs down the wooden tower.

-Half an hour... He's fast your German... replies the Lotta as she grabs the binoculars.

-Keep your eye in the air, says Eveliina as she disappears bellow the deck.

Eveliina embraces Gunter and the two walk hand in hand towards a nearby wood.

WOOD, PORVOO, FINLAND, SUMMER 1944

A woodpecker carves a groove through the bark of a pine tree, 10 meters above Eveliina and Gunter making love on a soft bed of brownish needles. A vivid green caterpillar hangs on a silk tread, swinging through the gentle wind.

-I wish we could stay like this forever, murmurs Eveliina, locked into Gunter's arms.

-Me too...

-I will follow you to the end of the world...

Gunter kisses her.

-When the war is over, I'll come and get you, then we'll go together... to China...

-India...

-Indochina...

-Argentina...

-I love you.

They make love again....

The sound of aircraft engines echoes through the trees and fills the silence between the woodpecker's knocks. In a panic, Eveliina grabs her underwear and buttons up her skirt.

-Shit, they're coming!

Gunter gently places his palm over her mouths and signals her to listen.

-Listen... Listen to the purring... like a panther... like a cat... BWW 132. German engineering... Close your eyes, shut down your ears, then open them from within... a whole new world will open up... inaccessible to most.

Gunter slowly moves his fingers away and softly replaces them by his lips as the aircraft engines sound fades away and the caterpillar drops on them.

VISTULA SPIT, EAST-PRUSSIA, DAWN, MAY 25, 1945

A seagull lands by Marie's carriage who is staring at an aurora filling the northern sky. Her white damask blanket bearing the Finnish words Pikku Engeli is tightly wrapped around her. The music box has stopped playing and lies next to her pink cheeks.

Far away, silhouettes from a new convoy of refugees emerge from the Eastern horizons. No signs of Eveliina. The carriage stands alone on the sandy road.

NOTES

Marie is raised in an orphanage on the Inner German Border near Lübeck.

Mention ties between Eveliina's father and the Nazi Regime.

Strengthen 1W0/Commander tensions... Soviet barbarism VS Morgenthau Plan

Add writings from the Commander's War Diary.

Hint of Gold in last Enigma transmission from Faro.

Why was U-3955 loaded with gold? Who was in charge? What was the intended destination?

If U-3955 drifted from Danzig with a current of 30cm/s, it would have reached the Helsinki straight in 40 days (march26-may4). Normal currents are at 5cm/s. Strong currents are at 100cm/s.

A saline pulse entering from the Atlantic Ocean though the Danish straights could have provoked an extraordinary deep current which would have run North-Eastward along the Baltic States coastline. No data on such pulses were collected (or has been preserved) between 1939 and 1945.

Besides the fears of mistreatment of German military personnel and civilians by the Soviets, one should raise the fear of implementation of the Morgenthau Plan by the Brits and Americans.

Marching deported Germans will care for Marie all the way to Lübeck where she will be raised as Ulla...

Wolf children

During the seventies, Radioman reads an ad from The Red Cross' Information and Documentation Center in Munich that rings a bell: Found in a baby carriage on May 25, 1945, on a beach in Pomerania. In the baby carriage were a damask blanket with embroidered Finnish words Pikku enkeli (little angel) along with a Music Box playing The Swedish Rhapsody.

He then tries to contact Marie through various means but learns that she has now vanished and is suspected to be part of the RAF's underground. He then starts broadcasting series of codes through a Number Station playing the The Swedish Rhapsody as an intro to try to get Marie's attention. The message never reaches Marie but will one day catch Jouni's attention when she finds the Music Box when her mother's dies...


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