Difference between revisions of "The Hansa Way"

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'''OUTLINE'''
 
'''OUTLINE'''
  
''Spring of 1945: [[Elisabet]], pregnant from a German Navy seaman, 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 a fishing trawler to a drifting U-Boat along the Hansa route leading her from Helsinki to Danzig from where she is finally evacuated 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, having [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorched_earth Scorched earth] Northern Finland on its passage, leaving a desolated land behind. Amidst the celebration that follows, Elisabet is being pressured by her bourgeois [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish-speaking_Finns Swedish speaking] 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, she talks to Red Cross personnel stationed at the hospital who assist her in tracking the father's family in Danzig, under Soviet control. In the disarray that precedes the German capitulation and with no way to communicate via mail or telegraph, she seeks a way to reach Soviet controlled Estonia. Only experienced 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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====HOSPITAL ROOM, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
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====U-3955====
  
The low lying Nordic sun bounces off the glass windows from a house across the street and radiates through the sparsely furnished room. 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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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.
  
====HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
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====BALTIC SEA, 3 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF NEXØ, BORNHOLM ISLAND, MAY 7-8, 1945, NIGHT====
  
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 Russian invasion attempt.
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[[File:VonDornbuschBisSchoplin.png|thumb|right|480px|Bornholm Island Seabed Map]]
  
The Assistant Nurse finds a middle aged couple discreetly waiting in a quiet room adjacent to the cheering crowd.
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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.
  
-Mr. and Mrs. Ahlström? asks the nurse.
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-Shit! I don't know what this is but it sure doesn't look like peace. Take a look Commander.
  
-Yes, anxiously replies Elisabet's mother.
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The Commander grabs the periscope and orders the Radioman.
  
-It's a girl!
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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.
  
-Is she healthy? asks the father.
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The Radioman starts setting rotors on the Enigma as the Commander approaches.
  
-Yes, both the baby and the mother are fine. You can come in now, replies the Assistant Nurse, smiling.
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-Forget about the code... Get them on the Radio.
  
The mother looks at the father who holds her back.
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The Radioman scans the frequency dial.
  
-We have to go. Please give her this, and this for you, replies the father as he hands an envelope and a couple of 1000 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_markka Markka] notes the Assistant Nurse.
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-This is U-3955, I repeat this is U-3955... requesting situation report on the port of Nexø.
  
====HOSPITAL ROOM, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
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The Radioman looks back at the Commander who's surrounded by the rest of the crew... Radio Silence...
  
The Assistant Nurse walks back into the room holding the envelope and a notepad.
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-This is Rønne High Command. Identify yourself.
  
-So? asks Elisabet.
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The Commander grabs the mike.
  
-They left...
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-This is Commander XX of the Kriegsmarine. Requesting authorization to dock at Nexø. Out of fuel and supplies.
  
Elisabet holds her baby tight and stares out the window.
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Long silence at the other end as the Commander looks at Eveliina who joined the group around him.
  
-Hypocrites!
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-Negative. Nexø at risk of imminent attack.
  
The assistant nurse places the envelope on the night table. Elisabet grabs it and peeks inside finding a stack of 1000 Markka notes.
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The Commander hands the mike back to the Radioman as he addresses the Navigator.
  
-You are sure that you don't want to think about it some more?
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-No shit imminent... What do you say Nav!
  
-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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-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...
  
-You can stay here until tomorrow if you want... You should rest now, says the Assistant Nurse as she writes down the baby's name on the birth certificate.
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1WO who has been quietly listening to the conversation intervenes.
  
====PUB, PORT OF SOMPASAARI, A WEEK LATER====
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-This would mean an almost certain sinking or capture of the ship by the Soviets.
  
The pub is crowded with fishermen, sailors and dockers drinking and discussing the outcome of the war, and its implication for their livelihoods. Near the end of the room, the only woman there attracts attention as she talks to a young man, siting at her table.
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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.
  
-With the baby? asks the seaman.
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-This is U-3955 Commander XX, requesting to speak to the garrison’s commander.
  
-Yes, replies Elisabet holding Alma tightly wrapped in a white cloth.
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A fifteen minute silence is interrupted by a voice breaking over the sound of explosions.
  
-I don't know. I was told one passenger. Didn't know you would be a woman... With a baby.
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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?
  
-I'll pay double.
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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?
  
The young man is taken aback by the directness of this woman, even younger than him.
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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...
  
-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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-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.
  
-Thank you... thank you so much.
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-... So far, nothing on the horizon...
  
====ESTONIAN FISHING TRAWLER, BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN, 4 MAY 1945, DAWN====
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====DOCKS, NEXØ PORT, MAY 8, 1945, EVENING====
  
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, as the boat navigates on a fine line between two rows of mines. 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 dozing off 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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[[File:Nexo_Havn_1945.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Nexø Havn]]
  
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 side door.
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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.
  
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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-HALT!
  
-Are you the captain? asks the German.
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The U-boat crew ducks as they hear the warning coming from the roof of a nearby building.
  
-Euh... Yes, replies the Estonian fisherman in German with a thick accent.
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-Don't move, orders the Commander to his crew, before shouting back at the voice on the roof.
  
-We need Diesel. We can pay you.
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-This is Commander XX, we just docked our ship. Can I speak to you're CO?
  
-Diesel? The Estonian fisherman looks at his Finnish crew which have gathered around him.
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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.
  
-Do you understand what they want, he asks his 3 men crew in Finnish.
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-Where are the others.
  
They all reply that they don't as Elisabet walks up to them still holding Alma.
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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?
  
-They want to buy Diesel... They're willing to pay, claims Elisabet.
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-I don't know. Have you seen any British or Americans?
  
All men turn towards the mother and baby.
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-No, only planes coming from the East. Russians for sure... Do you have a doctor on board?
  
The Estonian then looks at the 75 meters [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_XXI_submarine Type XXI Elektroboote].
+
-No, but we'll take care of you. Is there a place where we could take cover for the night? Food?
  
-Diesel! I don't know... How much do they need?
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-Maybe the church, just a few block south of the port. It's still standing.
  
Elisabet translate in German then Finnish from now on.
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-What about the radio room? asks the commander.
  
-Enough to reach passed the Russian lines. Maybe 10 tons.
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The wounded sailor, points to the still smoking Kriegsmarine's station building.
  
-10 tons! Our tank only holds two tons and we're probably half empty.
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-In there, on the 2nd floor, I believe, but I've never been inside.
  
-You can buy some from the Russians in Tallinn, not us.
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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.
  
The Estonian fisherman hesitates...
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====U-3955, PORT OF NEXØ====
  
-From the Russians... It's risky.
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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.
  
-We can pay you...
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-The Commander has ordered us to evacuate. We have to meet them at the church.
  
The German captain pulls a 1kg gold bar bearing an engraved swastika.
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1WO looks perplex.
  
-This one now, for your reserve... and one more per ton you bring back.
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-Abandoning the ship?
  
====DOCKS, TALLINN, NIGHT====
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-Yes, replies the Navigator after receiving confirmation at the other end...
  
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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-ALERT! shouts the Radarman as he sees multiples dots appearing on his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plan_position_indicator PPI screen].
  
-Let's move, says the driver in Estonian.
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1WO runs to the Radarman's position and notices about a dozen advancing figures.
  
-How many you got? asks the captain.
+
-Ships?
  
-20 barrels.
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-Yes. About 10 Nautical Miles East!
  
-Ok, that will do, replies the captain, figuring out the maths as he answers. Can you pull back by my boat.
+
-Speed?
  
-No, replies the driver nervously. Let's do it here right now. You have the money?
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The Radarman waits for a few wipes to refresh his screen and scribbles a few numbers on his pad...
  
-Better, the captain pulls the gold bar and hands hit to the driver. That's three times the value.
+
-30 knots!
  
The driver inspects the Swastika bullion as the two other fishermen roll up the tail tarp of the truck and start rolling down the drums.
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1WO looks at the Engineer who has just arrived from the engine room.
  
====NAVIGATION TABLE, INTERIOR U-3955, 5 MAY 1945, EARLY MORNING====
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-The Russians are invading the island in 20 minutes! How long to sail out?
  
The U-boat Captain, the Engineer and Navigator, 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 Swedish ballad to soothe her.
+
-At least 15 minutes, answers the Engineer. But we have barely enough diesel to sail out 10 NM.  
  
-20 times 0.1341 ton, that's 2682 kg... With what's left in the tank, it's barely 3 tons, says the Engineer.
+
-We have to evacuate now, continues the Navigator. They'll probably send a last wave of air-strikes before landing.
  
-We won't make it passed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotland Gotland], replies the Navigator looking at the map.
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-Close the hatches! Orders the 1WO to the Engineer.
  
The U-boat Captain looks at the Estonian, then at Elisabet still singing to Alma's ear.
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-But what about the Commander? I could try a run to get him, argues the Navigator.
  
-You're sure he can't get more, asks the Captain?
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-No Time. Arm the tubes.
  
Elisabet translates.
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====TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955====
  
-No, he will already have to account for the missing 20, says the Estonian to Elisabet. That's all we can do... Can you ask him to bring us back up now.
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The Navigator wakes up Eveliina who is lying next to Marie in the torpedo room.
  
Before Elisabet could even translate a message pops from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enigma_machine Enigma machine]. All heads turns towards the Radioman.
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-Eveliina. Wake up.
  
-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.
+
-What's going on?
  
-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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-You got to get out now... We're sailing out.
  
Suddenly, the Watchman stops his rotation of the periscope and shouts.
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-Why can't I stay on board...
  
-Captain! A four engine bomber is flying low at 11 o'clock.
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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.
  
-That's the third one this morning. They're is no way we can resurface before sunset, says the Captain.
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Eveliina carefully grabs Marie and hand her to Navigator before climbing up to open hatch.
  
-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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====DECK, U-3955, PORT OR NEXØ====
  
Elisabet who understood the conversation, thus the implications for her, Alma and the Estonian captain, becomes the center of attention.
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As Eveliina exits from the forward hatch, the engines start roaring and the U-Boat starts moving, getting her to panic.
  
-What's going on, asks the Estonian.
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-MARIE!
  
-I don't mind continuing with you, saids Elisabet to the Germans ignoring the Estonian...
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At that moment, one of the Navigator's hand pops out of the hatch followed by Marie in the other.
  
-What about him, asks the Engineer.
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-Grab her an jump on the dock!
  
All heads turn towards the Estonian who looks confused.
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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.
  
====BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN====
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-Go to the church...
  
A tiny black inflatable raft unfolds as it reaches the surface followed by the Estonian captain who pops out of the water like a fishing quark. He climbs onto the raft, sinks into it and stares at 3 gold bars which he pulls from his pocket before starting to row towards his trawler half a NM away.
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====RADIO ROOM, BURNING KRIEGSMARINE STATION, NEXØ====
  
====COMMAND POST, INTERIOR U-3955, EARLY MORNING====
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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.
  
-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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-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.
  
-Welcome aboard ladies, says the Captain as he looks at Elisabet holding Alma bearing a smile.
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====DOCKS, PORT OR NEXØ====
  
-Thank you 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.
  
====SLEEPING QUARTERS, U-3955====
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====PORT OR NEXØ====
  
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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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.
  
-So what's her name?
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-What happen? They Left!
  
-Alma.
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-I don't know... Nav just pushed us out as the ship was sailing out.
  
The Captain caresses Alma's forehead.
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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.
  
-Hopefully, she'll get to grow up in peace.
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-Shit... They're preparing to land...
  
-Yes, replies Elisabet not too sure on how to react to the Captain's proximity.
+
At the same moment, a huge explosion rocks the horizon as one of the Soviet ship bursts into flames...
  
-How old are you?
+
-They went on a suicide mission... That's why they offloaded you...
  
-17...
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Eveliina kisses Marie on the forehead as she continues to shake and cry.
  
-That's how old I was when I embarked on my first patrol, 5 years ago. When I leave this ship, hopefully we all will, I'll be 17 again... All these years... It's like time stopped.
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====TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955====
  
-You're only 22? and a Captain!
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The voice of 1WO resonates through the loud speaker.
  
The Captain smiles.
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-FIRE!
  
-This is my first patrol as a captain. We left Danzig on March 26 and have been playing hide and seek with the Russians since then.
+
As a the Mecanikaermaat, releases the firing clutch, Navigator looks at the others around him...
  
----
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-Last one! That's it.
  
====CAPTAIN'S QUARTER, OFF FARO ISLAND, SWEDEN====
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====BALTIC SEA, 2 NM EAST OF NEXØ====
  
One by one, the Captain pulls a dozen of compact wooden boxes from his safe and hands them to the Navigator who places them side by side on the Captain's berth. All are sealed and bear an engraved Deutsche Reichsbank eagle on their lid.
+
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.
  
-You are sure about the position? asks the Captain.
+
====PORT OF NEXØ====
  
The Navigator is stunned by the number of boxes.
+
The Commander, Eveliina and Marie make their way towards the inland as they duck to hide from Soviet aircraft flying over their heads.
  
-Yea... How much is that? I thought you meant 20-30 kg...
+
-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...
  
-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.
+
-That one? asks Eveliina as she points towards a Nexø Church's bell tower.
  
-Hell no!
+
-It's gotta be it. I'll meet you there.
  
-So you have to make absolutely sure that we have the right coordinates... 
+
====NEXØ====
  
-I double checked with the sextant and triple checked with the lighthouse... We're spot on... 500m in line.
+
[[File:Il-2_attacking.jpg|thumb|right|480px|''Sturmovik'' Ilyushin Il-2]]
  
====SEABED, OFF FARO ISLAND====
+
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.
  
Standing on the seabed by merely 15m depth, the Navigator is scouting 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 knocks him over on the murky seabed creating a cloud of dust.
+
Holding Marie in one hand, she desperately tries to get the wounded Commander back on his feet.
  
====U-3955 DECK, OFF FARO ISLAND, NIGHT====
+
-Grab my arm...
  
The Engineer holds the umbilical breathing tube/cord as the Captain dumps the remaining boxes one by one aiming at the fading light below.
+
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.
  
-It's getting tighter. Like if he got deeper... warns the Engineer.
+
-You still have a good eye... But that's it for me I guess... Go before they come back...
  
-The light hasn't moved... Is he responding?
+
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 Engineer 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A5r%C3%B6_Lighthouse lighthouse].
+
-The gold... The gold...
  
Suddenly, the cord is pulled 3 times meaning that the diver requests to be pulled back up...
+
====NORTH  BEACH, NEXØ====
  
====U-3955 DECK, OFF FARO ISLAND, NIGHT, LATER====
+
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.
  
The 3 officers are now at the ship's stern.
+
====NEXØ KIRKE====
  
-This gold doesn't belong to us, but it for sure doesn't belong to the Russians nor to the British, nor to the Americans... utters the Captain. So, for now, it shall remain submerged until the three of us agree on what to do with it.
+
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.
  
-And if one of us disappears? suggests the Engineer.
+
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.
  
-Well then the two remaining will decide... replies the Captain.
+
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.
  
-And if we all disappear! proposes the Navigator.
+
-Eveliina? It's me, Radioman... Eveliina... Calls the Radioman who recognized the tune.
  
At that moment Elisabet opens the hatch and climbs down the fin's ladder.
+
Eveliina peaks above the church benches and sees the Radioman walking down the aisle.
  
-Well lets figure this out later on, now we need to find a way out of here, saids the Navigator as he helps the Engineer carrying the diving equipment inside.
+
-Hi... When did you get ashore? Did the boat come back? asks the Radioman.
  
-Can I help? asks Elisabet as she crosses the 2 officers on the narrow path leading to the stern of the ship.
+
-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.
  
-No, we're good... Go comfort the Captain... He's in the midst of an existential crisis.
+
-They went to strike the Soviet ships... I got a last message about an hour ago. I don't think they made it...
  
She walks towards the Captain, sitting at the ship's stern, staring at the lighthouse .
+
-You mean... They're all dead? asks Eveliina.
  
-Can I join you Captain? asks Elisabet.
+
-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?
  
The Captain turns around and smiles at Elisabet.
+
Eveliina looks down...
  
-Sure... You want to sit down? replies the Captain as he lays his life vest on the steel deck as a cushion. You smoke?
+
-He's dead... We got attacked by planes as he was trying to find you I guess...
  
-Ok...
+
The Radioman stares at a model boat hanging from the churches ceiling.
  
The Captain pulls a couple of Ernte 23 and blows a long flames out of his tube lighter to light Elisabet's cigarette.
+
-Shit...Well, it's only us now...
  
-That's good... We have to save the petrol! says Elisabet as she gently pulls the Captain's hand away.
+
He strum Marie's cheek with the back of his fingers.
  
The Captain lights his own. They look at the lighthouse beam for a while...
+
====NEXØ PORT====
  
-You should go back home Elisabet... The war is over now and Germany is not the place to be, says the Captain. We could drop you off here. This is Sweden. They're neutral. You could be home in a couple of weeks.
+
Soviet Naval Marines spread into platoons across the port and town.
  
Elisabet remains silent for a moment.
+
====NEXØ KIRKE====
  
-I'm sure I'll find him...
+
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.
  
-Even if he made it, which is rather unlikely, he'll probably be sent to a labor camp in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Mountains Urals] or even further... For god knows how long...
+
-I can't believe that they all died... The war was over... saids Eveliina as she caresses Marie's forehead.
  
The lighthouse beam passes right above their heads.
+
-After all this! We were so close... And the commander... I can't believe he's gone too, replies Radioman.
  
-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 was the enemy and that her mother was a loose girl...
+
====NEXØ KIRKE, LATER====
  
-Maybe you're right... But a loose girl... That much? replies the Captain teasing Elisabet.
+
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.
  
-You know what I mean...
+
-Don't shoot us please, I have a baby.
  
A moment passes. The Captain is uneasy, not sure if he offended Elisabet with his comment.
+
The wounded Radioman raises his hands and begs the Russians to spare the woman and child in a mixture of German and Russian.
  
-You have a wife? asks Elisabet, breaking the silence.
+
-We're not armed. Don't shoot. Don't shoot.
  
-No... Never even had a real girlfriend.
+
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.
  
-What do you mean ''Real''?
+
-Shut up, German fucker, saids the PO as Radioman collapses.
  
-Well like a girl I go out with... Write to... That kind of things.
+
The PO then grabs Eveliina's arms and notices Marie under her body.
  
-But you've been with women before?
+
-Little German rat! Come here, I'm gonna show you better.
  
-Of course... I'm a seamen.
+
The PO grabs her by the hair and she lets go of Marie as she's get dragged behind the altar.
  
-You mean prostitutes...
+
-Don't touch her! Don't touch my baby... screams Eveliina as Marie starts crying.
  
-Yes... Kind of, replies the Captain embarrassingly.
+
-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.
  
-And did you love them.
+
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.
  
-I liked one... She was a Polish girl in Danzig. I think she liked me too.
+
-Let's do him, saids Marine 3 (M3) to M4.
  
-And?
+
-Let him rot, answers M4 as he kick Radioman in the back.
  
-Don't know. When we came back from a patrol, the brothel had been destroyed by an air raid.
+
M1&2 come back from having searched the churches annexes.
  
-Sorry...
+
-Noting... saids M1. PO's still at it?
  
-I don't think she died. Neighbors said all the girls went to the shelter... But no one knows where they went after...
+
At that moment, the PO stands up from behind the altar tightening his belt.
  
Elisabet kisses the Captain on the cheek.
+
-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.
  
====NAVIGATOR'S TABLE, OFF FARO ISLAND====
+
-For sure PO!
  
The Captain and the Navigator are drinking [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ersatzkaffee Ersatzkaffee] while studying a map of Goteland.
+
Eveliina screams from behind the altar as M3 walks pins her down.
  
-There are two possibilities. Either try Visby and purchase from a fisherman, which means we have to enter and wait in the straight or we try the base her on Faro... points out the Navigator.
+
-Don't hurt my baby... Please don't hurt her...
  
-We could get squeezed in the straight... But then again, buying from the Swedish Navy...
+
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.
  
-Maybe we bribe a seaman...
+
====NEXØ KIRKE, NIGHT====
  
-In German?
+
Badly bruised, Eveliina wakes up half naked behind the altar. Radioman is by her side holding sleeping Marie.
  
At this moment Elisabet pulls the curtain and walks out of the adjacent Captain's quarters.
+
-Is she ok? Utters Eveliina.
  
-Did we wake you up?
+
-Yes... She fell asleep... Replies Radioman.
  
-It's ok, Alma's sleeping...
+
Eveliina tries to smile but her swollen lips prevents her from doing so.
  
-Coffee? Offers the Captain.
+
-Thank you... Did they leaves?
  
-No thanks, I don't drink coffee yet, and it wouldn't be good for the baby... responds Elisabet as she looks at the map.
+
-Yes... They're gone. Don't worry...
  
-You're right, although it's not even coffee, replies the Navigator as he looks at his reflection inside his cup.
+
-I want to go back home... I shouldn't have brought her into this...
  
-I speak Swedish, if that helps!
+
-Soon... Soon.
  
Both look at her incredulous...
+
The Radioman caresses Eveliina's head and she looks up seeing his bloody face.
  
-How many languages do you speak? Asks the Captain.
+
-They didn't miss you either...  
  
-Three. Finnish at school, Swedish at home and German... Well, in bed... smiles Elisabet... and some Estonian, at the fish-market.
+
Then, noticing his wounded leg.
  
-Wow, replies the Navigator
+
-Let me see.
  
-So you heard what we were saying, saids the Captain.
+
-Don't worry... I think the bullets went through.
  
-Yes, you guys want to sneak onto the island to ''buy'' or ''get'' some diesel from the Swedish Navy. But you can't speak Swedish!
+
-Still, you have to stop the bleeding.
  
-Basically that's it, answers 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.
  
-How long do you think it will take. I can't really leave her for more then 4 hours without feeding her.
+
-It was too late for Commander...
  
-4 hours! I think it'll be at least 12! if not a couple of days... saids the Captain.
+
-It was the first time you saw someone dying.
  
====U-3955, ELECTRICAL ENGINE ROOM====
+
-Yes... First time I saw someone dead...
  
The U-boat's Engineer ties a last wire to a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_pump Breast pump prototype] under the suspicious eye of the Captain.
+
-Well, at least he was with you. Didn't die alone.
  
-And you're sure this will work?
+
-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.
  
-Yes, it's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lasker Edward Lasker], who was a student at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_University_of_Berlin Charlottenburg's Technical Institute] where I studied who invented this.
+
-What?
  
-The chess player? asks the Captain.
+
-''The Gold''. ''The Gold''... He repeated twice, then closed his yes and never opened them again.
  
-Yes, answers the Engineer. So you want me to demonstrate on you or directly on her?
+
Radioman pulls up his leg with pain, then looks at Eveliina...
  
-Well, maybe we'll test on a crewman first.
+
-What did you guys brought on the island? Did you notice if they stashed some boxes.
  
====SHORE, FARO ISLAND, NIGHT====
+
-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 Captain, the Navigator and Elisabet beach their inflatable boat on the northern shore of Faro Island.
+
-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.
  
-Don't worry, she'll be fine... says the Navigator to Elisabet. There are 50 daddies playing mommy on board.
+
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.
  
-I've just never left her, replies Elisabet.
+
-Sorry...
  
-Let's go! says the Captain as he grabs one side of the boat.
+
-Don't worry.
  
The trio takes covers in a wooden patch about 500m north of the Faro Fyr.
+
-What does it mean?
  
-There should be a road leading to the lighthouse. We can walk along until we hit a cross road. Saids the Navigator.
+
-Little Angel... My mother gave it to her.
  
-Do you guys know where we're going? asks Elisabet.
+
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.
  
-To get diesel! reply the two guys, looking at each other.
+
====EVACUATION====
  
====FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND====
+
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.
  
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.
+
====KOENIGSBERG====
  
-Do you think they're full, asks Elisabet noticing the barrels.
+
''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.
  
-Most likely paraffin for the lamp, replies the Navigator, who looks at the Captain. What do you think?
+
====VISTULA SPIT, EAST-PRUSSIA- EVENING====
  
(Type XXI submarines were initially developed to run using paraffin for air-independent propulsion but the project was abandoned by the kriegsmarine and replaced by dielsel/electric engines.)
+
[[File:Flüchtlingstreck.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Ethnic German refugees on a westward trek]]
  
-No... She's not ready... I mean we'd have to run it by Engineer but... Anyhow, strange that the whole set up is left unguarded, saids the Captain.
+
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.
  
At that moment, light beams flicker through the trees, announcing an incoming vehicle and defining the prospective road.
+
====ANTI-AIRCRAFT OBSERVATION TOWER, PORVOO, FINLAND, SUMMER 1944====
  
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.
+
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.
  
-Yeah, yeah... shouts the sleepy vigil as the two others break into laughters.
+
-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.
  
The tree Swedes sit by the paraffin barrels and pull out a bottle of akvavit leaving the vehicle unattended, 10 meters away...
+
-Half an hour... He's fast your German... replies the Lotta as she grabs the binoculars.
  
Behind their rocks, the Navigator looks at the Captain, who then looks at Elisabet, still muzzled, then back at the Navigator...
+
-Keep your eye in the air, says Eveliina as she disappears bellow the deck.
  
-I guess this is our chance! If we get separated, walk back to the lifeboat and hide. We'll either be there or they'll send another boat to get you.
+
Eveliina embraces Gunter and the two walk hand in hand towards a nearby wood.
  
-What do you mean separated! Let's stay together right, saids Elisabet as she pulls the Captain's hand away from her mouth.
+
====WOOD, PORVOO, FINLAND, SUMMER 1944====
  
On those words, the Navigator notices that one of the Swedes stands up to take a piss against the lighthouse tower.
+
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.
  
-Let's go.
+
-I wish we could stay like this forever, murmurs Eveliina, locked into Gunter's arms.
 
 
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.
 
 
 
-You think this is it?
 
 
 
-How would I know...
 
 
 
-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.
 
 
 
-Shooting! I thought you guys brought me along because I could negotiate with them, murmurs Elisabet from the bottom of the back seat.
 
 
 
-Well, change of plans... We didn't know they'd provide us with a getaway car...
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
====MAIN GATE OF THE SWEDISH NAVAL BASE, FARO ISLAND====
 
 
 
All lights down, the trio's vehicle is parked a short distance from main gate of the island's Navy Base.
 
 
 
-We're talking not even 10km... They'll be back within less than 2 hours!
 
 
 
-The way they were guarding the lighthouse, maybe we have a shot at getting in.
 
 
 
-It doesn't look like there is a fence besides the gate.
 
 
 
-But where is the depot? Plus how many barrels can we fit in here.
 
 
 
The Navigator looks at the space behind him.
 
 
 
-Like 6 max.
 
 
 
-That's good. We could probably get passed Rugen with that. We just need to know if the Soviets reached much further.
 
 
 
====ROAD BACK TO FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND====
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
-Did you notice a slipway at the end of the road.
 
 
 
-No, but it wouldn't make sense that they're wouldn't be one.
 
 
 
-Well we have maybe half an hour to get the raft and dumps the drums.
 
 
 
-Elisabet, can you drive?
 
 
 
-No... I only drove the farmer's tractor when I was a kid.
 
 
 
-Ok so you get the boat and steer it back close to the lighthouse. Don't for get both paddles and the rope.
 
 
 
-You think it's all gonna fit on the boat? There was barely enough room for the 3 of us.
 
 
 
-We'll tow the barrels.
 
 
 
-But they'll sink!
 
 
 
-Don't worry.
 
  
====FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND, DAWN====
+
-Me too...
  
-Shit, it's gonna be day before we even leave.
+
-I will follow you to the end of the world...
  
-Hopefully the 3 drunks are making their way back here.
+
Gunter kisses her.
  
-Ok, let's go. Elisabet, to the boat, Don't forget the paddles and the rope.
+
-When the war is over, I'll come and get you, then we'll go together... to China...
  
-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...
+
-India...
  
All three execute their task in a flash.
+
-Indochina...
  
====SIDE OF THE ROAD, FARO ISLAND====
+
-Argentina...
  
The 3 Swedes take cover in the forest as they notice the head beams of their m/43 pointing at them. After debating a plan of action, they cautiously walk to the m/43 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...
+
-I love you.
  
====OFF FARO ISLAND, MORNING====
+
They make love again....
  
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. Seeing two full bottle of akvavit at the bottom of the boat, Elisabet looks comments to the Navigator.
+
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.
  
-I see you trusted that the barrels would float but you didn't take any chance with the bottles!
+
-Shit, they're coming!
  
====FARO FYR, FARO ISLAND, MORNING====
+
Gunter gently places his palm over her mouths and signals her to listen.
  
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.
+
-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.
  
Incredulously, he starts walking back towards the base...
+
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.
  
====U-3955, TORPEDO ROOM====
+
====VISTULA SPIT, EAST-PRUSSIA, DAWN, MAY 25, 1945====
  
The Captain surrounded by Elisabet, Alma and most of the crew are gathered in the torpedo room as the navigator pours akvavit into the seamen's tin cups.
+
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.
  
-[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sk%C3%A5l#Swedish skål]! Shouts the Navigator as he raise his glass to the crew and the girls.
+
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.
  
-To all the ''mommies'' on board, pursues the Engineer!
+
====NOTES====
  
Elisabet stands up.
+
''Marie is raised in an orphanage on the Inner German Border near Lübeck.
  
-Thank you Engineer and thank you all for taking care of my little Alma while I was ashore...
+
''Mention ties between Eveliina's father and the Nazi Regime.
  
-Our little Alma, shouts a seaman as he mimics holding one of his breast.
+
''Strengthen 1W0/Commander tensions... Soviet barbarism VS Morgenthau Plan
  
The Captain stands up and waits for the laughter and the commotion that follows to settle before addressing the crew.
+
''Add writings from the Commander's War Diary.
  
-As you know, our country has now officially surrendered... The war is over... We have lost... Although I am still the Captain of this ship, as a renegade officer, I no longer have authority on its crew and therefore cannot unilaterally decide of its faith. Most of you are older than me. Many with families hopefully waiting for them in the motherland, or somewhere in what will be a new Europe.
+
''Hint of Gold in last Enigma transmission from Faro.
  
As some of you know, this ship supports the latest classified technology of our country and is praised by our enemies... Former enemies... My instructions were to avoid seizure of this ship at any cost... Sailing it back to Danzig is in contradiction with these orders. Scuttling the ship in deep enough water to avoid its raising would mean death for most, if not all of us... And we now have a baby on board...
+
''Why was U-3955 loaded with gold? Who was in charge? What was the intended destination?
  
Our only hope is to reach Bornholm, which is still under German control. Our batteries have been damaged during the last attack and we are forced to only sail at surface. This is highly risky as we'll have to sail on the edge of Sweden without entering their waters, yet trying to avoid Russian surveillance planes and ships. They'll out speed us in a flash...
+
''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.
  
'''U-3955 arrives in Bornholm as the Soviets invade the island on May 9...
+
''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.
  
====DANZIG====
+
''Marching deported Germans will care for Marie all the way to Lübeck where she will be raised as ''Ulla''...
  
''Following its liberation by the Red Army, the city is in disarray and prone to "ethnic cleansing". Elisabet finds Gunter'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.
+
''[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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