Difference between pages "The Zytglogge Mission" and "U-3955"

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'''OUTLINE'''
 
'''OUTLINE'''
  
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''[[Carla]] Xanthis, a Swiss prosecutor investigating the banking transactions of a Russian pipeline company, is the target of a failed assassination attempt as she leaves her old Bern home for work. Oblivious to what happened, she is secretly contacted by [[Uri]] Yatom, the renegade [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mossad Mossad] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsa Katsa] who saved her life.
+
''Spring of 1945: [[Eveliina]], pregnant from a German Wehrmacht Air Defence advisor, 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 Koenigsberg from where she is finally evacuated along thousands of ethic Germans expelled from Soviet controlled Prussia.
  
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''Back in the Middle East, [[Alexander]] Nikitin, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_oligarch Russian Oligarch] who heads the pipeline company, transfers his operations to Dubai where he purchases a bank. He moves to the Emirate with his key staff and [[Najwa]], his Palestinian/Iranian girlfriend.
+
''[[Eveliina]] 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 way, leaving a desolated land behind. Amidst the celebrations that follow, Eveliina 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, to avoid tarnishing its business' reputation and revealing ties to the Nazi regime. Not wanting to bear such a burden on her daughter and yearning to find her lover, she seeks a way to reach Soviet controlled Estonia, hoping to make her way West from there. Only experienced fishermen can navigate the dangerous waters along the "mine net" laid between Helsinki and Tallinn. Eveliina boards an Estonian fishing trawler at night.
  
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''The plot thickens as the characters involved cross reference transactions and individuals.
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[[Jaffa Citrus|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[The Hansa Way|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
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[[I_Seek_You_2.0|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
 
  
 
{{
 
{{
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#display_map:GULF OF ADEN
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#display_map:60.1811287, 24.9738194; 59.764922, 25.0288039; 57.960573, 19.3508766
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|zoom=5
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|zoom=6
 
}}
 
}}
  
  
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====DAY, GULF OF ADEN, ARABIAN SEA====
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====EVELIINA'S ROOM, VILLA ENSI, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
  
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[[File:GulfOfAden.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Gulf of Aden]]
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The low lying Nordic sun radiates through the sparsely furnished room overlooking the Baltic Sea. Villa Ensi was initially built as a maternity but has since been transformed into a residence by the owner's daughter. A section still hosts pregnant women in need. [[Alma]], a 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 [[Eveliina]] to hold her dripping newborn while she gets the scissors placed on a side table next to a notepad. Eveliina Ahlström weeps a mixture of joy and sadness as Alma cuts the cord then wipes the baby before gently laying it on her chest and exiting the the room.
  
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Aboard a small rusted trawler, three men use a crane to raise a something from the bottom of the sea. [[Alain]], who seems to be the leader, speaks with a French accent as the cable winds up through his hand.
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====LOBBY, VILLA ENSI, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
  
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-Slowly... Slowly...
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Through the open door of an adjacent room, a maid stands by the radio as the newsman announces that the last German soldier has just crossed the Norwegian border. The short war against 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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[[Pierrot]] emerges out of the water wearing a diving suit and holding on to the cable. He removes his mouthpiece.
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Alma walks down to the main staircase to find a middle aged couple standing in the lobby.
  
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-10 meters guys...
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-Mr. and Mrs. Ahlström? asks Alma.
  
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A rusted trunk pops out in a net and is raised on deck. Pierrot removes his gear as he is being helped on-board, then walks up to the Alain addressing him in French with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridional_French Meridional accent].
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-Yes, anxiously replies Eveliina's mother.
  
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-So... Gold bars!
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-It's a girl!
  
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Alain looks at him perplex as he tilts the trunk on its side.
+
-Is she healthy? asks the father bluntly.
  
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-One thing we know it's that this thing is sealed!
+
-Yes, both the baby and the mother are fine. You can come in now, replies Alma, smiling.
  
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He notices an embossed logo on the front of the trunk.
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The mother looks at the father who holds her back.
  
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-G.V.I.R.? What's that... A crown?
+
-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 to Alma.
  
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-Nice... The Queen's jewels!
+
The mother then pulls a folded damask blanket and hands it to Alma.
  
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Alain addresses the other two crewmen in English.
+
-Here, for the baby.
  
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-Get me the crow bar.
+
The couple exits the building and passes between two statues, one of a mother and child, the other of a man embracing a woman, before stepping into a chauffeured Mercedes Benz.
  
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He pops the lid off the trunk to find stacks of letters inside as Pierrot looks astonished.
+
====EVELIINA'S ROOM, VILLA ENSI, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945====
  
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-Shit... The mail!
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Alma walks back into the room holding the envelope.
  
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====MORNING, JUNKERNGASSE STREET, BERN, SWITZERLAND====
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-So? asks Eveliina.
  
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[[File:BernBike.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Bern]]
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-They left...
  
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[[Carla]] Xanthis, 35, a Swiss federal prosecutor, unlocks her bicycle just outside her apartment and starts riding when a stocky 40 year old pedestrian crosses the street towards her. As the two are about to collide, another cyclist, [[Uri]] Yatom, 33, storms from behind Carla and purposely runs into the pedestrian who then falls on the pavement, dropping his umbrella. As Carla stops, Uri maneuvers back towards the fallen pedestrian, picks up the umbrella and zooms down the Bubenbergrain passage leading to the Aare river. Before Carla or other passers-by could get to the fallen pedestrian to assist him, a silver Mercedes sedan cuts them off to pick him up and continues its course as the man in the passenger seat, [[Boris]], exits the car to run after Uri. Carla and the other passers-by stare at each other in disbelief before continuing their journeys.
+
Eveliina holds her baby tight and stares out the window.
  
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====BUBENBERGRAIN PASSAGE, BERN====
+
-Hypocrites!
  
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Uri continues his rocky ride down the outdoor stairway when he sees the silver Mercedes stopping at the bottom. As he hears the steps of the man following him getting closer, he dismounts his bike and hides behind and entrance still holding the umbrella. A mobile phone rings and Boris answers as he continues running down.
+
Alma places the envelope on the night table and unfolds the white damask blanket on which two words are embroidered; '''Pikku enkeli''', little angel. She then wraps the baby in it.
  
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====INTERIOR SILVER MERCEDES, AARSTRASSE, BERN====
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Eveliina looks at the inscription with sorrow then grabs the envelope on the night table to find a stack of 1000 Markka notes.
  
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The Mercedes' driver, [[Dimitri]], 38, shouts in Russian into his phone as he looks up the stairs and sees Boris running into Uri.
+
-You are sure that you don't want to think about it some more? asks alma.
  
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-Look out... On your left!
+
-Yes, I'm sure, replies Eveliina as she puts the envelope back on the table. [[Marie]], Marie Grass. That's her name.
  
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====BUBENBERGRAIN PASSAGE, BERN====
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-Ms. Staudinger's told me that you could stay here for a few days if you want... says Alma as she grabs the notepad and writes down the baby's name on the birth certificate. You should rest now.
  
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Boris reacts to the warning a split second before Uri extends his leg to trip him. After dropping his phone and falling down several steps, he grabs a knife strapped onto his leg, presses a trigger which shoots its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_knife blade] narrowly missing Uri's head before getting stuck in a wooden wall behind. Reacting to the unexpected flying blade, Uri rushes towards him and strikes him on the chest with the tip of the umbrella then kicks him in the head. Boris drops unconscious.
+
====PUB, SOMPASAARI DOCKS, HELSINKI, A WEEK LATER====
  
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====INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SILVER MERCEDES, AARSTRASSE, BERN====
+
The pub is crowded with fishermen, sailors and dockers drinking and discussing the outcome of the war, and its implication for their livelihoods. In the back of the pub, the only woman there attracts attention as she talks to a young man, siting at her table.
  
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Dimitri looks at the injured pedestrian on the back seat.
+
-With the baby? asks the seaman.
  
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-Shit, he struck Boris! Get in front!
+
-Yes, replies Eveliina holding Marie tightly wrapped in her white damask blanket.
  
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He then exits the car and runs up the stairs.
+
-I don't know. I was told one passenger. Didn't know you would be a woman... With a baby.
  
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====BUBENBERGRAIN PASSAGE, BERN====
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-I'll pay double.
  
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A large group of school children walk down from the top of the stairs blocking the way. Uri jumps over a side wall and starts running through inner courts and garden. Dimitri cuts through a side alley and runs on a parallel path but is slowed down by multiple dead ends. Dimitri catches glimpses of Uri then lose him again several times as the chase continues.
+
The young man is taken aback by the directness of this woman, even younger than him.
  
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====EXTERIOR/EXTERIOR MATTENLIFT ELEVATOR, BERN====
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-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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Uri jumps a last wall and runs across a parking lot towards a couple entering an [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattenlift outside elevator] leading back to the old city. He gets in just before the glass doors close and sees Dimitri arriving at the scene as the elevator climbs rapidly.
+
-Thank you... thank you so much.
  
−
The silver Mercedes reaches the parking lot as Uri continues his escape.
+
====HELSINKI ARCHIPELAGO, 3-4 MAY 1945, NIGHT====
  
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====OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE====
+
A fishing trawler sails away from Helsinki. The Baltic Sea is eerily quiet on this third day following the announcement of Hitler's death.
  
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A replay of the opening scene through various city surveillance cameras which extends to Uri crossing the Kirchenfeld bridge aboard a black Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
+
====ESTONIAN FISHING TRAWLER, BALTIC SEA, 4 MAY 1945, NIGHT====
  
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====MORNING, INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND POLICE, BERN====
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Eveliina winds a music box playing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Rhapsody_No._1 The Swedish Rhapsody] to little Marie's ear as they share a narrow berth in a corner of the main cabin where other crewmen are resting.
  
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Carla gets to her office late to pick up documents. A young female Assistant is busy gathering them into a rolling briefcase. Carla fires up her laptop and notices that she's late.
+
As Marie falls asleep and the music stops, one of the seamen, the one who she met in the pub, turns towards her and whispers.
  
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-Shit... the train leaves in 12 minutes.
+
-Good night.
  
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-Making sure all the subpoenas are there. Gunter Feurer called to say he'll meet you in the restaurant wagon. He tried your mobile but he couldn't reach you.
+
-Good night to you too, answers Eveliina. How long until we reach Estonia?
  
−
Carla rapidly scans through her filled inbox.
+
-About six more hours. We could go faster but because of the mines...
  
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-Yes, I got caught up in a bike accident.
+
Eveliina, caresses her daughter's face and pulls up her blanket trying to fall asleep amidst the whirring of the boat engine.
  
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-You're OK?
+
====ESTONIAN FISHING TRAWLER, BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN, 4 MAY 1945, DAWN====
  
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Carla shuts down her laptop.
+
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 on port side from his slowly sailing trawler. On its deck, several sailors call him in German, and in what sounds like various Baltic languages.
  
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-Yeah, I wasn't really involved... It's like this guy came out of nowhere to save me from crashing into a wandering pedestrian, then stole his umbrella and disappeared down the Bubenbergrain!
+
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, Eveliina climbs on deck holding baby Marie in her arms. The two other fishermen are now also on decks trowing ropes at the U-boat as more German seamen pop out through the submarine's fin side door.
  
−
-Who's umbrella?
+
[[File:Uboot_Type_XXI_Layout.jpg|thumb|right|480px|U-Boot Type XXI layout]]
  
−
Carla seems perplex as her Assistant closes her briefcase.
+
The captain of the Estonian trawler is baffled when the very young [[Commander]] of the U-boat jumps on his rusty fishing boat, followed by two of his unarmed men.
  
−
-The man's crossing the street I guess. He got picked up by a car and also vanished...
+
-Are you the captain? asks the German Kriegsmarine's Commander.
  
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The Assistant is more preoccupied by the departing train than by the incident.
+
-Euh... Yes, replies the Estonian fisherman in German with a thick accent.
  
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-Wow! You're sure you're OK? 9 minutes!
+
-We need Diesel. We can pay you.
  
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====AFTERNOON, BERNER OBERLAND/URI, SWITZERLAND====
+
The Estonian fisherman looks at his crew which have gathered around him.
  
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Uri drives his black Giulietta through several trans-alpine tunnels into Switzerland's heartland.
+
-Do you understand what they want? he asks his 3 men crew in Estonian.
  
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====EXTERIOR/INTERIOR, SERVICE AREA, URI, SWITZERLAND====
+
They all reply that they don't as Eveliina walks up to them still carrying Marie.
  
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[[File:1000px-Flag_of_Canton_of_Uri.png|thumb|right|320px|Flag of Canton of Uri]]
+
-They want to buy Diesel... They're willing to pay, claims Eveliina.
  
−
As he reaches a highway service area, Uri parks and waits in his car until he notices the flashing headlights from a car parked on the opposite side of the highway. He picks up the stolen umbrella and crosses the austere pedestrian tunnel where he notices the emblem of the Canton of Uri, a cow's head with a buckle through the nostrils.
+
All men turn towards the mother and baby.
  
−
====SELF SERVICE RESTAURANT, SERVICE AREA, URI, SWITZERLAND====
+
The Estonian then looks at the 75 meters [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_XXI_submarine Type XXI Elektroboote].
  
−
Uri picks up a tray and gets in line next to [[Aaron]] Hanin, a bulky man in his late 40s, at the self service food counter.
+
-Diesel! I don't know... How much do they need?
  
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Aaron speaks Hebrew to Uri.
+
Eveliina translates in German then in Finnish from now on.
  
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-What the fuck are you doing here?
+
-Enough to reach passed the Russian lines. Maybe 10 tons.
  
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Uri discreetly raises the umbrella to show it to Aaron who notices the open tip.
+
-10 tons! Our tank only holds two, and we're probably half empty.
  
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-The target was about to hit the woman. Probably with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricin ricin].
+
-You can buy some from the Russians in Tallinn, not us.
  
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-What target!!! First it's not our business what goes on in this country, then it's especially none of your business. Who the fuck told you to get on these Russians' case!
+
The Estonian fisherman hesitates...
  
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The cook looks at them from across the counter as Uri switches to German.
+
-From the Russians... It's risky.
  
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-One sausage with gratin please.
+
-We can pay you...
  
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Aaron addresses the cook with a heavy accented English.
+
The German Commander pulls a 1kg gold bar bearing an engraved Swastika from his pocket.
  
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-What's in the sausage.
+
-This one now, for your reserve... and one more per ton you bring back.
  
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-Veal!
+
====DECK, U-3955====
  
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-OK, give me two.
+
The [[First Watch Officer (1WO)]], a young men not much older than 20, stands at the top of the fin's tower and observes the transaction through binoculars.
  
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-With gratin?
+
====DOCKS, TALLINN, NIGHT====
  
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-Is there cheese in it?
+
The docks are barely 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 Estonian captain and two of his 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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-No. Potatoes, butter and cream.
+
-Let's move, says the driver in Estonian.
  
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Aaron looks annoyed and mumbles to the cook...
+
-How many you got? asks the captain.
  
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-Just the sausages...
+
-20 barrels.
  
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...before getting back to Uri in Hebrew.
+
-Ok, that will do, replies the captain, figuring out the maths as he answers. Can you pull back by my boat.
  
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-Since when have you been in Europe anyways. Aren't you supposed to be in China?
+
-No, replies the driver nervously. Let's do it here right now. You have the money?
  
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-Well I had some personal issues to deal with here and I bumped into these guys by accident...
+
-Better, the captain pulls the gold bar and hands it to the driver. That's five times the value.
  
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-By accident!
+
The driver inspects the Swastika bullion as the two other fishermen pull up the tail tarp and start rolling down the drums out of the truck.
  
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Uri and Aaron sit at a table with their trays.
+
====NAVIGATION TABLE, INTERIOR U-3955, 5 MAY 1945, EARLY MORNING====
  
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-I just picked up the umbrella and left, not to leave evidences.
+
[[File:AtlasDerBodenbeschaffenheitdesMeeres.png|thumb|right|480px|Baltic Seabed Atlas]]
  
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-But you left a Russian hit-man unconscious on the streets of Bern!
+
The U-boat [[Commander]], 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 Eveliina and Marie stand by. Marie starts crying as heavy metallic noises emanate from the pressurized hull. Eveliina plays the music box's Swedish Rhapsody to soothe her.
  
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Uri looks surprised.
+
-20 times 0.1341 ton, that's 2682 kg... With what's left in the tank, it's barely 3 tons, says the Engineer.
  
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-They left him there?
+
-We won't make it passed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotland Gotland], replies the Navigator looking at the map.
  
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-An ambulance was already on its way when the others reached him.
+
The U-boat Commander looks at the Estonian, then at Eveliina still singing to Marie's ear.
  
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-Did they find out about the toxin at the hospital.
+
-You're sure he can't get more, asks the Commander?
  
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-Not yet, but the Swiss police got a good description of your car... That's how we tracked you down... Get rid of it and report back home within 48 hours.
+
Eveliina translates.
  
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====INTERIOR, PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL, SERVICE AREA , URI====
+
-No, he will already have to account for the missing 20, says the Estonian to Eveliina. That's all we can do... Can you ask him to bring us back up now?
  
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After crossing back the pedestrian tunnel to reach his car, Uri stops by the service area's shop to buy cigarettes and picks up an Uri flag crested cap which he wears with amusement and addresses the cashier in perfect English.
+
Before Eveliina could even translate a message pops from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enigma_machine Enigma machine]. All heads turns towards the [[Radioman]]. 1WO walks to him and picks up the transcribed message and reads:
  
−
-Do I look good?
+
-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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-Nein. Deutsche.
+
-That means we can't even surrender to the Swedes. Our only hope is to make it past Fehmarn, replies the Commander...
  
−
====AFTERNOON, HIGHWAY, UNDERWALD, SWITZERLAND====
+
Suddenly, the Watchman stops his rotation of the periscope and shouts.
  
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A surveillance camera records Uri's car driving through a tunnel.
+
-Commander! A four engine bomber is flying low at 11 o'clock.
  
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====DUSK, EXTERIOR/INTERIOR, ZURICH INTERCONTINENTAL BANK AG, SWITZERLAND====
+
-That's the third one this morning. They're is no way we can resurface before sunset, says the Commander.
  
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A surveillance camera records Carla Xanthis and [[Gunter]] Feurer, a 50 something auditor from the Swiss Department of Finances, as they enter the building of the Zurich Intercontinental Bank AG along with a dozen Federal Police officers. They show a search warrant to the security agents as the police officers quickly bypass the gates and infiltrate the building.
+
-If that trawler stands still all day, it'll attract attention. The Soviets will dispatch a Corvette. We have to move on, says 1WO.
  
−
====INTERIOR, CEO'S OFFICE, ZURICH INTERCONTINENTAL BANK AG====
+
Eveliina who understood the conversation, thus the implications for her, Marie and the Estonian captain, becomes the center of attention.
  
−
As the bank's CEO, [[Julius]] Widmer early 50s, is being warned about the intrusion by a panicked employee, Carla and Gunter enter his office. Gunter firmly addresses the CEO.
+
-What's going on, asks the Estonian.
  
−
-Julius Widmer?
+
-I don't mind continuing with you, says Eveliina to the Germans ignoring the Estonian...
  
−
Julius responds with a defiant tone.
+
-What about him, asks the Engineer.
  
−
-Yes.
+
All heads turn towards the Estonian who looks confused.
  
−
-We have a warrant from the Department of Justice to search this building. We also have authorization to shut down all communications and seize all mobile devices.
+
====BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN====
  
−
-Show me this warrant.
+
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 wearing a [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tauchretter Tauchretter]. 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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Carla hands the warrant as she introduces herself.
+
====COMMAND POST, U-3955, MORNING====
  
−
-Carla Xanthis, Department of Justice
+
-5 fathom down, 220 degrees WSW, 90 percent speed, shouts the 1WO to the Crew as the Watchman pulls down the periscope.
  
−
====INTERIOR, ZURICH INTERCONTINENTAL BANK AG====
+
-Welcome aboard ladies, says the Commander as he looks at Eveliina holding Marie bearing a smile.
  
−
Staff on all floors of the bank are quickly ordered to cease using their computers and to surrender their phones and mobile devices as IT specialists take over the bank's servers and cut the building's Internet access. Walking through the bank's luxurious corridors amidst stunned employees, Gunter is lead to the archives where plainclothes police officers seize boxes of documents.
+
-Thank you Captain.
  
−
====EXTERIOR, ZURICH INTERCONTINENTAL BANK AG====
+
-Commander... corrects the Commander.
  
−
As police officers search employees exiting the bank, Carla is on the phone with her superior explaining that they might need several days to find what they're looking for and that letting the CEO go might jeopardize the case that she's building.
+
==== TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955====
  
−
She stare at the flow of well dressed pedestrians and commutors on their way home from work.
+
The numbing sound of transformers echoes through the U-boat's hull. Eveliina sits by Marie on a lower berth in the torpedo room. The Commander walks to them and kneels down.
  
−
====INTERIOR, CEO'S OFFICE, ZURICH INTERCONTINENTAL BANK AG====
+
-So what's her name?
  
−
As she questions the very evasive CEO, she gets a call back from her office informing her request for an arrest warrant has been declined. As she close her phone, Julius who's looking out the window, continues.
+
-Marie.
  
−
-What is this mascaraed.
+
The Commander caresses Marie's forehead.
  
−
-We have solid evidence showing steady transfers occurring from your transit. The Russian government is ...
+
-Hopefully, she'll get to grow up in peace.
  
−
-Fuck the Russians... You can't suspend the operations of a whole bank because you are investigating one account. Don't you see the damage this causes us... Not only us... All of us!
+
-Yes, replies Eveliina not too sure on how to react to the Commander's proximity.
  
−
-It's the only way we have to act diligently.
+
-How old are you?
  
−
Julius walks the room nervously.
+
-17...
  
−
-I can't believe this... I got to make a phone call to Bern.
+
-That's how old I was when I embarked on my first patrol, like 5 years ago. When I leave this ship, hopefully we all will, I'll be 17 again... Fucking war... It's like time stopped.
  
−
-Please go ahead... We have to remain in your office though...
+
-You're only 22? and a Commander!
  
−
Julius grabs his mobile phone from his desk.
+
The Commander smiles.
  
−
-Roland! Julius... Not good. A team from the Department of Justice stormed into the bank just now. No, not a joke. Can you talk to someone and see what the fuck is going on...
+
-This is my first patrol as Commander. We left Danzig for a training sortie on March 26 and have been playing hide and seek with the Russians since then.
  
−
He walks to the window to peek outside.
+
====COMMAND POST, U-3955, DAY====
  
−
-Yes, like 10 police cars parked downstairs blocking the door... Call me on my cell. The bank's lines are down!
+
The Commander gets back to the command post to relieve 1WO.
  
−
====144th FLOOR APARTMENT, BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI, UAE====
+
-All good 1WO, asks the Commander.
  
−
[[File:BurjKhalifa.jpg|thumb|right|320px|The Burj Khalifa]]
+
-Yes, as you can hear we've switched to diesel about 5 minutes ago to reload the batteries. We should reach the tip of Gotland with 3 hours.
  
−
On the 144th floor of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burj_Khalifa Burj Khalifa], [[Najwa]], a 28 year old Palestinian/Iranian writer, contemplates the sunset over the Persian Gulf. In the background, [[Alexander]] Nikitin, a 41 year old Russian businessman, gets an SMS urging him to log on to Epyks (a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype Skype] derivative application).
+
-Great. Rest well 1WO.
  
−
Alexander sits on a sofa and opens his laptop as Najwa, wearing a white cloth that catches the soft light of the setting sun, sits on the railing of the bay window writing on her [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad iPad].
+
1W0 salutes the Commander and starts walking away from the command post, then stops and turns around.
  
−
Dimitri appears on Alexander's screen.
+
-I must say Commander, it is highly irregular to bring unauthorized civilians on board... Let alone, leaving them unguarded in the torpedo room. You leave me with no choice but to report this in my diary.
  
−
-She's the prosecutor. We tried to get to her before she got to Zurich but things got out of hands... as I'm sure you already know.
+
The Commander waits a few seconds to gage the 1WO's motivations...
  
−
-That's OK, we have nothing in Zurich.
+
-Relax 1WO... The war is over...
  
−
Dimitri's anxious face fills the screen as he gets closer to tweak settings on his keyboard.
+
====CAPTAIN'S QUARTER, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, SWEDEN, MAY 5, 1945, EVENING====
  
−
-Great... I'm relieved... By the way I can't see you... Is your camera on?
+
One by one, the Commander pulls a dozen of compact wooden boxes from his safe and hands them to the Navigator who places them side by side on the Commander's berth. All are sealed and bear an engraved Deutsche Reichsbank eagle on their lid.
  
−
Alexander stares at Najwa then gets back to Dimitri.
+
-You are sure about the position? asks the Commander.
  
−
-You screwed up Dimitri. I asked you to slow down the process, not to hit a government official.  
+
The Navigator is stunned by the number of boxes.
  
−
-The subpoenas had been issued. They were heading for the bank.
+
-Yeah... How much is that? I thought you meant 20-30 kg...
  
−
-I knew that and we acted accordingly... This is not Africa, Dima.
+
-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.
  
−
Dimitri's expression becomes apologetic, anticipating bad news.
+
-Hell no!
  
−
-Sasha...
+
-You have to make absolutely sure that we have the right coordinates...
  
−
-Forget about it. Viktor is now in Geneva and he's taking over. Go back home.
+
-I double checked with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sextant sextant] and triple checked with the lighthouse... We're spot on... 500m in line.
  
−
Alexander closes the application and looks at Najwa's silhouette against the setting sun. He walks towards her and softly grabs her shoulders as he kisses her neck. They speak in English.
+
-Right on, answers the Commander as he contemplates the stack of gold.... Oh, and how do we know that 1WO won't come out?
  
−
-Why do you write [[La voie de l'ange|your diary]] in French? You think I can't understand!
+
-Engineer is keeping him busy fixing the alternator in the Diesel room.
  
−
Najwa smiles but does not let him disturb her.
+
-I don't like this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsches_Jungvolk DJ] fuck-head. Gives me the creeps.
  
−
-I told you, it's not mine. I'm just continuing someone else's.
+
-He's a fighter, Commander... Well, I'm going to gear up now...
  
−
Alexander continues to tease her.
+
Navigator opens the door to walk out.
  
−
-A French lover...
+
-Ok... Last thing... Can you ask Radioman to send an encrypted message to Flensburg with our coordinates. This shall be our [http://www.openstreetmap.org/node/2607088292 last recorded position]...
  
−
-No, a young girl, who's diary I read in French when I was a kid... Now stop bugging me you Russian mobster.
+
====SEABED, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND====
  
−
Alexander gently caresses the side of her face as she looks up at the setting sun.
+
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.
  
−
-When I look at the sun, especially now when it's so red and peaceful, I see you my love. Bright, strong and peaceful.
+
====U-3955 DECK, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, MAY 5, 1945, DAY====
  
−
Alexander kisses her head.
+
The Engineer holds the umbilical breathing tube/cord as the Commander dumps the remaining boxes one by one aiming at the fading light below.
  
−
-I think of you when I see the sun rising... Then, all my senses emerge.
+
-It's getting tighter. Like if he got deeper... warns the Engineer.
  
−
-Hmmmm... My senses emerge when you touch me.
+
-The light hasn't moved... Is he responding?
  
−
Alexander gently pulls her body on the floor.
+
The Engineer hits the cord twice and waits for a response as the Commander'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].
  
−
-Ishtar... You're a goddess.
+
Suddenly, the cord is pulled 3 times meaning that the diver requests to be pulled back up...
  
−
They make love.
+
====U-3955 DECK, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT====
  
−
====EVENING, INSIDE TRAMWAY, BERN====
+
The 3 officers are now at the ship's stern.
  
−
On a rainy night, Uri, wearing his drippy Uri cap, boards a tramway and stops by Carla who is sitting down.
+
-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 Commander. So, for now, it shall remain submerged until the three of us agree on what to do with it, right?
  
−
-Excuse me. Carla Xanthis... Please do not look at me... There is something important I'd like to share with you but we can't be seen together... here.
+
-And if one of us disappears? suggests the Engineer.
  
−
Carla seems suspicious as she looks around her, then stares out the window, nervously ignoring Uri who continues talking to her.
+
-Well then the two remaining will decide... replies the Commander.
  
−
-Remember the accident across from your house yesterday morning? It was not an accident...
+
-And if we all disappear! proposes the Navigator.
  
−
Carla reacts to Uri's claim and looks down as he continues his monologue.
+
At that moment Eveliina pops out of the fin's hatch and climbs down ladder, surprising the 3 men.
  
−
-Meet me at the Kornhauskeller at midnight. It's important.
+
-Well lets figure this out later on, now we need to find a way out of here, says the Navigator as he helps the Engineer carrying the diving equipment inside.
  
−
He exits the tramway as it reaches the next stop. Carla and Uri exchange quick glances through the tramway's window as it leaves.
+
-Can I help? asks Eveliina as she passes the 2 officers on the narrow path leading to the stern of the ship.
  
−
====EVENING, JUNKERNGASSE, BERN====
+
-No, we're good... Go comfort the Commander... He's in the midst of an existential crisis.
  
−
As the rain continues to fall, Carla arrives in front of her building and meets an old lady who's struggling to close her umbrella.
+
She walks towards the Commander, sitting at the ship's stern, staring at the lighthouse .
  
−
-Oh, you're all wet young lady...
+
-Can I join you Commander? asks Eveliina.
  
−
Carla smiles and extends her hand to offer assistance with the umbrella.
+
The Commander turns around and smiles at Eveliina.
  
−
-I like the rain... it showers the city. Let me help you with this.
+
-Sure... You want to sit down? replies the Commander as he lays his life vest on the steel deck as a cushion. You smoke?
  
−
The old lady takes back the folded umbrella.
+
-Ok...
  
−
-They don't make them like they use to... Thanks you...
+
The Commander pulls a couple of "Favorit Zigaretten" and blows a long flames out of his tube lighter to ignite Eveliina's cigarette.
  
−
-You're welcome. By the way, did you hear anything about what happened yesterday? The accident.
+
-That's good... We have to save the petrol! says Eveliina as she gently pulls the Commander's hand away.
  
−
-Oh no... You know at my age... You get concerned about less important things, like closing an umbrella and not forgetting what you need when you're at the grocery store.
+
The Commander lights his own. They look at the lighthouse beam for a while...
  
−
Carla opens opens the building's door and lets the old lady in.
+
-You should go back home Eveliina... The war is over now and Germany is not the place to be, says the Commander. We could drop you off here. This is Sweden. They're neutral. You could be home in a couple of weeks.
  
−
-You're right. Those are the important things.
+
Eveliina remains silent for a moment.
  
−
The old lady gets to her ground floor door and turns towards Carla who's climbing up the stairs.
+
-I'm sure I'll find him...
  
−
-I did hear about a man who got picked up by a ambulance on Bubenbergrain yesterday morning. But they didn't say it was an accident. But what do I remember...
+
-Even if he made it, which is rather unlikely, he'll probably be sent to a labour camp in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ural_Mountains Ural] or even further... For God knows how long...
  
−
Carla stops to smile at her.
+
The lighthouse beam passes right above their heads.
  
−
-That's ok. Good night Mrs. Mahler.
+
-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...
  
−
====NIGHT, CARLA'S APARTMENT, BERN====
+
-Maybe you're right... But a loose girl... That much? replies the Commander teasing Eveliina.
  
−
At home Carla is preparing a fresh juice mix on her kitchen counter while watching the news. She gets a call on her mobile phone and checks the displayed name.
+
-You know what I mean...
  
−
-Franzi!
+
A moment passes. The Commander is uneasy, not sure if he offended Eveliina with his comment.
  
−
A Swiss German female voice replies.
+
-You have a wife? asks Eveliina, breaking the silence.
  
−
-OK. So I looked into the case... Let me read this right... The victim is a Russian national named Boris Pichushkin. He entered Switzerland through Basel from either Vienna or Moscow on Friday. He was rushed to H+ by ambulance twenty minutes after a school teacher found him lying semi-unconscious on the Bubenbergrain. Early diagnostic was a contusion due to a head trauma. He stayed in observation for about an hour before leaving the hospital with two men claiming to be his work colleagues. We're waiting for the interrogation report from the nurse who talked to the two men. Her shift was over when our agents got back to H+.
+
-No... Never even had a real girlfriend.
  
−
-So no one spoke to him?
+
-What do you mean ''Real''?
  
−
-No. The guys we dispatched were waiting for him to get out of observation but when they called back to inquire, he was already gone. It happen right bellow your street no? You heard of something?
+
-Well like a girl I go out with... Write to... That kind of things.
  
−
Carla pauses for a second...
+
-But you've been with women before?
  
−
-No. I was just wondering what happened. Thanks for your help.
+
-Of course... I'm a seaman.
  
−
-Any time sweetie. Call me when you feel like seeing me.
+
-You mean prostitutes...
  
−
-I will...
+
-Yes... Kind of, replies the Commander embarrassingly.
  
−
Carla sips her juice pensively.
+
-And did you love them.
  
−
====NIGHT, INSIDE THE KORNHAUSKELLER LOUNGE, BERN====
+
-I liked one... She was a Polish girl in Danzig. I think she liked me too.
  
−
Carla walks into the lounge area as a DJ X mixes a trans [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bossa_nova Bossa nova] beat. She observes the crowd from the edge of the room, trying to recognize the man from the tramway. A waiter brings her a drink and mentions that it's from a man sitting at the bar. Carla takes the drink and walks toward Uri at the end of the bar.
+
-And?
−
 
 
−
-I give you one minute to tell me what's going on.
 
−
 
 
−
Uri gestures towards the stool next to his.
 
−
 
 
−
-Please sit.
 
−
 
 
−
She sits on the edge of the stool with her back to the counter as Uri gets to the point.
 
−
 
 
−
-What I will tell you has to stay between us. Off the record... I didn't ask you to come here for official reasons.
 
−
 
 
−
-I'm a Federal Prosecutor. Everything I do is official!
 
−
 
 
−
-I work for a foreign government. Nothing I do is official. And I'm not here on business. Just to warn you.
 
−
 
 
−
Carla grows impatient.
 
−
 
 
−
-Thirty seconds.
 
−
 
 
−
-I'm the cyclist who pushed down the pedestrian in front of your house.
 
−
 
 
−
-Why are you telling me this? Tell the police.
 
−
 
 
−
-He was after you.
 
−
 
 
−
-Who?
 
−
 
 
−
-The Russian man I bumped.
 
−
 
 
−
-How do you know?
 
−
 
 
−
-I was following him.
 
−
 
 
−
-Why?
 
−
 
 
−
-That's beside the point.
 
−
 
 
−
-So what is the point?
 
−
 
 
−
-They want you out. He was going to kill you.
 
−
 
 
−
-Kill me?
 
−
 
 
−
Carla tries to look calm.
 
−
 
 
−
-Who are you? What do you want.
 
−
 
 
−
-Nothing, I just wanted to avoid an unnecessary victim.
 
−
 
 
−
-Look, I can't really be talking to you.
 
−
 
 
−
-Me neither.
 
−
 
 
−
Carla spots a surveillance camera as she walks out of the club.
 
−
 
 
−
====NEXT DAY - DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE====
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter Feurer sits on the side Carla's desk as she leans back on her swiveling chair.
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter:
 
−
 
 
−
-And you went to the Kornhaus alone?
 
−
 
 
−
-Yes, the place was busy. It was not like meeting him in a parking garage.
 
−
 
 
−
-Why didn't you call the police.
 
−
 
 
−
-I don't know. I didn't have any reason to fear him. I did call my friend at the Cantonal Police. They didn't know much anyways. I don't want the file to be removed from me, Gunter. This is important to me. It's my first major case.
 
−
 
 
−
-Yeah but you don't want it to be your last.
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter search for a number on his mobile and dials it.
 
−
 
 
−
-I know someone who might be able to guide us through here. He's worked on several international cases. Hold on...
 
−
 
 
−
The call gets through.
 
−
 
 
−
-Franz! It's Gunti... All Good... Not bad... Listen, I'm here with a colleague who is also a friend. She had a strange encounter and doesn't really know who to turn to. Do you think you could meet with us shortly to discuss... Yes we're at the Department of Justice... Yes a prosecutor... Like mid thirties... Yes... She's here with me... Great, see you then.
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter hangs up, and looks up at Carla who's getting impatient.
 
−
 
 
−
-He's available?
 
−
 
 
−
-Yes, he agreed to meet us now.
 
−
 
 
−
-Which department does he work for?
 
−
 
 
−
-I don't really know. He's asked that we meet up with him at the Bellevue's Bar in 15 minutes.
 
−
 
 
−
-That's fast.
 
−
 
 
−
====EXTERIOR, BUNDESTERRASSE, ON THE WAY TO THE HOTEL BELLEVUE====
 
−
 
 
−
They walk along the Federal Palace's terrace overlooking the Aare river and the Bernese Alps as two Kurdish men play a chess game on the floor. Gunter explains the situation to Carla.
 
−
 
 
−
-We met during military service. He was not really the army type. More of a punkish guy. We liked the same music, got drunk together during days off... I lost track of him for a while. He skipped our yearly rehearsals and I guess got away with it. I think he was abroad. Then I bumped into him at an inter-agency meeting when we were looking into Duvalier's accounts, around 86 I guess. I don't know how he ended up there, but he was the one providing the best information. Since then, we see each other through mutual friends or at concerts. We never talk about work.
 
−
 
 
−
====INTERIOR, HOTEL BELLEVUE BAR====
 
−
 
 
−
Franz [[Meier]], 49, sporty type, shaved head, discreetly waves towards Carla and Gunter as they enter a the bar of the Hotel Bellevue. Only a couple in their 70s sits in the background sipping on coffee.
 
−
 
 
−
Moments later... Carla and Gunter lean forward in their seats listening to Meier.
 
−
 
 
−
-The man you met yesterday is probably from the Israeli secret service, Mossad. The man who was hit across from your house we don't know, nor do we know who the man which was found unconscious on the Bubenbergrain was. We have a hard time tracking all the Russians in and out of the country. What puzzles me is why the Israelis engaged with Russians here in Bern... on a bicycle.
 
−
 
 
−
-He said to protect me.
 
−
 
 
−
-Mossad don't usually intervene when it doesn't concern them... Xanthis, that's not a Jewish name if you don't mind me asking?
 
−
 
 
−
-No, it's not.
 
−
 
 
−
Meier looks towards Gunter.
 
−
 
 
−
-Are you guys working on any Russian cases these days.
 
−
 
 
−
Carla cuts him off.
 
−
 
 
−
-Unfortunately, I can't reveal the nature of ongoing investigations and I believe that Gunter's office is guided by the same prescription.
 
−
 
 
−
-We all work for the same cause, Miss.
 
−
 
 
−
-Sorry, our guidelines at the Department of Justice are very clear. We can't share our data.
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter intervenes.
 
−
 
 
−
-We're investigating several accounts at the ZIB, some of which belong to Russian interests.
 
−
 
 
−
Then he turns to Carla.
 
−
 
 
−
-I'm Finance Carla.... Sorry... We're looking out for you here.
 
−
 
 
−
Meier leans forward as he needs specific details.
 
−
 
 
−
-Oil companies? Anything related to Alex Nikitin?
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter looks towards Carla who gestures acquiescently.
 
−
 
 
−
-Could be.
 
−
 
 
−
Meier, looking at Gunter.
 
−
 
−
-Then this could explain it. Before buying into the RPC, Nikitin was moving ex-Soviet navy ships filled with weapons to the Middle East. He's been on the Mossad watch list ever since.
 
−
 
 
−
Then at Carla.
 
−
 
 
−
-And I supposed you guys threatened his assets here.
 
−
 
 
−
Gunter confirms.
 
−
 
 
−
-Under request from the Russian Government.
 
−
 
 
−
Meier continues.
 
−
 
 
−
-He probably forgot to pay upstream.
 
−
 
 
−
Then looks at Carla.
 
−
 
 
−
-I suggest you take this very seriously. You probably know people Cantonal Police?
 
  
−
-Yes, I suppose.
+
-Don't know. When we came back from a patrol, the brothel had been destroyed by an air raid.
  
−
-Then ask for their protection. They'll be back.
+
Eveliina looks down, the back at the Commander.
  
−
-Meier looks at his phone and turns towards Gunter.
+
-Sorry...
  
−
Gunter gets the hint.
+
-I don't think she died. Neighbours said all the girls went to the shelter... But no one knows where they went after...
  
−
-Thank you Franz... How is your daughter?
+
Eveliina kisses the Commander on the cheek.
  
−
-Great. I wished I'd see her more often.
+
====NAVIGATOR'S TABLE, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT====
  
−
Looking at Carla.
+
The Commander and the Navigator are drinking [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ersatzkaffee Ersatzkaffee] while studying a map of Gotland.
  
−
-By the way. No need to confuse the Cantonal Police with too much unnecessary information if you know what I mean. Better not to mention our meeting.
+
-There are two possibilities. Either we try Visby and purchase from a fisherman, which means we have to enter and wait in the straight or we try the base here on Fårö, where there is a base... points out the Navigator.
  
−
Carla looks towards Gunter who nods at Meier.
+
-We could get squeezed in the straight... But then again, buying from the Swedish Navy...
  
−
Gunter smiles and jokes.
+
-Maybe we bribe a seaman...
  
−
-At the Bellevue bar... Who would believe us anyways.
+
-In German?
  
−
Meier stands up.
+
At this moment Eveliina pulls the curtain and walks out of the adjacent Commander's quarters.
  
−
-Nice meeting you Ms. Xanthis, and good luck.
+
-Did we wake you up?
  
−
-Same here. Thank you for your time.
+
-It's Okay, Marie is sleeping...
  
−
====WALKING OUT OF THE BELLEVUE HOTEL====
+
-Coffee? Offers the Commander.
  
−
Carla looks at Gunter as they walk out of the hotel.
+
-No thanks, I don't drink coffee yet, and it wouldn't be good for the baby... responds Eveliina as she looks at the map.
  
−
-So we do have a secret service after all.
+
-You're right, although it's not even coffee, replies the Navigator as he looks at his reflection inside his cup.
  
−
-Not officially...
+
-I speak Swedish, if that helps?
  
−
====YENICHE CAMPGROUND, ST. GALLEN, SWITZERLAND====
+
Both look at her incredulous...
  
−
Uri drives his black Giulietta into a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeniche_(people) Yeniche] camp where kids interrupt a soccer game to let him through. He walks out of his car and tries to locate the head of the clan. A stalky bearded Man walks towards him.
+
-How many languages do you speak? Asks the Commander.
  
−
Uri initiates the conversation in German.
+
-Three. Finnish at school, Swedish at home and German... Well, in you know... smiles Eveliina... and some Estonian, at the fish-market.
  
−
-Good afternoon.
+
-Wow, replies the Navigator.
  
−
-Hi.
+
-So you heard what we were saying, says the Commander.
  
−
Uri then extends his hand and continues in in broken Yiddish.
+
-Yes, you guys want to sneak onto the island to ''buy'' or ''get'' some diesel from the Swedish Navy. But you don't speak Swedish!
  
−
-My name is Uri.
+
-Basically that's it, answers the Commander.
  
−
The man replies in Yenish, shaking Uri's hand.
+
-How long do you think it will take. I can't really leave Marie for more then 4 hours without feeding her.
  
−
-Stephan... Where are you coming from?
+
-4 hours! I think it'll be at least 12! if not a a whole day... says the Commander.
  
−
-West... Going East.
+
====U-3955, ELECTRICAL ENGINE ROOM, MAY 6, 1945, DAY====
  
−
-And where did you learn to speak Yeniche?
+
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 Commander.
  
−
Uri switching back to German.
+
-And you're sure this will work?
  
−
-I speak a little Yiddish.
+
-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.
  
−
The man acknowledge and continues.
+
-Lasker, the chess player? asks the Commander.
  
−
-What are you looking for?
+
-Yes, answers the Engineer. So you want me to make the demonstration on you or directly on her?
  
−
Uri looks towards his car.
+
-Well, maybe we'll test on a crewman first.
  
−
-I need someone to drive my car to Venice.
+
====SHORE, FÅRÖ ISLAND, MAY 6, 1945, DUSK====
  
−
-I thought cars were not allowed in Venice.
+
The Commander, the Navigator and Eveliina beach their inflatable boat on the northern shore of Fårö Island.
  
−
-Well, there's a parking lot as you get in... Tronchetto (pulling a smart card from his pocked) This will get you in to the main garage.
+
-Don't worry, she'll be fine... says the Navigator to Eveliina. There are 50 daddies playing mommy on board.
  
−
The man hesitates, looking at the car.
+
-I've just never left her, replies Eveliina.
  
−
-We can't really do that. Better find someone else.
+
-Let's go! says the Commander as he grabs one side of the boat.
  
−
-I can't. I can pay 1000 Francs.
+
The trio takes covers in a wooden patch about 500m north of the Fårö Fyr.
  
−
The man skeptically looks at the car as Uri pulls ten 100 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_franc CHF] notes from his pocket.
+
-There should be a road leading to the lighthouse. We can walk along until we hit a cross road. Says the Navigator.
  
−
-Also I would ask that you drop me in Buchs, at the train station.
+
-Do you guys know where we're going? asks Eveliina.
  
−
====SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD, DUBAI====
+
-To get diesel! reply the two guys, looking at each other.
  
−
Alexander is driving his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Roadster Tesla Roadster] through Sheikh Zayed's Road. He gets an SMS on his mobile phone: EPYKS-V. We hear the sound of the electric engine slowing down as he pulls to the side, flips open his laptop, seeks an open WiFi connection and launches the app.
+
====FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT====
  
−
-Viktor!
+
[[File:FaroFyr.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Fårö fyr]]
  
−
At the other end, Viktor replies in Russian.
+
The trio reach the lighthouse and take cover behind rocks, scouting the area for potential vigils. The lighthouse beam intermittently bouncing off a patch of fog over the sea, illuminates the area revealing several barrels sitting at the bottom of the tower.
  
−
-Hey.
+
-Do you think they're full, asks Eveliina noticing the barrels.
  
−
-You're in Zurich?
+
-Most likely paraffin for the lamp, replies the Navigator, who looks at the Commander. What do you think?
  
−
-No, still in Geneva.
+
(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.)
  
−
-Well, stay there.
+
-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, says the Commander.
  
−
-What about Dimitri?
+
At that moment, light beams flicker through the forest, revealing an incoming vehicle and defining the prospective road.
  
−
-We're closing Zurich.
+
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 Eveliina, starts moving. The Commander muzzles her from behind as the Navigator aims his handgun at the Swedish seaman who is slowly standing up, gathering his weapon, helmet and backpack, on which he had been sleeping, and walking towards the vehicle.
  
−
Viktor pause for a moment.
+
-Yeah, yeah... shouts the sleepy vigil as the two others break into laughter.
  
−
-Ok...
+
The tree Swedes sit by the paraffin barrels and pull out a bottle of Akvavit to celebrate the end of the war leaving the vehicle unattended, 10 meters away...
  
−
Alexander looks at a row of high-rises.
+
Behind their rocks, the Navigator looks at the Commander, who then looks at Eveliina, still muzzled, then back at the Navigator...
  
−
-We're opening here in Dubai.
+
-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.
−
 
 
−
-What do you mean? We're... You're already in Dubai!
 
−
 
 
−
-No man. We're opening a bank in Dubai. Plenty of brand new empty buildings here. Sharia banking... We don't need the points anyways... You'll get a floor to yourself!
 
−
 
 
−
-Great. What about girls and vodka...
 
−
 
 
−
-Don't worry about it. It'll do you good.
 
−
 
 
−
-Ok. So what's next?
 
−
 
 
−
-Lay low. Keep an ear for the Swiss and an eye on this girl. Also, don't tell me Dimitri's guys both got mugged by some cyclist on the streets of Bern. See if the Swiss are on to something.
 
−
 
 
−
-Could be from home?
 
−
 
 
−
-On a bike? No... Plus they wouldn't have left a man there... Alive.
 
−
 
 
−
-You heard about Dima's crew?
 
−
 
 
−
-No.
 
−
 
 
−
-Just heard the local news here... They found trace of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulinum Botulinum] in a blood sample taken on an "Eastern European type" during his visit to the hospital and launched a nationwide search to find him. They're concerned about an outbreak and want to identify the source which they believe is food-borne.
 
−
 
 
−
-Botulinum! Can't be from home... And now Dima's gone!
 
−
 
 
−
-If they didn't make it out of the country, they might have taken cover around here.
 
−
 
 
−
-In Geneva?
 
−
 
 
−
-Yeah, not far. Let me check on a lead.
 
−
 
 
−
-Good... Oh... and Viktor.
 
−
 
 
−
-What?
 
−
 
 
−
-Don't let this escalate any further.
 
−
 
 
−
====BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ISRAEL====
 
−
 
 
−
[[Zvi]] Dagan, Deputy Director of Mossad' Collections department meets Aaron as he steps out of an El Al flight at Tel Aviv's airport.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron looks surprised.
 
−
 
 
−
-Dagan!
 
−
 
 
−
-Welcome home... You had a good flight?
 
−
 
 
−
-Yes thanks.
 
−
 
 
−
-Sorry for rushing to you here... I wanted to see you first... About Uri.
 
−
 
 
−
-What about him?
 
−
 
 
−
-Well, it's been 4 days now. I'm concerned.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron nods his head.
 
−
 
 
−
-I should have grabbed him in Switzerland...
 
−
 
 
−
-Can I ask you what he told you there.
 
−
 
 
−
-Not much... Basically told me to fuck off.
 
−
 
 
−
Zvi signals a plainclothes officer at a first security check who lets them through. They continue walking.
 
−
 
 
−
Zvi:
 
−
 
 
−
-We figured out who the Russians are....
 
−
 
 
−
-And?
 
  
−
-Nikitin men... Remember, the Russian who snatched a Soviet Navy ship and sailed it across the world without anyone noticing... More your era than mine.
+
-What do you mean separated! Let's stay together right, says Eveliina as she pulls the Commander's hand away from her mouth.
  
−
-What the fuck is Yatom messing with these guys... Nikitin is not an issue for us any longer...
+
On those words, the Navigator notices that one of the Swedes stands up to take a piss against the lighthouse tower.
  
−
-Not that we know, he switched to pipelines and finance in the 90'... No indications he's back in the arms business.
+
-Let's go.
  
−
-We should look into what he's up to anyways. He'll be easier to track than one of ours.
+
The trio climb onto the road and make a loop around the vehicle to approach it from behind, hidden from the Swedish seamen. The Commander pushes Eveliina onto the back seat then climbs over the front seat where the Navigator is busy trying to figure out the starting system.
  
−
-Use him to find Uri?
+
-You think this is it?
  
−
-You see another way?
+
-How would I know...
  
−
Zvi remains pensive as Aaron continues on his way through passport/immigration check.
+
-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 can't start shooting at Swedes... Plus the war is over.
  
−
Aaron:
+
-Shooting! I thought you guys brought me along because I could negotiate, murmurs Eveliina from the bottom of the back seat.
  
−
-We'll talk tomorrow. My wife is picking me up.
+
-Well, change of plans... We didn't know they'd provide us with a getaway car...
  
−
====TRAIN STATION, BUCHS, ST. GALLEN====
+
The sound of the escaping vehicle steers the Swedes into motion, but the darkness of the Baltic night prevents them from firing a single shot.
  
−
Uri is looking at a photo of Carla on his phone then stares through the train's window as a speaker voice announce the departure of the train bound for Schaan, Liechtenstein.
+
====COMMAND POST, U-3955====
  
−
====EXTERIOR, ROAD, LAVAUX REGION, VAUD====
+
Marie is crying as the Engineer and two other seamen desperately try to get her drink from a pierced pouch containing her mother's milk. Radioman kneels in front of her and starts playing the music box. Marie slowly stops to cry, and starts suckling the pouch to the crew's great relief.
  
−
[[Viktor]] drives his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class Mercedes S600 sedan] in and out of tunnels on  Highway E62 overlooking Lake Geneva. Surveillance cameras record his passing by.
+
====MAIN GATE OF THE SWEDISH NAVAL BASE, FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT====
  
−
====EXTERIOR, KIRCHENFELD BRIDGE, BERN====
+
All lights down, the trio's vehicle is parked a short distance from main gate of the island's Naval Base.
  
−
[[File:Kirchenfeldbruke.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Kirchenfeldbrüke]]
+
-We're talking not even 10km... They'll be back within less than 2 hours!
  
−
Gunter is crossing the Kirchenfeld Bridge reading news updates about the Botulinum scare on his smart-phone when a private call notification appears on the screen.
+
-The way they were guarding the lighthouse, maybe we have a shot at getting in.
  
−
Gunter answers.
+
-It doesn't look like there is a fence besides the gate.
  
−
-Feurer.
+
-But where is the depot? Plus how many barrels can we fit in here.
  
−
He smiles as he recognizes Meier's voice at the other end.
+
The Navigator looks at the space behind him.
  
−
-Cute but pretty uptight your prosecutor, Gunter.
+
-Like 6 max.
  
−
-Yeah well she's not for you Franz... I heard she doesn't walk the walk.
+
-That's good. We could probably get passed Rugen with that. We just need to know if the Russians reached much further.
  
−
-Well too bad for us.
+
====ROAD BACK TO FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT====
  
−
-She's a good girl and a promising prosecutor. I want to help her out.
+
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.
  
−
-I'm sure you do... By the way, I wanted to let you know that the guy we talked about, not the one on the news, the other one, well he's on the lose... Even his people are looking for him. Let me know if he resurfaces at your end. I'd like to know.
+
-Did you notice a slipway at the end of the road, asks the Commander.
  
−
-Well, I'll see with Carla... And what about this Botulinum case.
+
-No, but it wouldn't make sense that they're wouldn't be one, replies the Navigator.
  
−
-Can't speak about it. Tschüss.
+
-Well we have maybe half an hour to get the raft and dump the drums. Eveliina, can you drive?
  
−
====EXTERIOR, WINERY, LAVAUX, VAUD====
+
-Not really... I only drove a farmer's tractor when I was a kid.
  
−
Viktor parks his car on the side of a narrow road overlooking a winery and crosses the vines towards the back entrance of the main building. No one's in sight except for a leashed up barking German Shepherd. He enters the cellar which doesn't appear to have been used in years and hears someone calling. As his sight adjusts to the darkness, he discovers a man lying on a makeshift bed. It's Boris who's agonizing.
+
-Ok so you get the boat and steer it back close to the lighthouse. Don't forget both paddles and the rope.
  
−
-Here... Here...
+
-You think it's all going fit on the boat? There was barely enough room for the 3 of us, asks Eveliina concerned.
  
−
Viktor looks surprised by Boris' condition.
+
-We'll tow the barrels.
  
−
-Where are the others?
+
-But they'll sink!
  
−
-They went back home... To get an antidote. I got struck by our poison.
+
-Don't worry...
  
−
-Our poison?
+
====FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, MAY 7, 1945, DAWN====
  
−
-Some guy came out of nowhere, stole Vlad's umbrella and turned it on me when I caught up with him.
+
-Shit, it's gonna be day before we even leave.
  
−
-Russian?
+
-Hopefully the 3 Swedes are making their way back here and not alerting the base.
  
−
-No, he said something in English... I think.
+
-Ok, let's go. Eveliina, to the boat.
  
−
-When did the others leave?
+
-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...
  
−
-I don't know, I've been in and out of it since then. This thing is killing me. Get me something fast.
+
All three execute their task in a flash.
  
−
Viktor moves closer to Boris and chokes him with one hand. Boris convulses for several seconds then rests inert.
+
====SIDE OF THE ROAD, FÅRÖ ISLAND, DAWN====
  
−
Viktor carries the body outside and dumps it in a dry well. He unties the German Shepherd which remains still, then drives away as the sun is setting over the French Alps on the opposite side of the lake.
+
The 3 Swedes take cover in the forest as they notice the head beams of their running m/43 pointing towards them. After debating a plan of action, they cautiously walk to the m/43 pointing their weapons in 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...
  
−
====INTERIOR, FRANZISKA'S APARTMENT, BERN====
+
====OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, MORNING====
  
−
[[Franziska]] Wenger, 35, a Bern Cantonal Police investigator, opens the door to Carla who appears shaken.
+
The fin of U-3955 pops out of the water to the great relief of the Commander, Navigator and Eveliina who are arduously rowing with 6 fully loaded barrels in tow. Seeing two full bottle of Akvavit at the bottom of the boat, Eveliina teases the Navigator.
  
−
-Can I come in?
+
-I see you trusted that the barrels would float but you didn't take any chance with the bottles!
  
−
Franziska lets her in.
+
====FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, MORNING====
  
−
-Of course. What's going on, you look so pale.
+
The Swedish relief vigil finally arrives by foot to the lighthouse, just in time to witness the German U-Boat diving less than 200m from shore.
  
−
Carla collapses into Franziska's arms.
+
Incredulous, he starts walking back towards the base...
  
−
-I'm scared Franzi... I'm scared.
+
====U-3955, TURBINE ROOM, MAY 7, 1945, DAY====
  
−
====FRANZISKA'S LIVING ROOM, BERN====
+
The Commander surrounded by Eveliina, Marie and most of the crew are gathered in the turbine room as the Navigator pours Akvavit into the seamen's tin cups.
  
−
Franziska gently massages Carla's naked back on a yoga carpet.
+
-[http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/sk%C3%A5l#Swedish skål]! Shouts the Navigator as he raises his glass to the crew and the girls.
  
−
-Ssssshhhhh.... Relax Carla... No one is going to hurt you.
+
-To all the ''mommies'' on board, pursues the Engineer!
  
−
-I don't want to file an official request. They'll take the case away from me.
+
Eveliina stands up.
  
−
-Stay here for a few days. Can't you call in sick? We'll figure it out tomorrow.
+
-Thank you Engineer and thank you all for taking care of my little Marie while I was ashore...
  
−
-Ok, I guess I could work from here... Thanks for being there for me Franzi.
+
-Our little Marie! shouts a seaman as he mimics holding one of his breast.
  
−
Franziska leans down and runs her tongue over Carla's spine.
+
The Commander stands up and waits for the commotion and laughter that follows to settle before addressing the crew. At his side stands an uncomfortable 1WO.
  
−
-My pleasure baby, my pleasure.
+
-As you know, our country has now officially surrendered... The war is over... We have lost... Although I am still the Commander 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 whole new world.
  
−
Carla turns over and removes Franziska's T-shirt as they starts kissing.
+
As some of you know, this ship supports the latest classified technology designed by 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 Soviet controlled 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...
  
 +
Our only hope is to reach [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bornholm Bornholm], which is under the new German Government's control. Our batteries are now operational and fully loaded which means that we could try the impossible... reach [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nexø Nexø] by tonight. This means sailing submerged by at least 15 meters to clear the draft of the Soviet fleet for close to 250 NM. This also mean overriding our oxygen production by more than double its capabilities. So in the best interest of all, I ask of you to lie down, talk a minimum and prey. If we don't make it we'll have to surface in broad daylight... in very hostile waters.
  
−
[[I_Seek_You_2.0|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
+
[[Jaffa Citrus|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[The Hansa Way|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
  
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
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[[Category:The Venetian Cell|1.001]]
+
[[Category:The Passengers|2.002]]
−
[[Category:Follow the Money|1.001]]
+
[[Category:The Clan|2.002]]
−
[[Category:The Age of Nujood (2010- )]]
+
[[Category:The Age of Anne (1943-1953)]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 22 December 2023

OUTLINE

Spring of 1945: Eveliina, pregnant from a German Wehrmacht Air Defence advisor, 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 Koenigsberg from where she is finally evacuated along thousands of ethic Germans expelled from Soviet controlled Prussia.

Eveliina is delivering her baby daughter as the radio announces that the German Army has retreated to Norway, having Scorched earth Northern Finland on its way, leaving a desolated land behind. Amidst the celebrations that follow, Eveliina is being pressured by her bourgeois Swedish speaking family not to divulge the identity of the baby's father, to avoid tarnishing its business' reputation and revealing ties to the Nazi regime. Not wanting to bear such a burden on her daughter and yearning to find her lover, she seeks a way to reach Soviet controlled Estonia, hoping to make her way West from there. Only experienced fishermen can navigate the dangerous waters along the "mine net" laid between Helsinki and Tallinn. Eveliina boards an Estonian fishing trawler at night.

<< PREVIOUS EPISODE - NEXT EPISODE >>

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EVELIINA'S ROOM, VILLA ENSI, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945[edit]

The low lying Nordic sun radiates through the sparsely furnished room overlooking the Baltic Sea. Villa Ensi was initially built as a maternity but has since been transformed into a residence by the owner's daughter. A section still hosts pregnant women in need. Alma, a 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 Eveliina to hold her dripping newborn while she gets the scissors placed on a side table next to a notepad. Eveliina Ahlström weeps a mixture of joy and sadness as Alma cuts the cord then wipes the baby before gently laying it on her chest and exiting the the room.

LOBBY, VILLA ENSI, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945[edit]

Through the open door of an adjacent room, a maid stands by the radio as the newsman announces that the last German soldier has just crossed the Norwegian border. The short war against 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.

Alma walks down to the main staircase to find a middle aged couple standing in the lobby.

-Mr. and Mrs. Ahlström? asks Alma.

-Yes, anxiously replies Eveliina's mother.

-It's a girl!

-Is she healthy? asks the father bluntly.

-Yes, both the baby and the mother are fine. You can come in now, replies Alma, smiling.

The mother looks at the father who holds her back.

-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 Markka notes to Alma.

The mother then pulls a folded damask blanket and hands it to Alma.

-Here, for the baby.

The couple exits the building and passes between two statues, one of a mother and child, the other of a man embracing a woman, before stepping into a chauffeured Mercedes Benz.

EVELIINA'S ROOM, VILLA ENSI, HELSINKI, 25 APRIL 1945[edit]

Alma walks back into the room holding the envelope.

-So? asks Eveliina.

-They left...

Eveliina holds her baby tight and stares out the window.

-Hypocrites!

Alma places the envelope on the night table and unfolds the white damask blanket on which two words are embroidered; Pikku enkeli, little angel. She then wraps the baby in it.

Eveliina looks at the inscription with sorrow then grabs the envelope on the night table to find a stack of 1000 Markka notes.

-You are sure that you don't want to think about it some more? asks alma.

-Yes, I'm sure, replies Eveliina as she puts the envelope back on the table. Marie, Marie Grass. That's her name.

-Ms. Staudinger's told me that you could stay here for a few days if you want... says Alma as she grabs the notepad and writes down the baby's name on the birth certificate. You should rest now.

PUB, SOMPASAARI DOCKS, HELSINKI, A WEEK LATER[edit]

The pub is crowded with fishermen, sailors and dockers drinking and discussing the outcome of the war, and its implication for their livelihoods. In the back of the pub, the only woman there attracts attention as she talks to a young man, siting at her table.

-With the baby? asks the seaman.

-Yes, replies Eveliina holding Marie tightly wrapped in her white damask blanket.

-I don't know. I was told one passenger. Didn't know you would be a woman... With a baby.

-I'll pay double.

The young man is taken aback by the directness of this woman, even younger than him.

-Ok I guess... So meet us a the end of the dock at midnight. Be discreet. One luggage only... and the baby...

-Thank you... thank you so much.

HELSINKI ARCHIPELAGO, 3-4 MAY 1945, NIGHT[edit]

A fishing trawler sails away from Helsinki. The Baltic Sea is eerily quiet on this third day following the announcement of Hitler's death.

ESTONIAN FISHING TRAWLER, BALTIC SEA, 4 MAY 1945, NIGHT[edit]

Eveliina winds a music box playing The Swedish Rhapsody to little Marie's ear as they share a narrow berth in a corner of the main cabin where other crewmen are resting.

As Marie falls asleep and the music stops, one of the seamen, the one who she met in the pub, turns towards her and whispers.

-Good night.

-Good night to you too, answers Eveliina. How long until we reach Estonia?

-About six more hours. We could go faster but because of the mines...

Eveliina, caresses her daughter's face and pulls up her blanket trying to fall asleep amidst the whirring of the boat engine.

ESTONIAN FISHING TRAWLER, BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN, 4 MAY 1945, DAWN[edit]

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 on port side from his slowly sailing trawler. On its deck, several sailors call him in German, and in what sounds like various Baltic languages.

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, Eveliina climbs on deck holding baby Marie in her arms. The two other fishermen are now also on decks trowing ropes at the U-boat as more German seamen pop out through the submarine's fin side door.

U-Boot Type XXI layout

The captain of the Estonian trawler is baffled when the very young Commander of the U-boat jumps on his rusty fishing boat, followed by two of his unarmed men.

-Are you the captain? asks the German Kriegsmarine's Commander.

-Euh... Yes, replies the Estonian fisherman in German with a thick accent.

-We need Diesel. We can pay you.

The Estonian fisherman looks at his crew which have gathered around him.

-Do you understand what they want? he asks his 3 men crew in Estonian.

They all reply that they don't as Eveliina walks up to them still carrying Marie.

-They want to buy Diesel... They're willing to pay, claims Eveliina.

All men turn towards the mother and baby.

The Estonian then looks at the 75 meters Type XXI Elektroboote.

-Diesel! I don't know... How much do they need?

Eveliina translates in German then in Finnish from now on.

-Enough to reach passed the Russian lines. Maybe 10 tons.

-10 tons! Our tank only holds two, and we're probably half empty.

-You can buy some from the Russians in Tallinn, not us.

The Estonian fisherman hesitates...

-From the Russians... It's risky.

-We can pay you...

The German Commander pulls a 1kg gold bar bearing an engraved Swastika from his pocket.

-This one now, for your reserve... and one more per ton you bring back.

DECK, U-3955[edit]

The First Watch Officer (1WO), a young men not much older than 20, stands at the top of the fin's tower and observes the transaction through binoculars.

DOCKS, TALLINN, NIGHT[edit]

The docks are barely 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 Estonian captain and two of his 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.

-Let's move, says the driver in Estonian.

-How many you got? asks the captain.

-20 barrels.

-Ok, that will do, replies the captain, figuring out the maths as he answers. Can you pull back by my boat.

-No, replies the driver nervously. Let's do it here right now. You have the money?

-Better, the captain pulls the gold bar and hands it to the driver. That's five times the value.

The driver inspects the Swastika bullion as the two other fishermen pull up the tail tarp and start rolling down the drums out of the truck.

NAVIGATION TABLE, INTERIOR U-3955, 5 MAY 1945, EARLY MORNING[edit]

Baltic Seabed Atlas

The U-boat Commander, 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 Eveliina and Marie stand by. Marie starts crying as heavy metallic noises emanate from the pressurized hull. Eveliina plays the music box's Swedish Rhapsody to soothe her.

-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 won't make it passed Gotland, replies the Navigator looking at the map.

The U-boat Commander looks at the Estonian, then at Eveliina still singing to Marie's ear.

-You're sure he can't get more, asks the Commander?

Eveliina translates.

-No, he will already have to account for the missing 20, says the Estonian to Eveliina. That's all we can do... Can you ask him to bring us back up now?

Before Eveliina could even translate a message pops from the Enigma machine. All heads turns towards the Radioman. 1WO walks to him and picks up the transcribed message and reads:

-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.

-That means we can't even surrender to the Swedes. Our only hope is to make it past Fehmarn, replies the Commander...

Suddenly, the Watchman stops his rotation of the periscope and shouts.

-Commander! A four engine bomber is flying low at 11 o'clock.

-That's the third one this morning. They're is no way we can resurface before sunset, says the Commander.

-If that trawler stands still all day, it'll attract attention. The Soviets will dispatch a Corvette. We have to move on, says 1WO.

Eveliina who understood the conversation, thus the implications for her, Marie and the Estonian captain, becomes the center of attention.

-What's going on, asks the Estonian.

-I don't mind continuing with you, says Eveliina to the Germans ignoring the Estonian...

-What about him, asks the Engineer.

All heads turn towards the Estonian who looks confused.

BALTIC SEA, 20 NAUTICAL MILES FROM TALLINN[edit]

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 wearing a Tauchretter. 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.

COMMAND POST, U-3955, MORNING[edit]

-5 fathom down, 220 degrees WSW, 90 percent speed, shouts the 1WO to the Crew as the Watchman pulls down the periscope.

-Welcome aboard ladies, says the Commander as he looks at Eveliina holding Marie bearing a smile.

-Thank you Captain.

-Commander... corrects the Commander.

TORPEDO ROOM, U-3955[edit]

The numbing sound of transformers echoes through the U-boat's hull. Eveliina sits by Marie on a lower berth in the torpedo room. The Commander walks to them and kneels down.

-So what's her name?

-Marie.

The Commander caresses Marie's forehead.

-Hopefully, she'll get to grow up in peace.

-Yes, replies Eveliina not too sure on how to react to the Commander's proximity.

-How old are you?

-17...

-That's how old I was when I embarked on my first patrol, like 5 years ago. When I leave this ship, hopefully we all will, I'll be 17 again... Fucking war... It's like time stopped.

-You're only 22? and a Commander!

The Commander smiles.

-This is my first patrol as Commander. We left Danzig for a training sortie on March 26 and have been playing hide and seek with the Russians since then.

COMMAND POST, U-3955, DAY[edit]

The Commander gets back to the command post to relieve 1WO.

-All good 1WO, asks the Commander.

-Yes, as you can hear we've switched to diesel about 5 minutes ago to reload the batteries. We should reach the tip of Gotland with 3 hours.

-Great. Rest well 1WO.

1W0 salutes the Commander and starts walking away from the command post, then stops and turns around.

-I must say Commander, it is highly irregular to bring unauthorized civilians on board... Let alone, leaving them unguarded in the torpedo room. You leave me with no choice but to report this in my diary.

The Commander waits a few seconds to gage the 1WO's motivations...

-Relax 1WO... The war is over...

CAPTAIN'S QUARTER, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, SWEDEN, MAY 5, 1945, EVENING[edit]

One by one, the Commander pulls a dozen of compact wooden boxes from his safe and hands them to the Navigator who places them side by side on the Commander's berth. All are sealed and bear an engraved Deutsche Reichsbank eagle on their lid.

-You are sure about the position? asks the Commander.

The Navigator is stunned by the number of boxes.

-Yeah... How much is that? I thought you meant 20-30 kg...

-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.

-Hell no!

-You have to make absolutely sure that we have the right coordinates...

-I double checked with the sextant and triple checked with the lighthouse... We're spot on... 500m in line.

-Right on, answers the Commander as he contemplates the stack of gold.... Oh, and how do we know that 1WO won't come out?

-Engineer is keeping him busy fixing the alternator in the Diesel room.

-I don't like this DJ fuck-head. Gives me the creeps.

-He's a fighter, Commander... Well, I'm going to gear up now...

Navigator opens the door to walk out.

-Ok... Last thing... Can you ask Radioman to send an encrypted message to Flensburg with our coordinates. This shall be our last recorded position...

SEABED, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND[edit]

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 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.

U-3955 DECK, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, MAY 5, 1945, DAY[edit]

The Engineer holds the umbilical breathing tube/cord as the Commander dumps the remaining boxes one by one aiming at the fading light below.

-It's getting tighter. Like if he got deeper... warns the Engineer.

-The light hasn't moved... Is he responding?

The Engineer hits the cord twice and waits for a response as the Commander's focus shifts from the bottom of the sea to the rotating beam of the lighthouse.

Suddenly, the cord is pulled 3 times meaning that the diver requests to be pulled back up...

U-3955 DECK, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT[edit]

The 3 officers are now at the ship's stern.

-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 Commander. So, for now, it shall remain submerged until the three of us agree on what to do with it, right?

-And if one of us disappears? suggests the Engineer.

-Well then the two remaining will decide... replies the Commander.

-And if we all disappear! proposes the Navigator.

At that moment Eveliina pops out of the fin's hatch and climbs down ladder, surprising the 3 men.

-Well lets figure this out later on, now we need to find a way out of here, says the Navigator as he helps the Engineer carrying the diving equipment inside.

-Can I help? asks Eveliina as she passes the 2 officers on the narrow path leading to the stern of the ship.

-No, we're good... Go comfort the Commander... He's in the midst of an existential crisis.

She walks towards the Commander, sitting at the ship's stern, staring at the lighthouse .

-Can I join you Commander? asks Eveliina.

The Commander turns around and smiles at Eveliina.

-Sure... You want to sit down? replies the Commander as he lays his life vest on the steel deck as a cushion. You smoke?

-Ok...

The Commander pulls a couple of "Favorit Zigaretten" and blows a long flames out of his tube lighter to ignite Eveliina's cigarette.

-That's good... We have to save the petrol! says Eveliina as she gently pulls the Commander's hand away.

The Commander lights his own. They look at the lighthouse beam for a while...

-You should go back home Eveliina... The war is over now and Germany is not the place to be, says the Commander. We could drop you off here. This is Sweden. They're neutral. You could be home in a couple of weeks.

Eveliina remains silent for a moment.

-I'm sure I'll find him...

-Even if he made it, which is rather unlikely, he'll probably be sent to a labour camp in Ural or even further... For God knows how long...

The lighthouse beam passes right above their heads.

-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...

-Maybe you're right... But a loose girl... That much? replies the Commander teasing Eveliina.

-You know what I mean...

A moment passes. The Commander is uneasy, not sure if he offended Eveliina with his comment.

-You have a wife? asks Eveliina, breaking the silence.

-No... Never even had a real girlfriend.

-What do you mean Real?

-Well like a girl I go out with... Write to... That kind of things.

-But you've been with women before?

-Of course... I'm a seaman.

-You mean prostitutes...

-Yes... Kind of, replies the Commander embarrassingly.

-And did you love them.

-I liked one... She was a Polish girl in Danzig. I think she liked me too.

-And?

-Don't know. When we came back from a patrol, the brothel had been destroyed by an air raid.

Eveliina looks down, the back at the Commander.

-Sorry...

-I don't think she died. Neighbours said all the girls went to the shelter... But no one knows where they went after...

Eveliina kisses the Commander on the cheek.

NAVIGATOR'S TABLE, OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT[edit]

The Commander and the Navigator are drinking Ersatzkaffee while studying a map of Gotland.

-There are two possibilities. Either we try Visby and purchase from a fisherman, which means we have to enter and wait in the straight or we try the base here on Fårö, where there is a base... points out the Navigator.

-We could get squeezed in the straight... But then again, buying from the Swedish Navy...

-Maybe we bribe a seaman...

-In German?

At this moment Eveliina pulls the curtain and walks out of the adjacent Commander's quarters.

-Did we wake you up?

-It's Okay, Marie is sleeping...

-Coffee? Offers the Commander.

-No thanks, I don't drink coffee yet, and it wouldn't be good for the baby... responds Eveliina as she looks at the map.

-You're right, although it's not even coffee, replies the Navigator as he looks at his reflection inside his cup.

-I speak Swedish, if that helps?

Both look at her incredulous...

-How many languages do you speak? Asks the Commander.

-Three. Finnish at school, Swedish at home and German... Well, in you know... smiles Eveliina... and some Estonian, at the fish-market.

-Wow, replies the Navigator.

-So you heard what we were saying, says the Commander.

-Yes, you guys want to sneak onto the island to buy or get some diesel from the Swedish Navy. But you don't speak Swedish!

-Basically that's it, answers the Commander.

-How long do you think it will take. I can't really leave Marie for more then 4 hours without feeding her.

-4 hours! I think it'll be at least 12! if not a a whole day... says the Commander.

U-3955, ELECTRICAL ENGINE ROOM, MAY 6, 1945, DAY[edit]

The U-boat's Engineer ties a last wire to a Breast pump prototype under the suspicious eye of the Commander.

-And you're sure this will work?

-Yes, it's Edward Lasker, who was a student at Charlottenburg's Technical Institute where I studied who invented this.

-Lasker, the chess player? asks the Commander.

-Yes, answers the Engineer. So you want me to make the demonstration on you or directly on her?

-Well, maybe we'll test on a crewman first.

SHORE, FÅRÖ ISLAND, MAY 6, 1945, DUSK[edit]

The Commander, the Navigator and Eveliina beach their inflatable boat on the northern shore of Fårö Island.

-Don't worry, she'll be fine... says the Navigator to Eveliina. There are 50 daddies playing mommy on board.

-I've just never left her, replies Eveliina.

-Let's go! says the Commander as he grabs one side of the boat.

The trio takes covers in a wooden patch about 500m north of the Fårö Fyr.

-There should be a road leading to the lighthouse. We can walk along until we hit a cross road. Says the Navigator.

-Do you guys know where we're going? asks Eveliina.

-To get diesel! reply the two guys, looking at each other.

FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT[edit]

Fårö fyr

The trio reach the lighthouse and take cover behind rocks, scouting the area for potential vigils. The lighthouse beam intermittently bouncing off a patch of fog over the sea, illuminates the area revealing several barrels sitting at the bottom of the tower.

-Do you think they're full, asks Eveliina noticing the barrels.

-Most likely paraffin for the lamp, replies the Navigator, who looks at the Commander. What do you think?

(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.)

-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, says the Commander.

At that moment, light beams flicker through the forest, revealing an incoming vehicle and defining the prospective road.

An 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 Eveliina, starts moving. The Commander muzzles her from behind as the Navigator aims his handgun at the Swedish seaman who is slowly standing up, gathering his weapon, helmet and backpack, on which he had been sleeping, and walking towards the vehicle.

-Yeah, yeah... shouts the sleepy vigil as the two others break into laughter.

The tree Swedes sit by the paraffin barrels and pull out a bottle of Akvavit to celebrate the end of the war leaving the vehicle unattended, 10 meters away...

Behind their rocks, the Navigator looks at the Commander, who then looks at Eveliina, still muzzled, then back at the Navigator...

-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.

-What do you mean separated! Let's stay together right, says Eveliina as she pulls the Commander's hand away from her mouth.

On those words, the Navigator notices that one of the Swedes stands up to take a piss against the lighthouse tower.

-Let's go.

The trio climb onto the road and make a loop around the vehicle to approach it from behind, hidden from the Swedish seamen. The Commander pushes Eveliina 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 can't start shooting at Swedes... Plus the war is over.

-Shooting! I thought you guys brought me along because I could negotiate, murmurs Eveliina from the bottom of the back seat.

-Well, change of plans... We didn't know they'd provide us with a getaway car...

The sound of the escaping vehicle steers the Swedes into motion, but the darkness of the Baltic night prevents them from firing a single shot.

COMMAND POST, U-3955[edit]

Marie is crying as the Engineer and two other seamen desperately try to get her drink from a pierced pouch containing her mother's milk. Radioman kneels in front of her and starts playing the music box. Marie slowly stops to cry, and starts suckling the pouch to the crew's great relief.

MAIN GATE OF THE SWEDISH NAVAL BASE, FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT[edit]

All lights down, the trio's vehicle is parked a short distance from main gate of the island's Naval 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 Russians reached much further.

ROAD BACK TO FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, NIGHT[edit]

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, asks the Commander.

-No, but it wouldn't make sense that they're wouldn't be one, replies the Navigator.

-Well we have maybe half an hour to get the raft and dump the drums. Eveliina, can you drive?

-Not really... I only drove a farmer's tractor when I was a kid.

-Ok so you get the boat and steer it back close to the lighthouse. Don't forget both paddles and the rope.

-You think it's all going fit on the boat? There was barely enough room for the 3 of us, asks Eveliina concerned.

-We'll tow the barrels.

-But they'll sink!

-Don't worry...

FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, MAY 7, 1945, DAWN[edit]

-Shit, it's gonna be day before we even leave.

-Hopefully the 3 Swedes are making their way back here and not alerting the base.

-Ok, let's go. Eveliina, to the boat.

-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...

All three execute their task in a flash.

SIDE OF THE ROAD, FÅRÖ ISLAND, DAWN[edit]

The 3 Swedes take cover in the forest as they notice the head beams of their running m/43 pointing towards them. After debating a plan of action, they cautiously walk to the m/43 pointing their weapons in 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...

OFF FÅRÖ ISLAND, MORNING[edit]

The fin of U-3955 pops out of the water to the great relief of the Commander, Navigator and Eveliina who are arduously rowing with 6 fully loaded barrels in tow. Seeing two full bottle of Akvavit at the bottom of the boat, Eveliina teases the Navigator.

-I see you trusted that the barrels would float but you didn't take any chance with the bottles!

FÅRÖ FYR, FÅRÖ ISLAND, MORNING[edit]

The Swedish relief vigil finally arrives by foot to the lighthouse, just in time to witness the German U-Boat diving less than 200m from shore.

Incredulous, he starts walking back towards the base...

U-3955, TURBINE ROOM, MAY 7, 1945, DAY[edit]

The Commander surrounded by Eveliina, Marie and most of the crew are gathered in the turbine room as the Navigator pours Akvavit into the seamen's tin cups.

-skål! Shouts the Navigator as he raises his glass to the crew and the girls.

-To all the mommies on board, pursues the Engineer!

Eveliina stands up.

-Thank you Engineer and thank you all for taking care of my little Marie while I was ashore...

-Our little Marie! shouts a seaman as he mimics holding one of his breast.

The Commander stands up and waits for the commotion and laughter that follows to settle before addressing the crew. At his side stands an uncomfortable 1WO.

-As you know, our country has now officially surrendered... The war is over... We have lost... Although I am still the Commander 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 whole new world.

As some of you know, this ship supports the latest classified technology designed by 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 Soviet controlled 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...

Our only hope is to reach Bornholm, which is under the new German Government's control. Our batteries are now operational and fully loaded which means that we could try the impossible... reach Nexø by tonight. This means sailing submerged by at least 15 meters to clear the draft of the Soviet fleet for close to 250 NM. This also mean overriding our oxygen production by more than double its capabilities. So in the best interest of all, I ask of you to lie down, talk a minimum and prey. If we don't make it we'll have to surface in broad daylight... in very hostile waters.

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