SS Outpost

By: Jeff B
(© 2012-2013 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

KAPITEL NEUN

CHAPTER 9

 

Friday, 18 September 1942

 

I could feel the pressure on my chest as I started to slowly wake up. I wasn't sure what was causing it, but I was not awake enough to worry about it. Suddenly, whatever was causing the pressure moved a little and I opened my eyes and looked down. Once my eyes focused on the blond hair, I relaxed and smiled. A sleeping Jan has taken up residence on me. He was half lying on top of me, his head on my chest, his right leg over my left and his right hand on my upper arm. I wanted to look at my watch to see what time it was, but my left arm was trapped under him and I didn't want to wake him. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, listening to him breathe, and was thinking about the previous night. I was wondering how he'd be once he woke up; if he'll be all right with the things he did last night. I turned my head to the left and saw Wolfy's face about 30 cm away; he was sleeping, and drooling into his pillow. I lifted my head a little and looked over. He was only about 10 cm away from Jan, still snuggled up close to him. I wonder if he'd stayed that way all night. I rested my head back on the pillow and stared at the ceiling some more.

 

I'd been lying there about 3 or 4 minutes when I heard my door open. I lifted my head up and saw Peter's face appear, peaking around the door. He got a big smile on his face and, seeing me, whispered, "Ahhhh.  That's just too sweet."

 

I smiled at him. He shook his head a little, smiling at me. "Coffee in about 10 … if you can extricate yourself."

 

I nodded my head a little and smiled at him. He smirked and grinned, then pulled his head back and closed the door. I lay there for another 5 or 6 minutes before my bladder started to talk to me. I looked at the blond head that was just 10 cm below my chin, and then lift my head up again and kissed his head. He didn't move or respond in any way. I kissed his head again, while bringing my right hand up, under his arm, and rested it on the side of his face. I began to slowly rub my index finger and my thumb along his cheek. He moved a little and mumbled something, but didn't seem to be waking up. I kissed his head again and moved my fingers a little more and started playing with his ear lobe. He twitched and turned his head, moving his face into my chest. I continued rubbing his face with my hand and whispered to him.

 

"Hey, sexy boy; are you awake?" Mumble. "I love what you're doing right now, but I need to piss." He smiled into my chest. "You feel really good right there...." He smiled again. "Am I good for a good morning kiss?"

 

He smiles into my chest again, and whispered. "Have you been a good boy?"

 

I smirked and giggled; making him giggle. "I think so, but that's for you to decide."

 

He smiled into my chest again and lifted his head up, looking at me, grinning. He leaned his face down and gave me a sweet kiss, staying for about 5 or 6 seconds.

 

"You've been a very good boy. Good morning."

 

I smiled. "It is now. Did you sleep well?"

 

"Better than ever." He smiled again.

 

"Good; I'm so glad. You don't need to get up; just go back to sleep; but I need to piss. Could I talk you into doing this with Wolfy after you give me another one of those great kisses?"

 

He smiled sweetly and kissed me again; holding it for about 10 seconds this time, and moving his lips around a little more. He broke the kiss and smiled at me.

 

I smiled up at him. "That was nice; thank you. Give Wolfy one of those when he wakes up; he'll love it."

 

"OK. You're going down for coffee after your piss?"

 

"I am. I'll come back up in a little while and check on you."

 

He grinned. "OK. I guess I can let you up now."

 

He smiles at me again and brought his leg back and rolls off a little. Wolfy was still right behind him so he couldn't move too far. I pulled my arm free and slid out of bed, turning to look down at him. He grinned up at me and grabbed my pillow, pulling it closer to his face. I bent down and kissed the side of his face and turned to look for my shorts. Remembering they were full of cum from last night, I walked over to the wardrobe and got a clean pair and slid them on. After leaving the room, closing the door quietly, and taking my morning piss, I headed downstairs to join Peter for some much-needed Diesel fuel. I walked into the dining room and Peter exhaled the smoke he just sucked in and looked at me and smiled big.

 

"That was probably one of the top 5 sweetest things I've ever walked in on. I take it you had a good night?"

 

I blushed and grinned. "I did."

 

"I guess by the scene in your bed, Jan is doing OK with it, too."

 

I grinned. "He just gave me two of the sweetest kisses I've ever had; so I think he's OK for now. I will watch him though to make sure."

 

"Good; I was worried about him." He shook his head a little, grinning. "My God; of all the people in the world he's the last one I ever expected to do this. Much less be cuddly and sweet."

 

I smirked. "You're telling me. You're no more shocked than I am; believe me. I don't know if it's the stress of the last few days, and our future, or if it was just the sex; but he is incredibly passionate. Or maybe it's just something he holds back until he feels safe. I don't know, but it is definitely surprising."

 

Peter grinned. "Yes it is. I've gotten used to seeing you and Wolfy cuddled up, but never thought I'd see you and Jan cuddled up like that. Go get yourself a cup and join me, please."

 

"OK."

 

I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a cup, filled it, and then peaked my head around the corner to ask Peter if he needs topped off. He said he was fine, and I put the pot back on the stove and went in and joined him. He was still grinning at me.

 

"I have to ask; I'm too curious. Is this something you wish to continue with him; once we're settled?"

 

"I really don't know, Peter. I know Wolfy wants to; but I'm un-decided at the moment. I think there's just too much going on for me to even think about it much."

 

"Wolfy wants to?"

 

I grinned. "Yes. He said he didn't want a love attachment; just playing. That's part of what worries me; he's trying to turn Jan into a play toy. I don't think he's taking Jan's feelings and possible self-hatred into account."

 

"That's what I've been worried about. You never know what lies in the hearts of men. Maybe Jan is really at least bisexual and was just working really hard at hiding it from himself by being so hateful; but he could also just be curious right now, and later start to really have a hard time dealing with what he's done. That's why I've said be careful with him. Wolfy needs to realize that even if Jan is bisexual, he needs to respect his feelings enough to think of him as something beyond a toy to take out and play with when he's horny."

 

"I know. I've thought the same things." I looked at my watch. 0644. "But in 18 hours we're going to be sitting on the side of a train track waiting to be spirited off, and this doesn't seem like the time to worry about it; we have far greater worries right now."

 

Peter nodded his head. "I see your point. Yes, we have far, far greater worries right now. Once breakfast is over and we get Gregor out of here, we need to start putting a few of our plans into action; the time is drawing closer by the minute."

 

"Have you thought about if we're going to be able to get Haidenger's horse and wagon without Gregor realizing it?"

 

"Wolfy told me that unless Gregor is outside when he takes it, there's no way he would be able to tell what horse and wagon is going by; it would sound like any. One of the first things we need to do is get the cash box back out of the floor and then lock it and pry it open; beat the hell out of it. Then we need to clear your love nest out of there and finish off the barn. We will do the house about 20 minutes before we leave; in case anyone shows up."

 

"OK. Let's not talk anymore about this until Gregor is gone; yesterday was too close for me. Speaking of, if you do end up taking him out, just to calm yourself, I would rather not know about it. What you do about him is entirely up to you; but I guess I'm looking for deniability with Alex, if you understand what I'm saying."

 

He grinned. "Now would I cause that boy harm?" The grin disappeared. "I haven't decided yet. I am very worried about him, but I still haven't decided. I will respect your wishes though, and keep it to myself."

 

"Thank you. I doubt I can say anything that will calm you about him; but I really don't think he heard more than he said he did. Alex and Wolfy both told me that he never asked any more about it; that he just thought we were being stupid for wanting to get rid of an old corpse."

 

"Even that, if he's questioned by Gestapo, would be enough to throw a monkey wrench into everything. They would drain that pond and find our radio."

 

I knew right then what he was going to do. He couldn't risk leaving any lose ends. He was being smart about it; completely objective. I just nodded my head and drank some of my coffee. As I was setting my cup down I had a small shock as I realized something. I looked up at Peter.

 

"Do you realize this is the last morning we will get to do this; have coffee at this table?"

 

"Yes. How did you go from Gregor to last coffee?" He smiled at me.

 

"It just hit me when I was setting my cup down. It's kind of strange, actually. We've all gotten so used to thinking of this place as home, that it seems strange to be leaving it."

 

"It does. I was thinking the same thing last night as I was getting into bed. That may be the last comfortable bed I sleep in for some time. I can only imagine what the next 10 days are going to be like; especially stashed aboard some cargo vessel."

 

"Yeah, I sure hope everyone got a great night's sleep last night; it could be the last one for awhile. That Condor flight is starting to sound really good right now; risk and all." I chuckle.

 

Peter grinned. "Yeah, think about it; we would be there in less than a day. I don't believe that's a viable option though. I would rather spend 10 days traveling and arrive alive and stay that way."

 

"Indeed. I can take 10 days of discomfort for my life." I sighed. "I guess this is it, huh? We're really doing this; we're really leaving and going to a new country. It seems kind of strange, somehow."

 

"Yes, we're really doing this. I know what you mean though; it does seem strange. I never thought I'd live anywhere but Germany. I've always loved to travel, but I always knew that Germany was home; this is where I always returned. We'll be fine, though; we will."

 

I smiled at him. "I know we will."

 

We sat quietly after that, just drinking our coffee and being lost in our own thoughts. When we'd about finished the last of the coffee I heard movement from upstairs and I knew my two boys, my men, were up and about. I heard them giggle once and then the sound of the toilet flushing; followed a minute later by the sounds of bare feet coming down the steps. I turn around as they enter the front room.

 

"Good morning. Did you both sleep well?"

 

They both grinned at me, and Jan answered. "Yes."

 

"Good. Peter and I are hungry; get to work." I smiled at them and winked.

 

Jan looked at me. "Can we have about 5 minutes first to wake up? You have the edge on us; you've been sitting down here consuming caffeine."

 

I smiled back at him. "Of course; take a seat over here and wake up some more."

 

They both sat down and looked at Peter and then back over to me, and smiled at me. I grinned at them and looked down at my cup. I was probably blushing a little bit, but I didn't really care right then. I just want to enjoy that last quiet morning with all of them. Jan reached for his cigarettes and pulled two out and lit the first one and handed it to Wolfy. He lit the second and kept it in his mouth. Peter smirked. Jan looked over at him, grinning.

 

"What?"

 

"Nothing."

 

"No; what made you do that?"

 

"I'll just embarrass you; don't worry about it."

 

"Now you have to tell me."

 

"Remember, you asked. Wasn't it you who said not a few months ago how corny and lovey-dovey it was when Wolfy lit Willy's cigarette like that?"

 

Jan flushed red. He tried to play it off. "I was just being nice for my friend."

 

"OK."

 

Jan looked at him for about a minute before speaking again. "What do you know?"

 

Peter smiled at him. "Probably a lot more than you want me to. And no, Willy didn't tell me anything. Your dramatic yawning and fake sleepiness last night was just a little over the top, don't you think?"

 

Jan turned crimson. "You know?"

 

"Don't panic. It doesn't bother me at all. You're a grown man; you can do what you want to do. If it helps you at all, I've done the same things. I know what you're thinking and feeling right now. Don't worry about it. I'm more worried about you, to tell you the truth; hoping you're handling this OK."

 

Jan gave him a shy smile. "I'm OK, Peter. It was kind of strange at first; but I'm dealing with it just fine. I had a great time with them; and I wouldn't mind doing it again. Please don't worry about me."

 

Peter nodded his head and smiled at him. "That's really good to hear, Jan. I've been worried about you all night. I know what it's like your first time; doing things you never dreamt you'd do. And honestly, I've grown to love it; it's so much more primal than it is with a woman. I'm not giving up women, but I love to play on the side with men, too."

 

Jan got a big grin on his face. "You? You've actually fucked around with a man?"

 

"Several."

 

"Holy crap! I never would've guessed."

 

"That makes two of us."

 

Jan blushed again. "Yeah, well... Wolfy knows how to say all the right things, I guess."

 

Peter smirked. "Yeah, word around here is he's a hell of a sweet-talker."

 

Wolfy grinned at him. "I'm just a sweet guy."

 

"You are. I'm going to embarrass you again, Jan. I peaked my head in this morning and was witness to probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen. You were curled up on Willy with your head on his chest. I actually envied all three of you at that moment."

 

Jan smiled at Peter. "It doesn't embarrass me. I was more relaxed, and felt safer and more loved than I ever have in my life, being in bed with them. I can't explain it; but I wouldn't trade that feeling for anything. They're both hard, tough soldiers on the outside, but so incredibly loving and kind on the inside. It was nice to be a part of the inside."

 

"I'm glad you found that in them. It's not often you get a chance to feel totally safe and loved in this life."

 

"Sometimes never. I'm not going to worry about the whole queerness of it; it doesn't matter to me anymore."

 

"Good. Just remember that if it does start getting in your head, you need to talk to Willy about it."

 

"I will. I already promised him I would. I'm really OK, Peter; no regrets."

 

Peter smiled at him and nodded. I was looking back and forth between them, thinking. I was very glad Jan was handling it so well, but was also a little worried at that time. What if he did start to have deeper feelings; what if he fell in love with us? I remembered being 20; you could fall in love at the drop of a hat. I guessed I didn't have to worry too much. The next 10 days would be such a reality check for all of us that by the time we got to where we were going, he could have both feet firmly on the ground again. I got up and grabbed Peter's cup and mine and took them to the kitchen. I was rinsing them out in the sink when Wolfy walked up behind me and pulled me close.

 

"I love you, Willy."

 

I smiles. "I love you, too."

 

"Are you going to help with breakfast?"

 

"If you want me to."

 

"I always love having you close-by. How about you; are you OK with last night?"

 

"I'm just fine with last night. I had a great time; and like Jan, I wouldn't mind doing it again."

 

"Good; so do I. I guess we'll have to wait awhile though; we have a long journey ahead of us. Are you ready for all of this?"

 

"As ready as anyone can be, I suppose. We'll be fine, Wolfy. We'll make it there alive and have a wonderful life together. We'll die in each other's arms; old men."

 

"That was one of my scenarios; my favorite one. I want to grow old with you, Willy Becker."

 

"And I with you, Dieter Wolf. You are my one, true love; I can imagine no other."

 

He kissed the side of my neck and smiled. "I want to hear you say that again when you're 90."

 

"You got it."

 

He pulled me tighter and kissed my neck again before releasing me and walking over to the cupboard to pull out some bread. I finished rinsing the cup out and walked over to the counter and took the cheese.

 

After breakfast we saw Gregor off for the last time. Alex looked really sad, but gave us all a brave smile. We got started on our preparations for that night; the five of us walked out to the barn to get things arranged in there. It only took us about 30 minutes; even bringing our civilian clothes back into the house. The rest of the morning moved slowly for us. We were all becoming more and more nervous about the night. After lunch, Peter left, saying he was going to go check on a couple of things. I had a feeling I knew where he was going. The rest of us tried to stay busy around the house; planting things just the way we thought they should look for a ransacking. We hadn't really ripped or shredded anything yet; saving that for just before we were to leave. We'd run out of things to do and just collapsed on the furniture and stared at the walls and at each other. Peter came back a little after 3, just walking in and going to the kitchen for something to drink. I couldn't read his face; it seemed like just regular Peter. I didn't want to know so I didn't move;  I just sat next to Wolfy, looking around some more.

 

We had dinner at 1800, all deciding we would eat a small meal again before we left. We had no idea when we'd see food again, so we figured another meal before departure was a good idea. We had a small feast that would've made Erich proud. We weren't clearing out our food stock, for appearance sake, but we did have a very large meal. I was kind of surprised we were able to eat that much. I thought I'd be too nervous to eat, but we all managed to clean our plates. After dinner we went out back and had our after-dinner smoke. Wolfy and Jan managed to light their own for themselves and I looked over at Peter and grinned. He grinned back and took a drag on his cigarette. By the time everyone had had their smoke, it was 1910, not quite dark yet, but dark enough to do what we needed to. We all went back inside and clean up our mess, trying to kill a few more minutes, and then we all walked back outside, grabbing 2 machine pistols on the way and got in the car. We drove to the school first and dropped Wolfy off to get the team and the wagon. We drove out to our agreed upon place and stopped the car, facing the trees. We all got out and stood around, waiting for Wolfy to get here.

 

While we were waiting, Peter pulled his knife out and opened the driver's door, standing right next to the steering wheel. He drew the knife along the palm of his hand and put his knife away. He squeezed his palm with his other hand, getting the blood to flow more and then wiped it around on the steering wheel in a couple of different places. He then wiped some on the door ledge and some on the door handle. He finished and turns, looking at me and grinned.

 

"Good enough?"

 

I laughed once. "Yes; Wolfy said he would provide a little for the back seat. Also, when we shoot our weapons, we need to do it from inside the car, too, so there are shell casings inside."

 

"Should we do it before the horses are here and get startled by the noise?"

 

"No. We have to make sure we have a ride out of here before we shoot up the car. We'll wait for Wolfy."

 

He grinned. "I see your point. He should be here in another 10 minutes or so."

 

"That's what I figured."

 

He was actually there in about 6 more minutes. We all started laughing when we spotted him. He was doing his cowboy imitation; standing in the wagon, cracking the whip over the horses heads and yelling 'Yee-Haw' in a thick German accent. He came swinging around the car and got the horses stopped. We were all still laughing when he jumped off the wagon and looked over at us. I walked up to him.

 

"John Wayne?"

 

"No. Gary Cooper."

 

We all laughed again. I smiled at him, shaking my head. "Well, Gary, we need to move the wagon away before we start the shoot-out; we don't want to scare the horses."

 

He laughed again and then jumped back up on the wagon, yelled 'Yee-Haw' once more, and snapped the reigns. He moved the wagon about 50 meters away and stopped, set the brake handle, and walked back over to us. I hand him a machine gun and smirked.

 

"Here you go, cowboy."

 

"Thanks, 'pardner'."

 

His English was awful and it made me laugh again. We walked over to the car and Peter was in the back, pulling the two rifles out of the trunk. Wolfy and Alex got in the car and hung out their respective windows and fire off about 30 rounds, spraying in front of the car about 20 degrees either side. I told Hage to shoot a few rounds through the windshield from the back seat. Wolfy ducks. Alex fired about 10 rounds through the glass and stopped, laughing. I walked over to see what he was laughing about. I saw Wolfy in the front seat, bent over, with his hands over his head. There were 2 empty shell casings lying on his neck. I looked at Alex and shook my head, grinning. I looked in at Wolfy.

 

"It's OK; you can come out now."

 

"Fuck... That was fucking loud as hell!"

 

"I'm sorry, baby. We'll do the rest from out here. We need to look like we've taken cover around the car and fire off more rounds. Then we'll walk over by the trees and shoot the car with the rifles; making sure to get a tire or two."

 

We got everyone lined up by the trees, and Jan and Peter were our riflemen. They emptied both magazines into the car; Jan hitting both front tires. We all walked over to take a look at our dead Opel. Someone had hit the radiator and it was steaming a little. We all laughed. It was dying, taking its last gasping breath. I turned to Wolfy.

 

"I need blood, please."

 

"Got your knife with you?"

 

I handed him my knife. "Here you go, cowboy."

 

He rolled his eyes and walks away, opening the back door on the passenger side. He slit his palm just like Peter did, and after bleeding it a little, spreads some around the door edge and handle. He stood back up and looked at me.

 

"Good enough?"

 

"No, actually. Wipe a smear of it on the fender, on this side."

 

He smirked and walked over to the fender and slammed his hand onto it and wiped down about 8 cm, running it off the edge and out. I inspect it and smiled at him. He gave me my knife back and grinned.

 

"Thank you. Now move down about 20 cm and jump up on the car, landing on your ass."

 

He looked at me like I'd lost my mind. "Excuse me?"

 

"We need a dent; like a body's been slammed up against it."

 

"You've slammed several bodies into it and haven't dented it yet; why me?"

 

I looked at the car and decideed he's right. "OK; never mind. I didn't think the little piece of shit was that tough." I turned to everyone. "OK; I guess we're done here. Everyone in the wagon; Herr Cooper will take us back to town and we'll walk back home."

 

I looked around on the ground first before walking towards the wagon. We'd picked an area with thick ground cover and I couldn't see a single footprint; just trampled grass and weeds. Granted, it's dark right now, but I think we've done well. I grabbed Wolfy's hand and walked with him back to the wagon. We'd never held hands like this in front of everyone, but I decided I really didn't care anymore. Hell, we'd had sex for an hour with the only one of them that would've cared anyway. We all got in the wagon and cowboy Gary snapped the reigns and gave us a 'Yee-Haw', and we were off. When we got back to the village, he stopped in front of the school and dropped us off, then took the wagon back to the plumbing shop. I looked around to see if there were any signs of Gregor; or anyone else. The four of us stood in the shadows of the schoolhouse waiting for Wolfy to get back.

 

We were back at the farm in about 35 minutes, and I looked at my watch. 2052. We'd made pretty good time so far. I ran up to my room to get the message I wanted Alex to send to Berlin, telling them we were going in at 0330. I handed him the message and he started keying it. He waited about 5 minutes and got confirmation that it was received and a short 'good luck'. I asked for his lighter and he handed it to me. I lit the paper as I was walking towards the stove in the kitchen. I open one of the grates and dropped it in, making sure it burned completely. There were still several burning embers in the stove, so it was completely gone in less than a minute. I put the grate back and took the lighter back to Alex. I looked at my watch again. 2100. We had 3 hours before we needed to leave the house for the last time.

 

We'd decided to leave the radio for last. Our first job was taking care of the rooms. We started with Alex's bedroom; looking at it for a minute, just one last time. I left Alex and Peter to trash his room, while the rest of us headed upstairs. We start with Jan's room. There really wasn't much in here and it only took us a few minutes to get clothes strewn around and the mattress slashed up; the bedding thrown on the floor in a heap. We moved on to my room and did the same thing. We also tip the desk over and ripped the back of it off and then did the same to the wardrobe. We left one money pouch lying on the floor next to it. By the time we were done in my room, Peter and Alex were in Peter's room wreaking havoc. I stopped in the bathroom and looked around. I stood up on the toilet and pulled the cover off the tank and drop it into the tub, scaring the crap out of Jan and Wolfy in the hall. They weren't watching what I was doing. We decide we'd done all we could with the upstairs and all tromped downstairs and stopped in the front room. I looked at my watch again. 2126. I wasn't ready to sacrifice the furniture yet; I wanted someplace comfortable to sit for a few minutes. We decided to take out the kitchen next. Before we did, we threw some food in a potato sack to take with us. We took a loaf of bread, half of the wheel of cheese that was left, and a bunch of dried meats. Wolfy threw about a kilo of sweets in the bag, claiming he wasn't leaving them for the Gestapo to eat; let them buy their own.

 

We went back out to the living room and collapsed on the sofa and chairs. I looked around at everyone. They all seemed excited now. The activity had been what everyone's needed; it was the waiting and boredom that was killing us. I looked at my watch. 2143. A little over 2 hours to go before we were to leave. We'd been sitting for about 15 minutes when Jan looked up.

 

"I'm hungry again."

 

We all laughed. Peter looked at him. "You're joking. But OK, we agreed we'd eat again; I just thought it would be at around 2330."

 

"I can wait until then. I don't want to eat too early; we don't know when breakfast will be."

 

Peter smirked. "Yeah, we might have to wake the room service attendant."

 

We'd been sitting quietly again for about 10 minutes when I stood up and walked out the front door and stopped on the porch, looking around. I guess I was taking one last good look around. It was so quiet and peaceful here. I grew up, and had worked in nothing but cities my whole life. I could easily get used to the quiet life of the farm; I thought I already had. I stepped off the porch and slowly walked around the east side of the house, just looking around me, and out towards Poland. It all seemed so disconnected now. There was a war going on not three hundred kilometers from here, but this place, this farm was quiet and peaceful. I heard bugs making noise and the wind through the trees and grass, but nothing else. I couldn't even hear my men in the house from there. I slowly made my way to the back and walked towards Erich's clothesline; stopping when I got under it.

 

"Goodbye, my friend. It was my greatest gift of all, knowing you. I hope you don't think badly of us for what we're about to do; we're doing it to be together. I've already lost you; I can't lose them, too. I will be far away from this place but you will always be with me. I will hold you in my heart for the rest of my days on this Earth. I love you, Erich."

 

I turned and walked back to the house, finding Jan and Wolfy on the back porch, having a cigarette. I stepped up on the porch and stood next to them, looking out.

 

"Saying goodbye to Erich?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"It's so peaceful here."

 

"I was thinking the same. If we could, I would stay the rest of my life."

 

"Me, too. You know he'll always be with you; with all of us. We carry him in our hearts."

 

"I know... That's what helps me."

 

"We loved him, too, Willy. I miss him and think about him a lot."

 

"He was incredible; always so sweet and loving. I've learned so much from him about life; the things that are really important."

 

Wolfy looked around Jan. "Are you going to be OK, liebe?"

 

"I'm going to be just great. I have my four favorite men in the world by my side."

 

I looked back out in front of us. The sheds were there, the doors closed. I did have to use them, but not as often as I'd feared; and nobody died in them. I'm sure my masters in Berlin would be disappointed about that. Fuck them.

 

We were dressed in our civilian clothes and just finishing our sandwiches. I looked at my watch. 2350. We'd slashed up the furniture in the front room and tipped the couch over. We were sitting around the table, having our last meal in the room. There had been no radio traffic for the last hour; and none for us since our last message was sent. It was time to drown the radio. We'd decided to just do the radio; the listening equipment can stay; no one would be interested in it. Alex and Wolfy disconnect the radio and took it out back, walking it over to the leaching field. They stood at the edge and swing it back and forth three times before heaving it out; it sailed about 4 meters before splashing down and sinking without a trace. The rest of us applauded. We walked back in the house and I stopped in the kitchen while they went and stood around in the front room, looking around. I reached behind the icebox and pulled out the case of money I'd stashed back there. I'd separated it all into equal amounts of Reichsmarks and Dollars. Everyone got 20,000 RM and 10,000 Dollars to carry with them. It allowed me to separate it into smaller chunks, but also gave each of us money in case we somehow got separated. I spent about an hour earlier today in my room cutting potato sacks and wrapping the money in them, leaving the ends to tie around our waists. I have the 10,000 RM to give our 'guide' when we meet him, in my coat. I walked out to the front room carrying my bundles. The all turned to look at me.

 

Wolfy grinned. "You're bringing more food?"

 

I grinned. "Sorry, baby; just cash. I want each of you to carry some of this. It's too much to be carried by one man, and this allows each of us to have money just in case we get separated. There's 20,000 RM and 10,000 U.S. Dollars in each bundle. Wrap it around your waist, under your clothes, and tie the ends securely."

 

I handed them each a bundle and they all pulled their shirts up and tied it around themselves. I got mine tied around and tucked my shirt back in and brought my coat around front and buttoned the bottom. I looked at each of them. Jan was the only one who was slightly visible; his damn clothes were too tight on him. The coat hid it, but as soon as it opened at all, you could see he'd got something around him. I walked up to him.

 

"We have to spread the money out more thinly in yours; your damn shirt is too tight, and it shows."

 

He pulled his shirt up and took the money sack off and handed it to me, apologizing. I tell him, "Don't!" and opened the sack up and rearranged the bills in it. I had them as flat as I could make them and still had enough ends to tie. I told him to lift his shirt up and I brought my arms around him and tied it onto him. Once it was tied, I stepped back and had him button his shirt up and tuck it in. I stood back and looked.

 

"Much better; now it only looks like you need to lose a few kilos."

 

He grinned. "Thanks."

 

"Eh, it's just baby fat; it's cute."

 

He blushed and smiled. I turned to everyone else, looking them all in the eyes, one by one. They all held my gaze. I stepped back. They all looked so different; I've never seen any of them in civilian clothes before. None of us has had a haircut since we've been here, so we don't even look like we were ever in the military; just five men.

 

"I guess it's time. We have 3 pistols on us; use them without hesitation if necessary. I don't want to sound morbid, but if something goes wrong, I want each of you to know that I love you with all my heart and soul." I look at my watch. 0010. "Let's go."

 

 

Peter turned the lamp off that was lying on the floor and we all walked out the front door, leaving it ajar behind us. We set off down the driveway, nobody speaking; just walking in staggered pairs. Wolfy and I were leading, with Jan and Alex behind and off to our left and Peter bringing up the rear, off to Jan's right. Wolfy was carrying the food bag over his shoulder with his left hand, his right holding my left. It took us our usual 20 minutes to walk to the train tracks and we took our positions, hiding amongst the trees facing the tracks. There wasn't a sound for as far I could hear. If my estimate was right, we had a 30 minute wait in front of us.

 

It's seemed like we'd been sitting there for hours, my heart beating a kilometer a second, before we spotted movement. We all trained our eyes on the same figure. The build of the man walking up to the tracks looked the same as the one Peter and I met there the other night. He walked across the tracks and headed right for us. I heard someone take a breath in. Peter recognizes him first and stood up. The man walked over to Peter.

 

"You have the money?"

 

"Yes. You have the papers?"

 

"Here." He pulled a bundle of papers out of his coat and handed it to Peter. He let his hand stay there; waiting for payment. I pulled the money out of my coat and handed it to him. "You're all here?"

 

"Yes."

 

"I have a wagon waiting about a kilometer south of here, along the tracks. We walked in the grass and trees along the sides."

 

"Let's go."

 

The five us got our things together and followed the man. After walking along the tracks for about 20 minutes or so, he veered off to the left, away from the tracks, out into the field. I saw a wagon with two horses attached to it next to a couple of trees. We made our way to it and the five us climbed on board while he jumped up on the seat and took the reins. I had a lot more fun when Wolfy was driving. It's too damn dark out to see my watch and I wondered what time it was. I'm a slave to time and it irritates me when I don't know it. We spent what seemed like 3 hours in the back of that wagon, bouncing along through open fields, before coming to a stop next to a creek. He looked behind him to us.

 

"The horses need water. You can piss or drink if you need; I would suggest drinking first." He grinned.

 

We all got off the wagon and knelt down next to the creek and scooped up the water with our hands, drinking as much as we could hold. One by one we all take a piss, but point it away from the stream. It just seemed wrong to piss in something that provided us with water. Jan buttoned up and walked over to the man.

 

"Is it safe to use a lighter?"

 

"Sure. Smoke them if you want. Do you have an extra one?"

 

"Sure; here." Jan handed him a cigarette and lit it for him before lighting his own.

 

I walked over to them, looking at Jan.

 

"May I use your lighter for a second?"

 

"Of course."

 

He handed me his lighter and I fire it, holding it over my watch. 0352. I close the lighter and give it back to him.

 

"Thanks."

 

"What time is it?"

 

"Almost 0400."

 

"Damn, it seems later for some reason."

 

"It's been a long day."

 

He smiled at me and took another drag on his smoke. I turned and walked over to Peter and Wolfy. I told them the time and asked if everyone was doing OK. They all said they were fine and to stop being a mother-hen. Peter looked at me.

 

"I wonder where we are?"

 

"We've been heading south the whole time. I guess take 3 hours and multiply by about 5 or 6 kilometers per hour."

 

"Fuck, only 15 kilometers; no wonder this will take 3 or 4 days. There has to be faster transportation at some point. At 5 KPH we're not going to make France in three days, let alone Sicily."

 

"Maybe there'll be a truck or car at some point. I hope so. I'm sure glad I was born in the age of the automobile; wagon travel would've driven me to an early grave. I'm going to go ask our escort about it. I'll be right back."

 

I turned and walked back over to Jan and his smoking buddy.

 

"Are we traveling by horse the entire way?"

 

The man grinned. "Not unless you want to be in Sicily next June. No, there will be a truck waiting for us in about another hour and a half. The truck will take you as far as Italy, where another truck will meet you and take you to Sicily."

 

"You're not coming with us to Sicily?"

 

"No. I'm just the man on the first leg. I will introduce you to your next escort."

 

"Thank you."

 

"You're welcome."

 

I walked back over to the others, Jan tagging along with me. I told them what he said and they all showed relief in their faces. The man finished his cigarette and told us it was time to go. We piled back in the wagon and set off again, still going cross-country. I'd been watching the stars overhead while lying in the back of the wagon. We'd been heading due south. If we continued, we would be in Czechoslovakia rather than going through Germany. I was wondering how wise that was, considering we have forces there looking for just this sort of thing. I hoped the men knew what they were doing. I would assume they'd used this route before. It was the most direct from where we started. We would be in Austria after, and then in Italy and down to Sicily. I tried to relax and close my eyes. None of us had slept in almost 24 hours and it would start to catch up with us. I knew we wouldn't be able to sleep while we were in the open wagon but I was hoping we would all feel relaxed enough to try once in a truck.

 

I was still lying on my back when the wagon stopped again. It was pre-dawn and I could see my watch well enough to tell what time it was. 0540. The man turned around in his seat and told us to get out, that we would be walking the last 100 meters to the road. When we got to the side of the road, I saw what looked to me like a delivery truck and a man about 50 years old standing next to it, smoking a cigarette. We were introduced to him, though not by name, and loaded into the back of the truck. Our young guide bid us good luck and the door was closed. I could hear them talking for a minute before I felt and heard the man get behind the wheel. They had been speaking Polish so I turned to Peter.

 

"What did they say?"

 

"Nothing of importance. The young one asked how the other's wife was; she has been ill apparently."

 

"OK."

 

"Relax, Willy; I don't think they mean us harm. If they did we would be dead already."

 

"I guess. I've learned a lot about what men will do for money; I guess that's their motivation."

 

"It's most people's motivation."

 

The truck lurched forward and we tried to get a little more comfortable in the confines of the small truck. We were almost on top of each other; it was a good thing we were all so close. There was also a can of petrol strapped to the outside of the door and the smell was kind of powerful, even inside the truck. Once the truck had picked up more speed the smell dissipated enough to make it bearable and everyone tried to relax and get some sleep. I was leaning up against the cab, my legs stretched out in front of me. I had Wolfy on my left and Jan on my right; both of them snuggled up against me.

 

I had actually fallen asleep, and when I woke up I had Jan wrapped around me again, much like yesterday morning. Wolfy was leaning on my shoulder, drooling onto my neck. I lifted my arm off his back and looked at my watch. I could barely make out that it was 0915. I put my hand back on Wolfy and looked at Peter and Hage. Peter was leaning back against the sidewall, close to the back door, and Alex was asleep on his chest. Peter looked at me and smiled. I winked at him and returned his smile. I would always wonder if he had killed Gregor, and if it was for personal reasons. I would never know for sure.

 

My lower back was killing me and I had to sit up. I didn't want to wake the other two, but I didn't want to be paralyzed from the chest down either. I got them both awake and sat up, Wolfy and Jan doing the same. They looked around the inside of the truck, taking note of Hage asleep on Peter, and then back at me. Jan asked me what time it was.

 

"0915; we actually slept a little."

 

"Where do you think we are?"

 

"I would guess somewhere inside of Czechoslovakia. We were following a southerly route while we were in the wagon. I figure we'll go through Czechoslovakia and Austria, and then come out in Italy."

 

"Is that a good idea? I thought we had troops all over Czechoslovakia?"

 

"I thought the same. Maybe they do this all of the time and know how to avoid our troops."

 

"I hope so. Um, what happens when we need to shit?"

 

I chuckled. "Please tell me you don't have to right now."

 

"Well, I can hold it, but I will have to before too long."

 

"I can bang on the cab behind me and tell him we need a break. Or perhaps he will have to stop to do the same soon."

 

"I can hold off for another hour or so."

 

"Just don't explode." He and Wolfy chuckled.

 

I looked over at Peter. "Isn't your back hurting?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then wake him up and sit up for awhile."

 

"He seems so peaceful; I didn't want to disturb him. Let him sleep, I'll be fine."

 

I shake my head, smiling. "It's your back."

 

Wolfy turned and looked at me. "I would give a thousand marks to be able to stand up and stretch."

 

"Maybe you should tell that to our driver. He would probably rub your back for that much."

 

He smirked. "I'll pass. Speaking of marks; are they going to be any good to us in Argentina?"

 

"I don't know. Argentina has a lot of trading going on with Germany; perhaps they like them. We will try to exchange them for the local currency when we arrive."

 

"What about the American currency?"

 

"I have heard that it actually speaks louder than any when dealing with people. Maybe everyone thinks they can use it if they ever make it to Hollywood."

 

We all chuckle. "Have you ever wanted to go to America?"

 

"No, not really. I would like to meet a couple of movie stars, but I really haven't had dreams of seeing America."

 

Wolfy grinned at me. "Which movie stars?"

 

I blushed a little. "Cary Grant and Tyrone Power."

 

Wolfy chuckles. "The handsome ones; I should've known. I always wanted to meet Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. I would like to meet Gary Cooper as well; but not because I think he's handsome. I like the movies I have seen with him. I guess I just like cowboy movies."

 

I laughed. "That would explain your wild west ride on the wagon. You need to work on your 'Yee-Haws'; they don't quite sound the same with a German accent."

 

He laughed. "Much like when you just said it. I wonder if they have movie theaters in Argentina; I haven't been to a picture in almost 3 years?"

 

"I would assume they have them; everyone likes movie pictures. I've heard that even Hitler has his own theater at Berchtesgaden."

 

"Yes, while we've been out fighting for our lives, he sits watching movie pictures. I wonder if he's met Marlene Dietrich?"

 

"It wouldn't surprise me if he has; maybe Goebbels knew her and introduced them."

 

"The bastard."

 

We all laughed. I looked at him and grinned. "My, get you out of that uniform and the truth comes out."

 

"You've had me out of my uniform countless times; today is no different. Just because I have never vocalized my opinions before doesn't mean I don't have them."

 

"True. You do look handsome in your civilian clothes; so different though. All of you look like different men almost."

 

"I noticed. It's strange seeing everyone in civilian clothes." He looked over me at Jan. "How are the pants holding up; have your balls fallen out yet?"

 

Jan laughed. "No, not yet; they're pressed up against my asshole. I don't feel any air hitting my hole so I'm assuming they're still intact."

 

Wolfy laughed again. "Just be sure to drop your pants before you squat to shit." He looks at me. "What do we use to wipe with?"

 

"What did you use on the battlefield?"

 

He blushes a little. "Sometimes nothing; other times leaves or whatever we could find."

 

I got a mental image and started laughing. "You could've used the tails of the horses."

 

They all start laughing; waking up Alex. He looked over at us.

 

"What did I miss?"

 

I smired. "Just a little shit talking." They all laughed again.

 

We calmed down and Jan looked at me. "Fuck... It seems strange to laugh in this situation; but it was good. I needed that."

 

"I think we all did. Sometimes people laugh in stressful situations just to reduce some of the tension."

 

"I guess so. So, is this how it's going to be for the next week; shoved in the backs of trucks and then on a ship?"

 

"Yes. This is our life for the next 10 or so days. Keep the faith, Jan; we will get through this, it's just going to take a little time."

 

"I am. I'm really looking forward to getting there; walking on the beach. I've never walked on a beach before."

 

"Neither have I; we'll all go for a walk on the beach."

 

Hage's been watching us. "Damn boy, just how big is that fucking thing?"

 

Jan flusheed red. "Why are you staring at my crotch?"

 

"I was just watching you talk and looked down. It's like a viper all coiled up in there."

 

"What can I say; it just hangs big. It really doesn't get a whole lot bigger when it's hard; just a little fatter and about 7 or 8 cm longer."

 

"So what's the total?"

 

Jan turned red again. "23 cm when it's hard."

 

"Fuck...."

 

"That's what I use it for...." He smirked.

 

"No joking; I'd use it 5 or 6 times a day."

 

"It's just a cock, Hage; don't get so excited."

 

"Maybe to you; but I'd love to have 23 cm to use."

 

Jan rolled his eyes and then looked at me. I just grinned at him; happy in the knowledge that I'd tasted it and felt it in me. I leaned back against the wall again and closed my eyes. There really wasn't much else to do. I smirked once and tried to sleep. I'd just had a mental image of the 5 of us having an orgy back here; the driver wondering why his truck was bouncing more than usual.

 

We finally stopped in about another hour, and the driver opens the door to let us out. The five of us spent about 2 or 3 minutes just stretching our bodies; trying to work out the kinks. Jan spotted a tree about 10 meters away and asked the driver if it's OK if he goes to take a dump. The driver laughed.

 

"I would rather you do it in the grass than in my truck. Do you need paper?"

 

Jan grins. "That would be very nice, thank you."

 

The driver reached into the cab and handed Jan some paper to wipe with. I don't really have the urge right now, but I have no idea when we'll get another chance. The five us all wait our turn for the tree and the paper. We've spread it all out in a semi-circle, trying to stay up-wind from the previous one. When we've all taken care of business the driver pulls out a 4 liter can of water and we share it, while the smokers in the group lit up. I turned to the driver.

 

"We are in Czechoslovakia?"

 

"Yes. For another 3 or so hours before we will be in Austria."

 

"You don't worry about German patrols here?"

 

"I have made this route many times in the last 2 years; I've learned where they walk."

 

"What happens if we come up on one?"

 

"You all have papers, correct?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then we show them; tell them you are workers heading to Austria to work in an armaments factory, teaching new techniques. They would never believe strong, young German citizens are there as slave labor."

 

"OK. Hopefully it doesn't come to that. You are the one taking us to the Italian border?"

 

"Yes. We will stop for petrol in another hour. I will give you time to eat something; there is a woman who fixes meals for my passengers there."

 

"Thank you."

 

He nodded his head and went back to his cigarette. I was starting to wonder if I were the only man in Europe who didn't smoke anymore. I still found myself watching them, however; thinking it would be nice to join them. When everyone was finished, we were loaded back in the truck and set off again. It kind of made me wonder what a German patrol would think, coming up on our gift by the tree. Maybe they would only think another patrol had been there.

 

Once we'd been on the road about 10 minutes, I told my men that we would be stopping for food and petrol in an hour. That brought smiles all around, and we all relaxed a little and just talked quietly for the rest of the hour.

 

When we stopped again, it was outside of a small farmhouse. We were taken in and fed by a large woman with great kitchen skills. It was the first meal I'd had prepared by a woman since our night in the restaurant in Berlin. We're trying not to be pigs about it, but she insisted we eat what we could hold. Her husband was outside with our driver, fueling our truck. We were about half-way done with our meal when he walked in to join us. We spent a total of 20 minutes at the farm house, before being loaded back in the truck and leaving. We'd been driving about 20 minutes when the truck started coughing and trying to stall. Oh shit. We didn't need engine problems now. The driver stopped the truck and got out; slamming his door. There was no handle inside the back of the truck, and we were stuck inside, wondering what the hell was going on. We heard him tinkering on something and then trying to get the truck started again, to no avail. He finally opened the door.

 

"Do any of you know about engines?"

 

Peter speaks up. "I do. Let me look."

 

"Come on. We don't have time to sit in the middle of the road."

 

We all jumped out to stand around and watch Peter work. It was like being a guard at a prison camp, watching the laborers toil away while we sat back and smoked. Peter ran his fingers along the fuel line to the small float that was against the firewall. He ran his fingers on the line leading to the float.

 

"The float is clogged; maybe the petrol we just took on had sediment in it. We need to empty the float and find something to block the sediment."

 

"Will the paper work?"

 

"Not for long; it will disintegrate after awhile. Do you have any kind of mesh material?"

 

"Let me look."

 

He was gone for about 5 minutes before returning with a piece of material. It was a piece of woven cloth. He handed it to Peter.

 

"Will that work?"

 

"Better than the paper. Hold it while I get the float unscrewed."

 

It took him less than 2 minutes to make the repairs. The driver got in the truck and cranked the motor; it won't fire. Peter takes the cover off the carburetor and looks inside. He turned to Alex.

 

"Get that can of petrol; it has lost prime, and we need to pour some in."

 

"Jawohl." Old habits die hard.

 

He was back with the can in less than 30 seconds and handed it to Peter. Peter opened it and then told the driver to start cranking again. While the engine cranked, Peter pours a little fuel down the carburetor and the truck fired and reved. It started to stall again but Peter grabbed the throttle linkage and started pumping the hell out of it. He got it to where it would stay running; making it run at very high rpm for about a minute. Once he was satisfied the engine would run, he put everything back together and closed the bonnet.

 

"Let's go."

 

The driver smiled at him as we walked by to get in the back. Alex lashed the can to the outside again and we all got in and slam the door behind us. We were moving again in a matter of seconds. We were all just looking at Peter. We all thought he was nothing more than a bookworm. Hage was the first to ask.

 

"Where did you learn that?"

 

He grinned. "I'm more than the sum of my parts, Alex. I took several automotive engineering classes while I was in university. That's how I came to meet Dr. Diesel. Besides, any 12-year-old auto mechanic would've been able to do that."

 

"But you knew instantly what the problem was."

 

"I knew from the symptoms. It's not rocket science, Alex; it was starving for fuel."

 

Alex smiled at him. "You surprise me more each day, Peter." Peter just returned the smile.

 

The smell of petrol was overpowering now; it was all over Peter's hands. I reached over and grabbed the can of water the driver had left for us; handing it down to Peter.

 

"You smell like a petrol station; here."

 

Jan handed him the paper we used; the new paper, and he washed his hands off as best he could, letting the water pour out the bottom of the door. The smell had been reduced greatly and we all relaxed again.

 

We'd been driving another four hours before we stopped again. It was starting to get dusk again. Day and night had taken on new meaning; they'd blurred together. I wondered if this was how the Jews on the trains felt; the light and dark merging together, the hours in between becoming blurred. We'd all slept a little more; for lack of anything else to do as much as for rest. We all got out and stretched like bears waking from hibernation; trying to stand erect once again. Everyone lit up and took care of biological issues. Peter walked over to our driver.

 

"You will be driving all night?"

 

"Yes."

 

"You're not tired?"

 

"A little; but I have made this trip many times, and can do it with my eyes closed."

 

"I would prefer you didn't. Do you want to share the driving; get some rest?"

 

"If I get sleepy I will stop."

 

"I would be more than happy to drive for awhile while you rest."

 

"How do I know I can trust you?"

 

Peter grinned at him. "We're trusting you with our lives; it seems fair you can trust us."

 

"Still..."

 

"Then how about as a passenger? Someone to keep you company, talking, so you can stay alert?"

 

"That would be acceptable."

 

Peter smiles. "Good. I will tell the others."

 

"You won't try anything, will you?"

 

"And risk their lives by crashing the truck? No, I don't think so."

 

The driver saw the logic in the statement and smiled. Peter came back over to us and told us what he was doing. It will be strange not having Peter with us in the back, but it will give us more room to stretch out. Not only that, it gives us someone we trust with our lives with access to the door handle. If there were a problem he would save us before the driver would. We piled back in, Peter going to the passenger side after smiling at us and closing the door. We were moving again in less than 20 seconds. My two boys had decided to stay next to me. Alex had taken Peter's place, but at an angle with his legs stretched out towards Jan. We talk for a little while before all closing our eyes and taking another catnap.

 

I opened my eyes again later and look at my watch. 2210. I looked over at Hage and he looked up at me and grinned, then looked to my left. I had Jan curled up on me, his head on my chest, his arm around my middle, touching Wolfy's wrist. I looked back up and smiled at him. He whispered across the truck, barely making himself heard above the noise of the tires and engine, "Something I should know?"

 

I grinned bigger. "It depends on what you think you want to know."

 

He smirked. "Everything."

 

"Promise not to get jealous?"

 

He smiles big. "Sure."

 

"We spent Thursday night with him in the barn; satisfying his curiosity."

 

He laughed once to himself. "Really? I never would've guessed he had any about that."

 

"I'm as surprised as you are. He really got into it, though."

 

Alex smiled even more. "Incredible."

 

I smirked. "That's what he said when we were done."

 

Alex smirked and laughed. "OK. The sex I understand, but that doesn't explain that. He seems so cuddly now. I've never seen him look more peaceful or happy."

 

"What can I say? He's actually very cuddly and passionate. He loves to just hold and touch."

 

"Wow.  So are you three making this a permanent arrangement?"

 

"I honestly don't know."

 

He smiled big again. "Why not? It would be a hell of a lot of fun to have two lovers, wouldn't it?"

 

"It would; but the emotional aspect would get really complicated."

 

He shook his head and grinned. "Why? If you all love each other then there's no complication. Do you love him?"

 

"I've loved him for a long time; but not in-love."

 

He grinned. "Semantics. Do you think he's falling in love with you and Wolfy?"

 

"I'm starting to wonder. He hasn't really left our side since Thursday night."

 

He smiled again. "It's kind of sweet; really strange, but sweet. So he even slept with you after the barn meeting?"

 

"Yes."

 

He shook his head, smiling. "He's looks really comfortable and happy right now; like a little cub clinging to papa bear." He smirked.

 

I blushed and grinned. "Yeah, well... Papa bear's enjoying it, too."

 

"I can see that." He grined again. "So Wolfy finally got the big one, huh?"

 

"Everywhere he wanted it."

 

Alex's eyes get big. "Everywhere?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Holy crap. I can't even imagine having that thing in my ass. I'm surprised he can walk."

 

I blushed and grinned. "I didn't have any trouble walking afterwards."

 

His mouth drops open. "You, too?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"Damn.... How was it?"

 

"I've told you too much already."

 

Jan pulled his head up, grinning. "You've gone this far; just tell him. I'd like to know myself."

 

"You've been listening; that's not nice."

 

"And talking about me while I sleep is?"

 

"No. I'm sorry for that; it was wrong."

 

He smiled. "I don't care, Willy; Alex is our brother."

 

I smiled at him and then at Alex. "It was fucking incredible! And not because of the size; but who it's attached to."

 

They both giggled. Jan reached over and kissed my cheek. Alex lets out an 'ahhhh'.

 

"Well, I'm happy for you. It's kind of nice, actually; seeing you three together."

 

Jan grinned at Alex. "It is nice. Nothing like I ever expected it to be."

 

"It's OK, Jan; it doesn't matter if it's a man or woman. I've been with both, Jan, and it's really OK. Just let it be; let it happen and don't think about the rightness or the acceptance from others. They don't matter; only you do."

 

"I still can't believe that I'd ever give up girls, though."

 

"I don't plan on giving them up; I like the softness and feel of them. But I also love the feel of a man; the muscle and the roughness. They can be sweet and soft, too, but it's still the hard body and rough passion that does it for me."

 

Jan blushed a little. "That's what I like about it; the feel of Willy's body; how firm and muscular it is as opposed to a girl. I guess nobody said you can't have both."

 

"No... There are no rules when it comes to passion. There are people's opinions and theories, but that's all they are. You love who you want to love; whoever makes you feel good."

 

Jan looked at me. "What you said about it complicating things emotionally if I fell in love with you; what did you mean?"

 

"I just meant that it would be different sharing my love with Wolfy, with someone else. Not taking away from him, but adding you to it. It's just not something I've ever given any thought to. I'm not saying it's bad or wrong, just different."

 

"Maybe Alex was right; it's just semantics. You said you've loved me for a long time; it would just be adding to it, wouldn't it? Making it deeper?"

 

"I guess it would. Is this something you want?"

 

"I don't know... I love how it feels being close to both of you." He pauses for a moment, looking a little worried. "Do you think you could fall in love with me?"

 

I smiled. "Very easily. I've always kept a little distance between us; kept my love and displays of affection with Wolfy in check out of respect for you. I didn't want to make you anymore uncomfortable around us. In doing that I never really got to know the real you. Now that I have; it would be very easy for me to fall in love with you. You're very sweet and passionate. Like I told Alex, Papa Bear enjoys the attention you give me."

 

He grinned. "I enjoy Papa Bear, too. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was such an ass about everything for so long. I feel horrible for the way I treated you and Wolfy; the things I said and thought. I'm really sorry, Willy."

 

I pulled him into me. "Don't worry about it anymore; it's all in the past. Our whole future is in front of us; all our lives are going to change like never before. We're starting a new life in a new country. We get to start with a clean slate."

 

"Can you forgive me for being such an ass?"

 

"I did long ago. I understand how you felt. I understand what you were going though. Don't worry about it anymore."

 

"Thank you."

 

Jan kissed my cheek. I heard another 'ahhhh' from Alex and we turned and looked at him.

 

"What?"

 

I smirked. "What's with the 'ahhh's'?"

 

"It's just sweet; and very nice. I hope I can find someone else that loves me the way Gregor does; I want what you have."

 

"You will; never doubt that for a second, Alex." I think I already knew he had someone, he just didn't realize it yet. He just nodded and smiled at me.

 

The next time we stopped it was 0235. We were in Austria according to our guide, and apparently Peter had driven us across the border about 30 minutes ago. I didn't care; the only thing on my mind right then was my bladder. I'd had several sips of water out of the can and they'd run their course. The four of us dived out of the truck and whipped it all out and started pissing. We didn't even take time to stretch first. I guess we'd all had too much water. The driver chuckled.

 

"That's why I don't normally leave the water in the back; I don't want my truck flooded."

 

"Well, we're grateful you did; but we're also grateful you stopped. How long does it usually take you to travel through Austria?"

 

"Usually 8 hours; there are a lot of mountains to traverse."

 

I look at my watch. 0240. Figure 9 hours with stops. We'd be at the Italian border by lunchtime. A balloon popped in my head, wondering if anyone had even noticed our disappearance back in Germany. Probably not yet, and if we were very lucky we wouldn't be missed until we were already in Argentina; or at least on the boat.

 

"We will stop again for petrol in about 2 hours. You will be fed again, and have another chance to find a tree. Once we leave there we won't stop for another 4 hours; for more petrol, as the truck uses more on the mountain roads. From there no additional stops until we reach your next transfer point at the border."

 

"Thank you, Sir. You've been most helpful; we'll never forget what you've done for us."

 

"I only do what I feel in my heart is the right thing. This war is wrong, and if people wish to leave to save themselves then I do what I can to help."

 

"Will you leave at some point?"

 

"Most likely. My wife is ill and I wish her to be in a safer place. We thought the war would end soon; until he went to Russia. Now we just don't know...."

 

"We don't either. We feel he's headed for destruction that there will be no recovery from. Thank you again, though."

 

"You're welcome. We leave in 2 minutes."

 

The next eight hours were at times as boring as the previous eight had been, but at others a little exciting. We all thought we'd have to get out and push the little truck up the hills. The truck's little 4-cylinder engine wasn't enjoying the weight of 6 full-grown men, and groaned and struggled up some of the steeper roads. I could tell we had dropped down into second gear on two of the passes; and were probably only moving at about 20 to 25 KPH. We made good time and speed on the downhill runs, only to be slowed again by the next steep hill. We had stopped for food and fuel at just before five that morning. We had a good, but fairly small breakfast, and Peter and I finally got to have some coffee. We each had two cups and relished every sip; trying to make them last. I would've paid the woman a hundred marks to take some with us, but she wasn't budging. We'd all slept off and on for most of the ride, except when we heard the truck shifting down again and again, struggling up a hill. We all joked about having to get out and push. Peter was still up front, sharing driving duties.

 

After what seemed like we'd finally been moving a constant, fairly fast pace for about an hour and a half the little truck slowed, then turned and finally stopped. The door opened and Peter's smiling face greeted us.

 

"Welcome to Italy, my friends."

 

"Is Mussolini here to welcome us?"

 

He laughed. "No, not quite. He sent an envoy though. The man actually looks something like him."

 

"As long as he doesn't kill us on the road, it could be Mussolini and I wouldn't care. Do we get a stretch break?"

 

"Get out and find out."

 

I was shocked at what I found. Only the Italians could turn an escape from war into a picnic. There was a man and woman standing about 5 meters away from us. And next to them on the ground was a checkered tablecloth with a hell of a spread on it. They even had a bottle of wine to wash it down with. I was overwhelmed to say the least.

 

"My God; they've made us a picnic lunch."

 

Peter just grinned. "Welcome to Italy, my friend. If you had traveled more in your youth you would know that the Italians consider any occasion a good time for food and wine."

 

"I'm impressed. Is the fraü traveling with us?"

 

"I don't know. She may be here just as cook and waitress; we will find out when we leave, I guess. Now, don't all be pigs; and show respect. Also, if you need to use the toilet there are some tall bushes just behind their truck; about 20 meters away. There is a woman present, so all of you show respect and decorum."

 

We all give him a 'Yes, Sir' and start stretching, before we all took a bathroom break. When we return we were all introduced to our hosts, even by name, and made to sit down and enjoy the meal. It was simply incredible. Food like I'd never eaten before, and in amounts that would've given Erich a run for his money. I'd had visions of us starving, or maybe eating nothing but bread and cheese for our entire journey, but this was simply overwhelming. My men and I couldn't smile and thank them enough. We all even learned how to say 'grazie!' so they knew what we were saying. The man spoke broken German, and the woman only Italian, but we didn't care; we were happy men with great food in our stomachs and smiles on our lips.

 

Once we had finished lunch and thanked our hosts again two or three times, it was time to board our new truck. It was the same configuration as our old one, just a little bigger. I was feeling generous and grateful to the man who had brought us here in that little truck. I still had about 1600 marks in the front pocket of my pants and walked over to him as he was getting in his truck. I pulled the bills out and held them out.

 

"For you and your wife, with my gratitude."

 

"I can't accept that; you have already paid."

 

"Then think of it as a gratuity for excellent service."

 

"That is quite the gratuity."

 

"It was quite the service. Please, Sir; just take it and buy something for your lovely wife."

 

He laughs. "I never said she was lovely; just ill."

 

I smiled at him. "Still... Please."

 

He accepts the bills. "Thank you, Sir. I hope your journey is a trouble-free and successful one."

 

"With your help it has already been. Be safe."

 

"You as well. Good day, Sir."

 

"Good day to you, Sir."

 

I shook his hand and turned to walk over to our new truck, climbing in back with my men. We were all five back together. The woman was to be travelling with us for just 15 km; returning to their home. She had packed up the picnic and had it stuffed on the seat and floor around her. I had asked our old driver during lunch what kind of time we were looking at getting to Sicily, and was saddened by the answer. He reminded me that Italy wasn't very wide, but it was long; we were looking at about 15 to 16 hours, just driving time. Providence was about to provide us with an alternative; thank God.

 

We arrived at their farm, bouncing over ditches and crossing over roads, in less than 20 minutes. Luckily for us the woman wanted to check on us and offer something to drink before we left on our long journey. The door was opened and we all got back out of the truck. I stretched again and began looking around the farm while she went in the house to get us something to drink; and more to take with us. I was looking over at the barn and saw what I was convinced looked like a wing of an aircraft. I turned to Peter and tapped his shoulder and pointed to it.

 

"Is that what I think it is?"

 

"Hopefully more than just the edge of a wing. Do you know how to fly?"

 

"No, but if a man owns an airplane, shouldn't he be able to fly it?"

 

"One would hope so. What are you thinking?"

 

"We have at least 16 hours in the back of that truck to Sicily. I'm thinking I would pay very handsomely to cut that time down."

 

"So would I. I'll ask him about it."

 

Peter didn't speak Italian, but he did speak fluent Spanish, and the two were awfully close; at least enough to make him understood without relying on the man's sketchy German. Peter approached the man with a big smile. He was charming when he wanted to be.

 

 

"Excuse me. Is that an aircraft behind the barn?"

 

"Yes Sir. It is an old Caproni 133S medical transport that was used in the war with Abyssinia. I bought it in 1939 from a man who had bought it from the military when it was put out of service. I haven't been able to fly it in over a year though." "Is it still air-worthy?"

 

"Of course. It just needs petrol. I don't have the money to buy airplane petrol and petrol for the truck. The truck is more important to me so the airplane sits."

 

"Is there a place around here to buy petrol for it?"

 

"The man I bought the airplane from has petrol; but he doesn't just give it away."

 

"How far is he from here?"

 

"3 km."

 

"We will pay for the petrol, both ways to Sicily, and we will give you and your gracious wife 2000 marks for the trouble."

 

"Why?"

 

"Think about it signore; doesn't it make more sense to fly over the land than to drive across it? It would cut down at least 10 hours on our travel time; and 10 hours of your return trip. You're saving 20 hours out of your life and making a profit in the process."

 

The man nodded his head and smiled. "I accept your gracious offer. If you wish to come with me we will go get the petrol for it. Your men will not harm my wife?"

 

"Of course not! They are honorable men; and besides, at the moment they think she is the greatest thing to ever happen to them."

 

He laughed. "I have that same thought every day of my life, signore."

 

Peter gave him one of his best smiles. "I can see why, signore. One moment and I will get the money and we will go to your friend."

 

Peter walks back over to me to tell me what's going on. He doesn't need money; he has his own.

 

"He's agreed to do it. The only thing wrong with it is it doesn't have petrol. We're going to take the truck and go get some for it. He has a friend, the man he bought the plane from, who has petrol; 3 km from here."

 

"How much did you offer?"

 

"2000 marks plus the cost of petrol both ways."

 

I smile at him. "Very good. See you when you get back. Assure the kind gentlemen that we will just stay behind the barn, looking at the plane; we will not go near his wife."

 

He grinned. "Good. I already assured him that you were all honorable men. I don't know if you or any of them know anything about airplanes, but do what you think is safe to get it ready. Don't fuck up anything in it, in other words."

 

I laughed. "Yes, Sir."

 

He grinned at me. "And stop that shit right now; all of you."

 

"Yes, Father. Anything else?"

 

"Blow me."

 

"Pull it out."

 

"Maybe later. Besides, just how cock hungry can one man be? You already have two to play with."

 

I started laughing, while he just grinned at me, shaking his head. "Do you want the money, or are you using yours?"

 

"It doesn't matter; it all came from Himmler anyway."

 

I smirked. "Yes it did, huh? That makes me feel even better; he's financing our little trip. What a nice man."

 

Peter laughed and walked away, calling me a fucker as he left. I go gather up my men while they geot in the truck. We all walk behind the barn to look at our new transport. It's bigger than the wing looked; should be plenty of room for all of us. I walked up and opened the door and looked in. It still had a stretcher in it, but only the two seats in the cockpit. It didn't matter; I'd strap myself to a wing to shave ten hours off our trip. On our inspection we notice that one of the main gear tires was about half-flat. That was not good. I sent Wolfy and Jan to the barn to look for a tire pump. Alex and I continued our inspection of the plane. I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for. My two bears returned in about 3 minutes with a bicycle tire pump. This could take days with that. They got to work on the tire, and once Wolfy had had his turn, he walked over to me.

 

"So do you think it's ready to fly?"

 

"I have no idea, bärchen; I've never flown one before."

 

"I've flown in them; just never at the controls. I've been in troop transports, being dropped off in remote areas."

 

"Then you look around it and see if anything looks out of place."

 

He grinned. "I only know what they look like from the inside. I was outside of one long enough to get on it. I guess we just fill the tire and wait for our host to return with the petrol."

 

"I guess so. Come with me, inside, for a moment."

 

He grinned. I returned the grin. We both jumped in the plane and stood on the other side of the door about a meter. I pulled him into me and planted a serious kiss on him, moaning into his mouth and pulling him tight into me. The kiss turned passionate and we were pulling on each other and messing up each other's hair running our hands around each other's head. We made out for about a minute and a half before we finally broke it off; kind of breathless.

 

"Damn... That was good."

 

I grinned. "Hell, yes. We need to do that more often."

 

"I keep telling you … anytime!"

 

I grinned. "You do, huh? Well thank you for making my first time in an airplane so memorable."

 

"You, too."

 

"I love you."

 

"I love you more."

 

I grinned and chuckled. "Trying to one-up me now?"

 

"No, just getting the message across."

 

"Message received and understood. Let's get back out there before they think we're in here fucking."

 

"Let them watch or join in."

 

I laughed and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the door. We got out of the plane and walked over to the main gear, ducking our heads to keep from taking them off. Jan was on the pump now, and the tire was actually coming to life. I stood next to him and he looked up at me. He smirked and grinned.

 

"What?"

 

"Fix your hair; you look like you've been mauled by a bear." He laughed again.

 

I laughed with him, though blushing. "Yeah, just let me get you in there; see what your hair looks like."

 

He grinned at me again. "I'll be done here soon."

 

"OK." I winked at him.

 

Jan pumped for about 5 or 6 more minutes before handing it off to Alex. As soon as Jan and I started walking towards the door, he called out to us.  "Just try not to swallow each other; and fix your hair before you come out!" He laughed.

 

I turned around and smiled at him. "You're next!"

 

He blushed and started pumping.

 

Jan and I climb up into the plane and I took his hand and pulled him about a meter to the back of the plane. I turned to him and grabbed his other hand and pulled him into me.

 

"Come here...."

 

He smiled and we landed on each other's mouth, him sliding his tongue into mine. I wrestled with his tongue while my hands dropped his and took hold of his ass and pulled him into me. He reached up and grabbed my head, purposely running his hands all over my hair. I didn't care. We made out just as passionately as Wolfy and I had not 5 minutes before. My second kiss by a hot man in an airplane in less than 10 minutes. We'd been passionately making out for about 2 minutes before I pulled my head back, breathless. I still had a firm grip on his ass and I could feel his growing cock pressing into me. He smiled at me and I returned it.

 

He took a breath and spoke. "Fuck me... That was the hottest kiss I've ever had."

 

"You're not joking; it was incredible. Thank you."

 

He blushed. "Don't thank me; I was just along for the ride. Wow."

 

"Wow yourself, sexy." He blushed again. "You're incredibly sexy when you do that."

 

"Do what?"

 

"Blush."

 

He blushed again and grinned. "You're sexy all the time."

 

I blush. He giggled. "Thank you."

 

"Anytime. You like what you have in your hands?"

 

I grinned. "I love it."

 

"Good. You can do that anytime you want."

 

"Good. I plan to do it a lot more."

 

"Good. Kiss me again."

 

I leaned my head in and landed back on his mouth. We shared a nice, slow passionate kiss for about 20 seconds. His dick was now hard on my thigh. I broke the kiss, smile at him and look down for a second. I look in his eyes and smiled.

 

"That feels really good; but there isn't a chance in hell they won't see it."

 

He smirked and grinned. "They always want to see it anyway; let them look."

 

"OK."

 

He smiled and gave me another sweet kiss, holding my face in his hands. He broke the kiss and pushed back from me, breaking the hold I have on his ass. He looked at me and smiled again. He took my hand in his.

 

"Come on, Papa Bear; let's go back before we can't stop."

 

I took his hand and he led me back to the door. I held his hand while he climbed down from the plane and then followed him down. We walked back under the plane to the landing gear. Wolfy was at the pump again. He looked up and saw Jan's condition and raised his eyebrows and grinned. Alex saw what he was looking at and did the same.

 

"Damn.... You must be one hell of a good kisser."

 

Jan grinned. "Which one of us?"

 

Alex looked at my crotch, noticing the bulge in it. He grinned bigger. "Both, I guess. Fuck." Jan and I just smiled. "So, when's my turn?"

 

"Which one of us do you want?" Jan grinned at him.

 

"All three; I'm a greedy bitch." We all laughed. "I want my hair done like Willy's." I reached up and smooth my hair down, blushing and grinning. They all laughed again.

 

Wolfy dropped the pump and walked over to Alex, grabbing his shoulder and pushing him.

 

"Get in the plane!"

 

Alex laughed and started walking while Jan and I hooted and whistled. I winked at Jan and walked over and took the pump and started pumping. I'm the only one who hasn't done it yet and I always tell them we're equal. They're gone almost five minutes before a flushed and grinning Alex walked up to us. I looked down. Yep, rock hard. I looked at him, smiling.

 

"Good for you! Nice equipment."

 

He blushed red. "Thanks."

 

His hair was the same as when he went in so I walked over and grabbed his head with both hands and messed it up. They all laughed. I stepped back and looked at him.

 

"There — just like Papa Bear's." We all laughed again and I got back to my pumping.

 

By the time Peter returned with the fuel, we'd pumped the tire up and had figured out how to check the oil in all three engines. We were all leaning up against the main landing gear, watching them drive up. A second truck, a flatbed, pulled in behind them. We all stood up and walked over. Peter got out of the truck and walked to us while the other two men took the flat bed around to the wing. Peter looked at me, then at Alex, and back at me. He broke into a smile.

 

"Did you two stand behind the prop with it running?"

 

It took me a second to figure out what he was talking about. I just grinned and smoothed out my hair. "No, we were just messing with each other's hair; not used to seeing it long."

 

"Ah. It does look different; we all need to get it cut, I guess."

 

"When we get settled. I kind of like the shaggy look on Alex; it suits him."

 

He looked at Alex again. "It does." He grinned at Alex. "OK, we have fuel; we need help turning the pump so we can get going."

 

"OK. We had to pump up a tire on the main gear, too. We found a bicycle pump in the barn and used it."

 

"Damn. That must've been fun. Anything else?"

 

"We figured out how to check the oil, so we did; it's fine."

 

"Good. I'll have those two men do a pre-flight on it while we pump fuel."

 

"Very good. Let's get to work, men."

 

It took us almost an hour to pump fuel and for the men to do a thorough pre-flight. Once they gave it the OK, we were put back into service, and the seven of us tugged the plane away from the barn and got it lined up on the driveway. I've always wondered why we just didn't use one of the trucks to do that. It was time for engine start and we all stood about 10 meters off to the side with anticipation. The friend of our pilot yelled 'clear' in Italian and the front engine started cranking; the propeller moving slowly around and around. It took it almost 20 seconds to catch and fire. I was sure the batteries would give out before it did. I'd never been this close to a running plane before and the sound was deafening. I clamped my hands over my ears and watched the propeller spin; just a blur in my vision. Once it was running smoothly, he started turning the engine on the left wing. It turned a little faster while cranking; must've been because one engine was already running. It caught and fired after about 15 seconds and just added to the roar that was running through my head. The right wing engine was turning before the left settled into a good idle. It coughed and spit out a huge cloud of smoke and then caught; roaring into life. The five of us all jumped up and cheered; slapping each other on the back.

 

The pilot gave us a thumb's up out of the side cockpit window and then jumped up and walked to the door, jumping down and jogging over to us. He spoke to Peter, yelling.

 

"Signore; we will leave in two minutes. I need to move my truck and kiss my wife goodbye! Have your men get on-board if they're ready!"

 

Peter smiled at him. "Si, Signore!! Give our best to your lovely wife!"

 

The man smiled and nodded and took off for his truck. His friend walked over to him and bid him goodbye and got in his own truck and drove off. My men and I walked over and got on-board the plane, looking around trying to decide where we were going to sit and what we would hold during take-off. We lined ourselves up against the starboard wall and grabbed the cable that was attached to the wall. Just as we got settled, our pilot threw Wolfy's food bag up into the plane and climbed in after it. Wolfy jumped up and helped him and took the bag. After securing the door, the man walked over to Peter, pointing at the cable we were holding, shaking his head.

 

"Signore! That cable controls the elevators; you might need to find something better to hold! Just hold the floor flat with your palms; this doesn't take off like a rocket ship; you'll be fine!"

 

Peter smiled and nodded his head vigorously. The man grinned and jogged up to the cockpit and climbed into his seat and startsed flipping a couple of switches. I leaned forward and looked at all my men, one by one, smiling at them. I give them a thumbs-up and they all grinned and returned it. I leaned back and waited to start rolling. I'd never flown before, and I knew passenger planes had seats in them; but I couldn't figure out why someone liked doing this. The noise was still incredible, even inside the plane with the door closed. It hadn't occurred to me that passenger planes had insulation and interior walls. The pitch and the sound of the engines increased two fold and we started moving, bumping a little over the curves in the driveway. It still hadn't occurred to me to think about just what he was going to use for a runway.

 

We taxed along the driveway for about 10 meters and then turned. I looked forward, but could only see sky through the windscreen. That didn't help my mental attitude much, so I looked at Jan sitting next to me. I figured fuck it, the man can't see us anyway, and grabbed his hand and held it. He turned and smiled at me. We rolled over a pretty big bump, the plane rocking and then turned left. Jan turned his head to look forward; I kept my vision on the back of his head. The engines were raised to full power and we started moving pretty quickly, bouncing and bumping across a field. I squeezed Jan's hand tighter, and he turned and gave me a reassuring smile and then turned back. He wanted to watch and I was killing his fun. We rolled and bumped along the ground for about 40 seconds then the plane tilted skyward and I slammed my right hand against the floor and waited for my stomach to level off. We were airborne. The plane continued to climb at what I thought was an impossible attitude, but was only about 15 to 20 degrees in reality. The bumping and bouncing were over and the ride was really smooth. If we could drown out the sound of the engines I could see where this might be a good thing.

 

When we'd been airborne for about 2 minutes the plane took a sharp bank to starboard and my back hugged the wall and my left hand hugged Jan's right. He turned and looked at me again.

 

"Are you all right?"

 

I nodded. "Yeah. I've never flown before; it's not what I expected."

 

He grinned. "You'll be fine. I'm right here. It just takes a little getting used to. Once we've been in the air for awhile you'll even find yourself getting bored." He smiled again to prove that he wasn't just yanking my chain.

 

"I doubt that; but I'm glad you're right here." He smiled at me again. "I asked the pilot earlier what speed we'll be going and he told me about 200 KPH. I figure we'll be in Sicily in about 4-1/2 to 5 hours."

 

Jan nodded and smiled. "Probably less; you're thinking of driving time. We get to fly like a bird, going whatever way we want; in a straight line."

 

I nodded and smiled again. "That's even better, I guess." I smirked and grinned. "So where's the sexy, little air hostess?"

 

He laughed. "I'll be your air hostess, Willy. What do you need, sir?"

 

I laughed. "This." I leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. He giggled. "You can be my sexy, little airhost anytime you want."

 

"Thanks. We can snack on Wolfy's bag of food; it will make it seem more like an airliner."

 

I just burst up laughing. He looked at me like I'd lost my mind and just grinned at me. I saw the others lean forward to see what I was laughing about. I shook my head and they leaned back. I turned to Jan when I'd calmed down.

 

"Oh man... I'm sorry; I just took that wrong. Wolfy's bag...." He laughed and shook his head at me.

 

"You're still a pervert! You're a bad man, Herr Becker."

 

"Eh, admit it; that's why you love me." I smiled at him.

 

He grinned and blushed. "Yeah.... Partly." He grinned again and then tried to look serious. "As I was saying, we can share the food bärchen brought; it will make it seem less scary being in the air."

 

"OK; we'll share his food with him. I'm sorry I'm such a pervert; it just struck me as funny. I'll be good."

 

"Don't you dare! I like you just the way you are."

 

"Good; so does he."

 

We made another 25 degree bank; that time to the right and I grabbed the floor again. Jan giggled and squeezed my hand tight. I smiled my appreciation to him.

 

"I think I would do better if I could at least see outside. It's like being in a flying coffin."

 

He squinted his eyes at me and shook his head. "Don't say shit like that! I don't need that kind of mental imagery."

 

"I'm sorry; I won't say that again." I smiled at him. "Forgive me?"

 

He grinned. "Of course. I was just joking; I thought the same thing the first time I flew in an airplane. You really do get used to it; just try and relax. It's still better than being crammed in the back of that fucking truck."

 

"You make a great point, sexy man. I'll quit my complaining now." He gave me another quick kiss and sat back grinning.

 

I knew that look all too well. He was in love; and I wasn't far behind him. I started to wonder just how Wolfy felt about him; how he really felt about the budding romance Jan and I had started. Jan liked to snuggle with him, but he was nowhere near as attentive or close, it seemed. I guess a part me could understand that; Wolfy was choking him to death at one point. You would never forget something like that, no matter how much you enjoyed being around that person. And I also knew that it might all be because he was scared. He'd had me to turn to for support at times of crisis during the past six months; maybe he was just doing it again with sex and love thrown on top. I would tread carefully, just like I promised Peter I would. Like all of my men, his long-term health and happiness were far more important to me than anything else.

 

We spent the flight talking amongst each other and sharing Wolfy's bag … of food. It was definitely the better way to travel; we arrived in Palermo, Sicily at 1720, just under four hours from when we'd left the ground from the farm. When we stopped and I walked over to open the door I was surprised by what I saw. I was half expecting to be at an airport. I was looking out onto another grass field; we'd landed at a small airstrip about 10 km from Palermo. There was a large saloon car heading towards us and it made me very nervous; it looked like the kind of car the Gestapo liked to drive. I couldn't tell what kind it was from this distance, but it was slowly getting closer to our position. When I turned around to warn the others, the pilot was standing next to me. He looked out the door and turned back and smiled. In his broken German he spoke to me.  "Good. They got message."

 

The blood returned to my face and I smiled at him. "Good."

 

He chuckled. "No worry; no policia - friends."

 

I smiled at him. "Very good. Thank you."

 

"Bitte."

 

I smiled and turned to my men. "We have friends heading this way in a large saloon car. I guess the next leg of our journey begins." I turn back to our pilot and hold my hand out. "Grazie!!"

 

He grinned and took my hand, pumping it. "Prego! Prego! You no worry no more!"

 

"No, no more."

 

He grinned and turned to climb out of the plane. My men were standing next to me at the door, looking out around me. I stepped aside so they could see out. Peter was in the front of the small mob and climbed out of the plane, followed by everyone else. I took one last look around the plane before I got out.  I was wishing we'd be flying it all the way to Argentina. I felt safe in it, finally. I shook my head and climbed out of the plane, walking about 20 meters to stand with my men. Our pilot turned to Peter.

 

"His name is Carlo; he will take you to safe house in Palermo. You may have to wait a day now before boarding ship; we don't usually arrive this quickly."

 

"Thank you again. You have made five men very happy; almost as much as your wife did with that wonderful meal she prepared for us. I wish you the safest of journeys and a happy life."

 

"You as well, mein Herr. Good luck with your adventure and your new life. God bless all of you."

 

"And you and your lovely wife, Signore. Just out of curiosity, Signore, how much would it cost to fly your route every week; over what you pay for driving?"

 

"It is 200 to 250 more RM per week to fly; plus the expense of maintenance on the airplane."

 

"Which would you rather do; fly or drive?"

 

"Fly, of course, Signore; but it is too expensive."

 

Peter smiled at him and then pulls a wad of bills out of his pocket. "Here is about 20 weeks' worth of spending evenings at home with your lovely wife. I will not accept no for an answer, Signore."

 

"Oh, mein Herr, that is just too much. You need that for your new life; you cannot be giving it away to old men."

 

"Consider it a gift from Herr Himmler; he has more where it came from, I assure you."

 

The man looks nervous. "You are associated with Herr Himmler?"

 

"No, but the money came from him; he just doesn't know it." Peter smiles."

 

The man broke into a huge smile. "Ahhhh, Signore! You are modern day Robin Hood; are you not? OK. I accept your gracious offer. Many thanks, mein Herr."

 

"Prego! You will give your lovely wife our very best on your return. Safe journey, Signore."

 

The man laughed heartily. "Signore; I have trouble giving her my very best; I cannot compete with five strong, young men!"

 

Peter laughed just as loudly. "Oh, Signore; you are a devil in disguise. Take care, mein Herr; and God bless you and yours."

 

"You also."

 

They shook hands warmly, Peter leaving the cash in his, and the man walked over to the waiting car; shoving the wad in his front pocket. Peter walks over to us, smiling.

 

I grinned at him. "You're just a big softy; you know that?"

 

He smirked. "I learned it from you; quit teaching me your bad habits."

 

"I have to pass my wisdom on to someone; it may as well be my best friend."

 

He stopped and looked at me. "You think of me as your best friend; I thought it would be Wolfy?"

 

I smiled. "No... Wolfy is my lover. You are my best friend; just as Alex is Wolfy's."

 

He grinned. "You honor me, my friend. I've had few men I've called best friend in my lifetime; but I have thought of you as mine for a while now."

 

"I've never had anyone I can talk to and be myself with like I can with you, Peter. Nor has anyone ever been able to make me crack like you can." We both grinned. "It has been my great privilege and honor to have you in my life."

 

"The honor has been mine." He grinned again. "I would hug you, but you get enough of that from these three." I laughed. "I will be by your side as long as you'll allow me."

 

"A lifetime, my friend."

 

"A lifetime. Let's get out of here."

 

We walked over to the car, and after being introduced to Carlo, we climbed in and Carlo hit the gas. I'd heard about Italian drivers and suddenly, I was getting to experience it with white knuckles. We made it to Palermo proper in short order and pulled into an open garage. Some unknown person closed the door as soon as the engine was shut off. It made me a little nervous; I had visions of Gestapo interrogators again. Carlo turned around in his seat and smiled at us.

 

In perfect, fluent German, he spoke. "Your ship departs at noon tomorrow; please allow me to be your host until then."

 

"We would be honored, Signore." I returned his smile.

 

"Prego! My son, Angelo, will be at your service until you leave. If you need anything at all, see him. He will show you to your room while I go check with my wife. Welcome."

 

He turned back around and got out of the car. Before I could turn my head, the rear passenger-side door opened and I looked up into the eyes of a boy of about 12. He smiled and waved his hand to tell me to get out. I returned his smile and got out, followed by the other four. We were taken out the side door of the garage and along a stone path to the back of a yellow-with-blue-trim stone house. The boy turned right into the house and then an immediate left and walked upstairs; the five of us right behind him. We were led to the end of the hall and he turned left again and opened a door. There were more stairs; well … more like a ladder with handrails. He climbed the ladder and then turned to the right and stopped. I was the first one up and I saw that we were in an attic room. I came into the room to allow my men to come up, and stood and looked around me in a 360 degree circle.

 

The room was sparsely furnished but was very nicely done. There were two paintings on the walls. One of Jesus Christ and another of an ocean landscape with birds flying around. There was a small sofa, one stuffed chair and one double bed and one single bed. I'm guessing they usually got smaller groups; or everyone just slept on the floor. There was a woven rug about 2 meters square in the center of the room. I saw one lamp with a shade and cover on it. I looked at the walls and noticed the one window in the room had a black-out curtain over it. On the table by the sofa was the only reading material in the room; the Holy Bible. I turned back to my men and they were all looking around the room just as I had. I turned back to the boy.

 

"Grazie."

 

"Prego, Signore."

 

"You speak Deutsche?"

 

"No."

 

I smile at him and nodded OK. He smiled back at me. Peter turned to him and asked him in Spanish, "You understand what I am saying, yes?"

 

"Si, Signore."

 

Peter smiled at him. "Good. Your name?"

 

"Angelo, Signore."

 

"It is nice to meet you, Angelo. If we need anything we will be sure to ask for you."

 

"Si, Signore."

 

"One thing before you go; where is the toilet?"

 

Angelo grins. "At the bottom of the stairs, to your immediate right, and right again."

 

"Grazie, Angelo."

 

"Prego, mein Herr. Momma will tell you when dinner is ready; it is usually at 8."

 

"Grazie, Angelo. Tell Momma it already smells wonderful."

 

Angelo smiled. "I will, Signore."

 

He smiled at Peter again, then at the rest of us, and went back down the ladder, closing the door as he left. I turned to look at Jan, Wolfy and Alex, who were standing next to each other in front of the sofa; wondering what to do. I smirked.

 

"Most people just sit on them; but do whatever you wish."

 

They all sat down immediately, still looking nervous. Peter laughed.

 

"Would you three relax a little? I don't think Carlo is going to have the Gestapo showing up with his wife and son here." He looked at the two beds. "Since we are no longer in the military and there is no rank, I'm deciding who sleeps where; and I'm sure you'll like it. Wolfy, Willy and Jan; you have the big bed. Alex, you're with me on the little bed; we'll find a way to fit. I'm not sleeping on that sofa with a bed in the room. And there will be no fucking in this room; is that understood?" He looked at Wolfy and Jan, and then turned to look at me. I grinned at him, but he didn't return it.

 

"Yes, Peter."

 

He grinned then. "Good. We don't need little Angelo wondering why the plaster on his ceiling is falling on him."

 

That broke the tension and we all got a chuckle out of it. Wolfy stood up and walked over to his food bag and grabbed it and took it back to the sofa. He reached in and started rummaging around. The rest of us were just looking at him. He pulled his hand out with a sweet cake from Gertrud and smiled at it. He looked up before popping it in his mouth. We were all staring at him.

 

"What?"

 

We all started laughing. Alex recovered first. "Damn, you fuckin' thug; you just ate a huge meal at noon, plus snacked on the plane; and dinner is in two hours. You don't think you can hold on?"

 

"No." He grinned and popped the cake into his mouth, chewing nosily and looking at all of us in turn. We were all still staring at him. He swallowed that one and reached for another one, pulling it out and popping it in his mouth. We all just groaned. Peter looked at me, grinning.

 

"You do know that he's going to weigh double what he does now by the time he's 40, right?"

 

I smirked. "No, he won't; I'll work it off of him anyway I can find."

 

Peter just shook his head.

 

"Would you like to sit in the chair, Peter?"

 

"It doesn't matter to me; have a seat if you wish."

 

I grinned. "Sit in the chair, Peter; I'm going to lean back on the bed. It is so nice not to be moving. I'm going to enjoy the stillness for a minute."

 

He smiled at me. "Make yourself happy, my friend. Rest up; we have a very long sea voyage ahead of us."

 

I just look at him. "You do know how to take the joy out of life, don't you?"

 

He laughed. "I'm sorry. I've cut off your fucking and I've just reminded you about our boat ride. In the words of your first other half; get over it and move on."

 

I grinned at him and walked over to the bed to try it out. I sat down and then lay back, bringing a pillow up behind me. Damn. Nice. Better than my bed at the farm. Maybe we would just move to Palermo. I kicked back, with my feet hanging off the edge, and looked around the room. I made the mistake of closing my eyes and I was asleep within minutes. I was awakened by the sound of Angelo and Carlo bringing dinner up, but I kept my eyes closed. The room became silent after they left, and I'm wondering what was going on. The next thing I knew, I was being kissed awake. I knew what they were doing, and I know who the kisser was. Peter was the only one who had a goatee and I felt it on my face. I grinned and then shoved my tongue in his mouth. He held the kiss for about 10 seconds, playing with my tongue. He pulled back and smiled at me.

 

"I was the only one left who hadn't done that; they voted me in."

 

"I knew it was you."

 

"I would hope so; I'm the only one with a fuzzy face. You do live up to your reputation, Herr Becker."

 

I smild. "You're pretty good yourself, Herr Schiller. Thank you."

 

"Thank you. Now get your lazy ass up and join us for dinner. It looks delicious."

 

Peter stood back up and I sat up. My three young men were all standing on the other side of the room grinning at me. I stuck my tongue out at them and stood up. We eat with plates on our laps, sitting on the sofa and chair. Alex was on the floor at Peter's feet, leaning back into the chair. The food was as good as we had for lunch and we all cleaned our plates; Wolfy taking it that extra special step of his, licking it clean. Angelo and Carlo were back in about 40 minutes to take our plates. We thanked them profusely for a wonderful dinner and told him to give our best to Momma.

 

Even with my nap, I was still wiped out for some reason. It seemed like all I'd done in the past 2 days was sleep and eat and ride, but I was still tired. I got up and climbed down the stairs to use the bathroom. I had a line waiting when I stepped out. I shook my head and went back up. There was nothing better to do, so I stripped down to my shorts and crawled into bed. It felt so wonderful to be out of those clothes and in a nice bed. I was already half-asleep when the last man returned from the bathroom. Jan walked over to me, smiled and then stripped down and crawled in next to me, snuggling up against me; his back to me. I put my arm over him, pull him closer and kiss him on the side of his face. He was asleep in less than a minute. He was feeling safe and loved again I guess. Peter turned the lamp off and got into bed, waiting for Alex to strip and jump in. Wolfy was the last one in bed; having a sweet before bed. He stripped all the way down and crawled in behind me, sliding up close and putting his arm over me.

 

With cake in his mouth, he said, "I wuth you."

 

I smirked. "I wuth you, too."

 

He swallowed. "Sure, tease me. I love you, baby. Sweet dreams."

 

"I love you, too, bärchen; sleep well."

 

Within 5 minutes, there was nothing but snoring in the room.

 

* * *

 

Saturday, 3 October 1942 at 0422, and we were 10 kilometers off the coast of Mar del Plata, Argentina. We had been on this damn ship for 12 days, and I would be amazed if none of us had dysentery or some other fun disease. When the journey began, I had no idea that ocean travel was so slow or so dangerous. We had spent the first day over the side of the rail emptying our stomachs. That was after we'd been let out of the crate we'd been smuggled on board in, with 8 other people. We at least had semi-private accommodations for our voyage. We'd spent the last 12 days in a 2 x 3 meter 'cabin' with a shared head to the 2 x 3 meter 'cabin' containing the 8 Libyan refugees that had been in our crate. We never did figure out what they were being liberated from and why they were going to Argentina. We didn't share a common language and we didn't really give a damn. At least we didn't have to leave the ship in the crate; Peter had asked. We were to walk out with the other crew, just blending in. Sure, 5 blond or light haired Germans blending in with 8 Libyan's and 25 black haired, olive skinned Argentineans; piece of cake. We were issued knit caps after this had been pointed out. We all laughed when we put them on.

 

We were 10 kilometers from freedom however and I wasn't going to bitch too loudly. We'd made it; and a part of me was still amazed. I'd had so many visions of being arrested and thrown in prison, or stood in front of a firing squad; that looking at the coastline of our new home brought tears to my eyes. I'd swim from here if I had too. The five of us were all standing at the rail looking at our new home; not a word was said. We didn't look much like the five men who had fled from Germany just 2 weeks ago. We had all lost from 2 to 3-1/2 kilos on the voyage, only being fed once a day; and very little at that. And Peter wasn't the only one with a fuzzy face now. We all had beards and mustaches. Jan swore he'd never shave the mustache, but the beard was coming off with the first razor he met. The itching was driving him crazy. I wasn't that thrilled about mine either; but goddamn did my man Wolfy look sexy as all hell with a beard and mustache. He was truly my little bear now.

 

During the 12 days we'd spent on the vessel, I'd seen rats running across the deck like leaves blowing through an open field. I'd seen bugs the likes of which I never hoped to see again; hadn't even known they existed. Everything was constantly wet and/or damp, and the mattresses on the bunks felt as though they crawled at night. We had 4 sets of 60 cm wide metal bunk beds with 8 cm thick mattresses on them; and I could've sworn 4 cm of that were alive. We spent most of our time out on deck; it was the only place to get away from the smell. If it wasn't the toilet we smelled; it was our neighbors, or whatever kind of dead seafood had been in the holds 20 years ago.

 

After our second day on board, we decided sleeping days and staying up nights would be safer. The bugs seemed to hide in daylight; so at least we didn't feel our mattress move. I had my knife with me but was afraid to cut the mattress open; I was better off not knowing. We spent the nights walking around the ship and sitting on whatever flat surface we could all fit on and bullshitting until dawn. On the 6th day out Wolfy had been brave enough to lift his mattress up and found an old deck of cards under it. We started playing cards every night from then on, and now you could hardly see the numbers or pattern on them. None of us had the slightest inclination to engage in any amorous activities; we were too dirty and too creeped out by our surroundings. Jan and Wolfy both swore that as soon as we had an hour long shower and a clean room and bed, it was on. They had promised to fuck my brains out and come back again and again until we all just passed out. Jan had told me he had only jacked off once; he just couldn't bring himself to get hard in his surroundings.

 

We'd been standing at the rail for about 20 minutes before anyone spoke. Alex was first.

 

"Is this real?"

 

I smiled at him. "It's real, Alex; welcome home."

 

"My God... We made it!"

 

"We did; we made it."

 

"Oh my God.... It's really just sitting over there. I've been so terrified for the last two weeks that I still don't believe it's real."

 

"It's real, my friend. We're almost 12,000 kilometers from Hitler and the war; we're safe now, Alex."

 

He sighed and sniffled. I was not the only one that had tears in his eyes I guess. I turned to him and smiled. "We're home, Alex. I think we can finally relax."

 

He smiled back at me. "Thank God. But I'm not going to relax until we're off this fucking boat. Why aren't we moving anymore?"

 

"We're waiting for a tug boat to bring us into the harbor. Peter asked a crewman how much longer and he said about 20 minutes."

 

"I hope so... I want off this fucking ship. I will never sail again."

 

I smiled. "You and me both, Alex. I was terrified when that plane took off from the farm; but it looks really good to me right now. I'll fly from now on."

 

He smiled. "Me, too."

 

Wolfy looked at us, grinning. "I see lights coming toward us; maybe that's the tug?"

 

I looked out where he was pointing. It was still too dark to make out the shape, but I noticed 3 crewmen running to our side of the ship, and were starting to get lines ready. "I think it is; they're getting ready for him."

 

"Good. I'm with Alex; I want off this fucking flea trap."

 

"I could handle fleas, bärchen; it's the shit we've seen here that scares the crap out of me. The first thing I'm doing when we make land is find a bath, burn these fucking clothes and shower for about a day and a half."

 

They all laughed and then started putting in their own ideas, adding to mine. By the time the tug pulled along-side we'd upped the time in the shower to 6 days and the clothes to be incinerated 4 or 5 times; just to make sure anything living in them was dead.

 

Jan looked at me. "I could even handle the filth for a little while longer; I just want to walk on dry land. I've heard of airplane passengers that kiss the ground when they get off the plane; I'll be kissing the docks."

 

"I hear that, baby. Just don't kiss anything yellow."

 

He giggled and punched me in the shoulder. "Be nice."

 

"I thought you said you didn't want me to?"

 

"I said you could still be a pervert; didn't say not to be nice." He grinned.

 

I smiled at him. "OK."

 

We all decided to walk over and watch them hook up to the tug. It was the first interesting thing we'd seen since getting on that tub. It took 6 men, 3 on each boat, to get us all hooked up. I always thought they just pushed the side of the ship; but then what do I know about sailing. The tug went to full-throttle, belching out a huge cloud of black smoke, and we started to slowly move again. The Diesel smoke was actually a really nice change from what we'd smelled. It reminded me of standing next to a bus in Breman; it was our first taste of dry land. We were about a kilometer out when I got everyone's attention.

 

"Does everyone have everything they're taking with them? I don't want to go back to that room unless absolutely necessary.

 

A round of, 'Yes, Willy', followed my question. I looed at everyone's waist. The outline of the 'money belts' were still somewhat visible. "We all still have our cash?"

 

"Yes, Willy."

 

"Great! Let's find out where the crew assembles to get off this fucking thing and go there."

 

Peter asked one the men who had hooked us up to the tug, and he pointed and told him about amidships on the port side; fourth level. We all made a bee line for where he'd directed us; putting on our knit caps as we walked. I laughed when I saw everyone in an overhead light. Our heads were covered, but our facial hair was all blond; even Wolfy's. Most of the crew seemed to have beaten us to the finish line, but our neighbors weren't there yet. Maybe they were asleep and didn't know we were there. I don't really care; they can go back to Palermo on the return voyage for all I care. It took another 10 minutes before the ship was at the dock and tied up. They finally lowered the gangway and we were all off and running; well … walking quickly. We make it down to the docks and just followed the crowd of crewmen making their way to the street in front. We finally made it to the street and everyone split off, going either right or left. We went right; more of them had gone that way. There was nobody behind us, and Jan stopped, dropped to his knees, and kissed the ground. I pulled him back up and put my arm around his shoulder, smiling at him.

 

"You will brush your teeth and wash your mouth before you kiss me again, right?"

 

He laughed. "Maybe...."

To be continued...

Posted: 01/18/13