Listen in on the Germans

It’s been a few hours and I already remember why I used to hate my job listening to the radio. Nothing. Ever. Happens.

“Why I have to sit here and listen to such nonsense?” I ask Hobbs.

“Because you can understand it.”

“Barely. They spend half of hour talking about fucking laundry. One guy get lot of shit because he not document. Fucking laundry.”

“Those Germans sure love their documentation.” Hobbs says, taking a sip of tea. “They probably write down what time they take a piss every morning.”

“Did anything happen yet?” He asks me.

“No.”

We both listen to the crackly shuffling of paper, before the commander’s muffled voice grabs my attention.

“Captain Krueger.” He says.

“Yes, sir?” Another voice asks.

“It’s Krueger!” I whisper.

“I hear that you had some attractive company last night.” The commander says.

Krueger does not respond.

“Don’t worry. You are not in trouble.”

“I did, sir. A local girl.”

“What are they saying?” Hobbs asks.

“Shut up!” I whisper and lean into the radio.

“I just wanted to talk to you about this.” The commander says.

“Should I not, sir?” Krueger asks. “I’ve seen the enlisted men do so. Really, they’re the only girls around.”

“Understandable. Every man has these urges, and if the enlisted men can get their rocks off with the local girls, then you most certainly can. Do you like her?”

“Well of course, sir. She’s a… lively one.”

“I just want to make sure that you’re careful.” The commander says. “Remember, she is a Slav, therefore inferior to you or I.”

I roll my eyes.

“She is not to be trusted.” The commander warns.

“Can I still see her, sir?”

“Sure. Fuck her all you want, put a German baby in her! Just watch her, and make sure she doesn’t steal anything. Fuck her, then bring her right home. No more spending the night. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir. I understand.”

“Good. I believe these terms are very fair.”

“It’s Krueger!” Hobbs calls to the opening door.

Clarke rushes up behind me. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing important.” I tell him.

“Now, regarding business.” The commander says. We lean into the radio.

“How are the anti-partisan operations progressing?”

“No updates, sir, no activity reported.” Krueger answers. “They’re very sneaky.”

“Just carry on, Captain. You have my utmost confidence and trust.”