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    In the Summer Whispers through the Fence

  Chapter 1

The road that you took and the path you traveled.

The compact car slowly climbed the switch backs on the steadily rising road. They had been driving for some time, it always seemed up hill.  Darker now and where the forest thinned, fog cascaded around them and overtook the car.  Fall was in the air, more noticeable in the mountains than the valleys below. 

The wind picked up and whipped dry leaves around the trees, dark and covered with moss and lichen. The car rocked through the ruts and Lt. Bendix briefly noticed the changing season and sank back into thought. Thru his mind ran fragments of sentences and glimpses of a familiar face, almost like flashes in a dark room.  One face came clearly into view.

Peculiar, he thought, that some distant memories so long put away, can return so vividly.  He saw the face of his father, weather worn with lines from a difficult life, he saw his hands, strong yet scared by hard work, and he heard his voice, always clear and strong, practical and warm, familiar.

Submerged in this deep pool of memories of his father and fragments of what he said, Bendix thought this an odd recollection to return at this moment but he had always loved his father -  the words he had spoken were true, without contradiction,  always simply the truth and that voice and those truths were always with him.  A conversation they had had when he finished his college years.  Simple and clear words to always keep near when decisions are made.

Bendix wondered why this particular memory should return so clearly, three full years after he had made a fateful decision.

Yes … the three years had flown by!  He made that decision to put on the uniform perhaps with a few doubts but what ever arguments may have raced thru his mind - that is where they remained.  Echoing now, always that clear voice when it came to big decisions.  You make a choice and it will effect the course of your life.  In this case, he knew it would not be a comfortable civilian career, quite the contrary, for these troops, life could be rather uncomfortable.  These thoughts coursed thru his mind as the little car snaked up the hills. Always his father’s simple guidance.

Momentarily returning to the present,  the Lt. glanced over at his young driver, really not much more than a fresh faced boy with his military cap pushed to the back of his head - certainly not regulation and he really should make a correction.  Bendix paused and said nothing.  It really is a small offense he thought, but as young as this soldier was, he had been in Border Company longer than he.  A harsh correction might lead to the wrong impression and once they got to the barracks, the talk among the troops might easily be that the new Lt. was difficult to deal with; this could happen even before Bendix unpacked his suitcase.


A young East German Lieutenant on Commissioning Day at the Academy. 
We have added a few stock images to enhance the text.

So, he remarked to the driver, something of little importance about the mountainside nature surrounding them as the car creaked along and he sank back into thought.  He considered his past, even as a young man, he realized there was nothing too special about what had brought him to this day and place.

His life had really been nicely average, no real struggles, no outstanding successes, quite ordinary in fact.   Like almost everyone in his generation, a predictable path from Kindergarten to the Young Pioneers and then FDJ; a close family, parents that he loved, no difficulties in school - childhood thru adolescence,  a life free of remarkable events.

Yes, Peter Bendix had come through the Officers Academy and was commissioned as a Lieutenant, yet even there, no truly significant awards.  He had come along this far, free of distinct military talents or over powering ambitions.  But at his core, he knew he was a man who stood by his words and he wanted an honorable life.

As a student at the Academy, he had studied the books and learned well, not every subject was easy but he applied himself to each class.  When final exams arrived, Bendix prepared, three long years of study had led to this.  Along with his classmates, he crammed deep into the night, he concentrated not only on the basics but went well beyond to learn what had been at the heart of so many books, lectures and presentations. 

On their calendars, his fellow cadets crossed off the examination day and put the annoyances and trifling issues of military school and training behind them.  But as young men, they could not imagine that the troubles of today even as they pass, are just a prelude to what the future holds. 

The scores were announced and finally, it was done!  What a wonderful feeling of sudden independence, the hopes and expectations that rose in each cadet by just seeing their name on a list.  His eyes coursed down the page then -   in print: Bendix - passing grade.  These thoughts ran thru his mind as the little car rolled along in the fog but also, a sense of uncertainty crept in.  Bendix briefly touched the window crank, as if by sealing the car, it would keep such further thoughts at bay. 

The driver mopped the condensation from the inside of the windshield with his sleeve, the fog was thicker now, difficult to keep track of this tortured road.  Bendix’s thoughts likewise were clouded.  He did not want to dwell on things but two questions occupied his thoughts:  how will I be received by the new platoon and how shall I conduct myself as a leader and officer?  The driver grunted something about the fog and the car crept slowly thru the woods and closer to the barracks.

All of the study and training at the Academy and now even the dirt trail, seemingly everything was leading him towards his platoon.  A collection of young men, similar yet each man of different character, temperament and personality.  Yes, all different men, all dressed the same, a group that must act as a cohesive unit in the most difficult situation.  This was something that could not be accomplished by simply being an officer and barking out orders. 

The driver spoke and broke his train of thought - Oh crap! Now I think it will start snowing, “  -  he gripped the wheel with two fists clenched, his whole body was pulled up to the wheel, his nose only inches from the windshield.  Not waiting for a reply from the Lt. and not taking his eyes off the road, he continued, yes,  when we get into this set of hills, the snow comes early and often.  Behind us, in the valleys, they are still taking in the harvest. “


Typical Trabbi similar to what would have taken Lt. Bendix to the border barracks.

Bendix was silent but thought in a friendly way, driver - now you are exaggerating, it is really not that early for snow - this part of the country, right on time, right at the end of September.  Then, maybe the trooper had read his mind, the driver asked, “  Lieutenant, sir,  do you know the altitude of the Rhoen in this area? “

The Lt. nodded - he had never actually hiked or trained in this specific country but he had studied the region, read all he could about the terrain, weather, the farms and the crops.  He wanted to understand the “ lay of the land “.   This part of the Rhoen featured high hill passes with everything in shadows and the color of dark green pine forests, and then suddenly mountain meadows,  green grasses in the Summer and in Winter, broad snowy fields that would not clear until late Spring. 

Yes - this was the region of the border barracks at Frankenrode, the weather was rough and often unpredictable and the land only surrenders a meager harvest, or so he had read.   For those who lived here for generations, as they sat at their tables for meals, often hunger was an uninvited guest. This seemed a territory almost unchanged since the days of the Kaiser, an area that would be familiar to even the long dead Tsar,  almost a Siberia , - an area suitable for banishment of rioters, complainers and revolutionaries, an area that as one got closer, everything else seemed ever more distant.  Nothing he had seen or read in preparation for the assignment contradicted these impressions of a wild yet romantic region.

A land of contradictions, harsh and uncomfortable beauty, inhospitable and yet, it would soon to be his home.  He was sure he could work something out but he wasn’t thinking of himself now but rather for Kirsten.  She suddenly came flooding into his thoughts and would soon be following him on these very roads, into that region where the states of Thuringia and Bravaria met - where two fundamentally different worlds lay side by side. 

Impressions, images, the touch, the scent, recollections of Kirsten  momentarily washed over him.  A sea of memories;  her face, her body, her voice, her spirit - all the things that made him so happy.  So many things bound her to him, since they had first met, and he knew, they would be together forever. He recalled with perfect clarity, the chance opportunity when they first met.

He was in the library on the edge of town, not an uncommon place for a cadet when, quite by chance, he met her.  He was hunting for a copy of The Golden Rose  , the collection of short stories and essays,  by Paustowskis, a friend had recommended it.   She soon came to realize, however, that perhaps it was more than the novel that drew Peter to the library.  And as time came to pass, they ended up reading the book together and came to realize that the story of Gold - dust was really their own story.

The Trabbi crested the ridge and found a clear trail,  he still thought of her, thoughts of his first and only great love, of how he had left her behind in the city and how she had pledged to follow as soon as possible.  To clear his mind, Bendix looked down at his gray leather gloves, then towards his feet.  The foot well of the car was silver, the paint long worn away by hundreds of boots, hundreds of men who had taken this ride into the high hills.

The autumn beauty of the valleys in the sharp colors of Fall and then the mountain country, heading towards Winter in its own spectacular way reminded Bendix yet again of Kirsten.  He tried to focus but always it returned;  accompanying the memories, a steady drum beat of mostly unanswered questions.  As certain as he was of everything they had said and done together in their past,  the future seemed equally uncertain.  When or if she would come along and join him, what would it be like to be together in this new, wild region; what thoughts would occupy her mind on such a long journey?   He knew what his future held, the company, his new platoon, service in the border troops, he worried how she would see her future.

What could this land hold for her, a country so distant and starkly different from the city?  He figured the border barracks at least had a movie theater, certainly no café, no genuine theater, and not much to read.  Looking at a sudden shaft of sunlight streaming through the tall pines dressed in snow, he wondered where the nearest library might be.

“ Honored Lieutenant, we have almost done it! announced the driver with a sweeping gesture that returned his cap to a position of relative military bearing.  Following the trail, the little car swung into a ravine, a mountain stream ran to the side.  We are now, “ said with some gravity, “ only 1500 meters from the border. “ 

The soldier certainly knew his route and the landmarks.  Bendix made an effort to study the terrain, to understand this forest cloaked in fog and darkness and yet again, encompassed in this wild land, his thoughts returned to Kirsten.  Only six months earlier, in such a forest, on a Spring day, yes, that was the first time they lay together.   He recalled the willows and that gentle hum of approaching Spring.

“ Here is where we often have problems! “ the driver reported, Do you see this sharp turn?  

Bendix was jolted back to reality as the Trabbi lurched through the partially washed out trail and emerged from the forest.

On both sides of the road, harvested fields, stubble, mud and patches of snow.  In the distance, they could see how the fields were bracketed by dark blocks of forest and then there were other fields, winter grains standing squat and swaying in the wind.  On the near horizon, a church steeple, then a road sign:  Frankenrode.

“ Well, so here we are, “ Bendix thought to himself,  “ Slow down, let me get a good look at things. “ he told the driver.

After all he had read about this hard - scrabble area, what lay before him was an interesting contrast.   The distant farmhouses and barns seemed neat and orderly no better and no worse than any others he had seen, he could see farmers and laborers dressed just expected, warm work clothes in shades of blue.  Two girls were walking towards them beside the road, they smiled and waved.

On cue, the driver pushed his cap to the rear and, with a sweeping gesture, starting with his hand at his lips and ending with a huge wave, he returned the greeting.  Bendix noted this and thought -  so now we are back to basic uniform matters. With little emotion he said, “ Well, I guess that is the standard, regional greeting? “

“ Not necessarily, Sir! “ the driver replied,  “ these girls can really be quite sweet if you take some time and don’t try to bounce them around in the backseat of the car. The driver said this with a broad smile and a wink as he turned to the Lt. 

So this became the topic and Bendix continued, “ And the local girls are happy to let you get away with all of this? “

“ Most certainly so! “ replied the driver, “ girls are about the same where ever you go, but these farm girls have a certain pride. “

Bendix’s gaze returned to the farm houses, these were sturdy buildings, tile roofs, brick and wood construction.  Household gardens neatly laid out to the front and sides had become aprons of Fall colors.   Then, in the distance, across the fields he saw it, the barracks.

At the Academy, he had heard of these camps, a single, long building, squat in the wind, untouched and unimproved since first put up.  A single chimney poked out of the middle.  A long sheet of the tar paper roof had come loose and it snapped back and forth in the wind.  The senior instructors told story after story of duty at the border and life in such camps, frozen in the Winter and baked in the Summer.

So that is the border camp? “ Bendix flatly said.  It was part question and part acknowledgement of a certain fate.

“ Certain not! “ replied the driver with a start.  Our barracks is nearby, but that, “  he gestured with his hand towards desolate building, “ was some years back,  I guess.  I believe the local Farmer Council uses it for storage.  We border troops are free of that place!”

He maneuvered the car onto a new trail, it was well kept and passed the last of the farm fields and then thru a stand of pine trees.  They turned a corner and the border camp suddenly came into view.  A cluster of modern buildings neatly laid out surrounded by a fence.  “ This is our establishment! “ , the driver announced,  pleased to introduce the place and happy to be nearly done with the chore.  He pulled the hat into a proper position and straightened behind the wheel as the car passed the gate guards.

Bendix let out a sigh of relief, a modern camp, better than he could have expected and the car rolled to a halt.


Kristen -  Don’t you think they make a wonderful couple?

Chapter 2

Bendix got out and looked at the neat, functional brick building.  The way the sun struck the windows, he could see curious faces looking at him but no further detail.  So now, he thought with a smile, they are forming their first impressions.  For a few seconds, his mind flew to the basic expectations that had been made very clear at the Academy, he was to prove himself a capable platoon leader and advance thru the ranks to take increasing levels of responsibility, it all would start in a few seconds, with a few steps and then through that door.

He had heard a little bit about the previous platoon leader, he was an older Grenzer, a senior NCO who had spent over twenty years in the border troops, certainly experienced and well liked by the men.  The unit had won several awards while he was in charge -  this was, Bendix thought, a difficult act to follow.  If he did well, he was just building on the solid foundation already in place, anything less than that and he had allowed the unit to slip.

He brushed some slush from the hem of his coat, a gesture to buy just a few more seconds and then straightened and stepped towards the door as through back at the main parade field at school.  As he strode forward towards the building, for a second, butterflies in his stomach - then that cleared, the featureless faces in the windows were about to have names.

The door suddenly swung open, an officer, tall and athletic with a broad, friendly face stepped out.  He held the door with one hand, the other reached out towards Bendix, not much military formality, more of a welcoming gesture.  This led to a strong handshake -  and a friendly greeting.

“ Bonner, Frank Bonner “ he said, “ I am the executive officer here for political things, and I am also the welcoming committee. As he spoke, he gestured to Bendix to go thru the door.  “ Welcome!  -  the Company Commander is waiting for you - pleasant journey, everything OK? “

The room was well lit between the sun streaming in and the ceiling lights.  Beyond the bright red, gold and black of the flags and award pennants on the walls, not much color - the walls were plaster, light beige.  Maps were everywhere.

A stocky man rose from behind the central desk, middle aged, he wore the standard duty uniform.  The Commander, greeted Lt. Bendix in a more formal tone, they exchanged salutes - more or less what the Lt. had visualized a hundred times in his mind.  They spoke as Bendix handed over his files.


Grenztruppen barracks at Frankenheim, very similar to what Aue visualized as Frankenrode.

The eyes of the Major never left Bendix, he was clearly taking stock of his new officer.  Every sentence he said seemed measured, every reply was carefully considered.  Bendix suddenly caught himself in what he knew was one of his nervous reactions - he was answering simple questions with very long, tortured replies, too long winded, it’s a conversation - not an oral exam!

The Commander patiently let him sputter on for a bit, a trace of a smile came to his face and then, a brief wave of his hand.  “ So Bendix he inturrpted, “ what did you think of that drive from the sunny valleys to here, the wild top of the world?  It’s enough to put a chill through any man.  It certainly had that effect on me, the first time I was carted up here. “

Bendex felt as though a refreshing breeze had passed thru the room, he suddenly felt more at ease with the Commander, after that brief, disarming remark. “ Well sir, I guess I will have to get used to this altitude - 1000 meters I believe. “ he replied.

“ Yes, that’s it!  And quickly, Major Stedler said, he was smiling broadly, “ and you will also have to acclimate to the Winter, it is fast upon us.  It is going to be an exciting time for you comrade. “  This was said in a surprisingly fatherly tone.  The Commander paused again, still smiling, he took in Bendix from head to toe one last time.  But I’ll tell you, one does get used to it - the good thing about this wild place is that it keeps the mind alert - and the views - are wonderful.”

The Commander wanted to formally introduce Bendix to the unit the following day.  What remained of the current day would be an informal briefing on the mission, a tour of the area, getting quarters set - all the normal things.  Stedler drew him to a display and proudly swept his hand across a wide swath of map explaining how the company and brigade had been responsible for this sector for many years.  And of course, the local political organization played a key role in the success of the unit.  It consisted of a framework of 12 loyal Communist soldiers representatives  - Bendix was expected to take a lead role in the group. 

“ Let’s see the rest of this building then I’ll show you around our little barracks area. “ the Major said as he led down the corridor.  In rapid order, they passed the office and living area designated for the Lt; it was small, furnished, curtains hung at the windows, then on to the common room, the class room and finally the TV room and out the side door.  At the other end of the building were rooms for the NCOs and troops.

First the vehicle park, then the kennels, the dogs were excited by anyone passing by and barked loudly, their tails thrashed in the wind.  Then down a path towards the newly built married officer housing block. 

Construction had just been completed on the pair of two story apartment buildings and it seemed as though families were still moving in; around the still unfinished sidewalks and curbs lay packing boxes and cases, all the stuff of people in motion.  Nearby, a stand of massive pine trees were silently standing guard.  Bendix gave a nod and smile towards the Major, these quarters were much better than expected.

“ So - I understand you’ re engaged.  Have you set a date yet?”, the Major said, sensing Bendix’s interest.

The Lt. was surprised - guess word from the Academy travels fast, “ I … we … well, the idea of a Christmas wedding was something we had considered … if it can be worked in with the missions and duty schedule. “

Stedler had turned so that he was addressing Bendex directly from the side - measuring the Lt.  again.  You’d be surprised just how busy the holiday season is up here, but I suppose a wedding is a wedding.”  He turned again and led the way back towards the HQ building.  No one spoke - just dogs barking; Bendix felt that part of the conversation had not gone particularly well and was glad it was over.

The Major broke the silence, “ Have you given any thought as to where - exactly - the celebration would be? “

Caught off guard, Bendix had hoped the wedding talk was over and it flashed thru his mind that really, he and Kirsten had never actually discussed the actual details of a wedding.  Would she want to do it at home with her parents - maybe Bendix’s home town, was the barracks complex a possibility?  Thinking on his feet he said, I think up here would be a great place, everything cloaked in snow, wonderful skiing, really a magical place. “

A wedding at the border barracks. “ the commander said bringing the procession to a halt.  “ We haven’t had one of those in years! What an interesting idea! The Major turned and again looked at the Lt.  His words seemed to hang in the air.

Silence again, Bendix had no idea what was going on.  Was his boss joking, did Bendix appear to be nothing more than a love - sick cadet on an outing.  What ever could be going thru his head?  Three years at the Academy and less than an hour at the camp had led to this odd silence.

Stedler spoke, “ What would you think, as sort of a wedding present from the men of the company, we get you the keys to one of these new two bedroom apartments? He was smiling broadly again.  Before the Lt. could answer, the Commander continued, “ Understand … when they modernized this barracks, the living quarters were ’ over - built ’ but that is because civilian apartments are difficult to come by in this area.   They really are very nice, all new but they do lack central heating.  I can have the men open an undesignated unit and check everything, it may take a day or two and then it will be reserved for you, assuming you really intend to marry and your wife really wants to stay here.”  His voice trailed off, the last words were said in a serious tone.

Bendix couldn’t believe his luck and read nothing into the sudden change in the Major’s voice, Yes comrade, that would a splendid gift!”

“ Well, your bride, “ the Major continued on, his words were measured,  “ do you really think she will share your feelings?”

 Bendix was still missing something in his commander’s voice.  “ I am sure she would be ecstatic over the chance for a new apartment right on the base where I will be stationed!”

Stedler continued, “ Lieutenant - you will be surprised just how small this place is and how the Winter just goes on and on. He paused for a second and then began again, “ Just what does this lovely young woman do for a career ?”

“ Comrade, she is a librarian by training and I am quite sure she will see all of this as a wonderful way to start a new part of her life. “

“ Librarian, “ Stedler slowly shook his head, “ the nearest library is in the district captial, some distance away, out of the mountains and back in the flatlands. “

Now Bendix began to understand why the Major sounded so serious.  “ I am sure we can find something.” The enthusiasm was draining from his voice and some of the doubts that had so occupied his mind on the long drive to the camp, returned.

Stedler sensed he had made his point, “ It is not always that easy but write to her, explain the situation and I am sure something can be worked out.  If she is agreeable, than the apartment will be opened and checked - if a Christmas wedding is still the plan, then it will be yours at your request. The Major turned, the discussion was over and departed.


Grentruppen barracks at Hermannsfeld, perhaps you prefer this as your:  Frankenrode.

Lt. Bendix stood and considered what had just happened, such unexpected luck to be granted a new apartment at the camp as a wedding gift and then the sudden realization that all of this might not at all be what Kristen hoped for.   Her career was important and the nearest library was so far away.  Where would she work, what would their life consist of in this tiny place high in the hills?  As if shaking snow off his shoulders, Bendix dismissed these thoughts.

They will find a way to work things out!  First he would tell her of the apartment and the unbelievable luck of it all, he would tell the Major that of course, they would take it!  Then, before she joined him, he would learn everything related to the job and the camp.  What good fortune!  Not four walls but three full rooms newly built!  A place to live, to love, to share with his bride,  under his breath with only the trees as witness, Bendix remarked, “ You are one lucky dog!  This is the start of your adult life! “

The Lt. returned to his tiny quarters in the administration building and dug the remains of a sandwich out of his gear.  Not much of a supper but it really did not matter; so much was on his mind.  He lay in bed, not interested in sleep, the events of the day spun through his mind.  His driver and his cap at a jaunty angle, the welcoming ceremony at the barracks, the faces of the village girls on the drive out of the valleys,  the new apartments for officer families - perhaps he would be a family man too.  Frankenrode, so strange and now, oddly familiar.  The voice of Major Stedler returned again and again - sometimes the words he heard blended with memories of his father’s voice.

Was he dreaming or awake?  A memory returned with frightening clarity.  He was back in high school, chatting with classmates over the professional schools they were about to attend.  He had just told them of his acceptance to the Academy and with voices filled with youthful conviction, they responded with hoots and jeers.

“ The Academy!  Your progression will be from lieutenant, to captain, maybe a major if you are really lucky!  A long harsh life of a soldier, orders received and issued, not much to see on a business card!  With us it will be different; college courses then engineering, medicine and then the head of the clinic, the professor in front of the class.  We will be giving the orders right from the start. “

Bendix dismissed those voice now as he had back in high school.  He made his choices because he wanted a challenge and knew full well that the road he took led away from the enjoyments and opportunities found in city life.  His old friends knew little of orders and discipline - he was sure that even in their careers, there would always be bosses and expectations.  Those guys would live in a land of paper, he had fresh clean air and comrades to his left and right.  The Academy had molded him, he was a man ready to give and receive orders, to follow through in difficult situations, to be at the place where the lawyer, professor and engineer would certainly fear to be.

He knew he would love his job, just as sure as his love of Kirsten.  On the border, one leaves certain things behind - again Kirsten’s face flashed in his mind - what of her professional career, what of the library, could she ever leave that behind?  He tossed and turned in a fitful sleep.

Chapter 3

The following day, Lt. Bendix made his first trip into the border area.  He really did not think that this would be much more than an extended hike through the Autumn woods, but Major Stedler was already there and personally lead the way along every sharp turn, steep trail and hidden gully in their sector.  If he was going to trust this young officer with all the duties along the border, trust him in every aspect of mission - then he would certainly take him by the hand on the first day.  

So they moved through the zone, Stedler was not overly concerned with the actual reconnaissance and only gave passing note to what sorts of information could be gained in a particular area.  Rather, almost immediately upon reaching a new site, he would present to Bendix, a tactical scenario, a difficult situation involving men, equipment and the mission and then have the Lt. present his solution and reasons for making each decision.  The Major listened to the explanations without criticism or interruption.  From time to time, he would change some aspect of the problem and ask how new facts might change the answer.  All of this was done absent the patronizing tone of a superior,  he recalled mistakes he had made early on in his career and how someone might stumble thru an answer.

They arrived at the next section of the border and the commander presented by far, the most difficult tactical problem of the day.  The terrain was terrible, he added night was falling, communications were bad and the platoon was short of men.  Bendix paused for a moment and then began his response.  His plan was clearly laid out, logical; the orders to the imaginary squads were delivered in clear and concise sentences, none of that stammering from the day before. 

Stadler listened. Had this been a response on the final exam back at the Academy, he would have given it the highest marks, perhaps a written note into the records as well.  Clearly, young Bendix had not only studied the manuals but could apply the concepts to new and unique situations.  The answer was much better than anything he could have formulated as a new Lieutenant so many years ago.  Finally, he thought, given the situation, Bendix’s orders would have very probably led to success.  With that - Stadler’s mind ran in another direction.  He was thinking less of the tactical problems and much more of the personnel at hand and one man in particular.

Bendix completed his solution to the border problem and Stadler promptly said, “ Well … if we had followed thru with your actions at this border incident, in all probability, that person would have gotten away. “

The commander saw the astonished look on Bendix’s face and continued, “ Hindsight really is 20 / 20. “  Then, to further make his point, Errors made along the border can have deep consequences, but even the worst situation can be salvaged. “

Bendix looked at his boss, “ And what about in this case? “ he dared to ask.

Stadler shrugged his shoulders, “ That probably is a question best asked of your predecessor, Staff Sergeant Heimann.  That old fox is much better than I when it comes to the most difficult border events. “ 

Bendix let the words sink in and Stedler’s comments troubled him. It seemed odd that he, the new Lieutenant, should be held up in comparison to an experienced NCO, yes - that “ sly border fox “. Granted, maybe Heimann did have a better solution to that border problem but troubling that the Commander should make a point of it, particularly on the very first day. All well and good for the CO to miss Heimann, but he was soon to depart, Bendix was the replacement. And what would Heimann make of all of this, how would he feel if the situation were reversed? Unsure of how to proceed, Bendix probed for a few answers, “ This Heimann, quite the experienced NCO, was he with the platoon very long?”

The major nodded,  “ Here for a long time?!  He’s been here since the whole thing began! I’m not sure anyone can recall this part of the border without him.”   He paused then, a look of concern clouded his face.  “ We’ll talk it over Lt. , you see, it’s difficult to say ‘ so long ‘ to a trooper like that. “

Bendix was silent as the Major motioned him on, further questions seemed pointless. They proceeded silently along dangerous trails.

After a while, Stedler cleared his throat as if addressing a crowd, “ When it comes to Heimann, it was almost like a lucky charm, nothing bad ever happened up here - he was really the heart and soul of the operation, an advisor and a friend to me - almost a mother to the youngest soldiers getting off the truck for the first time.  His voice trailed off at the end.

“ Commander, I beg your  pardon, I had no idea … “, Bendix stopped, he really had no idea how to end the sentence.

“ Spare me the condolences Lieutenant. “ the commander flatly said.  “ There are orders and Heimann is a soldier.  Had I my way, he would have remained here for sometime to come.  A cold breeze swept thru the woods.

Bendix began to respond but held his words, through his mind, an orderly progression of thoughts.  Yes - Heimann is soldier, just like the rest of us.  Orders are orders and we all obey.  He - Bendix -  was ordered to take command of the platoon and would do so to the best of his ability, maybe for more than a few years and then, he would be the old timer and he would be replaced by another young man.  And yes - it was a bit of bad luck that Heimann was held in such esteem, certainly he earned the honors - but there is always a way through - even the Major had said that even the worst situation on the border can be salvaged.  These next few weeks are not going to be easy - Bendix thought to himself - and then there’s the question of …

The Major interrupted the stream of thought, “ You have about one month to get to know things, the people, procedures and then take command of the platoon.  Use this time well and pick the brain of Heimann.  On 1 November,  he is promoted to Senior Sergeant and then, you are on your own. “

Bendix replied, “ I know it will not be easy, the platoon is so familiar with his way and  …“

The Commander - abruptly,  It is always been that way in every platoon!  Heimann had a style, everyone knew it and it led to the honors we all know so well. “

The words, “ Heimann had a style “, rang in his ears.  It seemed one could not separate the idea of the platoon and Heimann yet clearly this was coming to an end.  Again the thoughts ran thru his mind - how could he ever lift the platoon to a higher level - but this was clearly the expectation. 

Bendix could not think of a way to continue the discussion.  The Major, sensing the conversation had not gone as intended, turned to the Lieutenant, bent down and picked up something from the trail.  He showed it to Bendix.


Major Stedler

“OK.  That’s a pebble“ Bendix said flatly.

“Yes, the Major replied, “ They all look about alike … how do you suppose they get that way? “

The Lt. couldn’t figure where the Major was going, They are weathered by the sun, wind and rain. “  he replied,  assuming his boss was trying to make some sort of point but discussions of philosophy had never been his strength.

Stedler continued, “Yup, quite correct and all done over a period of time and time is the key factor.“

Time is the key factor - but to what ends thought Bendix?

“It is long and continues process, the pebble is pushed and pulled - back and forth.”

Was the major making a point about Heimann, this was all so very unclear, 

“But a man is not a pebble in the field … “ Bendix said.

“Exactly!!“ said Stedler, “ look - over the course of one’s life, a man comes to appear a certain way - true enough - but there is also an inner self and I think this is much more important than the outward appearance.  He saw that Bendix still wasn’t seeing the larger point.  “ For example, ‘ he continued with a laugh, when someone is chasing after a bride, there are a lot of things you may like, but isn’t a key factor - who she is  - inside?  With that, the Major pitched the pebble into the woods with an exaggerated gesture.

All of this curious philosophy, Bendix thought, but a part of it began to make some sense.  One can be like a stone, tossed by the elements and persist or, on the other hand, simply be ground into dust.  But was it all just a matter of luck?

The Major held back a low hanging branch as the pair passed.  “Young Lieutenant, only you can find a way with Heimann, I can’t do it for you and neither can the platoon members.  Take a careful look at who he appears to be and then look again at who he really is.  If you can do this successfully, then you stand a good chance to learn from the relationship.  You are the officer, he is the experienced NCO - you  are new, everyone knows and respects him, you are the unknown - I know there is great good in Heimann - I feel there is great good in you also - what is at hand is to quickly join all of this together.”

Stadler noticed that Bendix was still considering the conversation.  With a sly smile he said, “ I certainly do hope your mood improves as you become one of the comrades and please don’t be as silent as a stone or as tossed as that pebble. “  Then more seriously but in a good natured way, “ Come on then!  The two of us have a lot of work to do! “  They emerged from the difficult part of the trail, the fall sun streamed warmly thru the trees and the walking was suddenly much easier.

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