December 24, 2013…..Return to Teufelsberg: The Devil’s Rear End, Part XX…..by Ray Adams

Return to Teufelsberg: The Devil’s Rear End, Part XX

by Ray Adams

blindberlin@gmail.com

     Klaus escorted them to one of the C-ration rooms.  He invited them to make a lunch selection.  There were both biscuit and meat units, ranging in combinations from meat and beans or meat and vegetable stew to ham and lima beans or chicken and vegetables.

“So many choices, so little antacid,” D.T. said.

“I sure hope I don’t have to use one of those stupid can openers that always came with

C-rations,” Tim said.  “I almost cut my thumb off with one of those back in basic.”

Klaus smiled and said, “The U.S. Army may be hosting this lunch by providing C-rations, but your maitre d’ is a German, and I have technologically advanced can openers, provided by the latest in German engineering.”  He showed them a different type of can opener and said, “My can openers were designed to open cans of caviar in Mercedes Benzes, so no one here should be in any danger of losing his thumb.”

D.T. got a good laugh out of Klaus’ comment.  He was amazed at how Fate had led three American bullshitters to meet such an excellent example of a German bullshitter.  He recognized Klaus’ can openers as the same variety sold in dollar stores in the States.

Let the bullshit begin, D.T. thought to himself.  And it did.  The four of them filled the air with thoughts and opinions on the Cold War, listening to Russians, hitchhiking across the USA, the difference between German and American women, and decadent officers who led the good life while enlisted men worked hard many feet above them.

All in all, it was an excellent afternoon to be stuck with good company in the devil’s rear end.

Dear Readers, These eight stories are now available on both Kindle and Nook for your reading pleasure.  Best wishes, Ray Adams

Book art by: Noel Gonzalez http://noelgonzalez.com/contact.htm

December 10, 2013…..Return to Teufelsberg: The Devil’s Rear End, Part XVIII…by Ray Adams..

Return to Teufelsberg:  The Devil’s Rear End, Part XVIII

by Ray Adams

blindberlin@gmail.com

     They arrived at rooms on both sides of the hallway and shined their lights in to see inside.  Boxes and boxes were stacked up in four of the rooms. They were stamped “U.S. Army,

C-rations.”

“Remember I said I thought this was a bomb shelter?”  Klaus said.  “That’s why I think these C-rations were here.  For emergencies, such as an air raid or an artillery attack.”

“Maybe,” D.T. said.  “I once intercepted some Russian artillery traffic.  I’m sure the clown was joking, but he said, ‘Six shells on Teufelsberg.’  Still, stuff like that must have scared the bejesus out of our officers.  So what we have here is a good example of Cold War paranoia.”

The architecture, obviously designed to last, was both artistic and utilitarian.  There were some rectangular shapes on the walls that were less dust-covered than the rest of the surface.  Klaus thought they had once been spots for pictures of Hitler and other Nazi big shots that had later been taken down and destroyed by the Americans and British.

They came to a large, clean room, filled with comfortable furniture, desks, tables, and even a bar.  Klaus entered first and turned on several battery-operated lanterns that illuminated most of the space.  The far corners remained in shadows, giving the room a mysterious aura.  A broom and dustpan leaned against one wall.  Klaus admitted to being the housekeeper.

“I think this room was once the faculty lounge in the Nazi military school.  But it looks like your officers turned it into a gentleman’s club.”

There were boxes of cigars and bottles of cognac on tables and stands as well as an extensive collection of pornography.

“Wow,” Tim said, “Look what these jerks were doing while we were fighting the Cold War right above them!”

Dear Readers, These eight stories are now available on both Kindle and Nook for your reading pleasure.  Best wishes, Ray Adams

Book art by: Noel Gonzalez http://noelgonzalez.com/contact.htm