“I wouldn’t go so far as to say you cannot ensure a proper functioning, just because these engineers are taking a few things for reparations.”
“So, you think we don’t need toilets for the professors and students?” Werner ran a hand through his short blond hair.
“Comrade, you’re deliberately misinterpreting my words. The engineer has been ordered by Sokolov, so there’s nothing we can do about it. If I were you, I’d concentrate on what is expected of me, instead of worrying about bathroom equipment.”
Werner grimaced with disbelief and anger, glad that Norbert couldn’t see him. He forced himself to even his voice and then said, “I will do as you suggested. Thank you for your advice, Comrade.”
He hung up, still furious about Norbert’s unwillingness to help him, when another thought occurred. Despite knowing better, he simply couldn’t let those brutes demolish what was left of the university without a fight. Even the most blockheaded Soviet official had to understand that it didn’t make sense to dismantle the building just to install the stolen equipment again a few weeks later.
Maybe Captain Orlovski, the commander of the technical company would appreciate if he saved him needless double work. He picked up the phone again and dialed Orlovski’s number. After a short discussion Orlovski agreed to pause the dismantling until the two of them could meet in the afternoon.
Werner rushed to SMAD headquarters and at two o’clock sharp, he knocked at Orlovski’s office door.
“Ah… you’re Böhm. Your reputation precedes you, and I was wondering when I’d get to meet Gentner’s protege, but never thought it would be so soon,” Orlovski said instead of a greeting.
“Captain Orlovski, it’s my pleasure. Please, excuse me for bothering you with this issue.” Werner had heard that Orlovski was an engineer through and through, an intelligent man, always inclined to follow logic and reason. If he found the right words, the man might as well be on his side.
“Yes, yes, to the point. Why are you obstructing my men from taking the reparations that rightfully belong to the Soviet people?”
“Comrade, I may be a German by birth, but I’m a Russian by heart and thus I’m the first one to support the need of reparations for our beloved Soviet Union. The Nazi fascists have caused so much destruction to our country and it is only just that the Germans have to pay for what they did. But I am not sure whether the dismantling of lavatories and toilet seats is actually helping rebuild Russia.”
“That is the task of brighter minds than mine to decide. General Sokolov has ordered this task, so who am I to argue?” Captain Orlovski kept a straight voice, but Werner believed he saw a flash of frustration in his eyes. So, the rumors were true and Orlovski had an independent mind.
But… he wouldn’t get anywhere challenging authorities. The captain might be open to logic, but he was still an obedient soldier. Werner racked his brain for a different angle to the problem and said, “I am in complete agreement with you, Comrade. I must have expressed my opinion badly. Reparations must be paid. And I understand the need for swiftness, as we want to have the task accomplished before the Americans set foot into Berlin.
“But I wonder, whether you couldn’t fill your quota of bathroom equipment in other buildings, and especially in the boroughs assigned to the Western allies, while sparing the university?” Werner hoped that Orlovski would follow the breadcrumbs and agree that it was more urgent to strip down the Western sectors, before the Americans made it to Berlin. It they were persistent enough to actually arrive here, that is.
“Comrade Böhm, why should I do this? The university has a total of 87 undestroyed lavatories and 64 toilets in good condition. That’s close to five percent of my quota. And you will certainly agree with me that dismantling that amount of equipment from a single building is much more efficient than ravaging one hundred different buildings for one lavatory each.”
Werner nodded. He understood the numbers. And now he knew Orlovski’s concern. “I completely agree with you. The numbers would make sense to anyone reasonable. But, on the other hand, it might be beneficial for you to spare the university.” Orlovski scowled and Werner hurried to add, “You see, I also have orders from Sokolov. Stalin himself wants to have an elite university that will stand up to every scrutiny from the imperialist West. The new Berlin University is destined to be an educational institution resembling the great University of Moscow, and will soon become the place where every German student wants to enroll.”
Cold sweat ran down Werner’s back. He wasn’t lying. Norbert had boasted that Stalin himself had said such things. But his next words would be a slight stretch, and he would need to formulate them carefully to not get himself into hot water. “My only concerns are your time restraints.”
Orlovski’s eyebrows twitched up into an expectant smirk. “I’m sure they are.”
“If you dismantle the bathrooms now, I will then have to make a request for new bathroom equipment a week from now. And then your men who have worked so hard to strip the building, will have to return and install the same equipment they took out. This will cause your unit to waste precious time…” Werner stopped talking and let the captain draw his own conclusions about what way of action would be more beneficial for him. If Orlovski lived up to his reputation as an efficient engineer, he would despise the senseless double work.
A long pause ensued, during which Orlovski rubbed his chin. When he raised his voice again, he said, “I appreciate your concern for my unit. We are spread thin as it is, with the situation in Berlin and the urgency to present the Americans with a fait accompli. Therefore, I will grant your wish to spare the university, in the hopes this may benefit you and the cause of re-educating the German people in an anti-fascist way.”
Werner understood what was expected of him. “Thank you for your consideration, Comrade. I, and the entire education department will be deeply in your debt.”
“Anything else you needed to discuss?” Orlovski asked.
“No, thank you. I am very grateful to you.” Werner knew that at some time Orlovski would collect the favor he owned him, but it had been worth it. After all, he had to officially inaugurate the new Berlin University in little more than half a year. How, he had no idea.
Chapter 4
Marlene’s mother boiled water on a portable kerosene stove, adding a few crumpled potatoes. Together with some hard bread, this would be their family’s dinner.
As usual, father slumped on his cot, murmuring curses at the Russians and at the German traitors who had signed the capitulation. Marlene glanced at his face, contorted with hate and grief. Poor man, he’s lost so much.
She feared for her father’s mind but had no idea how to help him. Even her mother’s determination seemed to deteriorate by the day. Marlene believed it was due to the fact that her parents never ventured outside. Who could stay in their right minds in this hellish, moldy, and dark basement? But as much as she begged them to go out into the streets, they always refused. Too dangerous.
But up there it wasn’t much more dangerous than down here. If the Ivans wanted something, they simply knocked on the door. Her musings were interrupted by such a knock. The tension in the room flared like a sudden fire and three pairs of eyes were glued to the door. Marlene’s breathing stopped.
This was her worst nightmare. It had happened before and everyone in the room refused to remember. With bated breath she waited, hoping the knocker would go away. After a while another, very faint knock.