((Posting this here to see how long it is. Thinking about posting in on the Virtue thread for the March writing contest, but it may be too long.))
(Though his actions were carried out in secret, his contribution to the events that led up to Americas involvement in WWII were critical to the victory of the Allies. These are the events that lead up to the creation of Metallicon.))
((The background of my SG is entwined with WWII and thus my character is too. The following text contains references to Nazis. It is not my intention to belittle anybody by stereotyping and I do not wish to offend anybody by my tongue in cheek efforts of a German accent.))
((Really would appreciate some feedback on this story from everybody but especially our more experienced writers. Looking for some constructive criticism as I work to learn how to write. I have a very long way to go and stuff like this is GREAT practice. Would be really beneficial to hear how I can approve. If we dont want to clutter up this thread I would truly appreciate a PM or two or ten.))
Jack McBain stood under the eave of a doorway out of the snow, a burning cigarette hanging from his mouth, his hands shoved into the pockets of his trench coat. The winters high in the mountains of the Sudetenland were as harsh as could be imagined, but today there was not much wind so that gave a bit of relief. Normally he could see the old stone wall from this doorway, but today there was a heavy snow falling, obscuring his view.
Taking one last drag off of his cigarette he tossed it into the street before stepping out of the doorway, pulling his fedora down and his collar up. The street in the tiny mountain village was all but deserted to foot traffic, but he knew that there were eyes and ears everywhere. While the superpowers of the world postured for war in the newsreels and newspapers of the day, men like him were already fighting the war deep in the shadows of secrecy.
Once across the street he could see that the snow covered stones were stacked highest
from left to right on one section of the ancient, crumbling wall. It was the signal that Garen had made a drop, on the south side of town this time. As he walked past the wall a horse and buggy appeared through the snow, the horses hooves clip-clopping along the cobblestone street, the sound oddly muted by the falling snow. The driver touched the brim of his hat and Jack returned the gesture, both dissolving into the snow as they passed.
Following his carefully planned route that took him winding through the steep village streets, Jack came to a corner where he stopped to light another cigarette. He really didnt smoke, per say, but it gave him reasonable cover to stop and have a look around without being obvious. The drop along the square on the south side of the village was one that he only visited just after dark, by design. It was the closest drop to the center of the village and as such was used by Garen to direct Jack to one of several possible meeting sites. Taking a long drag and shaking out the match he glanced up to the window of Olexas apartment. Yes, Garen was there, as was evident by the location of the potted plant on the sill inside.
Olexa was a willowy, blue-eyed Czech beauty that seemed intoxicated by the cloak and dagger, made even more exciting by the fact that Jack was actually American. Garen had married very well, far above his station in fact, and his quick rise through the ranks of the Nazi armys scientific community was assisted politically by his wifes familys power. And so it was easy to approach Garen with the photographs of his and Olexas liaisons here in this tiny village and get exactly what Jack wanted. It was the oldest trick in the book, a tried and true method; Olexa had performed her job very well, and she was being well paid for it.
What Jack hadnt expected was Garens willingness to participate in the destruction of the Metalliconizer, if he could keep his role in the plot secret. Garen found the machine appalling and was horrified to use his scientific skills and knowledge on such a project. Jack shrugged to himself, before heading toward his apartment and knew that it was sometimes better to be lucky than good.
He spent the afternoon and early evening in his tiny apartment overlooking the square, reading and listening to the radio. But he found his mind wandering, trying to consider scenarios that required Garen to request a meeting. Face-to-face meetings were very dangerous and he thought he made Garen understand the need to avoid them. Pacing the floor of his room over and over, peering occasionally through the curtains, he waited and watched as the shadows began to creep across the village square. When night finally came, Jack dressed and walked over to the table and picked up his metal flask reading the inscription out loud to himself.
To Jack. This will keep you warm when I cannot. Yours forever, love Clair.
Jack swallowed hard, choking back emotion. Sliding the flask into his coat pocket, his pistol into its shoulder holster and his knife into his shoe, he took one last look around the tiny apartment. There was a tightness in his gut that was usually gone by now, something he couldnt explain. Taking a couple of deep breaths and trying to drive the feeling of dread away, he switched off the lights, locked the door behind him and made his way down the narrow stairs. When Jack stepped out into the chill night air, the snow still fell, leaving the tiny village wrapped in a beautiful blanket of snow and shrouded in darkness. The game was afoot; let the dark dance begin.
He moved down the street casually, careful not to seem too alert, in the event he was being shadowed. The heavy snow would work in his favor tonight, limiting the visibility to about half a block. At the end of the block, just inside the mouth of the alley was the drop spot. Stopping to light a cigarette gave him the chance to have a quick glance up and down the street before stepping into the alley, reaching behind the pipe and bringing out the strip of paper. The number 2 was scribbled there indicating the meeting site and he quickly jammed the paper in his mouth, chewing it down as he continued to walk.
This was the time any operative dreaded the most, the time when they had to surface, the time when they were most vulnerable. He wound his way along the edge of the village toward the meeting site taking a circuitous route, trying to ensure no one was following him. But even in a village as small as this one there were so many shadowy doorways, dark, narrow alleys and open window blinds that the enemy could watch from. Soon walking on the sidewalk that ran along side the nearly frozen river, he could see the old stone bridge up ahead. At the end of the bridge, just outside the small pool of light from the streetlamp, he paused to drop the cigarette and grind out the butt with his shoe before quickly scanning the area and descending the steps.
Jack? A voice whispered from the shadows.
Olexa. Jack said stepping under the bridge. What the hell are you doing here? Where is Garen?
Hes at my place. Oh Jack, they are on to him. They were waiting for him at his house in Chelb with his wife, they know. He had to run here or they would have caught him, he had nowhere else to go, Olexa said, looking up into Jacks face, eyes wide.
You shouldnt have come here, doll face, Jack said taking her by the arms and peering out from under the bridge in each direction.
Oh Jack I know, but he is so scared. He was afraid he would be seen coming here, he didnt want to leave my apartment so he sent me, Olexa said, her eyes welling with tears.
Smart man, Jack thought. Get Olexa out of harms way. This told him that Garen did not suspect her and was somehow able to send her here to meet Jack before the trap was sprung. But it would not take long for the trail to lead back to her.
All right, listen. Its not safe for you here anymore, doll. Take this, Jack said giving her a thick money clip. You remember where your papers are?
Yes, she said, shivering in the cold.
Good girl; that will be enough to get you as far as Wildenau. Here is the key for box 214 at the train station. There will be more money there, and another set of papers. Use them to get out of the country; I dont want to know where, McBain said laying the key into her trembling hand.
Oh Jack, be careful, Olexa said.
You too, doll, you too. Jack peered out from under the bridge again before looking into Olexas teary eyes, giving her a re-assuring smile. Thats my little spy, be brave. Wait awhile before you come out; let me clear out of here first. She nodded, her lower lip quivering. He smiled and touched her cheek before ducking out from under the bridge.
Once back up the stairs Jack took out his metal flask and gazed down at the inscription, running his thumb over the words. He could see Clairs smiling face the day she gave him this flask, his birthday. With his heart pounding in his ears and his hand shaking, he drained the flask dry, trying not to gag. Jack turned and hurled the flask into the river before hurrying down the street toward Olexas apartment. When it came right down to it, Jack liked Garen. The poor guy had been put in an impossible situation and Jack had put him there; his inevitable betrayal was the final and most necessary piece of Operation Trojan Horse.
Arriving at the door to Olexas building, he rushed up the stairs. By the time he reached Olexas apartment door, he was already feeling sick to his stomach, his vision blurring and sweat beading from his forehead. Leaning against the wall he waited a few seconds, trying to clear his head and catch his breath. Drawing his pistol, he laid it on the floor and kicked it away before turning the doorknob and slowly opening the door. Stepping in, he found himself face to face with five Nazi soldiers, machine guns leveled at him. Two of them stood over Garen, who looked away as soon as Jack entered the room.
Gute Nacht, the Nazi officer said.
Gute Nacht, Jack replied in German, holding his arms up, moving very slowly.
This is him, yes? the officer asked Garen.
Yes, Garen said, not looking up at McBain.
You are under arrest, the officer said to Jack.
Jacks jaw dropped open, a look of shock on his face as two of the soldiers grabbed him.
Damn you Garen, I warned you what would happen if you betrayed me, Jack said, trying a carefully measured step toward Garen.
One of the soldiers bashed the butt of his gun into Jacks stomach, sending him crumpling to the ground. At least the pain would take his mind off the increasing nausea, and maybe his act would maintain the charade.
So, the Nazi officer said, smiling, looking down at Jack. You wish to know what the Metalliconizer can do? Then you shall, you shall.
************************************************** **********************
"It vas a veerrrrrrry foolish zing, Captain Jack McBain, to try to infiltrate zis installation." The Nazi scientist spoke in English, his accent heavy. I suppose it is not surprising zat you tried it alone, sending in a squad or platoon would have resulted in all of zeir deaths or capture. But to try it at all vas suicide. I suppose zat is how desperate you are eh?
The scientist walked around to the head of the gurney that McBain was strapped to and leaned over his face.
Are you some kind of super spy, Captain McBain? The scientist chuckled and the others gathered in the room followed suit.
You vere captured very easily. Is zis the type of super spy the Fatherland faces?
Again the various technicians in the room chuckled as the scientist began another slow walk around the gurney.
Tell me, Captain, how did you get zis far into the country? Are zere other spies in ze country? How many are zere and vere are zay? Vaht is your purpose here? He stopped at the foot of the gurney, the Metalliconizer machine looming over his shoulder like a monster.
And how did you know about zis installation? I am sure zat ze Fuhrer will be verrrrrrry interested to know zat America is involving herself in sings zat are not her concern.
Im not telling you squat, Jack spat.
No, I see zat you vill not. He began his slow walk around the gurney again. You have not told us, how do you say, squat, since you were brought in. Again, he stopped and leaned down close to the soldiers face. And in ze face of some verrrrry excruciating torture, and despite how sick you are, you have resisted us. Vell, no matter.
The scientist walked over to the controls of the Metalliconizer.
Zis instillation is far too deep for any of your bombers to reach it and, as I have said, an entire platoon, even a brigade, could not hope to get zis far and reach us. So your very brave sacrifice has gone for .naught, Captain. Now you vill make an excellent subject for ze test of our Metalliconizer. Imagine Captain, an army of metal clad soldiers, impervious to bullets, to explosions ..to anyzing, bearing the vill of the Fuhrer across ze globe. Europe is only the first step. Heil Hitler!"
Heil Hitler! the other figures in the room saluted.
The scientist began to operate the controls on the side of the Metalliconizer, sending the other technicians in the room scurrying to their stations. They began to talk back and forth to one another as the evil machine powered up. At first their voices were monotone, as if they had done this many times before.
The Metalliconizer began to whine, and a green beam of light flashed on, bathing Captain McBain in the eerie light.
In the next instant, the timbre of the voices in the room changed to one of alarm as they saw strange readings on their dials and gauges, and the whine of the Metalliconizer began to rise in pitch.
A bright silver glow began to emanate from Captain McBain that seemed to absorb the green light and travel along the beam toward the machine.
The silver light seemed to explode when it reached the beam dish, spraying sparks and causing the room to rumble, and throwing many of the men to the ground.
The scientist struggled over to the gurney on his hands and knees, pulling himself up to look at Captain McBain.
Vas is das? Vas is das? He was screeching at the top of his lungs as the roof began to cave in, and the Metalliconizer began to melt and explode at the same time.
Mercurium, Mercurium, Jack said, a weak smile spreading over his face. The silver glow coming from him was so bright the scientist had to avert his eyes.
No! the scientist screeched. You ingested Mercurium!! It is in your blood!! How did you know about Mercurium!? Zat vill react wit ze Metalliconizer and kill us all! You fool!
The whole room rumbled and rolled and the technicians in the room began to lunge and crawl for the door. The scientist pulled himself up, using the gurney to lean on, and his lab coat fell on to McBains hand.
The soldier grasped the coat with all his might, a viscous snarl spreading over his lips.
Let me go! Let me go! The scientist was screeching and pounding with little effect on Captain McBains arm as the room began to fall in on itself.
Goodbye Claire, I love you, McBain said to his girl back home, smiling, oblivious to the scientists pleas.
There was a brilliant flash of light and then silence .
((Posting this here to see how long it is. Thinking about posting in on the Virtue thread for the March writing contest, but it may be too long.))
(Though his actions were carried out in secret, his contribution to the events that led up to Americas involvement in WWII were critical to the victory of the Allies. These are the events that lead up to the creation of Metallicon.))
((The background of my SG is entwined with WWII and thus my character is too. The following text contains references to Nazis. It is not my intention to belittle anybody by stereotyping and I do not wish to offend anybody by my tongue in cheek efforts of a German accent.))
((Really would appreciate some feedback on this story from everybody but especially our more experienced writers. Looking for some constructive criticism as I work to learn how to write. I have a very long way to go and stuff like this is GREAT practice. Would be really beneficial to hear how I can approve. If we dont want to clutter up this thread I would truly appreciate a PM or two or ten.))
Jack McBain stood under the eave of a doorway out of the snow, a burning cigarette hanging from his mouth, his hands shoved into the pockets of his trench coat. The winters high in the mountains of the Sudetenland were as harsh as could be imagined, but today there was not much wind so that gave a bit of relief. Normally he could see the old stone wall from this doorway, but today there was a heavy snow falling, obscuring his view.
Taking one last drag off of his cigarette he tossed it into the street before stepping out of the doorway, pulling his fedora down and his collar up. The street in the tiny mountain village was all but deserted to foot traffic, but he knew that there were eyes and ears everywhere. While the superpowers of the world postured for war in the newsreels and newspapers of the day, men like him were already fighting the war deep in the shadows of secrecy.
Once across the street he could see that the snow covered stones were stacked highest
from left to right on one section of the ancient, crumbling wall. It was the signal that Garen had made a drop, on the south side of town this time. As he walked past the wall a horse and buggy appeared through the snow, the horses hooves clip-clopping along the cobblestone street, the sound oddly muted by the falling snow. The driver touched the brim of his hat and Jack returned the gesture, both dissolving into the snow as they passed.
Following his carefully planned route that took him winding through the steep village streets, Jack came to a corner where he stopped to light another cigarette. He really didnt smoke, per say, but it gave him reasonable cover to stop and have a look around without being obvious. The drop along the square on the south side of the village was one that he only visited just after dark, by design. It was the closest drop to the center of the village and as such was used by Garen to direct Jack to one of several possible meeting sites. Taking a long drag and shaking out the match he glanced up to the window of Olexas apartment. Yes, Garen was there, as was evident by the location of the potted plant on the sill inside.
Olexa was a willowy, blue-eyed Czech beauty that seemed intoxicated by the cloak and dagger, made even more exciting by the fact that Jack was actually American. Garen had married very well, far above his station in fact, and his quick rise through the ranks of the Nazi armys scientific community was assisted politically by his wifes familys power. And so it was easy to approach Garen with the photographs of his and Olexas liaisons here in this tiny village and get exactly what Jack wanted. It was the oldest trick in the book, a tried and true method; Olexa had performed her job very well, and she was being well paid for it.
What Jack hadnt expected was Garens willingness to participate in the destruction of the Metalliconizer, if he could keep his role in the plot secret. Garen found the machine appalling and was horrified to use his scientific skills and knowledge on such a project. Jack shrugged to himself, before heading toward his apartment and knew that it was sometimes better to be lucky than good.
************************************************** *******************
He spent the afternoon and early evening in his tiny apartment overlooking the square, reading and listening to the radio. But he found his mind wandering, trying to consider scenarios that required Garen to request a meeting. Face-to-face meetings were very dangerous and he thought he made Garen understand the need to avoid them. Pacing the floor of his room over and over, peering occasionally through the curtains, he waited and watched as the shadows began to creep across the village square. When night finally came, Jack dressed and walked over to the table and picked up his metal flask reading the inscription out loud to himself.
To Jack. This will keep you warm when I cannot. Yours forever, love Clair.
Jack swallowed hard, choking back emotion. Sliding the flask into his coat pocket, his pistol into its shoulder holster and his knife into his shoe, he took one last look around the tiny apartment. There was a tightness in his gut that was usually gone by now, something he couldnt explain. Taking a couple of deep breaths and trying to drive the feeling of dread away, he switched off the lights, locked the door behind him and made his way down the narrow stairs. When Jack stepped out into the chill night air, the snow still fell, leaving the tiny village wrapped in a beautiful blanket of snow and shrouded in darkness. The game was afoot; let the dark dance begin.
He moved down the street casually, careful not to seem too alert, in the event he was being shadowed. The heavy snow would work in his favor tonight, limiting the visibility to about half a block. At the end of the block, just inside the mouth of the alley was the drop spot. Stopping to light a cigarette gave him the chance to have a quick glance up and down the street before stepping into the alley, reaching behind the pipe and bringing out the strip of paper. The number 2 was scribbled there indicating the meeting site and he quickly jammed the paper in his mouth, chewing it down as he continued to walk.
This was the time any operative dreaded the most, the time when they had to surface, the time when they were most vulnerable. He wound his way along the edge of the village toward the meeting site taking a circuitous route, trying to ensure no one was following him. But even in a village as small as this one there were so many shadowy doorways, dark, narrow alleys and open window blinds that the enemy could watch from. Soon walking on the sidewalk that ran along side the nearly frozen river, he could see the old stone bridge up ahead. At the end of the bridge, just outside the small pool of light from the streetlamp, he paused to drop the cigarette and grind out the butt with his shoe before quickly scanning the area and descending the steps.
Jack? A voice whispered from the shadows.
Olexa. Jack said stepping under the bridge. What the hell are you doing here? Where is Garen?
Hes at my place. Oh Jack, they are on to him. They were waiting for him at his house in Chelb with his wife, they know. He had to run here or they would have caught him, he had nowhere else to go, Olexa said, looking up into Jacks face, eyes wide.
You shouldnt have come here, doll face, Jack said taking her by the arms and peering out from under the bridge in each direction.
Oh Jack I know, but he is so scared. He was afraid he would be seen coming here, he didnt want to leave my apartment so he sent me, Olexa said, her eyes welling with tears.
Smart man, Jack thought. Get Olexa out of harms way. This told him that Garen did not suspect her and was somehow able to send her here to meet Jack before the trap was sprung. But it would not take long for the trail to lead back to her.
All right, listen. Its not safe for you here anymore, doll. Take this, Jack said giving her a thick money clip. You remember where your papers are?
Yes, she said, shivering in the cold.
Good girl; that will be enough to get you as far as Wildenau. Here is the key for box 214 at the train station. There will be more money there, and another set of papers. Use them to get out of the country; I dont want to know where, McBain said laying the key into her trembling hand.
Oh Jack, be careful, Olexa said.
You too, doll, you too. Jack peered out from under the bridge again before looking into Olexas teary eyes, giving her a re-assuring smile. Thats my little spy, be brave. Wait awhile before you come out; let me clear out of here first. She nodded, her lower lip quivering. He smiled and touched her cheek before ducking out from under the bridge.
Once back up the stairs Jack took out his metal flask and gazed down at the inscription, running his thumb over the words. He could see Clairs smiling face the day she gave him this flask, his birthday. With his heart pounding in his ears and his hand shaking, he drained the flask dry, trying not to gag. Jack turned and hurled the flask into the river before hurrying down the street toward Olexas apartment. When it came right down to it, Jack liked Garen. The poor guy had been put in an impossible situation and Jack had put him there; his inevitable betrayal was the final and most necessary piece of Operation Trojan Horse.
Arriving at the door to Olexas building, he rushed up the stairs. By the time he reached Olexas apartment door, he was already feeling sick to his stomach, his vision blurring and sweat beading from his forehead. Leaning against the wall he waited a few seconds, trying to clear his head and catch his breath. Drawing his pistol, he laid it on the floor and kicked it away before turning the doorknob and slowly opening the door. Stepping in, he found himself face to face with five Nazi soldiers, machine guns leveled at him. Two of them stood over Garen, who looked away as soon as Jack entered the room.
Gute Nacht, the Nazi officer said.
Gute Nacht, Jack replied in German, holding his arms up, moving very slowly.
This is him, yes? the officer asked Garen.
Yes, Garen said, not looking up at McBain.
You are under arrest, the officer said to Jack.
Jacks jaw dropped open, a look of shock on his face as two of the soldiers grabbed him.
Damn you Garen, I warned you what would happen if you betrayed me, Jack said, trying a carefully measured step toward Garen.
One of the soldiers bashed the butt of his gun into Jacks stomach, sending him crumpling to the ground. At least the pain would take his mind off the increasing nausea, and maybe his act would maintain the charade.
So, the Nazi officer said, smiling, looking down at Jack. You wish to know what the Metalliconizer can do? Then you shall, you shall.
************************************************** **********************
"It vas a veerrrrrrry foolish zing, Captain Jack McBain, to try to infiltrate zis installation." The Nazi scientist spoke in English, his accent heavy. I suppose it is not surprising zat you tried it alone, sending in a squad or platoon would have resulted in all of zeir deaths or capture. But to try it at all vas suicide. I suppose zat is how desperate you are eh?
The scientist walked around to the head of the gurney that McBain was strapped to and leaned over his face.
Are you some kind of super spy, Captain McBain? The scientist chuckled and the others gathered in the room followed suit.
You vere captured very easily. Is zis the type of super spy the Fatherland faces?
Again the various technicians in the room chuckled as the scientist began another slow walk around the gurney.
Tell me, Captain, how did you get zis far into the country? Are zere other spies in ze country? How many are zere and vere are zay? Vaht is your purpose here? He stopped at the foot of the gurney, the Metalliconizer machine looming over his shoulder like a monster.
And how did you know about zis installation? I am sure zat ze Fuhrer will be verrrrrrry interested to know zat America is involving herself in sings zat are not her concern.
Im not telling you squat, Jack spat.
No, I see zat you vill not. He began his slow walk around the gurney again. You have not told us, how do you say, squat, since you were brought in. Again, he stopped and leaned down close to the soldiers face. And in ze face of some verrrrry excruciating torture, and despite how sick you are, you have resisted us. Vell, no matter.
The scientist walked over to the controls of the Metalliconizer.
Zis instillation is far too deep for any of your bombers to reach it and, as I have said, an entire platoon, even a brigade, could not hope to get zis far and reach us. So your very brave sacrifice has gone for .naught, Captain. Now you vill make an excellent subject for ze test of our Metalliconizer. Imagine Captain, an army of metal clad soldiers, impervious to bullets, to explosions ..to anyzing, bearing the vill of the Fuhrer across ze globe. Europe is only the first step. Heil Hitler!"
Heil Hitler! the other figures in the room saluted.
The scientist began to operate the controls on the side of the Metalliconizer, sending the other technicians in the room scurrying to their stations. They began to talk back and forth to one another as the evil machine powered up. At first their voices were monotone, as if they had done this many times before.
The Metalliconizer began to whine, and a green beam of light flashed on, bathing Captain McBain in the eerie light.
In the next instant, the timbre of the voices in the room changed to one of alarm as they saw strange readings on their dials and gauges, and the whine of the Metalliconizer began to rise in pitch.
A bright silver glow began to emanate from Captain McBain that seemed to absorb the green light and travel along the beam toward the machine.
The silver light seemed to explode when it reached the beam dish, spraying sparks and causing the room to rumble, and throwing many of the men to the ground.
The scientist struggled over to the gurney on his hands and knees, pulling himself up to look at Captain McBain.
Vas is das? Vas is das? He was screeching at the top of his lungs as the roof began to cave in, and the Metalliconizer began to melt and explode at the same time.
Mercurium, Mercurium, Jack said, a weak smile spreading over his face. The silver glow coming from him was so bright the scientist had to avert his eyes.
No! the scientist screeched. You ingested Mercurium!! It is in your blood!! How did you know about Mercurium!? Zat vill react wit ze Metalliconizer and kill us all! You fool!
The whole room rumbled and rolled and the technicians in the room began to lunge and crawl for the door. The scientist pulled himself up, using the gurney to lean on, and his lab coat fell on to McBains hand.
The soldier grasped the coat with all his might, a viscous snarl spreading over his lips.
Let me go! Let me go! The scientist was screeching and pounding with little effect on Captain McBains arm as the room began to fall in on itself.
Goodbye Claire, I love you, McBain said to his girl back home, smiling, oblivious to the scientists pleas.
There was a brilliant flash of light and then silence .