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A bullet comming from nowhere would be welcomed now...
 
A bullet comming from nowhere would be welcomed now...

I'm sure you will be surprised with the next two (maybe three) installments. I can confirm that a bullet coming from nowhere is not a possibility, but something will happen that really throws a twist into the entire plot.
 
Himmler?! Nein nein nein!

If not a bullet can we have a bomb?

How about just exile to England like in Monty Python?
 
Himmler?! Nein nein nein!

If not a bullet can we have a bomb?

How about just exile to England like in Monty Python?

Miniaturised nuke just to be safe surely?

Though I like the idea of Bimmler leading the National Bocialist Party to great victory in the Minehead Council by-election :D

Lovely writing as always Teckor, I'll be following
 
Miniaturised nuke just to be safe surely?

Though I like the idea of Bimmler leading the National Bocialist Party to great victory in the Minehead Council by-election :D

Lovely writing as always Teckor, I'll be following

Thanks for the comment on the writing, hope you stay around and enjoy the next few installments!

Himmler?! Nein nein nein!

If not a bullet can we have a bomb?

How about just exile to England like in Monty Python?

Exile for Himmler? That would be too good for him!

Right now the working title of the next installment is "Honor is a Badge Few Carry", this is an additional installment between "The Man with Eight Arms", "The Forest Becomes a Palette" and "No One Must Know!". There may be an additional installment in there, I cannot guarantee anything - only when I feel I have covered enough do I "end" that installment and move the plot (sometimes ever so slightly) forward!

Just an interesting fact at this point; the word count is about 15,000 for all installments so far. With about 20 "released" installments, that averages to about 750 words per installment.
 
Not too terrible indeed. Himmler is going to plot against Hitler?
 
Alptraum
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR


Honor is a Badge Few Carry

His car pulled up in an unappealing fashion. Hundreds of soldiers had been pulled from the front to be inspected by a man who hadn’t fired a shot thus far in the war. Rhiley and I had arrived just minutes before and were sitting in our own Kübelwagen. We weren’t expected to stand in formation, and even if we were I knew I wouldn’t. I couldn’t speak for my nephew, but I hoped he would honor his father’s wishes and share his distrust of the organization.

I know I’ve mentioned it before, but the Schnacks are a family of honor, tradition and integrity. My grandfather had originally served in the Kingdom of Hannover’s army during the War of 1866. He fought against his futuristic German brothers in Prussia as they invaded our homeland. Fighting with great honor that distinguished himself from his comrades, he was accepted into the Prussian army after our defeat. Only about four years passed before the call of war came and he to fight in France. My grandfather would return not a soldier of the Kingdom of Prussia, but rather of the German Empire that was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. I wish I could have known him; sadly he was taken away before I got that chance.

My grandfather would serve the rest of his days in peace. My father, Elijah, at the insistence of his father received a commission within the army. The male offspring of the Schnacks have had an expected reputation to uphold the moment of their birth. Every male descendant has served in the military since our earliest traced lineage back to Hessian service under the state (now province) of Hesse-Nassau. I’ve heard tales of an ancestor fighting against the rebellious Americans at the Battle of Long Island. I know if he were alive today, there would be one thing him and the current generation of Schnack’s could relate to: the Americans were tenacious fighters.

The reputation of being in service of the military of one’s nation has been established for a lengthy 167 years. However, just being in the service was not enough for the Schnack’s after 1811. At that time, our homeland was recently annexed into the ever-expanding Napoleonic Empire. The Schnack’s had relocated to Norddeich a decade prior to the French occupation. In his grand desire for the conquest of Russia, who was failing to honor its obligations to the Continental system, was preparing a grand army to force compliance. My great-grandfather was eager to fulfill his duty to restore our rightful ruler; but unable to compete without training joined the French army.

He exceeded in the expectations set forth, and quickly found a promotion from the enlisted ranks to an officer. Though entrusted to lead men, his unit was not trustworthy enough to find themselves on the frontlines as Napoleon led his troops to disaster. This most likely spared the Schnack family line, as what followed was a disaster for Bonaparte. What followed would help propel our family from the drudgery of daily life, with little income, little means of survival into the one most renowned in the Kingdom of Hannover. Great-grandfather and his unit captured close to one thousand French soldiers with their small arms, along with an additional six hundred rifles, nine cannons, and enough powder and shot for a month of combat. Afterwards rumors swirled around that the Emperor Napoleon personally put a bounty on his head, dead or alive.

My great-grandfather really set the bar high for following high for the rest of his lineage. I believe my grandfather has been the only one to equal or come close to comparing to his list of accomplishments. Father always repeated to me on the night of September 1st, 1870 the French Emperor, Napoleon III attempted to disguise a small entourage and including the Emperor to escape from the impending surrender. Grandfather had volunteered to be the officer in charge for night duty. Luck played into the hands of the Schnack family once more, as grandfather spotted something unusual; which foiled the Emperor’s plans, eventually bringing an end to the Second French Empire.

After my grandfather, I don’t think feats of the following Schnack’s has been that impressive. Father served on the staff of Moltke the Younger until 1910, when he retired after 21 years of service and achieving the rank of Colonel – the highest rank any of our family received at the time. It is hard to say if my brother Anton could have accomplished more if his life wasn’t cut short three days before the armistice. He did participate with great distinction and won the Iron Cross First Class for his actions in February 16th at Verdun.

Josef, my second brother, has served a distinguished career, surviving the First War like myself, but he did not survive the drastic reduction of the Army following the treaty. Distraught by the loss of a job, and frightened what he saw as a communist takeover of the country, he created his own Freikorps to protect our town and surrounding area. By the time the second war has come around, Josef is too old for frontline combat, but heads the local militia defending home from any possible Allied intervention – however unlikely in remote Norddeich.

The next generation of Schnacks’ has done great feats that have lead to outright victory; but there is a reason for this. War has changed. The role of the officer has changed in my opinion. Generals no longer lead their men head first into combat; a notable exception would be our very own Erwin Rommel; who watches over the north of France at this very time. Junior rank officers still lead from the front, but it is hard to lead your men when the front is so far away. I can guarantee that in this war I have seen more combat than both Philipp and Sebastian.

The last fighter within the Schnack family is Rhiley. He is a peculiar boy, just over a month older than Philipp. He is rather quiet, but deep within his brain I know the gears are turning, and he is rather intelligent when forced to speak. He honors the tradition the family has established, but he has also broken. He did not follow in the 133 years of tradition of becoming an officer. Yet he serves as if he wants to one day lead men, but never mentions the desire when I probe.

“General Schnack,” said a voice, startling me from the thought processes. “I need to talk to you.”



 
I'm eagerly awaiting the next episode
 
I wonder if the "Schnack" surname has something to do with the Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg ...
 
I wonder if the "Schnack" surname has something to do with the Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg ...

That is merely speculation. Staffuffenberg is alive and active in this alternate history; however he is very different than the person we know as Tristan Schnack.

I'm eagerly awaiting the next episode

So am I, not only because I have to write it, but because I think you all will enjoy it. The next installment was originally going to be "The Forest Becomes a Palette", but that has been changed. A new installment currently under the title(s) "A Beacon of Opportunity" or "The Black Beacon Beckons" is under the works and has no estimated time of completion - though I do know whats going to happen plot wise!

Stay tuned for the Nightmare is about to get a lot deeper!
 
A continuing and excellent AAR. What does our hero have in store for Reichfuhrer Himmler? Hmmmm....I can only guess...Keep up the great job TekcoR..
 
Excellent stuff, I liked hearing about Schanck's family history.
 
Excellent stuff, I liked hearing about Schanck's family history.

I did also, I kind of knew what the family history was, because well I'm the author, but it hadn't really been fully fleshed out (and still isn't as far as the reader is concerned).

A continuing and excellent AAR. What does our hero have in store for Reichfuhrer Himmler? Hmmmm....I can only guess...Keep up the great job TekcoR..

Thanks!
 
Alptraum
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR


Four Eyes in the Back




I don’t know why, but I instantly thought of Sebastian telling me he wanted to be a Panzertruppen. He had never called me general before, that is until he joined the service. Whenever Philipp, Sebastian or Rhiley called me by my rank, it always took a second to register; I’ve been accustomed being either “dad” or “uncle”. I’ve tried to keep Rhiley to calling me uncle, to keep some semblance of normalcy, but the overall success has been abysmal.

A person who approached cleared his throat, beginning to reel me back to reality. “Herr Schnack,” he said before completely bringing me back from my state.

“Heil Hitler!” the words instantly followed by the raising of the right hand. “Pardon me, Herr Himmler, we were distracted watching your troops parade around with great magnificence and dedication to the Reich.” I noticed from the corner of my eyes that Rhiley had a look of disgust. Though we both knew I saved him from a verbal assault by our visitor.

He smiled, most likely knowing that my words were just a mere excuse for being distracted. “I would enjoy talking to you in private, Herr Schnack. Preferably at your headquarters, if it is available.” The glasses that the man wore made him appear friendlier than he really was. My gut instinct told me that this talk most likely would not be pleasant, I expected a reprimand for my actions the previous day in the E-50.

I hesitated for the slightest second; which I hope wasn’t noticeable. “I have the afternoon available, sir.” I said, still worried. I noticed Rhiley’s face, he apparently either forgot that I told him that a special visitor was coming or simply didn’t know the man, children.

Our guest, though given a reputation as not a military man, was the head of a large armed organization, and clearly was not unintelligent. I know he noticed our unease, what he was doing was rather uncustomary. “Pardon me, how rude of me, even though you obviously know who I am not to introduce myself. I am Heinrich Himmler, the head of the Waffen Schutzstaffel, and Deputy Führer of the Reich.” Rhiley and I both knew the later part of the late introduction to be false, but what is flattery if one can’t use it?

Rhiley seemed more enthused about the situation than me; he had heard great things about the Waffen SS; their ferocity in combat, their sense as comrades, and their dedication. I was more aware of the role the SS had played during the war thus far; but I did not criticize my nephew for his admiration. If I were as young as him, I would most likely have joined the SS and buried underneath the soil. It is an amazing feat that some of the SS frontline troops I have gotten to known have survived since the beginning of the war.

After his better late than never introduction, I advised the Reichsführer to hop into the Kübelwagen. Himmler seemed to take his time in getting comfortable; it seemed he expected me to get out of the front passenger seat and place myself in the rear. This was my vehicle; well the Reich’s vehicle in my care. I was not about to get out of the vehicle for a man that I didn’t necessarily respect. After what felt like an eternity, but was in reality only thirty seconds, Himmler did find a seat in the back of the Kübelwagen and Rhiley began to drive us down the road towards my headquarters; which was roughly ten miles away behind the front.

 
Showing up Himmler? He may not take kindly to that if Herr Schnack are trying to woo him over
 
Hmm, perhaps a wrong turn down a tree lined road? And suddenly ........shots ring out? He can always blame it on partisans....but then again Im sure Heinrich has personal bodyguards that stick to him like glue (liking his boots, etc).

PS. Here is another great actor portrayal of Himmler from "The Eagle Has Landed". Anyone recongnize him? Hint Hint: Halloween
 

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How odd. Uncle Heini presenting himself...

Easy that one: Donald Pleasence :D
 
Showing up Himmler? He may not take kindly to that if Herr Schnack are trying to woo him over

That may play out, but overall may not matter for more than a few ho....:unsure:

Hmm, perhaps a wrong turn down a tree lined road? And suddenly ........shots ring out? He can always blame it on partisans....but then again Im sure Heinrich has personal bodyguards that stick to him like glue (liking his boots, etc).

PS. Here is another great actor portrayal of Himmler from "The Eagle Has Landed". Anyone recongnize him? Hint Hint: Halloween

I was going to say...Kurt_Steiner answered. I choose Kurt's answer.


How odd. Uncle Heini presenting himself...

Easy that one: Donald Pleasence :D

I would of had to use Google lol.

As a fun little hint, the "unexpected installment" known as "Four Eyes in Back" was briefly going to be titled: "Black in the Back", as a reference to Himmler's uniform; however for obvious reasons that title only stuck around for about five seconds. Plus, its more fun making fun of "four eyed" people, since I'm one of them!

Stay tuned for more information, and take time to check out the TekcoR Productions link (in my signature) for more information!
 
Alptraum
An Alternative History Affair
By TekcoR


The Black Beacon Beckons


I was doing my best to refrain myself from looking around the landscape nervously. Rhiley had the easier task of driving, and gladly would have driven, but given the circumstance, it would be highly unorthodox to have a general driving the Reichsführer when an enlisted man was available. I kept looking back through the corner of my left eye, half looking at Himmler and the other still amazed that none of Himmler’s personal bodyguard were tailing us. Perhaps they felt that a major general, and his driver, who had been stripped of their weapons were not going to harm the Reichsführer. In addition to having our selves thoroughly inspected, the car was given the same treatment.

Before even arriving for Himmler’s inspection of troops, I had been given a thorough interview by an advance inspection party. I remained calm during the interview, and provided half truths to certain situations. One question that stands out was if the area to my headquarters was secure and actively patrolled. I knew the area around my base of operations to be secure, and it would be actively patrolled, if one could count a Major General and Stabsgefreiter driving in a car was an adequate patrol.

Himmler was in a rather un-talkative mood. I noticed at times he was simply staring at the scenery, amazed at the beauty of southern France. Just over two miles into our trip was the beginning of a forest; which would stretch for about seven miles, before clearing up right before my headquarters. We had driven this route several times within the past two days, burning precious petrol; but we had both familiarized ourselves and knew the ins and outs of this land after the fourth round trip.

Rhiley and I both knew there was a pre-planned stop at about an undistinguished location close to four miles in. “General,” Rhiley said, not sounding scripted. We had rehearsed this situation at the minimum a dozen times. “There is an obstacle blocking the way, it is about a hundred meters away.” I turned my head, along with Himmler and began assessing the situation; to which I already knew the resolution.

I waited for what I estimated to be ten seconds before speaking, “Bring the car to a halt. It doesn’t look like there is a way we can circumvent the fallen tree.” Himmler nodded in agreement.

Rhiley brought the Kübelwagen to a halt a good twenty meters from the fallen tree. He delayed for a moment after bringing us to a stop and opened the driver’s door to exit the vehicle. “I’m going to get help,” he said before walking towards the stump, jumping over it and headed towards my headquarters. Himmler didn’t seem to notice how far in we were; but if he did he would have known that the landing site was closer than my headquarters.

Himmler and I both sat in the car. I think he was under the impression that this would be a quick fix as he remained quiet for close to ten minutes while I fidgeted through paperwork in my briefcase. Every other minute I would notice Himmler’s seat cushion make a sound as if he was startled. I made nothing of it, over the past few days I had become accustomed to the surrounding. “Did you hear that?” he said after jumping from another sound to his left.

“No,” I said rather hastily. “What direction did it come from?”

“From my left, it sounded like a twig was breaking from a footstep,” Himmler said. How would he know what a twig and footstep sounded like in the nature? My personnel files mentioned Himmler had never seen combat directly; and when in charge of men who were in combat he was rather inept and far from the front.

“I don’t see anything,” I responded to a concerned Reichsführer, whose face was showing the early signs of nervousness. “It was probably nothing; this forest is deserted besides us. I can assure you of that.”

Himmler didn’t seem reassured and I noticed he was reaching for his holster. He pulled out his Luger pistol, and raised it. “General Schnack, I’m sure I can trust you to defend me,” he said as I noticed the Luger over my left shoulder. I cautiously took Himmler’s primary defensive means and checked to make sure there was a magazine and the safety was off. “Thank you.”

I smiled as reached for the handle to exit the Kübelwagen. Standing up, I walked over to the supposed spot that Himmler heard the sound from. I rummaged around the brush for a moment and saw nothing of importance. I returned to Himmler, whose face was a shade of red lighter than before.

“Was there anything there?” he said, trying to sound confident.

“No. Just animal tracks, which are common for this forest,” I said as I finished placing myself just outside the driver’s seat.

Several minutes passed, again with no commotion or fretting by the now nearly relaxed Himmler. I was keenly watching the forest, though I knew there was nobody else out here except for Rhiley, who was probably at least a half mile away from our current location. I noticed Himmler was occasionally fidgeting with his own briefcase, I knew he felt more comfortable in an office, behind a desk working. I was comfortable in either environment; but if preferable I preferred the relative safety of my headquarters over the front.

“Herr Schnack,” he said interrupting my thoughts. I turned my head towards Himmler, and he waited before continuing on. “I have an offer that I believe you would find immensely attractive..”

 
:eek: The man takes his scared time getting to business doesnt he?