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Dolph sat shackled in the dank prison cell, awaiting his meeting with the high command. He was stoic in his demeanor, but inside his emotions churned. He knew his return would not be taken lightly, but he was surprised how he was treated. His family was well respected in Prussia and he deserved much better respect because of it. Instead he’d been handled like a common soldier, arrested immediately when he contacted his uncle in Paris. The soldiers had come directly to his home, dragging him from his bedroom to a prison wagon, his wife and children looking on with terror in their eyes. His only hope was that Hans would be part of the court martial proceedings. To be dishonorably discharged from the army would be an insult from which he and the family would never recover.
His guards came for him that afternoon after he’d finished his sparse lunch. They brought him a fresh uniform in respect to his rank. He dressed quickly then followed them outside. It was a cool spring day in Prussia; remnants of winter’s snow clung to the sidewalks and tree trunks. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the clean, crisp air. The guards were polite despite his current state, opening the door to the wagon as he entered.
The ride to the Reichstag was shorter than he’d hoped. The guards escorted him inside the imposing building, directly to the court martial chamber. To his dismay Himmler and Reuters sat on the court. Hans Backer was present, but so were three other generals whom he did not recognize. He would have to play his final card as soon as possible before his trial had a chance to reach deliberations. This court would surely send him to prison if he waited.
One of the unknown generals stood to speak.
“Field Marshal Dolph Erickson, you are here today to face court martial charges due to insubordination. How do you plead?”
“Herr Generals, before I plead I would like to take a moment to explain my actions.”
“There’s nothing to explain,” Claus cut in. The grin on his face showed he was enjoying himself.
“As a member of a respected family he is allowed a statement before we go on,” Hans said. He clearly was not happy with Dolph, but he continued to perform his family obligations.
“Respect or nepotism?” Claus asked.
“Both,” Hans replied.
“Enough,” the unknown general said. “You have the floor, Field Marshal.”
“Thank you, general. As all of you know my position with the army is purely scientific. It was hoped that my tenure would produce such information that would be of advantageous use of the military. A few years ago I discovered the existence of a collection of books which could possibly hold technical knowledge that could advance Prussian science far beyond any country in the world, even Freedonia.”
Claus leaned back in his chair then smiled. Let the fool hang himself, his expression read. Hans shook his head, silently warning Dolph to stop. Dolph looked away from him. This was his final gambit.
“For the past four years I have collected these books and financed with my own money research to develop the knowledge of these books into practical application. A few months ago I was informed by our allies that there was another book available in North Africa. I sent two airships to assist them.”
“Two airships that were destroyed,” Claus added.
Dolph ignored his nemesis. “After the failure of the mission General Hans insisted I take some time off to contemplate my actions. I could not. I believe what these books possess is so important that I defied his orders and personally set out to obtain the book. It was then I discovered that there were two books available. I also discovered there were other forces attempting to obtain the books. That could not be allowed.”
The general leaned back into his chair, clearly unhappy.
“It’s a good story, but it has nothing to do with the fact that you disobeyed orders, jeopardizing your rank as well as the reputation of General Hans.”
Dolph expected such a response. “I realize you and others are skeptical of the knowledge of the books. How could something so advance come from Africa? We forget that Egypt was once the most advance civilization on this Earth. The Greeks and Romans looked upon them with reverence and awe. The knowledge possessed in these books precedes Egypt. It is from it the books that one of my scientists was able to produce this.”
Dolph reached into his pocket then took out the scarab box.
“May I approach?” he asked.
The general nodded. Dolph walked forward then placed the box on the table. He pressed a button on the side of the box. The lid raised; there was a tiny spark then an image floated from the inside.
“What is this?” the general asked, his voice filled with wonder.
“It is a projection box,” Dolph replied. “What you see in what is happening outside these doors. I placed a device which records the images then projects them to this box.”
Even Claus was fascinated. Hans gave him an assuring smile.
“What else do your labs hold?” the general asked.
Dolph closed the box. “Unfortunately both labs were destroyed by those seeking to take the books.”
“Do you know who they are?”
“The Freedonians are definitely involved,” Dolph replied. “I believe they are trying to protect their technological advantage over the rest of the world. The other group is a mystery to me. They are definitely African, but from where they operated I don’t know.”
“Maybe another country using the Africans as cover?” the general surmised. “I suspect England or maybe the Belgians.”
Claus stood, his face twisted. “Are you actually buying this drivel? Dolph appears with a charlatan trick and you fall into his hands?”
“Sit down, general,” the other general snapped. “Your position on this tribunal is precarious at this moment.”
Claus shoved his chair away. “You can save your threats. I refuse to be a part of this travesty. This fool has fouled the reputation of his family and himself and is about to take the rest of you with him. I expected better.”
Claus stormed out of the room. Dolph lowered his head to hide his smile. The other generals sat quietly until Claus exited the room, slamming the door behind him.
“Do you know where the books may be?” the general asked.
“I’m not exactly sure, but my allies could give us an idea. If I could contact them I would know soon.”
“What do you need?” another general asked.
“My allies can mobilize hundreds of fighters for the right incentive,” Dolph replied. “However I would feel better if Prussians were present. I would also need airships.”
The generals looked at each other.
“Will you excuse us for a moment, General?”
“Of course,” Dolph replied. He saluted then strode from the room, a smile forming on his face. When the generals sent for him he was confident he’d convinced them.
“You’ll have your airships,” the general said. “And you’ll have your pick of men.”
“Thank you general!” Dolph exclaimed. “Thank you all.”
“Thank Hans,” the general replied. “He believes in you despite your failures.”
Dolph turned to leave the room.
“One more thing Herr Eriksson,” the general said.
Dolph turned about. “Yes sir?”
“As far as the generals here are concerned we have no knowledge of what you are about to do. If you fail you will bear this burden alone. Do you understand?”
Dolph cleared his throat. “Yes general. I understand.”
“Good luck, Dolph,” Hans replied.
“Thank you, Hans,” Dolph replied.
Dolph hurried from the room. He would have to assemble another team, men who had as much at stake as he. He had this one last chance to redeem his reputation and his family’s fortune. He would not fail.