Near the end of the war...
Wooden crates on top of more wooden crates were piled high in one corner of the cave. Too many submarine journeys to count had transported all the gold the three man had managed to obtain there. Gold from ransacked banks, blown-up Nazi bunkers, seized French hideouts, retrieved from Jewish communities and museums; gold from everywhere. Individuals from every nation and all the military and social institutions were involved in the operation, from small farmers up to officers and officials on every side. Their goal was as remarkable as it was outrageous, but they were following the dictates of their hearts.
"It appears that Berlin is under siege and it's only a matter of time until Germany surrenders", the American said.
"Better that way," added the German captain. "Fewer problems for the world. I think the Japanese will hold out for a couple more years but they will surrender in the end. Then we'll take the gold and try to restore as much as we possibly can."
The American nodded in agreement.
"I have a better idea," the Jewish man declared. "Certainly, we would do a great deal of good, but you also must think of everyone who collaborated with us to make this project possible and who maybe, just maybe, have changed their minds by the time we come back. Remember that promises made during wartime are good for nothing in times of peace."
Both men fell silent, lost in their thoughts.
"Well, what do you propose then? asked the German captain.
“In my opinion, better that we should leave this task to our grandchildren, when the wounds from the war are not so deep and there aren't so many brilliant minds gathered around the table. Three descendants, one world to restore. I know it sounds egotistical, but..."
"No, no," the American interrupted. "You're right. To restore the damage caused without any prejudices or emotions interfering. Let it be the new generations who put back in order what the old minds ruined. It strikes me as the perfect plan."
"Very well," the German captain said. "I believe that all of us are in agreement then. I also like the idea of our grandchildren making amends for the errors of their grandparents."
"And may God forgive us," added the American.
The three colleagues and friends maintained a minute of silence in remembrance of all war victims, one minute that extended to almost six without any of them realizing it. The gold they robbed was for the children who lost their parents, the women who lost their husbands, the mothers who would never see their sons again, the young men stripped of their innocence and everyone who suffered the horror of being forced to give up their dreams, and their dignity. The gold was never going to compensate for the damage done, but neither would it fatten the bellies of the self-serving egotists and corrupt men who wanted to take advantage of the end of the war, as they did for as long as it lasted.