An unexpected meeting (Schellenburg)

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

Country: Occupied Belgium, just outside the city of Bruges
Current Time: Early morning
Weather Conditions: Clear summer day

The birds were singing, sunlight began to stream through the green leaves of the trees. A cool morning breeze swept through the Belgian countryside. Located a good distance from the main road down an old logging path sat a black 1940 Citroen 7A. The windows were fogged up with the engine off. Three men were seated inside having a conversation. Two of which were able to communicate in French, while the third man only spoke German. During the night the two Frenchman had rescued the third man from a very close encounter with the local Gestapo office. The entire situation resulted in many unanswered questions, however all of that would soon fall into place.

The driver of the vehicle looked at the passenger beside him and said, “There is someone who wants to meet you”. The man simply ignored Aaron when he asked who the person was. The driver noticed the passenger was very nervous, he avoided eye contact and fidgeted with his fingers in a panicky fashion. After a few moments of silence he asked a second question, this time it was for an explanation of why they had saved his life. The driver continued to ignore him just as before, the man located in the backseat muttered something in French. The driver appeared slightly annoyed by his comment, “My friend says that if you speak again he will blow your fucking head off”. Suddenly the click of a pistol was heard from the back seat. The driver turned to Aaron, “I would keep quiet if I were you. My friend does not like Germans”. The man in the back let out a grunt then proceeded to whistle a tune with a low tone.

As time passed the driver appeared relaxed, nearly falling asleep behind the wheel. The sound of an engine approaching was heard in the distance. The driver sat up quickly, he used his hand to rub the window clear. Upon recognizing the approaching vehicle he flung the door open and stepped out into the sunlight. Bumping and bouncing up the logging path was an old green truck driven by a single man who stopped beside the Citroen. With the engine idling he called out in French, “Hurry up! We haven’t got all damn day”. The man in the backseat exited the car, in his right hand he held a Walther P38 with the hammer cocked back. He gestured for Aaron to get out, the driver noticed and sent Aaron a reassuring nod as if to say, “All is well”. Both men appeared to be in their late 20’s, early 30’s, they were clean shaven and appeared normal, no different than anyone else. Their behaviour revealed they were extremely cautious and un-trusting of Schellenburg.

The driver approached Aaron, “Look, my name is Andre. I need to know if you are armed, If so I need to temporarily hold your gun”. He shot a quick glance over at his friend who now removed a tarp covering the trucks box. The man now known as Andre gave a light shrug, “ Pierre does not trust you at all. If anything were to happen he will shoot first…you’re going to have to trust me here”.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron let out a dry swallow as he was warned by the driver that the man that was seated in the backseat that he should keep his mouth shut because of his dislike for people of his kind. Aaron picked this up quickly and kept his parched lips shut, continuing to fiddle with his fingers, actually peeling off some skin occasionally. He looked back out of the window, spacing out.

As time wore on, Aaron began dozing off. He had not had proper sleep since yesterday. Dark circles were prominently showing under Aaron's eyes. Aaron slowly wok up when the driver called out to the two men in the car. He slowly opened his eyes, getting used to the bright sun that peered out of dusty windows. When he saw the man in the backseat exit the car with a Walther P38 with the hammer cocked back, he almost panicked; but the driver reassured Aaron that it was fine. Aaron slowly got out of the car and he noticed their appearances and nothing seemed different about them, but the way they carried themselves seemed to but Aaron off, they seemed like they did not trust him. Aaron looked at the driver as he approached him, Aaron felt the need to back away, but the open door kept him from going anywhere. Aaron stayed in the place as the driver introduced himself as Andre. Aaron listened as Andre told Aaron if he had any weapons on him and if so, he'll have to temporarily hold on to them.

This seemed to to make Aaron nervous again, but these strange men did save his life... Aaron reluctantly reached back to one of his belt loops and pulled out a Luger that he stole from one of the Gestapo officers, who attacked him earlier this morning. Aaron slowly handed Andre the Luger, not uttering a word. He basically ignored Andre when his told him that Pierre didn't trust Germans period, and that if anything happened on his end, he would shoot first. Aaron tired eyes wearily watched Pierre, who was at the back of an old green truck, pulling a tarp off of the back.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

The man known as Andre accepted the pistol with a brief nod. He cleared his throat then quickly tucked it behind his waist. Pierre waved in order to get the two men’s attention, Andre signalled for Aaron to follow him to the truck. Andre spoke, “Climb in here and be careful not to make a sound”. He turned to his partner and spoke in French, “I’ll ride with him, get in the cab”. Without any form of acknowledgement Pierre made his way to the passenger side and hopped in slamming the door. The Frenchman climbed in the truck box, “Get in, let’s go”. The elderly driver quickly got out of the cab and started to pull the tarp back over the box. He mumbled some grumpy sounding words at Aaron then got back inside the truck.

When everyone was in and the two in the back concealed the driver pulled away from the clearing. The black Citroen sat abandoned in the forest, Andre grinned slightly and said to Aaron, “We stole that car from a German Army officers driveway. It was parked right out front. It was the fastest car on the block”, He let out a light chuckle as he shifted around out of discomfort, “This is the shitty part. What is your name?” The truck bounced as it hit ruts in the road, they had been driving for a while now. The old man driving had a way of explaining things at each German checkpoint they hit. Without much resistance the guards would let them pass through. The old man used this road every day since the occupation began, he was used to the soldiers posted here as they seemed to know him. The truck rolled up to a final checkpoint before reaching a rural area where the Nazi’s hardly ventured. A German Feldgendarmerie or military police Sergeant started asking questions, “Where are you going? What do you have in the back?” Andre’s gaze shifted toward Aaron, he remained calm while slowly bringing a finger to his lips, and he wisped “Shh”.

The checkpoint consisted of a guard shack with a barrier blocking the center of the road. Coils of barbed wire surrounded the barricade. There were two soldiers of the regular German army standing near a motorcycle on the opposite side. Two more Feldgendarmerie watched from the guard shack with sub machine guns. The Sergeant was not buying the story as the others had, he felt as if something wasn’t quite right. He began to grip the tarp with a gloved hand when suddenly a vehicle was heard coming behind the truck. He instantly looked up to see a Kubelwagon coming up the road, it pulled to the side right before the barrier. The Feldgendarmerie released the tarp from his grip then stormed toward the Kubelwagon in a military fashion. He threw up a Nazi salute as he was addressed by an officer sitting in the back, the Sergeant then shouted to the barrier guard,“Let it through, be quick about it!”. The officer must have instructed him to get rid of the traffic or he sent them away without thinking.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron watched as Pierre signaled him and Andre to the truck. Aaron followed Andre quietly to the bed of the truck. Aaron basically stared at the box in the bed of the truck while Andre had small conversation with the two men. He watched Andre get into the small box at first. You got to be kidding me. Aaron silently thought at Andre assured him to get into the box with him; after some second-thoughts Aaron climbed into the box with Andre. It was very small and cramped, but it was not too uncomfortable. Aaron looked at the elderly man as he pulled the tarp over the box, covering the two men. He kind of gave a puzzling look as he the old man mumbled something.

Aaron couldn't see much because of the tarp covering over them, so he didn't even know what he was looking at. Aaron listened to Andre as he told him about the black car they left behind, this did make Aaron laugh a bit as the thought of getting away with robbery appeared in his mind. Andre asked for his name, it was a pretty uneventful place to ask a question, especially to get to know someone. Aaron shifted a bit before answering.

"Aaron."


The ride was mostly quiet and pretty nauseating. Aaron felt the truck pull to constant stops. He was curious to know what was going on, but reminded himself that this was not the right time to peek around. Aaron stated put in his awkward position as listened intently to one of the checkpoint officers asking a series of questions. When the officer asked the elderly man what did he have in the bed of his truck Aaron became nervous. Andre uttered "Shh" to keep Aaron from making any noises. Aaron's eyes widened when the officer made his way to the bed of the truck and his gloved hand gripping the tarp. Aaron held his breath as he prayed that the man did not reveal them. Luckily, he heard the man let go of the tarp and leave from behind the truck. Aaron still listened carefully to see if anyone else was going to attempt the same thing, but no one came, instead the officer instructed the barrier guard to let them pass. Aaron let out a very quiet sigh of relief as the truck was allowed to pass.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

A short time later the truck came to a full stop. Pierre let Andre and Aaron hop out. When they did so the old man drove away with a honk of the horn. He had dropped them off at a remote cabin in the forest, far away from the city from which they had fled. Pierre led the way to the porch, he climbed some steps and entered through the front door leaving it open behind him. Andre looked at Aaron and said, “It is very important you tell the whole truth”. When the men entered the cabin they were met by a tall, young dark haired man dressed in a sport suit. He stood there with his arms folded across his chest, on a wooden table beside him sat an American Colt .45 pistol. Andre sent a nod to the mysterious gentleman then gave Aaron a pat on the shoulder. The man sniffed lightly then said in a calm voice, “Merci”. Andre shrugged leaning against a nearby wall by the exit. The man gestured toward a chair next to the table, he slowly lowered himself into his own. He began to speak in French to Aaron when suddenly Pierre interrupted. He informed the gentleman that Aaron did speak French, that he would have to speak German to him. With a sigh the tall man continued in German this time, “I am Le Spectre”, the man gestured toward himself as if it was supposed to mean something. He studied Aaron hard for a moment, “Let us start, I am interested to know who you are. I have told you who I am, now it is your turn. Please, take it from the top".

Andre reached behind his waist, when his hand re-appeared he held the Luger Aaron had handed him. He raised it in the air so Spectre could get a glimpse. He noticed the pistol but remained quiet and focused on Aaron. The interior of the room in which they were located was very plain. A few wooden chairs with a table was the only furniture in sight. The cabin consisted of one single room, no sleeping arrangements were visible either. This would indicate that the building was scarcely used, if used at all. The man asking Aaron the questions seemed comfortable, calm and collective. He removed a shiny cigarette case from inside his jacket, he flipped it open then placed it on the table in front of him.

Spectre raised a cigarette toward his lips, suddenly Pierre leaned in to light it for him. The gentleman sent him a nod as he took the first puff, thick grey smoke filled the air, "If you smoke, feel free to help yourself". Spectre offered Aaron a polite smile while he flicked his cigarette ash neatly on the table top.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

The green truck continued riding, delieverung bumps and jotsles along the way. Aaron felt the bumby ride come to a long stop. He heard a rusty door opening amd slamming, he could not see anything at the moment. Seconds later Pierre removed the tarp, allowing the men to exit the cramped box. Andre was first to exit. The light aggrevated Aaron's eyes as he blinked rapidly, trying to adjust them to the brightness. Aaron climbed out of the box, making his way to the ground. When his feet were planted on the ground, Aaron stretched a bit. Aaron watched as the elderly man drove off with a honk of a horn. Aaron looked around, absorbing his surroundings; he noticed that he was in the woods... by the thickness, if was more specifically a remote area. Pierre began making his way to a small cabin that was located a few feet away, almost promtly Andre and Aaron followed Pierre. Aaron seemed fine until Andre told him to "tell the whole truth." Honestly Aaron had no idea what is going on and why he was brought here, but he just kept the thought to himself and nodded.

Aaron, Pierre, and Andre made their way inside of the cabin.The cabin was bery small and almost barren of furniture, which was bizarre. The small cabin gave Aaron an uneasy feeling as his eyes met with a man, who was taller than him and wore dark attire. Aaron swallowed dryly as he tried to calm himself. The chain of events appeared to take a toll on Aaron, he was currently fatigued and almost afraid of this man before him. Aaron heard exchanges of words before the mysterious man showed him to his seat at a small table. The man sat in his first, Aaron took the que to sit in the only availible chair. He slowly sat down in the chair occassionally glancing at the colt that was in hand's reach to the stranger. The man almost promptly spoke to Aaron in French, as if Aaron could even understand the language. Pierre noted that Aaron is Germn, causing the stranger to repeat himself in Aaron's native tounge.

"I-I'm Aaron. Aaron Schellenburg. And- its a long story how I got here or in this country."

Aaron's eyes met with the man known as Le Spectre, interesting name Aaron tjought to himself. Le Spectre offered him cigarettes with a smile, Aaron shook his head amd polietly declined.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

Le Spectre sat quietly for a few moments focused on the man sitting across from him. The room was so quiet the sound of someone’s watch could be heard ticking. Finally Luc spoke in between puffing his cigarette, “Alright, Aaron Schellenburg. I have a limited amount of time so let’s make a long story short”. The Frenchman’s smirk had disappeared and his expression displayed that he was growing slightly impatient. Andre cleared his throat loudly then shot Aaron a quick nod as if to say, “Go ahead”.

Pierre sat on a small wood stove that was in a corner of the room. He reached inside his jacket and removed an SS honor dagger, writing on the blade clearly read, “Meine Ehre heiße Treue” (My honor is my loyalty). The blade glistened and appeared to be very sharp as he picked at a finger nail. It was now late afternoon in the forest, the sun changed directions and was moving West to set. Jean-Luc crushed the cigarette butt in the ashtray, " I am sorry to rush you Mr. Schellenburg but you must understand my postion. We have helped you, now you must help us understand the whole situation".

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron nervously cleared his throat. He tried his best to sort though everything that has happened to him and give the explanation on how he got here. He slightly looked over to Andre as he give him the nod for him to start his story.

"Well it all started a few days ago when I was hiding out in the cellar of a family friend. I decided to take a walk around Bruges, dispute my mother's protests. When I returned, I saw the Gestapo in front of the house where my mother and I were hiding out."

Aaron paused and nervously began twirling his thumbs. He looked at Le Spectre, aming sure he gave eye contact before resuming.

"I believe that it was my lucky night because I was just simply asked for papers and left alone, kind of. I watched many, including my mother, get rounded up and stuffed into a transport truck to God-knows where. From there, I rode with an SD officer... by the name Albrect if I am correct. Anyways, he let me off the hook and allowed me to get a room for the night and leave the city in the morning, but that did not happen according to plan. Some guy who was probably working for them attacked me in my room. I was able to steal his Luger and make a mad break for it."

Aaron believed that he told enough of his story.

"Should I continue?"

He imposed that question just in case Le Spectre wanted him to explain more. Aaron stopped his nervous habit and sat further back in the wooden chair.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

Luc narrowed his eyes appearing attentive as Aaron told his story. At times he even looked as if he was slightly amused by what the man was saying. La Roche listened carefully to every word, he monitored Aarons each movement in an attempt to detect a lie. After the young man had finished telling most of his story Luc glanced at his two henchmen. Neither man showed any sign of disbelief or acceptance, they stayed quiet. Jean-Luc lit another cigarette, after a few puffs he gave it a single flick in the ashtray.

“No need to continue, I know the rest. That is quite the tale Mr. Schellenburg, you had a close encounter with the Nazi’s from which you managed to escape, you are very lucky. Your mother and some others were taken away you said. I will need her first and last name in order to verify what you told me. I have eyes and ears everywhere, the Gestapo are not the only ones spying”.
Jean-Luc took two long hauls on the cigarette. He blew the smoke in Aaron’s direction as he spoke, “I hope you understand that I can’t allow you to leave at the moment. The reason being that I can’t put my people at risk, you will be allowed to leave when I can confirm who you are. No one can be trusted these days, Pierre and Andre will stay with you”. He gave Aaron a firm nod then quickly got to his feet signalling Pierre to follow. “Have a good day Mr. Schellenburg, I will be in touch very soon”.

Outside on the porch Luc spoke quietly to Pierre, “Anton is down the road with a rifle. He will fire a shot if any unwanted guests are coming. If that man inside attempts to escape, shoot him dead”. Pierre nodded in agreement then replied, “Do you believe him?”, Luc responded, “He wasn’t lying or he’s some kind of agent. His story makes some sense because a house in the city was raided last night. All the occupants were sent away by the Gestapo”. Pierre nodded slowly then spoke, “He mentioned that SD officer Albrecht. He is the one that we have been hearing about, he must have put a tail on..-" Luc interrupted him suddenly, “Leave it to me, just guard him until I come back”.

Jean Luc stepped off the porch and began to stroll into the forest at a leisurely pace. Pierre poked his head inside addressing Andre, “I’m going to have a smoke with Anton, he’s down the path on sentry”. Andre shot him a nod and lazily gestured to the door, “Sure” he replied.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron listened to what the man known as La Spectre said. He nodded slowly.

"Her name was Elise... Elise Schellenburg. I have a feeling that she is dead anyways."

Aaron looked down at the worn wooden table, thinking about his mother and whether or not he should have taken her place. Aaron did not give any further words as he was trying to keep his conflicting emotions in check. He was not surprised that he had to stay until he was in the clear, but it was becoming quiet bothersome to him. He just nodded and looked at both Andre and Pierre and sighed. Just something in him just did not add up. Why was he saved in the first place? Aaron did take hint to what La Spectre told him about the eyes and ears everywhere... tagline. Maybe some of them were nearby and noticed that action.

Aaron tried to internally sort through a few days of action and make sense of it. Halfway through that thought process, a loud rumbling could be heard. Damn, how long has it been since I have eaten anything? Aaron questioned himself. Honestly he had not idea when was the last time he had a meal.

"Is there anything to eat here?"

He probably knows the answer but it does not hurt ask the man that was supposedly keeping an eye on him.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

Andre sat down in the chair across from Aaron. He shrugged shaking his head slightly, and then he reached inside his jacket. He removed a chocolate bar offering it to the young man, “The English drop these to us. Here, go ahead. Interesting story you told Schellenburg, I saw you get dropped off”. After a pause Andre continued speaking, “We watch the Gestapo’s headquarters in the city. Driving around with Albrecht made you a person of interest. That SD officer put a tail on you the moment you left his office”. Andre cracked a grin, “Things making sense now? I believe you my friend but Le Spectre is very cautious. A lot of good people have been killed due to this war, it’s a nightmare”.

Andre grew quiet and began to stare off in space, a distant look in his eyes. Snapping back to reality he said in a low tone, “They won’t stop until they have taken over the whole world. Your countrymen are evil”. After letting out a deep sigh Andre continued, “You know who we are Aaron Schellenburg? Got a guess?”. The Frenchman took out a small metal flask he un-screwed the top and took a long drink. He wiped his face with the back of his arm then offered the flask to Aaron.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron watched Andre as he made his way to the empty chair and sit in it across from him. He watched as the man reached in his coat pocket, pulling out a chocolate bar. Normally Aaron would be reluctant to receive things from complete strangers, but to hell with it. Aaron grasped the lukewarm bar in his hand and began unwrapping the covering. Aaron paused when he heard Andre telling him that they were watching him. He gave Andre a nod as he continued to unwrap the chocolate bar and take a bite from it. He paused and swallowed the sweet bar in his mouth.

"I honestly want this war to end. I have been on the run with my mother for a few years now. When we came here, she and I honestly believed that we avoided the Nazis- but of course Belgium fell."

Aaron paused and took another bite of the chocolate, he listened carefully to what Andre said. He slightly accurate about Germans being evil, but part of him believes that there are people that despises this war and are innocent. Aaron was snapped out of his thought process when Andre asked him a question.

"Something to do with the Resistance right? I kind of heard of people like you guys."

Aaron set the bar down on the table and gladly accepted the flask that was silently offered to him. Aaron took one good swig and set the flask on the table. It was not his first time feeling the familiar sting of alcohol, but it became almost foreign to him.

"Thank you. I needed that."

Aaron hoarsely replied with a small smile to Andre.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

Andre chuckled and grabbed the flask from the table. He took another quick drink while sending a salute to Aaron. After screwing the top back on he slid the flask back inside his jacket then giving it a single tap. “Meh, don’t worry about it. The drinks are on me”. He Grinned when Aaron replied to his question, “The resistance huh? What does the resistance do Aaron Schellenburg ? That isn’t a word I suggest you say too loudly”. Andre brought a finger to his lips and whispered, “Shhh”, his facial expression turned serious. Suddenly he started laughing and dove inside his pocket for the alcohol, “Relax, we are safe out here. You look like shit, maybe try and get some sleep. I’ll keep watch, we got a few men down the road as well. Lu..- I mean, Le Spectre will be back soon”.

Andre got to his feet and stretched his arms to the side. On his way out the door he stopped, “If you need anything just give a shout”.

The sun went down and night fell over the forest. The evening was cool, obvious that summer was on its way out. Darkness surrounded the cabin that was hidden in a ravine deep in the woods. A lone man approached the camp via the old logging road, the only access to the area. He delivered a message which stated that Aaron’s story checked out. He was indeed who he claimed to be during the meeting earlier that day. Pierre delivered the message to Andre who then entered the cabin to inform Aaron. Holding small lantern he entered the main room, “Hey”. There was more to the message, Jean-Luc discovered the Jewish men's fate along with that of Aaron's mother, Elise.

[Aaron Hroda Schellenburg]

Aaron let out a small chuckle to Andre small joke. His jovial facade vanished when Andre told him the warning.

"Well I know help out the innocent, meaning the Jews and so forth. From that, I have no clue."

He honestly answered as he let out a yawn and continued to sit back in his seat. Sleep would be the best medicine for him at this moment, and he did take advantage of it. Aaron gave Andre a nod as he exited the small cabin. Aaron stuffed his hands in his pockets and closed his tired eyes, surrendering to a deep sleep. Hours later he was awoken by a soft "Hey". Aaron jolted from his rest, and almost fell out of the chair. He rubbed his eyes and gave a slightly tired to look to Andre.

[Jean-Luc Laroche]

Andre set the lantern on the near-by stove, he lowered himself to Aaron’s level. Him and Pierre appeared as if something was amiss, “Your story it checks out. But, I also have some horrible news for you. Spectre told me the bodies of those men you hid with were discovered this morning. One of Spectres contacts can.. “ He sighed placing a hand on Aaron’s shoulder, “There is no easy way to say this, your mother is dead. She was executed by the SS for no reason what so ever, I am very sorry Aaron”. Pierre for the first time adjusted his attitude, he placed a hand on Aaron’s other shoulder, “I’m sorry about your mother, I..” his voice trailed off.

Andre continued, “You are very lucky you were not among them! I know this is hard but you are still alive my friend”. He squeezed his shoulder slightly raising his voice. Jean-Luc would soon be on his way to take Aaron to a new safe house. From there he would be smuggled out of the country where he would be safe. The arrangements were already in full swing, if everything went according to plan Schellenburg would be safely evacuated to England. Luc had helped a dozen Jews escape the country, some however decided to stay and fight. Many died fighting or were captured by the Gestapo where they met a certain death.

Jean-Luc drove with his lights off through the countryside so not to cause attention. It was a very dark night, the fog rolled in causing visibility to be low. After gaining the information on Schellenburg Luc got in touch with some people and arranged an escape. He was on his way back to the cabin to inform him of his findings personally. The low sound of the radio played the “BBC”, an American tune was up. It caused Jean-Luc to drum his fingers on the steering wheel. Suddenly light could be seen in the distance, cursing to himself Luc franticly looked from left to right for a place to pull in. Several sets of headlights were now visible, suddenly a small driveway appeared on the left hand side. Luc gunned it up the gravel road spinning the tires, it sent rocks flying. After pulling off the main road he turned the engine off, the vehicles could now be heard closing on his position.

It took about another minute for the first Opel Blitz to pass the driveway. The powerful engine roared and the suspension creaked as the vehicle hit bumps on the road. In total there had to have been several vehicles, mostly trucks and maybe one car. When the coast was clear Luc turned the key causing the engine to start. He threw the Citroen into reverse and floored it backwards to the main road.