GI Time

Jerry later cornered us and asked us about our plans. He also asked if he could come with us if we escaped. Brett and I had already discussed Jerry's situation. Somehow Jerry was entwined in our mission. Should he go with us? Should he stay? We finally decided that he should stay. He would be safe here. Anyway, this was not part of his past! We told Jerry that he had to stay and that one-day he would understand.

Two hours later Kolar sent for us. We walked over to Barracks One. Kolar was talking with Owens and Haskell when we entered.

Kolar pointed to a couple of chairs at the table. "Have a seat."

We sat down and Kolar continued. "First of all, I think Myers assumes that it's an allied secret weapon. He asked me if I had any idea what it was. I told him I didn't have a clue. Which I don't! In a nut shell, it was a friendly interrogation."

He looked at Brett. "OK, what do you want to tell me."

"I want to ask Haskell a few questions first," Brett looked at Haskell.

"Okay by me," Kolar responded as he threw his hands up. "Go ahead Haskell, answer the man's questions."

Brett started the questioning. "Are you sure you were shot down by the same sort of plane that flew over today?"

"Yeah. We had just completed our bombing run. I was the tail gunner and it was on us before I realized it. I got off a few bursts then it shot us with either a rocket or a cannon. We were hit on one of the port engines and the wing exploded. I bailed. I'm not sure if anyone else got out."

"When were you shot down?"

"Three weeks ago."

"Where?"

"Over Naumburg."

"Did it shoot down any other planes?"

"I don't think so. I didn't see any. Like I said, it shot us down so quick ... I didn't have time to notice"

Brett leaned closer to Haskell. "Were you briefed, before the mission, to watch for and report any strange enemy aircraft?"

Haskell looked at Kolar. "Sergeant, that briefing was classified."

"Answer. I'll take the responsibility." Kolar responded.

Haskell looked Brett in the eyes. "Yes, there had been reports of strange rocket planes by other crews."

"Final question. During the briefing, were you told if any these rocket planes had already shot down any of our bombers?"

"No, our pilot asked but they wouldn't tell us."

"I'm done. Thanks Haskell!" Brett looked at Kolar. "We have to talk."

Kolar sent Haskell out. After Haskell left the barracks, Kolar looked at us. "OK, what do you guys know?"

Brett took a deep breath and started. "It's not a German or Allied secret weapon. It's a United States jet fighter that was built seventy years in the future. It was probably stolen by Nazis from the future and sent back here to change the outcome of the war."

"Get out of my barracks!" Kolar pointed to the door. "I don't have time for pranks!"

"And I don't have time to convince you of who we are!" Brett responded. "We need help to get out of here!" He stood up and reached into his pocket for his home made knife.

He rolled up his left shirtsleeve. I knew what was coming.