บท 61: Chapter 1 "The Sinking of U148"
Before announcing his decision to the crew, Zhang Hainuo first convened a meeting in the mess hall with the officers on board. In attendance, in order of rank from highest to lowest, were Torpedo Officer Edwen, First Officer Simon Pratins, Staff Officer Otto von Glenncorb, Chief Engineer Sergil Shaheed, Gunnery Officer Gilbert Jank, Navigation Officer Derek Lehman, Communications Officer Rots Leicester, and Medical Officer Kais Schmidt.
Edwen positioned himself at the passage leading to the command cabin, while Zhang Hainuo's orderly, Warner Stalder, stood guard at another passage leading to the forward torpedo compartment, ensuring no "unauthorized personnel" would intrude.
"Everyone, what I'm about to discuss is a very serious matter. You might be greatly surprised when you hear it, but I urge you to control your emotions because I don't want the crew to know until we've made a collective decision! Do you all understand?" Zhang Hainuo earnestly sought confirmation from each person, and this request clearly aroused intense curiosity in most, who were mentally prepared for the impending "shock."
"I've just telegraphed Wilhelmshaven, informing headquarters that we're under attack by British warships, and the submarine is about to sink!" Zhang Hainuo's words left almost everyone gaping, except for Edwen and the person in question, Rots, who were in the know. Fortunately, Zhang Hainuo had prepared them beforehand, so no one shouted out in shock, but the profound impact was palpable, and everyone eagerly awaited Zhang Hainuo's next words.
"I apologize for informing you after the telegram was sent, but I had my reasons! Giselle, tell everyone how much fuel we have on board and how far it will take the submarine!" Zhang Hainuo requested, looking to each person for acknowledgment. This demand seemed to pique the curiosity of most, who were also mentally prepared to accept the impending "stimulus."
"According to orders, we've been supplied with only 75 tons of fuel this time, which will take us a maximum of 7,200 nautical miles!" replied Chief Engineer Sergil Shaheed, Zhang Hainuo's old subordinate and the submarine's chief engineer, in a straightforward manner, glancing at his captain before turning his gaze to the assembled officers.
"7,200 nautical miles isn't immediately intuitive, so let me explain: our last journey from Wilhelmshaven to the East Coast of the United States and back covered a total distance of 10,300 nautical miles, consuming 110 tons of fuel!" Zhang Hainuo elucidated, helping everyone comprehend the submarine's predicament.
This revelation prompted everyone to exchange glances, realizing the implications of their captain's decision.
At that moment, Zhang Hainuo observed each person's reaction carefully. Edwen was his loyal supporter, having already accepted Zhang Hainuo's bold plan. Simon and Sergil, his old subordinates and highly experienced sailors, quickly mixed their astonishment with a sense of despair and sorrow. Gunnery Officer Gilbert Jank and Navigation Officer Derek Lehman were tough individuals, their initial shock turning into confusion and then anger. Communications Officer Rots Leicester and Medical Officer Kais Schmidt, two special officers on board with no direct subordinates or speaking rights, expressed silence and helplessness.
Only Otto von Glenncorb, sitting calmly in the corner, remained silent and enigmatic.
Once the atmosphere settled, Zhang Hainuo's tone became more resolute: "If we follow the Navy's orders to go to the United States, we'll either die in battle or be captured by the Americans! Death in battle is honorable, but being captured means... you all know what it means! I believe a true warrior shouldn't be bound by fate. We have a third option!"
"The third option" caused everyone to look at Zhang Hainuo, except for one person.
Perhaps due to the art of communication or the individual's character, Zhang Hainuo felt he never truly understood this young nobleman's thoughts. Nevertheless, he had to prioritize the majority's interests for now.
"The U.S. government has rejected Germany's ceasefire request, which means the war will continue until one side is completely defeated. The situation is now very clear. We must face it! As the war ends, Germany will be forced to surrender all its main warships and submarines. But I believe at least one submarine will be exempt!"
"U148!" Edwen's voice, though not loud, was like the finishing touch. Any reasonably attentive person could now grasp Zhang Hainuo's intentions!
"No!" Gunnery Officer Jank stood up excitedly. "I'd rather coexist with the Empire's demise. I'd rather die in battle than be a deserter!"
"Deserter" was an extremely jarring and unacceptable term to everyone present, as each valued honor over life.
"No, we're not deserters!" Zhang Hainuo corrected promptly. "Apart from death in battle or being captured by the enemy, we have a third option, but it's not desertion!"
Although still struggling to accept the idea, Jank realized his impulsiveness, took a deep
breath, and returned to his seat under Zhang Hainuo's unwavering gaze.
Zhang Hainuo noticed several crew members curiously looking in their direction from the corridor, but Jank's voice hadn't been too loud, so they probably hadn't heard that "damaging" statement.
Seeing his captain cautiously observing him, those crew members reluctantly turned back.
"Jank, do you want to see this submarine seized by the enemy and then used against Germany again? Do you want to see all our efforts and resources go to waste, watching us drift at sea or end up in enemy POW camps?" Zhang Hainuo pressed on.
Jank glanced up at him, then lowered his head in resignation.
"Our goal is to preserve this submarine, to continue serving Germany one day!" Zhang Hainuo found his rallying cry compelling, knowing it was just the beginning, with deeper meanings yet to be revealed.
"Captain, are you certain the enemy can seize all our main warships and submarines?" A calm voice suddenly emerged from the corner, and Zhang Hainuo didn't need to look to know who spoke. He had to admit, this question hit the mark.
"Yes, I'm certain! If we return to Wilhelmshaven now, within a month, this submarine will be escorted to Portsmouth by the enemy! Lieutenant, we'll soon see if what I've said becomes reality. If not, I'm willing to accept any punishment from you, including facing a court-martial for desertion!"
Zhang Hainuo dared to say this because the situation had reached a point where Germany's defeat was inevitable. The Allied Powers wouldn't allow a defeated nation to retain such a formidable fleet, including the feared U-boats!
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