280 | John W. Warner IV Klemperer stood abruptly, exposing a six-inch neck scar under a white silk scarf. I was my brigades fencing champion in 35. Care to honor me in a gentlemans duel, Herr Rodgers? Or is that against your precious and cowardly American Navy honor code? Eyes enflamed, Bernie picked up a dull butter knife. Mutterficker, I would if my backside wasnt shot to hell! Stares. A stand-off. Bea looked to Klemperer, then Alice and whispered: Not overburdened with excess charm is he? She smiled. Oh, hmm. A thousand hells would be born if he bent himself professionally to the task. Good cheekbones though. Klemperer pointed. WAat did that blond bitch just say? Enough! yelled Geer, banging cup to plate, his authority second only to Schafer. Now, now, my friends, no romantic duels please…let us be cordial. Ladies are present, honorable ladies, said Schafer in a soothing, melodious tone. I myself have some obscure old Prussian bloodlines. He put a hand on Bernies shoulder so that he would sit. Oh-h-h-h-h-h… they chorused again as the table calmed. Most had had a glass too many, egos and tempers akin to spark plugs. A mountain soldier changed the phonograph record to Vivaldi. Klemperer visibly relaxed. Feeling diplomatic, Bea stood, cup high. Gentlemen, we Brits are expected to thrive at the far corners of the world, and so…here we are. A toast to that fetching goddess Frigg and the fabulous Berlin Orchestra. Prost! they chorused, clinking cups. Lovely fat-titted Sif and her drinking horn too! Bernie changed subjects, a good tactic when thoroughly outnumbered. Herr Schafer, how big of an aircraft can your three-kilometer airstrip handle? He pointed to the north where a heavily-camouflaged tin-roofed building and windsock stood. Its around 2600 meters altitude on the valley floor, yes? Bitte, call me Ernst. It is 2726 to be exact. Schafer looked to his overbuilt gold wristwatch that had an altimeter function. He smiled. Are you familiar.. .with the Swiss psychologist and occultist Carl Jung and his concept ofsynchronicity,Herr Rodgers?