Work Text:
After days in retreat from El Alamein, Kompanie 4 had regrouped and made camp.
Hans Dietrich worked in the HQ tent, alone. For the third time that day, he turned to address his company clerk. There was only the radio set, the silent typewriter, and the empty chair. Arnheiter himself was gone.
The captain arose and went outside where the sentry stood. “Müller, I want that chair taken away. Now.”
“Jawohl, Herr Hauptmann.”
Oberleutnant Bergmann approached. “Sir, you will need to appoint a new clerk. One of the other radiomen…”
“Indeed,” replied the captain with some acerbity. “But not today.”
