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Voller's memories of that day were as vivid as ever, each detail etched into his mind like it had just happened. The recollection never failed to send shivers down his spine whenever he closed his eyes.
Three months prior, he and Klaber embarked on a journey to the past using the Antikythera device. However, their plans were drastically altered, landing them in 212 BC instead of 1939. In the face of what felt like imminent death, Klaber remained by Voller's side, helping him navigate the dire circumstances.
Klaber courageously fired shots into the war-ravaged scene below. Voller could still see the sweat on Klaber's forehead, the trembling grip on the weapon, and a hint of fear in his eyes that rarely surfaced. Klaber's rapid firing, accompanied by his curses, hinted at a desperation only Voller recognized.
When a lance struck their pilot, Klaber abandoned his weapon to search frantically for a parachute. Miraculously, he found one, and he used it to carry Voller in his arms.
Though Klaber struggled under the weight, Voller's mind was consumed by the moment. They narrowly escaped the crashing and exploding plane, the slight delay that spared their lives weighing heavily on Voller's memory.
As they touched down safely, the weight of their survival mixed with trauma. A tear slid down Voller's cheek, a manifestation of survivor's guilt. The plan had been his, yet his teammates had lost their lives, leaving only him and loyal Klaber alive.
In silence, Voller wept in Klaber's embrace, while Klaber held him tightly. Even in that embrace, Voller sensed Klaber's trembling hand.
Eventually, Voller found the courage to speak, though his voice was still hoarse. "Klaber, I... I'm so..." His words faltered, unable to convey the depths of his emotions after such a traumatic experience.
Klaber nodded fervently, the remnants of his fear evident. He offered comfort by running his hand along Voller's back. "Mein herr, we're together. We're still here, and it'll be alright."
"But the others..." Voller's voice was tinged with sadness. "It's my burden to bear, a consequence of my choices. Their fate.... it's all because of me."
As Klaber calmed his breathing, his own fear gradually subsided. A few deep breaths helped to steady him. "I'll stand by your side. I promise, I won't abandon you."
Panic surged through Voller's veins, his vision darkening, and his head throbbing. "Vielen danke, Klaber," he whispered hoarsely.
Soon after, Voller lost consciousness. When he woke, he found himself in a familiar hotel room. The situation was puzzling; he had expected to be in a hospital. Doubts about the reality of the experience crept in until he noticed the bandaged wound on his stomach, no longer bleeding.
Klaber was in the room, cutting apples with a gentle focus. Voller's eyes fell on Klaber's back as he worked. Even his clothes were clean, devoid of any bloodstains or dirt.
"Klaber?" Voller's voice was steadier after his rest.
Startled by the sound, Klaber turned around, relief evident in his eyes. He set the apple slices on the nightstand. "Mein herr, you're finally awake."
Finally awake? Voller wondered. "How long have I been unconscious?"
Klaber grabbed a fork and began feeding Voller the apple slices. He ate without protest, his hunger overpowering any reservations. "Two days."
"That explains the numbness. It's everywhere," Voller remarked.
"You still need to rest. We can take a walk later," Klaber suggested as he got up, taking the used dish to the sink.
Left alone, Voller felt an uneasy weight settle in. The memories replayed in his mind relentlessly, fueling his anxiety. Worried about his own thoughts, he unconsciously called out, "Klaber?"
Unheard over the sound of the dishwasher, Voller's plea hung in the air. He could hear Klaber moving about in the background.
The thoughts of death became more pronounced, his head aching and the room spinning. Spinningspinningspinningspinning. The nausea was overpowering. "Klaber..." Voller's voice was weak.
Klaber rushed over, concern evident on his face. "Yes, boss?"
The loyalty and dedication Klaber displayed overwhelmed Voller with emotion, his voice cracking as he spoke. "Klaber..."
Understanding passed between them, unspoken but palpable. Klaber took a seat beside Voller, his hand patting Voller's shoulder reassuringly. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
"Can we... could we leave America, please?" Voller's voice was barely a whisper. "Staying here just keeps that tragedy fresh in my mind."
"Anything you say," Klaber replied. "Since no one knows we're alive, we're free to go anywhere we like. Maybe settle down somewhere near Germany?"
"No, not Germany. We'll head to Switzerland," Voller said firmly.
He needed to clear his head. Rising from the bed, he felt the soreness in his feet from lying down. He found comfort on the rooftop, observing passersby. "Klaber, pass me my cigarette."
Klaber obliged and lit it for him. Voller took a drag, his gaze drifting along with his thoughts as he watched the sunset.
Klaber remained there, sharing the cigarette with his boss. He relished the idea of tasting something that had touched Voller's lips, even if it was just his cigarette.
After a while, Voller's gaze shifted to Klaber. "Klaber, how can you still stand by me after that tragic loss, doesn't it imply that I'm unreliable? Why do you continue to take care of me?"
Klaber took the cigarette from Voller's hand, inhaling before he answered, "What can I say? We're quite the odd pair. You might say I lost faith in science and progress."
"You never really had faith in science to begin with," Voller interjected, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"Yeah. You could also say I lost faith in the people on TV. And the politicians."
Voller nodded, finding common ground in their skepticism. He toyed with the cigarette between his fingers.
"But if I ever lose faith in you, I wouldn't have much left to believe in."
Voller smiled. He had truly found a steadfast companion. "Thanks, Klaber."
"For what?"
"Everything." Voller's smile widened as he dropped the cigarette, extinguishing it with his foot. He ruffled Klaber's hair affectionately.
Klaber wondered if Voller would ever realize his feelings for him. Isn't it painfully obvious?
"Let's head in, Klaber. I'm curious to taste the food you prepared earlier," Voller called from indoors.
Perhaps, for now, smoking his boss's cigarette would be enough to satisfy himself.