Chapter 145 Italian Breakfast The breakfast consisting of jam bread and foam coffee seems a bit simple, but for the US sailors who thought they were going to drift in the sea for a long time, it was already like a dream, not to mention they were not detained in Yin Instead, they lined up in the dark lower cabin to dine in the ship's sailor's mess. The captain, deputy captain, and the German senior adviser were also invited to the officers' mess to sit at the same table with Italian commanders of the same level! "Everyone, the country's involvement in the war was decided by those politicians. As soldiers, our obligation is to obey. (¡ª¡ª) I personally deeply regret that we are unfortunately on the opposite side of the war and express my deep gratitude to the United States. The captain of this light cruiser, an Italian naval captain with an artistic temperament and an athletic physique, raised his glass very politely - yes, breakfast, warships, war, all of this cannot be Stopping Italians from enjoying life, as evidenced by the red wine in a goblet. The same factor has lost its binding meaning for the American military officer and German adviser who unfortunately lost the submarine but were lucky enough to be rescued by the Italians. They looked at each other, with curiosity rather than worry in their eyes: Italian He would never put poisonous wine in front of his captives, unless they were political figures who made the whole of Italy fearful! After the Italian translator conveyed the captain¡¯s original words, Lieutenant Colonel Wiesler took the lead in picking up the wine glass and drank it together with the ups and downs of the previous few hours. In the U.S. Navy, being captured by the enemy will not ruin your military career, but the opportunity to serve as commander of a submarine detachment will not always be there. As for the "Yamato" that was once on the edge of the torpedo range, it is now missing. Seeing that his immediate superior had set an example, the deputy captain, Lieutenant White, whose arm was in a sling due to a fracture, raised his glass with his left hand and also drank the red wine in the glass. At this time, only Major Ludendorff was left sitting there silently. According to the German-US military assistance agreement, German volunteers could not take the initiative to reveal their identities after being captured, so the United States also prepared a fake plan for them. Guaranteed ID card. Ludendorff's military ID card read "Chief of Submarine Staff", a position that did not actually exist in the U.S. Navy. The atmosphere was a little awkward. After a long time, Ludendorff said in English: "Sorry, I don't drink in the morning!" After the translator translated this into Italian, the Italian officer who called himself Colonel Bruni looked at Ludendorff with strange eyes. Looked it over. "You don't look like an American!" "How can you see that?" Ludendorff asked coldly. ¡°The Americans I have met are all enthusiastic, bold, and informal. What does drinking early in the morning mean?¡± the colonel said tepidly. Ludendorff did not refute, drinking coffee alone. The colonel felt bored and turned to Weisler: "Your companion seems to have difficulty communicating?" Weisler's face was slightly red, as if he was a little drunk: "Hey, my temper is a bit cold, but my ability is incredible!" "Thank you for the compliment!" Ludendorff held the coffee cup elegantly, looking calm. There was a wry smile on Weisler's lips. He turned to the Italian, holding up the empty wine glass in his hand: "Can I have another glass?" "Of course, this is what Americans are like!" The colonel smiled and motioned to his men to give Weisler a drink. Sler poured the wine, then glanced at Ludendorff, "Where are you from?" "An American born in Europe!" When telling lies, Ludendorff blinked several times unconsciously. "Oh, Europe, beautiful Europe! Let me guess Your Excellency was born in Germany, right?" the colonel asked with a sneer. "How can you see it?" He still said the same thing, but the expression on Ludendorff's face became a little unnatural. "You have the traditional German temperament, elegance, stubbornness, and your accent also has a German flavor!" Colonel Bruni said as he opened the exquisite wooden box in front of him, took out a cigar from it and handed it to Ludendorff . This time, Ludendorff did not refuse, and told the other party: "You can see correctly, I was born in Hamburg, so I am half German!" "I can't stop seeing half!" Colonel Bruni smiled and handed the lighter to Ludendorff. Dendorff, every little move of the other party - including the way of using the lighter, was carefully watched by him. After taking a puff of the cigar, Ludendorff naturally praised: "Authentic South American products, very good!" The colonel raised his eyebrows with some pride and indignation: "I bought that from a German businessman for a total of 400 yuan. "Reich Mark!" "Oh, you can buy it in the United States for only $40!" Ludendorff's words are not nonsense.In a famous brand store, you can indeed buy a good box of cigars originating in South America for US$40, which is equivalent to a full 100 German marks. "Really? It seems that the German businessmen have made three times the profit from it. They are really more cunning than the Jews!" Colonel Bruni was sarcastic about the Germans in every sentence. This was not only for deliberate probing, but also reflected the fact that many Italians nowadays human mentality. Although Italy also got a small share of the war from defeating the old European powers such as Britain, France and Russia, the economic gains of the Italians were compared to the German government, which took over the overseas trade of the British Empire, monopolized French heavy industry resources, and obtained a large number of labor forces from Eastern Europe. As unworthy of mention as military achievements, many important economic indicators in 1942 had not even returned to pre-war levels, the unemployment rate continued to rise, and material shortages occurred from time to time. Living in such a social environment, it is natural to have a strong and prosperous country. The neighbors feel envious and jealous! After hearing this, Ludendorff¡¯s expression did not change much, but he just smoked and did not answer. At this time, Weisler stood up and raised his glass: "Mr. Colonel, can I propose a toast, for world peace and for us to go home as soon as possible!" "Of course, of course!" The Italian colonel held a cigar in one hand and held it in the other. He picked up his glass and looked askance at Ludendorff. "Since it's for world peace!" Ludendorff reluctantly stretched his hand to the wine glass in front of him, but Bruni suddenly said something in German: "If you don't want to drink, forget it, Mr. Officer!" Ludendorff's hand stopped! Bruni smiled, with evil intentions. After breakfast, Colonel Bruni asked the guards to send Wiesler and White back to the lower cabin, leaving Ludendorff alone. After the screen retreated, the colonel said in German: "I have long heard that the German government sent a group of outstanding officers to the United States. I think you are one of them. Can you tell me your name?" Ludendorff stared at him for several seconds. Straightening his chest: "Dekard Ludendorff, once served in the German Navy, now retired!" Bruni deliberately put on an expression of realization: "Ohit turns out to be Mr. Ludendorff, who can meet here. I was really surprised and honored to see him! When Italy and Germany were still at war with the British, I worked with Colonel Meyerlink sent by the German Navy for nearly half a year, and we formed a very deep friendship. What a pity! Destiny is so changeable. In just two years, we have to stand on the opposite side of the battlefield! " "Is it the staff officer of the light cruiser fleet? " After receiving a positive reply from the other party, Ludendorff sighed: "As you said, the country's involvement in the war is decided by those politicians, and as soldiers, our obligation is only to obey!" "No matter what, I am puzzled by the changes in the relationship between Germany and Italy. How could the original Iron and Steel Alliance collapse so quickly and completely?" Bruni shook his hand holding the cigar, "Forget it, let's not talk about politics! What are Mr. Doff's next plans? ""What else can you do if you become a prisoner?" Ludendorff looked up and saw that this light cruiser was not alone, but in a group of three cruisers. Among the advance fleet composed of three destroyers, the squadron's commander's flag hung high on the mast of another light cruiser that was not yet at the level of a heavy cruiser. "Since you have retired from the German army, accepting employment from Americans is just a job. Don't take it too seriously. Maybe you don't mind considering working with us!" Bruni did not show that when he said this He couldn't wait any longer, and it didn't look like he was ready to use this cooperation to obtain information that would be beneficial to him. Ludendorff replied without thinking: "I'm sorry, I owe the U.S. government a long-term contract. Even if I am captured, this contract will still be valid. If I change my mind midway, I will not only lose a very generous salary, but even I have to bear the responsibility for breach of contract, and the damage to my reputation cannot be measured by value! "If we capture a few more German volunteers who accompanied the US military in the war, I'm afraid I will get tired of hearing this reason. Bruni was very generous: "Well, I respect your wishes, but I need to remind you that with the strength of the Japanese and Italian main fleets fighting side by side, the failure of the Americans is only a matter of time. If the Roosevelt government collapses, what do you think will happen?" I personally have reservations about whether the contract signed by the United States will be fulfilled! In addition, in view of the deep connection between the two of us, I will provide you with a comfortable single room where you can stay on the ship at will. Move around, but it is best not to have any thoughts of escaping or causing damage - I believe that Germans cherish their reputation more than their lives! " "Thank you for your kindness!" Ludendorff replied coldly, "But I would rather. Stay with my friends! ¡± "Partner?" Bruni said with some surprise, "It's hard to imagine that a noble German military officer is willing to call himself a brother-in-law with a soldier from a country that doesn't even have a nation. Ha! God really loves to play tricks on people!" "You don't Also work closely with the Japanese?" Ludendorff retorted angrily, "Don't forget, they may not regard you as their own, it's better to be careful at critical moments!" "You think we will be stupid? Use your own battleship as cannon fodder for the Japanese?" Bruni smiled scornfully, "We are just here to build up our reputation!"