Playing For Real

"Do you still really believe that it is going to be so bad?" said his wife

"Yes -I still do"

"Why? I thought you would have outgrown that fantasy by now."

"Fantasy?  You know I have been saying this since we were married - why do you think it's a fantasy?" replied Rudi.

"Well, I mean, come on, the world as we know it will change forever sometime in the first years of the 21st century?"

"Well, just look at what's been happening," said Rudi. "Mideast, Iraq, North Korea, SARS, AIDS, the list goes on."

"Well, I just figured that was a phase - you know, you being a retired Grunt and all - wanting more action - - fantasizing over futuristic sci-fi war stuff and all. Plus, look at the date; nothing has happened yet, right?"

"No - I mean yes, dear. It is really going to happen. I may not be exactly sure WHEN in the first part of the 21st century. But it is not far off."

"OK," said His wife. "Then, how are you going to take care of us?

"Well, I guess I should get that generator and wire the house, like I've been saying for years."

His wife just nodded and smiled.

“Leutnant* (*2^nd Lieutenant), I realize you're the Staffelkapitän* (Squadron Commander), but I disagree. I think we need to so something," said, Gell."

"No. We are not allowed. Our regulations strictly forbid involvement."

“Leutnant, if we do not do something, they will all be destroyed."

"No, we just observe. That is our mission. That is all we can do."

"Well then .......  Leutnant, we are picking up some incoming objects approaching rapidly."

"Thank you," he said to his wife for letting him go. "You know how I love these reenactments," said Rudi.

"I know. Just be careful," said his wife.

"Sure, but what can happen? We're just playing."

"Right, but big boys have big toys. And you DO have tanks and machine guns and hand grenades and.--"

"Nope. No hand grenades. We call then 'pyrotechnics' - more politically correct. And the rounds are only blanks," interrupted Rudi.

"Sure - OK - just be careful and have a good time," said his wife.

"Sir, we must take immediate evasive measures or we will be hit and severely damaged," said Gell.

"Engines full power. Let's get out of here," ordered Staffelkapitän* (Squadron Commander), Leutnant (*2^nd Lieutenant) Hörtz.

The ship moved as rapidly as it could. Its engines surged into action to maneuver out of the way of the incoming hostile ships. But, to the surprise of the crew, the attackers' ships were much more sophisticated and powerful then the intelligence reports had indicated.

"Evasive action NOW! Faster."

"Sir, we are going at full power. The maneuverability and firepower of the attackers is too great. They weren't supposed to have this capability?" cried Gell.

"I Know" ... a sudden jolt startles them --.  "are we hit?"

"Yes Sir - the damage is sever. We will have to land or we'll crash," said Gell.

"Not allowed. We cannot set foot on earth." This was the final words from the Hörtz as their craft took on more damage from the attackers' cannons and plummeted down.