Operation Eiche:- The Raid on Gran Sasso:- A Wolfenstein USB Tale
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2025 10:15 pm
In my second Italian themed Wolfenstein story, it has been a fortnight since the Partisan raid on the Villa Torlonia in which a team of partisans from La Brigata Femminile successfully abducted Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and handed him over to the provisional Badoglio Government. Now the Nazis, whose position is strong in Italy following the successful counter offensive which pushed the Anzio invasion force back into the Adriatic Sea, plan to rescue the Italian leader from the Hotel Campo Imperatore atop the Gran Sasso d’Italia high in the Abruzzo Mountains northeast of Rome, to turn the tide against the allied forces in Italy. Following a couple of weeks of investigation maverick SS-Major Otto Skorzeny has come up with a bold plan, a glider based assault at dawn with four of the all female SS Elite Guard, one member of Mussolini's elite female bodyguard; the Lei Lupi, Private Alessia Esposito and a canister of experimental sleeping gas. Will the team succeed and rescue the Italian dictator? This is their story…
DFS 230 Glider, 20,000 ft Above the Abruzzo Mountains, Central Italy, Saturday 12th September 1943, 05:30am
“Alright, listen up frauleins!” Shouted SS-Major Otto Skorzeny over the din of the Henschel Hs 126 that towed his glider, he cut an impressive figure, his SS-uniform covered by a long leather trench coat; an oval shaped face with high cheekbones, cunning blue eyes, balding blonde hair and dueling scar across his chin. His four elite guards and one Lei Lupi turned to face him. “You may have already received the briefing at the Pratica Di Mare aerodrome, before the mission. But anyone who's ever served with me knows, I don't like going in half cocked. So this is where we are at…”
“Our objective is to secure the Gran Sasso Mountain Top and extract Il Duce from his prison. To aid us in this task, the eggheads from Research and Development have sent us this experimental non lethal gas; dubbed SCH-393. Better known as Schaflen gas. We shall use this to put the barracks to sleep before they are even alerted, thus avoiding any unnecessary violence.” The five women nervously eyed the large red cylinder marked with SS Runes, secured with cargo webbed at the tail end of the glider. “And the Lei Lupi have sent us, Private Alessia Esposito as our on field advisor and expert on Italian military tactics. If you've got any questions about our opposition, now is the time to ask her.” He gestured to a pretty olive skinned woman with heart shaped features, high cheekbones and hazel almond eyes. A raven coloured ponytail tied underneath her bowl helmet, marked with the diamond symbol of a black rearing wolf on a white field on the front, which was repeated on her left breast.
The two SS elite guards, both sergeants, seated opposite her began to snigger, one her face covered by a tactical face mask was wearing a full leather camouflaged SS catsuit with a medic symbol on her left sleeve above the party armband and armed with an MP-34 submachine gun. Her partner, was a strikingly beautiful woman with Germanic squared features, ice blue eyes and short shoulder length light auburn hair under her totenkopf beret, wore a two piece SS camouflage leather suit; a zippered crop top and matching pants with laced knee high boots, her MP40 resting on her lap. “Do you have something to say, ladies?” Asked an irritated Skorzeny.
The medic spoke up first. “Yeah I do, Herr Major. This useless little bitch was part of the guard detail sent by the Duce to “supervise” us at the Golden Palace dig site. Only she and her partner lost their uniforms to a couple of British agents.” Next to her the red headed sergeant next to her nodded, as Alessia blushed fiercely, shrinking back into her bench. “That's right! And according to the reports from the Villa Torlonia shit show, those dunkoffs lost their uniforms again to partisans, along with two others and Carla Petacci herself. Hardly a fitting resume don't you think, Herr Major?” The two women burst out laughing.
“Hold on? It's Sergeants Hedwig Klöse and Michaela Henschel, correct?” Skorzeny turned to see his niece, SS-Obersturmführer Hilde Ritter address the women, her beautiful tapered features, shallow cheekbones and narrow blue intelligent eyes set into a cold hard stare. “If I recall, weren't you both on the same security detail? And didn't both of you also lose your uniforms to the very same British agents?” Her voice dripping with venom immediately silenced the two women. “That's right, it's sergeant now isn't it? Demoted for incompetence after you were both found in a very compromising position, naked in a bush.” The red headed nazi blushed even more violently than Alessia had. “I would apologise now for insulting Signorina Esposito before you shame both yourselves and the SS further. Are we clear?” The two women fervently nodded apologising to Alessia, who turned and mouthed a ‘thank you’ to Hilde.
Further down the glider they heard a low sardonic laugh from their sniper SS-Hauptscharführer Madga Kramer, a wiry and attractive young woman of 23 with long chestnut hair tied into a bun under her SS garrison cap and sharp blue green eyes, wearing a camouflage SS leather bodysuit. “What's it like being humiliated and losing your uniform, sergeants? My friends tell me it's quite the…humbling experience.” She quipped testing the sights of her suppressed Gewehr 43 semi automatic sniper rifle, making the two women feel extra small.
Taking off her beret, 24 year old Hilde ran her hand through her short honey blonde braided hair. “You handled them well, my dear niece.” Hilde smiled at her uncle. “Sometimes the greatest lesson that a soldier can learn is her own humility. I wish that more in the SS learned that instead of wrapping themselves up in racial superiority.” Skorzeny laid a hand on her shoulder. “Truer words were never spoken, you're a credit to the uniform Hilde.” The blonde’s grin only widened her breast swelling with pride. The Major gently withdrew his arm. “So my dear, how is Johanna fearing? With the war and everything I haven't had the chance to visit your mother and check up on her.” Hilde moved the shoulder strap of her MP34 slightly, still smiling. “You know teenage girls? She's 13 and full of piss and vinegar. Jo is making good progress rising through the ranks of the BDM, but she's got a very clear idea of where she wants to be.” Skorzeny chuckled. “Let me guess? She wants to follow in her older sister's footsteps and join the SS to become an Elite Guard?”
Hilde shook her head. “Not at all. She actually wants to follow in your footsteps, uncle and jump out of perfectly good airplanes. Johanna said that once she turns 17 she's going to enlist with the Brandenburgers.” Skorzeny blinked in surprise. “ The Wehrmacht’s Special forces? I knew she wanted to serve but never knew she was that ambitious. I know Von Fölkersam, he's a good friend of mine. I can put in a good word for Johanna once she comes of age?” Hilde chuckled. “Respectfully uncle, she said you would say that but she wants to as she put it ‘let my deeds speak louder than my connections.’” Skorzeny laughed with pride. “That sounds like dear Johanna. Do send my regards to her and your mother, I miss them terribly.”
“Herr Major! We are nearing the drop zone!” Came the voice of one of the young Luftwaffe glider pilots. “Preparing to break the tether in 30 seconds!” Said the man gripping the lever above his head. “Alright, frauleins this is it! Assume brace positions and prepare for descent and landing.” At the tail end of the plane, Madga placed her head between her knees grabbing the back of her head. “Are we sure about this gas, boss? If it's damaged on landing then we’ll be in dreamland and those Italians will steal our gear.” She gestured to the gas canister in the back. Hilde rolled her eyes. “Secure that negativity, Madga or you're walking the rest of the way.” The whole group burst out laughing as they felt the sudden tug of the glider detaching from the parent plane.
The glider's descent was swift as it was silent, no sooner had the glider detached before it hit the ground with a smooth landing. It wasn't the most pleasant sensation for Hilde Ritter, this being her first glider insertion and quietly she was pleased it was over so quickly. “Glad that's over!” Skorzeny rose from the bench checking on his team. “Sound off, is everyone still intact?” There came off a rattle of affirmatives followed by a groan from Madga. “Ow, let's not do that again. I think my bruises have bruises.” Ignoring the young sniper, Skorzeny nodded to Hedwig, the team's medic. “Is the gas secured? No damage?” The young woman nodded, her voice muffled by her mask. “Ja, Herr Major. The canister is still sealed, if it weren't then we would all be sleeping already.” Breathing a sigh of relief the major turned to Hilde, who rose from the bench. “Let's secure the landing site and plan our next move!” Hilde nodded. “Alright, shake it off ladies and move out! Mussolini's not going to rescue himself! Klöse, Henschel you've got the gas. Try not to drop it.”
As the group filed out into the cool morning air, Hilde came across Alessia groggily massaging her neck. “Are you alright, soldier?” She said to the girl pulling her up with one hand off the bench. “Yes, I’am fine thank you Signorina. It's just that it was my…” The blonde smiled, patting her shoulders. “First glider landing?” The young Italian nodded, still a little shaken. “Don't worry, fräulein. It's my first one as well. Come on, some fresh mountain air will do you good.” Alessia nodded as she followed the SS officer out of the plane. “Thank you, Signorina. I’am sure it will.” Chuckling, Hilde looked over her shoulder. “And please call me Hilde, as you've probably seen we Elite Guards aren't big on formality.” Flashing Hilde a wry smile, Alessia Esposito felt the cool mountain air caress her face as she leapt from the gilder wreckage and into the alpine morning.
Gran Sasso d’Italia, the Abruzzo Mountains, 05:45am
Joining Skorzeny by the lip of a small rocky outcrop that overlooked the plateau, Alessia and Hilde took cover. “Private Esposito? Care to take a look and see what you can see?” He offered his pair of binoculars to her. Flashing him a quick salute, she took the field glasses and looked out over the ridge. “Okay, it looks like we've got four sentries in a basic perimeter pattern all of them female, including one a sniper on a watchtower to the north. And they're using the staff housing as the barracks, next to the hotel.” she pointed out the small chalet sat off to the left off the grand three storey Hotel Campo Imperatore. Skorzeny nodded, handing the young Italian the field glasses. “How many soldiers? My investigations pointed to no more than platoon level.” Alessia thought for a moment. “Then I would say that sounds about right, which makes it around 25 men and whoever is inside holding the Duce.” Skorzeny held out his hand over the vista. “Please continue, Signorina.”
Taking her cue, Alessia looked back through the lenses spotting an Observation Point manned by two female sentries. “OP on the opposite ridge, two female sentries. You can bet they will have a radio so we'll need to neutralise them first and take their uniforms. They will radio checks every hour on the hour so someone needs to be on the comms or they'll get nervous.” Next to her, Hilde nodded. “You and I can take the position. You're the only one apart from the Major who can speak Italian.” Skorzeny clapped both of them on their soldiers before turning to the others.
“Here's the plan ladies. The rest of you neutralise the other perimeter sentries and steal their uniforms to maintain appearances, then Klöse and Obersturmführer Ritter will use their uniforms to enter the barracks and deploy the gas, putting the garrison to sleep. Then we will gather up and enter the Hotel to rescue the Duce. Yes, Kramer? You have a question?” The Major sighed irritability at the young sniper, who had held up her hand. “Why don't we just kill them, Herr Major? I can headshot all of them from here. You guys then move in, strip them and toss the corpses off the mountain. Problem solved.” It was Ritter that answered, shaking her head. “Because, Mags, we don't want to give the Italians excuses for leaving us. The Italian campaign is hanging on the success of this mission and we need Mussolini to restore order and remove Marshal Badoglio from power before he seeks an armistice with the allies. Any dead Italians and the Führer can kiss Italy goodbye.”
The sniper shrugged. “Understood. But why did you bring me if you're not going to let me shoot anyone, Hil?” She asked with a disappointed sigh. Hilde flashed her a smile. “I miss your charming nature when you're not around, Mags.” She replied dryly, as the whole group including Madga burst out laughing. Skorzeny raised his hand to calm them all down. “Alright, guys simmer down. We've got a job to do, let's get to it. The pilots and I will hold this position while you take care of the sentries. Signal when you've all finished.” Then the medic, Klöse, held up her hand. “Apologies, Herr Major but I have a suggestion that could come in handy against our Italian friends?”
Skorzeny signalled her to continue. Opening her medic satchel, Hedwig took out two syringes. “These are needles containing sodium amytal. 10cc’s of this little beauty into the woman's neck and they are sleeping as soundly as the führer after a rally. Should keep them fast asleep for around 8 hours.” She winked, handing Alessia and Hilde the needles. The Major nodded approvingly. “Now if there's nothing else?” The group shook their heads in reply. “Alright, all that's left is good luck and Heil Hitler!” The rest of the group, save Alessia who snapped off an Italian fascist party salute, parroted the Nazi party salute with parade ground precision before splitting up.
Royal Italian Army, Observation Post, Gran Sasso d’Italia, 05:51am
“Why are we even guarding this mountain, Caporal maggiore? Who's going to be brave or dumb enough to come up here and grab the Duce?” Yawned Soldato Gia Rizzo as sat manning the radio post. At 22 she was a looker with tanned heart shaped features, high classical cheekbones and big blue doe shaped eyes framed by long shoulder length strawberry blonde hair tied into a simple ponytail under her green feathered hat, the eagle of the Italian Socialist Republic perched proudly at the centre. Her ample athletic figure filled out her uniform; grey field jacket with webbing clipped on her waist containing ammo for her M1897 Carcano rifle, and matching trousers with grey ankle socks and brown leather boots, underneath which was a black undershirt. Caporal maggiore Alessandra Bruno, a pretty brunette of 24 with olive skinned rounded features, almond shaped grey-hazel eyes and short dark brown hair tied into pigtails underneath her green helmet, adorned with the Italian tricolor smiled.
“Why the damn Nazis of course, Rizzo. Who else could it be?” She said, balancing her Beretta submachine gun on her slender shoulders, standing on the opposite side of the sandbag emplacement. She wore a similar uniform, apart from the brown leather webbing holding reloads for her submachine gun at her waist, her red rank insignia, three inverted chevrons on her left sleeve, matched by rank tabs on her lapel and grey shirt with black tie underneath. Rizzo leaned across. “Seriously? Do the Nazis have anything that can even reach us on this mountain, Caporal?” Alessandra shouldered her Beretta. “We are talking about the Nazis right? You know they stormed Russia back in ‘41 and knocked Stalin out of the war. They can practically achieve anything. Hell, they could get a panzer regiment on this plateau if they wanted.” Gia’s eyes widened as she met out a low whistle. “Right. I guess we have to be ready for anything.” Alessandra rolled her eyes at the blonde. “I’am going back on my rounds. Standby that radio, Rizzo.” Flashing her Caporal a lazy salute, a bored Gia Rizzo leaned back into her camp chair. Checking her watch she sighed. Five minutes to comm check, wake me if anything exciting happens.
Taking a peek over the slope, Alessia and Hilde plotted their next move. The Lei Lupi smiled as she noticed the pretty blonde Soldato dosing off on her camp chair, her radio on a wooden table backed by sandbags. “That pretty blonde, showing a complete lack of professionalism, just happens to be my size. I will put her to sleep and take her uniform.” Alessia whispered just as the Caporal walked away, Hilde nodded. “And I will take the brunette, she's close to my size. Just be quick about taking her out and putting on that uniform, your disguise won't work on her.” She said, touching Alessia's shoulder. “Don't worry, Hilde. I won't let you…or myself down.” Squeezing the German's hand she crawled over the lip of the slop, creeping up silently on the unsuspecting blonde sentry.
Taking slight, careful steps off the grass taking care not to spook the dosing woman Alessia quickly struck like a coiled serpent. Clamping a hand over the sentry's mouth to muffle her cries of surprise, Alessia snaked her arm around the soldier's neck pulling her head over the back of the chair in a dragon sleeper. “Shh..Mi excusè sorella but I need your uniform. Don't fight it or you might just snap your neck. And I don't want to kill you.” Alessia hissed into the struggling girl's ears, her pretty blue eyes bulging with fear but slowly began to flutter. Then with a low muffled rattle, Gia Rizzo passed out slumping into her chair, arms falling limply to her sides. After checking the blonde's pulse, relieved to find a slow steady rhythm Alessia took out the needle full of sodium amytal and plunged it into Gia’s carotid pressing down the plunger. The blonde shuddered for a moment before going limp once again. Grabbing the woman by her webbing, Alessia pulled the unconscious body off the chair and onto the ground, before she began to strip off her Lei-Lupi uniform.
“A rear dragon sleeper? I haven't seen one of those in a while. Most impressive, Alessia.” Smiled Hilde handing over Gia's fallen hat. The brunette Lei-Lupi nodded as she pulled off Gia's boots and socks. “Thanks, it's the first time I have ever used it in anger. Most of the time I just guard doors.” After unclipping the blonde's webbing and pulling it over Gia's head, the sound of the radio crackling into life drew their attention. “Eagle's Nest to Eagle. Comm check, over.” A male Italian voice came over the radio. Reacting quickly, Alessia picked up the headset and pressed the receiver as Hilde bent down to remove Gia’s field jacket and unbutton her shirt. “This is Eagle, receiving you loud and clear, Eagle's Nest. Nothing to report, over.” There was a slight pause before she received the reply. “Copy that, Eagle. Next check at 07:00, Eagle's Nest out.” Putting down the receiver and headset, Alessia turned back to Hilde and Gia.
Gia was glad only in her trousers and a thin blue cotton with white lace trim slip, the nipples of her well rounded young breasts peeking through the fabric, due to the fresh alpine air. “Good work Alessia, they won't be able to make that next check so where in the clear. Get this girl's uniform on while I take care of her friend.” Taking her leave of Alessia, Hilde creeped out of the observation post giving the Lei-Lupi a good view of her tight ass. Smiling despite herself, Alessia unfastened Gia's trousers, working them off her hips and whipping them down her long tanned legs, revealing matching high waisted briefs protecting her modesty.
She quickly got dressed in Gia's uniform and after putting on the feathered cap, Alessia picked the unconscious scantily clad blonde under her shoulders, stuffing her underneath the radio along with her discarded Lei-Lupi uniform. “Who the hell are you? And where's Rizzo?” She looked up to see the helmeted brunette caporal standing there, gripping her Beretta. Alessia smiled as she rose, moving Gia's outstretched leg with her foot under the table. “She's been relieved, I’m Soldato Alessia Esposito, caporal maggiore.” She said flashing off a perfect parade salute, but Alessandra wasn't buying it. “Well nobody told me of a personnel change, soldier.” She nervously raised her submachine gun. “Tell me who gave you the order-ugh!?!” Alessandra suddenly choked as an MP34 was looped over her head pressing hard against her throat and lifting her off the ground. “That's no longer any of your concern, fräulein.” Hilde Ritter hissed into the squirming sentries ears as her Beretta flattered to the earth.
Alessia watched with a mixture of fascination and arousal as Hilde choked the young caporal with her weapon, the brunette's legs uselessly flailing off the ground as she tried in vain to pull the strong athletic Germans gun from her throat but it was all in vain. “Shh, meine liebschen. Not long now just relax…” Hilde cooed into the struggling Alessandra’s ear as the girl went limp with a strangled gurgle, hanging unconscious under Hilde’s grip and feet dangling off the ground.
“That was something else, Hilde. I haven't seen anything like that!” Said Alessia as she watched the blonde German drop the unconscious brunette and in one smooth motion removed her MP34 from around her throat, catching the falling woman under her shoulders and lowering her to the ground. “The good old weapon choke? Do they not teach you Lei-Lupi that?” Hilde asked as she injected the sleeping Alessandra with the sodium amytal before stripping off her leather two piece elite guard uniform. Alessia shook her head. “Could you teach it to me?” She blushed slightly. “You know once we have freed the Duce?” Hilde flashed her a wink taking off the caporal’s helmet. “Consider it done, Alessia. Now do you want to help me relieve the caporal of her uniform?” Alessia grinned as she walked over and knelt by Alessandra's body, unlacing her boots pulling them off along with her socks while Hilde unclipped her combat webbing and belt.
Between them it didn't take long to strip the unconscious Alessandra, leaving her sprawled wearing only her black lace bullet bra and matching shorts at their feet, slim athletic body on full display. “So do you do this thing often, Hilde? Stealing the enemy's uniforms I mean?” The German nodded strapping on the caporal’s helmet. “It's been known to happen. While I was on the eastern front, we stole the uniforms from dead red army girls.” She took Alessandra by her ankles dragging her around the sandbags to where Alessia had stashed Gia's body. “I admit though, lifting a uniform from a still living body is a welcome change of pace.” She smiled that wonderful smile that had enchanted Alessia, as she concealed the woman's body under the table next to Gia slumped with her head lolling on the blonde's shoulder. Alessia nodded. “I know what you mean. Actually stealing a uniform off a pretty girl is a lot better than the alternative.”
“I read the reports. It sounds like you were caught unawares both times. There's nothing you could have done.” She said, laying a shoulder on the Lei-Lupi’s shoulder. Appreciating the gesture, Alessia sighed. “We should have been more alert. Perhaps if we were then maybe the Duce would still be in power.” The German gently squeezed her shoulder. “Well you're here now and more than making up for it.” Alessia blushed slightly, grinning as the woman removed her hand from her shoulder and turned taking out a mirror to signal Skorzeny on the opposite ridge. “...Thank you, fräulein.” Replacing her mirror, Hilde looked over her shoulder. “I wonder how the rest of the team are fairing.”
The Western Ridge, Gran Sasso d'Italia, 06:05am
Hidden from view from the two patrolling Italian soldiers on the ridge by the slope, SS-Scharführer’s Hedwig Klöse and Michaela Henschel observed their prey. “What is it with Italian girls and being so good looking, Michaela?” Whispered Hedwig sizing up a pretty olive skinned girl with slender features and bright hazel eyes framed by short ash brown curls under her green helmet stenciled with the fasces of the Italian Social Republic in black, a Carcano rifle looped over her shoulder. A single black inverted chevron on her right sleeve marked her as a Soldato scelto. “You got me there Hedwig, but that Alessia girl? She's definitely a looker too. None of them can hold a candle to her, despite the fact she's useless.” Hedwig rolled her eyes as Michaela scanned an attractive woman with freckled squared features, blue green doe shaped eyes and light auburn hair tied into a sensible bun under her green helmet and armed with a Beretta submachine gun. The white inverted chevrons on her sleeve marking her out as a Sergente. She turned back to Hedwig.
“That redhead sergente is my size all right, Hedwig. You can have the demotion and take the brunette.” Hedwig groaned, her friend had been incorrigible since they had been attacked by the two British agents who left them…in an unseemly position. “Ugh. You're pulling rank on me now, Michaela?” The redheaded woman flashed her a wink before turning back to the sentries. “Right it looks like they are coming together for a smoke. We'll wait until they separate and take them out one-by-one. Be ready.” Nodding Hedwig hunkered down with her friend as they bided their time.
“I'm still uncomfortable that they are having us guard Il Duce, Sergente.” 19 year old Carlotta Moretti said, taking a drag from her cigarette. “Not after what he's done for our people and nation, making us great again.” Blowing out a steady stream of blue smoke, 26 year old Sergente Bridgetta Rossi nodded. “I hear you kid but we have our orders, bellyaching won't do anything to change that.” Carlotta angrily tapped ash from her cigarette. “Under orders to betray our oath to the fatherland and to the Duce? We are winning for fuck’s sake and all they can do is stab him in the back to pursue a peace with the allies. It's bullshit!” The Sergente gripped her arm. “That's close to insubordination soldier and I would be careful who you say that around…Carlotta.” She warned, voice tinged with sympathy. Carlotta angrily tossed her half finished cigarette over the slope, pulling her arm from Bridgetta’s grasp. “Whatever, sergente. I’am going back on patrol.” Sighing as she watched the younger woman walk away, Bridgetta turned to finish her cigarette looking out at the D shaped hotel.
Taking her opportunity, Hedwig quickly pulled out the legs from under the young brunette, sending her sliding down the bank with a surprised yelp. Then she straddled Carlotta, pinning the young soldier's arms at her sides, clamping a hand over mouth to muffled her cries and took out her syringe, flicking it once. “Trust me I'm a medic…” she whispered, plunging the needle into the soft warm flesh of the brunette’s. Hedwig looked with sympathy as she watched the girl's eyes twitch to her right. “Shh…” she held up a finger to her lips. “She can't help you now, just relax liebschen.” With that the sodium amytal took effect, and Hedwig smiled watching Carlotta's pretty hazel droop into a deep sleep, the brunette letting out a low cute sigh, slumping unconscious underneath the blonde medic. Wasting no time she began stripping off her bodysuit by pulling off her facemask.
Hearing Carlotta's yelp, Sergente Bridgetta Rossi whipped around flicking her cigarette away. “Kid, are you okay? Did you fall down the bank? Answer me!” A worried Bridgetta nervously approached the bank where she had last seen the girl before hearing her cry. Then peering down the slope, she gasped in shock seeing a young blonde woman wearing SS issue vest and panties stripping a stricken Carlotta, whose boots, helmet and jacket had already been removed. She raised her Beretta. “Hey! Get off her or I’ll sh-ugh!” She cried, feeling her legs being swept from under her, sending her crashing to the ground and stunning her. Then before she could react, Bridgetta saw a flash of red hair in her peripheral vision before feeling a sharp pain in the side of her neck, sending her into unconsciousness with a pained grunt.
Lowering her right hand after administering the neck chop to the pretty redheaded sergente, Michaela grinned taking out the sodium amytal and dosing the sleeping woman before grabbing her legs and dragging her over to Hedwig who had already stripped the brunette down to just her undershirt and was in the process of unbuttoning it. “I see you couldn't wait to get started without me, eh?” Michaela grinned as she began to undress herself, getting a good glimpse of Carlotta's slim body clad only in her peach satin bra and matching high waisted knickers. “Mmm, she's looking good, too bad she can't fight worth a damn.” Hedwig rolled her eyes sighing as she pulled off the brunette's shirt one arm at a time. “I wish you wouldn't disparage them so much. They are good soldiers, the ones we fought alongside in North Africa proved themselves.” She said, pulling on Carlotta's uniform. As a half naked Michaela shrugged, pulling off Bridgetta's socks and boots before unstrapping her helmet. “They proved themselves by soaking up British bullets if that's what you mean.” Facepalming, Hedwig finished putting on her disguise and watched in silence as Michaela stripped the unconscious sergente.
“So how do I look? Like a proper Italian sergeant ready to give the order to retreat, right?” Michaela bragged adjusting the strap of her helmet, standing over the half naked body of Bridgetta, sitting slumped next to Carlotta concealed by a boulder wearing only a cheap military issue white cotton slip, with a hint of a matching bra and low waisted panties underneath. Hedwig shook her head. “It fits you like a glove alright. Now let's get back to the Major.” Michaela took out a hand mirror, signalling Skorzeny before tapping Hedwig on her shoulder. “That just leaves Mags and the sniper, Michaela. That is if she hasn't already paid the girl a visit by now.” Michaela laughed as the two jogged back towards the landing site. “Ha! That little sniper won't know what hit her!”
Sniper Tower, Northern Ridge, the Same Moment
From her position atop the watchtower, 22 year old Appuntato Donatella Falcone swept the vista with her scoped Carcano rifle suppressing a yawn and blinked trying to keep her eyes from drying up. Her squad's sniper, Donatella was an attractive girl with diamond shaped features, smart greenish-blue eyes and short ash blonde hair cut short in a tomboyish style underneath her green feathered cap. Over her grey uniform marked with black inverted chevrons on her right sleeve, she wore a mountain camouflage smock.
Suddenly out of the corner of her scope, Donatella Falcone saw a flash of light from the western ridge. “What the hell is that?” She hushed to herself, training her scope to the west to see two women emerge wearing Italian uniform, with two underwear clad female bodies hidden behind a large boulder. “Infiltrators?! Here?” She then followed the light to the opposite ridge finding the wreckage of a glider with German markings, three armed men huddled inside. Gasping in shock, Donatella knew what she had to do. I must radio the Observation Post and have them alert the barracks. The Germans are here for the Duce! Looping her rifle over her shoulder, Donatella slid down the ladder of the watchtower and quickly approached her radio set.
But before she could reach the dial, Donatella cried out in pain feeling a sharp blow to her solar plexus knocking the wind from her and making her double over. Looking up she saw a German sniper grinning from ear to ear. “That's nothing that should concern you, my dear.” Madga Kramer quipped before bashing Donatella’s temple with the butt off her rifle, knocking her unconscious and sending her to meet the ground with a pained squeak.
Smiling, Madga knelt by the unconscious Donatella swapping her garrison cap for the feathered one. “Not too sure about the hat, but I do love that camo smock.” Taking out her syringe, the SS sniper injected the sodium amytal into the blonde's carotid. “Nighty night, girl.” She stripped out of her SS bodysuit before rolling the unconscious body onto her back and pulling off her camo smock along with the snipers boots and socks. After unclipping Donatella’s webbing from around her waist, Madga looped it over her head then unfastened her uniform jacket, slipping the garment off her shoulders and letting her limp body drop back onto the grass. Unbuttoning Donatella’s undershirt gave Magda a glimpse of the woman's small but firm breasts peeking underneath a white cropped vest with an Italian Socialist Republic eagle flying proudly in-between her breasts. “Hmph, still a patriot I see. Let's hope there's some improvement down below…” Madga quipped, unzipping Donatella's trousers, working them off her slender hips and pulling down her long slender legs.
“Figures. I’ll bet all the other Italians on this mountain are wearing sexy lingerie and I’am stuck with the one fräulein who's wearing standard issue.” Madga glanced at the unconscious sniper slumped against the sandbags, dressed only in her vest and solid black panties as she finished getting dressed in the woman's uniform. “Still you have other charms my dear.” After pulling on the camo smock, Mags picked up the Carcano rifle testing its scope. “Ugh! The magnification is way too low. How was she supposed to see, let alone shoot anything?” Shrugging she looped the rifle over her shoulder before taking up her customised Gewehr 43 and signalling the Major with her mirror. Smiling, she spared the pretty half naked Donatello a parting look. “Thanks for the uniform and camo smock, liebschen. It was nothing personal.” She said tapping the blonde on her cheek.
East Ridge Landing Zone, 06:15am
Skorzeny clapped his hands together. “Excellent work, we have our disguises. The thing that remains is neutralising the platoon in the barracks and there will be nothing standing between us and Mussolini. Is the gas ready, Klöse?” The blonde medic dressed in Carlotta's uniform nodded. “Jawohl, Herr Major!" We just need to get them to open the door and we're all set. The gas is odourless and tasteless so they won't know what hit them.” The Major looked to Alessia. “That's something our tactical expert here can take care of.” Flashing them a smile, the young Lei-Lupi fell into step behind the group. “Pilots! Stay here and hold this location!” Skorzeny said over his shoulder to the glider pilots. “Once Mussolini is secure then we'll radio command, secure this mountain and get transportation for the Duce.” The two men saluted as the team made their way up the slope towards the hotel, with Hedwig carrying the small red canister.
The Guard Barracks, Gran Sasso d'Italia, 6:20am
Soldato Flavia Ciccone, a pretty 21 year old redhead with shoulder length curly hair, almond shaped eyes and olive skinned turned in her bed hearing knocking coming from the front door. Sighing irritably, Flavia threw off her sheets and sat up blinking the sleep from her tired reddened eyes. She glanced around at the 8 men and 6 other women that made up her platoon, still fast asleep none of them even making a move. “Alright, alright, alright.” She yawned widely getting up off her bed. “Keep your shirt on, I'm coming.” Massaging her eyes and dressed only in a standard issue vest and black panties, Flavia trudged up to the door.
“What’s the matter?” Flavia slurred, sliding the shutter open to reveal the five perimeter senties, one was a pretty olive skinned brunette soldato who seemed familiar to her. The girl flashed her an innocent smile. “Buongiorno, Sorella. Could you let us in? We haven't had breakfast yet and we're starving.” Flavia yawned again. “...Alright, alright. Just let me get the door and thanks for waking me up, Stronza.” unlatching the lock Flavia stood back and let the group in turning her back to the brunette. “I’m afraid all we've got is stale crack-mmmph!” Flavia cried as she was seized from behind in a sleeper hold, a hand clamped over her mouth to silence her.
Alessia quickly snaked her arm around the woman's neck, cutting off the blood supply to her brain. The red head was so tired that she barely put up a fight and quickly passed out with a low muffled rattle in the Lei-Lupi's arms. “Back to sleep, bella donna.” She whispered into the soldier's ear, draping her on her belly over an empty cot. Feeling a hand on her shoulder she turned to see Hilde smiling. Behind her Hedwig, wearing a respirator and Michaela gun raised entered the barracks.
“How long does that gas take to disperse?” She asked the blonde medic, who placed her burden in the corner. “Once I turn this dial, the effects should be instantaneous. So I would recommend clearing out now if you don't want to take a whiff, Hilde.” she answered, the respirator lending her voice an eerie muffled affect. Following the medic's recommendations, Hilde ordered her team out with Michaela covering her friend's back, sharing a nod with the blonde before filing out.
Returning to her work, Hedwig hummed the Nuremberg marches as she broke the canister's seal and turned the wheel, letting the gas escape into the room. “ Enjoy your extra lie in, my Italian friends.” She smiled under her mask as she backed out and closed the door behind her, inwardly pleased that they didn't shed the blood of the Reich's allies, they were only misguiding after all.
Inside the experimental gas did its work. Odourless and colourless, it spread amongst the sleeping men and women who didn't even wake as they inhaled the schlafen gas. They all simply fell into a deeper sleep within 5 minutes. Outside, Skorzeny turned to Hedwig who had her hand on the barracks door pulling off her respirator. “How long will they be out for?” The blonde medic shrugged. “Anywhere between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the person. Either way they won't be a problem, Herr Major” The Major nodded. “Excellent, let's secure our VIP. Move out!” Falling into step behind Skorzeny the rescue team marched up to the imposing D shaped Hotel Campo Imperatore on the crest of the hill.
The Hotel Campo Imperatore, 6:35am
Striding up to the front doors the team found two young soldiers, one male the other female flanking the double wooden doors. Both were caught with surprise seeing a squad of Italian troops being led by an SS officer, they shot each other nervous glances. “Um Sergente?” The female, a pretty brunette with supple olive skin and shoulder length chestnut hair, said flashing Michaela an uncertain, confused look. “Why are you being led by a German officer? What's the meaning of this?” Skorzeny smiled as five weapons were raised behind him, pointing straight at the sentries.
“That's because they are not Italian soldiers but German and they stole these uniforms from your fellows.” The two looked at each other again, rooted to the spot with fear not knowing how to respond as Skorzeny continued. “Now I would not rather have to kill loyal fascists, and we have spared the lives of your fellow soldiers. Drop your weapons and surrender and you'll have my word as a German officer you will not be harmed.” The two sentries nodded, sweat beading their foreheads as almost simultaneously they dropped their weapons and held up their hands. Hilde and Madga brushed past the major, kicking away the fallen rifles before securing the prisoners. “W-what do you want, sir?” Asked the young woman nervously glancing over her shoulder to Skorzeny. The man tucked his hands behind his back. “Take me to Mussolini and your commander. On the double, soldier.”
The Honeymoon Suite, 3rd Floor of the Campo Imperatore, 06:45am
Knocking on the door twice, Skorzeny flashed a smile to the man who opened it, a small moustachioed man with the plumed hat and shoulder epaulettes marking him out as a Maresciallo ordinario. The major smiled gently pointing his gun into the man's face. “Good morning, herr leutnant. Would you be so kind as to take us to the Duce, please?” Gulping audibly the young officer nodded, opening the door to admit the group along with their prisoner into the opulently appointed suite.
They found Mussolini dressed in his pyjamas sitting in his state room enjoying a breakfast of a Cornetto washed down with a cup of cappuccino. He looked up as the team entered, a look of fear on his face. “What is the meaning of this? Wait, you're with the SS?” The Duce asked in fluent german, taking a sip from his cappuccino. Skorzeny flashed off a party salute clicking the heels of his jackboots. “SS-Major Otto Skorzeny and my team, led by SS-Obersturmführer Hilde Ritter…” the pretty blonde flashed her own party salute as Mussolini scanned the 5 women. “I recognise you, do I not Signorina?” He said pointing at Alessia who puffed out her chest. “Si Duce. I’am Alessia Esposito, one of your Lei-Lupi.” She peeled off an Italian salute. “I was at the Villa Torlonia when you were abducted sir…” her voice died as she recalled that awful night. Returning her salute, Mussolini turned back to Skorzeny.
“It's good to see the führer hasn't forgotten his friends, herr Major. I hadn't expected to be rescued by the fine women of the SS.” The Duce smiled before taking the last bite of his Cornetto. Skorzeny straightened his back with pride. “Indeed, Duce. Herr Hitler was quite beside himself when he heard of your capture at the hands of the partisan's. He ordered the SS to effect your rescue as soon as humanly possible. He values his Italian allies most highly.” Mussolini leaned back taking a sip of his cappuccino. “Well, I look forward to thanking the führer in person. Once I have finished this coffee of course.” The Major saluted him once again. “ We await your pleasure, Duce.” He then turned to Hilde.
“Hilde? Get on the radio and call for reinforcements plus a plane for the Duce. We need to secure this mountain and the prisoners.” The blonde woman saluted before she ordered her team out of the room leaving Skorzeny with Mussolini, flashing Alessia a friendly smile on the way out.
The Gran Sasso d'Italia, One Hour Later
Now redressed in her Elite Guard uniform, SS-Obersturmführer Hilde Ritter leaned against a rock watching Skorzeny escort Mussolini, towards a waiting Fi 156 Storch while two full platoons of fallschirmjägers and SS troopers secured the sleeping Italian prisoners. “It's been a hell of a morning hasn't it?” Hilde smiled as she saw the beautiful sight of Alessia Esposito approach her, wearing her Lei-Lupi uniform and clutching a pack of cigarettes.
“I hope they aren't Italian smokes? No offence but your tobacco gives me headaches.” Alessia laughed as she leaned next to the German officer, their shoulders touching. “None taken. I wouldn't inflict our rubbish on you, Hilde. They're German, I traded with one of your paratroopers for a watch I took off the radio operator for them.” Chuckling Hilde accepted the offered cigarette, taking a deep drag after Alessia lit the both of them. They both let out sighs of pleasure watching Mussolini and Skorzeny clamber into the plane.
Alessia blew out a steady stream of blue smoke. “You're right. I wasn't to blame for failing and losing my uniform twice. I was taken by surprise and there wasn't anything I or Giulia could have done.” Hilde smiled, taking a drag from her cigarette and gently squeezing the Italians hand. “I’m glad you finally see it that way, Alessia. You're a good soldier, don't let anyone tell you differently. And if I may say so, a very attractive one signorina.” Alessia blushed at the unexpected but welcome flirtation. She turned to the pretty German gazing into her big blue eyes. “Um, would you like to go for a drink, Hilde. I-I mean when we return to the base? I feel the sudden urge to get to know you a little better.” Hilde giggled as they got closer together, their lips brushing. “I’d like that signorina. But for now I would settle for a kiss.”
The sound of the Storch’s made them jump, they giggled as they pulled out caressing each other's faces. “Perhaps later then?” Hilde winked as they leaned back onto the rock, Alessia resting her head on the blonde's shoulder. “Count on it.” She replied as they watched the Storch take off and rise into the clear blue Italian sky.
DFS 230 Glider, 20,000 ft Above the Abruzzo Mountains, Central Italy, Saturday 12th September 1943, 05:30am
“Alright, listen up frauleins!” Shouted SS-Major Otto Skorzeny over the din of the Henschel Hs 126 that towed his glider, he cut an impressive figure, his SS-uniform covered by a long leather trench coat; an oval shaped face with high cheekbones, cunning blue eyes, balding blonde hair and dueling scar across his chin. His four elite guards and one Lei Lupi turned to face him. “You may have already received the briefing at the Pratica Di Mare aerodrome, before the mission. But anyone who's ever served with me knows, I don't like going in half cocked. So this is where we are at…”
“Our objective is to secure the Gran Sasso Mountain Top and extract Il Duce from his prison. To aid us in this task, the eggheads from Research and Development have sent us this experimental non lethal gas; dubbed SCH-393. Better known as Schaflen gas. We shall use this to put the barracks to sleep before they are even alerted, thus avoiding any unnecessary violence.” The five women nervously eyed the large red cylinder marked with SS Runes, secured with cargo webbed at the tail end of the glider. “And the Lei Lupi have sent us, Private Alessia Esposito as our on field advisor and expert on Italian military tactics. If you've got any questions about our opposition, now is the time to ask her.” He gestured to a pretty olive skinned woman with heart shaped features, high cheekbones and hazel almond eyes. A raven coloured ponytail tied underneath her bowl helmet, marked with the diamond symbol of a black rearing wolf on a white field on the front, which was repeated on her left breast.
The two SS elite guards, both sergeants, seated opposite her began to snigger, one her face covered by a tactical face mask was wearing a full leather camouflaged SS catsuit with a medic symbol on her left sleeve above the party armband and armed with an MP-34 submachine gun. Her partner, was a strikingly beautiful woman with Germanic squared features, ice blue eyes and short shoulder length light auburn hair under her totenkopf beret, wore a two piece SS camouflage leather suit; a zippered crop top and matching pants with laced knee high boots, her MP40 resting on her lap. “Do you have something to say, ladies?” Asked an irritated Skorzeny.
The medic spoke up first. “Yeah I do, Herr Major. This useless little bitch was part of the guard detail sent by the Duce to “supervise” us at the Golden Palace dig site. Only she and her partner lost their uniforms to a couple of British agents.” Next to her the red headed sergeant next to her nodded, as Alessia blushed fiercely, shrinking back into her bench. “That's right! And according to the reports from the Villa Torlonia shit show, those dunkoffs lost their uniforms again to partisans, along with two others and Carla Petacci herself. Hardly a fitting resume don't you think, Herr Major?” The two women burst out laughing.
“Hold on? It's Sergeants Hedwig Klöse and Michaela Henschel, correct?” Skorzeny turned to see his niece, SS-Obersturmführer Hilde Ritter address the women, her beautiful tapered features, shallow cheekbones and narrow blue intelligent eyes set into a cold hard stare. “If I recall, weren't you both on the same security detail? And didn't both of you also lose your uniforms to the very same British agents?” Her voice dripping with venom immediately silenced the two women. “That's right, it's sergeant now isn't it? Demoted for incompetence after you were both found in a very compromising position, naked in a bush.” The red headed nazi blushed even more violently than Alessia had. “I would apologise now for insulting Signorina Esposito before you shame both yourselves and the SS further. Are we clear?” The two women fervently nodded apologising to Alessia, who turned and mouthed a ‘thank you’ to Hilde.
Further down the glider they heard a low sardonic laugh from their sniper SS-Hauptscharführer Madga Kramer, a wiry and attractive young woman of 23 with long chestnut hair tied into a bun under her SS garrison cap and sharp blue green eyes, wearing a camouflage SS leather bodysuit. “What's it like being humiliated and losing your uniform, sergeants? My friends tell me it's quite the…humbling experience.” She quipped testing the sights of her suppressed Gewehr 43 semi automatic sniper rifle, making the two women feel extra small.
Taking off her beret, 24 year old Hilde ran her hand through her short honey blonde braided hair. “You handled them well, my dear niece.” Hilde smiled at her uncle. “Sometimes the greatest lesson that a soldier can learn is her own humility. I wish that more in the SS learned that instead of wrapping themselves up in racial superiority.” Skorzeny laid a hand on her shoulder. “Truer words were never spoken, you're a credit to the uniform Hilde.” The blonde’s grin only widened her breast swelling with pride. The Major gently withdrew his arm. “So my dear, how is Johanna fearing? With the war and everything I haven't had the chance to visit your mother and check up on her.” Hilde moved the shoulder strap of her MP34 slightly, still smiling. “You know teenage girls? She's 13 and full of piss and vinegar. Jo is making good progress rising through the ranks of the BDM, but she's got a very clear idea of where she wants to be.” Skorzeny chuckled. “Let me guess? She wants to follow in her older sister's footsteps and join the SS to become an Elite Guard?”
Hilde shook her head. “Not at all. She actually wants to follow in your footsteps, uncle and jump out of perfectly good airplanes. Johanna said that once she turns 17 she's going to enlist with the Brandenburgers.” Skorzeny blinked in surprise. “ The Wehrmacht’s Special forces? I knew she wanted to serve but never knew she was that ambitious. I know Von Fölkersam, he's a good friend of mine. I can put in a good word for Johanna once she comes of age?” Hilde chuckled. “Respectfully uncle, she said you would say that but she wants to as she put it ‘let my deeds speak louder than my connections.’” Skorzeny laughed with pride. “That sounds like dear Johanna. Do send my regards to her and your mother, I miss them terribly.”
“Herr Major! We are nearing the drop zone!” Came the voice of one of the young Luftwaffe glider pilots. “Preparing to break the tether in 30 seconds!” Said the man gripping the lever above his head. “Alright, frauleins this is it! Assume brace positions and prepare for descent and landing.” At the tail end of the plane, Madga placed her head between her knees grabbing the back of her head. “Are we sure about this gas, boss? If it's damaged on landing then we’ll be in dreamland and those Italians will steal our gear.” She gestured to the gas canister in the back. Hilde rolled her eyes. “Secure that negativity, Madga or you're walking the rest of the way.” The whole group burst out laughing as they felt the sudden tug of the glider detaching from the parent plane.
The glider's descent was swift as it was silent, no sooner had the glider detached before it hit the ground with a smooth landing. It wasn't the most pleasant sensation for Hilde Ritter, this being her first glider insertion and quietly she was pleased it was over so quickly. “Glad that's over!” Skorzeny rose from the bench checking on his team. “Sound off, is everyone still intact?” There came off a rattle of affirmatives followed by a groan from Madga. “Ow, let's not do that again. I think my bruises have bruises.” Ignoring the young sniper, Skorzeny nodded to Hedwig, the team's medic. “Is the gas secured? No damage?” The young woman nodded, her voice muffled by her mask. “Ja, Herr Major. The canister is still sealed, if it weren't then we would all be sleeping already.” Breathing a sigh of relief the major turned to Hilde, who rose from the bench. “Let's secure the landing site and plan our next move!” Hilde nodded. “Alright, shake it off ladies and move out! Mussolini's not going to rescue himself! Klöse, Henschel you've got the gas. Try not to drop it.”
As the group filed out into the cool morning air, Hilde came across Alessia groggily massaging her neck. “Are you alright, soldier?” She said to the girl pulling her up with one hand off the bench. “Yes, I’am fine thank you Signorina. It's just that it was my…” The blonde smiled, patting her shoulders. “First glider landing?” The young Italian nodded, still a little shaken. “Don't worry, fräulein. It's my first one as well. Come on, some fresh mountain air will do you good.” Alessia nodded as she followed the SS officer out of the plane. “Thank you, Signorina. I’am sure it will.” Chuckling, Hilde looked over her shoulder. “And please call me Hilde, as you've probably seen we Elite Guards aren't big on formality.” Flashing Hilde a wry smile, Alessia Esposito felt the cool mountain air caress her face as she leapt from the gilder wreckage and into the alpine morning.
Gran Sasso d’Italia, the Abruzzo Mountains, 05:45am
Joining Skorzeny by the lip of a small rocky outcrop that overlooked the plateau, Alessia and Hilde took cover. “Private Esposito? Care to take a look and see what you can see?” He offered his pair of binoculars to her. Flashing him a quick salute, she took the field glasses and looked out over the ridge. “Okay, it looks like we've got four sentries in a basic perimeter pattern all of them female, including one a sniper on a watchtower to the north. And they're using the staff housing as the barracks, next to the hotel.” she pointed out the small chalet sat off to the left off the grand three storey Hotel Campo Imperatore. Skorzeny nodded, handing the young Italian the field glasses. “How many soldiers? My investigations pointed to no more than platoon level.” Alessia thought for a moment. “Then I would say that sounds about right, which makes it around 25 men and whoever is inside holding the Duce.” Skorzeny held out his hand over the vista. “Please continue, Signorina.”
Taking her cue, Alessia looked back through the lenses spotting an Observation Point manned by two female sentries. “OP on the opposite ridge, two female sentries. You can bet they will have a radio so we'll need to neutralise them first and take their uniforms. They will radio checks every hour on the hour so someone needs to be on the comms or they'll get nervous.” Next to her, Hilde nodded. “You and I can take the position. You're the only one apart from the Major who can speak Italian.” Skorzeny clapped both of them on their soldiers before turning to the others.
“Here's the plan ladies. The rest of you neutralise the other perimeter sentries and steal their uniforms to maintain appearances, then Klöse and Obersturmführer Ritter will use their uniforms to enter the barracks and deploy the gas, putting the garrison to sleep. Then we will gather up and enter the Hotel to rescue the Duce. Yes, Kramer? You have a question?” The Major sighed irritability at the young sniper, who had held up her hand. “Why don't we just kill them, Herr Major? I can headshot all of them from here. You guys then move in, strip them and toss the corpses off the mountain. Problem solved.” It was Ritter that answered, shaking her head. “Because, Mags, we don't want to give the Italians excuses for leaving us. The Italian campaign is hanging on the success of this mission and we need Mussolini to restore order and remove Marshal Badoglio from power before he seeks an armistice with the allies. Any dead Italians and the Führer can kiss Italy goodbye.”
The sniper shrugged. “Understood. But why did you bring me if you're not going to let me shoot anyone, Hil?” She asked with a disappointed sigh. Hilde flashed her a smile. “I miss your charming nature when you're not around, Mags.” She replied dryly, as the whole group including Madga burst out laughing. Skorzeny raised his hand to calm them all down. “Alright, guys simmer down. We've got a job to do, let's get to it. The pilots and I will hold this position while you take care of the sentries. Signal when you've all finished.” Then the medic, Klöse, held up her hand. “Apologies, Herr Major but I have a suggestion that could come in handy against our Italian friends?”
Skorzeny signalled her to continue. Opening her medic satchel, Hedwig took out two syringes. “These are needles containing sodium amytal. 10cc’s of this little beauty into the woman's neck and they are sleeping as soundly as the führer after a rally. Should keep them fast asleep for around 8 hours.” She winked, handing Alessia and Hilde the needles. The Major nodded approvingly. “Now if there's nothing else?” The group shook their heads in reply. “Alright, all that's left is good luck and Heil Hitler!” The rest of the group, save Alessia who snapped off an Italian fascist party salute, parroted the Nazi party salute with parade ground precision before splitting up.
Royal Italian Army, Observation Post, Gran Sasso d’Italia, 05:51am
“Why are we even guarding this mountain, Caporal maggiore? Who's going to be brave or dumb enough to come up here and grab the Duce?” Yawned Soldato Gia Rizzo as sat manning the radio post. At 22 she was a looker with tanned heart shaped features, high classical cheekbones and big blue doe shaped eyes framed by long shoulder length strawberry blonde hair tied into a simple ponytail under her green feathered hat, the eagle of the Italian Socialist Republic perched proudly at the centre. Her ample athletic figure filled out her uniform; grey field jacket with webbing clipped on her waist containing ammo for her M1897 Carcano rifle, and matching trousers with grey ankle socks and brown leather boots, underneath which was a black undershirt. Caporal maggiore Alessandra Bruno, a pretty brunette of 24 with olive skinned rounded features, almond shaped grey-hazel eyes and short dark brown hair tied into pigtails underneath her green helmet, adorned with the Italian tricolor smiled.
“Why the damn Nazis of course, Rizzo. Who else could it be?” She said, balancing her Beretta submachine gun on her slender shoulders, standing on the opposite side of the sandbag emplacement. She wore a similar uniform, apart from the brown leather webbing holding reloads for her submachine gun at her waist, her red rank insignia, three inverted chevrons on her left sleeve, matched by rank tabs on her lapel and grey shirt with black tie underneath. Rizzo leaned across. “Seriously? Do the Nazis have anything that can even reach us on this mountain, Caporal?” Alessandra shouldered her Beretta. “We are talking about the Nazis right? You know they stormed Russia back in ‘41 and knocked Stalin out of the war. They can practically achieve anything. Hell, they could get a panzer regiment on this plateau if they wanted.” Gia’s eyes widened as she met out a low whistle. “Right. I guess we have to be ready for anything.” Alessandra rolled her eyes at the blonde. “I’am going back on my rounds. Standby that radio, Rizzo.” Flashing her Caporal a lazy salute, a bored Gia Rizzo leaned back into her camp chair. Checking her watch she sighed. Five minutes to comm check, wake me if anything exciting happens.
Taking a peek over the slope, Alessia and Hilde plotted their next move. The Lei Lupi smiled as she noticed the pretty blonde Soldato dosing off on her camp chair, her radio on a wooden table backed by sandbags. “That pretty blonde, showing a complete lack of professionalism, just happens to be my size. I will put her to sleep and take her uniform.” Alessia whispered just as the Caporal walked away, Hilde nodded. “And I will take the brunette, she's close to my size. Just be quick about taking her out and putting on that uniform, your disguise won't work on her.” She said, touching Alessia's shoulder. “Don't worry, Hilde. I won't let you…or myself down.” Squeezing the German's hand she crawled over the lip of the slop, creeping up silently on the unsuspecting blonde sentry.
Taking slight, careful steps off the grass taking care not to spook the dosing woman Alessia quickly struck like a coiled serpent. Clamping a hand over the sentry's mouth to muffle her cries of surprise, Alessia snaked her arm around the soldier's neck pulling her head over the back of the chair in a dragon sleeper. “Shh..Mi excusè sorella but I need your uniform. Don't fight it or you might just snap your neck. And I don't want to kill you.” Alessia hissed into the struggling girl's ears, her pretty blue eyes bulging with fear but slowly began to flutter. Then with a low muffled rattle, Gia Rizzo passed out slumping into her chair, arms falling limply to her sides. After checking the blonde's pulse, relieved to find a slow steady rhythm Alessia took out the needle full of sodium amytal and plunged it into Gia’s carotid pressing down the plunger. The blonde shuddered for a moment before going limp once again. Grabbing the woman by her webbing, Alessia pulled the unconscious body off the chair and onto the ground, before she began to strip off her Lei-Lupi uniform.
“A rear dragon sleeper? I haven't seen one of those in a while. Most impressive, Alessia.” Smiled Hilde handing over Gia's fallen hat. The brunette Lei-Lupi nodded as she pulled off Gia's boots and socks. “Thanks, it's the first time I have ever used it in anger. Most of the time I just guard doors.” After unclipping the blonde's webbing and pulling it over Gia's head, the sound of the radio crackling into life drew their attention. “Eagle's Nest to Eagle. Comm check, over.” A male Italian voice came over the radio. Reacting quickly, Alessia picked up the headset and pressed the receiver as Hilde bent down to remove Gia’s field jacket and unbutton her shirt. “This is Eagle, receiving you loud and clear, Eagle's Nest. Nothing to report, over.” There was a slight pause before she received the reply. “Copy that, Eagle. Next check at 07:00, Eagle's Nest out.” Putting down the receiver and headset, Alessia turned back to Hilde and Gia.
Gia was glad only in her trousers and a thin blue cotton with white lace trim slip, the nipples of her well rounded young breasts peeking through the fabric, due to the fresh alpine air. “Good work Alessia, they won't be able to make that next check so where in the clear. Get this girl's uniform on while I take care of her friend.” Taking her leave of Alessia, Hilde creeped out of the observation post giving the Lei-Lupi a good view of her tight ass. Smiling despite herself, Alessia unfastened Gia's trousers, working them off her hips and whipping them down her long tanned legs, revealing matching high waisted briefs protecting her modesty.
She quickly got dressed in Gia's uniform and after putting on the feathered cap, Alessia picked the unconscious scantily clad blonde under her shoulders, stuffing her underneath the radio along with her discarded Lei-Lupi uniform. “Who the hell are you? And where's Rizzo?” She looked up to see the helmeted brunette caporal standing there, gripping her Beretta. Alessia smiled as she rose, moving Gia's outstretched leg with her foot under the table. “She's been relieved, I’m Soldato Alessia Esposito, caporal maggiore.” She said flashing off a perfect parade salute, but Alessandra wasn't buying it. “Well nobody told me of a personnel change, soldier.” She nervously raised her submachine gun. “Tell me who gave you the order-ugh!?!” Alessandra suddenly choked as an MP34 was looped over her head pressing hard against her throat and lifting her off the ground. “That's no longer any of your concern, fräulein.” Hilde Ritter hissed into the squirming sentries ears as her Beretta flattered to the earth.
Alessia watched with a mixture of fascination and arousal as Hilde choked the young caporal with her weapon, the brunette's legs uselessly flailing off the ground as she tried in vain to pull the strong athletic Germans gun from her throat but it was all in vain. “Shh, meine liebschen. Not long now just relax…” Hilde cooed into the struggling Alessandra’s ear as the girl went limp with a strangled gurgle, hanging unconscious under Hilde’s grip and feet dangling off the ground.
“That was something else, Hilde. I haven't seen anything like that!” Said Alessia as she watched the blonde German drop the unconscious brunette and in one smooth motion removed her MP34 from around her throat, catching the falling woman under her shoulders and lowering her to the ground. “The good old weapon choke? Do they not teach you Lei-Lupi that?” Hilde asked as she injected the sleeping Alessandra with the sodium amytal before stripping off her leather two piece elite guard uniform. Alessia shook her head. “Could you teach it to me?” She blushed slightly. “You know once we have freed the Duce?” Hilde flashed her a wink taking off the caporal’s helmet. “Consider it done, Alessia. Now do you want to help me relieve the caporal of her uniform?” Alessia grinned as she walked over and knelt by Alessandra's body, unlacing her boots pulling them off along with her socks while Hilde unclipped her combat webbing and belt.
Between them it didn't take long to strip the unconscious Alessandra, leaving her sprawled wearing only her black lace bullet bra and matching shorts at their feet, slim athletic body on full display. “So do you do this thing often, Hilde? Stealing the enemy's uniforms I mean?” The German nodded strapping on the caporal’s helmet. “It's been known to happen. While I was on the eastern front, we stole the uniforms from dead red army girls.” She took Alessandra by her ankles dragging her around the sandbags to where Alessia had stashed Gia's body. “I admit though, lifting a uniform from a still living body is a welcome change of pace.” She smiled that wonderful smile that had enchanted Alessia, as she concealed the woman's body under the table next to Gia slumped with her head lolling on the blonde's shoulder. Alessia nodded. “I know what you mean. Actually stealing a uniform off a pretty girl is a lot better than the alternative.”
“I read the reports. It sounds like you were caught unawares both times. There's nothing you could have done.” She said, laying a shoulder on the Lei-Lupi’s shoulder. Appreciating the gesture, Alessia sighed. “We should have been more alert. Perhaps if we were then maybe the Duce would still be in power.” The German gently squeezed her shoulder. “Well you're here now and more than making up for it.” Alessia blushed slightly, grinning as the woman removed her hand from her shoulder and turned taking out a mirror to signal Skorzeny on the opposite ridge. “...Thank you, fräulein.” Replacing her mirror, Hilde looked over her shoulder. “I wonder how the rest of the team are fairing.”
The Western Ridge, Gran Sasso d'Italia, 06:05am
Hidden from view from the two patrolling Italian soldiers on the ridge by the slope, SS-Scharführer’s Hedwig Klöse and Michaela Henschel observed their prey. “What is it with Italian girls and being so good looking, Michaela?” Whispered Hedwig sizing up a pretty olive skinned girl with slender features and bright hazel eyes framed by short ash brown curls under her green helmet stenciled with the fasces of the Italian Social Republic in black, a Carcano rifle looped over her shoulder. A single black inverted chevron on her right sleeve marked her as a Soldato scelto. “You got me there Hedwig, but that Alessia girl? She's definitely a looker too. None of them can hold a candle to her, despite the fact she's useless.” Hedwig rolled her eyes as Michaela scanned an attractive woman with freckled squared features, blue green doe shaped eyes and light auburn hair tied into a sensible bun under her green helmet and armed with a Beretta submachine gun. The white inverted chevrons on her sleeve marking her out as a Sergente. She turned back to Hedwig.
“That redhead sergente is my size all right, Hedwig. You can have the demotion and take the brunette.” Hedwig groaned, her friend had been incorrigible since they had been attacked by the two British agents who left them…in an unseemly position. “Ugh. You're pulling rank on me now, Michaela?” The redheaded woman flashed her a wink before turning back to the sentries. “Right it looks like they are coming together for a smoke. We'll wait until they separate and take them out one-by-one. Be ready.” Nodding Hedwig hunkered down with her friend as they bided their time.
“I'm still uncomfortable that they are having us guard Il Duce, Sergente.” 19 year old Carlotta Moretti said, taking a drag from her cigarette. “Not after what he's done for our people and nation, making us great again.” Blowing out a steady stream of blue smoke, 26 year old Sergente Bridgetta Rossi nodded. “I hear you kid but we have our orders, bellyaching won't do anything to change that.” Carlotta angrily tapped ash from her cigarette. “Under orders to betray our oath to the fatherland and to the Duce? We are winning for fuck’s sake and all they can do is stab him in the back to pursue a peace with the allies. It's bullshit!” The Sergente gripped her arm. “That's close to insubordination soldier and I would be careful who you say that around…Carlotta.” She warned, voice tinged with sympathy. Carlotta angrily tossed her half finished cigarette over the slope, pulling her arm from Bridgetta’s grasp. “Whatever, sergente. I’am going back on patrol.” Sighing as she watched the younger woman walk away, Bridgetta turned to finish her cigarette looking out at the D shaped hotel.
Taking her opportunity, Hedwig quickly pulled out the legs from under the young brunette, sending her sliding down the bank with a surprised yelp. Then she straddled Carlotta, pinning the young soldier's arms at her sides, clamping a hand over mouth to muffled her cries and took out her syringe, flicking it once. “Trust me I'm a medic…” she whispered, plunging the needle into the soft warm flesh of the brunette’s. Hedwig looked with sympathy as she watched the girl's eyes twitch to her right. “Shh…” she held up a finger to her lips. “She can't help you now, just relax liebschen.” With that the sodium amytal took effect, and Hedwig smiled watching Carlotta's pretty hazel droop into a deep sleep, the brunette letting out a low cute sigh, slumping unconscious underneath the blonde medic. Wasting no time she began stripping off her bodysuit by pulling off her facemask.
Hearing Carlotta's yelp, Sergente Bridgetta Rossi whipped around flicking her cigarette away. “Kid, are you okay? Did you fall down the bank? Answer me!” A worried Bridgetta nervously approached the bank where she had last seen the girl before hearing her cry. Then peering down the slope, she gasped in shock seeing a young blonde woman wearing SS issue vest and panties stripping a stricken Carlotta, whose boots, helmet and jacket had already been removed. She raised her Beretta. “Hey! Get off her or I’ll sh-ugh!” She cried, feeling her legs being swept from under her, sending her crashing to the ground and stunning her. Then before she could react, Bridgetta saw a flash of red hair in her peripheral vision before feeling a sharp pain in the side of her neck, sending her into unconsciousness with a pained grunt.
Lowering her right hand after administering the neck chop to the pretty redheaded sergente, Michaela grinned taking out the sodium amytal and dosing the sleeping woman before grabbing her legs and dragging her over to Hedwig who had already stripped the brunette down to just her undershirt and was in the process of unbuttoning it. “I see you couldn't wait to get started without me, eh?” Michaela grinned as she began to undress herself, getting a good glimpse of Carlotta's slim body clad only in her peach satin bra and matching high waisted knickers. “Mmm, she's looking good, too bad she can't fight worth a damn.” Hedwig rolled her eyes sighing as she pulled off the brunette's shirt one arm at a time. “I wish you wouldn't disparage them so much. They are good soldiers, the ones we fought alongside in North Africa proved themselves.” She said, pulling on Carlotta's uniform. As a half naked Michaela shrugged, pulling off Bridgetta's socks and boots before unstrapping her helmet. “They proved themselves by soaking up British bullets if that's what you mean.” Facepalming, Hedwig finished putting on her disguise and watched in silence as Michaela stripped the unconscious sergente.
“So how do I look? Like a proper Italian sergeant ready to give the order to retreat, right?” Michaela bragged adjusting the strap of her helmet, standing over the half naked body of Bridgetta, sitting slumped next to Carlotta concealed by a boulder wearing only a cheap military issue white cotton slip, with a hint of a matching bra and low waisted panties underneath. Hedwig shook her head. “It fits you like a glove alright. Now let's get back to the Major.” Michaela took out a hand mirror, signalling Skorzeny before tapping Hedwig on her shoulder. “That just leaves Mags and the sniper, Michaela. That is if she hasn't already paid the girl a visit by now.” Michaela laughed as the two jogged back towards the landing site. “Ha! That little sniper won't know what hit her!”
Sniper Tower, Northern Ridge, the Same Moment
From her position atop the watchtower, 22 year old Appuntato Donatella Falcone swept the vista with her scoped Carcano rifle suppressing a yawn and blinked trying to keep her eyes from drying up. Her squad's sniper, Donatella was an attractive girl with diamond shaped features, smart greenish-blue eyes and short ash blonde hair cut short in a tomboyish style underneath her green feathered cap. Over her grey uniform marked with black inverted chevrons on her right sleeve, she wore a mountain camouflage smock.
Suddenly out of the corner of her scope, Donatella Falcone saw a flash of light from the western ridge. “What the hell is that?” She hushed to herself, training her scope to the west to see two women emerge wearing Italian uniform, with two underwear clad female bodies hidden behind a large boulder. “Infiltrators?! Here?” She then followed the light to the opposite ridge finding the wreckage of a glider with German markings, three armed men huddled inside. Gasping in shock, Donatella knew what she had to do. I must radio the Observation Post and have them alert the barracks. The Germans are here for the Duce! Looping her rifle over her shoulder, Donatella slid down the ladder of the watchtower and quickly approached her radio set.
But before she could reach the dial, Donatella cried out in pain feeling a sharp blow to her solar plexus knocking the wind from her and making her double over. Looking up she saw a German sniper grinning from ear to ear. “That's nothing that should concern you, my dear.” Madga Kramer quipped before bashing Donatella’s temple with the butt off her rifle, knocking her unconscious and sending her to meet the ground with a pained squeak.
Smiling, Madga knelt by the unconscious Donatella swapping her garrison cap for the feathered one. “Not too sure about the hat, but I do love that camo smock.” Taking out her syringe, the SS sniper injected the sodium amytal into the blonde's carotid. “Nighty night, girl.” She stripped out of her SS bodysuit before rolling the unconscious body onto her back and pulling off her camo smock along with the snipers boots and socks. After unclipping Donatella’s webbing from around her waist, Madga looped it over her head then unfastened her uniform jacket, slipping the garment off her shoulders and letting her limp body drop back onto the grass. Unbuttoning Donatella’s undershirt gave Magda a glimpse of the woman's small but firm breasts peeking underneath a white cropped vest with an Italian Socialist Republic eagle flying proudly in-between her breasts. “Hmph, still a patriot I see. Let's hope there's some improvement down below…” Madga quipped, unzipping Donatella's trousers, working them off her slender hips and pulling down her long slender legs.
“Figures. I’ll bet all the other Italians on this mountain are wearing sexy lingerie and I’am stuck with the one fräulein who's wearing standard issue.” Madga glanced at the unconscious sniper slumped against the sandbags, dressed only in her vest and solid black panties as she finished getting dressed in the woman's uniform. “Still you have other charms my dear.” After pulling on the camo smock, Mags picked up the Carcano rifle testing its scope. “Ugh! The magnification is way too low. How was she supposed to see, let alone shoot anything?” Shrugging she looped the rifle over her shoulder before taking up her customised Gewehr 43 and signalling the Major with her mirror. Smiling, she spared the pretty half naked Donatello a parting look. “Thanks for the uniform and camo smock, liebschen. It was nothing personal.” She said tapping the blonde on her cheek.
East Ridge Landing Zone, 06:15am
Skorzeny clapped his hands together. “Excellent work, we have our disguises. The thing that remains is neutralising the platoon in the barracks and there will be nothing standing between us and Mussolini. Is the gas ready, Klöse?” The blonde medic dressed in Carlotta's uniform nodded. “Jawohl, Herr Major!" We just need to get them to open the door and we're all set. The gas is odourless and tasteless so they won't know what hit them.” The Major looked to Alessia. “That's something our tactical expert here can take care of.” Flashing them a smile, the young Lei-Lupi fell into step behind the group. “Pilots! Stay here and hold this location!” Skorzeny said over his shoulder to the glider pilots. “Once Mussolini is secure then we'll radio command, secure this mountain and get transportation for the Duce.” The two men saluted as the team made their way up the slope towards the hotel, with Hedwig carrying the small red canister.
The Guard Barracks, Gran Sasso d'Italia, 6:20am
Soldato Flavia Ciccone, a pretty 21 year old redhead with shoulder length curly hair, almond shaped eyes and olive skinned turned in her bed hearing knocking coming from the front door. Sighing irritably, Flavia threw off her sheets and sat up blinking the sleep from her tired reddened eyes. She glanced around at the 8 men and 6 other women that made up her platoon, still fast asleep none of them even making a move. “Alright, alright, alright.” She yawned widely getting up off her bed. “Keep your shirt on, I'm coming.” Massaging her eyes and dressed only in a standard issue vest and black panties, Flavia trudged up to the door.
“What’s the matter?” Flavia slurred, sliding the shutter open to reveal the five perimeter senties, one was a pretty olive skinned brunette soldato who seemed familiar to her. The girl flashed her an innocent smile. “Buongiorno, Sorella. Could you let us in? We haven't had breakfast yet and we're starving.” Flavia yawned again. “...Alright, alright. Just let me get the door and thanks for waking me up, Stronza.” unlatching the lock Flavia stood back and let the group in turning her back to the brunette. “I’m afraid all we've got is stale crack-mmmph!” Flavia cried as she was seized from behind in a sleeper hold, a hand clamped over her mouth to silence her.
Alessia quickly snaked her arm around the woman's neck, cutting off the blood supply to her brain. The red head was so tired that she barely put up a fight and quickly passed out with a low muffled rattle in the Lei-Lupi's arms. “Back to sleep, bella donna.” She whispered into the soldier's ear, draping her on her belly over an empty cot. Feeling a hand on her shoulder she turned to see Hilde smiling. Behind her Hedwig, wearing a respirator and Michaela gun raised entered the barracks.
“How long does that gas take to disperse?” She asked the blonde medic, who placed her burden in the corner. “Once I turn this dial, the effects should be instantaneous. So I would recommend clearing out now if you don't want to take a whiff, Hilde.” she answered, the respirator lending her voice an eerie muffled affect. Following the medic's recommendations, Hilde ordered her team out with Michaela covering her friend's back, sharing a nod with the blonde before filing out.
Returning to her work, Hedwig hummed the Nuremberg marches as she broke the canister's seal and turned the wheel, letting the gas escape into the room. “ Enjoy your extra lie in, my Italian friends.” She smiled under her mask as she backed out and closed the door behind her, inwardly pleased that they didn't shed the blood of the Reich's allies, they were only misguiding after all.
Inside the experimental gas did its work. Odourless and colourless, it spread amongst the sleeping men and women who didn't even wake as they inhaled the schlafen gas. They all simply fell into a deeper sleep within 5 minutes. Outside, Skorzeny turned to Hedwig who had her hand on the barracks door pulling off her respirator. “How long will they be out for?” The blonde medic shrugged. “Anywhere between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the person. Either way they won't be a problem, Herr Major” The Major nodded. “Excellent, let's secure our VIP. Move out!” Falling into step behind Skorzeny the rescue team marched up to the imposing D shaped Hotel Campo Imperatore on the crest of the hill.
The Hotel Campo Imperatore, 6:35am
Striding up to the front doors the team found two young soldiers, one male the other female flanking the double wooden doors. Both were caught with surprise seeing a squad of Italian troops being led by an SS officer, they shot each other nervous glances. “Um Sergente?” The female, a pretty brunette with supple olive skin and shoulder length chestnut hair, said flashing Michaela an uncertain, confused look. “Why are you being led by a German officer? What's the meaning of this?” Skorzeny smiled as five weapons were raised behind him, pointing straight at the sentries.
“That's because they are not Italian soldiers but German and they stole these uniforms from your fellows.” The two looked at each other again, rooted to the spot with fear not knowing how to respond as Skorzeny continued. “Now I would not rather have to kill loyal fascists, and we have spared the lives of your fellow soldiers. Drop your weapons and surrender and you'll have my word as a German officer you will not be harmed.” The two sentries nodded, sweat beading their foreheads as almost simultaneously they dropped their weapons and held up their hands. Hilde and Madga brushed past the major, kicking away the fallen rifles before securing the prisoners. “W-what do you want, sir?” Asked the young woman nervously glancing over her shoulder to Skorzeny. The man tucked his hands behind his back. “Take me to Mussolini and your commander. On the double, soldier.”
The Honeymoon Suite, 3rd Floor of the Campo Imperatore, 06:45am
Knocking on the door twice, Skorzeny flashed a smile to the man who opened it, a small moustachioed man with the plumed hat and shoulder epaulettes marking him out as a Maresciallo ordinario. The major smiled gently pointing his gun into the man's face. “Good morning, herr leutnant. Would you be so kind as to take us to the Duce, please?” Gulping audibly the young officer nodded, opening the door to admit the group along with their prisoner into the opulently appointed suite.
They found Mussolini dressed in his pyjamas sitting in his state room enjoying a breakfast of a Cornetto washed down with a cup of cappuccino. He looked up as the team entered, a look of fear on his face. “What is the meaning of this? Wait, you're with the SS?” The Duce asked in fluent german, taking a sip from his cappuccino. Skorzeny flashed off a party salute clicking the heels of his jackboots. “SS-Major Otto Skorzeny and my team, led by SS-Obersturmführer Hilde Ritter…” the pretty blonde flashed her own party salute as Mussolini scanned the 5 women. “I recognise you, do I not Signorina?” He said pointing at Alessia who puffed out her chest. “Si Duce. I’am Alessia Esposito, one of your Lei-Lupi.” She peeled off an Italian salute. “I was at the Villa Torlonia when you were abducted sir…” her voice died as she recalled that awful night. Returning her salute, Mussolini turned back to Skorzeny.
“It's good to see the führer hasn't forgotten his friends, herr Major. I hadn't expected to be rescued by the fine women of the SS.” The Duce smiled before taking the last bite of his Cornetto. Skorzeny straightened his back with pride. “Indeed, Duce. Herr Hitler was quite beside himself when he heard of your capture at the hands of the partisan's. He ordered the SS to effect your rescue as soon as humanly possible. He values his Italian allies most highly.” Mussolini leaned back taking a sip of his cappuccino. “Well, I look forward to thanking the führer in person. Once I have finished this coffee of course.” The Major saluted him once again. “ We await your pleasure, Duce.” He then turned to Hilde.
“Hilde? Get on the radio and call for reinforcements plus a plane for the Duce. We need to secure this mountain and the prisoners.” The blonde woman saluted before she ordered her team out of the room leaving Skorzeny with Mussolini, flashing Alessia a friendly smile on the way out.
The Gran Sasso d'Italia, One Hour Later
Now redressed in her Elite Guard uniform, SS-Obersturmführer Hilde Ritter leaned against a rock watching Skorzeny escort Mussolini, towards a waiting Fi 156 Storch while two full platoons of fallschirmjägers and SS troopers secured the sleeping Italian prisoners. “It's been a hell of a morning hasn't it?” Hilde smiled as she saw the beautiful sight of Alessia Esposito approach her, wearing her Lei-Lupi uniform and clutching a pack of cigarettes.
“I hope they aren't Italian smokes? No offence but your tobacco gives me headaches.” Alessia laughed as she leaned next to the German officer, their shoulders touching. “None taken. I wouldn't inflict our rubbish on you, Hilde. They're German, I traded with one of your paratroopers for a watch I took off the radio operator for them.” Chuckling Hilde accepted the offered cigarette, taking a deep drag after Alessia lit the both of them. They both let out sighs of pleasure watching Mussolini and Skorzeny clamber into the plane.
Alessia blew out a steady stream of blue smoke. “You're right. I wasn't to blame for failing and losing my uniform twice. I was taken by surprise and there wasn't anything I or Giulia could have done.” Hilde smiled, taking a drag from her cigarette and gently squeezing the Italians hand. “I’m glad you finally see it that way, Alessia. You're a good soldier, don't let anyone tell you differently. And if I may say so, a very attractive one signorina.” Alessia blushed at the unexpected but welcome flirtation. She turned to the pretty German gazing into her big blue eyes. “Um, would you like to go for a drink, Hilde. I-I mean when we return to the base? I feel the sudden urge to get to know you a little better.” Hilde giggled as they got closer together, their lips brushing. “I’d like that signorina. But for now I would settle for a kiss.”
The sound of the Storch’s made them jump, they giggled as they pulled out caressing each other's faces. “Perhaps later then?” Hilde winked as they leaned back onto the rock, Alessia resting her head on the blonde's shoulder. “Count on it.” She replied as they watched the Storch take off and rise into the clear blue Italian sky.