The Kindly Ones

My birthday falls on October 10, and that year Thomas had invited me to dinner. At the end of the afternoon, some officers came with a bottle of Cognac to congratulate me and we had a few drinks together. Thomas joined us in a very good mood, raised a toast to my health, then drew me aside, shaking my hand: “My friend, I’m bringing you some good news as a gift: you’re going to be promoted. It’s still a secret, but I saw the papers at Hartl’s. The Reichsfürer, after the Aktion, asked the Gruppenchef to submit a list of deserving men and officers to him. Your album made a very good impression and your name was added to the list. I know that Hartl tried to oppose it, he never forgave you for your words during the Aktion, but Blobel supported you. You’d do well anyway if you went and apologized to Hartl one of these days.”—“That’s out of the question. He’s the one who should apologize.” He laughed and shrugged his shoulders: “As you like, Hauptsturmführer. But your attitude isn’t making things any easier for you.” I darkened: “My attitude is the attitude of an SS officer and a National Socialist. Whoever can say as much is welcome to criticize me.” I changed the subject: “What about you?”—“What do you mean, me?”—“Aren’t you also getting promoted?” He smiled broadly: “I don’t know. You’ll see.”—“Watch out! I’m catching up with you.” He laughed and I laughed with him. “That would surprise me,” he said.