Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2016 20:19:03 +0100
From: honey_im_back@hushmail.com
Subject: Dirk Part 4

Dirk Part 4

This is the story of a number of relationships. The main one is between a 20 year old
man, and a 12 year old boy. There are also other relationships mentioned, Man/Girl,
Boy/Girl(incestuous) and Girl/Girl. Some of the events took place, many didn't but it
is not intended to be anything other than Fiction. References to people with specific
positions in Society are ALL fiction. I do know that someone will pick up on a couple
of 'Historical errors' these were intentional, to help throw the scent off anyone who
might otherwise be implicated in some sort of wrong doing! There is not hot and
steamy sex on every page, because life, or at least MY life was not like that! You will
note that every encounter between Adults and Children in this story is initiated by
the younger person, and only continues as long as the younger person is happy and
safe (except maybe where the younger person is being tickled in fun!) The adult
characters all believe in stopping the libido of their young friends before things get
out of hand.
As I said, this is FICTION, that means it is not true, do not copy any of the actions in
this story. Abuse of kids is pretty much the world over illegal, what constitutes abuse
does vary from land to land. You know what the law is where you are, adhere to it or
face the consequences! If it is illegal to be reading this type of story where you are,
either because of general law, or because of your age, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU
STILL HERE FOR?
Nifty is a free to use service, but someone has to pay! Please consider making a
donation by going to http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html, to help keep this service
out there!
The story takes place in Germany and rather than putting all conversations in
German, as they were spoken I have simply written it all in English, except where the
German is important to the story, in which case I have added a translation
afterwards.


Dirk 4
By Peter Pumpkin Eater
From part 3.
When I reached them I told Detlef to guide the boy across and then come back with 2
ropes as I felt sure the roof would not take 2 adults at once. Even over the roar of the
flames I heard the cheers as the 3rd child was helped safely to the ground. At that
moment the roof between me and safety gave way and the fire took hold of the
room I was in.

Part 4

If that was not enough my breathing apparatus started to beep loudly, indicating that
I was almost out of air. I heard a new roaring, hissing sound as the other firefighters
put down a huge amount of water onto the building around where I was. I quickly
looked around and started ripping curtains off the walls and checking the cupboards
found a linen cupboard. I found out later that this was where they kept bedding for
sleepovers, when they sometimes had upwards of 20 kids sleeping in the games
room! I started knotting the sheets, blankets and curtains together and going to the
window with a blanket I signalled to the guys below to wet the blanket for me. They
caught on and I was rewarded with a cooling shower and a wet blanket to put over
my head to protect me a little from the heat and smoke. I just managed to drag the
full sized Pool table to the window and tie my makeshift rope to the legs. The rope,
however, would not go straight down but was being blown to one side and upwards
towards the roof by the heat of the burning rooms below me. I took the BA off and
tied it to the end of the rope as a weight and tried again. I could see that it went
down, but the fact that I didn't hear it hit the ground worried me a little. No time to
think it through, I put the wet blanket over my head and started to rappel down the
'rope'. Once I reached the end of the rope I realized I was still about 8 feet up. I had
just decided to jump when, weakened by the flames, part of the 'rope' started to
unravel and I found myself falling onto the paving slabs below me.
The pain was unbearable and I was convinced that I had broken something as the
water jets were concentrated above me and firefighters dashed over to lift me away
from the collapsing building. I was unceremoniously dumped onto a stretcher and
carried, at the run, to a waiting Ambulance. As we rounded the corner, and the public
and other firefighters saw that I was at least alive a huge roar went up. I was
coughing and choking from the smoke and almost didn't see as Anka and Dirk
dashed over to my side as I was loaded into the ambulance. In the other bed was the
older boy, Jurgen, who looked in a bad way, burns to his face and oxygen mask on.
The ambulance crew tried to get Anka and Dirk out of the way, so that they could
work on me, and it was only after I croaked that I'd see them at the hospital that they
finally agreed to leave me, after 2 very sexy kisses! The boy on the other stretcher
was really fighting for breath and the medic told the driver that we had to get going.
The old Mercedes ambulance weaved and swayed its way towards town, with the
second one following. I noticed out of the window as 2 police motorcycles passed
and then took up escorting us. The medic in the back, having stabilized Jurgen,
turned to me. He started to run cold saline over my face and gently cut my gloves off.
"They are not my gloves, they belong to the fire brigade!" I protested, slightly
confused from the pain medication that they had given me.
"It's OK Peter, I am an Unterbrandmeister (Assistant fire chief), I will make sure it is
OK!" he assured me, showing me his badge of rank.
"What about Detlef? I asked, "The firefighter who got Jurgen off the roof?"
"He's fine, but he will be in a bit later for a quick check up" the medic assured me.
I felt the ambulance slow down and reverse into the entrance of the small hospital.
The doors opened and there were Stephan and Lena, with the kids, all of them were
crying. "Hey!" I croaked "No tears, I'm going to be fine!"
 The ambulance crew got Jurgen out and Stephan and a hospital orderly pulled me
out. In the emergency department I was put into a bed between Jurgen and his sister
Angelika with the younger boy, Lothar on the end, the nurses wanted to close my
curtains but I asked them not to, so I could keep an eye on the kids. It was obvious
from their reactions that they knew the whole story.
I heard a bit of fuss outside as Stephan tried to convince the nurses to allow him, and
the family, in to see me.
"Look, Peter is as good as our son, he is engaged to my daughter and he just saved
the lives of my niece and nephews, does that not make us family? Besides as his
Unterbrandmeister I need to make some notes for my statement, you know how
much paperwork is involved when a firefighter gets injured in the line of duty?"
The nurses seemed to relent and allowed them in, closely followed by Adolf and
Heidi.
The Finkemeirs were in tears as they went to their children, the 2 younger ones were
awake, but affected by the smoke inhalation. Jurgen was still being helped with his
breathing and the blistering on his face was more pronounced.
Then they turned to me,"Mr Carling," Heidi said, "you risked, and almost lost, your
life to save our children, I heard you are not even a firefighter?"
"It's Peter," I croaked offering my hand, "and I have fire training from the Army, but I
did what anyone who had the chance would have done. Without Detlef I could never
have found the kids, so he is the one who saved them!"
At the mention that I had 'almost died' both Anka and Dirk started to cry, and held
tightly onto my arm. "hey you two, ease up a bit on the tourniquet, my hand's not
getting any blood!" I joked.
The two kids let go in shock as I grinned to them. "You can hold me, just not quite so
tight please!"
"Detlef is outside getting his burns seen to, but he is very upset that he left you alone
up there" Stephan told me.
"Look, the roof was too weak for all 3 of us at once, there was only the one rope and
Detlef is lighter than me. It was the right thing to do, if I had gone with Jurgen, or all
3 of us had gone together it could have been a lot worse than it is!" I told Stephan,
maybe a little too loudly.
Just then I felt someone trying to get into my bed, and I turned to see Angelika climb
into my bed, in tears, and hug me tightly. "Thank you Uncle Peter, you saved us, I
thought we were going to burn up there!"
I hugged her tightly, tears streaming down my face, "It's fine Angelika, I just did my
job!" I looked across to see how Adolf and Heidi were taking my promotion to
'Uncle', and the fact that their little girl was in bed with a strange man!
Heidi held out her arms to hug Angelika and lift her out of my bed, but the little girl
held tightly to my arm and shook her head no! Just then Lothar also joined me in bed
and, kissing my cheek, said "Yes Thank you Uncle Peter, you're a very brave man, I
love you!"
I saw a flash of jealousy in Dirks face as he heard that so I defused the situation by
saying, "If I am to be your Uncle then I would hope that you do love me!"
The nurses came and sent everyone out, and after explaining to my new niece and
nephew that they needed to work on my bad leg and my burns the kids agreed to go
into their own beds again. The nurse wanted to close my curtains but I stopped her,
"No secrets here, we're all family, and besides as soon as we're well enough it'll be
back to skinny dipping in the lake!"
The nurse shook her head and started to cut my burnt clothes off me. I swear she
didn't NEED to take the boxers off, but cut them she did, maybe to embarrass me?
They started to sponge the burnt areas down, removing burnt on cloth, when a noise
from Jurgen's bed made it clear he was waking up. The nurses turned to help him,
leaving me fully exposed and soaking wet!  Angelika and Lothar were sitting on their
beds watching, partly interested in what was happening to their brother, and partly
in the free floor show offered on the bed between us!
Outside I heard more commotion and recognized the voice of my CO, Col Makepeace.
I tried to pull a sheet over me and Lothar jumped down from  his bed to help me,
barely disguising his erection in his tight shorts. Another nurse arrived and told me
that Col Makepeace wanted to see me, but if I didn't feel up to it she would tell him
to wait. I decided to get it over with and asked her to let him in.
The Colonel arrived at my bedside with a young, pretty Subaltant at his side.
"Peter," he started, (My GOD an officer using my first name!) "This is 2nd Lt
Markham, she is covering your translation duties while you are working on the farm.
Now I just got word that you risked your life to rescue 3 German children in a fire?"
"Yes Sir, Sorry Sir!" I said, instinctively, half expecting him to stop me from working at
the farm. "Stephan, the farmer where I am helping out, is in the fire brigade and
asked me to stand in in case not enough men arrived to take the appliance out.
When we got there the children were trapped and I was the only spare person who
could use breathing apparatus."
The Colonel smiled, "Why sorry man? You did a great thing and you will be
recognized for it too!"
Just then a porter arrived to take me to X ray for my ankle injury, and the 2 younger
kids were upset that I was leaving. The porter explained that I would be back soon,
and Col Makepeace offered to keep them company while I was gone!
The X ray confirmed that there was nothing broken, but I had torn a ligament in my
foot. I was pushed back to the Emergency room where preparations were being
made to move the 3 kids up to a Children's ward. "If Peter is not coming with us then
we wont go" asserted Angelika and Lothar They both jumped out of their beds, now
wearing hospital gowns, (damn I missed that little show!) and tried to climb into my
bed.
The Colonel and Lt Markham went to one side with the doctor and Adolf and Heidi. I
heard the Colonel talking and Lt Markham trying to translate. She came across to me
and asked, "How would you say contingency fund in German?"
"Umm reservefond I think" I replied, more than a little confused.
"Thanks, I may well be visiting you for some German lessons!" she smiled.
"Just don't let my girlfriend catch you, she is a very jealous person!"
"Her brother too, if my eyes served me right?" she added.
S H I T an officer had worked out that I'm a paedophile? That's my career over.
She gripped my arm, "Look if I read you wrong I'm sorry, but even Lesbians have a
Gaydar! If as I suspect Anka is in fact gay too, I'd love to get to know her better!"
She returned to the others and soon they all came back.
"Problem solved, the army has some special funds, for moments like this, when we
can pay for something which the Colonel thinks is important. You are all 4 going to be
in a private room, and since the main problems are burns the treatments will be
much the same for all of you!"
As the porters got ready to move us up to the ward I noticed that Dirk was looking
very sullen. I called him over and whispered in his ear; "Dirk, I love you more than life
itself. I hope that you will visit me whenever you can. I only need to be here for a day
or two, and then you will have me alone in bed for a couple more days! I understand
that you might be sad that I'm not coming home today, but please be brave for me?"
"Why do you have to share with them? Isn't it enough that you nearly died rescuing
them?"
Lt Markham caught the end of the conversation  and came to us; "Dirk?" she asked,
"It is Dirk isn't it?"
He nodded sullenly.
"Peter needs to get his foot sorted out and the burns need to go down a little. I know
he loves you over anything else in the world, but you need to be a real man about
this. He is going to be in the same room as Angelika, Lothar and Jurgen so he can
keep an eye on them too. I'm sure he is not going to dump you for one of them. This
is a time where you need to be brave and share your special friend with kids less
fortunate than yourself!"
By the time she was finished Dirk was bawling his eyes out and I hugged him to me.
A porter wanted him to get off the bed, so that it could be pushed to the ward.
"It's OK, let the boy stay there, he almost lost his new brother, just days after
meeting him for the first time!" the doctor told the porter, "Lets face it, Mr Carling IS
a hero!"
So it was that 4 beds, 5 kids, 3 Tommy's and 2 sets of worried parents made their
way up to a private ward. One of the ward orderlies came in to explain the bells and
controls. There was an electric shutter outside, the beds could lift and lower at the
push of a button and the TV was even set up to receive not only the standard
German programs but also BFBS the forces TV station!
The Nurses took all of our vitals, including rectal temperatures, and briefed me on
what to do if one of the kids needed anything. I asked if I could shower, and she said
she would ask the doctor, but if I was allowed to it would need to be very soon as I
was going to have an operation later!
"AN OPERATION?" I shouted, "why, I thought it was just a torn ligament?"
"Yes we are going to sew it back together, so when it has been done you'll be in bed
for 5 to 7 days." She explained.
"Fuck" I muttered under my breath,
"You'll be OK to do that" she smiled, "as long as you keep the weight off the foot!"
Shortly she returned with a wheel chair and some extra towels, "Doc says it's a good
idea for you to shower, and I'll need to shave the foot for you too."
"May I help too?" asked an obviously excited Lothar.
"Erm.. I don't think that would be a good idea," the nurse told him with a sweet
smile, "You need to keep your burns dry for now, and there will not be enough room
in there for 3 of us!"
Lothar's hand went instinctively to his groin, to adjust his little boy nail.
"Lothar has a boner!" Angelika taunted.
I looked across and her and said, "Angelika, that is not nice, he can't help it when
that happens, it would be like him teasing you for sneezing!"
"I guess so. Sorry Lotti, I didn't mean to be mean!" she said and slipped out of her
bed to hug her brother, who had turned several shades of beet red at the
conversation.
I looked across at Jurgen who shrugged his shoulders as if to say "Kids" but I noticed
his hand slowly rubbing at his pecker too.
Nurse told the 3 kids to look away as she removed my gown and sat me naked in the
wheelchair. The kids, of course, didn't look away, but rather stared at my naked body.
nurse wheeled me into the en suite shower and adjusted the water before washing
me all over so very gently. When she pulled back my foreskin to clean my penis I
though I was going to spit all over her hand.
"Mmmm" was all I could say.
"Mmmm indeed, we don't get many hot guys here in the private ward, most are too
old, and too rich to be of any interest. It's a shame that you are spoken for already," I
panicked a little at this comment but was relieved as she went on, "Anka is a very
lucky girl to have you as a friend" then she started to jack me off faster as she added,
"and Dirk is a VERY lucky young man too!"
I shot my load, with a very load moan, all over the wall of the shower. and she slowed
down, bringing me gently from my high. "Well there is hope for us girls yet if I can get
you to do THAT at short notice!"
I grabbed her gloved hand and licked the cum off, just to show that I was still as Gay
as ever!
"Maybe we should keep quiet about this?" she offered, "nurse Betty is my life partner
and she might get jealous if she found out!"
I lent over and gave her a peck on the cheek, "Thanks, you're not my type, but it was
still awesome!"
She dried me a little and I covered myself with a towel as she pushed me back in the
room. I slipped into the fresh gown on my bed but sat in the chair as the nurses
made my bed with fresh linen, since the old stuff still smelt strongly of smoke.
As I climbed back in the doctor walked in and started to explain about the operation
for my torn ligaments.
I blanched at the news that I would need a plaster cast for between 6 and 12 weeks,
but he assured me that he would make a walking plaster, and I would be able to walk
and drive within the week.
I'd g into details of the operation here, except all I remember is an Asian gentleman
injecting me with some pink stuff, and me joking, "Ha, you wont put me to sleep with
THAT sugar water!"
Next memory is lying in recovery, with 2 little angels at my side, calling the nurse to
come over as I had opened my eyes. Then there is a blur and the next memory is
being in my bed, next to the kids, absolutely gagging for a drink! The nurse showed
Angelika how to feed me sips of water, and assured me that by evening I'd be able to
enjoy a beer with my meal! God you have to love private wards in German hospitals!
I didn't get the beer that evening as I was still spaced out from the pain medication,
but dinner was still excellent, and not only was there coffee available at the touch of
the housekeeping bell, they also had a constant supply of iced juices available. Next
day Col. Makepeace called in to see me, along with a couple of my mates. They were
in awe of the fact that the Col was 'first naming' me, even though I could not bring
myself to use his first name, despite his offer. One of the guys made a comment
about me sharing with 3 kids, but I assured him that, since they were cousins to my
girlfriend, they were practically family. Angelika also joined in the conversation a
little, her English being way better than any of the soldiers German. One of the
housekeeping staff came in, a young, fit, Turkish guy, and asked in fairly good English
if anyone wanted a coffee. The 3 kids asked for juice and I accepted the offered
coffee. He then turned to my visitors, who were shocked that they too were being
offered.
"It's OK guys, the Colonel is paying!" I joked.
He smiled and explained to them about the contingency fund, and the reasons for
the private room, so we all had coffee. I have to explain here, "Coffee" in Germany is
a bit like "Afternoon Tea" in finer circles in the UK. It is not only the drink, it is served
with savouries, sometimes, and always with cakes and pastries. Cakes seem to be at
least 50% cream, not good for diets, but great for sweet toothed lads like us!
The Colonel asked to speak to my Doctor, and asked him if there was anything the
Army could do to help my recovery, but was told, at least until I was out of plaster
there was nothing, except NOT allowing me to do anything rash, like saving kids from
burning farmhouses!
"To be honest, Herr Doctor, I doubt if even a full body cast would stop this man from
risking his life for others, it's the way he is made up!" The Colonel praised, making me
blush a thousand shades of scarlet!
One of the guys asked me to relate exactly what happened, so I did, missing out a
few personal details. When I got to the part where I sent Jurgen back with Detlef
Angelika took over.
"Peter must have known the risks, but he sent the other firefighter back with my
brother, as the roof was very weak and would not hold them all at once."
Jurgen, who had up to then not said a word to anyone, much to the worry of the
hospital staff, wheezed, "Detlef, the other firefighter, wanted Peter to come with us
when he pulled me out, but Peter knew that the roof was about to go, so he stayed.
Just as we crossed the roof it collapsed behind us, leaving Peter trapped. I can
remember hearing orders for water to be laid onto that side of the house. because it
was our farm..." he stopped to wipe a tear from his eye and clear his throat. One of
the soldiers went across to him and sat on his bed, half hugging him like a brother
would. "because it was our farm the building was full of hay and straw, as well as
tons of harvested grain in the lofts too. It was burning very hot!" With that Jurgen
started to cry.
The soldier on his bed drew Jurgen into his arms and hugged him. "Hey kiddo, my
Dad is a farmer, we lost everything in a fire 7 years ago, after Lightening hit the
house. I understand. That's why I joined the Army, Dad had to scale down the
operation and there was not enough work for me and my 3 brothers! I joined the
Army and my younger brother joined the Navy!"
"Do you fancy a bit of Farm work for a month or so?" the Colonel asked the lad.
"You mean like Peter is doing Sir?"
"Yes, I was thinking, while Peter is recovering you might help out there, and when he
is able to work then you might be able to help on this families farm too! I'll check
with the farmers, but as far as the regiment is concerned, you can have as much time
as you need, up to the start of the Autumn Shield exercises! You won't be able to live
out of camp, but you will have a permanent pass and will be excused all duties!"
"Wow! Thanks Sir!" was all he could manage.
The other 2 soldiers had a bit of a jealous look on hearing this but the Colonel turned
to them; "Learn enough German to communicate with the locals, and get Peter to
introduce you, and you can have the same next summer! You never know, you might
find a farmer with a daughter like Anka, Peters girlfriend,"
"Fiancée" Angelika interrupted,
The Colonel raised his eyebrows looking at me "Fiancée?" he continued, "and you can
get a few weeks off in the same way!"
At that moment the door opened and Stephan, Lena, Anka and Dirk rushed in,
followed by Adolf and Heidi. Anka made a bee line for my bed and hugged and kissed
me, as if the fiancée thing was indeed true. dirk also hugged me, sneaking a kiss in
while we were locked together. The Colonel asked me to explain to Stephan and Adolf
what he had just offered. I did so and they both expressed their gratitude, Adolf
adding that his insurance would pay a wage for a stand in helper, since Jurgen was
seen as old enough to do a mans' work, and his being in hospital would impact the
already stretched resources of the farm.
Adolf and Heidi explained that they had already moved into Stephan's workers
cottage, and though the kids would need to share a room when they got home,
things were not as bad as they might have been. Stephan asked me to tell the other
soldiers that, if they wanted, they would be welcome to come and help on many of
the farms in the village in their "off duty" hours, so the Colonel promised that they
too would be exempt all extra duties, weekends and evenings, to give them time to
help.
The Colonel was about to go when a ruckus in the hallway erupted. Stephan glanced
out of the door and swore;
"Holy Shit! the ZDF is out there, looking for you Peter!" (ZDF = Zwieter Deutsches
Fernsehen, the second TV channel in Germany)
A senior nurse came in and explained that the German TV wanted to interview me
following my 'daring rescue'.
I looked to the Colonel for help. "Sir?" I pleaded.
"I am sorry but to interview Sgt Carling they will need to contact BAOR HQ in
Rhinedahlen!"
"Errm Sir, I'm only a Corporal, not a Sergeant!"
The Colonel smiled and pulled a small presentation case from his pocket; "as of 09.00
this morning you were promoted!" handing me a set of brass chevrons to wear on
my uniform. "Will yo be OK with a TV interview later today?" he asked me, "I want
this to be a BFBS exclusive, they can sell it to the German TV, and it will also appear
on the BBC at home, if you are happy?"
"Yes SIR!" I said. "could one of the lads get something for me to wear though Sir? this
gown is a bit embarrassing!"
"Well I'll check with the BFBS crew when they arrive, but I expect they will want you
in bed!"
"I bet they will," sniggered one of the other soldiers, causing all of us except the 4
German adults, to burst out laughing.
Angelika did a good job of translating but the look of panic in Stephan's face indicated
that he had misunderstood, or at least taken too literally, what was meant!
The ZDF crew were sent outside to report from the car park of the hospital and the
Colonel said he had to go back to camp. he took 2 of the soldiers with him, leaving
Brian, the ex farmer, to talk through what was expected of him.
Lunch was pleasant, I opted for a chicken salad, with ice as a desert, Brian was
amazed that he too was offered a meal, even more so when the beers I had asked for
arrived too.
"You Dog!" he told me, "Now I know why you like Germany so much, beer in
hospital?"
"It is only on a private ward like this though, on a normal ward the food is much like a
UK hospital, edible but nothing special!" I told him.
After lunch the kids and I decided that we needed a rest, and Brian was taken to the
farm to get acquainted with the equipment and lie of the land.
At about 4, just after Coffee, there was a knock at my door. the hospital administrator
came in with a rather flamboyant man, dressed as a Captain in the British Army. Long
story short, the TV people decided to do some of the interview with me in bed, and
got permission to also speak to my 'niece' and 'nephews'. Before a second part of the
interview, to be made in full Number 2 Dress Uniform, in the Foyer of the hospital.
The TV producer decided that a gown was "unmanly" and asked for a member of his
team to procure pyjamas for myself and the kids. I swear he just wanted to see me
change, which I did with no false modesty. Stephan and Detlef also arrived in full Fire
brigade dress uniform and along with Adolf and Heidi we were all interviewed about
the fire, and the circumstances leading up to my being there. There was an
interviewer from the German TV channel too, who asked questions and translated
everything that the BFBS guys were saying.
The first part of the interview over I was surprised to see the Colonel, Lt Markham
and the Quartermaster arrive, all in Number 2 Dress. The QM handed me a brand
new uniform, with all the correct badges and insignia on, except that the Rank
markings were that of a Corporal.
"Oh well, that has to be the shortest promotion in History I joked!"
"Just wait and see, young man!" the Colonel said kindly, "just wait and see!"
I could not get my plaster cast into the trousers and the QM waved a German into
the room, who I recognized at the Regimental Tailor. He quickly opened the trousers
at the seam and I was able to slip them on.
"Sir, just what is going on?" I asked, a little confused.
"Oh OK, it was meant to be a surprise but we are going to officially promote you and
recognize your gallantry in a ceremony downstairs."
"Sir, please could you ask the Doctors if the kids can be there too?"
"Of course, why didn't I think of that, and I'll ask Stephan if your fiancée and your
little boyfriend can be there as well!"
I blanched at the mention of my "boyfriend" but he smiled and gripped my arm. "Do
you think we didn't notice the way my sons interacted with you last year? You are a
good man, society may not understand, but I do, and so does your future 'Father in
Law'!"
I was helped into a wheelchair, and Jurgen too, then 2 children's wheel chairs were
collected from the Children's ward, and we made our way down. In the entrance area
the regimental band, less 1 trumpeter, were warming up and I noticed the Mayor and
some other German Dignitaries too. I was 'parked' near the centre of the entrance
and Jurgen, Angelika and Lothar were near me. Detlef was there in his Fireman's
Uniform along with some higher ranking German fire officers, who I didn't recognize
The TV crew explained to me that there was to be a live link to both the German and
the BBC news, and I suddenly realized that  had not had a chance to tell my parents.
"Sir, could someone call my parents and let them know to turn the news on back
home please?" I asked.
I was wheeled over to the reception desk where I was allowed to call home. I quickly
explained the gist of what was going on, asking Mum to switch on the new Video
recorder and catch the BBC news. I promised to call her again later to fill n the gaps.
I was wheeled back to my place just as a Rolls pulled up outside the hospital, flying
the pennant of the British Embassy, and escorted by MP outriders, this was followed
by a Mercedes flying a German flag escorted by 4 Police motorcycles. The Rolls door
opened as the band played the National Anthem and a suited gent stepped out with
a woman and a boy of about 12 or 13. Then the Merc doors were opened and
another suit, alone, stepped out to the German National Anthem. A guard of honour,
which I had not noticed before was called to present and the German and British
dignitaries inspected them. While they were followed by the cameras I noticed a
second crew filming me, catching me as I wiped a tear from my eye. I looked across
at the three kids I had helped from the flames and gave them a re assuring smile,
something I was later told melted hearts across Britain and Germany when it was
shown on the Nation News channels. Speeches were made and firstly the Colonel
officially promoted me, removing my Corporals chevrons and replacing them with the
rank of Sergeant. One of my mates later commented that they put Velcro on the
badges of rank for me, so I could be busted back down again next time I messed up!
Then the British Ambassador presented me with the Queens Medal for Gallantry, and
invited me to lunch at the Embassy as soon as my leg was out of plaster. (Because my
"gallantry" was performed outside the military environment I was awarded this
civilian medal, rather than a military one.)
Then the Germans started. The speech from the German Minister for State, as I
found out he was, lasted nearly 20 mins, though thankfully the TV cut most of it out,
and he then awarded me with the Rettungsmedaille der Land Nordrhein- Westfalen,
for services above and beyond the call of duty.
Then the senior Fire Brigade Officers stepped up and after a thankfully short speech
gave me a number of certificates, confirming me as an honorary member of the
volunteer fire brigade, and then presenting me with the Sonderstufen des
Feuerwehr-Ehrenzeichens in Nordrhein-Westfalen in Gold. Most of this, though I was
able to translate the text, so to speak, went right over my head!
Detlef also received the same bravery awards from the Germans as I did, as well as a
promotion to 'UnterBrand Meister' or assistant fire chief. So there it was, I was
promoted, awarded 3 gallantry medals and made an honorary member of the fire
brigade, all in one day! We were invited to a reception in one of the conference
rooms of the hospital and though I stayed for a short while I pleaded exhaustion and
the doctors agreed that I should return to my room. All my new German friends, and
several soldiers joined me there and, once I had been given enough privacy to
change, we sat down and chatted about the days events. A nurse brought a phone
into the room and told me I had a call. When I picked up it was my mum, in tears, so
very proud of her son. Stephan invited them to come over and visit the farm, and we
agreed that as soon as I was a little more mobile we would arrange it. We were
winding down as there was a knock at the door. The Ambassador asked if he could
come in, with his wife and son. He told his security detail to wait outside and stopped
my other guests from going.
"Young man, what you did was extraordinary, and has done more to boost Anglo
German relations than anything else in the last few years. I hope you realize that you
are truly a hero for what you did?" He raised a hand to stop my protests "I know you
are going to say, 'it's what anyone would have done', but it is not. Even seasoned
professionals have told me that to go into a burning building takes guts, to stay so a
total stranger can get out is even more. You will receive an invitation to attend the
Palace, probably in the New Year, as a serving soldier it is not an invitation you can
turn down!" He smiled grimly. "Now Justin, my son, has a couple of questions for
you. He is lead reporter for his school newspaper, and would like to talk to you, if you
don't mind?"
"No that's fine Sir!" I assured the diplomat."So what did you want to know Justin?"
"Well Sir" he began.
"Justin, my name is Peter" I interrupted, "Please don't call me Sir!"
He looked to his father for confirmation that he may be so familiar, and the
Ambassador nodded; "Well Peter, what was it like going into the fire, knowing that
you might not come out?"
"Justin it was nothing like as scary as being downstairs earlier having your Dad, and
those German officials say all that stuff about me! And as for the cameras, not my
idea of a pleasant afternoon either!"
"Have you been anywhere under fire in the Army?"
"I'll answer that, but I'll have to trust you to check with your dad as to how much you
can report, yes I have, but I can't tell you more than that!"
"Which is worse, being in a fire, or being shot at?" he asked, looking straight into my
eyes with his deep blue pools fro eyes.
"The fire I guess, when you are being shot at you have a chance to shoot back and
stop the shooters, the fire comes at you from all sides, and you can't 'kill' a fire."
He asked me a couple more questions about my background, and why I was on the
farm in the first place and seemed pleased with the results.
"Justin, if your family have a day off in this area some time why don't you come and
see me, we can show you the farm, and what I'm doing there?"
"I'd like that. I'm on vacation so I could get dad to let me have a driver and security
and could come to see you and your German friends." He then added in perfect
German, "I'd very much like to see your burnt out house if I may, to take some
photo's for the school newspaper?"
I turned to the Finkemeirs, Angelica had been doing a pretty good job of translating
and Adolf nodded, though he did say that as soon as the Insurance was sorted they
would start rebuilding.
Justin heard and understood the reply and thanked Adolf. He turned back to his
parents who had been following the exchange, "Well may I visit them please? You
know how bored I get, especially as I'm the only kid in the Embassy this year. It'll be
good for my German too!" he added pleadingly.
The ambassador ruffled his sons hair, "I guess the time you spend in the debating
society is not wasted, you put a strong case! I'll see if I can find an hotel where you
can stay!"
"Sir, I think I'm pretty safe in saying Justin would be most welcome to stay on the
farm, though they don't carry passengers, harvest time means getting your hands
dirty for everyone, security details and drivers too!"
"Oh Dad, Pleeeease?" he begged, not in a spoilt brat whiny way, more an over
excited kid able to follow a dream at last!
"Let me send someone round, as soon as you are out of here, Peter, and I'll get them
to security check it. It's a pain that we can't just say yes, like any normal family, but
my family and I are targets for some pretty nasty people."
Justin's face fell a little at that and I did what comes naturally to me, pulled him to e
in a hug. "Kiddo, if it is at all possible I'll make it happen, and even if you can't sleep
over we'll make sure you have a great time!"
Justin moved his face to mine and whispered "I always wanted a big brother like you,
one of my security detail at school was like you, but another kid accused him of doing
things, so he was transferred away. Why can't people mind their own business?" he
whispered sadly, giving my ear the tiniest of kisses.
Then realizing what he had just done he pulled away, to make a dash for it. I held on
to his arm; "Justin, I'll be as much of a big brother as your parents will allow. I always
say, if it feels right, then it is!" I looked up to see Justin's parents smile and nod, as I
realized just what a burden they have to carry.
The Ambassadors aide opened the door announcing that they would need to move
off soon so I asked "Sir, may I have a moment in private with you?"
"Of course Peter, for you anytime!" He helped me into my wheelchair and pushed me
out to a quiet corner of the corridor, indicating to his security to leave us space.
"what's on your mind?"
"You can tell me to mind my own business, but what's the story behind the security
guy who was sent away from Justin's school?"
The Ambassador paused; "Off the record?"
"Sir?" I reproached, "you have a great kid who is heart broken that a man he
worships and trusts is no longer by him. My dad was a cop and I spent time in
boarding schools, loosing a special friend can be devastating!"
"The school complained, following an accusation from another student, that Justin
and his Security where too close. He was simply moved to a new detail. Why?"
"Do you think that they were too close?" I pressed.
"If you are asking, were they behaving inappropriately, I would reply, for the situation
yes, would I trust that man with my son? Damned right I would. A boy needs a
mentor, the Greeks had the right idea!"
"Sir, far be it for me to interfere, but, Justin needs that guy in his life, even if he can't
be at the school with him, at least get him back to protect Justin in the holidays!"
"You have a special connection to kids don't you?" he asked, continuing; "it's a
shame that society is unable to see the good that a special friend can do for a child!"
"If you trust Justin, then tell him the boundary's, and get his friend back for him! A
man like that would give his life to protect a child!"
"As you so ably showed us this week! Johnston!" he called to his senior protection
agent.
"Sir?" the man, so obviously special forces trained said.
"On the way back, find out where young  Bromley is working now, and get him back
to take care of Justin for me please, ASAP!"
"Yes SIR!" he replied with a grin, "Justin will be over the moon when he knows!"
"Don't tell him, just make it happen!" came the reply. "And as soon as the formality
of the security for the farm is done, Justin and Bromley will be there!"
"Thank you Sir!" I said, shaking his hand.
When we returned to the room Justin was showing Lothar how to play chess on a
pocket chess set. "Come on Son, duty calls!" his father said kindly, ruffling the boys
hair. "Perhaps you could leave the chess set here, then Lothar can practice so you can
play when you visit!"
The smile on Justin's face could have lit up the night sky. He hugged Lothar, stroked
the hair of Jurgen who was asleep, shook hands with Angelika and hugged me,
adding a slightly sloppy kiss to my cheek. "see you soon big brother!" he said.
His parents laughed and his mother said, "just as long as your new brother does not
start calling me Mummy!"
I climbed back into my bed as they left, and was asleep before the door had properly
closed!