Four SS guards kept watch over the six scientists, rifles loaded and ready. Although the doctors were men of science, they were unwilling participants in the experiments they conducted. The guards snapped to attention when the heavy door thundered open and Colonel Meyerhof and Captain Storm entered the room. The scientists also looked up when the two men entered the room. Their eyes revealed the fear and apprehension that instantly gripped them. One of the scientists, Doctor Von Schiller, nervously stepped away from his work to greet the men.

Ah, Colonel Meyerhof, I was...

The colonel gruffly interrupted the Doctor. I received word. You have some news for me?

The doctor had to struggle to maintain his composure. He had dealt with the colonel before, and he despised both the man and his ignorance.

Yes, Colonel.

The doctor had to be careful because, the colonels ignorance made him equally dangerous and unpredictable. The doctor directed the colonel's attention to the gurneys that lined the back corner of the room.

We've succeeded in retarding the decomposition of those corpses.

The colonel looked toward the corpses with disgust.

No one cares about the dead, doctor.

Doctor Von Schiller remained patient, he did not expect the colonel to understand. Meyerhof lacked any scientific training, and, in the opinion of Doctor Von Schiller, was just a hair more intelligent than a jackass, no disrespect to the jackass. Yes Colonel, I know, but you see? That means that the experiments are working. Weve delayed cell deterioration. With another year or two of testing...

The colonel seemed to hear nothing the doctor said except the words year or two. His impatience grew, and he again interrupted Von Schiller.

You are stalling again Albert.

Doctor Von Schiller grew impatient himself. However, despite being thoroughly annoyed by the colonel's complete lack of understanding, he had to remain dispassionate.

No, Colonel. These bodies are in terrible condition from starvation and disease.

Colonel Meyerhof made an abrupt switch from annoyance to anger. His face reddened, and he spat when he yelled at Von Schiller. What do you propose, Doctor? We fatten up the prisoners in the ghettos and camps? Take food and medicine away from our troops?

The jackass, once again, reared its ugly head. Doctor Von Schiller responded, trying to remain conciliatory and respectful.

No. But perhaps some military casualties...

Meyerhof exploded with rage, he clenched his fists as if he wanted to strike the doctor. Our men die with honor for their Fuhrer and the Fatherland!

Doctor Von Schiller was shaken. Despite his opinion of this man, he had good reason to fear him.

I was only sugges...

Thats enough of this whining!

Meyerhof motioned to the Captain. Captain Storm knew what to do. Meyerhof had briefed him for this moment. He removed his revolver from its holster and took a step toward one of the other scientists, Doctor Lessing, a man Storm had chosen solely by his proximity. The captain looked to Meyerhof for the go ahead. Meyerhof nodded. None of the scientists understood what was about to happen.

Suddenly, one of Meyerhofs medals popped off his jacket. Another scientist, Doctor Wagner, stepped between Lessing and Storm and bent down to pick it up. As Wagner stood up to hand the medal to Meyerhof, Meyerhof turned to Storm in an effort to cancel his order. It was too late; Storm was already focused. Quick and efficient, he put a bullet into Doctor Wagner's temple. The sound of the shot rumbled through the concrete laboratory. Wagner's body collapsed to the floor with an unceremonious thud. He was still clutching Meyerhofs medal. Doctor Von Schiller and his remaining scientists, who were sprayed with the blood of their colleague, were horrified.

Captain Storm remained expressionless, another instrument of the Third Reich. A killing machine. For an instant, the colonel was also at a loss for words. It was as if he couldnt believe what had happened. He looked to Storm who remained stoic. Meyerhof took a breath, then in a calm and deliberate manner, turned to Doctor Von Schiller.

Theres your fresh corpse doctor. No more games, mo more excuses. I will make arrangements for you to travel to Sachsenhausen in one week.

Doctor Von Schiller resigned himself to defeat. He was too shaken to speak but managed to force a weak smile. He had no desire to be next on the colonel's hit list. One of the remaining scientists started to go after the colonel, but the others wisely restrained him. One dead doctor was plenty for one night.

Storm bent down and extracted Meyerhofs medal from doctor Wagners grip. Meyerhof grabbed it from Storm with disgust, and they made their exit. Doctor Von Schiller watched in silence as the men left. His forced smile faded the instant the laboratory door closed. He endeavored to resume his work with the remaining scientists. He caught their questioning stares as he approached. The SS guards carried on with their watch.

Doctor Lessing found the courage to break the silence. What the hell was that about?

The guards renewed their attention. Realizing his outburst, Lessing lowered his voice. Why Wagner and not one of us?

Von Schiller shrugged. He was just as confused as his colleague. I dont know, but Im certain that were running out of time.

Doctor Lessing agreed. Yes. I think its time to start planning for the worst. He nodded towards Wagners body, Itll be easier without him around.

The men stared at the lifeless body of Meyerhofs snitch slumped on the floor. In one week, whether they were ready or not, they would travel to Sachsenhausen for the gruesome task ahead. Although it was not the most notorious of the death camps, Sachsenhausen had the distinction of being the closest camp to Berlin. There would be plenty of live, unwilling test subjects at their disposal. The scientists unrelenting nightmare was about to enter its next phase.