Chapter 152: Restoring a Broken Friendship
Bruno met with Heinrich not long after he had done so with the other of his two best friends. Frankly speaking war has a way of making men discover who they really are, and it turned out that Erich and Heinrich were the exact opposite when the bullets started flying.
Heinrich's sole purpose in warfare was to mitigate the suffering that his own men endured and that the civilians caught up in the conflict were forced to undergo as a tribulation placed upon them by God Almighty.
Erich on the other hand was a sadistic cold-blooded killer who took enjoyment in the torture, murder, and pain that others faced against his hands and that of his men. Such men were unsuited to the peaceful state of civilized society.
But in times of war, they were among the greatest weapons to be wielded by a commander. If one utilized them properly that is. The problem was that these types of men were also a double-edged sword, and because of that they needed to be kept very close to their master, lest they act out on their own volition and cause unnecessary complications.
Bruno had learned this the hard way, and he would not suffer from such a mistake a second time. And though Erich didn't realize it, Bruno's vigil eye was constantly cast upon him and his activities as the current director of the Stasi.
Heinrich, on the other hand continued to pursue his military career. Though colonial conflicts were more or less being fought, the man instead stayed within the fatherland, proving to be exceptional during both times of war and peace as an officer in the Kaiser's army.
And because of this, he would likely be a full-fledged colonel by the time the war broke out. Even so, Bruno also kept the man close to him. He was, after all the sentimental type, caring deeply about human beings, even those from the enemy nation.
Such men were also a liability on the battlefield, but for reasons opposite as Erich. Even so, the two men were useful. Heinrich reminded Bruno that unnecessary cruelty, which he was prone to as a man who was by nature callous and uncaring towards strangers, nearly always caused more problems then it solved.
But Erich acted as the devil on Bruno's shoulder, reminding him that sometimes brutality and ruthlessness towards one's enemies was also necessary. As mercy, though useful in certain situations, if given too often, would result in your enemies taking advantage of your kindness.
Something that could easily result in catastrophic consequences for not only Bruno but the men beneath his command. And the last thing Bruno wanted was to return to his family in a coffin. Bruno having met with Erich and spoke with the vicious bastard about his plans for the future, had decided to do the same to the little angel on his shoulder.
Heinrich and Alya frequently visited Bruno's home, even now that Bruno was living in much more luxurious conditions. But today was perhaps the first time in half a year that Bruno decided to drop by his trusted friend's home.
And when he did so, he was indeed surprised. The relatively comfortable home that Heinrich had lived in had been fully transformed by his adopted daughter. From a pigsty which was only habitable by a young bachelor. To a rather clean and comfortable abode meant for a loving family.