The Vale of Darkness 19xx-xx-xx (0001) - episode 1

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "The Vale of Darkness" Episode 1

Introduction "The Vale of Darkness," authored by Ron Evans and produced by Yoland Dotman with direction by Henry Dipenthal, plunges listeners into a gripping narrative set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II. This episode intricately weaves themes of survival, betrayal, and the moral quandaries faced by soldiers amidst the chaos of war.

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Setting the Stage The episode opens with Major Sanders briefing Major Ramsden and Lieutenant Sale about their precarious situation. They are part of a group comprising 122 men of various nationalities, 53 women, and 18 children, all trying to navigate through the dangerous terrains of Montenegro towards Rajek Pass. The looming threat of three divisions of the Waffen SS complicates their journey, forcing them to consider dangerous mountain crossings.

Major Sanders [00:24]: "We present the Veil of Darkness, a story of violence and intrigue."

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Mission Briefing with Colonel Egan Colonel Egan further outlines the grim reality of their mission. Lieutenant Sale is informed about the botched intelligence that led them into enemy territory. The group is to proceed west to Rajek Pass under the guidance of locals, Ubak and Maria. The Colonel emphasizes the complexity of the region, teeming with partisan groups and increasing German aggression due to the advancing Russian forces.

Colonel Egan [02:05]: "You've got yourself a verbo. Make it a verbo."

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Introduction of Guides Joseph and Maria Upon meeting their guides, Joseph and Maria, Lieutenant Sale seeks to understand the landscape and potential threats. Maria shares insights about the dense forests and treacherous scrublands leading to Rajek Pass, while Joseph provides crucial information about the rival partisan leaders, Pavchek and Carrasco, highlighting the internal conflicts that could jeopardize their mission.

Maria [07:00]: "There is dense forest. Before reaching the pass it changes to scrub and bare rock where the pass narrows at its western point."

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Encounter with the Waffen SS Patrol As the group progresses, Dimitri, commanding their rear guard, alerts Major Ramsden about an imminent German patrol composed of Waffen SS troops. Major Ramsden decides to ambush the patrol to eliminate the threat and procure additional arms, despite Sanders' reservations about provoking German reprisals.

Major Ramsden [10:21]: "How many?" Dimitri [10:21]: "About 50 men."

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Moral Dilemmas and Leadership Decisions The narrative delves deep into the ethical challenges faced by the characters. After successfully ambushing the SS patrol, Major Ramsden faces dissent from Major Sanders regarding the handling of captured enemies. Ramsden stands firm on his decision to release the prisoners to avoid German accusations of murder, showcasing the internal conflicts within the group.

Major Ramsden [18:21]: "We're not animals, Dimitri. They didn't shoot you when you were taken prisoner."

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Betrayal and Ambush at the Jetty As the group nears their extraction point, Lieutenant Sale orchestrates a landing at a narrow inlet guarded by a local fisherman, Morozco. Despite meticulous planning, the operation devolves into chaos when Maria alerts Sale that the assailants are not partisans but Germans in disguise. The ensuing confusion leads to a harrowing confrontation where Maria is presumed dead, and Lieutenant Sale is left grappling with the collapse of their mission.

Lieutenant Sale [23:09]: "We've landed in a trap. What? I. Get ready to run."

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Cliffhanger Ending The episode concludes on a tense note with the fate of Maria uncertain and the group facing the stark reality of their compromised mission. This cliffhanger sets the stage for deeper exploration of character motivations and the relentless dangers that lie ahead.

Maria [25:22]: "Maria."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Survival and Leadership: The episode examines the burdens of leadership and the tough decisions leaders must make in life-and-death situations.
• Betrayal and Trust: The unexpected betrayal at the jetty underscores the fragile nature of trust in wartime.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Major Ramsden's decision to release prisoners highlights the moral complexities soldiers face, balancing survival with humanitarian values.
• Interpersonal Dynamics: Relationships between characters, such as the budding connection between Joseph and Maria, add depth to the narrative, portraying personal stakes amidst the broader conflict.

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Conclusion "The Vale of Darkness" Episode 1 masterfully sets up a tense and emotionally charged story, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio dramas. Through its vivid dialogue, complex characters, and unforeseen twists, the episode immerses listeners in a world where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. As the story unfolds, listeners are left eager to discover the fate of the surviving characters and the challenges that await them in the shadows of war.

Notable Quotes:

• Major Sanders [05:00]: "Has Harrison managed to make that infernal radio work yet?"
• Maria [17:33]: "Enough talk of war. It seems as though my whole life has been dominated by it. I'm getting tired, Paul. I want to be just a woman again."
• Lieutenant Sale [22:29]: "Yes, and that's the way I wanted to stay."

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Credits:

• Author: Ron Evans
• Producer: Yoland Dotman
• Director: Henry Dipenthal

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Additional Information: The episode is a dramatization suitable for broadcasting on Springbok Radio, bringing to life the intense and often harrowing experiences of those entangled in the web of World War II's shifting alliances and relentless battles.

Transcript

[Ron Evans]

How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Picture a vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a vrbo.

[Major Sanders]

We present the Veil of Darkness, a story of violence and intrigue. By Ron Evans. Excuse me, Major.

[Major Ramsden]

Ah, Saunders.

[Lieutenant Sale]

You have news?

[Major Sanders]

Just come down from the hill. We got through to intelligence. I gave our coordinates and they say proceed due west to Rajek Pass and await guides.

[Major Ramsden]

Rajek Pass? I never heard of it.

[Major Sanders]

Well, I checked up about 90 miles from here. It's rough going right into the Montenegro mountains.

[Major Ramsden]

We can't cross mountains. Did you tell them that we had a large number of women and children with us?

[Major Sanders]

The figures you gave me, Major. 122 men of various nationalities, 53 women and 18 children under 10.

[Major Ramsden]

And they want me to march through the mountains?

[Major Sanders]

The Germans have moved in three divisions of Waffen SS to deal with the Yugoslav partisan groups. If we went north, we'd risk walking.

[Joseph]

Into one of them.

[Major Ramsden]

Yeah, I don't relish that thought, Sanders.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Very well.

[Major Ramsden]

Montenegro it is.

[Major Sanders]

They call it the Land of the Black Mountain.

[Major Ramsden]

Yes, Saunders. Very ominous.

[Colonel Egan]

Hi, Lieutenant Sale. Come in. Take a seat.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Thank you, sir.

[Colonel Egan]

Been having a bit of a holiday, haven't you? Well, I'm afraid it's at an end.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Well, I was getting bored this afternoon.

[Colonel Egan]

You're off to Yugoslavia with two guides. There's a large group struggling to make it their way to the coast and? Well, to be frank, our intelligence boys have made a botch of it.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I see.

[Colonel Egan]

Tell them to make Faragic Pass. Damn stupid idea. There's no way through from the pass. It's a dead end.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Can't the order be countermanded?

[Colonel Egan]

Problem is, Sale, we seem to have lost contact. They could have run into trouble. A lot of military activity around there at the moment. The Russians are over the border already and the German High Command is getting a bit panicky. What was being squeezed between them and the partisan groups? Anyway, back to business. This group you ought to meet is being led by one of our people. Major Clifford Ramsden, a Royal Artilleryman.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Is he?

[Colonel Egan]

He escaped from the linovich camp with 50 odd other prisoners of war. Russians, Poles, Americans, French, a bit of everything. Since heading west, they've picked up more ex prisoners, plus a large batch of women from an internment camp.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Are they armed?

[Colonel Egan]

Yes. They picked up weapons on the way. I think they can generally look after themselves. Unless, of course, they run into one of these SS groups. Ramsden did report a spot of bother with some of the partisan groups he's met. Not a very helpful lot. And the civilians are reluctant to give assistance for fear of German reprisals. The whole picture there is most confusing, as you'll find out for yourself, my boy. Your file says you were a student of the Slavic and cried languages.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Yes, sir. I. I spent a lot of time there before the war.

[Colonel Egan]

Good. Good. Now then, this is what I've done. Have a look at this map. In the early hours of tomorrow morning, you and your guys will be landing here, just south of this small fishing village. You'll find few Germans in this area, and from there you'll head inland to here. An old chap called Ubak will take care of you and put you on the right road to join up with Major Ramsden. It's all quite simple and you'll have plenty of time to study it before you leave.

[Major Ramsden]

Damn it all, Sanders. It's not the damage that bothers me. It's the fact that they know we're here.

[Major Sanders]

I think that Germans have known about us all along, sir. He just didn't constitute a threat to them.

[Major Ramsden]

So why the hell are their planes strapping us now?

[Major Sanders]

Oh, search me, Major. Maybe they know now that we're well armed and growing in strength again. They could have taken us for a partisan group.

[Major Ramsden]

Yes, there's that. Has Harrison managed to make that infernal radio work yet?

[Major Sanders]

No, not a peep out of it. He reckons one of the valves is gone. I guess we'll just have to keep on marching to Rajak Pass and hope for the best.

[Major Ramsden]

Yes, at 10 miles a day.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Voieutenant Weser. Jeremy. I have received orders. You're about to become sheep herders. Weser. There's a bitter war going on and I'm to herd sheep.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

Sheep? You mean real sheep?

[Lieutenant Weser]

A large group of escaped prisoners.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

How large?

[Lieutenant Weser]

Reports estimated at about 200 strong.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

What would be the point of recapturing them? The way things are, they would be sent to a camp and escape again. Discipline is so lax among their men that their camp commanders are releasing frizzlers by the score.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Yes, we know it. And now Berlin knows it. The camps are being restarted by Waffen ss. There are to be no more escapes. Well, at least until the Russians come.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

And release them and put us inside.

[Lieutenant Weser]

If we're lucky. Too often. It's the nearest lamp post for SS officers anyhow. This group of escapees is heading due west. Why? I Don't know. There's only the Rajek Pass there. Forest, high mountains.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

And we have to round him up and hand them over.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Yes, There. That is exactly what we have to do. Ah, hello.

[Lieutenant Sale]

You must be my guides.

[Joseph]

I am Joseph and this is Maria.

[Maria]

Hello, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Sale]

My, my. What's a pretty girl like you doing in a nasty army base like this?

[Maria]

I have been in many worse places.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I'm sorry, that was intended to be a joke.

[Joseph]

Maria escaped from a concentration camp during an allied air raid.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Why were you in the camp?

[Maria]

I was with a partisan group. The Germans surprised us and I was captured.

[Lieutenant Sale]

You were lucky to get out. Well, I want you to tell me the kind of country we have to cross.

[Joseph]

Well, we have been told is to take you to the eastern entrance of Radzek Pass.

[Lieutenant Sale]

That'll do for a start. What can we expect?

[Maria]

There is dense forest. Before reaching the pass it changes to scrub and bare rock where the pass narrows at its western point.

[Lieutenant Sale]

And there's no way to cross westwards and come down onto the coastal plain.

[Joseph]

Which is possible. Yes, for a mountaineer.

[Maria]

Very few people live in the area. I doubt if even the Germans have been in the Raye Pass.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Are we likely to encounter any partisan groups?

[Joseph]

Several. The two main ones will be those led by Popcheck and Carrasco.

[Lieutenant Sale]

But now for the inevitable question. What are their politics?

[Joseph]

Pavchek and Korescu arrivals, deadly rivals. Carrasco is a monarchist, and Pavchek, Israel. They spend much more time fighting each other than the Germans.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Yes, that seems to be the fashion. You say we'll be likely to meet up with them?

[Joseph]

If we are lucky.

[Major Ramsden]

No.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I see. They won't be inclined to help us.

[Joseph]

On our way with the bullet at the base of our skulls. Pavchek is the next police officer. His intelligence is cunning, is ruthless. He's a die hard communist with a pathological hatred of anyone who does not share his views.

[Lieutenant Sale]

And the other fellow? Carrascu?

[Maria]

Even before the war he was an enemy of Pavchuck. Karrascu was a bandit, an outlaw who lived in the mountains. A man who stole and cut throats for a living. Now he commands 300 partisans and rules like an ancient despot.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Not a pretty prospect either way. Well, after meeting my group at the entrance of Rajek Pass, we'll turn northeast and make for the coast, just north of Dubrovnik.

[Maria]

It is a long way around, but.

[Joseph]

The nearest route to the coast is through forest on over hills. What will happen when we reach this. This place?

[Lieutenant Sale]

We'll Be met by a small flotilla of boats that will bring us across to Italy.

[Maria]

To this camp here?

[Lieutenant Sale]

Possibly.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Why?

[Lieutenant Sale]

Does it matter?

[Maria]

No, no, not really.

[Joseph]

She has been seeing Imani, his soldier.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Ah, yes, I see. Well, I should think we'll all be brought back here for debriefing. Well, that seems to be it. We'll be leaving in a couple of hours. We'll see you then.

[Maria]

Well, what do you think of him, Joseph?

[Major Ramsden]

Reliable.

[Joseph]

Speaks our language. Well, looks. Looks like a strong man. Any fight?

[Maria]

He's also very handsome.

[Joseph]

Yes, I was expecting to hear you say that.

[Major Ramsden]

I say, Saunders, what are you doing with that Russian chap in tow?

[Major Sanders]

Dimitri's in command of our rear guard, sir. Tell the Major what you told me, Dimitri.

[Dimitri]

We are being followed.

[Major Ramsden]

By whom?

[Dimitri]

Germans.

[Major Ramsden]

I see. Keeping an eye on us, are they? I was rather expecting.

[Dimitri]

Not just ordinary German soldiers. They wear the uniforms of the Waffen SS.

[Major Ramsden]

How many?

[Dimitri]

About 50 men. All on foot. They arrived advanced guard or been sent to shadows.

[Major Sanders]

Well, either way it spells trouble, sir. They don't send out their crack troops just to go footing around the countryside. Well, to keep tabs on escaped prisoners. My guess is they've got all their pals right behind them.

[Major Ramsden]

All right, let's have a little fun and ambush the blighters. We need more arms and ammunition anyway. Sanders, you get the Gregson to head the column while we stay here and arrange the parties. Dimitri, I want you to collect your Russian chaps and come with me. Oh, yes, I think the Polish fellows would also like to have a crack at them.

[Major Sanders]

A party, he calls it. You'd think the guy was going off to play cricket.

[Maria]

That will be a good crossing. The water is like blast.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Well, I'll be sick. I usually am far. Rather go by air and drop in by parachute. What's the beach like where we land? You know it?

[Maria]

It is a narrow inlet with a small wooden jetty. I guided another Englishman there three weeks ago. He was carrying information to the partisan groups.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Did he make it?

[Maria]

He was taken by the Germans soon after he left me. A pity. He was so young.

[Lieutenant Sale]

How long have you been doing this? Kind of six months. And you, Joseph? Two years.

[Joseph]

I started as a liaison between British agents who were sent in from North Africa by here and a number of partisan groups.

[Lieutenant Sale]

By now the Germans must know you.

[Joseph]

Oh, they know me, but they haven't caught me yet.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Well, just for reference, what are your politics, Joseph?

[Joseph]

I worked with the communist groups that their politics didn't interest me. I just want to see Yugoslavia at peace. That Is why British Intelligence can trust me.

[Lieutenant Sale]

What about you, Maria?

[Maria]

My family always supported the royal family, so that must make me a monarchist.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Tell me, where do you come from? I mean, where were you born and brought up?

[Maria]

You ask so many questions about me. It is my turn to question you.

[Lieutenant Sale]

At this stage of our assignment, all you'll get from me is name, rank and number.

[Major Ramsden]

Have you got your men in position?

[Colonel Egan]

Yes, Major.

[Dimitri]

Can you see them?

[Major Ramsden]

No, not one.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Good.

[Dimitri]

That is the way it should be.

[Major Ramsden]

It should start to get dark in half an hour. I want this party concluded by then.

[Dimitri]

The path through the valley winds up from around that hill. Galovich signaled that the leading Germans are less than 200 meters from the bend. Ah, yes, Major.

[Ron Evans]

How do you make an Airbnb a verbo? Imagine trying to find the perfect vacation rental for a girls trip. Now imagine there's a tool that makes it easy to compare different houses so the group agrees on a house faster than they agree on appetizers. You've got yourself a verbo. Make it a verbo.

[Dimitri]

Carrying Schmeisser machine guns.

[Major Ramsden]

Standard equipment, Arthur. Excellent.

[Dimitri]

Just what we need if they walk into our ambush. If not, they can cause many casualties.

[Major Ramsden]

War's a gamble, old boy. You Russians are the best chess players, so you should know that you can't play the game without losses, you know. Oh, Sanders. How did it go?

[Major Sanders]

Well, all the women and children have been escorted onto high ground over there. They'll be well clear of the action. How far away are the SS trooper, sir?

[Major Ramsden]

According to our Russian friend, they should be in sight within a few ticks.

[Dimitri]

That is our signal, Major. You will see the patrol in less than a minute.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

I have just received this radio signal from Gorin. His men have made contact with the escapees and they are staying well to the rear.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Good. What is their position here?

[Lieutenant Gorin]

On the map there's a valley leading to a small village called Komasek.

[Lieutenant Weser]

60 km. I think we shall move out and join them in the morning. It's all going to report into operations every hour. There's a social gathering in the officer's mess this evening, and I'm tired already. Still, I think we had best make the most of it before we get on the road.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

I think I was going to have an early night instead. Emeo.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Just as well, I suppose. One of us should have his wits about him tomorrow. Herding sheep can be a grueling occupation. Yeah.

[Major Sanders]

Every man jack is carrying a machine gun.

[Major Ramsden]

Yes, I was telling Dimitri earlier we can make great use of those schmeissers they'll treble our firepower, make great holes.

[Major Sanders]

In our force if this little operation goes wrong.

[Major Ramsden]

Oh, stop fussing, Saunders. Why do you Americans always get so pessimistic when you don't have an ice cream lorry to follow you around?

[Major Sanders]

I haven't seen ice cream since October 1943.

[Major Ramsden]

Yes, that's what I mean. You're lost without it. Well, Dimitri, get that weird bird signal of yours ready. Ah, funny, Sanders. I always thought it was your Red Indians who did things like that. Personally, I found it rather melodramatic. All right, Dimitri, do it now. There, you see? A shouted order or a shot would be double jumped. Just.

[Lieutenant Sale]

It'll be dark soon.

[Maria]

Yes, you can see the moon.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I was hoping not to see a moon. The Met people said it wouldn't be an overcast sky when we land.

[Maria]

To me, a moon means romance, not danger.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I think you're in the wrong job, Maria.

[Maria]

Wait and see. You will take that back when the time comes to prove it.

[Joseph]

Are you eating?

[Maria]

A little later, Joseph.

[Joseph]

Make the most of it. Perhaps it will be the last meal in comfort for a long time. These fishing boats, they are so slow. Dropping us from a plane would have been the best.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I asked. Colonel Egan. Didn't want to risk it. There's quite a lot of Luftwaffe activity.

[Joseph]

In the area to make up for a lack of ground troops. My friends tell me that almost every available man is being sent to the east to hold back the Russians, except.

[Lieutenant Sale]

For the Waffen SS. It's easy.

[Joseph]

One SS trooper is worth 10 ordinary soldiers, so it is said. They will be put on garrison duty and used later to blunt the Russian trust.

[Maria]

It is all for nothing. The Germans have lost, but cannot bring themselves to face the truth.

[Lieutenant Sale]

They've been brought up to believe in their own invincibility. Even now, two months after D Day, they still believe they can push the British and American troops out of France. They still call it a bridgehead.

[Maria]

Enough talk of war. It seems as though my whole life has been dominated by it. I'm getting tired, Paul. I want to be just a woman again. I want to forget about politics and begin to think of a home, a family. I don't care who who rules. Just as long as I can be a real woman again.

[Joseph]

I think that we all want an end to it, Maria. It won't be long now. It won't be over by Christmas.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I think the Germans will fight on well into next year.

[Maria]

I hope you are wrong, Paul.

[Major Sanders]

Well, about 15 got away. We took off down the valley. I don't reckon it's worth chasing them.

[Major Ramsden]

It went well, Saunders. Dimitri. You can tell your men I'm proud of them.

[Dimitri]

Thank you, Major. Do you want to interrogate the prisoners before we shoot them?

[Major Ramsden]

Shoot prisoners? We're not animals, Dimitri. They didn't shoot you when you were taken prisoner.

[Dimitri]

Only one in five to teach us total submission. But I was captured by regular soldiers. These are ss. The same men who man the concentration camps.

[Major Ramsden]

I don't care if we've captured Adolf Hitler, Hermann Goering and that nasty little fellow with the glasses, Heinrich Himmler. We do not shoot prisoners.

[Major Sanders]

Well, what do we do then, Major? Put them on their butts? Tell them to walk home and behave themselves in future?

[Major Ramsden]

I can do without your sarcasm, son.

[Major Sanders]

Okay, Major, but the question needs answering.

[Major Ramsden]

How many are there, Dimitri?

[Dimitri]

Nine and four wounded.

[Major Ramsden]

Well, let them go.

[Major Sanders]

I think it's crazy.

[Major Ramsden]

Perhaps you do, but supplies are short enough without having to feed extra mouths. Besides, if the Germans decide to take reprisals against us, at least they can't accuse us of murder. If we get we taken, you can.

[Major Sanders]

Bet your life they'll take reprisals. After what we've just done, they'll send a whole division to wipe us out.

[Major Ramsden]

Let's wait and see, shall we?

[Major Sanders]

So we let the prisoners go, Dimitri.

[Major Ramsden]

Is there an officer among them?

[Lieutenant Weser]

Two.

[Major Ramsden]

I'll bring them here for interrogation. Then we'll camp for the night farther down the valley and let the prisoners go in the morning.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Then I said to these two Frenchmen, if you don't know where your army is, why ask me?

[Lieutenant Sale]

Ah.

[Lieutenant Weser]

L. I thought you were having an early night.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

I was spoken of by Ober L. He brought me important news. Can I see you alone here, Mayor?

[Lieutenant Weser]

Yes. Oh, excuse me, gentlemen. I'll be back shortly. What is it, Reza? You've turned as pale as a ghost.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

A survivor of Leutnant Goren's company is called in.

[Lieutenant Sale]

A survivor?

[Lieutenant Weser]

What are you talking about?

[Lieutenant Gorin]

They were ambushed and most of them killed.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Partisans?

[Lieutenant Gorin]

No, he Mayor. The sheep turned on the shepherd and scorn. It's believed he was taken prisoner.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Well, I wouldn't give a fennec for his life in their hands.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

Who called in Kovrel Schmalt. He has another eight men with him out of 60.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Fraser, this is scandalous. I can only conclude that Goren was careless. So our sheep have big teeth. Let me see. It's 11 o'clock now. I want you to call out the men. I want to call them on the road by midnight at the latest while you do that. I shall inform General Gressa of the position. An interview I am not looking forward to.

[Lieutenant Sale]

The captain tells me we're off the inlet now. We're expected at midnight. Another five minutes and so much for the weather report. It's a brilliant full moon. An observer on shore could see us for kilometers.

[Joseph]

There's nothing to fear at this place. The nearest German is 50 km north.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Look.

[Colonel Egan]

A light.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Yes. Long. Three shorts too long. That's the correct sequence. So all's well. This is the part of the operation I hate most. There's a sort of feeling of helplessness. Just as bad as swinging from a descending parachute.

[Maria]

The captain is taking us in.

[Joseph]

On the jetty. You will meet the man who flashed this signal. A fisherman called Morozco. He's been doing it for years.

[Maria]

We are turning into the inlet. How clearly you can see the land on either side. There. There's Mr. Jetty 100 meters on the right.

[Joseph]

Here's your back, Paul.

[Dimitri]

Thanks.

[Joseph]

And yours, Maria. Now I will just go and thank the captain for the ride. Excuse me. Hey, Captain. Maria.

[Maria]

It's amazing.

[Lieutenant Sale]

It is so peaceful.

[Maria]

Such a beautiful night.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Yes, and that's the way I wanted to stay.

[Lieutenant Weser]

Right, let's go.

[Lieutenant Gorin]

Right.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Come on, Maria. Take my hand.

[Maria]

No, no. I'm all right. Joseph. Hurry up, Joseph.

[Joseph]

Right, I'm coming.

[Lieutenant Sale]

So, Maria, where's this ancient smuggler you told me about?

[Joseph]

I don't know. It's very odd. It's strange, but.

[Major Sanders]

Please.

[Joseph]

He should be here.

[Maria]

He could be waiting over there.

[Dimitri]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Sale]

First rule of survival. Beware of anything unusual. Start walking down the jetty and when I say so, run to the nearest cover.

[Maria]

Paul. What?

[Lieutenant Sale]

Do as. Come on. And just keep it casual. I don't want being able to. Please. We've landed in a trap. What? I. Get ready to run. As soon as we do, they'll start shooting. Are you ready?

[Maria]

Yes.

[Joseph]

Yes, I am.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Now go. Run. They were waiting for us. Joseph.

[Joseph]

I can't. I can't understand it. And what happened to Maria? She didn't run when you said.

[Lieutenant Sale]

I don't know. Perhaps she was hit. Well, so much for the nearest German being 50km away.

[Joseph]

These are not Germans. I will bet my life on it. Pole.

[Lieutenant Sale]

You mean the Partisans?

[Joseph]

I am sure they are. It's difficult to see clearly, but I. I'll go closer. I can see their figures silhouetted as they search for us around the jetty.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Be careful. Something I don't understand. Why would they fire on us?

[Joseph]

I don't know. But that is what I want to find out now. Stay here. I shall not be long.

[Maria]

Joseph. Joseph.

[Major Ramsden]

Maria.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Maria. We're here. Joseph, wait.

[Maria]

I was worried about you. And then I heard Joseph's voice.

[Lieutenant Sale]

We thought they'd got you on the jetty. Joseph thinks they might be partisans. He's going in to find.

[Maria]

They're not partisans, they're Germans. I clearly heard them talking.

[Lieutenant Sale]

See how many?

[Maria]

No more than 10.

[Lieutenant Sale]

They were waiting for us. Yes, they were betrayed already. What a lovely start to our mission.

[Major Sanders]

The Veil of Darkness was written by Ron Evans, produced by Yoland Dotman and directed by Henry Dipenthal.

[Lieutenant Sale]

Springbok 9:30 dossier dramatized for broadcasting on Springbok Radio.

[Ron Evans]

How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Imagine trying to find the perfect vacation rental for a girls trip. Now imagine there's a tool that makes it easy to compare different houses so the group agrees on a house faster than they agree on appetizers. You've got yourself a vrbo. Make it a vrbox.