Here it is! Enjoy! Bigelol invades the Stahlhelm Nation Hermann Göring, Reichsmarschall of Germany and head of the Luftwaffe, had made it clear from the beginning that he would be holding his cards close to his chest when it came to Bigelow's negotiations. The Führer himself was not in attendance for this particular meeting; instead, Heinrich Himmler commanded the proceedings. As a result, the atmosphere surrounding Göring and his cronies was less than cordial. This may have been the very reason why Bigelow decided to take matters into his own hands and end things on his terms rather than wait for Berlin's permission. The Reichsführer-SS gave Göring an ultimatum: "You either give him what he wants or we'll give it to him." "I don't care how much you want," retorted Göring. "It's my decision, and I say no!" "Your decision? You're just a figurehead! We run Germany now, remember?" Göring could only shrug helplessly as Himmler and the SS men seated around him stared down at their desks. "Then we'll do as you say," said Göring, finally giving in. "What is it your man wants anyway?" "He says you owe him one million dollars' worth of gold bullion. He demands it as payment for his services during World War II." This news took all of Göring's attention away from the conference table. His face went pale with shock when he heard the total amount. What were they thinking? How could they ask such a thing of the Reich? It wasn't enough for them to just take everything else – now they wanted this too? The only reason he'd agreed to meet with Bigelow in the first place was because he thought there might be some way to get out from under their debt. But now he realized that even if he somehow managed to pay off his debts, the British wouldn't stop until they got everything they wanted. They would keep coming back again and again, asking for more and more money. "Just tell him we'll think about it," replied Göring. "But whatever it takes, we won't give him anything for free." "Good. That's settled then. Now, the next item on the agenda..." As soon as the meeting adjourned, Bigelow pulled out a pocket watch and checked the time. "Where are they?" he asked. "In the waiting room. Why?" "Why did you bring me here? Why didn't you simply leave me in my hotel suite? I've already agreed to everything you want!" "We have to make sure they don't try to pull any funny business while we're gone. Besides, I need you to sign something." Bigelow glared at him. "What kind of 'something' is that?" "There's a letter of credit in your name. All it needs is your signature." "A letter of credit? What am I supposed to use that for? I'm not going to buy anything!" "Not exactly. It's actually for you to withdraw from the bank." "Withdrawal? From what?" "From the Reichsbank," said Göring. "If you want to stay in Germany, you'll have to quit the Reichsbank." "Quit the bank? Is that all?" "You see, Hermann, the Reichsbank doesn't have any money. Not anymore. Most of its assets were stolen by the British, and now they're sitting pretty in London. So, if you want to survive – and God knows you do – you'll have to find a new source of income. There's a whole world out there just waiting for you." "I can live without a job!"
