April 10th, 1941
My heart was filled with dread when I first arrived in this
strange place. I was frightened to my
core that I would encounter the worst kind of sinister sickness and that I
would be beaten and stuffed into a cell somewhere to rot while shelling out secrets
to aid my enemies. However, when I
arrived, I was greeted warmly by a team of Italian scientists.
It was somewhat unnerving to have armed German soldiers
around every corner, but they for the most part do not even regard me. I do not speak the language, but the
scientists and doctors here make every effort to include me in discussions and
there is one man who speaks German and Italian.
He tries to translate as best he can, and he has offered me literature
so I can learn to communicate with the rest of those living and working in this
facility.
My quarters are spacious and I am further surprised that
despite the sterility of the walls and the general hospital-like atmosphere; I
am as comfortable as can be expected.
Meals are provided at regular intervals. These are also not what I expected. It is not some prison food that I loathe ingesting,
but rather actual enjoyable meals around tables with men chuckling and talking
like colleagues.
I have yet to be allowed to the labs or to examine specimens. I suppose that I am in a sort of ‘get to know
you’ period. I am becoming acquainted
with the facility and the routine. I am
ashamed to say that the early mornings and set schedules of when to eat and
what time to go to sleep actually put me at ease. While I am still wary, I find myself warming
up to the idea of working here. Perhaps
it is not as I was led to believe?
In conversing with the lone scientist that actually speaks
German I have learned some interesting things.
His rendition of why this facility was created includes experimentation
for the betterment of humanity. He has fascinating
theories on the use of animal tissues to help burn victims recover more
quickly. I get the feeling that he wants
to ask about my research, but does not wish to frighten me away. While his theories are interesting, I
understand they need a catalyst, one that is not based in normal human
regenerative properties. These people
need my research to further their studies, but they are reluctant to ask.
I wonder what the German occupation has done to this facility. Surely there is some pressure coming down on
these poor scientists. Is it simply a
matter of making these men aid the troops with regeneration? Somehow I doubt it.
Still, these men are doing the best they can with what they
have. I mean, that is what I have seen
thus far. There is a lot I have yet to
learn. It has been but a few days since
I arrived and I imagine the worst is yet to come. I shall try to keep my eyes open and to
remain alert no matter how comfortable they attempt to make me. I do not wish to lose my soul in this place.
I will keep you abreast of things as they happen, Journal.
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