The thick dark smog of the city seemed to surround every inch of Berlin. 
What seemed to be the setting of some Horror Noir from Hollywood, was now the day-by-day atmosphere for the capital of the Third Reich. Looking upwards towards the city clock proved a futile effort, it was safe to assume it was near midday as the sun was still looming above with little to no inclination to the left or right. A little something Lukas had learned during the long Russian winters in the Ost-front. Back then there were no Ivan's to fight! SS troops relied on the basic scouting skills to remember what direction Russia was in seeing as there were no soldiers to find. Now, things were much different. You still couldn't see them, but the thick, rubble filled streets of Nazi perfection are now a playground for cowardly conscripts with long eyesight.

A brisk walk through the ruins of the once great Berlin allows Lukas to realise the gravity of the situation. To the left, there is a park bench with the remains of a middle aged couple holding hands, a revolver is slumped by their feet as it was evidently dropped by the last surviving partner. A cold reminder of the hopelessness that the civilians feel towards the invasion. Further on he notices fewer, yet more precise ricochets usually, but not always followed by a pool of dried blood, or even a corpse. 

[b]"Snipers!"[/b] He thinks to himself, not a word he mutters as he stops a moment to think. Yes. Stalingrad, a few years ago, same problem...
His gaze scans the area, pulling the strap to his SGT off his shoulder to grasp his weapon. Ahead, he see's a long straight road. If he passes unharmed, a whole route of options are open to him. If he decides to head North, Switzerland is only a train journey ahead and freedom follows. East, he could surrender to the Ukranians and be treated kindly as opposed to the Red army. South, a day-long boat journey would land him in Greece, the perfect place to escape detection. 
After years of fighting, Lukas knew the war was at an end. Happy he has served his country to his ability, he decides to quit whilst he's ahead. This is his last day in the Waffen SS, he's not afraid to use what's left of his influence he has to meet his own ends!

The long narrow street seems too tempting to be good. What would take an ordinary person in peacetime to walk in 5 minutes might as well be a mountain hike to him. A common Soviet trick was to litter the battlefield with Snipers, this much he learned in Russia. Not taking any chances, Lukas takes cover behind the enclove to a closed Chemist, just the hiding spot for any would be Snipers looking for a fresh kill!

As the wind picks up, small bits of debris start to blow behind his position. Among this, a leaflet swoops into the doorway landing at his feet. He doesn't even need to blink before realising what it is.

[b]"Scheiße"![/b] His mind racing. If any snipers were out there, they pretty much has a wanted poster with his fucking face on it!