by Libbylawrence
In a very important building in Berlin, several uniformed guards stood nervously outside a laboratory door.
“Why so nervous?” said a young guard. “She is just a woman, albeit a beautiful one.”
“‘Just a woman’?” replied his older partner. “This woman has had men shot on sight for the merest expression. She is the most brilliant scientist the Fatherland has! It is rumored that she can produce miracles! Plus, her spy network could report any careless word to her. Watch what you say.”
“Yes, she is also an aristocrat, and she has little use for commoners,” said a third trooper.
***
Within the room, several high-ranking Nazi officials listened to the woman in question. She was blonde, beautiful, and regal in her manner.
“Herr Baroness, it is a miracle that you are back with us after falling into the hands of the Amerikaner heroine Wonder Woman,” said one man.
Baroness Paula von Gunther smiled coldly. “Rumors of my capture, and the incident following it, has been exaggerated. (*) As you can plainly see, I am here, and my slaves are eager to die for me as always. With over 400,000 American women working in the airplane industry alone, this is a vital resource we may use to our advantage. Where there are female workers, clerks, aides, et cetera, there may easily be one of my girls. In short, I intend to use the fanatical loyalty my girls have for me to cripple the American war effort.”
[(*) Editor’s note: See 3rd story, Wonder Woman #3 (February-March, 1943); “Ordeal of Fire,” Wonder Woman #3 (February-March, 1943).]
“Ah, my dear Paula,” said an infamous little man who listened eagerly. “You will not be unaided in your efforts. I have the leader of our American Bund liberated from them as well. Herr Klaver had also clashed with the accursed Justice Society, and is eager to gain revenge upon them. (*) He has his own resources there as well.”
[(*) Editor’s note: See “For America and Democracy,” All-Star Comics #4 (March-April, 1941).]
The dark-haired Fritz Klaver stepped out of the shadows, and Paula’s expression showed perhaps a degree of irritation. “Herr Baroness, I am pleased to work alongside of a woman of such beauty and wit,” he said.
“You mistake the situation, Herr Klaver,” snapped Paula. “You work for me — if you associate with me at all!”
Klaver glowered, but said, “Of course, of course.”
The meeting would prove to have a dangerous effect on the Justice Society of America.