While the Major was away on his mission with Z [at the time the Z episode Das Fraulein die Z liebte (Z-IV) took place], the alphabets, enticed by Laurence of the SIS, decided to have a birthday party for the Chief. They were joined by Dorian, who had come to Bonn, along with James and Bonham, to see the Major. James instructed the alphabets on how to cut the expenses, and Dorian talked the butler into offering the dining hall of Castle Eberbach for the party, hinting that by doing so the Major would have a better opportunity for his long-awaited promotion.

Everyone was waiting in excitement for the Chief's arrival. But the ones who stepped into the darkness of the surprise party were the Major and Z, who had come back from Oslo a day early. Dorian quick-wittedly turned off the lights, giving the participants time to escape from the flabbergasted Major.

The Major and Z tried the birthday cake James purchased for the Chief. It was a stale, three day old cake smelling a bit strange, but both men, tired and with no sense of taste, kept on trying some anyway. Guess what happened next morning.... [leads into the episode The Laughing Cardinals]