A Vector is about as inefficient structure as you could use to store bytes. I would serious consider using something more efficient line ByteArrayOutputStream which has a toByteArray() method. I.e.
Don't just convert the Vector but remove it from the code.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.