This podcast may not be suitable for young listeners. Co name Wild Hunt,
Operation Blood Eagle, written by Da Roberts and read to you by Cameron Buckner.
The Wild Hunt is a unit of the United States Army created to counter
the threat from paranormal creatures that the government is not willing to admit exists due
to the level of panic which would be caused in the general public. This
operation exists outside the normal chain of command, reporting directly to the Joint Chiefs
of Staff and the President. Considered an off the book's Black Bag Operation,
the team is not officially known to exist, and is still publicly referred to
as a training division prolog oh nine hundred hours two May Joint Base Lewis McCord,
Washington, Lieutenant General Joshua Dalton called a meeting to order. They were
gathered in the largest conference room at the headquarters of the Wild Hunt. There
were representatives from a dozen countries with just as many different uniforms on display,
seated around the room. I'd like to thank you all for coming, said
Dalton. You already know while we're here. Murmurs and heads were nodding around
the conference room. Major Clark was seated at the side of the room next
to Lieutenant Colonel Sanders. Command Sergeant Major Hammond was seated on the other side
of Saunders. I'd like to know why we're here, whispered Clark. You
know why we're here, Dan said Saunders, grinning. Lokay, whispered Clark.
I know what the meeting is about, but with the General here,
our presence is kind of superfluous. The General moves in mysterious ways, whispered
Saunders. Relax and have a dip, added csm Hammon, while you're at
it, give me one. Clark chuckled as he fished out a can of
long cut chewing tobacco and put a large pinch in his lip. Handing the
can to Hammond. He grinned as the older warrior put a dip inside contently
while technically keeping his word to his wife. Hammond had promised to stop buying
tobacco. He said nothing about accepting it if it was offered to him.
Everyone here today is aware of the existence of creatures that modern science does not
recognize, began Dalton. Some of them are cryptids or unknown animals, while
others are straight out of folklore, regardless of their origins and despot claims to
be contrary. We know for a fact that these creatures are real. They
are real, and they prey on humans. This is exactly why my team
was originally founded. This is the reason all of you are here Around the
room, senior officers exchanged dark looks, but no one denied what he was
saying. Due to the increase in violent encounters, not only here in the
United States, said Dalton, but throughout the planet, the notion of fielding
an international response team was brought up. Activating a smart screen on the wall
brought up the global map. There were numerous points in green and red illuminated
across the globe On this map, said Dalton. Green indicates confirmed attacks and
red indicates confirmed human kills. As you can see, this represents a significant
number of human monster encounters, with more than half being fatal confrontations that caused
murmur to run through the group. Most of these encounters are either in or
close to the countries you all represent, Dalton said. Some are in places
where none of us have any jurisdiction. We have no data on countries that
we do not consider allies. You will note that while we do know that
such creatures exist, there are no indicators in Russia, China, or the
majority of the Middle East, Dalton Paul's for dramatic effect. While they all
studied the map, some of you have had your own encounters with creatures that
my team is fault, said Dalton, and some of you have only faced
smaller threats. My question to you is this, how many accounts have gone
unreported due to fear from the witness or the fact that no one survived to
report it. How many deaths could have been prevented if someone had reacted to
the sightings, Ladies and gentlemen, I intend to react. Odds of agreement
from the assembled crowd. We've invited you all here and asked that you contribute
to an international response team, said Dalton, one that is capable of responding
to any Allied request on any continent, in any environment, in any weather.
When I suggested this idea to the Joint Chiefs, I didn't expect it
to be accepted as quickly as it was. It's unprecedented how quickly our governments
agree in sent representatives, members of special forces and swat teams, and scholars
and detectives were selected for this team. And since the team will have to
be far more self reliant than ever before. We have chosen a broad range
of skill sets to complement any mission. No one spoke. General Dalton had
the entire room listening to his every word. The Wild Hunt is broken up
into four terror tatorial zones, with four teams assigned per zone, said Dalton.
This gives us extraordinary mobility to respond to threats throughout the United States.
And since we will be making Team Odin our test team for international response,
we will be adding a team to the US roster to fill in for the
interim. If this experiment works as well as we are hoping, it will
become a model for all the teams, with additional support from Allied nations.
He paused to take a sip of water. You have all been selected from
Allied nations with teams similar in missions to ours to become part of Team Odin,
he said. This team will be led by Colonel Levi Saunders and Major
Daniel Clark. We chose Team Odin because of their extensive experience with these types
of threats. We've selected the following countries to join Team Odin as the first
international response team. Freeze of introduction, I will use their American equivalents and
rank. Pausing for effect, he pointed at a group and their members stood
to be recognized. From Canada's Joint Task Force Two, he began, I
present Sergeant Henry du Boy, Master Corporal William LeMay, Corporal Dicky Havilan,
and Corporal Liam O'Connor. All four of them have already completed a mission with
Team Odin when they had to pursue a wind to go across the Canadian border.
Applause sounded from the group, and Clark smiled. He knew they were
all good choices. From Japan's Special Forces Group in Special Assault Teams, said
Dalton, First Lieutenant Etami Yuzu, Inspector Shino Kurabashi, and former sergeant turned
Shinto priest Ken Nakamura. There was more applause from Peru's Special Forces and commandos,
added Dalton, Captain Santiago Gamara and Sergeant Alejandro de la Cruz, and
from Poland's j W. Grahm, Sergeant first Class Kashmir Jeraki and staff Sergeant
Vincent Florkowski. Cheers rose from the groups. From Norway's Special Forces, said
Dalton. Captain Eustein mork and staff Sergeant Anita Hagen from Germany's GSG nine.
We have First Lieutenant Amelia Cooke, staff Sergeant Alfred Lang, Sergeant first Class
Dietrich Kaiser, Sergeant Boulder Wolf, and First Sergeant Andreas Hyde. Both groups
snapped to perfect crisp attention as they stood. From England, said Dalton,
Representing the Special Reconnaissance Regiment, Special Air Service and Special Boat Service, Joint
Special Forces Aviation Wing and the Special Response Team of the Metropolitan Police Service,
I present Warrant Officer Noah Davidson, Sergeant Ryan Ball, Sergeant David Connolly,
Petty Officer Harry Atkinson, Captain Nicole Bailey and Inspector Teagan Miracle. The members
of the British delegation stood as a unit and saluted General Dalton. He returned
the salute before continuing. From Ireland's UGARDA Emergency Response Unit, said Dalton.
May present, Inspector Aaron Fitzgerald and Sergeant Thomas O'Cleary from Italy's caraban Era Corps,
Sergeant Giovanni and de Luca, Corporal Antonio Russo and Corporal Piero Costa from
Spain's Special up Rations Command. Sergeant Matteo Gotto Negro Lopez. Lopez stood and
waved casually with a smile on his face. The Irish stood and looked around
the room like they were studying the faces from Israel, said Dalton. WE
have representatives from the sire at Metcall, the fabled Unit six sixty nine,
and the Massad. I present first Lieutenant Malachi Beer, Second Lieutenant Hannah Aaron,
Staff, Sergeant Alexander Altscher, Rabbi Benny Levin, and Sarah Majid.
A few people exchanged concerned glances at the mention of the Massad, and from
the Vaticans for Turnatanum Vigilantium, or Brotherhood of the Vigilant, said Dalton.
I present siblings Matthias, Marcus and Magdalena Giovanni. The triplet stood and nodded
at the crowd. Matthias looked around the room quickly and then smiled at Marcus.
What whispered Marcus, I'm just happy that there'll be an attractive woman on
this team, he said, grinny, I get bored quickly with a group
that was just men. Well, Magdalena is here, said Marcus, sarcastically.
I meant women other than her, replied Matthias. We're descended from the
Medici, not the Morovians. Magdalena chuckled, and Marcus just shook his head.
I will dismiss the members whose names I've just called, said General Dalton.
You can go with Lieutenant Colonel Saunders and Major Clark. You'll be accompanying
them to Fort leonard Wood within the hour for team assignment and training. Senior
staff will remain here with me to discuss logistics and equipment. Saunders and Clark
got up and led the group out of the room and onto the parade ground
at the back of the building. Everyone for mop, shouted Clark. Quickly,
everyone assembled in a loose formation, each grew sticking close to each member.
The Giovannis took a spot at the inn and stood there, making no
attempt to form up a military formation. Once they were settled at end place,
Saunders strolled out to the middle of them and looked them over. All
right, ladies and gentlemen, he said, pacing back and forth. I'm
Lieutenant Colonel Levi Saunders. Welcome to the Wild Hunt and tim Odin. We're
still formalizing who will be assigned to what team, so final assignments won't be
announced until we're back at base. Thank you all for volunteering for this assignment.
I look forward to getting to know you all and putting this new team
to the test. I want you all to grab your gear and be back
here in thirty minutes. We'll be heading straight to the airstrip where wheels up
in one hour. Don't make me come looking for you. Dismissed With that,
they all headed for their vehicles parked at the end of the building that
held their baggage. Within fifteen minutes, all of them had returned, except
for the GIV. They arrived just before the thirty minute deadline without any personal
gear. Where's your gear, asked CSM Hammond. We have our own plane,
said Matthias. I'll need clearance to land at Fort leonard Wood. It
has all of our gear on board. Hammond frowned and shook his head.
He knew it was going to be interesting dealing with the Vatican's delegation. They
were the only group who hadn't been invited to participate with the new international team.
The Vatican had flexed its considerable political muscle and had its own team placed
on Team Odin general. Dalton had protested, but had been overruled by secdef
himself. All Right, folks, roared CSM Hamon, grab your gear and
board the buses at the end of the parade field. Is everyone headed for
the buses? Saunders motion for Clark and CSM Havebn and Gideon t hanging back.
Once everyone was out of earshot, he turned and looked at them.
We're going to have our work cut out for us, he said, shaking
his head. They might be the best of the best where they come from,
but it's our job to find out just how good they are. If
any of them can't cut it, we'll put them on the plane back to
whichever country they're from. Well, some of them are academics and scholars,
said CSM Hammond. They'll be a sign to my team, said Saunders.
First line combatants go to Clark and Hernandez. We need to know if they're
capable of running and gunning with our best. Well, we'll hit the ground
running first thing in the morning, said Clark. I'm looking forward to seeing
if Sergeant de la Cruz from Peru is as good of a sniper as they
claim. I hear he put a hell of a dent in the cartel's trying
to move product into Peru, so much so that they put a ten million
dollar bounty on his head. I'll put him on the range with Valkyrie.
If she says he's good, I'll believe it all right, gentlemen, said
Saunders. Let's work on team assignments during the flight. Things are going to
be different when we're in another country and we've got to be ready. How
long do we have to train before we go active, asked CSM Hammond.
I told them we'd need three to six months to fully integrate and evaluate all
of them, said Saunders. But General Dalton wants us deployable by the end
of the week, so that's that, well shit, said CSM Hammond.
I guess we'd better get our asses in gear then into the week, asked
Clark, incredulous. We'll still be figuring out who can cut it for weeks.
We can't possibly be ready to deploy that fast. Our orders stand,
said Saunders, already argued our case with Dalton, he was told to be
ready by Sec Deaf. There are a lot of eyes on us. Also,
keep your own on the Vatican Group. I have no idea where their
loyalties are, and none of them have any military experience. Oh yeah,
said Clark. What could possibly go wrong? Careful what you wish for,
said Saunders. We might just find out. I don't trust the Vatican team,
said Hammond. We won't be their first loyalty. That's safe to assume,
said Saunders. If they screw up document it, I want to have
the paper in place before I try to toss them. Yes, Sir,
said Clark, shaking his head. Yeah, this is going to be great.
Chapter one, Deep Water fourteen hundred and thirty hours, ten may Igo
naw Wa Lapi, Argentina. Five people worked at a relentless pace to bring
boxes of equipment and provisions onto the eighty foot Burger Flushtick motor yacht. The
gleaming white hull stood out in stark contrast to the dark waters of log Nauelapi.
The bustling port of the beautiful lakeside city of San Carlos de Barloce was
the perfect backdrop for the picturesque setting. Be careful with those crates, snapped
a rather bookish looking young man with dark hair and round glasses. He wore
denim jeans with blue sneakers, a teal t shirt with a khaki vest that
had numerous pockets. Those cameras cost more than my apartment, he added,
Please don't drop them in the water. Relax, Rodrigo said in an attractive
blonde wearing skin tight blue yoga pants, deck shoes, and a black hoodie
with the shield logo of the River Plate football team. You're going to give
yourself a heart attack. Look, Carmen, said Rodrigo. I'm the producer,
which means I'm responsible for every piece of equipment on this expedition. All
you have to do is stand in front of the camera and look pretty.
Oh you think I'm pretty, she replied. Rodrigo sighed and shook his head.
Look, little brother, she said, her smile lighting up her face.
Try to relax and calm down. This is just the beginning of our
seven day expedition. You're gonna have a stroke. Well, that's easy for
you to say, he said, shaking his head. Casador de Monstros is
the number one rated show in its time slot. There's a lot of pressure
on us to get usable footage of Naualito. We might even get into the
American audience with this show if we play our cards right. Why would the
Americans be interested in Nawalito, she said. Most Americans have never heard of
the monster of late Nawelapi. Then we will get footage and tell the story,
said Rodrigo. Grinny. This could be our ticket to real money.
If we're picked up by American television, we're set. You know, we're
not doing so bad now, she said, shaking her head. I just
bought a condo on the river Plate, and you just bought a new Jaguar.
Not too bad for a show we came up with in college that just
called on. Well, there are only so many monsters for us to hunt
in Argentina, he said. I want to go to America and film the
Bigfoot, of the dog Man, or even the Chupacabra. You do realize
that the chupacabra has been seen here, right, she chiuted. We don't
have to go far to find sightings, I know, he said, But
to film it in America, I want to work for the Travel Channel or
the History Channel. One step at a time, little brother, she said,
let's worry about getting footage of Nawilito. You find the monster, now
sell it to our viewers. Our ratings will go through the roof. Let's
just hope our crew of idiots can pull us off, said Rodrigo, nodding
at the group who was carrying the last of the crates onto the boat.
So what's the plan, asked Carmen. Once we leave, we'll run the
sonar down the lake, said Rodrigo. Parts of this lake are over five
hundred meters deep. There are plenty of places for monster like Nauwalito to hide.
We'll continue along the lake looking for anything large enough to be the monster,
and once we find something, we launch the underwater drones. Hopefully it
will come to the surface and we can get footage of you in front of
it, and if not, we'll green screen you in front of it for
the show. As long as it doesn't try to eat us, she said,
I've seen horror movies like that. There are no reports of Nauolito attacking
or eating anyone, said Rodrigo. But there's lots of people who have gone
missing on the lake over the years, she said, people who were never
found. Well, this is a deep lake, said Rodrigo. Boats sink
sometimes it's deep enough that divers can't go to the bottom to find the bodies.
So don't worry. No monsters are going to try to eat you well.
I hope you're right, she said with a chuckle. Now let's get
aboard and get under way. When we start getting usable footage, the better.
They headed aboard the motor yacht and went below the decks to store their
gear. The boat had been rented by the studio for a week and it
came with its own crew. There was a captain named Miguel Sandoval, a
cook named Diego In two deckhands named Raoul and Louis. They would take care
of the boat, leaving them free to film and look for the monster.
The boat was big enough that they could all sleep comfortably, even if they
had to share cabins. Carmen shared a stateroom with Paula, one of the
videographers. Rodrigo shared another state room with Marco, the other videographer. Their
sound technician was named Alejandro and he was the only one of the crew that
had been with them since college. He shared a stateroom with Tomas and the
team computer expert. Tomas would be responsible for mixing the footage and layering the
sound into a usable product. He was also the one who knew how to
use the sonar equipment. By the time they had put away their gear and
returned to the deck. Captain Sandoval was casting off and idling away from the
dock, and once he was clear from the other boats, he expertly throttled
up and headed out of the port and into the center of the lake.
Once they were safely away from the harbor and into deep water, he slowed
to an idol. We're in the channel, he called down from the bridge.
Time to drop your sonar. Tamas opened one of the crates and began
pulling out the sonar gear. The sonar probe looked like a yellow missile that
would be towed beneath the boat, pinging the area with active side scan sonar.
Once it was assembled and ready, he plugged in the leads and secured
the sonar probe to the end of the cable. He picked a spot on
the side of the boat that would allow him to deploy the sonar without any
risk of it becoming fouled in the propellers. Once the yellow probe, called
a fish, was in the water, Tomas activated the screen on his laptop
to begin recording the sonar data that was being transmitted back to him. Almost
immediately, data began flooding the screen. Tomas continued to play out the fish
and adjusted it to a depth of fifty meters. The depth of logo Nauelapi
ranged as far as five hundred meters in places. Even at that depth,
the sensitive sonar should pick out movements of a creature as large as Naulito was
reported to be. We're getting good imaging, said Tomas, without looking up.
The sonar is sensitive, and if anything that big is moving within the
range, we will see it. I certainly hope so, said Rodrigo.
That thing cost us a fortune technically, said Carmen. It cost the studio
of fortune. We didn't pay for it. Yeah, but it came out
of our budget, said Rodrigo. Here's hoping it's worth it. If now
Walito is down there, said Alejandro. Tomas will find it. I hope
we find it soon, said Rodrigo. Time is money. This logo is
more than eighty kilometers long, said Tomas. This won't be quick, not
if you want me to be thorough. And if we go too fast,
we could pass right by it and the sonar might not pick it up.
Then let's not go too fast, said Carmen, opening a cooler, retrieving
a beer from the ice starting a little early, sis, said Rodrigo.
It's the air on the lake, she said, smiling as she took a
sip. It just begs for a good drink. Toss me one of those,
said Alejandro. Me too, said Tomas Godless Heathens, muttered Rodrigo.
Heading toward the bridge. Climbing the ladder to the bridge, Rodrigo found Captain
Sandoval at the helm. How's it going, Captain, asked Rodrigo. Weather
looks good, said Sandival, without looking away from the lake ahead of him.
We're in a deep channel, and if no idiots in speed boats or
on those stupid jet skis get in our way, we should have smooth sailing.
What's the course, asked Rodrigo. Already adjusted our cruising speed based on
your sonar operator's specification, said sand ofval. At current speed, we should
reach the far end of the lake just before nightfall. We'll anchor there for
the night and then sweep back down the lake tomorrow unless we see something,
said Rodrigo. That's right, said Sandoval sarcastically as he shook his head.
You don't believe in Naulito, asked Rodrigo. Sandoval turned toward him with a
smile. I've been fishing and boating this Iago since i was a small boy,
said Sandoval. I was born just a few miles from this very spot.
I've never seen anything that even remotely looks like a monster. So you
think we're wasting our time, asked Rodrigo, a bit perturbed. Not at
all, said son of aal. I've heard a lot of stories about Nahwalito,
some from people I know to be honest and not prone to tell tall
tales. They saw something, but I don't know what it was. I've
never seen it. Besides, you're paying me to pilot the boat up and
down the Iago while you look for it. What I believe is irrelevant.
I'm here to do my job and nothing more. Well, what if we
find it, asked Rodrigo. What then then I will be the first to
congratulate you, said Sondival. Then as soon as we get back to the
port, I'll change the name of my business from Logo Excursionis to Nawalito Escurgionis.
Rodrigo chuckled. I wouldn't blame you, he replied. If we get
footage, you and your crew will be famous. So to answer your question,
said sond of aal I might not be a believer, but I certainly
hope you find it. It'll be good for business. Well that's good enough
for me, said Rodrigo. I'm going below for a bit to check the
equipment. If you need me, just call I will, answered Sandoval.
If you need me, this is where I will be. Rodrigo smiled and
headed back down to the deck. Most of the crew was gathered around Tomas
and the laptop. Did you find something already, asked Rodrigo, his eyes
open wide. I caught a blip, said Tomas. It was only there
for a second, and then it was gone. Whatever it was, it
was big and moving amazingly fast. Which direction did it go, asked Rodrigo.
The same direction we're going, said Tomas, smiling. We'll catch it
eventually. It could only run so far. Rodrigo looked excited as he too
crowded around the tiny laptop. Carmen handed him a beer and he opened it
without comment, sipping as he watched. My God, whispered Rodrigo excitedly.
We're really going to pull this off. No one spoke. They were all
enthralled with the video, and after several minutes of staring at nothing. On
their return, there was a ping. What's that, asked Alejandro, Contact,
said Tomas. Depth is just over three hundred meters from the looks of
it, it's about twenty or twenty five feet long, and it's moving quickly.
There was another audible ping on the audio output, and then in an
instant the image seemed to move rapidly and shrink. Did it just vanish,
asked Rodrigo. No, said Tomas. It just dove over one hundred meters
in just a few seconds. It disappeared in the clutter of rocks and plants
at the bottom of the logo. Shit, hissed Rodrigo. Can you say
for certain that was nawilito unless there's a pot of whales living in an isolated
and landlocked freshwater lake, said Tomas. Then what else could it be?
It was incredibly fast, and it dove deep. It's using the topography of
the bottom to confuse the sonar. It knows we're looking for it, for
the love of God, said Rodrigo. Please tell me someone got this on
film. Every word, said Paula, smiling from around her camera. This
thing is smart, said Tomas, almost under his breath. How would it
know to avoid the sonar. Probably because this boat is loud and it hurts
its ears, offered Carmen. Maybe, said Thomas, but this feels different.
It's not just reacting to the sound. It's going places deliberately that will
confuse the signal. That's not normal behavior for an animal. It is if
that animal doesn't want to be found, said Rodrigo. Other expeditions have had
similar results when using sonar. We just got better footage than they did.
The reason no one has found this thing is because it knows how to hide.
If you say so, said Tomas. I just think we need to
be careful. We don't want to back this thing into a corner. I'll
keep that in mind, said Rodrigo. Now let's get something more than a
big blip on the sonar. I want images of Nawulito. I want to
make the front page of every newspaper in Argentina. There it is again,
said Tomas, pointing at the screen. It got closer to us this time.
Let's get a camera in the water, said Rodrigo. On it,
said Marco. I'll get the underwater footage. Paula, you keep the camera
running on the sonar, readout Marco quickly, unpacked the underwater rov or remotely
operated vehicle. It was a small submersible with multiple cameras mounted to it.
He carefully lowered it into the water by the tether and activated the control module.
Once online, he ran a quick function check before diving the tiny summercible
into the dark water of Nauelapi. Cameras are feeding good images, said Marco,
but visibility is only about twenty feet. If it's out there, it's
going to have to get close so we can film it. So on our
contact, yelled to Mos. Everyone turned to see if they could get a
glimpse of whatever had caused the unusual reserve. Tomas to react so excitedly.
Oh my God, said Tomas. It came within fifty meters of us,
and then it dove deep again. Where, asked Paula. Tamas pointed,
and she ran to the side of the ship and began filming, looking for
any sign of something large enough moving through the water. She panned back and
forth and was about to turn toward the bow of the ship when something rolled
on the surface. It was only there for a couple of seconds, but
she knew it had been in the frame. Whatever it was, she had
it on film. Hey guys, she shouted, I just got something.
Keep filming in case it comes back, yelled Rodrigo. We'll review it later.
I got you, she whispered, panning the area where she'd seen it.
She knew that the high definition camera was recording at sixty frames per second.
If there was any detail to be seen, this camera picked it up.
She could barely contain her excitement at seeing it. If she captured the
first high deft footage of Naulito, then she was going to be famous.
They all were. This would propel their show to all new heights. The
next few hours passed with nothing on the sonar and only fish breaking the surface
of the lake. Paula knew there was going to be a lot of useless
footage, but all she could think about was the few seconds of footage that
would reveal the thing that came to the surface. Taking a seat in the
main cabin, she removed the memory card from the digital recorder and inserted it
into her laptop. Rodrigo handed her a cold bottle of water and sat beside
her. Paula didn't drink, so he'd brought her the next best thing.
Give me a second to find the right spot, she said, bringing up
the video file into her editing software. Rodrigo said nothing, waiting patiently as
he sipped on his beer, and Tamas was still out on the deck watching
the sonar feed, and Marco was with him to film anything new that came
up. Most of the others were working on their own projects, except for
Carmen. She grabbed a jar of caeso and a bag of chips and then
took a seat to watch the footage. Secretly, she suspected that Paula had
just caught a fish on film, but she wanted to be there if it
turned out to be something else. Carmen dipped a chip into the thick caso
and put it into her mouth just as the footage came up. Immediately,
she choked and spat it onto the floor. Rodrigo didn't notice, his eyes
were fixed on the screen, and Paula quickly paused the image and used the
software to roll back the footage to win The thing first crested the top of
the water. Oh my god, shouted Carmen. What the hell is that
It's not big enough to be Naulito, said Paula, It's too big to
be a fish unless it's a freaking huge one. Rodrigo didn't say anything.
He just stared at the image in silence. They were looking at a partially
obscured head as it emerged from the water. The skin looked to be gray
near the top and white on the underside, and the mouth seemed to be
full of serrated teeth that came to a nasty point. The eye that seemed
to be in the process of nictating as a second eyelid rolled away from the
black lifeless eye. Is that a shark, asked Rodrigo. Paula rolled the
film to the next frame. It was moving fast. She got a decent
image of what looked to be gill Slitz, just like on a shark.
Gil Slitz, she said, pointing out the screen. That's not any fish
that's supposed to be in this lake. Rolling forward, she saw it as
it slipped back beneath the dark water. Just for a moment, they could
see what looked like a shoulder and a part of the upper arm that looks
almost like a person, said Rodrigo. What is it? Is it a
shark or is it a man? The next frame was almost obscured by water,
but they could see part of what looked like a tattoo. Freeze there,
said Rodrigo. Paula froze the film with the image centered. It was
blurry and partially obscured by the water, but it was a tattoo. Can
you make that out? Said Rodrigo. I tried to clean it up a
little, said Paula. I don't expect much. It could take days at
the lab to clear it up completely, but I'll do what I can.
Paula played with the sharpness and contrast and then the saturation in hue. After
several moments, she was able to clear it enough to see it was some
type of shield motif with what looked like a trident in the center, and
above it was the letters M E K. What the hell is that,
asked Carmen. What the hell are we looking at? I don't know,
said Rodrigo. But it's not Naulito, No, it's not, agreed Paula.
This is something new. This is something out of a horror movie.
Paula isolated the image and did a screen capture of it, and then took
the partial image and ran a search for possible matches. When the results came,
they all froze, stared at the screen. The shield image was a
unit patch from World War II. It was a unit of the German Marine
Einsatz Commando, the comp Schwimmer Groupe of the Kriegsmarine. This can't be possible,
said Paula. That's a unit crest from Nazi Germany, like the Craigs
Marine version of the US Navy Seals. No one is going to believe this,
said Carmen. They're going to say we faked the video. This is
completely unbelievable, Not as much as you might think, Big Sister, said
Rodrigo. I took a history class in college. The professor claimed that at
the end of World War Two a lot of high ranking Nazi officers fled Germany
and came here. Supposedly they were helped by Juan Piron. There is a
theory that Hitler survived Berlin and came here. How asked Carmen. They found
his body in the bunker. Hitler had numerous body doubles, said Rodrigo,
duplicates that were surgically altered to be able to pass him for security reasons.
They think the real one made it out of Germany and lived in a house
on this very lake in analco it's at the far end of the lake.
He supposedly survived until sometime in the nineteen sixties when he died, leaving Eva
Braun with two daughters. No way, said Carmen. That's not possible,
is it. It's very possible, said Rodrigo, Maybe even likely. Nazi
artifacts are discovered just a few years ago in a house not far from here.
Then, what the hell is this thing in the water, asked Carmen.
I wish I knew, said Rodrigo. But if it has a tattoo,
then it only makes sense that it's a human, maybe a man in
a suit. That's not a suit, said Paula. I've never seen a
wet suit with gill slits. Besides, hypothermia would set in within minutes.
That water is too cold to dive in for any length of time. No
one is going to believe this, said Carmen. And we're not going to
tell them, said Rodrigo. Not just yet. We need better footage to
back this up. I don't want to go public with anything until we're sure
we're not being hoaxed. This could all be an elaborate fake to fool our
show. We've been all over the local news, saying we would be filming
here. This could be local trying to ruin our reputation. So for now
we keep this to ourselves. Okay, all right, said Paula. Fine,
said Carmen angrily. But this is too big to sit on forever.
Oh. I intend to use this footage, said Rodrigo. And if we
can find a hidden Nazi connection to the Inaliko house, then we've just stumbled
on to a much bigger story than Nawalito. This could be picked up by
every television station on the planet. This could change history. Paula began making
copies of the files and placing them in their secure drive on the cloud.
What are you doing, asked Rodrigo. I'm making back up, said Paula.
The last thing we want is to have a power surge and wipe out
our data, or for water to short something out and lose that footage.
I'm making a copy of everything from this point on, full back up to
the cloud. That's a good call, said Rodrigo, taking out his cell
phone. Who are you calling, asked Carmen. I'm calling one Carlo in
bus Aires, he replied. I want him to look at the footage and
do some research on the history. If there really is a Nazi connection to
this area, I want to know as much about it as possible. Well,
that's probably a good idea, said Carmen. Two hours later, they
were slowly motoring through the remote area of the lake when Tomas called for everyone.
I've got a son our contact. He shouted, it's big and it's
coming right at us. Every One crowded around the small screen and saw a
large blip moving rapidly toward the boat. This thing is huge, exclaimed Rodrigo.
Is it going to ram us, asked Carmen, looking around nervously.
Then the blip broke apart into about a dozen smaller blips. Shit, hissed
Thomas. It's just a school of fish. If they're fish, they're pretty
big fish, said Alejandro. Two or three meters I'd guess, said Tomas.
Do fish in this lake get that big? I don't know, said
Carmen. Could they be dolphins or something? Dolphins are saltwater sea creatures,
said Tomas. This is all fresh water with no access to the ocean.
It can't be dolphins. One of the blips swerved and came right at the
sonar fish just as it reached it, the signal cut out and the screen
went black. We've lost contact with the sonar array, said Tomas. What
the hell happened? I'll pull it in and see, said Alejandro, grabbing
the cables and starting to pull the sonar back to the boat. He began
cranking the winch that would pull the cable back. This doesn't feel right,
Alejandro said, it's too light. Tomas left the computer and came over to
help. Looking down into the dark water, they saw the cable in coming
into view. The sonar array was gone. The cable had been snapped in
the so our fish had either been destroyed by impact or was on its way
to the bottom of the lake. It's gone, shouted Tomas. Turning back
toward the others, Alejandro saw something floating on the water where the cables had
just emerged, and, leaning down, he tried to reach it. The
deck of the boat was only a few feet above the water and the surface
was just out of his reach. Leaning farther out, he looked quizzically as
his reflection appeared distorted. His features appeared washed out and gray, and his
eyes seemed black as the water. He stared at the odd face that was
staring back at him without blinking. He cocked his head to the side,
and it mimicked the movement. He reached out, and just as his fingers
were about to touch the odd reflection of his hand, the gray hand shot
out of the water and grabbed his wrist. The hand was far larger than
his own and wrapped around his forearm and nearly covered it from wrist to elbow.
He opened his to scream, and it yanked him down into the dark
water with tremendous force. He didn't have time to shout a warning. As
it pulled him deeper and deeper into the water. He strained to hold what
little air he'd managed to take in before he went under. The cold was
painful, and he felt like a million needles were poking into his skin.
When it was dark enough that he could barely see a foot in front of
his face, the creature pulled him up in front of it. The monster
looked gray as an overcast sky, but darker on his back than on its
chest. It was twice his size, and he knew it wasn't human,
and when it smiled, it revealed a mouthful of razor sharp teeth. The
thought struck Alejandra that they were just like shark's teeth. That couldn't be right,
could it. This thing looked almost human, but it still had features
of a shark. His lungs were burning, and he tried to kick to
the surface, but it held him fast. Just when he felt his lungs
were going to burst, the smile on the creature's face faded, and he
saw the dark eyes roll back into its head, just like a shark before
it attacked. He opened his mouth to scream, but he felt those serented
teeth sink into the flesh of his throat. He felt the warmth of his
blood as it poured out of him, slightly heating the water. First one
and then another, and then three. More of the creatures tore into him,
ripping flesh from bone and biting off smaller bones like fingers and toes,
hands and feet, And even though he was close to passing out from the
lack of air and loss of blood, he understood he was being devoured by
a pack of sharp men, and that thought terrified him more than dying.
He wasn't sure why, but he didn't live long enough to ponder it.
Seconds later, the creatures dropped the bones and other remnants, letting them fall
into the dark depths below. They swam in place for a moment, looking
back and forth at each other, before turning their attention upward. There was
a boat full of food just waiting for them. They were hungry. They
were always hungry. Chapter two Choice Words thirteen hundred hours, fourteen May,
Fort leonard Wood, Missouri, USA. Clark was standing beside the parade field
behind the team offices. He was covered in sweat and dirt, having just
completed the obstacle course. Teams two and four were running through their paces in
the field in front of him. Some of them were running, while others
were performing pt or physical training in the sand pits. Team one in three
were at the firing range. For the last thirteen days, they'd been running
Team Odin through Hell, and so far none of the troops from the other
countries had complained to fall out or quit. They were all physically fit and
competent with weapons. That much was already known. Now it was time to
push their endurance. How's the looking, boss, asked Gideon, handing Clark
a bottle of water. Thanks, Sir, Major, said Clark, accepting
the water with a nod. After taking a long pull from it, he
sighed and splashed some of it on his face before looking over at Gideon.
He was just as dirty and sweaty as Clark, only Gideon seemed to be
thoroughly enjoying himself. So far, so good, said Clark. Valkyrie says
De la Cruz is wicked with a sniper rifle. He's going to be a
hell of an asset. That's good, said Gideon. What about the Japanese
contingent, Well, I can't speak for the two on teams one in three,
said Clark, but Nakamura is outstanding. I think he could run for
days. Good, said Gideon. I don't think we're going to be disappointed
with the skill level of any of these people. I think our only real
test will be in a fight. How they handle combat will tell us everything.
But then it'll be too late, said Clark. That has been the
dilemma of every commander since the time of the Roman Army, said Gideon,
with a sardonic smile, probably even before. I'll take your word for it,
said Clark, returning the grin. So what's next, asked gid.
In Break them up into teams, said Clark, hand to hand combat drills
in the pit. You take one, I'll take one. Gray Eagle gets
one, Murdock gets one, her Dandez gets one. In Sergeant Major Reese
gets one. Give them a short break so they can hydrate before we get
started. Got it, boss, said Gideon, nodding. I'll make it
happen. Before he walked off, Specialist Wilder walked out of the office building
and approached Sorry to interrupt, sir, she said, but do you know
where to find Colonel Saunders. I hear he makes great fried Chicken said,
get in, smirking as he walked off. You bastard, chuckle Clark,
I'm never going to get that out of my head now. Well you can
blame Margolin, said Gideon. He's the one I heard it from. Wilder
chuckled as Gideon walked away. He's at the range with teams one in three,
said Clark, shaking his head. Why what's up? They want him
and you at headquarters on the double, Sir? She said, all right,
I'll send for him, said Clark. Did they say one? They
wanted us to report? General Dalton's plane is scheduled to land in a few
minutes, she said, glancing toward the headquarters building. My best guess,
Sir, is that they want you there. As he arrives, their exact
words were most ricky tick got it, said Clark, thank you. Wilder
headed inside, while Clark glanced around and spotted a familiar face, Margolin.
He shouted. Margolin's head popped out of the crowd, and he headed for
Clark. Snapping to attention, he fired off a quick salute. You call,
sir, said Margolin. Yeah, said Clark. Go grab the Honvey
in front of my office and go to the range. Get Colonel Saunders and
get him back here as fast as you can can. I assume that he
won't have time to stop for some chickens, Sir, asked Marglin. Clark
suppressed the chuckle. No, we most certainly do not, said Clark.
I need him here in ten minutes, now go. Margolen ran to the
front of the building. Seconds later, he heard the engine of the Humvey
start up. Clark started to turn toward him when he realized what he'd done.
Margolin knew the fastest way to the range was through the woods, not
by the road. The road would take him at least ten minutes to get
there. Clark pressed his hand against his forehead as the humvee bounced through the
grass and shot across the parade field, scattering soldiers in its weight. He
didn't run over anyone, but he came close a few times. Bouncing onto
the track, he headed down the foot trail that they used to march to
the range on. A good thing was that he shouldn't have any trouble getting
Saunders back in the allotted time. Well, shit, muttered Clark, I
need to remember to be more specific with that idiot. Heading to the office,
Clark briefly considered grabbing a fresh uniform and a shower, but thought better
of it. He knew that they'd better be heading to the HQ as soon
as Saunders arrived. He took a moment to wash his hands in his face,
and then got another bottle of water to drink. Four minutes later,
Margolen bounced back across the parade field and parked in front of the office building.
As Clark exited the building, Saunders was climbing out of the humvee.
Did you authorize him to drive through the goddamn parade field, asked Saunders,
jerking his thumb at Margling. Margoline only smiled innocently well sort of, said
Clark. Next time, I'll have to be more specific, Saunders sighed,
commands Sergent Major Hammond climbed out of the back seat with a bewildered look on
his face. He put his cover and sharp Margolin a sour look. All
right, what's the goddamn important that you had to send evil Knievel here to
pick me up? Asked Saunders. That little bastard almost killed us, said
Hammond, shaking his head. Almost, Command Sergeant Major, said Margolin,
grinning. Almost. They want us at HQ, said Clark. General Dalton
should be here any minute. Well, let's go, said Saunders. As
they headed for the headquarters building. Clark took out a cell phone and sent
a quick text. Slipping his phone back in his pocket, he grinned but
said nothing, and moments later, behind them, they heard Margolin shout seriously,
sir fine. He glanced back and saw Margolin drop and start doing push
ups. Clark took out his phone and showed the screen to Saunders and Hammond.
He sent Margolin three words, embraced the suck. The three of them
were chuckling as they walked into headquarters and were direct acted immediately to the conference
room. Once inside, they saw Colonel Boutrou and Lieutenant Colonel Stratton already there.
They were wearing their Class A uniforms. Good, lord, Levi,
said Boudreu, you look like shit. Warn't you in your dress uniform?
Well, I was under the impression you wanted us hear fast, said Saunders.
We were in the field training with our teams. Stratton shook her head
and said nothing. We can go shower and get into our class as,
said Saunders, we'll be back in about an hour. That won't be necessary,
said Boutrou. You're already here, and the General will be coming through
the door any second. The door at the back of the room opened silently,
and General Dalton walked in. Clark started to react and call everyone to
attention, but Dalton silenced him with a sharp look and a quick chop of
his hand. Were you rolling in the dirt like a dog, asked Stratton
snidily. No, I was leading my men, said Saunders. You don't
do that from an air conditioned office. Clark started to jab Saunders in the
ribs to give him my heads up, but it was too late. The
General was standing there listening. You disagree, Levi, She snapped, I
don't see why the general thinks so highly of you and Clark. You're just
mavericks. Neither of you went to the academy. I graduated third in my
class at the Air Force Academy. Well, whoop de fucking do, said
Saunders, As I said, you don't lead from an office. I noticed
you took one as soon as you could. Come to think of it,
you never let a ting. Some of us lead men into battle and some
push paperwork. We both fucking know which one you are. You're never going
to get to full bird if I have anything to say about it, she
snapped, I prepare your fitness reports. Is that a threat? Snapped Saunders,
his anger rising Take it how you want it, she said, never
play rock paper scissors with your career. Paper always wins. I frankly don't
give a fuck about, snarled Saunders, and Clark grabbed him by the shoulder
and pulling him back. Then it was Command Sergeant Major Hammond's turn to talk.
Listen, Lieutenant Colonel said CSM. Hammond. I've served with some of
the best Army has to offer, and I'd follow Colonel Saunders to helen back.
Now, I don't say that lightly. Stratton's face turned red in anger,
and she started to say something else when General Dalton interrupted. I think
that's quite enough, he said, stepping forward. There was iron in his
tone and thunder in his words. Everyone froze and looked at the General.
Snapping to attention, Lucian said, General Dalton, do you feel the same
as Lieutenant Colonel Stratton. Boudreau glanced at Stratton before speaking. No, Sir,
said Boudreau, I do not. Dalton held Boudreau fixed in his gaze
like he'd skewered a bug with a needle. For a moment, he turned
and faced Stratton. He walked over and stood in front of her, and
then began rubbing his chin with his right hand, making certain she saw that
he wore no academy ring. I think we all know how you feel about
men and women under your command, said Dalton. General. She stammered,
I didn't mean for me to hear you finish. Dalton. Well, I
did your smug attitude and dismissive tone toward these men bothers me bothers me a
lot. Stratton started to say something, but Dalton cut her off with a
glance. She swallowed hard and said nothing. In case you haven't noticed,
I don't wear an academy ring, said Dalton. I'm a Maverick too,
Joined is an enlisted man and was given a battlefield promotion when I was with
Special Forces. Stratton's eyes grew wide. She could see her career dying before
her eyes. I've been in more combat than I care to mention, said
Dalton, some of it in actual wars, but most of it in black
bag operations that never formally existed. I've been shot seven times, and I
have plenty of scars and ribbons to prove that. But there's only one person
in this room that I have to salute, and it is not you.
Clark fidgeted and glanced at Saunders. Hammond said nothing, but seemed amused at
what was unfolding in front of him. Now, I normally don't handle this
kind of thing in front of my subordinates, said Dalton. But since it
didn't seem to bother you when you were berating the men who had obviously just
returned from the field, I'll make an exception. Until I made general I
look just like them, and when my men trained, I trained. That's
how leaders do it. Leaders, Stratton not managers leaders. These men are
leaders. Their troops follow them into death itself. You can't get that kind
of loalty behind a desk, and if you ever left yours you might understand
that. But sir, she pleaded, I'm the team executive officer. I
have a lot of paperwork to handle. Yet you haven't gone out for PT
with any of the teams once in the last two years, said Dalton.
Don't bother asking how I know that I see more than I ever talk about,
and I hear far more than you would believe. That's because I lead
my people. I don't command them. I lead them. I go to
PT with one of the teams that Lewis McCord once per week. That's four
teams, so I go four days a week. Do I need to make
that mandatory for all senior staff? I think I will. Dalton let his
words hang in the air for a long moment, glancing around at each of
them and locking eyes for a few seconds. Clearly you do not understand that
concept, said Dalton. I won't have that in my unit. You are
dismissed. I want you cleared out of your office and on my plane within
the hour. I'll personally take you to report to the Air Force Chief of
Staff. We're all going to have a little chat about you. Dismissed.
Stratton stood there like she'd been physically slapped in the face. All the color
drained from her face and her eyes began turning red, I said, dismissed,
snapped Dalton. Stratton turned and left the room. My apologies, gentlemen,
said Dalton, nodding at the others. I simply can't abide that kind
of behavior and an officer under my command. Now, let's have a seat
and I'll brief you on the situation. They all took seats at the conference
table in silence, and once they were seated, Dalton leaned back and took
a deep breath. Four days ago, he began a television crew and Argentina
embarked on an investigation searching for a late monster that legend claims lives in the
late Nawelapi in Argentina. They call it Novlito and reported date back more than
two hundred years. They captured footage of but it wasn't the lake monster.
They didn't know what it was, so they sent it to their lab,
and when the lab went to follow up with them, they couldn't be reached.
Another boat was sent to look for them. So far they found no
sign of them. They were on a boat, asked Clark. Yes,
it's an eighty two foot Burger flush deck motor yacht to be exact, said
Dalton. So it's unlikely that a boat that big went down without getting off
of may Day. Still no one can find the boat or the crew.
Well, where do we come in, asked Saunders. I mean this seems
like a simple search and rescue. So far it gets better, said Dalton.
Divers were sent from the Argentina military to look for bodies or signs of
wreckage, but the lake is over fifteen hundred feet deep in some places.
Even on sonar they found nothing. And then a team of a group passe
on de Buzo's Tacticos or APBT from the Actrical Divers group of the Argentine Navy
was sent in. Now, this is a highly trained special forces unit and
ten of them went in the water and they all vanished. One was able
to get off a garbled call saying that they were under attack. Everyone exchanged
glances. Did the lake monster get them? Ask Hammon, No, said
Dalton. The footage that the television crew sent to their lab before they vanished.
Seems to indicate something else entirely. Dalton tossed a file in front of
Saunders. He opened it and pulled out several eight by ten glossy photos,
laying them out on the table so they could all look at them. They
all began looking intently at the images. This looks almost like a man,
said Saunders, almost, said Dalton. Is it some kind of sharp ass
Clark? Not with a tattoo on its arm, said Hammond, pointing at
the picture. Bingo said Dalton, do any of you recognize that tattoo?
Well, I've never seen it before, said Saunders. But it looks military.
But who's military? It's German, said Dalton. Or more to the
point, it was German. It belonged to the Count Shrimer groupe of the
kriegs Marine Nazi Marine Einset's commandos. Nazis said Clark frowning in a lake in
Argentina. Gentlemen said Dalton. What I'm about to tell you is classified top
secret. Our intelligence agencies don't think Hitler died and the Furer bunker in nineteen
forty five, no one interrupted. Instead, they think he was smuggled out
of Germany using the rat lines, said Dalton. The rat lines were escape
routes that were set up by friendly governments near the end of the war.
It was codenamed Odessa, and there was another one called Die Spein or Spider
in German. They smuggled high ranking Nazis out of Germany and spirited them away
to places like Argentina, Brazil and several other countries. It's believed that they
killed one of Hitler's body doubles to throw everyone off. We know that an
unknown number of high ranking Nazi officials were smuggled into Argentina with the help of
Juan Pedron. The Israelis have captured a couple there in the nineteen seventies.
Everyone to exchange glances, and no one wanted to interrupt the general. Now
we think that Hitler continued a lot of his activities from a protected compound on
the lake, said Dalton, in a place called the Analco House. Our
best intel tells us he died in the nineteen sixties, leaving behind Ava Braun
with two daughters. Now this is unconfirmed, but the sources are credible.
Attempts to get agents close to that area to investigate have all failed, all
right, said Clark. Let's say that's true. How does that apply to
the thing in the water. Well, I'm getting to that, said Dalton.
Now we suspect some of the genetic experiments performed by the Nazi scientists were
continued in Argentina. We know for a fact that Joseph Mingele made it to
Argentina. Our best guess is that they were attempting to create the perfect underwater
soldier by splicing the genes of a shark with a human. They believe that
thing in the image used to be a human, and we also suspect that
there's more than one. Well, that's not good news, said Clark.
No it's not, said Dalton. The Argentinan government has requested our assistance.
They decided since it could possibly involve non human creatures killing their citizens, then
they would call in the experts on hunting things that aren't human. All right,
said Saunders. When do we leave? We'll begin mobilizing the team immediately,
said Dalton. But I want to put some boots on the ground before
that. Clark, pick a few of your people to go with you.
The area is in Patagonia, so it's very remote. There are a few
small towns there. It's considered the honeymoon destination of Argentina. So take a
few of your people down there and act like tourists. Poke around and see
what you can find out, and under no circumstances are you to engage hostels.
Wait for the rest of the team to arrive. It's going to take
several days to get Team odin to Argentina with enough equipment to operate. I
want your team in the air within the hour. The Argentina and government will
have someone to meet you when you land and take you to your destination.
All right, sir, said Clark. I'll make it a mixed group so
we look like couples there on vacation. That's a good call, said Dalton.
I'll leave who you take to your discretion. There will be a plane
waiting for you at the airstrip. They already have their flight clearances and we'll
be ready to depart as soon as you get there. Yes, Sir,
said Clark, nodding at saund I'll go pick my team and get moving.
Dalton and the others started discussing logistics and equipment as Clark exited the room.
As he walked down the hallway. He could see Stratton clearing out her desk.
He tried not to make eye contact, but she glared at him.
As he passed. Exiting the building, he began trotting toward the parade field
where the team was going through hand to hand drills, and Gideon saw him
coming and call for all exercise to stop. He could tell by the look
on his face that something was going on. Nodding at Gideon, Clark addressed
the entire team. Folks, the balloon is going up, he said,
We're being activated for a mission. That's all I can tell you for now.
All of Team Odin will be going, but I need the following personnel
immediately. We're going to be the Advanced CAAT team. And if I call
your name, fall out and come with me. Gray, Eagle, Valkyrie,
rooms Stone, Shield, Maiden, and Raven. They all fell out
and headed for Clark. Murdoch shouted, Clark, you've got team too until
we rendezvous on the site. Got it, boss, said Murdoch. The
group headed for the barracks, walking quickly. Once they were away from the
team, Clark spoke up Shower in pack. He said, grab your full
kit, but dressing Sivvy's we're wheels up within the hour. What's the destination,
asked Gregel. I'll tell you everything once we're in the air, said
Clark. Congratulations, we're all couples now. Our cover is a group of
couples on vacation. Gregel, you and shield Maiden are now together. Runestone,
you and Raven are now a happy couple, and Valkyrie, you're stuck
with me, Hua, shouted Runestone with a wink at Raven. Valkyrie smiled
and said nothing. Raven said Clark. My apologies, but you're going to
have to leave age here. He'll have to stay in the kennel until this
mission is over. Now. I know he doesn't work with anyone but you,
Yes, Sir, said Raven. If we need him for the team
deployment, he can go with Cadusius. He helps me in the training sessions.
He could bring him down with the team. That's outstanding, said Clark.
Let's make that happen. I'll send Cadusius a text once we're done here,
she said, nodding. All right, let's move, folks, said
Clark. The clock is running, and Dalton once us in their asap thirty
minutes later, they all emerged from the armory carrying bags containing their gear.
They had all freshly showered and were wearing civilian clothing. Two humvies were waiting
to take them to the airstrip. Let's roll, said Clark, climbing into
the lead humvy. Valkyrie and Gray Eagle climbed into the back of the same
humvy, while the other three climbed into the second. The humv drivers immediately
fired up the engines and headed out of the parking lot. As they were
going out towards the highway, Clark turned in his seat to talk to Gregel
and Valkyrie. I don't want to tell you too much until we're in the
air and I can brief everyone at the same time, he said. But
this one is insane. You're not going to believe it when I tell you.
Let me guess, said Valkyrie, grinning. We're going to a remote
desert island resort to bask in the sun for two weeks. Not even close,
said Clark, shaking his head. Well a girl can dream, she
replied with a chuckle. Unfortunately, said Clark, we never get sent to
nice vacation places. It's always the remote, rugged and cold places. This
place is cooler, but hopefully we won't see any extreme weather. Well that
would be nice for once, said Valkyrie. Maybe next time, said Clark,
I'll put in a request for a monster attack in Bora Bora or Balley.
Wow, a place I could wear a bikini instead of body armor,
she mused. Now that'll ever happen, Major, said the driver. We're
almost to the airstrip. Thank you, corporal, said Clark. As they
pulled through the gate, they expected to see a military aircraft waiting for them
on the tarmac, but instead there was a gleaming gulf Stream G six fifty
er. The only indication that it wasn't a normal civilian aircraft was the fact
that it was painted dark green and had Army insignias on the fuselage. The
humvees stopped less than twenty yards from the gulf Stream, and they all exited
with their gear. A captain in Army Class B uniform with a name tag
that read Cooper was waiting for them. He saluted Clark and handed him a
thick Manila envelope. Thanks, said Clark. What's in this, travel orders,
said Cooper. Plus authorization documents from SECDIFF giving you authority to operate internationally.
Clark nodded and tucked the envelope under his arm. That's not our usual
transport, said Clark, pointing at the Gulf string. Uh, this is
General Dalton's personal transport plane, explained Cooper. He left a few minutes ago
and to see one thirty with Lieutenant Colonel Stratton. The General felt it would
be good for her to experience how the troops travel. Besides, there's no
jet better suited to get to your destination as quickly as this plane, short
of a fighter jet. All right, said Clark. Let's get aboard and
get in the air. The pilot is ready to depart as soon as you
give the word, said Cooper. Good luck. Major Yeah, said Clark,
we might just need it. They exchanged salutes and everyone climbed aboard the
jet, and once they stowed their gear, they all took a seat and
got comfortable. Major Clark said the pilot. I'm Captain Lincoln, I'm your
pilot. Just let me know when you're ready. We're good, said Clark.
Take off as soon as you're cleared, all right, said Lincoln.
Please face your seats forward and buckle your seat belts until we are at cruising
altitude. We'll make a brief stop at Elgin Air Force Base in Florida for
refueling and to pick up your cover documents and passports. Please send an email
to General Dalton with your specifics. Well, I'll send that now, said
Clark, taking out a cell phone. Outstanding, said Lincoln. We'll be
taxing as soon as the tower gives us clearance. Clark sent the email while
the others adjusted their seats and buckled in, and by the time they were
finished, the plane was already taxing toward the runway. Within minutes, they
heard the wine increase as the engine spooled up, and then they began accelerating
down the runway, and moments later, the landscape of Missouri was rapidly falling
away from them as they climbed into the sky. Chapter three Fair Winds,
hundred hours, fourteen May, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Gulf Stream touched
down on the military runway just outside of the main airport in Buenos Aires.
Instead of stopping at the edge of the tarmac, they were directed to taxi
directly to a hanger. Once they were inside, the big hanger doors rolled
shut. Someone's being very cautious, said Valkyrie looking at the window. Does
this seem odd to anyone but me? Asked Greyagel. Clark opened one of
the pelican cases and tossed handguns to everyone. They all checked their guncrafter Industry's
blocked fifty GI conversions, loading around into the chamber and clipping the holster onto
their belts. Something's very wrong here, said Clark, nodding at Gregel.
Everyone grabbed a position behind their seats and kept their weapons trained on the door.
After a few minutes, the door was opened from the outside. Clark
glanced out the WAW and saw three men at the entrance of the aircraft,
all carrying Breuger tom At APC nine submachine guns. They're Argentina and Special Forces,
said Clark. Look at their guns. They're six behind the vehicles,
said Valkyrie were trapped. Fuck hissed Clark. One of the three men at
the door stepped up to the aircraft. He was wearing Argentina and Combat fatigues
with a perfectly formed dark green beret. Sit at a jaunty angle. Clark
tightened his grip on his pistol and brought it up behind the seat. Major
Clark, the man said in thickly accented English. Clark noticed that while he
was carrying the BTAPC nine, it was hanging from a single point strap around
his neck and he did not have his hand on the weapon. Clark motioned
for the others to stand down, and he put his pistol away as he
stood. I'm Clark, he said. I apologize for the security measures,
he said. I understand why you would be apprehensive. What's going on,
asked Clark. Permit me to introduce myself, he replied, I'm Captain Louise
Vasquez, six hundred first Commando Company Captain, said Clark, nodding. Please,
if you will come with me, said Vasquez, motioning off the aircraft.
Clark hesitated for a moment before nodding at the others. They put away
their weapons and then grabbed their bags and followed Vasquez off the plane. He
led them to a large conference room at the far end of the hangar,
and inside were platters of food and coolers filled with ice and drinks. Please
have a seat and relax, said Vasquez. Welcome to Argentina. Why all
the security, asked Clark. There are certain factions that do not appreciate having
American military here, he explained, But we were invited, said Clark.
Of course, said Vasquez. My men and I are signed to help you
in any way that we can. We understand the delicate nature of your mission
and the need for operational security, but you might not find everyone here will
be so supportive. Well, why would we need a security detail, asked
Clark. No one is supposed to know we're here. All I can tell
you is that there are factions within our government that are resistant to any outside
militaries coming on to Argentine soil, said Vasquez. It is best if no
one is aware of you being here until the rest of your unit arrives.
Then it will be too late for them to do anything. Wait, said
Clark. You said factions within your own government. Argentina is old, answered
Vasquez, many secrets and old alliances. I'm afraid I cannot tell you much.
Certain things are just not spoken. I am a soldier and loyal to
my country, I understand, said Clark. Perhaps we could arrange to have
the team in your uniform so it would appear that you settle the problem on
your own. Perhaps that might be possible, said Vasquez. It would certainly
quiet some concerns I knew some of the men who vanished. I know how
good they were. They were some of the best we have and when I
saw the pictures that were captured by the television crew, I knew it was
something outside our training. If we send in more men, we would lose
them. That's why I'm happy to have you here. So what do we
do now, asked Clark. How will we be able to function if we
have to watch our backs from your government. Your cover is still in place,
said Vasquez. If you will bring out your passports, we will stamp
them so it appears that you entered the country correctly. Once that is done,
you will appear to be normal tourists, at least until the rest of
your team arrives. Everyone took out their passports and one of Vasquez's men went
around stamping them all. Now, are any of you a pilot, as
Fasquez? Well, depends on what needs to be flo said Clark. I'm
not certified on rotorcraft, but I can fly small planes. I have my
license in the States. I can fly small plains as well, said Gray
Eagle. Could you fly something like the plains flown during World War Two?
Asked Vasquez. I could, said Clark. Why what do you have in
mind? You are tourists, said Vasquez, smiling. You can take the
plane to Nahwallawapi without raising suspicion. Tourists charter flights there all the time.
All right, said Clark. Take us to the plane. We'll do the
rest. Just as long as you realize something, said Vasquez. Once you
were at the lake, we cannot protect you. People there are quiet around
strangers. Be careful who you speak to, and trust I understand, said
Clark. We only have to be on site for a few days before the
rest of the team arrives. For your cover as tourists, said Vasquez,
we have booked accommodation at the Corinto Sol Lake River Hotel in Via La Angastora.
Since you are supposed to be married couples, we booked three rooms.
You check in as soon as you get there. All of this is courtesy
of the Argentine government. We have, as you say, picked up the
tub. It's the tab, said Clark, Gay asked Fasquez. Picked up
the tab, said Clark. Ah gracias, said Vasquez, I do not
quite fully understand American idioms and slang. He handed Clark a packet containing their
check in confirmation and flight plan. Thank you, said Clark, nodding very
well, said Vasquez. We will take you to the plane. Good luck,
and I hope you stop this creature before more lives are lost. Then
get us to that plane, said Clark, nodding. If you will come
with me, said Vasquez, turning and heading for a covered vehicle near the
back door of the hangar. Clark took a moment together his gear and caught
Gray Eagle's eye. He held back and started helping Clark with his bags.
Something's going on here, whispered Clark. I want that plane checked out thoroughly
before we left off. Yes, sir, said gregel softly. I'll see
if I smell any explosives, and then check the engines. As they climbed
back into the back of the vehicle, Vazquez closed the tarp so that no
one could see who was in the back of the vehicle. Moments later,
the engines started and they headed out of the hangar. Get your weapons ready,
said Clark, leaning in so they could hear him without him speaking loudly.
Everyone began unpacking their gear and quickly putting their kits together. Clark pulled
out his AA twelve and loaded a magazine of flatchets. Everyone began unpacking their
gear and quickly putting their kits together. Clark pulled out his AA twelve and
loaded a magazine of flaquettes, knowing that they would punch through most body armor.
Valkyrie left her sniper rifle in its case and started low voting her HKU
n P fifty Runstone, Shield, Maiden and Raven have the same weapon.
Gregel unpacked and assembled his Wilson Combat four fifty eight so calm with the tricon.
Hey, cog get ready, folks, said Clark. Something's wrong here,
and I don't trust these guys. Everyone nodded an agreement. Be prepared
for anything, said grey Eagel. When those flaps open, we might be
looking down the barrels of rifles, or they could be planning on our plane
accidentally going down, added Clark. Gregel took out his phone and began studying
it. After a few minutes, he held up the screen to show Clark.
It showed a subdued green black military patch. What's this, asked Clark.
Unit insignia for the six hundred and first Commando in the Argentine Army said
Gregel. That's not the same patch that Vasquez had on his shoulder, said
Clark. I no, said Gregel, it was this one. He swiped
the screen and another image appeared. Yeah, said Clark, that's the one
he was wearing. What is it. It's Argentine military intelligence, said Gregel.
He's not who he claims he is. Well, shit, whispered Clark.
They rode in silence for almost an hour. When they felt the vehicle
began to slow, Gregel and Clark made small slits in the canvas so they
could peek out of the side of the vehicle. They were clearing a checkpoint
and being waved through by military personnel. They had just entered a secure facility.
Once clear, they accelerated back to highway speed. Ten minutes later,
they took a left and began slowing down. They felt the driver down shift
and knew they were soon going to come to a full stop. Peering through
the slits, they saw that they were on an airstrip. If they were
just going to shoot us, whispered Valkyrie, then I doubt they would have
bothered to take us to an airstrip. Then my money is on the plane
being sabotaged, said Clark notice. They asked if we had a pilot.
They didn't offer to fly us anywhere. The truck bounced to a stop and
they heard excited voices speaking in Spanish, and Clark understood enough to overhear someone
ask if the plane was prepared and ready to go. They received an affirmative
answer, and then the voices approached the back of the vehicle. When it
opened, there was a smaller contingent of security personnel. Captain Vasquez was there
and e motioned for them all to exit the vehicle. They climbed out and
kept their weapons on their slings instead of packing them back into the bags.
Clark wanted them to see that they were not going to be led like lambs
to a slaughter. There is your plane, major, said Vasquez, pointing
as he smiled. Clark turned and saw a surplus aircraft from World War II.
Holy shit, he said, that's a Catalina pby. Yes it is,
said Vasque, grinning. It's a relic. No, it's an antique,
said Clark. It looks like it's in great shape. Though this one't
belong to a drug dealer, said Vasquez. He's in prison and won't be
needing it. We created documentation to put the plane in your name, Major
Clark, and when this is over, you can keep it if you like.
I just might take you up on that, said Clark, grinning.
Your flight plan has already been placed with our civilian air traffic control, said
Vasquez. You left Florida yesterday and flew down the coast. Once you're in
the air, fly out over the bay and stay below the radar. Military
aircraft are already aware of this. You won't be challenged. Once you're safely
out to sea, turned back toward the shore, and climb high enough that
you will be seen on radar. That should have plenty of fuel for the
trip to Lago Nahwalwapi. Well, that's a good plan, said Clark.
Clark admired the plane for a few minutes before coming to his senses. Let's
get our gear stowed, he said, nodding at the others. While they
were placing the gear inside, Gregel walked around the aircraft, inspecting the fuselage
using his enhanced sense of smell, and then he climbed up onto the ladder
and opened the engine cowlings, inspecting the fuel lines and linkage gables. Once
he was sure that both engines were in good condition. He climbed down and
headed inside. Clark stowed his gear and then headed for the cockpit to begin
pre flight. It was still dark and if they could be in the air
before the sun came up, then no one would be able to tell where
the plane came from, unless it was air traffic control at the airport.
Once he was in the pilot's seat, he began checking his fuel gages and
other instruments, and after a few minutes, Gregel climbed into the copilot seat.
Did you find anything, asked Clark, still checking instruments. No,
said Gregel. I didn't find any scent of low sieves at all. Did
you visually check the fuel level, asked Clark, Yes, Sir, said
Gregel. Unless they filled it with water, we should be fine on fuel.
And for when I remember, these things have about a three thousand mile
range, it's only about one thousand miles to the lake. Fantastic, said
Clark. Let's get this old girl in the air. Clark began the startup
sequence while Gregel cleared their flight with the tower First, the starboard engine was
brought online and a loud idle before the port engine was engaged Soon both engines
were roaring with power and idling smoothly. I love this plane, said Clark,
grinning. Makes me feel like Jake Cutter in the Tails of the Gold
Monkey, only that plane was a groom and seaplane. Well you need now
is a one eyed dog, said Gregel, And one of those cool hats
a Cutter wore, said Clark. Hang on. Clark reached under his seat
and searched for anything that might be down there. Damn it, he muttered.
I guess that was too much to ask. You honestly thought there would
be one of those hats under your seat, asked Gregel. No, said
Clark, grinning. Well maybe, Gregel shook his head. But if I
keep this plane, I'm buying one of those hats, said Clark, reaching
for the controls giving power to the engines. They began taxiing out to the
runway, and once they reached the end, Clark turned the aircraft around and
set the brakes. They could feel the power of the engines rumbling through their
seats. You ready, asked Clark. Gregel nodded. Clark released the brakes
and began increasing the throttle. The old aircraft streaked down the runway, gathering
speed and generating lift. Clark could feel it getting lighter and began pulling back
on the wheel and felt the nose come off the ground. Moments later,
they were climbing into the sky. Clark was careful to stay below radar level,
and he banked out toward the bay. The flight was smooth and steady,
without any signs of problems with the aircraft, keeping the running lights off.
He avoided the harbor lanes so he wouldn't fly directly over a freighter.
I'm going to put her down once we're away from town, said Clark,
Why, asked Valkyrie, poking her head into the cockpit. I have a
bad feeling that there's a surprise waiting for us outside the harbor, explained Clark.
Maybe a missile, frigate or something. You don't trust these guys,
do you, she asked. I have this nagging feeling that something is wrong,
said Clark. They were awfully glib about telling us there are factions of
their government that don't want us here. And then there's the fact that unless
he was part of the mission briefing, there's no need for their security team
that met us to know the full nature of our mission. That's just bad
opsie. Also, they gave us a plane that was confiscated from a drug
dealer, A plane, I might add, it's close to eighty years old.
Planes this old go down all the time and no one bats an eye.
Trust your instincts, sir, said Gregel. I found that you are
rarely wrong when you're in the field. All right, said Valkyrie. What
do you want us to do once we're on the deck, said Clark.
I want to recheck everything. We're missing something. I'm sure of it,
either a bomb, a tracker, or sabotage. We're missing something. I
just know it. If it's there, said Valkyrie, we'll find it.
The false light of dawn was starting to color the eastern horizon, turning the
water to an odd mixture of gold and purple. They were away from any
occupied part of the harbor, so Clark began to cut power and angled for
a landing on calm water. Everyone grab a chair, said Clark, we're
landing. Two minutes later, they were gliding through the water as Clark angled
them in near a long, wooden dock that came out from a dark section
of the shore. This looks abandoned, said Clark, we'll pull up to
the dock and give this thing a proper going over. Cutting the power,
they drifted the last few feet toward the dock, and Grego went out through
the hatch above the cockpit of the aircraft and leaped over to the dock,
taking the anchor line with him. He took it off quickly and reached for
the pouch on his belt and grabbed the small flashlight. He clicked it on
and climbed onto the roof of the plane and then up onto the wings,
and from there it was just a matter of opening the engine cowlings. The
engines were pinging hot and he could smell the oil and metal scent. Careful
not to touch the hot metal, he began shining the light around the interior
of the cowling. He found nothing, and he decided to try one more
area. He laid on his back and slid to the edge of the cowing
and opened the bottom panel and he shined the light inside, and he saw
something out of place. There was a dim red light attached to a block
of semtext with an electronic detonator. Looks like he was right, whispered Gregel,
activating his calm. He whispered Fenraer to thunder God, he said,
we have confirmation over copy on my way, said Clark. Clark climbed up
onto the wing and headed for Gregel. Leaning down from the opposite side of
the big engine, Clark popped off the cawing and looked where Gregel was shining
the light. Damn it, he hissed, I fucking knew it. Can
you disarm it? I think so, said Gregel, Just so long as
they don't hit the detonator while I'm working on it. Do you think there's
one on the other engine, asked Clark. I think it's safe to assume,
said Gregel. The charge is big enough to shear off the wing,
rupturing the fuel tanks in the process. We'd have been scattered all over the
South Atlantic. Go ahead and disarm them, said Clark. We're going to
finish searching the rest of the plane for plans B, C and D.
Just in case. That's a good call, Sir, said Gregel. I
should have these taken care of in a few minutes. What do you want
me to do with the Semtex when I'm done? Hang on to it,
said Clark. We might need it to return the favor before this is over.
Let me know when you're done. I'm going to have the others keep
searching while I call all Father with an update. Good thing, I brought
my sat phone. While the others searched the aircraft from top to bottom,
Clark climbed onto the deck and walked a short distance away, Activating the SAT
phone, he punched in a code and hit sin. The encryption protocols engaged
and he waited while a secure link was established. After a series of clicks,
it began ringing. Go for all Father, said the voice of Saunders.
All father, this is thunder God, said Clark. We have a
situation and we're not even on site yet. What's going on, asked Saunders.
We were met at the airport by Captain Vasquez and a security team of
Argentine military intelligence, said Clark. We were taken to a plane that we
were to fly ourselves to the lake. That wasn't what we agreed on with
the Argentine government, said Saunders. Your contact was supposed to be Major Alfonso
Guerrera of the six hundred and first Commando Company. They were going to take
you to the lake by helicopter. We were asked if we had a pilot,
said Clark. Both Gregil and I are raided on prop plane, so
we said yeah. They gave us an old Catalina PB wine and told us
to follow a specific flight plan that would take us out over the ocean before
popping up on radar. I had a bad feeling, so I put it
down in the base so we could check the plane. So far, we
found two bombs planted on both engines, and they just claim you went down
in an old plane, said Saunders, exactly, said Clark. Have the
feeling that they want us to appear on radar and to contact argent Teen Air
Traffic Control to establish who we were and where we came from. Once we
did that, I think they were going to detonate the engines and just send
us into the ocean. I don't know who you made contact with, said
Saunders, but I just got off the phone with our contact down there and
they said they never contacted you. As soon as we landed, said Clark,
we were directed to taxi into a hangar and they shut it down with
the security team. We were expecting them to just open fire on us.
They might have had they not found us armed. I don't think they would
have been able to hide a firefight. If the real Argentine military were nearby,
said Saunders, then it would have attracted a lot of attention. Well
that's the thing, sir, said Clark. I think they were military.
The base they took us to was a military facility. Then there are factions
moving against each other, said Saunders. Well do we scrub the mission,
asked Clark. I can X fill a meeting ediately. We've already got possession
of an aircraft. Did they let the General's plane leave a firm? Said
Saunders. They refuelled and left Buenos Aire's within twenty minutes of landing. That's
confirmed. I'll brief Colonel Boudreau and we'll contact Asgard. It's his call.
If we Charlie, Mike or pull the plug, I'll contact you back within
the hour. Stay put until I called copy that, said Clark, out
breaking the link. Clark put the sat phone in standby mode so it would
alert them when contact was resumed. Heading back to the plane, he put
the phone into a pouch on his hip and Gregel was just climbing down from
the top of the wings. What's a good word, asked Clark. Gregel
tossed him two one pound blocks of semtext. They used semtex instead of C
four, said Gregel. That's why I didn't smell it. They wanted it
to go unnoticed in an inspection, simtext is completely odorless. There's enough to
turn the entire plane into chaff. They didn't want anything recovered. Two pounds
of semtech, said Clark, glancing at the blocks. That's enough to make
a hell of a boom. They weren't taking any chances. Well, what
did all fathers say, asked gre Eagel. We're on standby for the moment,
said Clark. He's briefing Asgard. Honestly, as much as I was
intrigued by those pictures, I think we should scrub the mission. We already
had one faction try to kill us. What the hell is going on down
here anyway? Nazis, said Greagel. What do you mean, asked Clark.
If the image we saw is linked to the Nazis, said Gregel,
and there are enough high ranking Nazis that fled Germany and made their way here,
then it would be reasonable to assume that they used their goal to gain
political power and influence. So you think that in addition to the creature in
the picture, said Clark, that we might encounter actual Nazis descendants, for
sure, said Gregel. It is possible that some of the actual expatriates could
still be alive. If that thing in the water was once a person,
said Clark. Then god knows what kind of other experiments they've been performing.
That's reasonable to assume as well, said Gregel. They performed all sorts of
inhuman experiments in prisoners and even their own people. It isn't outside the realm
of belief to think that they could have extended their lifespans. And that means,
said Clark, his eyes going wide, that Hitler himself could theoretically still
be alive, said Gregel. We have no proof of that, said Clark.
That's a big elite, but not an impossible one, said Gregel.
If they perfected any sort of genetic manipulation that could extend life, then he
would be their number one priority. Well, that changes this entire mission profile,
said Clark. We're not here to hunt them, I want to,
don't get me wrong, but that's not our mission. But that is exactly
where the mission might lead us, said Gregel. If they're behind it,
do we just stop the entire problem or just the thing in the water.
You pose an excellent question, said Clark, but I think the answer to
that is way above both of your pay grades. Gregel nodded in agreement.
Hey, boss, said Valkyrie, climbing up out of the hatch above the
cockpit of the plane. We're all clearing here. No explosives, but we
did find a tracker stuck under the instrument panel. You want me to kill
it? In for a penny, In for a pound, whispered Clark,
turning to face her. He smiled and waved kill it, he said.
By now, they already know we didn't follow their flight instructions. They might
not take too coldly to that. She replied. Honestly, said Clark,
I'm counting on it. The sat phone on his hip buzzed and he took
it out. He'd received a text message. Two words fill the screen,
and they caused Clark to smile. Charlie Mike. Chapter four, Nauelapi,
oh seven hundred hours, fourteen May, Lake Nauelapi, Argentina. Clark banked
the plain to starboard and leveled out. On the horizon. They could just
make out the end of the lake. They could see a small city ahead,
but beneath them were miles and miles of trees and mountains. There it
is folks, he said, smiling, Igo Nauelapi. The town we're about
to pass over is San Carlos dead Barriloche. Are we landing soon, asked
Valkyrie. Not just yet, said Clark. We're going to the far end
of the lake. Our destination is via La Sangostura. We'll land in the
lake there. How soon, she asked, leaning up to get a better
look through the windshield. Maybe twenty minutes, said Clark. I'm going to
drop down to one hundred feet off the deck and slow down. Let's all
get a good look around and see if we can see anything. I'll see
what I can spot, she said, ducking back into the passenger compartment.
Do you think we'll see anything from the air, asked Gregel. Maybe,
said Clark, maybe not. It's worth checking. You never know when something
might get caught off guard. I could imagine it's not every day that a
seaplane flies over this lake, said Gregel. You do see the irony in
this, right, sir? You mean that we're here looking for a monster
that could have Nazi ties, said Clark. While flying in an airplane from
World War Two. I suppose we could be in a P fifty one Mustang
instead, said Gregel. Now we wouldn't all fit, said Clark. But
I don't see any place to land to be seventeen around here, so the
sea plan was probably our best choice, although I'd give a month's page just
to fly one of those P fifty ones. But still, said Gregel,
if there were any Nazis or their supporters, I don't think the irony would
be lost on them. I hadn't considered that until you mentioned it, said
Clark. Oh, well, we might as well flown it. Nothing we
can do about it now. This might make us something of a target,
said Gregel. I think that target has been on us since we landed in
Buenos Aires, said Clark. Fair enough, said Gregel. You want to
take the stick for this landing, asked Clark. Sure, said Gregel,
Thank you, sir. Gregel gripped the controls and Clark released, bringing his
hands into the air near his head. Adjusting his altitude, Gregel leveled off
at one hundred feet above the ground and banked out toward the middle of the
lake. Novelapi was over fifty miles long and more than six miles wide at
its widest point before you land, said Clark. Take us north of the
town. I want to circle over the house they call in Lalco. I
just want to get a peek from the air. I have a feeling it's
the closest we're going to get to that house. Yes, sir, said
Gregel. Clark got out his binoculars and began glassing the horizon. He was
searching the area of water near Ennalco. Took him a moment to locate it.
They were getting close to that end of the lake, and soon they
would be able to see with the naked eye. There was a flurry of
activity around the house. He continued to watch until they were close enough that
he no longer needed the binoculars. The house appeared to be built in the
old Bavarian style and looked nothing like the houses and the small towns they'd flown
over. This looked like it would have been more at home in the Bavarian
Alps than in the mountains of Argentina. And furthermore, it was far more
than just a large manor house. There was an entire complex there, all
built in the same style, and he could see fields where food was grown
and a small herd of cattle. Clark watched as they seem to be taking
several people into the house under guard, ushering them from two black SUVs.
None of them appeared to be in restraints, and the guards were more concerned
with watching the surroundings than restraining the people. This was a security detail.
He only got a brief glimpse of the people they were escorting. It appeared
to be three couples and one man with a briefcase. They were all dressed
well, and the security detail was all wearing clothing that, while it wasn't
a uniform, certainly was worn like one khaki pants over tactical boots with a
khaki shirt. The pants and shirt were both pressed, and they all had
black leather pistol belts with AMMO pouches and a pistol in a holster. In
their hands were HKG thirty six assault rifles. Looking around the house, he
saw the man standing on the small balcony at one end of the house.
He appeared to be in his late sixties, with iron gray hair that was
kept military short and combed straight back. He leaned against the railing and took
a deep breath of the mountain air with a smile, he excelled. Moments
later, another man emerged from the house behind him, and Clark could see
him speaking to the older man, who slowly turned to face the newcomer.
The older man clasped his hands behind his back as he began walking toward the
house. As the older man passed the other man, Clark could see that
he was much shorter than the younger man. No way, whispered Clark,
Sir, said gregel It can't be, said Clark. What can't be,
Sir? I just saw a guy that fits the physical description of Adolf Hitler,
said Clark. Only he looks like he's in his sixties. Hitler would
be well over one hundred by now. He didn't have the mustache, though,
unless they found a way to slow the aging process, said Greg.
Besides, the mustache would be one of the first things I'd get rid of
if I was trying to blend in. It just can't be him, said
Clark. It can't be. Can we afford to assume it isn't, asked
gregel. No, replied Clark hesitantly, we can't. A few moments later,
they came in low and slow over the Analco house and then banked wide
to the south. Clark could see two men standing in the front of the
house watching the aircraft as it passed over. They were close enough to see
that both men were physically fit with blond hair. They wore their khakis pressed
the same as the security detail had, and they both had the pistol belt
but no rifle. Gregel brought the plane around and lined up for a landing
in the lake near the small village of Via La Angostura. Beginning his descent,
he brought the plane down smoothly and easily, avoiding the fishing boats that
were on the lake. Once down, he guided the plane along the road
shown by the GPS unit on his phone. Moments later, he cut the
power and coasted up to the dock that belonged to the Cordon Tosso Lake and
River Hotel. As he was shutting down the engines, Clark climbed through the
cockpit hatch and jumped across the dock, taking the mooring lines. He tied
up the aircraft to prevent it from drifting away from shore, and while he
was tying off the lines, two people came walking quickly toward him from the
hotel, Senor Clark, said one of the men. I am Hector,
the house manager. Welcome to the corn Tosso we've been expecting you and it
is not every day that we have guests arrived by seaplane, especially one as
beautiful as yours. Well, thank you, said Clark, pulling the lines
tight. I'm Daniel Clark. Thank you for meeting us here. Everything is
prepared for your stay, said Hector. Do you need any assistance with your
baggage? I think we can get it, said Clark. Do you have
our keys or do I need to come to the front desk to check in?
There will be no need for that, said Hector, handing Clark several
keys that were marked with their room numbers. Since you already appeared in advance,
we took the liberty of signing you in. Your rooms are all on
the top floor for the best possible view of the lake and the mountains.
Is this your first visit here, yes, said Clark. We wanted some
place you need for your honeymoon, asked Hector. I was told you were
celebrating your honeymoon and your friends came with you. Yes, said Clark.
They should be out in a moment. The door to the plane opened and
Gregel came out first. Clark was relieved that they had all concealed their weapons
inside suitcases. Valkyrie stepped out and walked over to Clark. She slipped her
arm through his This is my wife, said Clark, grinning. This is
Miranda, Miranda. This is Hector. Nice to meet you, said Valkyrie,
grinning. You are a very lucky man. Signor said Hector. You
your wife is very, very beautiful. Well, thank you, she said,
leaning her head on Clark's shoulder. Clark smiled but said nothing, and
he reached for his wallet. He took out a twenty and gave it to
Hector. I think we can take it from here, said Clark. Thank
you for all your help. The Cornos restaurante is open until midnight, said
Hector, but room service is available all night. The bars opened until three
in the morning. Of course, for such honored guests. We can make
exceptions in the hours and the menu should you require it. Can we rent
a car to go sight seeing, asked Valkyrie. Of course, said Hector,
smiling. Just call the front desk and we will arrange it and bill
it to your room. Thank you, she said. Hector smiled. And
gave them a short bow. I hope you enjoy your stay, he said,
and then turned on his heel and headed back up the dock. Once
they were out of earshot, Clark glanced at Valkyrie with a wry smile.
Sorry, boss, she said, grinning, just selling the cover story.
Now that's not it, he said, with a chuckle. I almost introduced
you as Valkyrie. Took me a moment to remember your first name. Well,
let's hope Amanda doesn't get mad at me for playing your wife, said
Valkyrie, grinning. Well, as long as we don't consummate the marriage,
said Clark. I think she'll be fine. I don't know, mused Valkyrie.
No guy ever dated flew me away in his private plane to a beautiful,
far away country to stay in a gorgeous hotel on the shores of a
lake with a view like this. If this wasn't a mission, it would
be the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. Clark shook his
head and shouldered his bag. Glancing over at Gregel, he shrugged and gave
him a slight smile. Gregel returned the shrug and picked up his bags.
I wonder if they have a pool said Valkyrie as she headed up the dock
toward the hotel. Hey, I'm not married, said Runstone, grinning and
looping his arm through through Ravens as he carried both of their bags. Best
of luck to you both. Though they all headed inside and up to their
rooms, and although they were all on the same floor, none of the
rooms were adjoining. Clark unlocked his room and opened the door. It was
a large suite with a hot tub in the room. Through the large windows
was a magnificent view of the snow capped Andy's Mountains and a wide expanse of
the lake. And Valkyrie walked over and flung open the windows, allowing the
cool mountain air to flood the room. Wow, she said, this view
is amazing. Clark looked around the room. There was only one bed,
but there was a small sitting area with a couch. He mentally decided that
he'd take it and let Valkyrie have the bed and then there was no chance
of unintended contact or temptation. I'll take the couch, he muttered. Well
suit yourself, she said, flinging herself on the large king's size bed.
Oh my god, this bed is amazingly soft. Can I just stay here
for the rest of our stay. Clark chuckled as he put the bags down
beside the large bureau. All the furniture looked to be handmade, probably by
local artisans. The woodwork was beautiful. Hell Clark said, I wonder if
I could buy a set of this furniture and have it shipped back to the
States. Well, ask Hector, said Valkyrie, chuckling. He'll probably have
a set charge to the room and loaded into the plane. Clark just grinned.
Looking around the room, he noticed that there wasn't a phone or a
television. Huh, he said, no TV, no phone. I wonder
why, because this is the honeymoon suite, said Valkyrie, grinning. There
are chocolates and champagne on the table by the window. They aren't expecting us
to spend much time watching television. Oh, said Clark, that makes sense.
Valkyrie reclined back on the bed and kicked off her shoes. Clark smiled
at her and opened his mouth to say something. When his phone vibrated.
He took it out and he had a text from Gregele. He unlocked his
phone and read the text. Be careful what you say. It read.
Our room is bug shit, mouthed Clark, turning the screen and showing it
to Valkyrie. She read the message in her eyes open wide. Should I
remove them, asked Gregel. Clark thought about it for a moment before texting
back, not yet, he sent. For now leave them in place and
just watch what you say. Warn Runstone and Raven copy that was the reply.
Turning to Valkyrie, Clark slipped his phone back into his pocket. Why
don't we get everyone else and go and have an early lunch, he said,
I'm starving. Then maybe we can get a car and go sight seeing.
Oh I could eat, she said, reluctantly, getting out of the
bed and slipping her shoes back on, And I'd love to look around this
town. Clark took out his pistol and slipped it into his jeans with an
inside waistban holster, and then slipped three extra magazines into his jacket pocket.
Ready when you are, my dear, he said, with a wink.
Clark put the bags into the bureau and put a zip tie round the handle.
Then he'd know if anyone tampered with it. As they headed out the
door, Valkyrie slipped her fingers through Clark's and held his hand. You're enjoying
this, aren't you, whispered Clark. A little bit, she whispered back.
Clark shook his head and knocked on Gregel's door. Gregel opened the door,
and Clark could tell from his posture that he had a gun behind the
door. Let's see if we can get an early lunch, said Clark,
and then maybe do a little recon. That's good idea, sir, said
Gregel. All right, knock off the seer shit until we're back with the
team, said Clark softly. It might blow our cover. Gregel nodded,
and after a moment he opened the door all the way and Clark could see
he was adjusting his pistol in the small of his back. She Old Maiden
walked out of the room with a smile on her face. Did you see
the view, she asked, smiling broadly, Yes, replied Valkyrie. This
place is amazing. Clark knocked on Runestone's door and heard an excited voice.
Just a minute Clark glanced at Gregel and reached for his pistol. Moments later,
Ronestone opened the door and leaned out from behind it. He wasn't wearing
a shirt. Uh yeah, he said, what's up, sir, are
we interrupting something, asked Clark, raising one eyebrow. Well, she opened
the curtains and fell in love with the view, he said, grinning.
And when I told her that it was Iago, Nawelapi and the Andes mountains,
well, one thing kind of led to another. It is a romantic
view. What can I say? He said it in Spanish, said Raven
from across the room. We're going down to the restaurant to get some lunch,
said Clark, grinning. Come join us when you're done, Aye,
sir, said Runstone. What can I say, sir? It's the Latin
air in my Latin charm. She couldn't resist. We'll be down in about
half an hour, or maybe an hour, corrected Raven. We'll wait for
you in the restaurant, said Clark, chuckling, as they headed down the
hallway. Well it is a great view, said shield Maiden. And he
does have a hot accent, said Valkyrie. Alvarez is from Sandy Ago,
said Clark, chuckling, not Argentina. Well I don't think it matters,
said Gregel, shaking his head. How did you locate the bugs, asked
Clark. It's the scent, said gre Eagel. They're easy to find.
Most electronics have a very distinctive smell. All right, said Clark. Anytime
you locate more, would you let me know, No problem, said Gregel.
If you find any in public areas, either point them out or just
eliminate them, said Clark. Got it, said Gregel. Taking the stairs
instead of the elevator, they arrived in the lobby. The ground expanse of
the fourier was accentuated by all the handcarved woodwork of the trim desk and furniture.
A chandelier made of antlers hung above the center of the room and gave
the place a feeling of a rustic lodge. A warm fire was crackling in
the large stone fireplace that was the centerpiece of the room. The concierge behind
the desk saw them and smiled broadly. It wasn't Hector, but he acted
like he knew who they were. Coming around the desk, he opened his
arms like he was about to embrace them all in one large hug. Welcome
to the Corntos So Leake and River Hotel. Signor is signor to Clark,
he said, excitedly, I am the concierge Ernesto, we are happy to
have you and your party here. How can I make your stay and experience
you will never forget? Well, Clark said, We're gonna grab some lunch,
but we'd like to rent a car afterward. Can we get one that
all six of us can fit in? Of course, Signor said Ernesto.
It will be ready by the time you were finished dining in our fine arrestaurante.
Although it is early for lunch, we can accommodate you. Today's specialists
freshly caught paco alas broces, grilled to perfection and served with sliced tomatoes,
potatoes and fried onion rings. What is paco alas brass, asked Valkyrie.
It's a fish related to the piranha, said Clark. It's grilled on a
wood fire, and it's really good. Have you been here before, Signor
asked Ernesto. You certainly know you're Argentina and cuisine. I've never been to
this lake before, said Clark, but I spent a few weeks in Buenos
Aires a few years back, ah, said Ernesto, smiling. Then you
have not had it properly prepared for the best chef in all of Argentina.
Works here. You will think you're hase buds have died and gone to heaven.
I'm sold, said Clark. I'm having the special Garassia. Sernesto hasacido
mucha ayude. Ernesto nodded and bowed slightly, and then returned to his desk.
I didn't know you spoke Spanish, said valkyrie. Is that the only
language you speak? Uh? I speak Spanish, German, Pashtu, and
Italian, said Clark, and a little Hungarian. How did you learn so
many languages, she asked. I learned language easily for some reason, said
Clark. I learned Spanish as a kid because my best friend, Ricardo was
from Mexico. I picked up German from my grandfather, and Pashtu I had
picked up in Afghanistan. And Italian because I had the hots for an Italian
girl when I was in the Army. I learned to speak it so I
could ask her out. And she wasn't interested. You learned a language for
her, and she said no, asked Shi, old maiden, I would
have gone out with you just for speaking a town. Italian is such a
beautiful language. Yeah, but they also have the best cuss words, said
Clark. Grinning. What about you, Gregel, asked sield maiden. How
many languages do you speak? Gregel drew in a breath and let it out
slowly. I speak Lakota, he said, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Apache,
and I can carry on a conversation in French. I'm not fluent, though
I know enough Spanish to order a beer in Tacos. They all headed into
the restaurant and were seated by the pretty young hostess. They were given a
large table with a view of the lake. Once Clark explained that they had
two more guests coming to join them shortly. Oh my god, I could
retire in this place, said Valkyrie. Looking around this place is gorgeous.
Don't get too caught up in this place, said Clark. If this place
is a hotbed for German expats, then we might not want to come back,
especially once they realize we're not here on vacation, said Valkyrie. But
I can enjoy it while at lasts that you can, agreed Clark. The
waiter breathed to the table and set menus along with the glasses of water in
front of each of them. We have two more joining us, shortly,
said Clark. Of course, Signor, said the waiter. My name is
Christian. Can I get you all something to keep you until the rest of
your party arrives. Last time I was in Argentina, said Clara, there
was a beer I was quite fond of. Do you carry Orktomunda, see
Signor, said Christian. It is one of my personal favorites. Clark glanced
around and they all nodded. We'll take four of those, said Clarke.
We'll order when the others get here. Of course, Signor, said Christian,
gliding away toward the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with four large
mugs of dark red beer. As he sat them on the table, another
server placed two large baskets of fresh chips and four bowls of salsa. Enjoy,
said Christian. If you need anything, I will be close by.
Gregel picked up his beer and took a long pull. This is good,
he said. He was surprised. It's also like seven and a half percent
alcohol, cautioned Clark, So go easy. Three beers and four baskets of
chips. Later, Runestone and Raven joined them. Her face was flushed and
her hair was pulled back in a ponytail when it had been down before.
Nice of you two to finally make it, said Valkyrie with a sly grin.
Gregel was completely unaffected by the alcohol, but he could tell the others
were beginning to show signs. Clark had deliberately started drinking less and eating more
chips. After the second beer, Valkyrie and shield Maiden both seemed to be
a bit more tipsy, and Runestone pulled out Raven's chair for her before taking
his seat. Well, I didn't want to rush things, said Runestone with
a wink. The waiter whisked up to the table and place menus another round
of beer and more chips on the table. When you are ready to order,
he said, backing away from the table. Just awave to me.
An hour later, they all emerged from the restaurant and headed for the front
desk. Ernesto handed Clark a set of keys for a vehicle and motioned at
the front door. It is a green SUV park just outside, said Ernesto.
Gracias, said Clark. They headed outside and Clark tossed the keys to
Gregel. I think you'd better drive, he said. Gregel caught the keys
and headed for the driver's side, and Valkyrie slid into the passenger side.
Scooting over to the middle of the bench seat. Clark took the passenger side,
and the others climbed into the back, with Runestone in the middle.
He was smiling like a schoolboy. I like this arrangement, he said,
glancing in both directions. We don't get too comfortable, said sheild maiden,
grinning. I'm supposed to be married to Gregel. Remember my pretend husband might
get pretend jealous. Well that drew chuckles from everyone but Gregel, who just
shook his head. Take us down to the village, said Clark. I
want to get a look around a bit, and then we'll follow the road
down past at Alco I'd like to see how close we can get to it
without getting chased off by security. Chapter five, recon ten hundred hours,
fourteen May, Lake Nawelapi, Argentina. The little village looked like it was
taken straight from a story book. There were open air markets and vendors selling
everything from clothing to fresh fruit, to freshly caught fish to sunglasses. Clark
felt the pang of remorse at not being able to stop. He also noticed
all three women were looking back with wistful smiles on their faces. If they're
still open. When we finish our recon said Clark, we can stop and
check it out. That seemed to cheer them up. As they headed on
through town. There were several restaurants and bars, along with craftsmen advertising hand
crafted furniture, leather works, and custom tailored clothing. Hell, no wonder
they snuck out of Germany to come here, said Runestone. This place is
almost paradise. I don't see a single Starbucks coffee place, said raven looking
around. I stand corrected, said Runestone. Now it's paradise. If it
were paradise, said Valkyrie, it would be a beach warm enough where I
could wear a bikini or better yet, no bikini. Can I change my
vote, said Runestone, grinning. Raven elbowed him in the ribs, and
he grunted and mocked pain. I was just kidding, he said. Now
you're taking this fake marriage stuff seriously. You weren't complaining a couple of hours
ago, she retorted, said Clark. She's got you there. As they
left the small village and returned to the highway, they followed the shore of
Nauelapi out of town. Soon, the trees on both sides of the road
were thick enough that you couldn't see more than a few feet beyond the edge
of the road. Along the left side, just at the edge of the
trees was a tall barbed wire fence with signs approximately every thirty feet, and
they read no trespassing violators will be shot in bold letters in English, Spanish
and German. As they were driving, Greygel slowed and pointing to the left.
If my mental map is correct, he said, the Analco house should
be straight through the woods in that direction. Well, I can't see a
thing, said Valkyrie. The woods are too thick. Well, I think
that's the idea, said Clark. Keep driving. I don't want to get
them too suspicious. Through gaps in the trees, that could see a trail
just inside the the tree line that followed the edge of the property. If
they hadn't been watching, they would have missed a green jeep that drove down
the trail in the opposite direction. I bet that trail runs around the entire
property, said Clark. They can drive the entire perimeter. Gregel continued driving
and a few hundred yards later they saw a driveway turning to the left onto
the property just inside the trees. Was a gate blocking the driveway with six
armed guards at it. They were all dressed like the others, in khaki
shirts and pants and tactical boots. They were also all carrying hk G thirty
six assault rifles. There were four more of those green jeeps part behind the
gate. They could see where the trail crossed the driveway behind them. Gregel
kept his eyes straight ahead so the guards wouldn't think they were checking the place
out. The others in the back seat were staring openly, but they were
behind tinted glass. The guards watched them pass by with board detachment, but
Gregel saw one of them make a note of the license plate. They're taking
down our plate number, said Gregel. Also spotted cameras in the trees above
the gate, said Runstone. I saw cameras, said Clark. Whatever else
is going on, The guards are well trained. Where to said Gregel.
Just keep going, said Clark. I studied the map. Take the first
left and look for us. Sign for Belnio deirno Iago Espejo. There's a
beach there. We can stop for a while. I want to make sure
they don't see us return for a while. They're already suspicious of us.
A few minutes later, the road forked and Gregel took the left. It
wasn't long before they saw the signs. Pulling off the road and on to
the driveway, they found an area of beach that looked almost like something out
of a tropical vacation poster. It was complete with a wooden pier that stretched
out into the water. Only the trees were coniferous instead of palm trees,
and they could see the mountains in the distance. Here's your beach, ladies,
said Clark. You can enjoy yourselves for a little while. I want
to wait at least an hour until we drive back past the gate. As
they climbed out of the suv, they saw a small shop that sold swimsuits
and equipment. Valkyrie glanced at Clark and he took out his wallet, handing
her his credit card. She grinned mischievously. Go grab yourself some suits and
enjoy the beach for a bit, he said, chuckling. Valkyrie, Raven,
and shield Maiden all headed inside the shop. You're going to be broke,
said Gregel. I get reimbursed by the Army for expenses in the field,
said Clark, grinning sure, said Gregel, But will your wife wonder
why you bought three bikinis and swimming gear during a mission. Eh, you
might have a point there, said Clark, the smile vanishing. I'll have
to explain that, I'm sure. A few minutes later, the women emerged
carrying beach bags with their clothing them and they were all wearing very skimpy bikinis
and carrying beach toils. It's a little cooler than I prefer said Valkyrie,
handing Clark's credit card. But I'm going to take the wind. It's just
shy of eighty degrees according to my phone. That's good enough. Let's get
some sun girls. We'll meet you down there, said Clark, heading for
the food vendor shack. Are you hungry already, asked Gregel. We just
ate now, said Clark. I'm grabbing some beers to take down by the
water. I want to drink while we discuss our options. Clark emerged from
the shop a few minutes later carrying a styrofoam cooler full of ice and beer.
They didn't have, Ortemundo, said Clark. I got Patagonia Wheat.
I knew you liked that American wheat beer. That should be good, Yes,
sir, said Gregel, Boulevard Wheat. Well, this is as close
as you're going to get down here, said Clark. Now, let's go
sit with the girls and discuss our strategy, and for God's sake, try
to look like a tourist, Gregel. Once they were all together and sitting
in the sand, Clark made sure that no one else was within hearing range.
Before handing out the beers and picking up a stick, he began sketching
in the sand. All right, said Clark. This is crude, but
it'll have to do. He began sketching a map of the area that they
just passed through. The lake is here, he added, drawing another line.
That means that all of this land from the edge of the town to
the motocross place we passed belongs to the owner of Lanko. We've seen the
security. The question is did they patrol inside the perimeter? I would,
said Gregel, cracking open his first beer. Random patrols with roving teams,
as would, I agreed Clark. From the look of the guards I've seen,
they look like prose. I think we can safely assume they patrolled the
interior. Valkyrie rolled over on to her stomach and lowered her sunglasses so she
could look at the map without leaving her beach towel. These woods are so
thick, she said, There's not a single place I could set up and
get a line of fire on the house. The only place I can think
of where I could is from the lake. That poses an entirely different set
of problems. I'm not looking to have to engage a target, said Clark.
I just want eyes on it. I want to know what's going on
in there. What about the creatures in the lake, asked Rumstone. Well,
my gut tells me they're connected to whatever it was I saw on that
balcony, said Clark. One will lead us to the other. Valkyrie took
out a tube of sunloation and handed it to Clark while she studied the map.
He shrugged and began applying it to her back. I think I've got
something, she said after a moment. What's that, asked Clark, starting
on her legs. If we can take a boat out, she said,
I can get a scope on that house and monitor their activity. Yeah,
said Clark, But if they wonder why boats anchored in direct line of sight
with that house, then we might see the Shark men faster than we plan.
That's a good point, she said. I don't think we're quite ready
for a confrontation. No, Clark agreed. We're gathering info only. We
don't engage unless we have to. What about a clandestine insertion, asked Gregel.
Clark glanced up at that he'd been applying sunscreen to the back of Valkyrie's
thighs. He saw her flick her eyes in his direction and smile. One
or two of us could slip inside their perimeter and get as close as we
can to the house, said Gregel, wiping his hands on the beach Towel,
Clark picked up a stick and poked them out. If we went in
here, he said, pointing at the place just outside out of town,
we could slip in without having to drive past the gate guards again. Another
pass, and I'm sure they'll make a move on us. That depends,
boss, said Runestone. If they've got infrared sensors in the trees, you
won't make it far or dogs dog will fuck up a recon faster than anything
we already know. They have cameras. It's not a stretch to think they
have infrared. He's right, said shield Maiden. If I were planning a
defense at that place, I'd have censers and dogs, Especially if who we
suspect is in that place is correct, they'll have the best defenses money can
buy. I never saw any indication of dogs, said Clark. But that
doesn't mean they're not there. We could ask around, suggested Raven. I
bet that would get back to them before we found out anything significant, said
gre Eagel. We have to assume that this town is fully infiltrated. They've
been here since the end of World War Two. They surely would have made
friends here if nothing else. The locals would know what would happen if they
talked shit, said Clark. Getting in there might be tougher than I thought.
Well, we might not have to, said Valkyrie. What do you
have in mind, asked Clark. We go to a local bar, she
said, grinny. Those guards have to go somewhere when they're off duty.
If there are anything like every other soldier in the world, they're going to
want two things, alcohol and pussy, said Runestone, grinning crude. But
he's not wrong, said Valkyrie, rolling her eyes. So we find one
and get him a drink, said Shield Maiden. Soldiers blab all kinds of
things when they're drunk. So which one of you guys can hold your liquor
the best, asked Valkyrie. Well that would be me, said Gregel.
No fucking way, said Runestone. Ain't no damn army ranger gonna out drink
a seal. That's not why, said Clark. Alcohol doesn't affect him.
Oh yeah, said Runestone, I forgot about the wolf thing. No offense
meant by the ranger crack. Gregel smiled and chuckled softly. None taken,
he replied. All right, said Clark. Let's pick a bar that hopefully
has a few of those guards in it, and then let the games begin.
When do we head back to town, asked Graven. We'll stay here
for a couple more hours, said Clark. We don't want to get to
the bars too early, and we want to give enough time before we passed
that gate again. We want them to think we're just stupid tourists. Clark
down the rest of his beer and shoved it back into the ice, the
tip of the bottle down. Then he pulled out a second one and opened
it, kicking his foot out. He destroyed the map and leaned back on
the towel, placing his hand on Valkyrie's back. We've got company, he
whispered. No one makes any sudden moves. Gregel adjusted his posture and the
air two cents were heading their way. Both wore strong deodorant and used some
type of scented soap. Roonstone got onto his knees and grabbed the suntan lotion,
getting ready to cover Raven's back. From his new position, he could
see the men that had caught Clark's attention. Two men, both wearing black
ball caps with black T shirts over blue jeans with black tactical boots. Both
men wore dark sunglasses and walk like soldiers, instinctively falling into every step with
each other. As they approached, Clark leaned in close to Valkyrie, pretending
to kiss her on the cheek. Instead, he whispered, all position myself
where you can reach my pistol. You say the sexiest things to a girl,
she replied, winking and sliding her hand under his shirt. She rubbed
her hand up his back and then back down, resting it on the grip
of the handgun. Clark smiled at her and then turned to face the to
newcomers. Something I can do for you, fellas he asked. As they
stopped just behind the towels, joh said, the one on the left,
are you with the Americans who arrived in the old seaplane. Clark noted the
German accent in his voice and could see the short crop blonde hair beneath the
ball caps. That's us, said Clark. Where did you get that museum
piece? Asked the man. I want it in a poker game in Borneo
a few years back, said Clark, grinning. I restored it and now
I'll travel all over with it. Would you entertain the idea of selling it,
asked the man. I don't think so, said Clark. Besides,
even if I did, I wouldn't go cheat. My employer would like to
pay whatever you ask said the man. He's interested in it. He's something
of a collector of vintage aircraft, specifically from that time period. I'd have
to think about it, said Clark. I have been instructed to invite you
to dinner, said the man. He heard you were on your honeymoon and
would like to have you join him for dinner at his estate in an Uncle.
He would of course welcome your friends as well. You can discuss your
magnificent aircraft. Then Clark glanced at Valkyrie, and she met his gaze but
kept a poker face. Shrugging, she smiled at him. It's up to
you, she said, I know how much you love that plane. Well,
we can at least hear him out, said Clark. I mean it
would be rude to refuse his hospitality. What time should we be there and
how do we find it? On your way back to town, said the
man. Watch the right side of the road. You will see a guarded
gate before you get back to the village. That's the entrance. Security will
be aware of you and escort you to the main house. Dinner is at
seven, and if you prefer we could send a car for you, well,
that would be fine, said Clare. Then we shall pick you up
at six point thirty, said the man. How should we dress, asked
Clark. I've never been invited to an estate for dinner. Dress formally,
said the man. Jacket and tie, at the very least, tuxedo if
you have one. If you didn't bring any formal well, I'm certain he
will understand. We'll be there, said Clark. Thank you, said the
man. I'm certain he will be thrilled to know you accepted his invitation.
We will see you at dinner. With that, the two men turned and
walked away. Clark waited until they were getting back in their vehicle before he
spoke. Does anyone else find that to be an odd coincidence? Asked Clark.
They already know who we are, said Valkyrie. Are they're interested in
that plane? Finished Gray Eagel. One thing is certain, said Clark.
There's no way they'll let us inside that place armed. Also, we need
to get back to town, wh i asked Valkyrie. We need to get
to a tailor and see if they can do a rush job on tuxedos and
dresses for all of us, said Clark. Suitably motivated, the girls gave
up their sunbathing and gathered their supplies. They headed back to the suv and
only paused long enough to throw away the empty beer bottles, putting the rest
in the back. They all climbed inside and headed back into town. The
two men who had approached them were at the gate when they drove by,
and waved at them, and Clark waved back and motioned for Bregel to slow
down. The one who had done all the talking walked out to the road
to speak with them. Clark noticed the guards all tightened their grip on their
weapons. We're going to head into town and see if we can get some
suitable clothing, he said. Can you recommend anyone who might be able to
get it quick enough? Of course, the man said, smiling. Go
back to your hotel. Your concil can have the people brought it to you.
It should be no problem. Told them you had been invited to dinner
at innn uncle. I'm certain that they will make sure that you are taken
care of, thanks, said Clark. We'll do that. We'll see you
in a bed. Clark stuck his hand out to shake the man's hand,
and he was surprised how tightly he gripped his hand. The man smiled as
he firmly shook his hand. Knowing his right bicep, Clark could make out
a tattoo that had been covered until he lifted his arm with shape. It
was a shield with a trident in the center. At the top were the
letters M E. K. That's cool tattoo, Clark said, nodding.
Thank you, said the man. It's a unit tattoo from my time in
the military. I'd love to hear about that, said Clark. Perhaps tonight,
said the man. We can exchange stories over drinks. Were you in
the military, yes, said Clark, us Army. I served in Afghanistan
and Iraq before I got out. I would be very interested in hearing about
your time in uniform, said the man. My name is Eric Haines.
I look forward to exchanging stories. He released Clark's hand and did something completely
unexpected. He clicked his heels together as he tipped his hat to the women.
Good day, ladies, he said. Backing away from the suv,
Gregel drove away, and they watched Hines stare after them until they rounded the
bend in the road. Son of a bitch, said Clark. He's the
guy. What do you mean, asked Valkyrie. Did you see his tattoo,
he asked, Well, I heard you mention it, she replied,
but I didn't see it. It was the same tattoo in the picture,
said Clark, The same tattoo on the arm of the creature that attacked the
film crew. I think we just got confirmation of the connection, said Gregel.
Shit, get us back to the hotel while they're getting our clothes ready.
I need to call all father, it's the video on your screen for
the next part of this audio book. This has been co named Wild Hunt
Operation Blood Eagle. Written by Da Roberts, read to you by Cameron Buckner.
Print copyright by Da Roberts. Audio production copyright by Cameron Buckner. Reproduction
of this audio is prohibited in any form without written approval under the US copyright
laws. Stay tuned to the Dixie Cryptied podcast for more full length audio books.