Troubled Waters off Argentina

By Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

In 1943 German U-boat activity off Argentina got to a point it was
seriously affecting Allied shipping. The United States Navy sends
in two intelligence offi cers to eliminate their fueling sources. It was
a bloody dangerous situation with the civil unrest burning across
the country and rumors of a Colonels revolt against the unpopular
Presidential Palace. After neutralizing the German naval activity
they turn their attention on the second assignment. The agents
have to work through the suspicious populace to fi nd and destroy
a plot to spray deadly gases along the coastal regions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503559028

Herman Lloyd Bruebaker

Herman Lloyd Bruebaker lives in Riverside, California with his wife and two sons. Currently he has three major projects in progress that will be released during 2018.

Book preview

COPYRIGHT © 2014 BY HERMAN LLOYD BRUEBAKER.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/09/2015

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Contents

Troubled Waters Off Argentina

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Author Bio

TROUBLED WATERS OFF ARGENTINA

Wolfsschanze (Wolf’s Lair) laid hidden not far from Rastenburg in East Prussia. It was in one of the deepest, darker than death, and emotionally oppressive forests found in Eastern Europe. But it was here that Adolf Hitler spent most of his time when not in Berlin. Its atmosphere was one of a haunted nature. The concrete bunkers made living inside very depressive. Electric lights stayed on throughout its sinister life. That ceaseless rattling hum of air conditioning motors nearly drove men to the brink of insanity. Concrete tunnels connecting the various suites were always damp and cold. It was no surprise that life in this gloomy headquarters near the Soviet Union’s Eastern Front was frequently depressed and the staffs nasty tempered. But it was from this unpleasant confinement a single man directed one of mankind’s worst nightmares.

May 12, 1943 started off with more disturbing news for the battling Third Reich. The commanding officer of all German troops in Africa had surrendered to the Allies. After hearing this Germany’s tyrant went into such a rage his physician administered a drug to put him to sleep. By the middle of 1943 Berlin was on the blunt end of many such messages.

The immaculately dressed SS Standartenfuhrer arrived inside the field headquarters after passing through three security checks. There he was curtly informed the Fuhrer was not to be disturbed. This didn’t set well with the colonel. After arrogantly informing he carried sensitive documents the Fuhrer was expecting, the duty guard officer suspiciously glanced at the briefcase handcuffed to his wrist. The young SS officer wasn’t impressed with the colonel’s declaration. People were constantly coming to Wolfsschanze on supposedly important missions. But with so many negative events slamming the Third Reich, security was tightly enforced in this field headquarters. Regardless of rank or title everybody was inspected by the special SS detachment charged with protecting Germany’s Fuhrer.

After checking a clipboard master list of scheduled visits he asked. May I have your name, please?

Bernard Steigler.

Parent command?

Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.

Even though Fuhrer’s personal bodyguard carried tremendous political influence, Germany’s traditional militaries suspiciously considered them outcasts. Precious time was wasted while the major slowly scanned the daily authorized list. Though the colonel silently made known his impatience, the junior officer intentionally ignored his displeased expression.

The major looked up after several moments and curtly said. I’m sorry, Herr Colonel, but your name isn’t on today’s authorized list.

Of course, it wouldn’t be. I just flew in from Berlin. The message I’m carrying is of the utmost importance. The Fuhrer must be immediately made aware of its contents.

From the corner of his eyes Colonel Steigler saw two burly SS sergeants disapprovingly listening to their discussion. In 1940 the dove-gray version of the infamous midnight black SS garment was introduced. After the black uniforms were stripped of their SS badges, they were issued to auxiliary forces outside of Germany. By 1943 many diehards still favored the intimidating style. Himmler believing black reflected Germany’s Aryan heritage never punished those wearing the black. Even though Colonel Steigler wore the black he knew any soldier wearing the black was unpredictable in their enforcement of orders.

Attached to Hauptamt Personlicher Stab Reichsfuhrer (personal staff of the SS Reich leader), this colonel suspected those sergeants would required cautious attention while at Wolfsschanze.

I strongly recommend you call SS Reichsfuhrer Himmler who personally ordered this message be shown to the Fuhrer without delay.

I’m sorry, Herr Colonel. If your name isn’t listed you won’t be permitted an audience with the Leader. Before Steigler could protest he said. However, you might talk with Wolfsschanze’s senior SS officer. He alone can modify this list.

Having no time to argue with the diehard Nazi the unhappy colonel was escorted down a corridor smelling strongly of damp mold. The cramped Spartan furnished office he entered belonged to General Major Erich Hossbach. After unlocking the briefcase General Hossbach read the first page then ordered guards posted outside.

Slamming the frail wooden door he stomped back to his tiny desk and angrily flopped down on the metal chair. Long ago he had thrown away the cushion because of its constant dampness. Recently transferred from Berlin’s Oberkommado der Wehrmacht, the general didn’t find much these days that was pleasant. He briefly studied the courier from Generalfeldmarschall Himmler. At thirty-one years of age and wearing Germany’s highly coveted Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaf and Swords, Colonel Bernard Steigler was considered above all suspicions by the Fuhrer.

I hope your flight was without opposition, the general cordially asked.

Such men as this colonel was to be carefully approached. General Hossbach didn’t need any more problems than he already had. The general was pudgy built with light complexion and little hair. Both men had one thing in common. Their wound badges were earned from from the Battle of Stalingrad.

The weather was slightly unpredictable, Herr General. Bernard respectfully reported with a thin smile. He knew this general didn’t care one way or other. Even after so many times visiting this dreadful place, Steigler never adapted to its depressing harshness. I’m informed the Fuhrer is ill and unable to see me. Hopefully, his condition isn’t serious. This was a sincere concern though his face remained stern without emotional expression.

Rest will soothe his strained nerves. These last few days have been shocking. General von Arnim’s treacherous surrendering to the British was particularly disturbing.

Perhaps General Messe’s divisions will be able to reverse these damages.

General Hossbach’s cold features didn’t encourage the colonel. Then he’ll have to move awfully fast. The British are rapidly reclaiming their lost territories. There was a short pause. But there are damage control efforts underway. Though it hasn’t yet been published, the Fuhrer ordered his promotion to Generalfeldmarschall effective as of tomorrow?

After a few moments of cold silence the colonel dubiously asked. And how is his promotion going to stop the British’s steamrolling?

Hopefully it will relieve the tensions among our troops in that area?

The colonel’s curt expression was noted by the general with sharp disapproval. Such a promotion didn’t stop von Paulus’ surrendering his Sixth Army. One man’s advancement in rank won’t slow the British no more than it impressed the Russians at Stalingrad. What our divisions need are guns, munitions, and more troop deployments. That’s the only way we shall railroad the British from Africa.

Generally when appearing before the Fuhrer’s director of special covert operations officers were expected to stand at attention. Knowing this Bernard was suspicious when invited to sit. There was a maturing dislike flirting between the two SS officers. The general was seriously wounded while the Sixth Army bitterly fought for its survival in Stalingrad. He always thought a Knight’s Cross should have been his during that murderous campaign. He enviously regarded the black, silver, and red ribbon with Iron Cross worn around the colonel’s neck. Diverting his attention back to the document the general was upset with its short paragraph.

Colonel Steigler impatiently sat while General Hossbach read the report. He had seen the man’s interest in his Knight’s Cross. During his charging a heavily defended Soviet machine gun placement Bernard was seriously wounded. He spent weeks in a coma after that. After learning his regiment was wiped out in that bloody battle, the war took on a new meaning for him. Following the decimated Sixth Army’s surrender at Stalingrad the colonel was reassigned to SS counterintelligence. It was there that Bernard developed an immense fascination with chasing foreign spies. This was combat without legal restraints.

The general pointing at his Stalingrad wound badge curiously asked. Who were you with?

The Fourth Panzers. Finding his time wasted in idle conversation the colonel respectfully reported. Herr General, my instructions were to hand deliver this document to the Fuhrer without delay.

And you will shortly do so, the man coldly informed with a heavy frown.

While picking up a folder with two maps and a stack of 8X10 black-and-white photographs, General Hossbach curiously noted the briefcase was armed with a small explosive device. After a few minutes staring at the photographs he looked up with a troubled expression.

Please update me on Operation Ruckfahrkarte’s progress.

In the next few minutes the troubled general listened without expression while the colonel summarized its sluggish progress. After finishing Colonel Steigler watched the disturbed director again thoughtfully thumb through the photographs. The silence inside that damp smelling office was even more stifling.

Are our resources in place?

John Schwankle in our Buenos Aires Embassy confirmed all operational phases are on schedule.

What about security integrity?

The project’s integrity remains intact.

The general remained silent for a few moments. Then after leaning over, he curiously sorted through the file. After the project’s members’ photographs were lined up he thoughtfully analyzed each man. Is Herr Bottner on station?

Upon arrival, he reported to our Buenos Aires embassy and has since set up his laboratory in Mar del Plata. When the general gave him a cold smirk the colonel explained. Mar del Plata is 250 miles up the coast from Buenos Aires. The scientist demanded his facility be located away from the capital.

In this report the Reichsfuhrer expressed his concern regarding the man’s erratic behavior?

In view of his behavior Reichsfuhrer ordered this man be continuously monitored while in Argentina. It would take him very little effort to jeopardize the entire mission. There was a short pause before he cynically replied. I have worked with these people before. Scientists are all the same. Not one recognizes the importance of obeying orders.

The colonel briefly scowled at those photographs showing the scientist standing in front of a Me-109. We recently lost him when the simple-minded fool disappeared on another of his unauthorized research trips to North Africa. When the British Eighth Army overran our garrisons he was captured with a bunch of Wehrmacht sergeants and ended up in an American POW camp. It was a stroke of luck he escaped before a Theta team arrived to take custody of him.

Is Herr Bottner worth all of this trouble?

Unfortunately, he’s a very valuable scientist with loyal service all the way back to our last Great War. If Operation Ruckfahrkarte is to be successful then his expertise is critically needed.

It was a moment before Bottner’s photographs were dropped on the desk and another print picked up. And who is this man? The general was staring at the photograph of a tall man standing in front of a water fountain.

The SS colonel frowned. That man will prove to be a painful thorn in our side. Colonel Bruce Sherman of the United States Marine Corps is Theta’s primary agent in their covert.

The name isn’t familiar. General Hossbach kept studying the picture.

For a while he carried another name, Steigler cautiously replied. You may recognize the name Hermann Sternberg.

Oh yes, now I remember. He was that Allied spy on our Eastern Front. I had forgotten that name. So Bruce Sherman and Hermann Sternberg are the same? That is most interesting. Posing as a SS panzer captain he pulled off some incredible feats. Seeing the officer’s dull interest he curtly continued. My division was fighting not far from Leningrad when this American worked his magical tricks. Right after that I was transferred to Stalingrad.

There’s no doubt Colonel Sherman is a cunning fellow to mess around with. Not long after that he was with our troops in Romania supposedly fighting a hostile named Forcas. Strangely enough that covert was approved by the Fuhrer. I worked against him in Russia and later in France while he fled across Europe with a Russian Countess. I can truthfully say he’s a slippery eel. He’s not to be recklessly underestimated. Do so and he’ll kick your ass.

It sounds as if you respect that man? the general suspiciously asked.

Steigler grinned. I always respect a worthy opponent, Herr General. That’s why I’m still alive.

General Hossbach scratched his right ear lob. That’s a very wise outlook. However, I don’t believe one man could accomplish even one third of what the American is credited with. With a disgusted snort he dropped the print on his desk and leaned back in the chair. So why is his photograph in Operation Ruckfahrkarte’s file?

Theta has been after Jacob Bottner since his escape from the POW camp.

For a few moments the general stared at Himmler’s calm-mannered colonel. Did you know we sacrificed our secret operations in Mexico to rescue him from that Arizona POW camp? From what little I know the SS Mexican covert was a dreadful waste of irreplaceable resources.

Not wanting to argue Bernard merely nodded.

In North Africa, General Hossbach was sternly saying. His bodyguards were stupid by letting him out of their sight. For that those incompetent fools paid with their lives.

Any confrontation with Theta is complicated. The Trojan Princess’ agents are very smart.

General Hossbach suspiciously looked at the solemn colonel. Even Colonel Sherman has weaknesses that we can exploit.

The general frequently scratched his ear that was driving him crazy. According to their resident physician the outbreak of skin rash was caused by the bunkers’ constant dampness. I’m surprised the man is still alive.

Abwehr confirmed the agent conducted three operations since last year. All were successful.

A very resourceful agent even if his activities are probably exaggerated. There was a short suspicious silence. Do we have an update on his activities?

Admiral Canaris’ people confirmed Sherman’s team are on their way to Argentina.

The general thoughtfully inquired. If Operation Ruckfahrkarte is a SS operation then why do we have Abwehr’s involvement?

Admiral Canaris has resources in the South American country that we don’t.

General Hossbach wasn’t pleased with the facts generated in this covert. He suspected Canaris wasn’t fully sharing what was known about Theta’s interest in this operation. During the last few years he had occasionally worked with Abwehr and knew they frequently skirted engagement boundaries. It was well known Himmler connived to have Abwehr under his supervision. This often found Himmler sharply disagreeing with Adolf Hitler on this matter. Though of firm belief the Fuhrer should stay out of the intelligence business, the general knew only a damned fool voiced his opposition. Wisely concealing his suspicions regarding the Generalfeldmarschall’s trust in this colonel, he again studied Colonel Steigler. Though he knew a few facts about the South American covert they made little sense.

This summary states Ruckfahrkarte’s operational core is in Montevideo? What can you tell me about that?

I can only reveal the basis about the operation that’s divided into three sections. One part involves several old freighters undergoing modifications in Montevideo’s harbor facilities. Our embassy in Buenos Aires reported shipboard work are a good three weeks ahead of schedule. I’m told this was made possible by Captain Minneker’s excellent leadership skills.

Being I don’t know this naval officer I’ll have to trust the profile’s evaluations.

Captain Minneker has been able to keep the harbor spies confused as to what’s happening aboard the old freighters. There’s considerable British intelligence activity in that harbor but far as we know they’re puzzled about the ships.

This report doesn’t outline their futures.

The colonel stiffly replied. Their objectives are classified.

General Hossbach knew the dangers of questioning the covert and faintly smiled. He quietly observed Bernard Steigler was of muscular built with dark suspicious eyes measuring every action around him. The man was very impressive in his midnight black uniform with its campaign ribbons and medals earned since this war began. Little was known about the man because Himmler kept his senior officers’ profiles under lock and key. Even so, the general recognized Colonel Steigler as a deadly opponent in the field and was contended to leave it at that.

The general’s face darkened. Since you challenged Theta in the past how do we fight this bunch of thugs?

He wondered why the general cared how they fought Theta. He wouldn’t be out there showing his bare ass and getting shot at. The best way is keeping our covert divided into cells without the others knowing what’s going on.

Does that work?

Bernard frowned before cynically replying. Not really.

Then why keep doing it?

Because when challenging Theta there’s no cut and dry method. Instead it’s all hit-and-miss.

That sounds real stupid.

Bernard hesitated to speak. Fighting their people goes beyond normal channels.

The senior officer didn’t like Steigler’s sharpness but let it pass. General Hossbach remembered Admiral Canaris’ strained expression when mention was made of Theta. Now that his indifference was gradually changing he was intrigued with this mysterious intelligence group. What bothered him the most Theta wasn’t associated with any national agency.

Since we’re talking about Theta what can you tell me about them? I have never understood who they were other than being our enemy.

It was a few moments before the colonel solemnly spoke with guarded respect. Theta is a phantom drifting through history without drawing much attention. They’re like the shadows of an ugly storm, Herr General. A storm a wise person should bypass. According to ancient legends Theta was borne from the ashes of Troy’s final days.

While the colonel talked disturbing thoughts darted through his mind. They were agonizing memories of Theta’s Operation Dark Sword fought last year on the Eastern Front. Their reappearance was releasing unpleasant thoughts he had hoped were forgotten.

I have heard Theta compared with restless winter winds. You feel its stinging bite but your fingers can never grab hold.

The general was serious. Are we talking about Troy as in the time of the mythical Trojan Horse? There was the making of a laugh stirring in his throat.

Precisely, Herr General, Colonel Steigler thoughtfully confirmed. He disliked this man even more. And their leader is the Trojan Princess Cassandra.

And I suppose this Cassandra is the daughter of Troy’s King Priam? When the SS colonel’s smile didn’t fade he became concerned. You have got to be kidding?

I wish that I was, Bernard contemptuously stared at this self-righteous pompous ass. When returning to Berlin he intended to report his insolence to Himmler. Both Abwehr and my agency have experienced serious losses every time we fought these people. Legends boast Cassandra stood on the city’s burning walls crying out to their inattentive gods.

A short time later Colonel Steigler walked from the bunkers and into the dampness of May 12th. He was furious for even discussing Theta with that narrow- minded fool. It was stupid to discuss Theta because the average street man never believed such crazy ramblings. Even after having fought them in the past he still accepted those tales with serious reservations. Climbing into a staff car he was driven through the heavy rain to a nearby airfield where he boarded his plane for Berlin.

He needed to chat with Admiral Canaris about this sensitive matter.

CHAPTER TWO

Colonel Steigler wasn’t the only person troubled by Theta’s emergence from time’s misty shadows. The Abwehr’s director was a short, small-boned man with sallow skin etched from the raw combinations of creeping age. His burdensome stress evolved from the nightmarish task of providing intelligence to the furiously demanding German military machinery. Among the Third Reich’s elite Wilhelm Canaris was unknown to the Allies. German newspapers never mentioned his name because they didn’t know about him. After his 1905 graduation from the Imperial Naval Academy, Canaris commanded surface ships and U-boats.

But today his troublesome thoughts didn’t concern their embattled fronts, but was focused on Theta’s challenging Operation Ruckfahkarte. On three occasions Abwehr secretly assisted Theta in some very bizarre coverts. However, this time they were opposing the intelligence clan’s South American covert.

By May 1943 it was too dangerous to discuss sensitive matters in his office. Reich Generalfeldmarschall Himmler schemed to have all intelligence gathering under his inept control. Admiral Canaris’ productive agency was barely holding its own against the SS negative meddling in Abwehr affairs. When sensitive issues required discussion this little admiral strolled the bombed out streets not far from Abwehr’s gray townhouse at 72-76 Tirpitz Ufer. Strangely enough Abwehr’s address was never listed on Allied operational charts for special bombing.

After another severe bombing raid Berlin was overwhelmed by the strong odors of burning buildings and that undeniable offensive scent of scorched flesh. As usual bombs hadn’t fallen on his townhouses. Three men in dark business suits walked a respectful distance behind him. These Wehrmacht officers were assigned bodyguard duties after two assassination attempts on his life. After the last attempt the Fuhrer ordered constant security around his chief spymaster. The tall, distinguished middle-aged man walking at his side was Colonel Conrad Wittkze.

As of lately the admiral regularly took these slow morning strolls.

Earlier that morning Colonel Wittkze flew in from Hamburg where he worked in their M-Branch Section One. That was Abwehr’s naval intelligence. The man was well educated and incredibly fast at analyzing difficult covert plots. With sixteen successful clandestine missions behind enemy lines, Admiral Canaris thought highly of his operational skills.

What do we have on Ruckfahrkarte? Admiral Canaris asked.

Even though drifting smoky clouds bothered his sensitive lungs he couldn’t discuss this subject inside the townhouse. Himmler’s SS spies were electronically bugging his headquarters. As Abwehr ferreted out one snooping device more would be found.

We have deciphered parts of their operation but there are still wide gaps needing answers. We know their interests are in Montevideo, Uruguay. We also know Jacob Bottner established his secretive laboratory in Mar del Plata. Yesterday after cracking open part of their codes, we learned this SS sanctioned mission is divided into three phases. The colonel thoughtfully watched another truck convoy hauling prisoners rumble pass. For the most part we know what they’re doing… but not why they’re doing it.

What about these freighters?

We know even less about them. There are five freighters undergoing structural changes in Montevideo’s shipyard facilities. At the moment I’m afraid that’s the extent of our decoding.

The Third Reich was similar to other dictatorships whose oppression was ruled by the sword. The regime was so corrupted it produced a jackboot authority setting new standards of depravity and unchecked wickedness. This reign of terror was made possible by brutality and wide spread deception on all levels. The Reich’s deceptive spirit was demonstrated by the Abwehr working with Himmler’s SS while discreetly backstabbing its efforts.

The admiral abruptly stopped walking. So all we know is those ships are undergoing repair work.

Yes and their modifications are quite unusual. the colonel paused before confidently saying. There’s no doubt they’re a vital part of Operation Ruckfahrkarte.

Very well, get me histories on those ships soon as possible. They may provide clues to what Himmler is planning. These blind walls they kept bumping into was troubling the admiral. You cannot conceal something that big without people noticing, especially spies. So what about our people in Montevideo? What have they reported?

So far their information is spotty at the most. Our undercover agent in the harbor abruptly stopped reporting. We can assume he was killed by the Uruguay secret police. However, you have to remember we’re talking about one of the world’s most corrupted harbors. Colonel Wittkze solemnly reported when clasping his hands behind a back made firm by daily work outs.

Then what can they visually report?

We know their main decks were cleared of all unnecessary structures. Enlargements were made on their forward and aft cargo hatches. There are a total of eight on each ship. And something else was noted in our latest Montevideo report. During the last two days rail tracks were installed port and starboard on each main deck. Seeing the admiral’s puzzlement he could only shrug his shoulders. We haven’t developed a plausible explanation for their use.

How far along is this work?

There are fewer contractors than two weeks ago suggesting their dock time is nearly over.

They stopped on the sidewalk before crossing. Another truck convoy noisily drove pass shuttling defiant POW prisoners to another brutal day of clearing away devastation caused by RAF nightly bombing raids.

The rattling trucks’ oily exhaust smoke caused Canaris to painfully cough. How long has this work been going on?

Approximately two months.

Admiral Canaris’ attention was on a nearby truckload of POWs been yelled at to assemble alongside the lorry. Though the Geneva Convention clearly disallowed using prisoners of war in cleanup projects, Himmler refused compliance. The colonel was uncertain if Canaris was listening. His facial features were often times difficult to read.

When the admiral finally looked his way Colonel Wittkze continued his report. Last night I received an interesting report from a reliable informer in the Lebensborn Society Home at Steinhoring. It may have a direct bearing on those ships.

Canaris expressed his surprise Abwehr planted an informer in Himmler’s bizarre SS program. There tall, fair-haired and blue-eyed German men and women copulated in hopes of producing a super German race. They cautiously crossed the hastily repaired street of its bombing damages and waited until the bodyguards crossed. For a few moments Canaris watched the POWs working among the burnt out buildings then turned to his colonel.

And what did you learn?

Naval Captain Roland Minneker was sent to Steinhoring to do his patriotic duty for the Third Reich, he sarcastically grunted. Whenever they were alone the colonel expressed his anger for the sadistic regime.

I have known Roland for many years, the admiral slowly said. And truthfully, I fail to see how he meets their strict requirements.

Occasionally, the Society will invite decorated servicemen to whore around with their women. Roland may have been selected because of his recent Knight’s Cross decoration.

I don’t remember seeing his name on this year’s list of Knight Crosses.

After crossing another hastily repaired street damages from last night’s British bombing he continued. This report came from one of our schweigeagenten women in Steinhoring. She rarely sends worthless information. The admiral again looked questioningly at his colonel. After confirming her information we learned he’ll receive the medal after returning from Argentina.

So what else did your informer learn? And I assume there’s a reason we’re talking about Roland?

Our woman got this information from Roland Minneker during one of his weaker moments introduced by heavy sex and excessive alcohol. And she also saw his decoration approval signed by Himmler.

He shrugged his disgust how the elite medal was farmed out to those undeserving. When Canaris impatiently gestured he continued the colonel obediently nodded. After working undercover for four years at Steinhoring she’s considered a reliable agent. But while making love the captain’s increasingly loose tongue from his drinking made mention of Argentina. Suspecting this may be of importance she increased her sexual foreplay and soon had him talking freely. He said Argentina would pay dearly for their alliance with the United States. She recorded each word said that night, especially his boasting of mysterious forces from beyond.

Forces from beyond what?

He passed out before she could learn what he meant.

Canaris was silent for a few moments before asking. Do you think Roland remembered that night?

The colonel shook his head. The odds are against that. First off, if he had remembered the woman would have been murdered by now. Our agent has since returned to her posting in the Foreign Ministry. She made note the man is easily influenced when heavily drinking. Add sex to this situation and his tongue becomes very loose.

Stopping they turned around for a return walk to the townhouses. What else have you learned?

The admiral was concerned Himmler’s newest project might have a negative impact in the South American country. The Abwehr discreetly worked the shadows attempting to establish stronger ties with Argentina. But Himmler’s meddling kept endangering their efforts.

The ships are one issue we’re investigating. There was a short troubled pause. But I believe Jacob Bottner’s lab project may be a more threatening matter. What he’s doing is a closely guarded secret known only to a handful of people. We do know there are three SS officers at the site. We also know he has a small villa overlooking the ocean four miles from town. The walled property allows no visitors. Even the German servants were handpicked by Himmler.

What about Roland?

Aside from occasionally going to Buenos Aires the captain stays in Montevideo. Far as we know he hasn’t visited the coastal town.

What does he do in Buenos Aires?

Captain Minneker’s staff occasionally visits a lounge named the Black Rose. He stopped talking then moments later speculated. Bottner and the captain aren’t seen together that much. If Bottner didn’t weekly visit those ships, I would say there were two operations going on.

Are there other scientists on his staff?

Yes, two that we know of. But his staff is a strange lot. In fact, one of them is a senior SS sergeant named Brungardt who never finished his sixth year of schooling.

That’s very interesting. You better probe deeper into Brungardt’s background. There has to be a reason Himmler would employ such a misfit in his sensitive operation.

They were crossing the street to the townhouses sitting untouched among widespread destruction and smoldering buildings from last night’s bombings. Now tell me about Theta’s agents.

They should be in Argentina by now.

They stopped just inside the walled compound. I wonder how much Theta knows about this operation. A worried expression briefly touched his face. I want you in Argentina as our agent-in-charge. After establishing your presence contact me for further instructions. And you better take along three people whom you totally trust.

After signing in at the front desk they stopped in front of the ancient elevator that usually didn’t work. Roland’s comment about forces from beyond bothers me. When the gate squeaked open Canaris thoughtfully looked at his colonel. Do you believe in the supernatural?

I never gave it much thought.

Ask my secretary for a copy of Theta’s Operation Dark Sword. Study it extensively before leaving. It might prepare you for what’s coming down the chute.

What’s Operation Dark Sword?

That was Bruce Sherman’s covert in Russia.

CHAPTER THREE

The long flight from Florida to Buenos Aires was concluded when the eight-engine flying boat landed in its harbor. No special attention was shown this aircraft bearing the markings of Landsing Mining Corporation of Houston, Texas. The blue and white plane twice weekly ferried in needed spare parts and contracted workers on their way to the mines. The harbor police only occasionally checked their clearance papers. With the war going on it was vital for Argentina’s economy the mining operations continued with little interference. As the largest foreign mining concern in Argentina, Landsing daily pumped millions of dollars into the cash starved economy.

It was warm outside when a tall, muscular-framed man stepped from the bobbling seaplane into a waiting motor launch bearing Landsing’s twin eagle logo. The flat forehead was drawn tight from troubled emotions bothering this American with the classical thinker’s facial lines. Though pretending indifference to his surroundings his icy blue eyes were analyzing the busy harbor. After Bruce Sherman made himself comfortable in the blue launch, three more people climbed from the plane. Afterwards, the crewmen waved before closing the door. When the boat was safely away the seaplane charged across choppy waters before gracefully lifting into the air.

The three crewmen aboard the small canvas-covered boat showed little interest in their four passengers. This was routine for the Argentines except for one new man. Unknown to Colonel Sherman, he was an undercover agent for Argentina’s secret intelligence.

As the boat made its way toward shore Bruce turned to the boat’s only female and asked. Are you feeling better now?

Lorelei Ramcke nodded with a sickly grin. I’ll be all right in another few minutes. That storm we passed through took my stomach on a holiday.

The boat’s helmsman kept throwing curious glances at this woman of average height with a shapely body that her clothing couldn’t hide. She was an attractive woman with intriguing emerald green eyes. Further interest was interrupted when his attention was returned to maneuvering the boat through the harbor’s busy traffic. He would have been shocked to learn she was a major in the United States Marines and the tall man held the rank of colonel. The two other men sitting in the stern curiously watching him were sergeants in the Corps. Every once in a while they would speak in a language the helmsman didn’t understand. That was because Apache and Shawnee tongues weren’t generally known in Argentina.

So since we’re here where are we staying?

At a villa belonging to a close friend. Lorelei sweetly said. After Bruce gave her a silent questioning glance she smiled. My Swiss friend isn’t politically involved with this war.

She didn’t think it was important to tell the colonel that while with SS’s Reichssicherheitshauptamt (RSHA), Lorelei was in Switzerland to kidnap a woman. While Josie Jungland was her prisoner they bonded. Obersturmfuhrer Ramcke didn’t escort her prisoner to a concentration camp as ordered but listed her killed while trying to escape. The Jungland family never forgot her kindness. After assigned by Admiral Canaris to monitor an American spy in Lisbon the tables of fate turned on her. The deadly spy fell in love with Bruce Sherman. It was after two operations with Colonel Sherman that Washington granted her American citizenship. Her enlistment in the Marine Corps capitalized on her espionage expertise. A ranking official from Britain’s MI.5 once remarked that ‘spies came from a breed of their own and probably rated a medical status of near insanity.’ And he didn’t even know about Theta. Now she was walking into her fourth clandestine project with Bruce Sherman.

Lorelei once studied to be a doctor but changed her career objective after joining the SS. This was during her third year at the university. It didn’t take long for her to become a hardcore assassin. There was another kinky thing about this pair. After their terrifying experience in Romania fighting the demon Forcas, affections for one another increased in leaps and bounds.

The woman shook her long glossy blond hair in the smelly air. She was dressed in dark