006. Baader Bing...

Rex moved swiftly through the jungle undergrowth, with Mohsen in tow. As he ran, he began formulating a plan to rescue Caroline Carol. He knew that Jose Guerrero's camp was practically impenetrable; the soldiers of Los hombres De Libera were too familiar with one another and the camp too small for him to successfully infiltrate the camp, even at night. Even if he could, with Benavides' Policía Secreta having corner his South American contact in Lima, he would have no backup. He had sought advice from "Whitehall" – codename for Special Branch Headquarters in London – regarding whether or not to mount a rescue for Caroline Carol. Their reply had been swift and unequivocal.

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RB110

INADVISABLE PERIOD CAROL'S WIFE NOT YOUR PRIORITY PERIOD LOCATE NADERWALD AND DECOMMISSION IF POSSIBLE PERIOD GOOD LUCK PERIOD

WHITEHALL

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"Naderwald" was the reason for his presence in the Amazon. A year ago, Special Branch uncovered references to a Deutsche Luftwaffe base hidden somewhere in South America. The Nationalsozialismus or 'Nazi' party appeared to be mounting some sort of putsch, probably for Brazil. As Special Branch Operative RB110, it was Rexton's responsibility to prevent this eventuality.

Rex ducked to avoid a low lying tree branch. He was driven by a combination of adrenaline and guilt, a potentially dangerous mix. The adrenaline heightened his response times at the expense of his complex reasoning skills. He would be acting on instinct alone. He perceived a sharp metallic twang to his left, followed by high-pitched whistling. It was a snare! He reacted in an instant, though it was already too late.

The snare caught him round the ankle and dragged him into the air. Moments later he heard heavy footfalls approaching. Rex saw Mohsen, staring at him worriedly. The older man nodded, and the boy reluctantly disappeared into the undergrowth. It was of no use to anyone if they were both captured. Shortly thereafter, Rex found himself surrounded by grey-uniformed men armed with machine guns. He recognised the uniforms as Luftwaffe, and the guns as MG34's.

'Guten Tag, Herr Rexton,' a steely male voice said from behind him, 'Es ist zu lang gewesen.'

'Nicht langer genug, Generaloberst Baader.' Rex replied.

A grey-haired man appeared in front of him. He was neatly shaven and wore the rank insignia of Generaloberst – Air Marshall. He also wore a smile that could cut marble. Rex recognised him as Heinrich Baader, one of the Luftwaffe's most respected airmen.

'That dry British wit of yours is still intact, I see.' Baader said.

One of his men produced a knife and cut Rex down. He was marched to an SdKfz 11 half-track and forced into the back. Baader sat up front, his body turned so as to address Rex. As the half-track got underway, he tossed a piece of black cloth to the man that had cut Rex down. The soldier attempted to blindfold him, but Rex resisted.

'I ask that you cooperate, Herr Rexton,' Baader said, 'Otherwise, I may have to have you shot.'

Rex grudgingly obliged and was blindfolded.

Baader continued, 'You have a remarkable ability for turning up at the most opportune of times, Herr Rexton. It really is quite remarkable...'

'What is it you want, Baader?' Rex demanded.

The Generaloberst chuckled. 'Why, what any soldier wants. Honour for himself and prosperity for his Vaterland. You once were a soldier yourself, Regenweald. You should understand that…'

'That was a long time ago.'

Baader's voice took on a reminiscent tone, 'Twenty-two years.' he said.

Rex fell silent. He had – from the moment he was blindfolded – paid as much attention as possible to the sounds of the jungle, the bumps he felt through the floor of the half-track and his own sense of balance. From that, he was attempting to build a mental picture of the route the half-track had taken for later use. The half-track bounced abruptly, throwing Rex up into the air. He landed heavily. A few moments later, he heard the distinct sound of sloshing water. He figured they were crossing the Amazon River.

'So tell me,' Baader said, interrupting Rex's train of thought, 'What brings you to the Amazon basin?'

Rex recalled the lie Caroline had told him.

'I was searching for a group of missing explorers. All Canadians. The aircraft they were using crashed some forty miles from where you laid you trap.'

'Really? And what is it about these explorers that necessitated your employment, Herr Rexton? Is Special Branch attempting to expand its operations outside the field of international espionage?'

Rex shrugged, 'HQ has never been particular forthcoming with such information. Like you said, Baader, you and I are just soldiers.'

Baader laughed. It was a horrible, grating laugh, befitting the man entirely.

'I hear you met my son.' The Generaloberest said.

'Walter, yes. He's using his mother's maiden name now; "Lyman".'

Baader's voice quavered slightly, 'Is that so?'

'Mmm-hmm.'

The rest of the trip was carried out in complete silence. After twenty minutes or so, Rex felt the half-track lurch to a stop. He heard soldiers speaking to one another in German, and the sound of hydraulic equipment. The half-track pressed on, and moments later Rex felt the blindfold being lifted from his eyes. They were travelling through a long, dimly lit tunnel carved out of the rock. After a further two minutes they emerged into bright sunlight. Rex noticed Baader, facing him and beaming widely.

'Welcome to Naderwald, Herr Rexton…' he said.

TO BE CONTINUED...