An Eye for an eye.

[Stoat]

Two hours later he called Vogel and Frisk to his ready room. They saluted smartly as they entered, then relaxed and draped themselves across two of the chairs, smiling at Waap. Waap kept his face stern, desperate to keep any sign of the anxiety he felt hidden.

'€œKurt, Jan, forgive my forthrightness, but there is something I must ask of you, both as officers of the Rheinwehr, and as personal friends of mine.'€ He paused for breath, relieved to see their immediate attention. '€œI have been given reason to believe that the Stahlauge is the target for an imminent Wilde attack. Information recently delivered to me by the Marinenachrichtendienst suggests the attack will take place in Stuttgart as we traverse the trade lane from Freiburg to Ulm Border Station.'€

Waap pushed a pile of forged documentation towards the two men. He sipped a glass of water, watching the two humans in front of him while they read through the paperwork before them. Kurt Vogel was the first to speak.

'€œWhat do you need of us, mein Kapitan? You know already you have our unwavering loyalty.'€ Vogel'€™s words were confirmed by a single nod from Frisk. Greatly relieved at their reactions, Waap continued.

'€œI need you both to travel there ahead of us. Take your Wraiths and get to the Karlsruhe. Once there seek out Major Jeske Vardogr. He will be able to assist you in preparing an ambush, should the Wilde indeed attempt to attack us. It is imperative you tell no-one aboard the Stahlauge of where you go. Our security may be breached, and we cannot allow ourselves to be compromised. Will you do this for your Kanzler? Will you do this for me?'€

The two men looked at each other briefly, while Wapp studied them intently, trying to hear their body language, as the humans called it. Four years of close involvement with them and still it was a mystery that continued to evade comprehension. As the two humans turned their faces towards him, Waap was aware of his left foot tapping relentlessly on the floor. Suddenly he understood what had missed for so long. His foot became still, and he smiled at the humans opposite him.

'€œWe will do as you ask, mein Kapitan.'€ came the response from Kurt Vogel. '€œYou can rely on us. It is an honour to serve under you, and to call you friend.'€

Waap stood and extended his right hand towards the two men. '€œThe honour is mine.'€ he said, as he shook their hands. '€œThe risk you take will never be forgotten.'€

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