The Sixth Seal полностью

“Ja,” Hammet replied, giving her one curt nod. “Someone by the name of Eddy asked for help, and I was the soldier chosen.”

The KSK was Germany’s “Special Forces Command.” They were the best the German Army produced, and their reputation held up to that. They were really, really good at what they did.

The 4th Platoon specialized in operations over challenging terrain like deserts, jungles, or frigid mountain environments. It made perfect sense for the German military to send someone like Hammet Braun here.

But the KSK was also known for something that wasn’t as positive as their fighting prowess. A few years back, part of the unit was disbanded due to rising concerns of far-right extremism within their ranks. Zahra had no idea whether that was the real reason, but it still concerned her since they were dealing with Nazis, or at least, Nazi sympathizers at the moment.

“Guten Tag, Herr Braun, I’m Zahra Kane.” She swept her hand out toward Yana. “This is Anastasia… She will be representing the Russian third of our interested parties.”

Yana pointed at his face. “I am also here to watch her butt, so hands off.”

Zahra felt incredibly embarrassed. “Thanks, Ana.”

“And which organization do you represent, I wonder?” Hammet asked, burning holes into Yana.

Uh, oh. He knows.

“Unlike you,” Yana replied, “I am not at liberty to say. I like to actually keep my secrets secret.”

Hammet let out a long, infuriated breath and looked away from Yana. “Good to meet you both.” He relocked eyes with Zahra. “I understand that your organization needs some help in regard to a special discovery found along the coast.”

Zahra leaned around Hammet and saw the other men were back to being fully engrossed in their movie.

Lucky bastards.

“Yes, I’m sure you’ve been filled in on what exactly was found.”

“Ja, I’m aware.”

“Any thoughts?” Yana asked. “We were hoping a man of your origin might have some insight as to why a Nazi U-boat was found poking out of the ice all the way down here.”

Hammet turned and faced Yana. “What exactly are you implying?”

“Oh, nothing…”

Zahra stood. “Hammet, Anastasia, cool it.” She lowered her turtleneck to reveal the bruises that had already begun to show. “We were attacked by a German agent a few hours ago. He nearly killed me.”

Hammet studied Zahra’s injuries. “I am sorry to hear that. Are you okay?”

“Thanks to Ana here, yes. She saved my life.”

Hammet’s eyes flicked to Yana. “Do TAC operatives typically travel with Russian assassins as companions?”

Warning! Warning! Warning! screamed Zahra’s internal alarm.

Hammet must have sensed their threat level rising. He smiled when Yana got to her feet. “Be at ease, Miss Fedorov; you are not on my radar. And if you must know, I have also traveled with people in your line of work.”

Yana’s shoulders relaxed. As they did, Hammet turned to Zahra.

“The efforts of the Tactical Archaeological Command are greatly appreciated.” He leaned in closer to the woman. “Not everyone’s secrets are as secretive as they’d like.” He winked, then eyed Zahra. “Thank you for doing what you do. History deserves to be protected at all costs.”

“All of it?” Yana asked.

“Ja,” Hammet quickly replied. “Even the evil parts. We must learn from what we disagree with… With what we regret,” he placed his hand on his chest, “even if we were not personally responsible.”

Zahra could feel the sadness radiating from the German. She knew how touchy a subject Nazism was to modern-day Germans. It was the same for Americans whenever slavery was brought up, not that the United States invented the horrid practice. Either way, every country had its warts. Some were just larger and nastier than others.

I can see why this guy was chosen to join us.

“That’s admirable of you to say,” Zahra said, smiling.

“Danke,” he replied, thanking her.

Zahra slipped into fluent German. “You’re welcome. It’s always nice to meet someone who respects history as much as I do.”

Hammet smiled. “Most impressive, Miss Kane,” he replied, continuing the conversation in German. “It will be nice to have another German speaker on this mission.”

“Excuse me,” Yana said, “but I find that impolite and incredibly annoying. Please stop.”

“What’s her deal?” Hammet asked, staying in German.

Zahra smiled. “She’s constipated.”

The pair laughed hard.

Yana did not. “I hate you both. I hope you know that.” She glanced at Zahra. “By the way, how many languages do you speak? So far, I’ve heard four.”

Zahra patted her shoulder. “Enough.” The non-answer earned a heavy eye roll.

“Four?” Hammet asked in English. “Remarkable.”

Zahra shrugged. “I’ve always been good with languages.”

The outer doors opened behind Hammet. Luckily for everyone inside the GWR Building, the inner doors blocked any of the chilling Antarctic air from invading the interior’s warmth.

“So, where is Captain Ford?” Yana asked, moving the conversation along.