Games of State - Tom Clancy [21]
Lang had noted that a side effect of Germany's soul-searching was a measure of tension with Japan and France.
"It is as if by admitting our atrocities," he'd said, "we betrayed a criminal code of silence. We are regarded now as fainthearted, as not having had the strength of our convictions."
"Which is why," Herbert had muttered, "the Japanese had to be A-bombed to the peace table."
The other significant change Hood had noticed over the past few years was increasing resentment over the assimilation of the former East Germany. This was one of Hausen's personal Zahnschmerzen or "toothaches," as he politely described it.
"It's another country," he had said. "It would be as if the United States attempted to absorb Mexico. The East Germans are our brothers, but they adopted Soviet culture and Soviet ways. They are shiftless and believe that we owe them reparations for having abandoned them at the end of the war. They hold out their hands not for tools or diplomas, but for money. And when the young don't get it, they join gangs and become violent. The East is dragging our nation into a financial and spiritual abyss from which it will take decades to recover."
Hood had been surprised by the politician's open resentment. What had surprised him even more was their otherwise meticulous waiter openly grunting his approval as he filled their water glasses.
Hausen had pointed toward the waiter. "One-fifth of every mark he earns goes to the East," he'd said.
They did not discuss the ROC during the meal. That would take place later, in Hausen's Hamburg office. Germans believed in getting to know their partners before the seduction process began.
Toward the end of the meal, Hausen's cellular telephone, chirped. He pulled it from his jacket pocket, excused himself, and half-turned to answer.
His bright eyes dulled and his thin lips turned down. He said very little.
When the call was finished, Hausen laid the phone on the table. "That was my assistant," he said. He looked from Lang to Hood. "There's been a terrorist attack on a movie location outside of Hanover. Four people are dead. An American girl is missing and there's reason to believe she has been kidnapped."
Lang grew ashen. "The movie-- was it Tirpitz?"
Hausen nodded. The government official was obviously upset.
Herbert asked, "Do they know who did it?"
"No one has claimed credit," Hausen said. "But the shooting was done by a woman."
"Doring," Lang said. He looked from Hausen to Herbert. "This can only be Karin During, the leader of Feuer. They're one of the most violent neo-Nazi groups in Germany." His voice was a low, sad monotone. "It's as Richard was saying. She recruits young savages from the East and trains them herself."
"Wasn't there any security?" Herbert asked.
Hausen nodded. "One of the victims was a guard."
"Why attack a movie set?" Hood asked.
"It was an American and German production," Hausen said. "That's reason enough for Doring. She wants all foreigners out of Germany. But the terrorists also stole a trailer filled with Nazi memorabilia. Medals, weapons, uniforms, and the like."
"Sentimental bastards," Herbert said.
"Perhaps," said Hausen. "Or they may want it for something else. You see, gentlemen, there is an abhorrent phenomenon, several years old, called Chaos Days."
"I've heard of that," Herbert said.
"Not through the media, I suspect," Hausen said. "Our reporters don't want to publicize the event."
"Sort of makes them accomplices to Nazi-style censorship, doesn't it?" Stoll wondered.
Herbert scowled at him. "Hell, no. I don't blame them. I've heard about Chaos Days from friends at Interpol. It really is a stinking business."
"It is that," Hausen agreed. He looked at Stoll, then at Hood. "Hate groups from all over Germany and even from other nations converge in Hanover, one hundred kilometers south of here. They have rallies and exchange their sick ideas and literature. Some, including Doring's group,