Damien Broderick - Strange Attractors Original (pdf) (novels to read in english .TXT) 📖

left, the reliefevident on his features.

Even now, many found it difficult to accept the firm, guiding

hand of National Socialism.

Rudolf Esser paced around the reception room. Gauleiter Kahr

had kept him waiting for fifteen minutes now. He checked his grey

uniform again for any fallen hair, particle of lint. These new uniforms were well-designed. He wore his with pleasure. The Sicherheitdienst might not be as famous as the SS or the Wehrmacht, yet they were respected by those with a modicum of

knowledge of the world.

With a click the doors of the office opened. Gauleiter Kahr

stepped forward, his stolid but arrogant movements characteristically East Prussian.

‘I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, H auptm ann Esser. The press

of State is merciless.’

They exchanged pleasantries, and the older man led him into the

office. It was modest but impressive. Rudolf was struck by the

portraits of British officials — or were they perhaps Australian? —

along with paintings of local landscapes.

‘Ah yes, the images of my predecessors. This building was their

place of residence. They were South Australian Governors before

this Gau was incorporated into the Reich.’

Rudolf Esser was at a loss for words. ‘Surely . . . ’

‘Sit down, H auptm ann, there’s no need to worry. We’re not so

bound by the strictures of home here. The SD is a loyal friend to us.

Come — perhaps you’d care to sample some of the local wine.’ The

Party officer poured a glass for each of them. ‘It’s a high honour to

be Gauleiter of Greater Barossa. I trust you fully appreciate the

regard the Party has for this area. All the other Australian States

were formed into SS territories. This is one of the few overseas

dominions which is legally part of the Fatherland. It’s my territory

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John Playford

as well.’

Rudolf nodded. They sipped their wine, which was surprisingly

good, and discussed the local situation. The Gestapo SS had been

very successful in locating the Jews, Aborigines, Gypsies, political

leaders, deviants and other racial chaff, most of whom had been

sanctioned. Eventually Kahr came to the point.

‘You must understand that the Barossa Germans had to be augmented by loyal settlers from Hanover and elsewhere. This remains a continuing political necessity.’

‘O f course.’

Kahr gave him a hard look. ‘We wish you to investigate certain

elements within the Party who oppose our social coordination

programme. Most of them are Barossa Germans; one Karl

Schmidt is their leader. Talk to them, enter their circles, get to

know Schmidt. While we don’t wish to go as far as the SS Territories, there must be some move here towards industrial feudalism, and clearer distinctions as to who are Untermenschen. These are the Fiihrer’s long-term aims.’

O r Heinrich Him mler’s.

‘The German Reich must remain an organic whole,’ Rudolf said

piously.

The Gauleiter smiled. ‘Quite so. We operate on levels above

those of ordinary men. You’re here to purify our ranks. You’ll have

any resources you require.’ He passed Rudolf a sheaf of forms.

‘These are authorisations for summary execution. We can’t afford

to antagonise the SS. W ith that exception you’re free to use them

against whomever you think fit.’ He paused. ‘Apart from myself, my

family and close friends.’

He ran his hand along Trudi’s thigh, up to her pubic hair. He had

an early morning erection. The bed was luxurious and he had no

desire to leave it. He pushed her over to one side, entered her. She

gave a groan as she woke, then her legs came around him; he kissed

her. The quilt fell away from them. He pulled her on top of him,

and massaged her breasts.

The more that she accepted him, the cooler his ardour became.

True union would have to be reflected in the outer world. After a

time he climaxed; only then did he wipe the sleep from his eyes. She

still refused to m arry him. Every rejection hurt him more, transformed her little by little into a beast; that was his way of coping.

The sanctuary tree

155

He was caught in a vicious cycle, and redemption could come only

from her.

Their Untermensch body servant licked his lips