A solid three-dimensional map appeared, hovering in the air in front of the boys. It was an aerial view of the terrain, overlaid with chart symbols. The boys were familiar with the format. A black gloved hand hovered over the map, which would point to features referred to in the Officer’s briefing.
The boys gathered around, and began to study it. Tom was quite animated, dancing around the map to inspect the various features in detail.
‘Your mission,’ continued the Officer, ‘is to rescue a senior diplomat of the Western Alliance. He was kidnapped five days ago in Berlin and has just been delivered here to the castle of General Arkanovich.’
‘How did you find that out?’ asked Van.
The Officer ignored the question.
‘This diplomat is privy to our military plans for the Eastern Front. The General is skilled in the use of torture, and will push a man to death to get information. Our diplomat is in the gravest danger,’ said the Officer, emphasising the last point with an appropriate tone of voice.
‘I wish these dummies would answer our questions,’ said Van. He stepped up to the Officer and knocked on his forehead. The Officer did not react.
‘You make your way up to the castle through the forest,’ he continued, ‘which is packed with security measures to detect and destroy intruders. There are tree mounted cameras, automatic gun turrets, and you will encounter patrols circling the perimeter. Wild animals also roam the forest, so be on your guard at all times.’
Having studied the map, the boys now started to shuffle around impatiently. They had heard this kind of briefing many times before, but were unable to get going until it was over.
‘Once you reach the castle, you make your way to the top of the South Tower where the diplomat is being held. Give him the spare pair of ski-boots, and escort him back here.’
‘Can he ski?’ asked Van.
‘Finally, let’s run through your kit,’ said the Officer, ignoring him again.
