'I am not an engineer,' Himmler reminded him impatiently.

'According to Prandtl's theory of the boundary layer, the air sweeping in on an object in flight increases its resistance in direct proportion to the increasing speed of the flying object. Because of this, the speed of any flying object is finite. However, if some method can be found of removing the boundary layer, virtually limitless speed and manoeuvrability will be achieved.'

'And a disc shape is the best shape for this?'

'Potentially, yes. The buildup of the boundary layer is dramatically increased by the many surface protuberances of a normal aircraft wings, tails, rudders, rotors, and so forth. If we could get rid of those by somehow wrapping them together as part and parcel of the one, circular, smooth-surfaced flying wing we would at least be on the road to the perfect flying machine.'

'And you think we can accomplish this here in Germany?'

'I think you're the country with most interest in such developments and certainly the most advanced so far. Regarding vertical-rising aircraft, the Focke-Wulf Company has already announced that it has almost completed its FW 61 helicopter, which will be the first fully operational helicopter in existence. Regarding experimental tailless aircraft, or flying wings, devoid of vertical stabilizing or control surfaces, the Horten brothers of Bonn have already produced some successful prototypes. As for other problems standing in the way of limitless speed and manoeuvrability, it was a German, Professor Ludwig Prandtl, who, at Gottingen in 1904, defined the nature of the boundary layer. Since then, many other German scientists have been experimenting with revolutionary new types of aircraft in the hope of finding a way of defeating that layer. A disc-or-saucer-shaped aircraft, without any surface protuberances, is the logical outcome of that research.'

Himmler's smile was as chilling as the gaze behind his small pincenez. 'There are those who would say that such an aircraft cannot be built.'

'The foolish always speak loudest.'

'And you think that you can help with such a project?'

'I can complete it, Reichsfhrer. I've been working toward this goal all my life and have now almost reached it.'

Himmler glanced at Wilson's technical drawings, which had been done in black ink, then raised his eyes again as he spread his slim hands in a questioning manner.

'But are you close to reaching it?' he asked. 'My scientists often make the same claim - but so far they have failed.'

'Just look at my drawings, Reichsfhrer.'

'I am not a scientist, Herr Wilson. Your drawings look impressive, but to me they are meaningless though initial reports have certainly confirmed that your written work is extraordinary. These drawings will have to be studied further by people more knowledgeable than I. In the meantime, I have to consider what it is you want from me.'

'I've already told you that, Reichsfhrer. I wrote to you not only for the reasons we've just discussed, but also because I know that the SS is gradually taking over the security and management of the Third Reich's major scientific and research establishments, that soon it will be the most powerful organization in Germany, and that you, its Reichsfhrer, are the only man in power with the vision to see what can be done in this particular field. Already you've implemented a discshaped aircraft project; only I can take that project to its completion but I need your support.'

There was silence for a moment and Wilson waited patiently, neither excited nor frightened. He was fully in control as Himmler stared steadily at him. He did not flinch from the mild monster, but neither did he try to challenge him. Instead he let his gaze go slightly out of focus, as if gazing inward.

Which he did in a sense, thinking back upon America, remembering G.o.ddard and how the Americans had mocked him while these clever Germans revered him. Well, G.o.ddard was back in Roswell, struggling along on a mere pittance, while he, Wilson, if Himmler went as he thought he would, would soon have all the money and equipment he could possibly want.

Pleased, he focused again upon Himmler, whose mild gaze concealed madness.

'You do realize, Herr Wilson, that once I gave that support, you would be committed to working for the Third Reich for the rest of your days?'

'Yes, Reichsfhrer.'

'And that if you betrayed us, or even tried to leave the country, I would personally have you executed?'

'Yes, Reichsfhrer, I realize that, also.'

'You are therefore willing to commit yourself totally to the Third Reich and all it stands for?'

'Yes, Reichsfhrer,' Wilson said. He lied easily, being well beyond morality, thinking only of his own plans for the future and ignoring all else. 'I'm willing to do that.'

Himmler stared steadily at him, his gaze searching, then he nodded, as if coming to a decision, though not without doubts.

'You must really despise your government,' he said, 'for what it did to you.'

'No, I don't,' Wilson said. 'Such emotions are redundant. I'm here not because I want revenge, but because my government won't support my work and I think you will. It's as simple as that.'

'You are more than committed to your work,' Himmler observed. 'You are clearly fanatical.'

'I live only for my work as you do and that makes us superior men.'

'I think you really believe that, Herr Wilson.'

'I do, Reichsfhrer. I do.'

Himmler smiled at the subtle flattery but was otherwise unmoved by it. He then glanced down at Wilson's drawings, scratched his nose while studying them, shook his head from side to side in wonder, and looked up again.

'I am going to have you placed in the custody of the Gestapo,' he said, 'in their headquarters in the Prinz Albrechtstra.s.se. You needn't worry. I do this merely for convenience. I wish to have these drawings examined in more detail and to have you interrogated at length, regarding your past and present att.i.tudes as well as your work. Naturally, you will be interrogated by one of my intelligence officers but hopefully one with an engineering background. Should the results of our investigations prove positive, you will, as you request, be given work at the rocket research establishment at k.u.mmersdorf West. On the other hand, if our findings are negative, you will be shot and buried as the German citizen whom these false identification papers say you are. Is that acceptable, Herr Wilson?'