Yesterday's Memories
By
Jennaya
Written for pleasure only and no copyright infringement is meant or implied. I don't own any of Hogan's Heroes. Previously unrecognized characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author
"How bad was the cave in?" Hogan asked his arms crossed in front of him standing in front of Barracks Two. It was a warm summer's day and the prisoners of Stalag 13 were wandering about the compound; some were tossing a ball around, others gathered in small groups talking.
"Looks like thirty feet of tunnel nine is gone. It's going to take a month to dig it out. We've lost several support structures and Barracks Eight no longer has tunnel access," Newkirk explained, taking a puff of his cigarette.
"What about access to the infirmaries?" Hogan questioned furrowing his brow.
"Both the topside and the tunnel infirmary can still be reached through tunnel five. The only entrances lost were to Barracks Eight and the recreation hall. Why it caved in we're not sure. I suppose a beam could have broken," Kinch answered. Topside it had been a quiet week, which Hogan and his team needed. They'd carried out an extensive sabotage job a few days ago, along with sending a dozen rescued flyers back to England.
"I think we should do a thorough inspection of the entire tunnel system to make sure nothing else is at risk of collapsing," Carter suggested.
"That's a good idea. LeBeau, get the engineers together and take care of it. The top priorities are our barracks, the radio room, emergency tunnel, Carter's lab, and the infirmaries," Hogan ordered with a weary sigh.
"Oui, mon Colonel," LeBeau took off across the compound to complete his task casting a cautious glance at the guards. The guards were milling around talking to each other and the prisoners. Tower guards were at their post, but most looked like they were day dreaming more than watching their charges with care.
"If it's not the Germans, it's always something else going on around here. Fortunately no one was injured. Was there any damage to the antenna?" Hogan asked.
"No, sir, we got lucky. The entire radio system is up and running," Kinch answered as they all watched a truck enter the compound. As it came to a stop, three Allied soldiers were ordered out. "Looks like we have new guests."
Schultz ambled over to the truck taking charge of the new men ordering their chains removed while signing the paperwork to accept them. The men turned around allowing the heroes a good look at them.
"Wonder where those poor bastards are from? Too bad we didn't get them in the last round we picked up," Newkirk said tossing his cigarette, not noticing the look of shock on Kinch's face.
"We can't rescue them all," Hogan responded watching the newcomers.
Kinch suddenly sat down on the bench in front of the barracks with a gasp; a trembling hand covered his face, "Oh shit no."
"Are you all right?" Newkirk asked concerned, kneeling down by his friend. Hogan and Carter looked worriedly at him.
"No…no…I," Kinch took off inside the barracks and down the ladder into the tunnel with no more explanation.
"What's wrong with him?" Carter asked disturbed, starting to go after him.
"Give him some space," Hogan ordered stopping both Newkirk and Carter. Although just as concerned, he knew Kinch well enough that he needed time alone right now. Hogan's eyes narrowed watching the new prisoners. "Let's get a better look at them." With long strides Newkirk and Carter followed the Colonel over to Klink's office. "New prisoners, Schultzie?"
"They have to be processed before you can talk to them Colonel," Schultz said knowing Hogan would do whatever he pleased.
"Just want to make introductions. I'm Colonel Hogan, this is Carter and Newkirk," Hogan indicated towards his men.
"Sergeant Gibson, and this is Corporal Stevens, and Private Rays, sir," Gibson saluted him.
"Were you just captured?" Hogan asked, returning the salute wondering who had a history with his radioman.
"Yes, sir, we were shot down over Dusseldorf five days ago. Lousy bit of luck," Gibson groused.
"How was your arm injured?" Hogan addressed the Private.
"In the bailout sir," Rays answered nervously, his eyes shifting downward. "The Germans seemed to patch it up okay."
"We have a medic who will take a look at it once you get settled," Hogan assured him.
"They have to see the Kommandant now," Schultz ordered marching the trio into Klink's office.
"Colonel Hogan, I don't remember inviting you to this interrogation," Klink said rolling his eyes as Hogan followed the new prisoners into his office.
"As senior Prisoner of War officer, I'm entitled to be at any interrogation of my men," Hogan reminded him. "Remember men, only name, rank, and serial number."
"That information I know. Private, what airbase were you stationed at?" Klink asked and wasn't surprised to see Hogan shake his head no at the man.
"Rays, Thomas Private, 097534.
"Were you all in the same crew?"
Stevens glanced at Hogan for approval, "I wasn't in their crew."
"Where were you stationed?"
"Stevens, Owen, Corporal 754310."
"Sergeant, where were you stationed?"
"Gibson, Carl, Sergeant, 114358"
"I'm not going to get any answers, am I?" Klink asked.
"No, sir," Hogan replied with his trademark smile.
"Very well, I don't have time for interrogations today anyway. My paperwork never ends," Klink pointed around his desk. "Schultz, assign them to Barracks Two."
"He can't do that sir," Hogan said firmly.
"And why not?" Klink demanded.
"We're full up, no spare bunks. However, there is enough room in Barracks Eight, sir," Hogan suggested. Schultz looked at Hogan wondering what he was up too; there were three open bunks in Barracks Two.
"Very well, I don't care where you put them. Dismissed!" Klink ordered going back to his paperwork as everyone left his office.
"Schultz, we'll get them settled in Barracks Eight, you don't have to worry about it," Hogan said, casually readjusting his crush cap as they stepped outside.
"They will be in Barracks Eight?" Schultz hesitantly asked and Hogan nodded his head. "Very well, I'll let the guards know."
Hogan, Carter, and Newkirk escorted the prisoners to their new home. While introductions were being made, Hogan pulled the Barracks Chief to the side. "They don't get to know about the operation until further notice."
"Standard checkout, sir?" Master Sergeant Wilkerson asked slightly concerned.
"Not this time, I want you to shake them up, see what you can find out," Hogan ordered.
"Do you suspect they're plants?" Wilkerson looked troubled.
"I don't know, just following my gut."
"Don't worry, we'll turn them upside down and see what falls out," Wilkerson promised casting a watchful eye on his new hut mates.
"Let me know what you find out," Hogan ordered leaving and heading back to his barracks. Newkirk and Carter knew their parts in checking out new arrivals and would fill him in later. When he arrived at the hut, Kinch wasn't in sight, so he hit the hidden mechanism making the ladder appear and went downstairs to the radio room. "Has Kinch been around?"
"No, sir, haven't seen him in a while. He might be helping with the dig out," Baker answered looking up from the radio.
"We have new guests. Contact London and get everythingyou can on them," Hogan handed him a paper with the men's names.
"I'll have their baby formulas for you in a few hours sir," Baker promised with a grin.
Hogan nodded his head then went looking for his missing man. His first stop was where Kinch's punching bag hung; unfortunately, it looked like nobody had touched it today. When Kinch needed to work something out, he usually did it hitting the bag. Hogan made his way over to the cave-in with no luck either. Remembering there was a small alcove that some of the men used as a hideaway, he made his way to it. As he got close, he thought he heard a muffled sob.
"Kinch," Hogan stood at the entrance unable to see Kinch's face from the shadows.
"Please leave, sir," he answered.
Hogan sat down on the ground, his back leaning against the wall. He hadn't missed the small catch in Kinch's voice. This was so out of character for his radioman that he wasn't going to honor his request. He sat quietly listening to Kinch gain control over his breathing. Even without being able to see Kinch's face, Hogan knew it was tear-stained.
Nearly ten minutes later Kinch spoke, "Never imagined I'd have this reaction to seeing him again."
"Who?"
"When Gibson got off that truck, all I could see was my father's face. Then all the feelings of watching helplessly, too young to do anything, and the terror of what he put my father through as they killed him came rushing through me. Thought those memories were gone forever. That day I made a promise I intend to keep. I will kill him."
"I can't allow that to happen. Give me a little time, I'll get him transferred out of here," Hogan promised.
Kinch leaned forward where Hogan could see his face, "With all due respect, sir. It's not up to you this time."