Disclaimer: If you recognize something, chances are I don't own it, and I am writing this for amusement, not profit.
Thanks as always to Suzanne of Dragon's Breath for the beta and help with the title.
Last time I was reading 1984, Brave New World, and Fahrenheit 451. This time I was reading Robert Ludlum. Someone should take my books away.
An Enemy Within
Gestapo Dossier: Colonel Robert E Hogan, USA
Observations of Lieutenant Karl Muller, Gestapo
Sent to Major Wolfgang Hochstetter, Hammelburg Gestapo Headquarters
Decoded message follows:
Day one:
My insertion into Stalag 13 was completed flawlessly. There was one slight difficulty when I was placed among the prisoners to be transferred from the holding camp to Stalag 13. One of the prisoners remarked that he did not recognize me, but this was remedied by pointing out to him that it was a large camp, and we had not been there long. This explanation appeased him, and the rest of the ride passed in silence so as not to give any information to the Germans.
As you predicted, Colonel Hogan appeared right before the other prisoners and I were escorted into the Kommandant's office. He did not have the opportunity to say anything to us other than to remind us that according to the Geneva Convention, we only have to give our names, ranks, and serial numbers. He would occasionally insert a disparaging remark into Klink's speech, something that would never be tolerated by the Gestapo, but Klink ignored the insult. Afterwards, Hogan departed quite abruptly, as though he had urgent business elsewhere, odd though that may seem. This is something I will need to look into.
As much as I disliked the idea of not making the Kommandant aware of my presence, after having met him, I fully concur with your refusal to take him into your confidence. He had barely begun his inane "welcome speech" before I classified him as a complete moron. Hogan's attempts at levity were the only reason that blather was endurable, which may have been his purpose. I cannot imagine why there has not been a successful escape, if five minutes were almost unendurable, I cannot conceive of two years of listening to that idiot.
Despite my best efforts, I was unable to secure a bunk in barracks two. However, this might be a better situation, because, though I may be further from the action, I can still get the basic information that every prisoner in the camp is privy to, but my cover is much less likely to be exposed. There has to be some gossip in a camp of this size; it is inconceivable that all are ignorant of their commanding officer's schemes.
Barracks nine seems ordinary enough. I have not had time for more than a cursory inspection, but I have not seen signs of tunnels or other contraband. This could be suspicious in and of itself, but as I said above, I have not had time for a through search. They might just be adept at hiding forbidden items.
When the other new prisoners and I were settling into our new barracks, a Sergeant David Myers introduced himself as the noncom in charge of barracks nine, and he informed us that Colonel Hogan would speak to us later, but that he was busy at the moment. This is the second indication that Colonel Hogan was busy, which I find rather suspicious. I was given to understand that there is little to do in prisoner of war camps other than to plan the next escape. Surely Hogan could find the time to greet a few new prisoners. This does indicate that at least the barracks leaders are aware of Hogan's activities, whatever they may be.
Myers went on to explain the rules of the camp, most of which were to be expected: roll calls, gambling, letters from home, and the like. One was rather unusual. It seems that all escapes must be approved in advance by Colonel Hogan and his escape committee. Could he be deliberately sabotaging the escape attempts? I cannot see this happening, because by now someone must have caught on, and it would only take one man bypassing Hogan's committee to ruin Klink's perfect record.
Could Hogan be in collusion with Klink? Judging by what I have read of him, he does not seem the type to betray his country and his men. Even if he were, I do not believe the other prisoners would stand for it, much less aid him. They are not in a position to bring an official charge against him, but a fatal "accident" would be easy enough to arrange.
I do not look out of place writing this report at the moment, because several other prisoners are taking advantage of the time to write what I assume are letters home, but I am informed that roll call will happen momentarily. I will write more when I get the opportunity.