Chapter 2: A Change in Command
Neither man answered. Klink was getting tired of this game. "I'm not asking for any military secrets. I need to know which one is the highest ranking officer."
Softly, his Hogan said, "He is."
"Why did you tell him? What else have you told this Kraut?" yelled the new Hogan.
"Kommandant, will this stay between us?" asked his Hogan.
"If you're referring to the two of you being related, yes," Klink answered calmly. Finally, he might get some cooperation. Besides, he needed a way to tell the two apart when he called for Colonel Hogan.
"Tom, I know what you've been through. He isn't like the others you've run into. You play by the rules and so does he," said Hogan.
Tom shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day someone whooped you."
"It's not like that. I do what I have to for the sake of the men here. Now it's your turn," said Hogan sadly.
"What do you mean my turn?" asked Tom
"He means you're now the new Senior POW Officer. You're responsible for the men in this camp," answered Klink. "They'll bring all complaints to you. You handle them to the best of your ability. Colonel Hogan can help you get adjusted. Normally, you would be entitled to your own room. You still can if you want. We're short on beds and Colonel Hogan would have to find somewhere else to sleep or seeing as both of you are the same rank, related and have an extra bed in your room, the two of you can bunk together." There was a moment of silence. "I'm sure Colonel Hogan can explain everything to you as you get settled in."
"I don't plan on getting to comfy here anyhow," answered Tom.
"I warn you. No one has escaped from this camp. Any attempts will be severely punished by thirty days in the cooler. To reduce confusion here, I'll refer to you as SPO," Klink said pointing to Tom. "That's all. Dismissed.
Colonel Hogan saluted Klink. Klink bit his lip to keep from laughing at Hogan elbowing Tom to salute. Reluctantly, Tom saluted.
After the two men left, Klink rubbed his temples. "Why didn't I surrender to Colonel Hogan when I had the chance?"
HH HH HH
Hogan pointed different aspects of the camp out to Tom as they crossed the compound. As they walked, Hogan tried to not limp. The bullet wound he received from getting Wright to the plane 1was still sore and one of the wounds he received in Berlin had become infected, making walking painful.2 "I'll give you the grand tour when you're ready. This is it; home sweet home." Hogan opened the door to Barracks 2.
Tom looked around. "The chicken coup on Uncle Jim's farm looks in better shape. How could you have not escaped from the likes of him? What little I've seen of the camp, I already saw three ways to escape."
"I can't escape," said Hogan in a low voice.
"Like I said, they have you whooped," Tom said with disgust.
"It isn't I'm not physically capable of escaping, it's I can't." Hogan hoped Tom would drop it. As bad as he wanted to tell and show Tom everything, he had to be cautious. He hadn't seen Tom in six years. A lot could have changed in that amount of time. There had to be a good reason why Tom was sent to Stalag 13.
"I don't get it. What do you mean you can't?" asked Tom.
"The Krauts put me here so I'd stay put. Before I came here, I was always trying to escape. The Krauts put me in charge of these men. Until recently, I was the only officer in camp. If I escape and not recaptured within twenty-four hours, the men in this camp will be punished. It won't be Klink's thirty days in the cooler either." Hogan opened the door to his room. "This is your room. I remember how much you hated sharing your room with me when we were younger so I'll have my stuff out of here in a few minutes."
"Is it true there are no more beds in camp?" asked Tom
Hogan opened his toiletry bag, shoving the stuff on the shelf in it. "Pretty much. Not too long ago we had around 800 new prisoners come in. I'm sure I can find somewhere else to sleep. If all else fails, I'll pull rank and take someone else's bed and let them worry about finding somewhere to sleep."
Tom placed his hand on Hogan's shoulder. "No since in wasting this other bed little brother. I get top though." After a laugh, Tom jumped on the top bunk. "Ouch! I've slept on ground softer than this."
A short time later, voices were heard in the common room. "Let me introduce you to the rest of the gang." Hogan and Tom walked into the common room. "Men, I like to introduce you to our new SPO, Colonel Hogan."
The room got quiet. Everyone stared in amazement. Did they just hear what they thought they heard?
"Pardon me gov'nor? Did you just say Colonel Hogan?" asked Newkirk.
"That I did. He's my older brother. Since he out ranks me, he's the new SPO. I'm sure you'll treat him the same way you treat me. Tom, you must be hungry, what would you like for lunch?"
"To tell the truth, Kraut food doesn't agree with me," said Tom, rubbing his stomach.
"How about French food? LeBeau here is a French Chef," said Hogan.
"You have a French Chef? I might like staying here after all. Wait! He isn't going to make me any snails or anything else slimy?" asked Tom
LeBeau mumbled something in French and walked away, waving his hands in the air.
"LeBeau, he didn't mean anything bad by it." Hogan approached LeBeau. "Make him one of your specialties."
"I haven't gotten a chance to get cleaned up from the work detail. I'm tired. I'm sore. I don't feel like making food for myself. Let him eat bosche food like everyone else," said LeBeau with some irritancy.
Hogan cocked his eyebrow at LeBeau's tone. Normally he would have said something, but tension had been tight in camp with all the new prisoners and lack of supplies. He knew his men needed to blow off steam. He also understood the resentment to a new SPO.
The SPO of the camp LeBeau was at before being transferred here, escaped and left the men there to suffer the consequences. It was said that same SPO treated him more like a slave than a fellow prisoner. Since it was a sensitive subject, he never brought it up. LeBeau even resented him in the beginning. After Hogan told the men his plan about running a sabotage unit from camp, LeBeau was one of the first to volunteer.
Placing a hand on LeBeau's shoulder, Hogan said, "You can do it after you get cleaned up. It doesn't have to be anything fancy."
"Why are you asking? You're a colonel and he's a corporal. Order him to do it. Wait a minute. Forget it, I'll order him," said Tom
Hogan glared at Tom. "That isn't how we do things around here." He turned back to LeBeau. "Remember when I first came to camp?"
LeBeau nodded. "Oui. I'll make him something because you asked me to, not because of some order."
"Thanks, LeBeau. The rest of you get cleaned up. Tom, do you want to rest or tour the camp?"
"I guess I'll take the grand tour now," Tom said, walking out the door.
Hogan walked up to Kinch. "Radio London about Kewpie."
Hogan joined Tom outside. Tom shook his head at Hogan. "Is there anyone here who doesn't walk all over you?"
"I do things differently here. When you've been through all I have been through, I want to see how you act. No, I don't let them walk all over me. I have to play the cowed prisoner for the Nazis to help keep the peace here. Look around. This camp was not designed to hold twelve hundred people. I have my men and all the barrack captains on full time duty trying to keep peace. Supplies are scarce and demand is great. We're overdue for Red Cross packages because the road was bombed out. The men just fixed it so they should be here soon," said Hogan.
"Why the cowed prisoner? Stand up to them. Show them we'll not be beaten," suggested Tom.
Hogan paused. "Do you think I enjoy playing the cowed prisoner? How long ago were you shot down?"
Tom looked at Hogan weird. "About three weeks go."
"I was in custody for three months before I came here. Two of those months were a living hell. I was tortured night and day for information. They were willing to do whatever it took to get me to talk, even torturing and killing my crew in front of me3. After not getting anything from me, they decided to give the Gestapo a go at trying to get answers from me. Yes, I said Gestapo not Luftwaffe." Hogan hung his head as memories came to his mind. Then he saw the faces of his men when Koch put the gun in his hand.4
"I was told the time with the Gestapo was mostly a punishment for my escape attempts. It didn't stop them from using a more severe punishment if I didn't give them answers." I think. At least that's what I was told. For some reason I don't remember much about that time. All I know is what I've read in my file and been told5. "Not to mention what I've endured since I've been here either," said Hogan. "I do what I have to, to survive and for the good of the camp. There were times when the Nazis were interested in some of my men. I did whatever it took to get their attention on to me. I've taken many beatings protecting these men and I'll continue to take them if it means they don't have to."
There was a moment of silence between the two men. Finally Tom spoke up. "Sorry Rob. I had no idea. I just thought…" Tom trailed off.
Hogan looked Tom in the eye. "All of the men around here have been through a lot. Give them a break. Many of us have changed who we are, just to survive. Before you judge people here, know the whole story first."
"I know we didn't part on the best of terms and apparently we didn't start on the best of terms either. What do you say we start anew? I'll hear everyone out before I make a judgment call and you can show me the ropes," suggested Tom
"Deal big brother." Hogan smiled and shook his brother's hand.
"Colonel Hogan! Colonel Hogan!" Sergeant Mathis yelled running up to Hogan. There's a problem in Barracks 12."
"Come on Tom. Your first official act as the SPO." The three men rushed to Barrack 12. When Hogan opened the door, the men were in a large brawl. "You wanted to be in charge. Go ahead and handle it."
Tom glared at Hogan. "ATEN-TION!" Tom yelled. No one paid any attention. "Why is no one listening to me?"
Hogan gave a small laugh then whistled. Everyone quieted down and stopped fighting. "There all yours."
"Someone mind telling me what's going on here?" asked Tom.
"He started it," two men said pointing at each other.
"What happened?" asked Tom.
"Colonel Hogan!" yelled Corporal Hawkins. "There's a fight in Barracks 10."
"What's going on here? Someone give an order for a diversion and forgot to tell me?" said Hogan. "You handle this one. I'll see about Barracks 10."
Upon entering Barracks 10, Hogan quickly put his hands up to block a flying boot "ENOUGH!" yelled Hogan. "What's going on here? Have you forgotten we're supposed to be fighting the Nazis and not each other?"
"He took my blanket," said Private Hurst.
"You weren't using it. Besides, I out rank you and can do what I want," said Lieutenant Barns.
Hogan strolled up to Barns, forcing him to back up against the wall. "Is that so, Lieutenant? Where's your blanket?"
"On my bed," answered Barns.
"On your bed what?" asked Hogan, sternly. Normally he didn't make anyone use formalities with him. In cases of maintaining order and discipline, he did.
Barns quickly came to attention. "On my bed, Sir."
"If your blank is on your bed, why did you take Hurst's blanket?" asked Hogan.
"I…I was cold, Sir," stammered Barns.
"We're all cold. You're an officer. The men look up to you for guidance and wisdom. I don't want to hear of you abusing your position again. If I do, we'll have a private talk. Do I make myself clear?" scolded Hogan.
"Sir, yes, Sir," answered Barns
"Good. Now get this mess cleaned up." Hogan exited the barracks to see how Tom was doing.
HH HH HH
The men were in the showers, enjoying the hot water Hogan was able to get for them. It felt good on their sore muscles. "Why are you being so hard on the gov'nor's brother?" Newkirk asked LeBeau.
"I don't want someone new. I don't want things to change," said LeBeau.
"I don't want things to change either. After being left behind to get captured by the Nazis by my CO, I didn't think I could trust another officer again. Remember how hard I was on Colonel Hogan?" LeBeau nodded. "When he walked into Gestapo Headquarters to get me out after I was caught when I disobeyed his orders, I knew right then he was different. He could've left me there, but he didn't," Newkirk said remembering back.
"Oui. Colonel Hogan was furious with you. After all he had just gone through there, he walked in there for you," added LeBeau. "He almost didn't you know. There was too much at stake to leave you there. Besides, no one deserves whatever they would have done to you."
"I know. He made that perfectly clear in the dressing down he gave me when we got back." Newkirk paused a moment. "The point is he earned my respect, even though I didn't want to give it. I gave him a chance after that. Give Colonel…Hogan a chance. He doesn't know your cooking. Give him a break for the gov'nor's sake."
LeBeau thought a moment. "You're right. I'll give him a chance. I'll apologize when we get back."
HH HH HH
Tom handled things in Barracks 12. He waited outside the barracks door for Hogan to return. Hogan finished giving Tom the grand tour. He pointed out the different buildings, where the prisoners were and were not allowed to go. They turned a corner of one of the barracks and ran into Wilson. Hogan noticed the disapproving look Wilson gave him.
"Colonel, it appears you're disobeying my orders," Wilson said sternly.
Tom glanced at Hogan then to Wilson. "You take orders from a sergeant?"
"That's the problem; he doesn't. I said no excessive walking. Where's the cane I gave you?" asked Wilson.
Tom was ready to say something when Hogan interrupted him. "I'm not sure where it went. I haven't seen it since before my trip to Berlin. Besides, my leg is doing much better now and don't need it."
"Berlin?" inquired Tom.
"Later," Hogan said to Tom."
"I want to see you in the infirmary immediately. I need to check your wounds to make sure none of them are infected." Before Wilson left, he gave Hogan the look that told him it would be wise to listen to him.
Tom stopped Hogan from following. "Is there something I should know little brother?"
"Yea, there is. Don't upset that man." Hogan proceeded to follow Wilson to the infirmary.
Tom walked into the infirmary behind Hogan. "Tom, what are you doing here?" asked Hogan.
"Can't the SPO be concerned for the wellbeing of someone in his command?" asked Tom
"I'm glad you care, but get out," said Hogan sternly.
A smile appeared on Tom's face as he crossed his arms. "I'm staying and neither one of you have the power to order me to do otherwise."
"Do whatever you want. You always did." With disgust Hogan went to the exam table. It's bad enough Wilson and his men knew about his injuries. How would Tom react? With us sharing a room, he'll find out eventually. Might as well get it over with.
Hogan unbuttoned his shirt as Wilson put a screen up, blocking the view in case someone should walk in. He took a deep breath as he removed the shirt. After seeing the shock in Tom's eyes, Hogan looked away.
"I had no idea. I'm sorry for everything I said. Why did they do this to you?" asked Tom.
Hogan couldn't look at Tom when he answered. "General Lawrence, my former CO, was shot down and taken to Berlin. Somehow they made the connection between us. Hochstetter handed Klink orders transferring me from Luftwaffe custody to Gestapo. I was taken to Berlin to use as persuasion to get him to talk."
"What about the older scars?" asked Tom.
"Ouch!" yelled Hogan as he instinctively jerked away from Wilson.
Wilson paused, locking eyes with Hogan. He only bumped his leg. "Is there something you forgot to tell me about?"
"It's just a scratch. Nothing to worry about," Hogan said with a smile.
Wilson shook his head. "Take your pants off."
Hogan grumbled under his breath as he took his pants off. On his left thigh was a very infected wound. The wound was showed signs of being infected as well as his thigh was swelled and slightly red.
Wilson laid his hand on the leg. It was burning up. "Colonel, can you please ask Sergeant Kinchloe to come here. He's the big black American in Barracks 2."
"You don't need to involve him," Hogan protested. "But if you want him here, I'll put my clothes back on and get him for you."
Hogan could tell his comment had gotten to Wilson. "Not you, the other one. You're staying put or else…"
Wilson didn't need to finish the sentence. Hogan knew what he meant. Ever since the "cave in", Klink has given Wilson permission to do whatever he deemed necessary to help with the healing of Hogan's leg, including putting a cast on it. As far as Klink knew, Hogan's leg received a hairline fracture when he tried to stop Wright from escaping. The truth was he was shot in the leg trying to deliver Wright to the plane bound for England; the bullet nicked the bone, causing the fracture6.
Even though his leg wasn't bothering him as much, Wilson would lie to Klink, saying his leg would never heal properly without it. Klink would let him do it. Question was would it be because he cared about Hogan's wellbeing or out of spite? He didn't want to find out.
After Tom left, Wilson approached him with two aspirin and a glass of water. "This will help with the pain." After Wilson gave Hogan the pills, he walked to the other side of the divider.
A short time later, Hogan heard Tom and Kinch enter. He heard Wilson talking low to them. He strained his ears to hear what they were saying. Finally he gave up. "Tom always has to take over everything that's mine. I come back from camp and Tom took my room. In high school he took my girlfriend to the prom. Now he comes here and takes my camp away from me. What's next; my command?" Hogan mumbled.
"Are you a bit jealous, Rob?" asked Tom.
Hogan shook his finger at Tom. "Nothing has changed with you."
Wilson nodded to Kinch and Tom to carry out his instructions. Tom grabbed Hogan's arms and held them down while Kinch held down his legs. Before Hogan could protest, Wilson shoved a roll of material in his mouth. "Hold still. This will only take a minute. I have to get the wound cleaned before the poison gets into your blood. You realize if this goes untreated, you could lose your leg or it could kill you?"
Wilson removed the instruments from his pocket. The first thing he did was give Hogan a shot of penicillin, then started cleaning the wound. Hogan knew Wilson was doing what was best for him, but there was no way he could lay still. The prodding and digging hurt too much. He squirmed as hard as he could to free himself from their unrelenting grasp. Hogan was thankful for the roll of material Wilson put in his mouth. As much as he didn't want to cry out in pain, there was no way to stop it. Before Wilson was finished, he lost the battle to hold back the tears and they rolled down his face. It seemed like an eternity passed when it was only five minutes. He was relieved when Wilson was through.
Wilson removed the roll of material from Hogan's mouth. "You can release him now."
Tom stared at Hogan. "Are you sure it's safe?"
"If you don't let me go right now, it won't be safe," threatened Hogan.
Wilson handed Hogan a bottle of aspirin. "Take these if it should start hurting again. If the pain gets worse or you do not see the redness going away, let me know. The rest of your wounds are healing nicely. I'll see you later for another shot of penicillin."
Hogan gazed at the bottle in his hand. "Sure."
"And be sure to use this when walking around." Wilson handed Hogan his cane. Hogan refused to accept it. Wilson handed it to Tom. "Here, make him use it will ya."
Tom accepted the cane. After Hogan was dressed, Tom handed the cane to Hogan. "No."
"Come on Rob. Doctor's orders," said Tom.
"He's not a doctor, he's a medic." Hogan tried to walk passed Tom.
Tom used the cane to block him. "Fine, it's my orders."
Hogan couldn't believe Tom just pulled rank on him. "Respectfully, no, Sir. The last time I used the cane, I was accused of being old."
Tom threw his hands up. "Hold on Rob, I didn't mean for it to come out like that. Humor us. Please."
Hogan thought a moment. He grabbed the cane from Tom. "Since you said please. See Wilson, saying please will get you much further."
1 Brainwashed by Nitestalker
2 Reliving the Past by Nitestalker
3 Once Upon A Time by Nitestalker
4 Broken by Nitestalker
5 Once Upon A Time by Nitestalker
6 Brainwashed by Nitestalker