Chapter Two: Restoration

They were sitting at the Hammelburg train station, appearing to be patiently waiting for the 2:00 afternoon train to arrive. In actuality, they were nervously awaiting the next leg of their mission.

Colonel Hogan was sitting on the bench in a prominent Gestapo captain's uniform. The people on the platform kept their distance. There were few that were boarding. Most people took the morning trains. Leaning casually against the wall of the box office, a little ways from him, was Newkirk, in middle class civilian clothes. He had a knapsack slung over his shoulder. He eyed all the people on the platform suspiciously. Then, one young fraulein went by and he could not keep his eyes off her. With a sheepish glance at Colonel Hogan, he followed the young lady to a bench and sat down beside her.

"Nice day, isn't it," he asked in his best German, while still trying to sound charming. It was difficult feat. The sound of the language left little room for romantic words. "Are you meeting the soldiers that are coming home?"

"Yes," answered the fraulein. "My brother is coming home on a furlough. And it is much nicer today. It is good to have spring come earlier this year."

Newkirk was about to reply when another man, dressed similar to him sat down beside him. Newkirk recognized the man to be Johann Krieger, an agent who was meeting them here. With an ungrateful sigh, he turned to the lady once again.

"Well," he said. "I hope your brother enjoys his furlough. I must go now."

He gave a slight nod and got up with Johann.

"You know her," asked Johann curiously.

"We just met," answered Newkirk. "About a minute ago."

Johann nodded and smiled knowingly.

"I thought you said all five you would be here," asked Johann.

"Well not 'ere, exactly," explained Newkirk. "But in on the mission. You've seen Colonel Hogan. The other three are down the line, at the bridge. We're takin' out two with one stone so to speak."

"And we will get off before we get to the bridge," asked Johann nervously.

"The train'll stop on the bridge," said Newkirk. "We'll take our man, and then get off, and get into the woods. The conductor'll be told to start up again, and then it'll blow. Simple."

"I hope," said Johann. "I would not want to be on the train when it goes off."

Newkirk chuckled. "Me either, mate."

They then heard the whistle of the train in the distance. Looking up, they saw the smoke of the engine over the tree line.

"Well," said Newkirk. "Make yourself comfortable. Just relax. We've done this 'bout a 'undred times now."

"I'm glad I'm only doing this once," said Johann.

"Yea, I wouldn't mind tradin' spaces with you," said Newkirk. "You're goin' ta England!"

"Shhh," stuttered Johann nervously.

Newkirk chuckled. "Listen, if you act relaxed, no one'll suspect you. Come on, just enjoy the afternoon. It's the first day of spring. I'm enjoyin' it. We don't get peaceful afternoons like this at camp."

"I am sure you do not." muttered Johann. "Guards pushy?"

"Oh, not really," said Newkirk. "It's only when we have to push their buttons to get somethin' done. Then, they're always yellin' at you."

The train turned the last curve and was now beginning to slow down. Newkirk shifted his pack, and pulled out his ticket.

"All right, mate," he said. "We've gone over this plenty o' times. Just wait for my signal like we talked about."

"But you did not tell me the signal," said Johann.

"You'll know it when you see it," muttered Newkirk.

The train came to a halt beside the platform, and the passengers began to come off. Most were soldiers, on a furlough. Newkirk looked over to young fraulein and saw that her brother was a tall, bull of a man. He grimaced, reminding himself that if he ever tried to get a date with her, her brother should not be around.

The few on the platform waited until all the passengers were gone before they began to board. Newkirk lined up behind Colonel Hogan, with Johann following close behind.

"Got everything," asked Hogan out of the corner of his mouth.

"Yes, Guv," replied Newkirk, equally discreet.

"Just wait for my signal," said Hogan. He then handed his ticket to the clerk and boarded.

"Do you know what the signal is," asked Johann, from over Newkirk's shoulder.

Newkirk shrugged. "I'll know when I see it."

"A very organized crew you are," growled Johann, annoyed. He was beginning to wonder if he had picked the right time to volunteer for a mission as important as this one. Usually, he was just on routine pick-ups, drop-offs, or passing on information. Now, he volunteers to pick up someone off a train, and the next thing he knew, he was being ordered to get back to England. But he knew it was best. Suspicion was starting to form around him ,especially when people starting questioning where his father had gone. He honestly had no idea, but no one else knew either.

Johann handed the clerk his ticket and papers. The clerk was an older gentleman; short, frail looking, with thin white hair. He looked as if he might break under a slight wind. The clerk looked back up at him and nodded, and then returned the papers.

"Hope you are comfortable on your stay," said the clerk. "If you need anything, just ask and we will service you."

Johann nodded. He wondered if the man ever thought about when he was going to die. Did he have a family? Was there anyone depending on his checks? Was he nice, or was he a greedy little thing? Was he a true Nazi, or was did he secretly think against the Führer's words? Before he let his thoughts turn into emotions, Johann walked down the small corridor, to where Newkirk stood waiting for him.

"What now," he asked.

"We'll meet Colonel 'Ogan in the club car," replied the Englishman.

"Is that where our man is," asked Johann quickly.

"I don't think so," said Newkirk. "The Guv'nor just wanted to get a drink, an' I wouldn't mind joinin' 'im."

()()()()()()

"Andrew?"

Carter's fingers were glued to Newkirk's neck.

"André?"

Again, they got no response from their companion.

"Carter, what's wrong?"

At the Colonel's voice, Carter slowly looked up.

"He's…he's alive," Carter managed. Suddenly, he snapped into action. He pulled his coat off, and then cursed because it was not dry.

The others snapped out of their reveries. Carter and LeBeau (LeBeau trying not to gag at the sight of blood) knelt down to pull Newkirk from under the brush.

"Here, hold this," Carter said to Geoff, who was closest to him. He handed Newkirk's hat to the older man. Geoff took it and stuffed it in his pocket.

"We need to get him out of here," said Hogan. "It'll just get colder as the night goes on."

Carter and LeBeau pulled harder. Kinch, suddenly ridden with impatience, swooped down and gathered Newkirk in his arms.

"To camp," he asked Hogan.

"As quickly as we can," replied Hogan. He looked at Newkirk, and swallowed. They could not lose him now. Not after having their hopes restored.