In the persona of Carter, Al kept a careful vigil. When Burkhalter arrived, he observed the portly general labor trying to walk up the mere couple of steps leading to the Kommandant's headquarters. He shook his head in contempt.
Hogan joked, "I think Burkhalter needs to give up cigars."
"That and overeating," said Newkirk.
Kinchloe said, "Here's a thought. We'll have Louis assassinate him with extra fat cream."
"Coffee," said Hogan.
Al did not understand the reference. He followed the men into Hogan's office and watched as the officer set up the coffeepot. He almost said something until he heard voices speaking in German. He realized one of the voices belonged to the Kommandant. The other must belong to Burkhalter. These men were genius, he thought. They somehow bugged the Kommandant's office. Yet he felt disadvantaged. He could not understand the conversation. Fortunately, Sam started interpreting.
Burkhalter said, "There are rumors that a special task force is attempting to encroach this part of the district."
Klink asked, "What kind of task force?"
Burkhalter said, "The worst kind. Patton's son-in-law is a prisoner of war at Oflag 13B. Rumor has it he intends to rescue him."
Klink said, "Why that's positively idiotic!"
Burkhalter said, "I'm impressed and yet somehow disturbed. We both agree on something."
Klink proudly said, "Thank you, Herr General."
Burkhalter said, "If the Americans attempt it, they will overextend themselves. Their supply line will be too long and impossible to reinforce. We'll easily outmaneuver them. I want your guards on highest alert. We have no idea how many enemy soldiers will attempt this penetration or what equipment they have. They may attempt to procure reinforcements by liberating nearby camps."
Klink weakly said, "We're a nearby camp."
Burkhalter said, "I realize that. You have common prisoners."
Klink said, "They are completely subdued, Herr General."
Burkhalter said, "Perhaps. Make sure they do not learn of this. They may forget they are sheep and attempt to become wolves."
Klink said, "Of course, Herr General. Oh, I hope you intend to stay for dinner. I have the Frenchman cooking up a special menu tonight."
Burkhalter said, "Ah that sounds delightful. Klink, you surprise me."
Klink said, "It should be almost ready, Herr General."
The men continued listening to the small talk and the sounds of footsteps. They heard a door shut and the room became quiet. Al watched as Hogan disassembled the amplifier. The men exchanged nervous glances.
Newkirk asked, "Could it be true? Patton wants to rescue a bloody officer?"
Hogan said, "Who knows? The Allies would never sanction a personal rescue mission. Klink's right. That Oflag is not too far away from here. London could have easily ordered us to go in, nab the guy, and get him out."
Kinchloe said, "Maybe, but if the Allies are making advances, we could be liberated in the next few months."
Hogan said, "Keep a tight lid on this. I don't want the natives to get restless. Kinch, get a hold of London. See if there's any truth to this and make sure London understands that the Krauts are possibly wise to the situation."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe.
Hogan said, "Carter, Newkirk – it's almost dark. Better get ready to go out."
"Yes sir," said Newkirk.
"Right," said Al.
The men heard the familiar sounds of Schultz summoning roll call. Hogan said, "That's weird. We already had last roll call."
Newkirk said, "Aw, Klink just wants to show off for Burkhalter."
Al said, "We'd better get out there." He recognized the look of concern. Al might be impersonating a non-commissioned officer but he had an idea of what Hogan was thinking. Changes to routine signaled trouble. At least these captors somewhat respected the Geneva Convention.
Standing in formation, Al noticed the continued hijinks the prisoners performed against Schultz. It was almost a sport. Men tried disrupting the count, sometimes succeeding and irritating Schultz. He felt reassured as Sam stood to the side. This strange mission was wrong in several ways. Sam was the leaper, not Al.
As Klink rapidly descended the steps he snapped, "Report!"
Schultz stood at attention and said, "All accounted for, Herr Kommandant."
"Very good," said Klink. "Everyone will remain in the barracks for the remainder of the evening." The prisoners moaned in complaint.
Hogan said, "We haven't done anything wrong. What gives?"
"I want no monkey business while General Burkhalter is in camp," said Klink. "Ah, Fraulein! It would be my pleasure if you would join me at dinner."
Al piped up, "She already ate."
Hogan sternly said, "Carter."
Al said, "He's suggesting that she'd fraternize with the enemy." He saw the anger form across Hogan's face.
Klink approached Carter and said, "We Germans are not barbarians. If I choose to invite the fraulein to a civilized dinner, that's my business."
Al was about to say something but he noticed Hogan's scowl. He said, "She's a loyal American. You'll never win her over."
Klink said, "I like that you want to protect her. Good job."
Saunders said, "I won't consider dinner unless you promise a violin solo."
"Agreed," said Klink. "Dismissed!"
Al stood briefly watching Klink escort Saunders to the office building. Newkirk grabbed him by the arm and practically dragged him inside the barracks. The men gave him strange looks. Hogan said, "My office – now."
"Yes sir," said Al. He committed a faux pas but did not understand. He followed Hogan into his office while the men hummed a mock funeral dirge.
Hogan closed the door and said, "What's gotten into you?"
Al said, "I'm really worried about her."
Hogan said, "Yeah, I can tell. She's going to take one for the team tonight."
Al asked, "What do you mean?"
Hogan said, "Klink's violin solos are worse than the sounds of strangling tomcats. You know better."
Al said, "Colonel, I just have a really bad feeling. I can't explain it but I think she's in danger."
Hogan sat in his chair and said, "We're all in danger, every day and every moment. Is there something going on between you two?"
Al said, "No sir. I would never!"
Hogan said, "I see. Carter, ever since that woman set foot in this camp you've tried to be her guardian angel. I understand you want to protect her. She's suffered no assaults. Klink likes her. The Gestapo hasn't bothered about her in at least a couple of months. If he thinks you're interested in her, he just might move her to Ravensbruck. What do you think would happen there?"
Al sat quietly and listened to Sam. He repeated Sam's words, "The SS would accuse her of espionage. They would conduct a mock trial. They would declare her guilty and then hang her."
Hogan said, "That's right. If this task force is real, we could face liberation in the next couple of months. Her best chance for survival is here. We've done a good job taking care of her. It won't be much longer now."
Al said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to mess things up."
Hogan sighed, "I know, Carter. You're a good kid. You'd better get down to the tunnels with Newkirk. You have a mission."
"Yes sir," said Al.
#QL x HH#
It felt strange scurrying about the woods wearing an enemy uniform. Al did not know the way to the Hofbrau but Newkirk did. Sam did not attempt to follow. Al dropped a couple of subtle hints when Sam briefly appeared, suggesting it might be nice if they had intelligence on what to expect. Sam reported the Hofbrau hosted primarily civilians but a few military personnel attended to casual flirtations.
The two composed themselves before entering the Hofbrau. Looking about, Newkirk pointed to an empty table. He and Al took a seat. A harried waitress took their order and quickly returned with a couple of beers. Al tried not to gag.
Newkirk rolled his eyes and said, "This isn't your first time you know."
"Sorry," Al sheepishly said.
Newkirk looked towards the door and said, "I don't think we need a recognition code."
Al asked, "Why not?"
Newkirk quietly said, "It's that damned Yankee. Don't look. He's coming our way."
Al did not look until the man approached the table and asked to sit. He wore a Gestapo uniform with the rank equivalent to a colonel. The man quietly said, "Well?"
Newkirk said, "Is the road to Munchen safe tonight?"
"Only for gophers," replied the man.
Newkirk quietly said, "Bloody hell, you're not Pinocchio. What are you doing here?"
The man said, "Pinocchio had to run. It's in my right pocket. I'm sure you'd rather pick it than wait for me to hand it over."
"Already got it," smiled Newkirk.
"Good," said the man. "How's my girl?"
Newkirk said, "She's fine."
The man said, "Good. I have to clear out of here. I can't be running around in a Gestapo uniform when Patton's men arrive."
Al asked, "Do you need help?"
The man said, "Just as dumb as ever."
Newkirk said, "Don't mind him. He forgets that you Airborne blokes run a different show."
Sam said, "Ziggy's got it. That's Colonel John Collins, 82nd Airborne, current code name Robin Hood. He manages to return to England but is unaware of what's about to happen."
Collins said, "It won't be much longer for you. I have to make my way to Spain. Godspeed."
"Good luck," said Newkirk. The two men watched as Collins headed out the door. Al was about to stand but Newkirk said, "Let's finish our beer."
The two men calmly finished their beers before returning to camp. Al did not see Sam on the return trip. He knew Sam could hone in on different places as needed. Maybe he just needed a break. Sam could do nothing to help while Al and Newkirk scurried about the woods. They made their way to the tree stump. With precise timing, they entered without being seen by the tower guards.
Hogan greeted the men. He listened as Newkirk rendered the report. Al stood nervously as Newkirk handed Hogan the roll of film. Hogan said, "If Colonel Collins is on the lam, why didn't he take the film?"
Newkirk said, "He said he's off to Spain."
Hogan shook his head, "Well, he's been a hoot and a holler. Funny, I was just starting to like him."
Al said, "He asked about her."
Hogan said, "He always does. I'm surprised he didn't want to take her."
Newkirk related what Collins said about Patton's forces. It made sense that Collins had to abandon his cover as Gestapo officer. Hogan ordered the men to change and head upstairs to bed.
Al felt a strange sense of accomplishment. It seemed too easy despite his strange integration with the team. No wonder the heroes managed to accomplish so much. He changed into his regular uniform and returned to the barracks with Newkirk.
The other men were already abed. Al and Newkirk quickly and quietly changed. They barely made it to their bunks when LeBeau returned. As soon as the guard left, LeBeau asked, "How was the mission?"
"Easy," said Newkirk. "The governor is developing the film as we speak."
LeBeau sighed, "Someone needs to burn the Kommandant's violin. Andre, maybe you could blow it up with some dynamite."
Al laughed, "He's that bad."
As LeBeau changed he said, "Mademoiselle is quite the actress. Burkhalter suffered but she kept squealing in delight. I think the Colonel is going to owe her at least two bars of chocolate for putting up with it."
Al said, "She can have mine."
Newkirk said, "Just don't compare her to your mum again."
Al laughed, "I won't."
The men settled in for rest. The bunk ladder activated and Hogan entered the common room accompanied by Kinchloe. He snapped, "Everybody up."
There were a series of grumbles but the men complied. Someone asked, "What's wrong?"
Hogan said, "Bad news."
LeBeau asked, "What's wrong?"
Hogan said, "The roll of film. It's a bunch of pictures of us inside this camp. There's a dandelion in the garden."
Al did not know the expression but inherently understood its intent. Someone was spying from inside the camp. Someone knew about the organization. Someone was getting ready to sell them out to the enemy. Al felt sick to his stomach. Hogan spread out the pictures on the table. Whoever took them managed to do so without detection.
Al looked at the pictures. The perpetrator captured the core team and a few ancillary prisoners. There were a couple of pictures taken from inside the tunnels.
Hogan said, "Trust no one." He took the pictures and placed them inside the burning wood stove along with the negatives. He said, "Whoever's behind this is a dead man."
Kinchloe said, "We'll find the ferret."
"Try to get some rest." Hogan stormed into his room and slammed the door.
#QL x HH#
Rest seemed impossible. Al kept tossing and turning. He awoke to the sounds of morning assembly. He was exhausted but had to tend to business. The men looked unrested. He was not the only one who suffered a bad night's sleep. He dressed in the cleanest uniform available. Maybe today was laundry day. Then he realized that even a German POW camp did not have laundry service.
It was March 16 and Sam reminded Al that the Gestapo executed the team on the eighteenth. He did not have much time. These men willingly remained captive for a greater good. It could not end by firing squad. He followed the men and assembled for roll call.
Al was not comfortable with the tomfoolery the men displayed but tried his awkward best. He almost felt sorry for Schultz, who seemed to want nothing more than to count the men and report all present. He muttered something; even he was uncertain what he said.
Kinchloe said, "Lighten up, Carter. Schultz is more of a friend than the enemy."
Schultz sarcastically said, "Ja, we're all best of friends. You will remember to tell the Allies that I treated you humanely?"
Hogan said, "Absolutely."
Schultz growled, "Colonel Hogan!" Then his face softened as the wafting perfume filled the air. He turned and said, "Fraulein! You are more beautiful than the day!"
Hogan said, "Careful, Schultzie; you're a married man."
Schultz said, "Don't remind me."
Hogan quietly said, "You're late."
"I'm only late if I arrive after Klink," said Saunders.
Hogan quietly said, "We need to talk."
Al said, "There's the Kommandant."
Schultz immediately took his position. Hogan said, "All present."
Schultz said, "I know that." He saluted as Klink approached. He said, "Herr Kommandant, all present!"
There were no announcements or news reports. The Kommandant seemed interested in addressing other matters. He dismissed the men. Hogan returned to the barracks followed by his team as well as Saunders.
Hogan said, "I need to get you out of here."
Saunders sat at the table and said, "Oh, that again!"
Hogan said, "It's different this time. I don't care what London says. It isn't safe anymore."
Saunders said, "Colonel, if I escape, that jeopardizes your entire operation."
Al said, "Colonel, you have to tell her." Several eyes looked at him. He said, "I'm just saying what we're all thinking."
Hogan shook his head and said, "Someone's infiltrated the camp. We don't know whom. It must be someone impersonating a prisoner. Whoever it is, that person took a bunch of pictures of us. Most of the pictures were topside but a few of the tunnels."
Saunders quietly said, "I see." Then she hastily stood and said, "Colonel, I won't abandon you."
"I'll not see you go before a firing squad," snapped Hogan. "I'm making arrangements with London to send in the plane. I want you out of here."
Saunders asked, "What about the other men?"
Hogan said, "As many as we can get on the plane, the better."
Saunders said, "You intend to stay until the last moment. They'll shoot you."
Hogan said, "My men first. Damn it! I'm a pilot. My plane is hit; I keep the plane flying as long as possible so my crew can bail. Only then do I bail. You'd better be the first one jumping. Have I made myself clear?"
Saunders lowered her eyes and said, "Yes sir."
"Don't you dare cry," snapped Hogan. "Now then, I want the biggest damned parade the Kommandant's ever seen. Newkirk, make sure everyone gets the word. Oh and Colonel; please wait until you're done with parade before singing La Marseillaise. Baker, stay close to her. Colonel, when this goes down you get out of here."
"Yes sir," said Saunders.
Hogan said, "Form up for parade."
Al tried to think. He scrambled with the men into formation. Unlike the barracks formation, this was a group at least company strength as Allied prisoners from all barracks joined the ranks. He saw Klink standing on the porch quietly observing with his riding crop tucked under an arm.
Saunders snapped, "Atten-shun!" Al heard the massive click of heels that sounded as one. Saunders snapped, "Right, face! Counter column, march!"
Al was impressed with the drill and ceremony. It was professional. He strained to recall left wheel march but as he was not in a squad leader position, he did as the others did. He did not know the Army Song except the first couple of lines. Then they sang the Air Corps song. He realized they sang an earlier version than what he remembered. Yes, it was the Air Corps, not the Air Force.
Germans did not heckle the parade. Instead, they quietly observed with rifles poised. He observed a German on horseback arrived and trotted alongside Saunders. It made no sense to him. The man wore an infantry uniform. The Germans did not use cavalry anymore. Was this an act of disrespect to protect an obvious act of defiance?
After circling the camp, the formation returned to its starting position. Once the counter column was completely executed, Saunders called, "Company, halt! Left, face! Good show. Fall out!"
Al felt swept in the wave of raw emotion as the men shouted various allegiances. Instead of leaving, he made sure to keep an eye on Saunders. The officer on horseback remained. She turned around and said, "Colonel Wagner, what a pleasure it is to see you."
"I see the fraulein is playing soldier again," said Wagner.
Saunders said, "What can I say? It was my turn to lead parade."
Kinchloe said to Al, "Stay cool. Unclench those fists."
Al said, "Sorry."
Wagner said, "Yes, you seem to excel at it. Colonel Hogan doesn't get the same turn out as you. In fact, one would barely notice the parades. They're practically non-existent except when it's your turn to lead them."
Sam said to Al, "That's true. They only did parades as distractions. One former POW claimed Hogan had Saunders lead the parades so he could say as excuse she was pretty and the men wanted to impress her."
Saunders said, "Conducting training exercises?"
Wagner said, "I like you. One of these days you will realize you are on the wrong side of the war."
Saunders said, "You're on the wrong side of the war."
Wagner said, "You invade my country but I am on the wrong side of the war."
"Hitler started it," said Saunders.
Wagner said, "There are no training exercises today. We are mobilizing. I came to say goodbye to Kommandant Klink. I should like to say goodbye to you as well."
Saunders said, "You don't know the meaning of the word surrender."
Wagner said, "I do not."
Saunders said, "Then we understand each other as I sing one last song for you."
Wagner said, "I was wondering if you were going to sing it. The Kommandant does not approve."
La Marseilles – Al did not know it except from old films. He stayed with the group. LeBeau enthusiastically joined the singing, as did Kinchloe and Baker. Some of the other men had varying success with the words. He watched as Klink walked towards the formation and stood alongside Wagner.
When the prisoners finished Wagner said, "An interesting farewell. Ah, Kommandant Klink, how good it is to see you again. My unit is mobilizing. I go to war again. I hope that soon you may once again return to your plane."
Klink said, "You are a good friend. Lead your soldiers to victory."
Wagner cried, "For the Fatherland!"
Klink cried, "For the Fatherland!"
Al had no context for the strange parting. The POW's said nothing as Wagner trotted away and out the gate. Klink turned his head to the POW's but then returned to his office. After a moment, Kinchloe suggested they return to Barracks 2.