Chapter 10

"Carter, have you seen Kinch?" LeBeau whispered loudly, shaking Carter's shoulder to wake him up.

"Uh… Huh?" Carter replied sleepily, blinking open his eyes.

"Have you seen Kinch?" LeBeau asked again, impatiently, "It's almost time for roll call."

Carter sat up and looked at LeBeau, who was crouched next to his bunk. "Well, did you look in the tunnel?"

"Oui," LeBeau nodded. "He wasn't sitting by the radio, where he usually is."

Carter glanced over at the door to Hogan's quarters. "Did you look in there?" he asked quietly.

Kinch, Carter and LeBeau had all been avoiding that particular room in the barracks as much as possible; not because they had to, but because it was almost too painful to go in there.

"Oui, I looked in there, too." LeBeau sighed.

Carter shrugged his shoulders. "Then I don't know what to tell you, Louis. Your guess is as good as mine."

"We have to find him!" LeBeau whispered fiercely, "Schultz will be here any minute!"

The false-bottom bunk banged open just then, and Kinch climbed out. LeBeau and Carter saw him at the same instant, and the Frenchman stood up quickly and hurried over to him as the bunk dropped back into place. "Where have you been?" he scolded, "It's almost time for roll call!"

As if on cue, the door to the barracks opened and Schultz walked in, looking tired. "Roll call! Everyone, raus!" he hollered, without his usual aplomb.

Kinch placed his hand on LeBeau's shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze. "I'll tell you later," he promised; then went to join the others who were shuffling outside into the cold, crisp, morning air.

Roll call was a rather subdued affair. Hogan and Newkirk were noticeably absent; their empty places in line a glaring reminder that they would probably not be coming back. Schultz counted the prisoners, but when he reached the spot where the two men who should have been there weren't, he blustered something about needing to check something on the far end of the line, and moved off. Even Klink, when he finally made his appearance, didn't have much to say. He received the report from Schultz, swept his gaze briefly over the men in front of him, and then dismissed them before returning to his office.

As they walked back into the barracks, Kinch headed for the table, followed closely by LeBeau and Carter. LeBeau started in on Kinch before he could even sit down. "So, where you this morning?" he asked, frowning at him, "Don't you realize if you had been only a few seconds later – "

"Relax, Louis," Kinch cut him off as the three men took their seats, "I made it in time, didn't I?"

LeBeau glowered at him. "You still haven't answered my question."

Kinch threw up his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay!" He plunked his arms down on the table, clasped his hands together and leaned forward. "Right before I was gonna sign off and come up here for roll call, I got a message from London. They said we have their permission to evacuate and shut down the operation if necessary." He glanced between LeBeau and Carter. "Did you guys get everything ready, just in case?"

The two men nodded. "Oui," LeBeau replied, "We informed all the barracks' chiefs. All we have to do is give them the word."

"And I've got the explosives all set," Carter added, "There's enough there to take out most of the tunnels." He paused for a few seconds; then asked, "You don't think we're really going to have to evacuate, do you?"

Kinch sighed. "I hope not, Andrew. I'd rather get the colonel and Newkirk away from Gestapo Headquarters...and away from Major Hochstetter."

Carter nodded enthusiastically. "So would I, boy!"

"Me, too!" LeBeau chimed in.

"Which brings me to the other part of the message," Kinch said. "They also gave us the go-ahead to nab one of the scientists and get a sample of the drug if we can, and send them both back to London."

LeBeau raised his eyebrows. "They did?"

"You sound surprised, Louis." Kinch remarked.

"Well, you know how they are, mon ami. They are not always so quick to say yes to us."

Kinch shrugged. "I guess they're pretty interested in that drug."

"What else did they say?" Carter asked.

Kinch frowned. "You're not gonna like this. They don't want us sending anyone in there to try to rescue the colonel or Newkirk. They said it's too risky."

LeBeau and Carter blurted out their protests at the same time.

"I knew it! I knew they would tell us no!"

"Geez, how can they say it's too risky? It's not any harder than anything else we've ever done!"

"Well, if they think we're just going to sit back and let Major Hochstetter kill them – "

"Louis's right! We can get them out of there ourselves!"

"Hold it, hold it!" Kinch held up his hands. When the two men had stilled, he said, "I'm with you; and we're gonna do whatever it takes to get them back. But we're gonna need help. I contacted the Underground last night – "

"That's right, you did!" Carter interrupted. "Did you hear from them yet?"

Kinch nodded. "Yes, I heard from them. In fact, that's the other reason I was late getting up here. After I told them what happened and what we had in mind, they decided to send someone here to help us. He came in through the emergency tunnel right before roll call. He's down there right now, waiting for us so we can make some plans."

"He is?" LeBeau exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "Well, what are we waiting for?" He hurried over to the false-bottom bunk and hit the lever.

Kinch and Carter got up and followed him; catching up with the Frenchman just as the bunk banged open. LeBeau started down and Kinch went next. As the staff sergeant was climbing down, Carter asked, "Hey, who did they send, anyway? Anyone we know?"

Kinch smiled at him. "You'll see, Andrew." Then he disappeared from view.

Carter swung his legs over and descended into the tunnel, wondering who was waiting down there for them. After he reached the bottom and closed the bunk entrance, he turned around; his eyes instantly widening with surprise.

"Dubois! Gosh, I never expected them to send you!" (1)

Hogan was still sitting on the floor when he heard footsteps coming down the hall; getting louder as they approached. He drew himself up to a standing position; although, when he got there, his head immediately started pounding harder, and his stomach cramped in protest. He leaned against the wall; mentally fighting the pain and nausea. By the time the owners of the footsteps appeared, he felt he had himself under control.

Hochstetter walked up to the bars of the cell and peered in at the colonel. "Ah, Hogan, I see you are awake." He leaned in slightly, his eyes squinting, and said, "You don't look well at all. You must have had a rough night."

Without warning, Hogan leaped at Hochstetter, reaching through the bars to grab him, aiming for his neck. Hochstetter pulled away just in time, his eyes wide with shock.

"I'm gonna kill you!" Hogan yelled, staring daggers at the Gestapo Major.

Hochstetter, furious at being taken by surprise by Hogan for a second time, and reacting with fear –especially in front of his inferiors – turned to the guards he had brought with him and pointed at Hogan. "Handcuff that man!" he practically screamed.

The guards entered the cell, pushed Hogan roughly up against the wall, face-first, and yanked his arms behind his back. One of them produced a set of handcuffs and slapped them on the colonel's wrists. Then they released him and stood back; their guns pointed at him.

Hochstetter strode briskly into the cell. "Turn around!" he snapped.

Hogan turned around. His face was pale, and he was perspiring. His nausea had returned, and he was fighting to keep from giving in; not that he had anything left in his stomach to lose, anyway.

Hochstetter saw the expression on Hogan's face, and smirked. He motioned to the guards to take the colonel over to the bucket in the corner. Once there, Hogan leaned over and dry heaved a few times; then straightened up and let the guards lead him back towards the front of the cell.

Hochstetter raised his eyebrows in mock sympathy. "Feeling better, Hogan?"

Hogan glared at him.

"And how is your corporal doing this morning, hmm?" Hochstetter glanced around the cell, his eyes lighting on the figure stretched out on the cot. He threw a glance at one of the guards to follow, and walked over to where Newkirk lay.

Newkirk looked up at him; his face filled with contempt. He'd woken up when Hogan had yelled, and had been watching the activity occurring on the other side of the cell in silence.

"I see you're still alive, Corporal Newkirk; that is fortunate," Hochstetter said, looking down at him. He paused; then added, "Fortunate for me."

"Drop dead!" Newkirk spat.

Hochstetter's anger quickly resurfaced. "You will not speak to me that way!" he growled, and raised his hand as though to strike him.

"Leave him alone!" Hogan yelled.

Hochstetter hesitated; then he dropped his arm, turned around, and went back over to stand in front of Hogan; mindful to keep a comfortable distance away. "I suppose it's not necessary for me to discipline him, is it, Hogan?" he coolly replied, "You did such a thorough job, yourself. Why, it takes months of training for our agents to be able to inflict injuries as expertly as you. I must say it was a pleasure to watch you work."

Hogan's rage was contained only by the handcuffs holding him. He started forward, oblivious to the fact that he couldn't do much with his hands bound behind his back. He'd hardly taken a step; though, when he was met with the business end of a rifle jabbing him in the side.

"Get back!" the guard shouted.

Hogan stood there for a moment, glowering at Hochstetter, who stared back; a smug expression on his face. Then Hogan glanced behind the Major at Newkirk, and slowly stepped back.

Hochstetter smiled. "I see we understand each other, Hogan," he stated calmly. "So, is there anything you would like to tell me, before we play our little game again?"

"Only what he said," Hogan tilted his chin in the direction of Newkirk.

Hochstetter frowned. "You are a very stubborn man, Hogan; but, no matter. I will get the truth from you; one way or another." He turned and walked out of the cell, nodding at his guards once he was safely on the other side of the bars.

One of the guards stepped behind Hogan and un-cuffed him, while the other kept his rifle trained on the colonel. Then the guards left the cell, shutting and locking the door behind them.

"You know," Hogan piped up before Hochstetter could leave, "If you keep pumping me full of that drug, it's probably going to kill me. I won't be much good to you, then."

Hochstetter appeared about to retort something back, when he stopped himself; seeming to contemplate for a few moments. "Perhaps," he uttered at last, nodding. Then he stared at Hogan and said, "In any case, I am giving you and your corporal the day to recover. We will start up again tonight, Ja?" He grinned maliciously at him, turned, and stomped down the hallway, his guards in tow.

As soon as Hochstetter had gone, Hogan walked over to Newkirk. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Newkirk answered. "Blimey, I 'ate that man!"

Hogan nodded. "Join the club."

Newkirk began to shift restlessly. "Say, Colonel," he said, placing his arms to either side of him on the cot and attempting to push himself up, "I'm feelin' a mite better. Suppose you could 'elp me sit up…?"

Hogan quickly leaned down and slid his arm under Newkirk's back to support him; noting with relief that the Englishman didn't tense up this time. "Newkirk, are you sure you want to do this?" he asked as he helped him to a sitting position; turning him so he could lean back against the wall. Then he straightened up; looking at him worriedly.

Newkirk grimaced and let out a groan. "Yes, sir," he blurted out as he exhaled; shutting his eyes tight. He sat for a few moments to catch his breath; then looked up at Hogan. "Got tired of bein' on me ruddy back," he muttered; gritting his teeth while waiting for the pain to subside. "And anyway, now you can sit on somethin' besides the floor, Colonel."

"You don't have to make room on that cot for me, Newkirk. I'm fine."

Newkirk couldn't help noticing that Hogan had grown pale again, and he was swaying slightly on his feet. "Oh, I wouldn't say 'fine', sir," he replied, his voice steadying as the pain lessened and his breathing returned to normal, "You're lookin' a bit unsteady, if you ask me. 'Ere," he patted his hand on the cot, "'Ave a seat, sir."

Hogan hesitated a moment; then he sat down on the cot next to Newkirk, looking at him gratefully. His dizziness had returned, his head was throbbing, and his stomach was still trying to decide whether or not to go another round.

Hogan leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes momentarily; opening them again quickly when his head started spinning more. He sighed and glanced at Newkirk. "We make quite the pair, don't we?"

"We 'ave 'ad better days," Newkirk replied; then his eyes widened slightly. "Say, why don't we make a break for it, gov'nor? All we 'ave to do is wait behind the door, and then when they open it, we knock 'em out and grab their guns!"

Hogan raised an eyebrow. "Newkirk, you couldn't even make it to the door."

"Yeah…I suppose that would be a bit of a problem, wouldn't it, sir?"

Hogan grinned. "Well, at least we have the day off."

Newkirk shook his head. "Just our luck, ain't it? We finally get a day off, and we end up spendin' it in a bleedin' cell at ruddy Gestapo Headquarters!"

"Could be worse."

"Newkirk turned his head to stare at him. "How could it be worse?"

"We could be sharing this cell with Colonel Crittendon."

Newkirk smirked. "You're right, sir, it could be worse."

Hogan smiled; then let out a sigh and looked intensely at him. "Newkirk, whatever happens…" his voice trailed off.

"I know, sir," Newkirk said quietly, returning his gaze, "Same 'ere."

The room grew quiet as both men sat in silence, staring out into the cell, each lost in his own thoughts; wondering how and when it was going to happen, wondering how the guys back in camp would handle it, wondering how their families would react upon hearing the news, and, deep down, wishing for a miracle.

They stayed that way for a long time.

Carter stood there, smiling, as Dubois greeted him. "Ah, Carter, it is good to see you!" the Frenchman said, reaching out and shaking the sergeant's hand warmly. "Actually, the Underground didn't send me; when I heard that Colonel Hogan was in trouble, I volunteered to come."

"We are grateful for your help, mon ami," LeBeau replied enthusiastically.

Maurice Dubois glanced at the three men; his gaze coming to rest on Kinch. "So, what do you need?"

"Well, first," Kinch began, "Like I told the Underground last night; we need to find out which scientist developed the drug that Major Hochstetter gave the colonel. London wants us to nab him and send him to England."

"That I can tell you," Dubois replied. "His name is Heinrich Zimmer, and he works at Gestapo Headquarters. Several members of the Underground are already planning to watch for him when he leaves work tonight. They will capture him and bring him here."

"Gosh, that was fast!" Carter exclaimed.

Kinch nodded appreciatively. "Yes it was."

"They were glad to do it," Dubois said, "We want to help Colonel Hogan and Corporal Newkirk any way we can."

"Thanks," Kinch replied. Carter and LeBeau nodded in agreement.

"So, are you going to send Zimmer to London right away?" Dubois asked.

"As soon as we can," Kinch answered. "In the meantime, we need to get someone in there to take his place; someone pretending to be a scientist that knows about the drug he's working on."

Dubois smiled. "And that's what you need me for."

Kinch nodded. "We need you to get a sample so we can send it to London."

"You know I am happy to help you," Dubois replied, "But I am curious; this sounds like something one of your men could do."

LeBeau shook his head. "No, mon ami... Major Hochstetter would recognize one of us."

"Ah, of course," Dubois nodded. "So, tell me, what is your plan to get Colonel Hogan and Newkirk out of there?"

Kinch, LeBeau and Carter glanced at each other. Then Carter piped up, "Well, London doesn't want us to try and save them."

Dubois' eyes flew wide. "What?" he shouted, "They can't be serious! We can't just sit back and let Major Hochstetter kill them!"

"And we're not going to," LeBeau stated firmly.

Dubois glanced at the three men. "You have a plan?"

Kinch nodded. "Yes we do, but we need you for it. It's going to be very dangerous."

Dubois smiled. "Tell me what you want me to do."

(1) The character of Maurice Dubois, a French Underground agent, appeared in three episodes in season three: Nights In Shining Armor, Is General Hammerschlag Burning?, and A Russian Is Coming.

A/N: I would like to thank Kirarakim for giving me the idea to use Dubois.