A/N: Once again, I would like to thank you all so much for your reviews! I also wanted to mention that any connection I've written between Major Steiger and a real person from history is purely fictional.

Hogan couldn't have looked more surprised. "Major Steiger? What's he doing here?" he exclaimed to the room at large, and then stopped to listen when he heard Klink's voice coming through the receiver in the coffee pot.

"Ah, Major Steiger, it's a pleasure to meet you," Klink was saying, "Any friend of General Burkhalter is a friend of mine!" He let out a small, nervous laugh.

"The pleasure is all mine, Colonel Klink," Steiger replied courteously.

"Major Steiger was interested in visiting Stalag 13," Burkhalter stated, "So I decided to bring him with me…at the request of Reichsfuhrer Himmler."

"Yes, I know Heinrich well; his wife and I are old friends," Steiger replied.

When Hogan heard that, he muttered, "Well, that explains London's response."

"Steiger, Steiger…" Klink repeated, and Hogan could imagine the expression on the Kommandant's face as Klink was no doubt thinking furiously, "Your name sounds familiar to me…"

"I had one of your prisoners at my facility for a few days," Steiger reminded him, "I believe it was almost two weeks ago."

"Of course, I remember now!" Klink exclaimed.

"Klink," Burkhalter cut in, "The major is not here for a social visit. He is doing some research on the Stalag Luft in the area; for a…book, did you say?"

"That's correct, Herr General," Steiger answered. "I am a doctor, you see, and have been for many years. I know everything there is to know about human anatomy. But, over the past year or so, I have developed an acute interest in psychology; particularly as it relates to prisoners of war. I would be honored if you would allow me the opportunity to talk to some of the prisoners here."

There was a pause, and then Klink said, "Certainly, Major! I would be more than happy to show you around the camp, just let me get my coat, and…"

"If you don't mind, Colonel Klink," Steiger interrupted, "I would prefer to look around by myself. The prisoners might be more agreeable to conversing with me on a more one-to-one basis."

"Whatever you say, Major Steiger, but I think you should at least have one of my guards accompany you."

"That would be fine." Steiger responded.

As Klink called for Schultz to escort Steiger around the camp, Hogan leaned back slightly from the coffee pot that he'd been listening to so intently. "How do you like that?" He exclaimed angrily, while jerking the plug out of the pot and slamming it onto his desk.

"What do you suppose his real reason for being here is, Colonel?" Kinch asked as he stowed the coffee pot in its usual hiding place.

Hogan let out a huge sigh. "I don't know, Kinch, but I've got a pretty good guess. Newkirk?" He glanced around the room, and noticed that Newkirk had retreated to the corner near the window. The corporal had his back up against the wall, and his eyes were as wide as saucers…and filled with terror.

Kinch and Carter saw Newkirk at the same instant Hogan did. Hogan got up from his chair and started to approach the corporal slowly, while talking to him in a soothing voice, "Newkirk, it's okay, I don't know what that slime ball Steiger is doing here, but I'm not gonna let him hurt you…"

If it were possible, Newkirk's eyes would have grown even wider as Hogan came near him. But they weren't looking at him; they were looking at something else, something beyond Hogan, something beyond even the room itself…

"So, is now third morning we wake up here, Pyotr," Yevgenij announced, watching Newkirk pace nervously back and forth in the cell, "Are you sure friends are coming?"

"They should 'ave been 'ere by now, mate," Newkirk answered as he rounded the far corner, "I don't know what's keepin' 'em…"

Suddenly the cell door burst open, and the two guards entered, once again followed by Steiger. The Major glanced at Yevgenij, and then looked at Newkirk and said, "I'm very sorry, Corporal Newkirk, but I'm afraid I will have to deprive you of your Russian friend's company for a little while." Then Steiger smiled, "But don't worry, you will see him again soon." Satisfied with the terrified expression he saw on Newkirk's face, he let out a chuckle, and then turned and left.

"No," Newkirk muttered quietly, and then he started to shake his head back and forth, while his voice steadily became louder, until he was practically shouting, "No, no, no, NO!"

Hogan was inching steadily closer, still trying to calm Newkirk down. "Newkirk, listen to me! It's Hogan, you're safe, it's all right…" Of all the times for Newkirk to lose it!

Suddenly the door to Hogan's quarters burst open, and Schultz stood in the entrance. "Colonel Hogan, everyone from barracks two has been ordered to line up outside immediately."

Hogan whirled around to look at Schultz. "What for? We already had roll call this afternoon."

Schultz sighed. "It's for an SS officer, a Major Steiger. He wants to talk to all of the prisoners from barracks two. Please, Colonel Hogan, you and the rest of the men have to line up outside right away!"

"All right, Schultz," Hogan told him, "We'll be right out." Schultz hesitated in the doorway until Hogan added, "I promise!"

After Schultz left, Hogan looked at Kinch and Carter. "You two go on, I'll help Newkirk."

"But, Colonel," Kinch replied.

Hogan took a step toward the door, attempting to lead Kinch and Carter out of his quarters, when he felt a hand grab his upper arm tightly from behind. He turned to look, and, sure enough, it was Newkirk.

After the Major had gone, the skinny guard raised his rifle and pointed it at Yevgenij, while the older one grabbed the Sergeant's arms and pulled them behind his back, slapping a pair of handcuffs on his wrists. As they were about to leave, Newkirk walked up and clamped his hands around Yevgenij's arm, and started to pull him back farther into the cell, shouting, "No, you can't, you can't take 'im…no, no!"

"No, you can't, you can't take 'im…no, no!" Newkirk shouted, looking next to Hogan, as if someone was attempting to pull the Colonel away.

"Newkirk, we have to go outside now," Hogan tried to explain. He motioned to Kinch, who came over and reached up to remove Newkirk's hand off of the Colonel's arm. But Newkirk just gripped it tighter, and threw his other hand around Hogan's upper arm, tugging at him forcefully.

The two German guards looked at Newkirk with amusement. Then the older one reached up and began to pry the Englishman's fingers off of Yevgenij's arm, but Newkirk just wrapped his hands tighter around the Russian's bicep, yelling, "No, you can't! You can't take 'im, I won't let you! No, no, NO!"

"No, you can't! You can't take 'im, I won't let you! No, no, NO!"

Hogan looked at Kinch and, almost imperceptibly, shrugged his shoulders. Then he said, "Kinch, you and Carter go out and line up with the rest of the men. I'll stay here with Newkirk."

"But, Colonel," again Kinch started to protest.

"Just do it!" Hogan replied, exasperated

Kinch and Carter left Hogan's quarters, and headed out to line up outside the barracks. Hogan turned his attention to Newkirk, and started to talk to him in a soothing voice, "Relax, Newkirk, no one is taking me, or you, anywhere. Everything's all right, you just need to calm down…"

The skinny guard stepped up to help the older one, and, with both of them working on it, they were able to peel Newkirk's hands away from Yevgenij. Then the skinny guard shoved Newkirk backwards, and pointed his rifle at him. The older guard grabbed Yevgenij and started to drag him out of the cell, followed by his counterpart, who kept his gun trained on Newkirk. But before they left, Yevgenij glanced at his English cellmate, and called out, "Don't worry, Pyotr, I am strong. I can survive whatever sumasshedshij major has planned."

"No, mate, you can't. Not this." Newkirk responded quietly as the cell door closed behind them. He knew just what those plans of the major's were.

"Can't what, Newkirk?" Hogan asked, desperately hoping that the corporal was coming out of it. "C'mon, Peter, talk to me!"

Just then the door flew open, and Hogan turned to see who it was, but not before noticing the fresh look of terror emanating from Newkirk's eyes. He saw an SS Major standing in his doorway, and he knew instantly that it was Steiger. Hogan immediately went on the offensive. "Didn't your mother ever teach you to knock?" He snapped.

Steiger's face lit up, and he smiled wide. "Ah, you must be Colonel Hogan," he replied coolly. "Please, forgive my intrusion. Let me introduce myself, I am Major Steiger of the SS. I was hoping to meet you outside, but you didn't line up with the rest of the prisoners. So I took the liberty of visiting you in here; I hope you don't mind." He glanced around the room, his gaze coming to rest on Newkirk. "And you have my favorite English corporal here with you, I see."

Hogan decided to cut to the chase. "All right, Major, what do you want?"

"Tsk, tsk, Corporal Newkirk doesn't look at all well, does he?" Steiger said, as if he hadn't heard Hogan.

"Yeah, and I bet you can tell me why that is," Hogan responded, his voice taking on an accusatory tone.

"My dear Colonel, you don't think I had anything to do with the corporal's condition, do you? Why, I wouldn't harm a hair on his head."

Hogan had had enough. "Look, Major, I already know what kind of sick, twisted games you like to play, so why don't you tell me what you're doing here, and save the act for someone who'll buy it."

Steiger's smile faded, and his eyes grew a bit darker. "All right, Colonel, have it your way. I didn't get to finish with your Englander, there," he nodded his head in Newkirk's direction, "So I'm going to persuade your Kommandant, and General Burkhalter, of course," he rolled his eyes when he mentioned the General, "To let me take Corporal Newkirk back to my facility, as a subject for, 'psychological testing', you might say." Then he smiled again, only this time the malevolence emanating from it was almost palpable. "And I think I'll request to bring you along. You might find my technique…interesting."

Hogan's eyes narrowed. "I think you'll find my technique even more interesting…Major." He glared at Steiger with so much anger and hatred, that the SS major's smile actually faltered for a moment.

But Steiger recovered quickly, and replied calmly, "If it's a test of wills that you are looking for, Colonel, I'm afraid you've already lost."

Hogan continued to stare unwaveringly at him. "We'll see about that, won't we?"

Steiger once again smiled warmly. "Yes, we will. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have some requests to make." He turned and left without waiting for a response from Hogan.

Hogan stood there, positively livid, entertaining several scenarios that had popped into his mind on how to get rid of that sicko permanently, when he felt Newkirk's grip on his arm relax, and then let go. As he was turning to see what was going on, he heard a thud, and instantly realized that Newkirk had passed out. He knelt down next to the corporal and tried to rouse him; shaking his shoulder and saying loudly, "Newkirk, wake up, you've gotta get up now." He reached up and tapped Newkirk's cheek. "C'mon, Peter, open your eyes!"

When Hogan didn't get a response, he let out a huge sigh and, knowing that the floor was no place to leave him, he shoved his arms underneath Newkirk and, with all the strength he could muster, lifted him up and carried him over to his bottom bunk, laying him down as gently as possible. Then he took a seat on the edge of the bunk and grabbed Newkirk's hand with both of his own, squeezing it gently while talking to him. "Newkirk, please wake up…you've gotta stop doing this!"

Just then his door opened again, and for a brief moment Hogan thought about requesting a lock for it, when he saw Kinch and Carter enter. The two men took one look at Newkirk on Hogan's bunk, and stopped in their tracks. Kinch was the first one to speak. "Colonel, what happened?"

"Is Newkirk okay?" Carter asked worriedly.

"I think so," Hogan answered, "Newkirk passed out after that devil Steiger visited me."

"Well, that devil just went into Klink's office, sir," Kinch informed him.

"Better plug in the coffee pot then, Kinch," Hogan said, "I know what he's after, I just hope he doesn't get it."

Once the coffee pot was plugged in, they heard Steiger's voice loud and clear.

"…So you see, General, these men would be perfect for my research; in fact, I can take them right away…I have room for them at my facility."

"But you have your own prisoners of war there; the Russian flyers that you are assigned to interrogate." They heard Burkhalter answer, "I still don't understand why you want Colonel Hogan and Corporal Newkirk."

Even through the receiver, they could hear Steiger sigh, "General, I already explained…"

"No, major," Burkhalter cut him off, "That's not good enough. Colonel Hogan is an important prisoner, not to mention the Senior POW of the camp. I see no reason to turn him over to you for your research, when you have more than enough subjects at your disposal."

Kinch smiled. "Way to go, Burkhalter!"

"Very well, General," they could hear the disappointment in Steiger's voice, "At least let me take Corporal Newkirk."

There was a pause, and the men in Hogan's quarters collectively held their breath. At last they heard Burkhalter reply, "I'm afraid that's out of the question, Major; he is a prisoner of Stalag 13, and as such, is under the jurisdiction of the Luftwaffe. Besides, you had him for three days; if you had any questions for him, you should have asked him then."

"But, General…"

"I said no!" Burkhalter was beginning to sound annoyed.

"Yes, General," Steiger replied unhappily, and then, from the sound of it, stormed out of Klink's office.

Hogan smiled; he never thought he'd owe one to Burkhalter! Then he told Kinch to put away the coffee pot, and sent Carter to watch at the door, unsure of what Steiger's next move would be. Carter returned in a few minutes, and informed them that the SS major had apparently come out of Klink's office, and headed straight for the car. He'd then had words with Burkhalter's driver, after which he got into the car, and they left. Hogan was relieved, although he knew they hadn't seen the last of that creep. Then he told Kinch and Carter to go check on LeBeau, who was still over in the kitchen preparing dinner, while he would sit with Newkirk and try to get him to wake up. As the two men left, Hogan turned his attention to Newkirk and looked at him sadly, wondering how long it was going to take Newkirk to wake up this time…if he was going to wake up at all.

* * * * * *

Newkirk was once again pacing back and forth in the cell, trying to think of some way to save Yevgenij, and get them both out of there. But he knew there was nothing he could do on his own. 'Blimey, Colonel, where the bloody 'ell are you? I need you…we need you now, gov'nor.'

As he was making his pass around the far corner for the thousandth time, the cell door opened and the two guards entered, motioning to him to come with them. Newkirk reluctantly followed, knowing he didn't have much of a choice.

They led him through the hall and to the stairway, then down to the lower floor and along the hallway; stopping once again at the door marked, 12A. As he entered, he noticed the long table in the middle of the room, only this time the figure strapped to it wasn't covered. It was Yevgenij, and he appeared to be asleep…drugged, no doubt.

"No," Newkirk uttered, moving towards the table. But the guards grabbed him by his arms and hauled him over to the wall, chaining him up like the last time. Then they smiled at him and left, chuckling to each other.

As soon as they'd gone, Newkirk called out, "Yevgenij, wake up, mate, Yevgenij…you 'ave to wake up now; you've got to try to free yourself…"

The door opened just then, and Steiger entered, wearing another white lab coat. He looked up and smiled at Newkirk. "Ah, I see we are ready to begin. I'm so glad you could join me; I knew you would be most interested in what I have planned for this morning."

With all the courage he could muster, Newkirk said, "Look, if it's me you want, then you can 'ave me. Just let Yevgenij go."

Steiger walked up and stood directly in front of Newkirk, that horrible smile still plastered across his face. "Do you know why I'm so fond of you, Corporal Newkirk?" he asked, his sickeningly sweet tone making Newkirk's stomach turn.

"I'm sure you're goin' to tell me," Newkirk replied sarcastically.

Steiger leaned in until his face was mere inches from Newkirk's, who couldn't pull away, as he already had his head up against the wall. The major stared into Newkirk's eyes and whispered, "It's because you care too much." Steiger searched the corporal's eyes for a moment, and then leaned back. "Now, is there something you would like to tell me? About what goes on in your camp, perhaps?" He stepped back, turned, and walked over to the table, then spun back around to face him, "Or about your Colonel Hogan?"

"I already told you, there's nothin' goin' on at Stalag 13!" Newkirk shouted angrily, "And you've got no bloody business with Colonel Hogan!"

"There, there," Steiger mockingly consoled him, "I didn't mean to upset you. In fact, may I let you in on a little secret?"

Newkirk glared at him.

"I believe you, Corporal, about the camp," Steiger said, "To be honest, the whole thing sounds too far-fetched to me. And Major Hochstetter! His obvious obsession with your Colonel, and the fictitious goings-on at Stalag 13 is rather unhealthy, don't you agree?"

"Then why am I 'ere?" Newkirk asked suspiciously.

"For my game!" Steiger exclaimed gleefully. "I thought you would have realized that by now."

Newkirk felt his chest tighten. "Your game?" he uttered quietly.

"Yes, you remember! My favorite game…but, it's no fun without an audience, I'm afraid. And you, my English corporal, are so perfect for that role." Steiger now walked around to the other side of the table and looked down at Yevgenij. He reached up and tapped the sergeant's cheek several times, calling out, "It's time to wake up, Ivanov, I've got something planned for you…"

Newkirk's terror slammed into him full force as he suddenly realized that Steiger was completely insane; the man was doing this for fun! And now he realized something else; there was nothing he could do to talk him into letting Yevgenij go, was there? How could he reason with insanity?

Yevgenij now began to stir, much to Steiger's delight. "Ah, there you are, Sergeant Ivanov! I just knew you would want to be awake for this!"

Yevgenij blinked a few times, and looked up at Steiger in confusion. "What…where…where am I?"

"You're right where I want you to be," Steiger replied, stroking Yevgenij's cheek a few times. "And look, your friend is here, too!" He smiled and looked up at Newkirk.

Yevgenij looked in the same direction, and saw Newkirk chained to the wall. "What? What are you doing to Pyotr?" Then he looked back at Steiger, "Let him go!" he shouted.

"In due time," Steiger answered, and then started to reach into his pocket.

Newkirk's eyes widened in horror, and he jerked his arms, trying to free himself from the chains that were holding him. "No, let him go, Steiger, please, don't do this, no, no, NO!"

Yevgenij looked at Newkirk and, upon seeing his face, realized at last that he might not survive Steiger's plan, after all. He looked back up at the major, who had pulled something out of his pocket, and was holding it up in front of him.

Yevgenij's eyes narrowed, and he said with a strength that Steiger would never have, "You are very sick man, and you will burn in hell. I only hope you suffer as much as the people you killed."

Steiger's happy expression faltered for only a moment. Then he looked condescendingly at Yevgenij and said, "You needn't worry about me, Sergeant Ivanov. You are the one who's going to suffer now."

Yevgenij saw the expression on Steiger's face, and then turned his head to look at Newkirk one last time. There was a light radiating from the big Russian's eyes, an intensity born from the knowledge that he was not long for this world.

"Nye skazhitye, Pyotr; don't say anything. I will see you again…mate."

"Nooo!" Newkirk wailed, sagging against his chains.

Major Steiger smiled wide. Then he lifted his scalpel and brought it down on the Russian Sergeant.

It took a long time for him to die, the Major deliberately going slow; drawing it out as long as possible. By the time it was finished, Newkirk's mind had folded in on itself, leaving him barely conscious. When he was finally taken back to his cell, he walked unsteadily over to the wall and sat down, pressing his back against it and curling his knees up to his chest. He stared, unseeing, out into the cell, and let his mind slip away. But he could still hear Yevgenij's screams echoing in his head, and it didn't stop for a long, long, time.

Сумасшедший -- Sumasshedshij -- Crazy

Не скажите -- Nye skazhitye -- Don't speak