Chapter 12: The Newest Member

After roll call, Klink gathered enough courage to finally visit Hogan and Christopher. He walked into the infirmary and saw Hogan lying on the cot staring at the ceiling. Klink approached Wilson first. "How are they doing?"

Wilson turned away from what he was doing and glared at Klink. "They have improved."

The coldness of the words was not lost on either Klink or Hogan. Klink hid a smile as he saw Hogan give Wilson a look that said to play nice.

Wilson gave a sigh, "Christopher is showing signs of improvement. So far he doesn't appear to have an infection. Colonel Hogan's leg and shoulder are healing nicely. All of the infection is gone. He should make a full recovery in a couple of weeks. He will however, have a limp for a while."

"We'll see about that," Hogan commented gruffly.

Wilson, ignoring the comment, continued. "I would feel better if his leg had better support."

Hogan shook his head. "No, I don't. Bandages are just fine. The fracture isn't bad, I can walk on it." Hogan carefully stood up. "See, I'm standing on it."

"I know you, Colonel. Walk to the door and back without holding on to anything," Wilson said.

Klink watched Hogan take a deep breath and walk slowly toward the door. He noticed how wobbly Hogan's walk was. On the way back, Klink realized the color had drained from Hogan's face and it was covered in sweat. Yes, he could walk on it, but with great pain.

Hogan was half way back to his bed when his injured leg gave out. Before Klink knew what he was doing, he ran to Hogan's side and caught him before he fell to the floor. Klink helped Hogan regain his balance.

Hogan pulled away from Klink's grasp, almost losing his balance again. "I can take care of myself."

Klink scrutinized Hogan. Stubborn fool. Your pride will get you nowhere.

Wilson rushed over to Hogan. "This is why I want the extra support for your leg."

"Just give me a minute." Hogan took a few deep breaths. "I'll be just fine."

Klink watched Hogan accept a little help from Wilson as he made his way back to his bed. "Colonel, the last time I checked your records, you didn't have any medical training. I think you should take the advice of your medic." Klink turned to Wilson. "Make a list of everything you need to help with Colonel Hogan's and Sergeant Christopher's recovery. Schultz will get what you need."

Hogan couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I appreciate the gesture,Kommandant, but a cast isn't necessary…"

Klink nodded. "Maybe a cast is too much? I suggest a cane." Klink grinned. "Have a good day." Klink saluted and left before Hogan could protest. I think a cast is Wilson's way of getting even. Klink let out a chuckle when he closed the Infirmary door. Maybe I should let Wilson do it to make sure Hogan stays out of trouble for a while. Nein, Wilson will be keeping a close eye on him. Klink visibly shuddered. I do not envy Hogan at all. Wilson is worse than a nursemaid.

HH HH HH

Hogan still in shock returned the salute. "I can't believe he suggested that. Wilson, how did you know my leg was worse? After all I did carry Christopher back to camp on it."

"First, I was told when you came back, you had it supported with splints. Second, I also heard you had a hard landing coming down the ladder. Besides, I saw how badly you were limping and relying on support when you first came into the infirmary." Wilson finished with a shrug.

"You don't miss a thing do ya?" Hogan said curiously.

Wilson smiled. "Nope." Wilson's grin grew larger.

"What's wrong with you now?" Hogan asked a little irritated. He was glad Wilson was as observant as he was. He didn't like him uncovering his secret to Klink.

"Nothing," Wilson answered. Hogan gave him the stare that said 'I don't believe you.' Wilson gave in and continued. "I think you got ordered to let me do whatever I want to you to help you get better."

Hogan rolled his eyes and lay back down on the bed. "He said 'no cast'."

Wilson nodded. "True, but he did say a cane."

"I say no cane either," Hogan stated sharply.

Wilson sat on the stool still grinning. "I think Klink out ranks you, Sir. As I recall a certain conversation you had with an English corporal about following orders…"

Hogan cut off Wilson's comment. "You are enjoying this way too much."

Wilson nodded. "Yes, Colonel. I am."

"Enjoy it while you can. I plan on talking Klink out of it." Hogan started thinking of how he was going to do it.

"Can you guys please keep it down?" came a weak voice.

"Christopher! You're awake," exclaimed Hogan.

"If you would have been here, instead of in the tunnels, you would have seen him awake earlier," scolded Wilson.

Hogan stared at Wilson. "How did you know I was in the tunnels?"

Wilson grinned. "I have my sources."

Hogan decided not to argue with Wilson. Right now he was more concerned about Christopher. "How are you feeling, Christopher?"

Christopher rubbed his chest and side lightly. "Like I have been shot and stabbed. How did we get back here?"

Hogan glanced at Wilson, then back to Christopher. "You don't remember?" Christopher shook his head. "Do you remember helping me fly the airplane?"

Christopher smiled. "You mean that really happened? I thought I dreamt it. Did we run Kuntz over with plane?" Hogan nodded. "Was there a blond stewardess on the plane?"

Hogan laughed and shook his head. "That part was a dream."

"Out of everything, she seemed the most real. She was clothed in white and had a glow about her." Christopher's eyes widened. "Maybe she was…Na, couldn't be."

Hogan and Wilson glanced at each other. With all seriousness Hogan asked, "You think she was an angel, don't you?"

Christopher shrugged. "She was the one telling me the only way to survive was to have faith and jump tandem."

"You mean to tell me you jumped out on an airplane tandem? Are you nuts? I am surprised you are not both dead or in worse shape," Wilson said in amazement.

"The tree broke our fall," Hogan clarified.

Wilson shook his head. "You two are sure lucky."

"Not lucky, blessed," Christopher said with a smile.

"I just saw Klink leave. Is everything okay? Hey look! Christopher's awake," LeBeau exclaimed, walking up to the bed.

"Nice to see you too, Louis," said Christopher

Hogan gave a disgusted look at Wilson. "It all depends on your perspective. Does Klink still have everyone in Barracks 2 confined? I didn't have a chance to talk to him about it while he was here."

LeBeau nodded "Oui. It isn't so bad though. You have never see the barracks any cleaner." Hogan and Christopher listened to LeBeau tell what they have done to keep themselves busy. He also informed Hogan communication with London had been resumed. The only activity was a supply drop scheduled for tonight.

"LeBeau, do you think you can make me something to eat," Hogan asked as he tried to sit up in the bed.

LeBeau quickly put pillows behind Hogan. "I will make you the most mouth-watering meal you have ever eaten."

Hogan nodded his head in appreciation. "Thanks." After LeBeau left, Hogan glanced at Wilson. "Why don't you find Schultz and give him your list?"

Wilson raised an eyebrow. "Including an order for a cane?"

"No," Hogan snapped.

Wilson crossed his arms and stood in front of Hogan. "If you think I am going to leave so you can gallivant around, you have another thing coming."

"I won't move from this bed," Hogan said a little annoyed.

"I will be just outside the door." Wilson waved his hand at Hogan and left.

After Wilson left, Hogan glared at Christopher. Christopher saw the glare and answered, "Yes, Sir?"

With a serious expression on his face, Hogan asked, "Sergeant, do you mind explaining to me why you were arguing a direct order in the middle of a fight?"

Christopher stared at Hogan. "Sir, I was taught no one gets left behind, Sir."

"Even at the risk of possible capture, torture or death?" Hogan asked.

"Sir, yes Sir," Christopher said as strongly as he could.

"You understand that I have all right to punish you for that?" The seriousness of his own tone shocked him, but Christopher had to know how serous he was.

Christopher swallowed hard. "Sir, yes Sir."

"Disobeying a direct order from your CO is intolerable. Did you ever think about the consequences of your actions? What do you think would have happened if we were caught? I know you had a rough time before you became a permanent member of this resort, but it would be nothing to what they would do to you if they convicted you of being a spy." Hogan paused, making sure his words were sinking in.

Hogan's voice cracked some as he continued. "This was a trap, which means they knew we were coming. If we were caught, they would not show any mercy in torturing us until we talked. I don't think giving them old or wrong information would work this time. They would check out the leads first and probably force us to watch those who they had captured being tortured to death. Have you ever watched someone being tortured to death? It isn't a pretty sight. It is heart wrenching to watch, knowing there is nothing you can do to stop it. Their screams and pain would haunt your dreams for the rest of your life."

Hogan fought back the memories of what had happened with Koch and his crewmembers who survived when he was shot down. The images of seeing his men tortured in an effort to get him to give vital military information tore his heart apart.

Christopher looked Hogan in the eyes. "Sir, I knew surrendering again was not an option. If I was going to die, I wanted to do it standing beside a man I respect, taking as many of them with me as I could."

There was silence between the two men. Hogan spoke first. "If you have any hopes of lasting on the Alpha Team, you better learn to follow orders better."

Christopher cocked his head. "Uh, Sir?"

Hogan smiled. "You impressed me out there. You were able to hold your own in the heat of battle. You didn't give up. You fought like a hero. I don't mind you questioning my decisions while we are planning, but don't ever question them in the middle of a fight. Pull a stunt like that again and I will bust you to a private so fast, your head will spin. Understood?"

Christopher relaxed little "Yes, Sir. I did what I thought you would have done, Sir."

"Yes, I would have stayed, but it is my job to take the biggest risks, not yours. Your job is to follow orders no matter what. Have I made myself clear?" Hogan could not stress enough how important it was to follow orders. The missions they went on involved too many people. It was critical all orders were obeyed.

Christopher nodded. "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."

"Another thing, knock off the 'Sir' every other breath. You make me feel old." Hogan could tell the talk had taken a lot out of Christopher "Let's see how good you are at following orders now. Get some rest."

Christopher smiled. "No argument this time, S…Colonel." He gave Hogan a salute and closed his eyes.

HH HH HH

Hogan woke up some time later from his nap with a start. In all the excitement, he had forgotten about helping Kinch's family. Hogan looked around to see if the coast was clear for him to make his way into the tunnel. "Wilson?" Hogan called quietly so no one outside could hear, but loud enough so anyone in the building could hear. There was no answer.

Hogan carefully removed the blanket and swung his legs over the bed. He used the bed and walls to steady himself as he made his way to the tunnel entrance.

He lifted the secret door and hopped down the ladder on one foot. At the bottom, he strained his ears for any sounds. Upon hearing none he made his way to the radio room using the walls for support. He peeked around the corner to make sure Kinch wasn't sleeping down there. To his relief the room was vacant.

He sat down at the desk and powered up the radio. After it was humming nicely, he spoke, "Papa Bear to Goldilocks."

There was a moment of silence "This is Goldilocks, go ahead Papa Bear."

"Please patch me through to Big Bird. I need to speak to him about a private matter. It's urgent." Hogan stated. This was the only person he knew of who would be able to help.

"Stand by Papa Bear as we locate Big Bird," Goldilocks responded.

A half hour later, there was an irritated, groggy voice on the radio. "This better be good, Papa Bear. I haven't been called Big Bird in over ten years. There is only one person I can think of who would call me that. If it is, you can bet the next time I see you, the only thing on your uniform will be a single stripe," Big Bird growled.

Hogan smiled at his former CO's threat. "Sorry, Sir. You will have to blame the Krauts on the timing. They get a little irate when I use the radio."

There was a moment of static before Big Bird spoke. "I see. I heard what happened to you. I have been checking in on your parents for you. They are doing fine."

Hogan fought a tear, which threatened to fall. With all he had been through the last couple of months, he longed to be home. He wanted to sit next to his mom, with her arms wrapped around him telling him everything will be okay. "I appreciate it, Sir."

"I know you didn't wake me up to socialize," Big Bird said, getting to the point.

Hogan paused a moment as he regained control of his emotions. "No, Sir, I didn't. I was wondering if I could call in that favor you owe me…"