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Yesterday's Memories
By
Jennaya
The next evening, Kinch received word from London that Gibson was sitting in the stockade awaiting his murder trial. Once realization had dawned on Gibson that the authorities had proof of his involvement in killing Private Rowland and the souvenir made out of the ear, he began talking trying to save his neck. London promised to let them know about the outcome of the court-martial. Kinch, grinning from ear to ear, took the news upstairs handing it to Hogan.
"Glad to hear it," Hogan said satisfied. His earlier conversation with command about Mason hadn't been received as well, but they'd agreed to defer to Hogan's decision for now. "Mason, I'd like to speak with you in my office." The young private followed him into the office standing next to the table while Hogan closed the door. "We have to decide what to do with you."
"What do you mean, sir?" Mason asked, nervously. He'd been expecting this conversation.
"You lied about your age to get into the Army and the Army doesn't take well to that. It's a very serious breach of ethics. How do you think it should be handled?" Hogan asked crossing his arms, his command face unreadable.
Mason swallowed hard, his hands clasped behind his back. "Sir, my intentions weren't to deceive the Army, only to serve. As the Army has spent time and resources training me, I think it would be better for the Army to get use of those skills and for me to stay. I can make restitution for anything the Army is out because of my dishonestly.
"I believe your initial intentions were to deceive," Hogan paused watching the young man squirm. "However, I believe those intentions changed and you have served honorably. That doesn't change the fact that you're underage and too young to serve, which presents me with a dilemma. Do I send you home or keep you here? What do you think should happen?"
Mason looked scared as he searched for the right words. "Sir, sending me home would cause an escape to be on Colonel Klink's record. That would bring a disadvantage to the operation causing more harm to be done to the Army. I want to make up for my mistake and not cause any more hardships. By staying in Stalag 13, I can put the training I've received to use." Mason held his breath as Hogan paced slowly in front of his bunk.
"You bring up a good point. If I let you stay though, there will have to be restitution made. You will be expected to learn new skills that will aid in the operation, and take part in the daily running of this camp. It won't be easy. Would you be willing to work hard and make up for your past offense?" Hogan asked with his command face still firmly in place.
"Yes, sir," Mason replied without hesitation.
"Very well, we'll see how it goes."
"Sir, may I make a request?" Mason asked with a dry mouth. Hogan raised an eyebrow waiting for the question. "Would it be possible for me to move back to barracks eight? I like it here all right and everything here. It's just I miss my buddies over there."
Hogan didn't answer immediately appearing to mull over the request. "Very well Private, report to Sergeant Wilkerson in the morning. He'll have your new assignments. Don't make me regret this."
"No, sir, I promise I won't," Mason answered relieved.
"You're dismissed. Get some rest," Hogan ordered with a smile. He was proud of the way Mason handled himself.
Eight weeks later, Hogan, LeBeau, and Carter were gathered around Kinch at the radio. He placed the call on the speaker. "Go ahead General, everyone can hear you now."
"I wanted to inform you about what's been happening around here. Private Rays cooperated fully with the investigation and trial in the murder of Private Rowland."
"Glad to hear it, sir. What does the future hold for Rays?" Hogan asked.
"He's a remarkable young man and at your suggestion he's been transferred to Military Intelligence. Once his training is complete, he'll be sent to the Pacific Theatre. As an escaped prisoner, it would be too dangerous for him to be dropped back behind enemy lines in Europe. Now for the news you've been waiting for, the outcome of Gibson's court-martial," Butler paused gathering his thoughts. "Sergeant Gibson was charged with the murder of Private Rowland, assaulting Colonel Hogan, two counts of assault on Sergeant Kinchloe, and assault on Private Rays along with witness intimidation. He was also charged with harassing Private Rays's family and dishonorable conduct. He was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to death by hanging."
"No firing squad, sir?" Hogan asked. Hangings were usually reserved for civilians and conduct so egregious for military personnel that they weren't considered worthy to be treated as soldiers.
"His crimes determined that he wasn't eligible for a firing squad. However, in the interest of justice the US Attorney's office has stepped in," Butler continued.
"What does that mean, sir?" Kinch asked with his heart in his throat.
"It means because of crimes he's accused of that took place before his entering the military, we've come to an agreement. For Gibson's complete and full cooperation with the US Attorney's office in the death of Raymond Kinchloe, and other offenses committed as civilian, his sentence has been commuted to life in prison."
"What? For his bloody crimes he deserves to be put to death!" Newkirk angrily threw out.
"Let's let the General continue," Hogan ordered.
"Gibson will give full details about his part in Raymond Kinchloe's death along with testimony about others involved in the murder. If at any time, Gibson is found to be holding back or lying, the deal will be revoked and he'll immediately face the hangman's noose. The US Attorney will try to bring charges against the other members of the Klan that murdered Mr. Kinchloe. Although no promises can be made on the outcome, and it may not be the perfect solution, it's the best we could do," Butler explained.
"Thank you, General, it means a lot. My father has finally received justice," Kinch said, satisfied that at least one of the criminals would pay for the crime. He disconnected the radio.
"Congratulations, Kinch. That's the best news possible," Carter said. The others chimed in with similar sentiments.
"Yes it is," Kinch said sitting back smiling. He'd been able to find some justice for his father, a feat he knew never would have been possible if Gibson hadn't landed in Stalag 13. Although it had been a long and arduous journey, Kinch knew his father would have been proud of the way it was handled.
The End