Chapter 15

'Are you going to turn in now, Annika?' Klink questioned, dressed in his pajamas and nightgown as he walked back into the living room. 'It's quite late. Your father has already gone to bed.'

'I thought I'd continue reading for a while. I'm not tired.' She replied, with a smile, holding up the book she was reading.

'Ah, 'Mein Kampf'.' He recognized the cover. 'Our beloved Fuhrer's own work. Are you enjoying it?'

'It's pretty good. Not the worst book I've ever read.' If only he knew what I was actually reading. It certainly wasn't 'Mein Kampf'. 'I'll turn the lamp off when I'm finished. I won't be much longer.'

Klink nodded and started back to his room. 'Good night, Annika.'

'Good night, Uncle.'

When the door to Klink's room was closed again, Maisie stood and went over to the window, peeking out through the blackout curtain into the camp. Alright, Newkirk, where are you, she wondered. Schultz had told her that he'd delivered her message to him, at least she knew he'd received it. It was out of her hands, then. It was up to him to make contact.

With a sigh, she returned back to the couch and her reading of The Black Stallion. She'd read the book cover to cover so many times she didn't need to look at the words to know the story, but at least it provided her with a little distraction. They hadn't heard anything from the hospital about Hogan yet and she didn't know if that was good news or not. I hope you're doing alright, Papa, she thought, closing the book with a sigh and looked back to the window.

Her afternoon had been spent listening to Wolfgang and Wilhelm catch up the twenty something years they hadn't been in contact with each other, and she'd been bored out of her brain every minute of it. She felt like a stranger. These weren't her people. This wasn't her place. She didn't fit in here. Her place, where she felt comfortable and most at home, was out in Barracks Two with Hogan's men. If she couldn't be with Hogan, at least being with his team sounded better then listening to her 'uncle' rave on. The only good thing the evening had revealed was that Wilhelm appeared to have taken a liking to her. At least that would make things easier for her. Especially if she was going to be playing the part of his niece for goodness knows how long.

The sound of something scraping caught her ear, and she didn't bother to look around. She knew by the sound of his footsteps who it was. 'You took your time.' She remarked, nonchalantly. 'Have somewhere better to be tonight?'

'You. Down the tunnel. Now.' Newkirk hissed back, looking around nervously.

'Oh Newkirk, always so dramatic.'

'Maisie, you are skating on bloody thin ice. Down the tunnel now. We need to have a little chat.'

'Alright, alright.' She rolled her eyes, turning off the lamp and followed him to the entrance. Ha! Under the stove, hey? I didn't even think to look there. Climbing down first, she waited as Newkrik pulled the stove back into place and descended down the ladder. 'If you don't mind, I'd like to speak with you privately. I don't want to see the others right now.'

He raised an eyebrow, then motioned for her to go ahead of him, and they made their way to one of the storage rooms to talk. 'You have some explaining to do, missie.'

'I guess I do, don't I?' She sighed heavily, taking a seat on one of the crates. 'Where do I start-'

'How about you start with this. What the bloody hell are you doing here with a Gestapo general?'

'Newkirk, you don't have to be so abrupt-'

'What am I supposed to think? Colonel Hogan's dead, you take off on some mission, then drop back in when you feel like it with a bloomin Gestapo general, no less! You better start talking, Maisie. My patience these days is nonexistent.'

'Colonel Hogan's alive.'

Newkirk stopped short, turning around and looked at her with shock. 'What did you say?'

'Colonel Hogan's alive.'

'That's what I thought you said.' He looked at her closely. 'This ain't some kind of ruddy cruel joke, is it?'

'Not on my part, it wasn't.'

The corporal sat, dumbfounded. Hogan's alive? He looked back at Maisie, searching her expression. Her face was hard and set, yet in her eyes he could see something she was trying to hide. Hurt. Pain. Grief. He lowered his voice, taking a gentler tone. 'Maisie, can you please explain what you're talking about?'

'Papa's not dead...he's alive.' Her bottom lip quivered. 'Oh Newkirk, it was awful-'

'Hey, hey, it's alright.' Newkirk took the trembling teen into his arms, holding her tight as she broke down. Hogan's alive? How? What happened? What's been going on? He glanced down at Maisie, the teen holding tight to him as she cried, and a shiver ran down his spine. God Maisie, what on earth did you see? 'It's alright, little mate-' His own eyes were watering hearing her grief-stricken sobs. 'It's alright. I'm here now.'

The two of them sat clinging to each other for a long time, Maisie's sobs finally abating after a while, and she rested in his hold. 'I-I'm sorry. It-it's been a-a long week.' She sniffled, wiping her eyes.

'Here-' He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. 'Blow your nose.'

'Thank y-you.'

'Feel better now?'

'A little.' She replied, wiping the last of the tears from her cheeks and placed the handkerchief aside. 'I-I'm sorry. I didn't, didn't mean to-'

'Hey, it's alright, hon. There's no need to apologize, little one.' He rubbed her back as she choked back the last of her sobs. 'What happened? What's going on?'

'Papa's alive. He's in a hospital in Duesseldorf...Newkirk, it was awful. All this time we thought Papa was dead, and he was being held by the Gestapo-'

No wonder the littlest member of their team was a mess. His heart sank. They'd all given him up for dead. They hadn't even tried- Oh no.

'Why don't you start from the beginning, okay?'

Maisie nodded and took a deep breath. 'It was Mr. Gustavsson who said something that made me realize things with Papa didn't add up. We never tried to get proof that Papa had been killed. We should have. We should have checked, but we didn't-'

And that's partially my fault, he thought, as she continued.

'I got in contact with Matilda, the agent who's taken my Uncle's place a couple days after I left here. She has people in the Dusseldorf Gestapo, and they were able to tell her that Papa's file was still open. The last entry in the file was a transfer to Berlin. The day after it had been reported Papa had been killed.'

Newkirk's heart sank to the floor. We didn't even try. If we'd known that, we might have been able to do something.

'Major Langer-' She paused, sniffling again. 'Major Langer had someone executed while wearing Colonel Hogan's jacket to make us think he had been killed. Papa knew that his things had been sent here. He knew we thought he was dead. He knew no one would be coming for him-'

We abandoned the G'vnor, all of us did. He rubbed her back gently, waiting for her to continue.

'That's why I went to Berlin. To find out what had happened. The Underground got me there and in contact with an agent in Gestapo Headquarters. That contact is Wolfgang Klink.'

Klink's brother is a member of the Underground? This tale was becoming more and more surprising as she continued.

'Wolfgang arranged for Major Langer's disappearance, all the files and everything on Papa have gone with him. Two days ago, Wolfgang, I and two other members of the Underground went in to get Papa out-' Her voice broke again, and she had to wait a moment before she had her emotions under control. 'The look of fear on Papa's face when I walked into the cell...he was terrified. I've never seen him so scared. He was scared of me. Wolfgang had made me wear a Gestapo uniform for the job. I had to go along with them to get him out. They were worried how he would react, and they were right. Papa was so scared. I didn't think I'd be able to get him to trust me, but he did, and we were able to get him out and away to a place in Wolfsburg with a doctor who is another Underground member.'

I don't know if I should be furious with you or bloody damn proud.

'Then, last night, we moved him from there to the hospital in Duesseldorf, then we came here so I could make contact with you and tell you what was going on. I'm sorry that I couldn't get word to you any sooner, but I had to go with Wolfgang's plan.'

'I understand-' Newkirk was surprised at the shake in his own voice. 'And the G'vnor? Is he alright?'

Maisie shook her head. 'He's hurt badly, Newkirk...really bad. The doctor-' Her voice hitched again. 'The doctor doesn't think he's going to make it.'

Bloody hell.

'We just don't know.' She continued. 'We haven't heard anything. Wolfgang let me stay with him for a few hours this morning, but we haven't received any word of how he is since.'

They sat in silence for sometime, Newkirk processing the information she'd told him. You went into Berlin Gestapo headquarters dressed up as a Gestapo officer- He couldn't believe it. God, you could have been caught and killed or- 'Maisie, I don't know if I should be angry with you for putting yourself in that much danger or if I should be bloody overwhelmed with pride. You went into their headquarters to get Colonel Hogan out. God, what were you thinking?'

'Papa would have done it for me.'

Yes, yes he would have. He couldn't argue with that. 'I am so proud of you, little mate.' He hugged her tight, planting a kiss on her forehead. 'I don't know what to say.'

'I just should have gotten there sooner. I should have tried to do something-'

'No, no, little one, it's not on you. It's on us. We should have checked and not have been so bloody blind as to not see the Gestapo were up to their old tricks. If anyone's to blame, it's me. Not you. Not you, Maisie. You're still only a child-' He kissed her again, not wanting to let her go. 'And yet you, you saved Colonel Hogan.'

'I only did what Papa would have done for me. Wolfgang was the one who made it possible. He was the one who pulled the strings-'

'If it wasn't for you asking questions we should have, he'd still be there.'

'But I might have been too late, Newkirk-' Her voice was a mere whisper, her hand holding tightly to his jacket. 'I might have been too late for him to be able to be helped. They were horrible to Papa, but he didn't say a word. He took it to save us.'

Newkirk rubbed her back as she started to sob softly again, tears trickling down his own cheeks. We did nothing. Colonel Hogan was alive, and we did nothing. 'It's alright. It's alright, little one.' He pressed his cheek to her head, holding onto her tight. 'Colonel Hogan will be alright.'

'I don't think he's gonna be.' She replied between sobs. 'The doctor said Papa might not want to get better. I want him to get better. He's got to get better. He just has to.'

'I know, hon...I know.'

After a little longer, she pulled away from him and dried her tears once more. 'I better go get some sleep. You should tell the others.'

'I will. Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll tell them.' He promised. 'What happens now, though? What is Wolfgang's plan? Will he tell Klink?'

'I don't know. He's waiting to hear word of how Papa is before he says anything. He's going to take me back in to see him sometime, though. I don't know when you'll be able to see him. Wolfgang has promised that you will get to see him, though. I'm just not sure when or how.'

'And you trust this general?'

'I didn't have much of a choice, did I?'

No, I guess you didn't. He kissed her forehead again and stood, the two of them making their way back into Klink's quarters. He followed Maisie into the guest room, tucking her in under the covers. 'I'm sure we'll hear something come morning. You try to get some sleep.'

'I'll try.' She smiled sadly as Newkirk kissed her forehead. 'Good night, Newkirk.'

'Sweet dreams, little one.'

Newkirk's heart was heavy as he made his way back into the Barracks after tucking Maisie into bed, his mind swirling with thoughts. Hogan's been alive this whole time and interrogated by the Gestapo, and we did nothing! He was angry. Not at Maisie, but at himself. Why hadn't they questioned the circumstances? Why didn't they try to find out the truth? Why had it been left to a fifteen year old girl to do the job that they were supposed to do?

I am so sorry, G'vnor... Maisie. Guilt and remorse weighed heavily on his shoulders. God, what had Maisie seen for her to break down like that? He could only imagine the stress and strain she'd been under. It was no surprise that she'd broken down the way she had. For all her buff and outward appearance of being strong, she was just a child. She shouldn't have had that responsibility on her, for the sake of pete, she's only a child!

Coming into the barracks, he closed the tunnel entrance behind him, then went over to Carter, shaking him gently. 'Carter, emergency meeting.'

The American groaned as he opened his eyes. 'Don't you know what time it is?'

'I bloody well know what time it is. Up and at 'em, soldier. All of us need to have a little chat.'

'Can't it wait till morning-'

'Do I need to drag you from your bunk myself?'

'Alright, alright. No need to get in a tizz, Newkirk. I'm coming.'

'Bout bloody time.

Within a couple minutes, LeBeau and Kinch had been awoken, and they made their way into the colonel's office. Newkirk flipped on a light, Crittendon not at all happy to be woken. 'God man, don't you know what time it is?'

'I've already been through it with Carter, sir, but we need to have a talk,' Newkirk said.

'Can't it wait until morning-'

Newkirk's glare shut him up. 'No. It can't.'

Kinch looked over at the corporal as Crittendon got out of bed and joined them in the middle of the room. 'What's the problem, Newkirk?' The sergeant asked. 'What's going on?'

'That's what I'd like to know.' LeBeau agreed, with a yawn.

'Colonel Hogan is alive.'

The room erupted with a thousand questions, and he motioned for them to be quiet.

'You can't be serious, man-' Crittendon scoffed. 'He's been gone two months-'

'In Berlin Gestapo Headquarters; not pushing up daisies.'

'But how-' Carter questioned. 'Where is he?'

'A hospital in Dusseldorf.'

Kinch frowned, trying to make sense of what was being said. 'What's the story, Newkirk?'

'We owe Maisie an apology, for starters. That girl is more of a man than all of us put together. Gusty girl helped spring the G'vnor out from Headquarters right under their noses.'

'She what?' LeBeau coughed.

'Dressed up as Gestapo and helped the Underground rescue the Colonel.'

Crittendon's eyes looked fit to pop out of his head. 'How on earth in the seven seas did she manage to do that?'

'I have no bloody idea how they didn't get caught, but they managed to pull it off.'

'Sounds as crazy as one of mon Colonel's own plans.' LeBeau said, shaking his head in surprise.

'What about the general, though?' Carter questioned. 'What's the go with him?'

'Our beloved Kommandant Klink's brother is a member of the Underground.' The look on their faces was his exact reaction when Maisie had told him the same thing. 'He helped get Colonel Hogan out of there and to the hospital.'

'Is he alright, though,' was the next question. This time from Kinch. 'Did Maisie say how he is?'

'Poor little one was crying for a good half hour straight.'

'So not good, then.' Kinch replied.

'Afraid so.'

'Poor little Maisie.' LeBeau said sadly. 'She loves mon Colonel with all her heart.'

'Ay, poor little thing.' Crittendon agreed. 'What do we do now in the meantime? London should be notified-'

'Of what?' Newkirk questioned. 'There's no point in tellin' them one bloody thing till we find out how he is.'

'How long will we have to wait?' Carter asked, after a moment.

'I don't know. But in the meantime, we'd better pray that he pulls through.'

'Yes, yes, I understand. Thank you, Dr. Nachbaur. I'll be there soon.'

Maisie looked over from her breakfast as Wolfgang hung the phone back onto the receiver. 'Was that the hospital?'

He nodded soberly, returning to his seat at the table.

She looked at his face, her heart sinking at the expression he wore. 'What is it?'

'Nachbaur says if there's people who would like to see him, they'd better go see him soon. He doesn't believe he'll see the day out.'

God no, no, this couldn't be happening- 'Are you going to tell Wilhelm?' She questioned, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. 'His men need to see him.'

'I'll tell him. I think our Kommandant thinks more of Colonel Hogan than he wishes people to notice. He was only saying yesterday how his job has been a lot harder since he's been gone.'

'What will you tell him?'

'Part of the truth. Wilhelm might appear to be senseless, but deep down he knows more than he lets on.' He watched the girl push her plate away and sighed. 'Maisie, I haven't seen you eat a square meal since I've been with you.'

'I'm not hungry.'

'You need to eat-'

'Later. I'll have Newkirk and the others in my ear, too.'

'You met up with his team?'

She nodded. 'Last night. I told him about… what happened.'

'At least it won't be a huge shock for them then when Wilhelm tells them.' He stood, then turned back to her. 'What do you want to do?'

'I want to come see him, can I?'

Wolfgang nodded. 'I'll think of something to tell my brother. Go get ready. I need to go speak with him.'

'Thank you.'

The teen disappeared back into the guest room, closing the door behind herself, and Wolfgang took a deep breath before stepping outside to go to the office. Hilda looked up as he walked through the front door, and he motioned towards his brother's office. 'Is he in?' She nodded, and he walked into the office. 'Can I speak with you for a moment?'

Klink looked up from his paperwork and nodded, motioning for his brother to sit. 'What is it?'

'I might have lied to you yesterday, when I said that my business wasn't official. My reason for being here has to do with your Senior POW Officer.'

'Crittendon?'

'Hogan.'

Klink raised an eyebrow. 'Hogan is dead and buried-'

'Not exactly…'

'You mean he's still alive?' He questioned, his voice slightly hopeful. 'Is he alright?'

'He's in the hospital in Dusseldorf.'

'I'd been told he was killed while trying to escape. I told his men the same thing-' Klink frowned. 'What has been going on?'

'I'll give you the short version. Major Langer had a personal vendetta against your Colonel Hogan, which is why he had him arrested. It's also why he made everyone believe that he had been killed. He's been holding Hogan in Berlin, and I had an anonymous suggestion that his treatment of the colonel wasn't called for and intervened. To have him transferred back here. I don't know the extent of what happened or why, but Major Langer has been relieved of his post.'

'But what about Hogan? What do I tell his men?'

'Exactly what I told you. I have reason to believe that Langer thought Hogan was running an Underground sabotage unit from Stalag 13. You haven't seen anything that would put any evidence to those claims, have you?'

Well, there were a few things… 'No. This is the most escape proof camp in all of Germany. The prisoners can't escape, let alone run a sabotage unit from here.'

'I thought as much, which is exactly what I said to Langer when I relieved him of his position.' Wolfgang replied and stood, going over to the window. 'You run a tight camp, Wilhelm. You've done well.'

Klink smiled proudly. 'I'm glad you think so. What of Hogan, though? When can he return?'

'That's the problem-' He turned back to his brother. 'I had a phone call from the hospital. Hogan took a turn for the worse during the night, and they don't expect him to make it through the day. I thought there might be some men who'd wish to have a chance to say goodbye.'

'You mean…' His face fell as it sunk in, and he nodded. 'There are some men Hogan was close to, they would wish to go. Would you mind telling them what you told me?'

'Of course.'

The Kommandant picked up the phone. 'Hilda, call Sergeant Schultz in. Danke.' He hung the phone up again, looking back at Wolfgang. 'Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?'

'I was waiting to receive word on his condition.'

'You wish to see me, Herr Kommandant?'

'Yes, Schultz-' he replied, as the guard walked into the office. 'Bring in Colonel Crittendon, Sergeants Carter and Kinchloe, and Corporals Newkirk and LeBeau.'

'Of course, Herr Kommandant. Right away.'

The guard left, Maisie entering the room. 'Are we ready to go shopping, Father?' She questioned cheerily, but in her eyes there was no sparkle.

'I'm afraid not, my dear, I've got some business to attend to.'

'The American colonel?'

'You know about Hogan?' Klink questioned the girl.

Maisie shrugged. 'Father mentioned that he had to arrange transport for a prisoner. I just guessed. I guess I'm right?'

Wolfgang nodded. 'Unfortunately, yes. I'm sorry we won't be able to go shopping-'

'That's alright, Father. I understand.' She took a seat beside him. 'Will he be alright?'

'The hospital says it doesn't look good for him.'

'Oh, that's a shame.' Her face was emotionless, though her heart was breaking.

'You seem to be quite concerned about my prisoner-' Klink interjected.

'He's still human, isn't he? He might be the enemy, but that doesn't make him any less human.'

'I couldn't have said it better myself.' Wolfgang smiled. 'I think we could all learn a thing or two from you.'

She giggled. 'Danke, Father.' The sound of the front door being opened caught her attention, and she glanced over as Schultz herded in the prisoners.

'Colonel Crittendon reporting, Sir,' the colonel said, saluting smartly as he stood at attention.

Klink returned the salute, motioning for him to stand at ease. 'Gentleman, I would like you to meet my brother, General Wolfgang Klink, and his daughter, Annika.'

Newkirk whistled. 'You never told us you had such a pretty bird as a niece-' He walked over to her, noticing the message she was sending him with her hands. Hogan not good. 'Right, pleasure to meet you, miss.'

'Newkirk-' Klink shook a finger at him. 'That is the general's daughter you're speaking to. I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from your remarks.'

'Of course, sir. It's just that it's been so long since I saw-' He returned her message. Understood. 'A good looking girl.'

'Newkirk, another word out of you, and you'll be in the cooler.' He warned, this time meaning his threat. He was in no mood to deal with any shenanigans with the news he'd just been told. 'Now, I've called you here as General Klink would like to speak with you. Wolfgang-'

'Thank you.' He rose, looking at the men. 'I have some information about Colonel Hogan. I believe he was your Senior POW Officer until a couple months back.'

'That is correct.' Crittendon replied, taking a glance at Newkirk, who glared back at him. Alright, alright, I'll play along with this little game. 'We were told he'd been killed attempting to escape from the Gestapo, and I was transferred to take his place.'

'Have you come to tell us something?' LeBeau questioned, wondering why they'd all been called in like this.

He nodded. 'Your Colonel Hogan wasn't killed as had been reported to your Kommandant. The arresting officer had a personal grievance against him and took him to Berlin for questioning. He has now been relieved of his post.'

'Can you get to the bloody point, General?' Newkirk questioned, with annoyance. 'Is Colonel Hogan alright or isn't he?'

'I've just had a call from the hospital where he was admitted. They don't expect him to see the day out.'

He glanced back at Maisie, the girl's expression still unchanged. Bloody hell.

'I thought you might wish to see him-' He continued. 'Under guard, of course.'

Kinch eyed the general cautiously. 'What's in it for you? The Gestapo doesn't do anything for nothing.'

'Hopefully a chance to put a wrong right that one of my men was responsible for. I do not condone the mistreatment of the enemy if he has nothing to reveal. Colonel Hogan didn't say a word during his questioning, which leads me to believe he had nothing to say anyway. Besides-' he looked down at Maisie. 'My daughter reminded me that while we might be enemies, we are all still human beings.'

'I wouldn't consider the Gestapo human.' LeBeau replied, with disgust.

'Out of line, Corporal.' Crittendon reprimanded, turning back to Klink. 'I didn't know Hogan very well personally, but I believe that his men should be able to see him.'

'And they shall,' Klink replied. 'General Klink will take you to visit him in Dusseldorf.'

'Aren't you going to come, too, Kommandant?' Newkirk questioned.

Klink shook his head. 'I have reports to send to Berlin today. You four will be under Wolfgang's guard.' He turned to his brother. 'Schultz can assist you.'

Wolfgang nodded and looked back at the men. 'The truck will be waiting outside in ten minutes. Dismissed.'

The men saluted and left the office, Maisie getting up after they'd gone. 'Can I come into town with you, Father? I could do some shopping while you take the men up to the hospital.'

'Of course, my dear. Go get your things ready.'

'Danke.'

The teen left the office, Wolfgang turning back to his brother after they'd left. 'You don't wish to go see him? I was under the impression that you liked him-'

'His men deserve to see him first.' He replied, as he turned back to his papers. 'I'll see you when you get back.' Wolfgang nodded and started for the door. 'Close the door on your way out.'

The door was closed, and he put his pen down once more, resting back in his chair. Oh Hogan… he sighed heavily. He certainly hadn't expected that news. You've gotten yourself into a real mess this time.

'How long do you want to stay for?' Wolfgang questioned, his hand on Maisie's shoulder as the teen sat again at Hogan's side.

'I'm staying as long as it takes.' She replied softly, Hogan's hand cradled in hers. 'I don't care what story you make up for Wilhelm, but come up with something. I'm not leaving him. I promised his men I'd stay…'

'I understand. Would you like me to stay here with you?'

Maisie shook her head. 'I'd rather be alone, if you don't mind.'

'Of course. I'll leave orders for you to not be disturbed. Except for the nurses, no one else should come in.'

'Thank you. I'd hardly want to explain to Wilhelm what I'm doing here.'

The general chuckled softly. 'Neither do I, believe me. However, under that charade, there is a good man inside him. Dr. Bergmann mentioned that he came to see Hogan for a little while this afternoon after we'd gone back to camp.'

'That should have been enough to make Papa want to get better. He loves getting on the Kommandant's nerves. Stalag 13 just wouldn't be the same without him riling Old Blood and Guts up.'

'Blood and Guts?'

'That's Papa's nickname for Klink.'

Wolfgang laughed again. 'Oh, it suits him. You know, my little brother was a bookkeeper before the war.'

'Really? Well, that makes sense. Some people just shouldn't be in the war.'

'I can't argue with that logic. At least he won't get sent to the Russian Front, as much as Burkhalter loves to threaten him with that. It'd never happen.'

'I wouldn't be so sure of that-'

'I would, because the next person joining him would be Burkhalter. Wilhelm might be a little daft sometimes and slightly irritating, but he's my younger brother and the only family I've got. Unfortunately, you don't get to choose your relatives.'

That put a little smile on her face. 'Big brother watching out for him, then?'

'How do you think he got stationed at Stalag 13 to begin with?'

'You.'

'Mmmhmmm. It was either that, or he would have gotten sent to the Front. So, as long as he keeps doing his job there, he'll get through the war without a problem.'

'You really care about your brother, don't you?'

Wolfgang shrugged. 'I guess it's like you and Hogan. He's all the family I have left, and despite our differences, I'm relieved that so far things have been smooth. Wilhelm was always jealous of me. I was my father's favorite, and he had to try extra hard to get any kind of recognition.'

'That makes sense now why he's the way he is,' she said, a little more respect in her voice for the Kommandant. 'I guess I feel kind of sorry for him. He does get picked on a lot by Papa.'

He smiled a little. 'You have a kind heart, Maisie. If everyone could see the good in others like you do, we wouldn't even be fighting a war.' He looked down at his watch to check the time. 'I'll leave you, now. If you need anything, just ring. I'll spend the night at the Kaiserhoff and tell Wilhelm we went out for dinner and a movie then decided to stay in the town tonight.'

'Papa and I appreciate everything you've done for us. Danke.'

'It's alright, little one. No thanks needed. All I need is for Colonel Hogan to get better-' He looked over at the colonel. 'And that's an order from a general, Colonel. This little one needs you and so do the rest of us.'

'You better listen to the general, Papa.' Maisie played along with a sad smile. 'You might get a court martial, otherwise.'

'Even if we are in different armies, I'll still be able to make that happen.' Wolfgang went to leave, patting her shoulder. 'If you need me or anything, call. I'll be here as soon as I can.'

'I will, danke.'

Wolfgang patted her shoulder again and left, the door being closed behind him. With a sigh, Maisie looked up at Hogan. Despite the doctor's prediction that he wouldn't see the day out, it was nine o'clock, and while he hadn't shown any improvement from when she'd seen him earlier that day, he hadn't gotten any worse, either. His chest still rose and fell steadily, and while there was life, there was hope. 'You keep fighting, Papa. You can get better.' She whispered softly, her fingers intertwined in his hair. 'I know you can. You have to get better...for me.'

Minutes slowly ticked by, a nurse coming in to dim the light in the room and administer more medicine to Hogan. Still, there was no response from him, the silence only interrupted by his soft breathing. Please, Papa, please…. She held his hand in hers, smoothing back his hair gently. Her eyes had long dried up, her tears all cried out. Instead, there was just an emptiness in her heart. An ache that could only be filled by him. Please, please fight, Papa.

'I don't know if you can hear me-' She whispered, her voice sounding loud in the small room. 'But Papa, you need to get better. You have to get better. We need you, Papa. Me, Newkirk, Kinch, Carter, LeBeau. I heard even Klink came in earlier to see you. We all need you, Papa. You mean everything to each of us. You're our Colonel...you're my papa. I love you so much-'

Her voice broke, rubbing the back of his hand with her thumb as she struggled to keep her composure. 'More than you could ever know. You're my whole world, Papa. I don't know what I would do if you weren't in it. When I thought you had been killed… It was like my heart had been crushed. I've already lost so much. My family, my home, my friends, to lose you too-' To her surprise, her eyes began to water again. I must still have tears left, she thought sadly. 'I don't want to lose you, too, Papa. I can't lose you. I love you so so much…'

The teen sniffled, breaking off her sentence. 'I don't know how to tell you just what you mean to me, but you mean everything. You saved me. You pulled me out of the darkest time of my life, and you refused to let me go. You didn't give up on me, and I'm not going to give up on you. I'm not leaving here until you get better, so you'd better fight, Papa. Fight to live. I know you can, you can't give up. You just can't.'

Silence descended upon the room once again as she finished pouring out her heart, no response at all coming from Hogan that he had heard her or understood. Not even the flutter of an eyelid. I believe you can get better, Papa. You just have to. She smoothed back his hair, gazing sadly at his face. You have to.

Time slipped by, and slowly, she began to succumb to her exhaustion. Her eyelids just kept trying to shut, and she knew she had to get some sleep. Still holding onto his hand, she rested her head down on the bed beside him and was dead to the world within seconds. At least, finally, she was getting some much needed sleep.