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Between The Lines

Chapter 20

Message Delivered

The Tunnels

Kinch had just gotten off the radio with London. MI9 had filled him in on tonight's escape route, providing the codes and underground contact that would take Withers the rest of the way to the coast. Withers had been briefed on the medication he was carrying back to England and the importance it had for their commanding officer.

The second part of London's message was a welcome shock. General Walters himself had relayed information for Colonel Hogan, knowing it only had a fifty/fifty chance of reaching him.

There would be a contact at Hohemark hospital. That was all the information Kinch was given.

Kinch was now burdened with the task of trying to get this information to the Colonel, who was under twenty-four-hour guard. I can't get close enough to slip him a note or talk to him. Come on think! There's got to be a way.

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Klink's office

Knefler smiled knowingly. "So now tell me about Colonel Hogan's latest escapade. How did it come about?"

Klink looked questioningly at Knefler. "He cut the fence and he and four of his men escaped. What else do you want to know?"

"Did you notice any restlessness during the days before the escape?" Knefler stared at Klink, waiting for an answer.

Of course Hogan was restless. Hegel was extorting diamonds from him and if he didn't get them, Hegel was going to shoot him… and me. But I can't tell you that.

"No." Klink answered as he looked confidently back at Knefler and told his bold face lie.

"Interesting." Knefler commented and then assumed a more serious tone. "How long did he spend in solitary?"

"About two weeks minus the time he was questioned by the Gestapo about Hegel's death."

"So it was after the duress of the trial that he figured out he was being dosed?" Knefler asked.

"Yes. It was the morning General Burkhalter arrived," Klink confirmed.

Burkhalter interrupted. "It seems his stay in solitary allowed him time to deduce that something was going on. Colonel Hogan refused to eat yesterday morning. I confronted him and asked why. He tried to avoid answering, but when I pressed him, I could see his indignation taking over and he started to quote the Geneva Convention. I abruptly put a halt to that. That is when he told me he would not cooperate."

Knefler took out his notepad and began scribbling.

"So he has gone a day without being medicated?" Knefler paused from taking notes.

Klink shook his head. "No, Major Hochstetter brought the doctor from the Hammelburg Gestapo and four guards to assist Hogan with his medicine."

Knefler swallowed a smile and continued writing. "I'm sure Major Hochstetter was delighted to help." Knefler resumed writing in his notes, underlining key thoughts as he went. "You have given me a lot of good information. I will review my notes later and let you know if I have any more questions. "

Knefler slipped his notebook in his pocket, giving it a secure pat.

"I wanted to meet with you today to brief you on what we are going to be doing with Colonel Hogan. But first some background information. I assume you are both acquainted with the Ahnenerbe, which is the Ancestral Heritage office of the SS, and their earlier searches for ancient relics. In order to prepare a home for the relics, Reichsfuhrer Himmler is restoring Wewelsburg Castle to be the home for the relics and for SS administration. And after the war, Wewelsburg will be used for ideological indoctrination."

Burkhalter's eyes narrowed. "I've heard there are studies being conducted at Wewelsburg that are private and known only to the upper echelon of the Schutzstaffel."

Oberst Knefler's response was matter of fact. "That's very interesting, General; your source is a good one. Yes, there are high-level scientific studies being conducted by the SS and this testing is part of those studies. Since the war, the Ahnenerbe has shifted their interest from archeological exploration and prehistoric studies to military matters, including medical experiments on human subjects. Interest has been diverted to the study of Ayahuasca and that is where Colonel Hogan comes in."

Klink's mouth dropped open. "Ayawa… whaaat?"

"Ayahuasca," Knefler repeated. "It was used by ancient Amazonian tribes for thousand of years and is still being used today. The Schutzstaffel is very much interested in the spiritual practices of the local people still using Ayahuasca. It is felt that it could open the mind up to hidden powers and knowledge, which could be beneficial in the right hands. The plant involved is called Banisteriopsis caapi and is combined with Psychotria Viridis.

The indigenous people who use them in their religious ceremonies boil their medical components out and make a drink. Our scientists', lead by Otto Von Tillermaan, have extracted those components and are studying the best way to administer them and in what proportions. That all has to be worked out before it can be administered to those elite selected in the SS."

Klink leaned forward with a puzzled look on his face. "Von Tillermaan… weren't his books burned in Berlin?"

"What are you talking about, Klink?" Burkhalter shifted in his chair.

Looking at Burkhalter, Klink stated, "I had heard that all of Von Tillermaan's books were burned."

Knefler was amused. "I assure you, Colonel Klink, there was no burning of his books. In fact, they are in high demand and another printing is expected. They are fetching a high price currently. Whomever gave you that information was wrong, or they were pulling your leg."

Hogan! I should have known. Klink's face reddened, knowing that he had burned his book when Hogan told him all of Von Tillermaan's books were being burned in Berlin.

"Now that we've straightened that out, may I continue?" Knefler asked.

Burkhalter looked disgustedly at Klink and nodded. "Please do. And no more idiot comments, Klink."

"Yes, Herr General."

"The indigenous people experience various negative effects when they first start drinking it such as nausea, vomiting, and visual problems. But they say the body builds up a tolerance and they eventually subside. We wanted to try to avoid that if we were going to be using it on our own men. So you have been giving Colonel Hogan low doses orally to build up a tolerance. If it works, we will establish what the full dose will be and the route it will be administered."

Frowning, Klink tried to digest what he had just heard. "What do you mean, what 'route it will be given'? Isn't it taken orally?"

"It can be, and that is the way it is used in the Amazon. We are looking to improve on that. We are going to try administering it intramuscular, intravenous, and by vaporization in addition to the oral route. We will determine the most effective route for the best results."

Burkhalter seemed to absorb the information without a problem. He had observed dosages being worked out before during the 'truth serum' studies. "I am curious what happens after the dosages are worked out. What are the end results?

"I would like to know that too," Klink added. "Is Hogan going to be permanently changed?"

Knefler's expression did not change. "I'm sorry that is classified. You will have to ask somebody in the Schutzstaffel with more authority for that answer."

Burkhalter straightened in his chair with a determined look on his face. He did not like the answer he was given. "I will take it up with General Kaltenbrunner."

"That would be good, Herr General. Now if there are no more questions, I would like to go back to your quarters, Colonel Klink, and review my notes before I send for Colonel Hogan."

Questions? Yes, I have questions. How long will the testing last? Will you stop testing if you see it's harmful? But these are dangerous questions to ask of a government with total disregard for someone not of the Aryan race. Showing too much concern for my prisoners could lose me my command. "Of course. Make yourself at home."

Burkhalter stood and announced, "And I am going to take my leave. I believe the Luftwaffe has fulfilled their obligation. Colonel Hogan is now your headache."

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Hogan's office

"How do you spell iowaska or whatever that drug is?" Carter was taking notes for Kinch.

"Just sound it out the best you can," LeBeau encouraged, as he continued to listen.

"Von Tillermaan? Isn't he that ESP guy the Colonel used to dupe Klink when he thought we were going to be punished for gambling?" Baker asked.

Carter sat up straighter. "Yeah, that's the guy. The Colonel thought he made him up, and he turned out to be real."

LeBeau started waving his hands emphatically. "Shh!"

Newkirk looked at Kinch. "Intravenous… vapor? They're barking mad."

They continued listening as Burkhalter and Klink asked their questions.

"Oui, what are the end results?" LeBeau repeated, before popping his head up and exclaiming, "What do you mean it's classified?"

The meeting in Klink's office ended and Kinch unplugged the modified coffee pot they used as a receiver. Turning back to face his team, he affirmed what everyone knew. "The Colonel has quite an ordeal ahead of him."

"I'd like to get my hands on that bloke. I'd sort him out right proper." Newkirk, red faced, went to sit on Hogan's lower bunk.

Kinch, feeling the weight of command, got down to business. "Okay, we've got to figure out how to get General Walters message to the Colonel so he knows to be expecting a contact." Kinch looked at the other three, waiting for ideas. They were running out of time.

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Frankfurt Germany

Tillermaan had just left his underground contact and was hopeful that their plan would work. His contact, Klaus, had helped him get people out of Germany before, but this would be the first time they would be sending someone who didn't want to go.

Stepping out of the building and into the sunshine, he decided to indulge himself and have lunch in the city. Working at Hohemark hospital, he visited Frankfurt often. Today, he would walk the historic coronation route of past German emperors to the Romerberg Square, a public place in Frankfurt, Germany. As he admired the architecture of the half-timbered houses along the way, his mind wondered.

The brief trip to London turned out to be about the American Colonel whose medical records he had been sending to London. Following Hogan's capture and interrogation, he had become the focus of several aviation tests while at Hohemark hospital and Dulag Luft. He was also the test subject for the truth serum now being used by the Nazi's, and the failed attempts to speed up brainwashing.

Now this American colonel would be under Tillermaan's care for yet another study. And Tillermaan and Knefler would be working together. England felt this would be their best opportunity to take Knefler out of the picture. And with Knefler gone and Von Tillermaan slowing or stopping, "Monarch" Hogan should be able to operate unhindered by Nazi testing.

General Walters is concerned that repeated testing will compromise their operations and wants to put a stop to his being used as a 'guinea pig." How he is able to survive so many tests, I don't know. But I'll do my best to make this your last time.

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Klink's quarters

Hogan stood in front of Knefler with his wrists in handcuffs fastened to a belt around his waist. Two SS guards, who had arrived later that morning in a transport truck, flanked him.

"Colonel Hogan, you have been busy since we last met." Knefler looked approvingly at his prisoner.

Looking through Hogan's dossier, he flipped pages, stopping occasionally for dramatic emphasis. "Your dossier's newest entries say you were shot by guards in camp, you attempted an escape where a Gestapo Major was killed during your recapture, and you told General Burkhalter you don't want to help us with our experiments any more.

Hogan concentrated on appearing calm. "I've never been a willing participant in your experiments. And as for the other two, I was minding my own business in the barracks when I was shot, and the Gestapo Major failed to identify himself before stepping in front of a machine gun. Two of those things were out of my control."

Knefler looked up. "All three are out of your control. We are going to take a trip to Hohemark hospital shortly, and you will be made to cooperate once again. But you knew this was coming, didn't you?"

Hogan clenched his jaw and mutely stared back at Knefler. Yes, he guessed as much, but hearing it verbally took his breath away and his heart began to pound. Get a grip. One minute at a time, Hogan ole boy. Just like always.

Seeing the tension in Hogan's face, Knefler tried a little psychology to induce a response. "The medicine you are taking is designed to make this easier on you."

Hogan blinked, flabbergasted at the incredulous remark. Sure it is.

"Don't do me any favors."

Knefler smiled and stood to face Hogan. Content to have gotten a response, he continued to pry into his thoughts. "There was a lot of underground activity the night of your escape attempt."

"Really?" Hogan feigned surprise.

"Come now, you didn't know?" Knefler urged, hoping to delve a little deeper into Hogan's psyche.

Hogan frowned. "Major Hochstetter mentioned something about men being gunned down by a machine gun, but that's the last I heard."

Watching Hogan closely as he spoke, Knefler observed the ease of his responses. It's what he expected to see. He was still confident and sure of himself, still a good test subject.

Knefler continued. "The underground killed guards, freed prisoners and burned a building that same night, which led me to wonder if it was a coordinated effort with your escape attempt. Maybe they were helping to draw attention away from you."

Hogan looked puzzled. "What? I have no way of contacting the underground. If I did, I would have left here a long time ago and you would have had to find another rabbit for your tests."

Knefler surmised the agitation exhibited in this last answer might mean this question hit too close to home. "That is a convincing argument, but still it bears looking into… later."

Hogan shifted his weight uncomfortably. He didn't like Knefler's response. It could mean trouble. I've got to watch myself with him. He's cunning.

Knefler now softened his voice and spoke to Hogan like he was a coconspirator. "Right now, we have to decide the best way to transport you to the hospital. If you can contact the underground, they may be laying in wait for us, so I think we will send the transport truck out as a decoy and you will travel with me."

Knefler went back to his chair and picked up his briefcase.

"Guards, pull the prisoner's coat down off of his right shoulder and tear open his sleeve at the shoulder." Knefler ordered, as he pulled out a syringe. Then, changing back to a more friendly voice, he explained, "Just a little something to keep you docile during the trip. Once again, for your own good."

"I guess I should be honored that you're that afraid of me," Hogan harassed uneasily.

Knefler looked cautiously at Hogan, hoping to get a little truth out of him. "You have a history of being unpredictable. I still remember those pictures we took of you and Hochstetter when he was in the hospital with his broken leg and how they were mysteriously ruined while still in the camera."

"You give me too much credit. Personally, I think Hochstetter was responsible for exposing the film. The camera was on his bedside table and within easy reach."

Knefler cleared the syringe of any air by shooting a small spray out the end of the needle. It had the effect he wanted as he observed Hogan straighten in anticipation.

"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on that only because of your condition at the time." Looking at the guards, he nodded. "Hold him still."

Hogan tried to pull away unsuccessfully and instead felt Knefler's quick jab.

"Take him out and put him in the backseat of my car. One of you rides up front with my driver, the other in the back seat with the prisoner and me. Do this quickly or you will end up carrying him."

Before Hogan knew it, he was whisked outside and marched around to the front of the Kommandant's office. A loud drumming coming from the wreck hall immediately assaulted his ears.

Someone is playing the kettledrums… and badly.

It was the same monotonous rhythm, repeating over and over. He frowned as the drumming continued.

Wait a minute, I recognize that.

Listening more intently, he stopped walking and stifled a smile.

It's our modified Morse code we occasionally use when the radio goes down.

He needed a little more time to decipher the code. As the guard pushed him from behind, he pretended to stumble, going down on both knees.

Contact… at… hospital... stop.

The beat began to echo in his ears. The drug Knefler injected was starting to take hold. Had he heard right? Suddenly, he was jerked up and thrust into the back of the car with one of the guards coming to rest beside him.

Just then Kommandant Klink ran out onto the porch, calling for Schultz.

"Here I am, Kommandant," Shultz answered, coming up to the staff car.

"Go stop that obnoxious drumming before I lose my mind!"

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant."

Seeing Hogan being shoved into Knefler's car, Klink approached the staff car. "Colonel Hogan, I trust that you will watch what you say, while you're away, and not bring any more trouble down on yourself." Klink hoped Hogan would understand his meaning.

Not hearing a response, He bent down to look into the car. Hogan's eyes were closed. "Colonel Hogan?"

"He's resting, Kommandant." Klink turned abruptly and found himself staring into the face of Oberst Knefler. "He's had a little something for the journey."

"Oh, I thought he was going to travel in the truck with the guards."

Knefler shook his head. "We thought this might be safer in case the underground is watching. We can't be too careful with the recent activity in the area."

"Of course," Klink muttered.

Knefler saluted and walked around the staff car to get in, sandwiching Hogan in the back seat.

As the staff car pulled out of Stalag XIII, Klink was uncertain what to expect. He was going to have to trust that Colonel Hogan could continue to outfox the foxes. But just in case, maybe he should pack a bag.

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Outside barrack 2

Carter and LeBeau watched from the bench outside of barrack 2 as their colonel went down on his knees and then was thrown into the staff car.

"I hope he got the message." Carter stated.

"Maybe," LeBeau answered, as he watched Baker, Newkirk and Kinch leave the recreation hall, followed by Schultz.

Carter stood to meet them.

"Could you hear the drums okay in the compound?" Newkirk asked.

"Oui, loud and clear."

Kinch looked expectantly at LeBeau and Carter. "Do you think the Colonel got the message?"

"I think so. He delayed getting in the car. If he recognized the code, he had time to decipher the message," LeBeau answered.

Kinch sighed. "I hope so. It will make his contacts job a little easier."

"Knefler is coming around the corner," Baker announced.

As Knefler stopped to talk to Klink, Carter strained his ears trying to listen. "Wish I could hear what they're saying." Knefler soon hurried around the car and disappeared inside.

Newkirk nervously lit up a cigarette. "Well, there he goes."

As the car pulled out through the gate, LeBeau stood. "Bonne chance, mon Colonel."