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Between The Lines
Chapter 23
Relentless
Stalag XIII –
evening
A cold rain fell as Schultz began his count. "Eins, zwei, drei, vier…"
"Come on, Schultz, count faster. We'll all drown before you get done!" Newkirk complained.
"… acht, neun, zehn… "
More complaints ensued as the rain, mixed with small pellets of stinging ice, impacted exposed skin.
"Repoooort."
"All present and accounted for, Herr Kommandant."
Looking at the vacant spot that was Colonel Hogan's and clutching his swagger stick, Klink ordered, "Dismiiiisssed."
The prisoners hurriedly broke rank and ran back to their barracks.
Doing an about face, Klink marched back towards his quarters while pulling his coat more tightly around his neck. It was the last roll call before lights out and though it had been abnormally quiet in camp, he had been on the verge of panic all day.
Hogan's first full day at Hohemark hospital had Klink jumping every time the phone rang. Constantly expecting a call from General Burkhalter telling him he was relieved of his command, or the Gestapo telling him he was under arrest, had left him exhausted. But those calls never came. Evidently, Hogan had not given up any of their secrets… yet.
Stomping up the two steps to his quarters, he marched through the door and dropped his soggy coat on the coat rack. Fussing at the water cascading off of his cap, he wondered if his luck would hold. He may have made it through one day without a phone call, but there were more days ahead. How many more he didn't know. Hogan survived testing before, but he was stronger then. He hadn't just recovered from an accidental gunshot wound from the tower guards. But if they both survived Hogan's trip to Hohemark hospital, he planned to find out how he got the fake diamonds and how he communicated with Hegel. Questions he would have liked answered before Hogan's departure. But between Burkhalter and Knefler, it had been impossible to get any time alone with Hogan without raising suspicion.
As soon as Hogan gets back… if he gets back, we will have our talk… if I'm still around… and if he is in any condition to talk.
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Hogan's Room -
morning of the second day
Hogan sat in absolute darkness. In many ways, it reminded him of his time in solitary. The only thing missing was the light coming in from under the door and the dampness. He had quickly learned that the day was starting when the light came on. And when they wanted him to go to bed, there would be a flicker of the light a half hour before they went out for the night.
Classic conditioning.
The lights suddenly popped on.
They've even got me programmed to wake just before the lights come on. How'd I get into this mess?
A second later, he heard the door unlock, and he knew exactly how he got into this mess.
"Robert, I thought we'd have a talk." Knefler walked in and pulled the metal chair out of the corner of the room and sat down.
Hogan didn't like the sound of this and he especially didn't like being called by his first name… not by Knefler. "Colonel Hogan, to you. What do you want?" Why isn't he gone? Either they have not tried to grab him yet or they've failed. Deciding not to dwell on the latter, he crossed his arms across his chest and waited.
"I'm going to talk to General Kaltenbrunner about holding you over for some additional testing." Knefler watched as Hogan's face drained of expression and his eyes hardened into a stare. "If he approves, we'll hold you at the Dulag Luft at Oberursel for a few days while I get things set up."
"What kind of tests?" After last night's talk with Tillermaan, he already knew. His breathing quickened. Knefler was moving a little faster than they thought.
"Similar to what you will experience these next two days. Nothing for you to worry about." Knefler stood and walked to the door.
"With you, there is always something to worry about. Give up. I'm not going to give in."
Knefler stopped and looked back at Hogan. "I could say the same thing." Opening the door, he stopped again. "I didn't want to spring this on you at the last minute. I've always tried to keep you informed. We will win this war. We don't give up. You might as well resign yourself and accept the new world order. History has proven democracy does not last. Ordinary people are unaware of what's good for them. Your changing of leaders every four years contributes to instability and delays decisions making. You see, I really do have your best interest at heart."
Hogan fired back. "Your dictatorship leads to abuse of power, oppression, suppression, and mass killings. A dictatorship is not permanent and never lasts for long. The population is never happy with such a government. You always have uprisings. So spare me your speech."
"You will come around, Colonel Hogan." Knefler calmly assured. "When you see the efficiency and the scientific advancement possible in a society with a common goal under one rule, you will come to understand and appreciate what we offer. I am going to help you understand. And together we will help others."
"You're out of your mind, Knefler." Hogan's rage was rising as his right hand formed a fist. Don't do it; don't do it… assaulting a German officer won't help. Every muscle tightened as he fought to stay in place.
Knefler had accomplished what he wanted. Hogan's anxiety would work in his favor. Smiling, Knefler exited.
Hogan's fist impacted the wall, and the pent up energy exploded out. Breathing heavily, he paced to the opposite wall and leaned on it with both hands. Knefler really believes what he's saying and I'm caught in his crosshairs. Pull yourself together. There are too many lives at stake. Closing his eyes, he prayed. Please... we can't let them win.
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Tillermaan's Office
"First, let me state that the dosage we determined for the pre-med did not prevent purging during the test. But it was not as violent and the duration of the vomiting was shorter. I would still recommend it be given, should we decide the oral route is the way we are going." Von Tillermaan shuffled some papers and handed General Kaltenbrunner his report.
"The oral med was administered and at twenty-five minutes he began to feel the effects?" Kaltenbrunner looked up from the report. "That's a little sooner than we had anticipated. Is that because of the pre-med?"
"I think that is a logical assumption. We will be watching for that trend when we test the SS volunteers." Von Tillermaan assured. "Within a few minutes more he began to shake, his vital signs elevated and his pupils dilated. His defenses diminished, and he began to relive the trauma of his plane being shot down. This is when Oberst Knefler stepped in to judge the psychological effects."
General Kaltenbrunner looked to Knefler. "Well, what did you think? Is it going to be helpful in breaking him?"
"I think it can be if we can lengthen the period he is vulnerable. But that would require more work by our scientists and could take years. However, we have another proposition. Professor Von Tillermaan and I discussed the drug LSD. It was first discovered in 1938 by the Swiss and put on the shelf until earlier this year. It was found to lower defenses and the ego. It has an onset of twenty to ninety minutes and has a duration of between six and fifteen hours. With your permission, I'd like to try it on Colonel Hogan."
Kaltenbrunner thought for a minute. "All right. This may be your last chance for a while. We may put a temporary hold on the program. The Fuhrer wants everything focused on the war." Looking directly at Knefler, he added. "I'll leave it up to you. But don't ruin him. After the war, we may want to pick up where we left off. We are going to need to change a lot of thinking in a lot of people."
"Understood. I won't waste time sending him back to Luft Stalag thirteen. We'll keep him at Durchgangslager der Luftwaffe for a few days while I see if I can set the testing up."
Von Tillermaan quietly digested this disturbing bit of news, while nonchalantly asking, "May I continue?"
"Yes, continue." Kaltenbrunner nodded.
"After this, the vomiting, which is noted as purging in the report, preceded the transition into the meditative state. He still talked to us before he decided to tune us out. Vital signs lowered, brain waves settled into the alpha range and outward communication stopped. This is when I expect the spiritual state you are looking for to occur."
"Do we know what he was experiencing?" Kaltenbrunner asked.
Von Tillermaan shook his head. "He is uncooperative. We tube fed the ayahuasca. When I checked on him later, he was still trying to make sense of what he had experienced. He inadvertently slipped and said it was peaceful before he stopped talking. But the Amazonian shamans state it may take several doses to get the results you are seeking. We will get that information from our own men. They will provide the answers you are looking for. Our goal is to determine that we will not do harm to our soldiers."
Looking at his watch, Von Tillermaan announced. "Our test subject should be ready for us now." Walking around the desk, he opened the door. "After you, General."
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Testing Lab
1pm
"Was ist mit dir passiert?" Wagner looked at Hogan's hand as he was applying the blood pressure cuff. His hand, still in restraints at his waste was released. As Wagner pulled it forward to examine, Hogan resisted, tucking it gingerly against his stomach. "It's nothing."
The door opened and Tillermaan, Knefler and the General entered.
"Give me your hand." Wagner demanded.
Hogan made no effort to comply. "Just go on with what you've got to do."
"Is there a problem, Dr. Wagner?" Von Tillermaan asked.
"He appears to have injured his hand."
Walking toward Hogan, Von Tillermaan observed a slight swelling and abrasion. "What happened?"
"I don't remember." Hogan lied, not wanting to give Knefler the satisfaction of knowing he had gotten to him.
Knefler had seen the anger in Hogan's eyes as he left him earlier that morning. It was obvious that energy had to go somewhere. Despite Hogan's outward appearance, he had shaken his confidence, and this was the result. Satisfied with the outcome, he commented innocently. "He was fine when I visited him earlier."
Tillermaan pulled his flashlight from his pocket and shone it in Hogan's eyes. "Pupils react normally."
Pulling his head away, Hogan asked, "Can't we just get this over with?"
"It's not unusual for a short duration that a reoccurrence of the effects of the medication could occur. He may have acted out during that time." Von Tillermaan walked away. "Put his hand back in the restraint. We'll treat it later after the testing. General Kaltenbrunner is here to observe. Let's not delay him."
Fischer, who had continued to start the IV during the discussion, now picked up the syringe. "We are ready."
"Dr. Wagner, get his vitals. Dr. Fischer, two minutes after the injection, get a blood draw for the lab." Picking up his chart, Von Tillermaan nodded. "Begin."
"About time." Hogan disgustedly announced, as the needle slid into his shoulder, releasing its contents.
"Start the timer." Von Tillermaan looked at Knefler, who flicked the switch.
Blinking his eyes and giving his head a shake, he realized this was affecting him much quicker than the oral med. His heart was beginning to pound and his breathing increased to keep up. He pulled against the restraints.
Von Tillermaan's voice filtered through. "Don't fight it. Just go with your feelings."
"Heart rate increasing." Wagner announced. "Timer shows 90 seconds."
Hogan's demeanor began to change as his vision warped people into shorter bodies. Feeling elated, his thoughts raced, and he began to laugh at the bizarre scenes unfolding before his eyes. "What… you…" He began to laugh harder. "A true depiction… hilarious." Feeling completely uninhibited, his body began to relax, and no longer fought against the restraints but moved within their boundaries.
Smiling at something only he could see, he again broke out in laughter.
Knefler smiled. "Well, this is a change from yesterday."
General Kaltenbrunner, looked puzzled. "Didn't he laugh like this on the oral drug?"
"No, he didn't, General. In fact, after he went through a state of alarm reliving his aircraft going down, he quieted and later withdrew into his thoughts." Knefler answered.
Von Tillerman noted Hogan's eye movement and attached electrodes for an EEG. "He is hallucinating."
"Blood pressure 120/78, Respirations 20, Heart rate 100 at 10 minutes." Wagner announced with a little merriment in his voice. Hogan's laughter was contagious.
Hogan closed his eyes and was consumed by colors and images beyond his comprehension.
"Time 15 minutes."
Knefler looked over Von Tillermaan's shoulder at the EEG reading. "Interesting. He had similar readings during our attempt at brain washing."
"Dr Fisher, draw another blood sample." Von Tillermaan directed.
Hogan blurted out, "Wait till Old Bubblehead… sees this…" Still laughing, he wasn't making any sense, at least not to anyone else.
Von Tillermaan smiled. "Well, he seems to be having a good time!" The mood in the room lightened.
Fischer laughed. "He certainly does."
"Blood pressure 118 / 76, Respirations 18, Heart rate 90, at 25 minutes into testing." Wagner announced. "He appears to be regaining some awareness. He looked down at the blood pressure cuff as it inflated."
The laughing lightened, and his speech was starting to become clearer.
Hogan's confusion and altered reasoning excited Knefler. He decided to 'dig' a little into his thoughts while he was in between wakening to reality and the dream state. "Robert, what happened during your escape from stalag thirteen?"
Knefler watched as Hogan's expression shifted with the question. The laughing dissolved into a frown. Escape? "Staff car…" Then the laughing began again.
"What about the staff car?" Knefler encouraged.
"Newkirk… fixed it."
Knefler sat down in front of him. He knew who Newkirk was from a previous visit to Stalag thirteen. "There is some truth mixed up in this." Knefler continued his efforts. "Whose staff car?"
Smiling, Hogan shook his head and closed his eyes. "Hochstetter's…" What? Who's asking? Where…
Opening his eyes, the lab registered in his mind. Good Lord. What have I been saying? Panic set in as he tried to remember, but his thoughts kept changing. Reality was fleeting.
Seeing Knefler's intent, Von Tillermaan purposely interrupted the questioning. "Stop the clock." Hogan was vulnerable and needed protecting. He had to focus his attention on something else. Shining the light in his eyes again, he asked, "Can you see me?"
"I see two of you. Which one of you asked?" Hogan looked at his arms as he pulled at the restraints. "Something's holding me."
Von Tillermaan smiled. "He is still confused. Give him a couple more minutes."
Wagner announced the final times. "Onset two minutes, duration thirty-five minutes."
Hogan's vision was clearing, but he was still feeling euphoric and finding it difficult to concentrate.
"Colonel Hogan, you were talking about the night you escaped from Stalag thirteen and Major Hochstetter's Staff car." Knefler coaxed.
Alarmed, Hogan played dumb. "What? I don't… know." His eyes focused on the man sitting in front of him and he realized Knefler had been questioning him. This stuff is dangerous.
Fischer was removing the IV, as Wagner got his final set of vitals.
Knefler knew he had lost his moment. There were too many other stimuli competing for Hogan's attention.
"All right, Rob. We'll let it go… for now." Patting Hogan's arm, he added. "We'll have time later."
Time for what? Hogan's memory was catching up, and he suddenly deciphered the meaning of Knefler's words. A sinking feeling overcame him as he realized he couldn't fight this drug. One way or another, there can't be a later.
"Dr. Fischer, if you would get the last blood sample drawn for the lab, we can break and meet back here at seven."
Knefler left Hogan and approached Kaltenbrunner. "General, would you like to join me at my home while we wait? We can have dinner and relax for a few hours."
"I would like that. Thank you."
"I wish I could pull you out of here, Professor, but I know you have work to do." Knefler added.
"You are right. Enjoy your afternoon."
As Knefler and the General left, Von Tillermaan approached the doctors. "Dr. Fischer, would you take the blood samples to the lab for us? And, Dr. Wagner, would you see about getting his hand x-rayed?"
Hogan registered that last comment and protested. "Just leave it. It will be fine in a day or two."
"I'll be in my office compiling the results of our test. If you would give me a call when you're done, I would appreciate it." Von Tillermaan finished. "I'll send the orderlies in to assist you."
Realizing he was being ignored, Hogan watched the back of Von Tillermaan disappear out the door and sighed. We are on dangerous ground here, Von Tillermaan. I hope you know that.
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Barrack 2
Afternoon on The Second Day
"They've had the Gov'nor for two days now. How long do you think they'll keep him?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." Kinch answered. "Maybe London will have some answers for us when they broadcast next."
"How many days did they say to lie-low, Kinch? Two?" LeBeau asked.
"They said a couple. I take that as two. But I guess it's kind of vague. We have continued to man the radio. When they call, we'll know."
"It's weird not hearing from anybody. I mean, the underground and London are both off limits? It makes you realize how boring it would be if this were a normal prison camp." Carter's eyes got bigger. "I mean no blowing up bridges or factories?"
"Don't worry, Carter. We'll be back in business. Just enjoy the break." Kinch wished he were sure of the statement he just made. The truth was, he had no idea what London had planned.
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Von Tillermaan's Office
"Ring… ring… rin…"
"Hello, Von Tillermaan here." Tillermaan laid the records he was holding on the desk and sat back in his chair. "Oh yes, Dr. Wagner, what did you find?" Listening quietly, he tapped his pen on the desk. "Hmm, I'd like him sent for a shower before you immobilize it. If he is sent to Dulag Luft tomorrow to wait for Oberst Knefler to arrange his testing, this could be his last opportunity for a while." Tillermaan leaned back in his chair. "Have the orderlies take him to the showers first and then you can splint and bandage his hand. After that, have them take him back to his room." Listening again, he nodded to himself. "Yes, thank you. I'll see you at seven."
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Frankfurt Underground
"Everything set?" Klaus walked up behind Gunter, who had his face plastered to a pair of binoculars looking down on the front of the hospital. He had been studying the normal comings and goings. Their team had started work on repainting the parking lines two days ago. Their presence had become routine and should arouse no suspicion.
"It will be." Gunter remained in position, looking at the main hospital doors. "I just got a signal that the second test is done. We know the third test is scheduled to begin at seven tonight. They've got a… wait a minute." Gunter paused and announced, "Kaltenbrunner and Knefler just walked out of the hospital."
Klaus looked across the street and spied the two men. "So they're leaving for a little while. Probably be back when it's closer to time to begin test three. When they come back, we'll watch where they park, but Knefler always parks in the same area. And at that hour of the night, it should be pretty vacant. We will move in when you move out. Leave his keys behind the front right wheel of the staff car.
Gunter set the binoculars down. "Kaltenbrunner could be a problem if they leave together again tonight."
Klaus crossed his arms and smiled. "We'll just have to make sure they don't."
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