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"It's a trap; he's killing him!" Newkirk paced the common room of the barracks early the next morning. Seeing Hogan come back to Stalag 13 in a worse condition than he had left had convinced him that Hochstetter's target was not Klink after all, but their commanding officer. "Can't you see that? The bastard's taking the Colonel apart, piece by piece!"

The others were inclined to believe him, but were not willing to consider the implications of the idea. "Hochstetter didn't really give the Colonel any choice," said Kinch. "Whether he believed him or not, if he didn't help Hochstetter he'd be going through the same thing. At least this way we have a shot at keeping Klink in charge of the camp."

"We should just close up shop and get 'im out of 'ere," Newkirk insisted. "You can't tell me you find it easy to see the gov'nor going through that," he added, gesturing futilely toward Hogan's room, which remained quiet.

"Of course he does not, Pierre," Le Beau interjected quickly, noticing Kinch's expression changing to one of anger. "He is simply saying that the Colonel could not take any chances. Whether it was a trap or not was of little consequence. If Major Hochstetter was really after Klink, it would put us at risk of being exposed. If not, he could still do as he pleased with all of us." He paused, thought of Hogan in the next room and added quietly, "Including torturing mon Colonel as he pleases."

"Newkirk's right, though," Carter said from his bunk. "We have to do something. The Colonel's counting on us. He'd do the same if we were in trouble."

"So what do we do, then?" asked Le Beau.

"You do nothing," came the answer from Hogan's doorway. The men turned, startled, to see Hogan standing rather unsteadily against his doorframe. Drawn and pale, he eyed them all with what command presence he could muster. "We have to get Hochstetter to tip his hand. And we've gotta get to that bridge he likes to talk about so much."

Hogan started to stagger towards the stove. Carter was beside him in a flash, trying to guide and support him. Hogan offered him a wan, tolerant smile. "Thanks, Carter. Just some coffee, thanks," he said as the young Sergeant tried to force him to sit at the table.

"Colonel, Hochstetter's a madman. He's not going to stop at Klink. Once he's got him, he'll go for you as well," said Kinch.

Carter handed Hogan his coffee. "We have to keep this as low key as possible, otherwise he won't give up." Hogan paused, watching the coffee swirl in the cup, thinking. Then he said, "Hochstetter says he wants to get Klink out of here because he suspects I'm in charge of the shenanigans happening around the camp. If I don't help him, he'll have every reason to believe he's right and I have something to hide. But if he succeeds, he'll come in here and tear the place apart, and us with it. We have to try to get him to back off quietly and make him think it's his own idea."

The others nodded thoughtfully. Hogan was right, of course, but they couldn't help hating the way this surrender was being negotiated, the price they were paying—Hogan was paying—to keep their operation safe. "So what's next, Colonel?" asked Kinch.

Hogan looked appreciatively at his radioman. Kinch's acceptance of the plan would make it easier for the others to swallow as well. Surely the men knew Hogan wasn't enjoying this either; the methodical and meticulous way Hochstetter was having his goons inflict pain on Hogan was straining him, and, by extension, his men, and no one wanted it to stop more than the senior POW himself. But to make Hochstetter think Hogan was willingly, if reluctantly, coming onside was the only way to get in on the ground floor and stop the removal of Klink before it even began. "We give him one more chance to see how futile his plan is. He wants me to try again tonight. Newkirk, Carter, this time you'll come with me. We'll get outside the fence…but we're going to get caught, again. Catching three men will be even better than catching one. If Hochstetter doesn't see the error of his ways this time, we'll have to resort to Plan B."

"What's Plan B, Colonel?" asked Carter.

Hogan smiled grimly. "I'll let you know when I think of it."

The shout came from outside for morning roll call. Hogan's men muttered their distaste for the routine and started shuffling outside. Rallying his strength, Hogan tried to stand up from the bench but found it harder than he had hoped. Leaning on the table to stop himself from swaying, he waved away suggestions that he skip the head count. But he accepted the physical support that Kinch gently offered, with Le Beau by his side, and made his way out among the ranks.

Klink came striding out of his office across the compound as Schultz was counting in the usual hope that no one had decided to go astray on his shift. "Vierzehn, fünfzehn...Good to see you back, Colonel Hogan," Schultz mumbled as he finished his count. He thought for a second, then added hopefully, "You are planning to stay this time?"

Hogan couldn't help but let a slight smile pass over his lips. "Maybe, Schultz. If I don't you'll be the first to know."

"Please, Colonel Hogan, do not make jokes like that—"

"Repooort!" came the call from Klink. Coming to stand before the men, Klink noted Hogan's wobbly stance and adjusted his monocle.

"Herr Kommandant, all prisoners present and accounted for!" Schultz informed him. "Including Colonel Hogan," he added in a softer voice.

"Schultz, I can see that," Klink said, short-tempered. He approached Hogan, who had pulled himself away from his supporters upon Klink's arrival at the barracks. "Colonel Hogan, can you please come see me after roll call?" he asked.

Hogan raised an eyebrow at the request. Normally he was ordered about, not politely asked. "I'm sure I can manage, Kommandant," he answered.

"I am not so sure," Klink responded as Hogan swayed slightly. Le Beau reached over and pushed Hogan straight up again. Hogan closed his eyes to steady himself then resumed his solemn stare at Klink. "Come when you are able, Colonel Hogan. Disssss-missed." Klink turned and walked away from the men.

"Come, mon Colonel, you need to rest," said Le Beau as the men broke up, trying to guide Hogan back into the barracks.

Hogan resisted. "I have to go see Klink. We have to set him up for tonight."

"Later, mon Colonel. Please," persisted Le Beau.

"No, no it's gotta be now. We've got to get Klink to think I'm on my last legs, and desperate."

That won't be hard, thought Newkirk. "Why don't you let me come with you, sir?" he suggested. "That way ol' Klink'll see we're getting desperate, too." And I can stop you from falling on your face.

"Okay—but don't overplay him," warned Hogan. "He's been doing just fine so far."

Newkirk bowed low. "I shall be ever at your disposal, sir."

Hogan shook his head, his mood just momentarily lightened, and broke from the group. Newkirk quickly came up beside him. "Thanks, Peter," Hogan said, as they crossed the camp.

"What for, sir?" Newkirk asked, bewildered.

"For keeping an eye on me."

Once inside, Hogan sent Newkirk in ahead of him, while he waited at Helga's empty desk, trying to summon up enough energy to give a good performance. Klink looked up from his paperwork questioningly at the Corporal. "Sir, may I have a word, please?"

"I was expecting Colonel Hogan," Klink said brusquely. "Any requests from the prisoners are to be channeled through your senior officer."

"Sir, we couldn't put this through him," Newkirk persisted. He leaned in conspiratorially. "Frankly, Kommandant, I don't think the Colonel's able to handle anything at the moment." Klink frowned. Newkirk continued, "Sir, the men are asking for you to intervene. Major Hochstetter is doing terrible things to the Colonel, sir. He comes back to the barracks a mere shell of a man. It's driving him mad—you saw what he did the other night, sir. Tried to escape from an escape-proof prison camp! Colonel Hogan never does stupid things like that, sir."

Klink considered for a moment. "Corporal, your intentions are commendable, but where the Gestapo is concerned I have no authority. If they feel they have grounds to arrest Colonel Hogan then I have no choice but to allow him to be taken from Stalag 13."

"I understand that, sir—but we're worried about his state of mind, sir. We're afraid he might try to escape again. And that could lead to him gettin' shot, sir."

"I think Colonel Hogan has learned his lesson about escapes," Klink said.

"Oh, no, sir—he's been saying over and over again this morning that he has to get away before Hochstetter comes back for him—that he couldn't take another interrogation, sir. Colonel Klink, we're afraid he'll attempt it again soon."

"Really, Corporal, I don't see how—"

"We'll do our best to stop him ourselves, Kommandant. I understand your hands are tied." Newkirk straightened. "We care about the Colonel, sir. It bothers us to see him like this."

Klink nodded. "Don't do anything you will regret, Corporal. It is not your responsibility to look after Colonel Hogan."

"No, sir—it's our privilege."

Klink was given pause. How lucky a man you are, Hogan. "Just watch your own step, Corporal. One man being sent to Gestapo Headquarters is more than enough. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir." Newkirk saluted and went back to the outer office, where he found Hogan resting his head on his arms at the desk. "Colonel 'Ogan, sir." Hogan stirred and raised his head. Newkirk tried to ignore the bruises that made the drawn face look so much older and weak. "I've warmed 'im up for you, sir."

Hogan nodded and slowly got to his feet. "Nothing better on a cold morning than a warm Kommandant," Hogan quipped. But his unsteadiness betrayed his joviality, and he found himself suddenly leaning on Newkirk. "Sorry," he said, embarrassed.

"Sir, why don't you come back and see old Bald Eagle later on? I've already gotten him used to the idea of you wanting to get out of here bad enough to try another escape."

As Hogan was about to respond, the door to Klink's office opened. "Colonel Hogan. Corporal, what is going on here?"

"I ran into the Colonel on the way out of your office, sir," Newkirk said quickly. "He was on his way to see you, sir. But I don't think he's quite fit to—"

"Newkirk," warned Hogan, irritated with his own weakness.

"No, Hogan, your man is right. You need to be seen to. See that Colonel Hogan gets back to his quarters," Klink ordered Newkirk, "then get the medic to review him at once and report to me."

"He won't have anything to look at," Hogan said, changing tack. "If I have my way, Kommandant, there won't be any barbed wire around me soon—"

"No, Colonel Hogan," Newkirk protested, playing along. "We've told you, it's insane to try an escape! The Kommandant's got you figured already; you'll never make it!"

"I can't wait for Hochstetter to take me again!" Hogan said, leaning more obviously on Newkirk for effect. "I can't take any more of his torture! It'd be a blessing to get shot trying to escape; at least that way I'd know it's over!"

"'E's talking madness, Kommandant. He doesn't mean any of it!" Newkirk said. "I'll get 'im back to the barracks, sir. We'll make sure he's kept safe…even if we have to get shot with 'im." Hogan slumped heavily beside him. "It's okay, Colonel," soothed Newkirk. "We'll keep you safe. I promise."

Hogan turned beaten eyes toward Klink. "Please," he moaned. "Please don't let him take me again. I can stay if you promise me he won't come for me again."

Klink watched the scene before him with astonishment. Here was his senior POW, a man whom he had rarely seen falter, begging him for protection. A heaviness settled on his chest, and he could barely get his response out of his mouth. "I—I cannot make that promise, Colonel Hogan. Go back to your barracks and get some rest." He nodded to Newkirk to take Hogan out, and turned back into his office, overwhelmed.

Hogan continued to use Newkirk for support as they headed back to Barracks Two. Newkirk wasn't sure if it was for show or if it was really needed, but he said nothing about it. "Good," Hogan said. "I think he's got the idea now. A little more dramatic than I would have chosen, but it certainly got the point across."

"You were brilliant, gov'nor," Newkirk said. "You almost had me convinced."

"Learn from the master," Hogan joked, then stopped suddenly as a sharp pain unexpectedly hit him.

"Colonel?"

Hogan shook his head in response and clutched his side, then pulled away from Newkirk. "I'm fine," he said shakily, continuing to head for his quarters.

"Yes, sir," Newkirk replied. "Still, I'd better get Wilson, or Klink will get suspicious." He made sure Hogan got back into the barracks, and aimed for Wilson's quarters.

Not long afterwards, Wilson and Hogan were closed in Hogan's room again, leaving his men outside to fret. When Wilson emerged quietly, he said simply, "He'll sleep for awhile." The men plied him for information that he refused to give. "He's not well. His injuries aren't life threatening, but the Gestapo is obviously torturing him. I gave him some morphine; he'll be out to it for a few hours." Heading to the door he said, "Make sure he knows I'm happy to give him more relief…. He seems reluctant to take it. I practically had to force this bit into him."

"He wants to be alert for tonight's work," Kinch mumbled, almost to himself.

"Let's just keep him sane for today first. Let tonight take care of itself." Wilson imparted instructions about Hogan's care to the men and headed to Klink's office.

The four men gathered closely around the table. "We can't let this continue," Le Beau declared.

"No, we can't," Newkirk agreed. "He's getting beat up whether he helps Hochstetter or not!"

"But what do we do? Colonel Hogan says we have to fail our escape attempt again tonight," Carter reminded them.

"We will, Carter, we will," Newkirk assured him. "Then it's time for Plan B."

"But we don't have Plan B," protested Le Beau.

"That's never stopped us before, mate. And Colonel Hogan can't afford for it to stop us now."