No ownership of the Hogan's Heroes characters is implied or inferred. Copyright belongs to others and no infringement is intended.
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"So you see, Colonel, I did not know about your escape at all."
Hogan was sitting propped up on an old sofa in Schnitzer's living room, gratefully sipping the warm drink he had been given. After Schnitzer had managed to get the American inside his house, he had tended his injuries as best he could, and then coaxed him gently back to consciousness. When Hogan awakened, Schnitzer attributed the flyer's sudden collapse to a combination of his injuries, exhaustion, shock, and lack of fluids, and insisted Hogan take the tea and the stew offered by his pretty granddaughter, Greta. Now, feeling more in the present and in control, Hogan listened with concern as Schnitzer related his story of the night's events.
Hogan frowned. "That means you won't be able to get them the rest of the transmitter," Hogan concluded, nodding his thanks as Greta forced another biscuit into his hands. You must eat, her grandfather had said to the American. She would make sure he did.
"That is another unfortunate thing, Colonel Hogan. You see, I had the part they needed with me when I went to the camp tonight. I was intending to give it to them when I changed the dogs. It arrived today. And now…"
"What? You have it?" Hogan's tea splashed over the rim of his cup as he gave a sudden start. "You mean you've got the rest of the transmitter?"
"Yes, Herr Colonel," Schnitzer confirmed, nodding. "The soldiers did not see it when they stopped the truck." He got up and went to a teapot sitting decoratively on a shelf on the far wall. He took the teapot down and reached inside, pulling out a small panel connected to some wires. He turned, smiling, to Hogan. "You see, it is quite small. I was easily able to conceal it."
Hogan struggled to sit without causing himself discomfort and reached out for the precious component. Schnitzer came quickly and put his hand on Hogan's left shoulder to keep him still, and handed him the part. Hogan turned it over in his hands, amazed. "That's all it takes," he said respectfully. "That's the key to everything." The key to hope for the prisoners at Stalag 13.
"And now, it is wasted. I will not be able to get it to them." Schnitzer sighed, then made a visible attempt to lift his mood. "But at least we have you, young man. We must get you back to the Allies. You still need medical attention; there was torn flesh in your side, and I fear you have a separated right shoulder. I am afraid veterinary medicine is inadequate for humans—though often the four-legged patients are easier to handle." He smiled.
Hogan frowned, deep in thought, still staring at the panel. "So what's going to happen to this now?" he asked, handing the part back to Schnitzer.
The older man considered the component in his hands, then slipped it easily back into its hiding spot. Greta took the teapot from him and put it up on the top shelf. "If mein Großvater gets caught with this, we can be brought before the authorities," she said to Hogan. "It is forbidden to have radio transmitters of any sort."
Schnitzer shrugged. "I try to keep my family out of these activities," he said. "But my Greta, she wants to be involved, and I cannot stop her." He smiled indulgently at the young lady before him.
Hogan looked at her with curious eyes. The girl could be no more than twenty, yet she was willing to risk everything to help fight the Third Reich, to help give hope to the Allies. He could not ask them to do more for him. "Your help has been invaluable. I know the men at Stalag 13 have been counting on you for a long time; they are grateful," he said. "You take a great risk."
"And so do you," Schnitzer said, coming to sit in a chair again beside Hogan. He shook his head. "Your story astounds me—a daylight escape, in front of the guards. Daring."
"Desperate," Hogan corrected. Greta came to sit beside Hogan on the sofa, making no attempt to hide the fact that she was studying him closely. "The men wanted me out as soon as possible—the Gestapo is coming tomorrow to talk with me, and they wanted to give me as long a head start as we could manage."
"The Gestapo!" breathed Greta. "Why do they want to talk with you, Herr Oberst?"
"That's a long story," Hogan said, not caring to dwell on the issue. "Let's just say they weren't happy with what they got the last time we met."
Schnitzer nodded solemnly. "So you are indeed a hunted man, Herr Colonel. Or so you will be, as soon as they realize you are gone."
"I guess you could say that," Hogan agreed grimly. He winced as he brought a hand up to his sore shoulder.
"You have pain, Herr Oberst?" Greta asked, her eyes concerned.
Hogan nodded. "A little," he lied, trying not to meet her eye. "It'll be fine." He tried to rise but found it difficult; how easily one's body rebelled against action when it was finally getting the rest it demanded! "You've done more than enough for me," he managed, and, using the arm of the sofa as a prop, he stood up. "I thank you," he said. He took a step forward, then swayed into Schnitzer's waiting arms again.
"Sit, Herr Colonel," the old man said, helping Hogan back down onto the sofa. "Where do you think you will go tonight?"
"I can't let you take any more risks for me," Hogan said, catching his breath. "You said it yourself—they already think you're too friendly with the enemy. If they catch me with you, you'll both be in great danger."
"That is a choice that we make, Colonel," Schnitzer said. "We are well aware of the risk." Hogan nodded. "Now, Colonel—my medicine is for animals. All I have to offer humans for pain is brandy. Will you take some?" Schnitzer offered.
"Thank you, Herr Schnitzer, Fraulein Schnitzer," Hogan said weakly. He downed the offered glass in one hit. "I don't know how to repay you."
"Defeat the German Army, Herr Oberst," said Greta. "That will be enough."
"Tomorrow I will take you to one of our contacts in the Underground. He will then take you out of Germany, and get you to safety," Schnitzer planned. "For tonight, you will sleep here. We have a small back room that you can use. You will rest, and look forward to freedom."
Hogan nodded, tired and hurting. But his eyes drifted back up to the teapot on the shelf, with its priceless gift inside. I can't let that go to waste. The men need it. Then he allowed himself to be guided by the kind people around him, and gratefully sank into the pillow and mattress offered, for once too tired even to dream.