Chapter 13

Hochstetter smiled as he picked up the phone. "Get me General Burkhalter, Luftwaffe Headquarters, Berlin," he said to the operator.

He could hardly contain his excitement as he waited to be connected. Hogan's plan worked flawlessly, he thought. I have to admit I had my doubts, but he was able to get away without being caught. And what a brilliant turn of events – taking Klink out at the same time! Here I was, expecting to have to play a political game in order to get rid of Klink, and Hogan goes and knocks him out of action like this. It will be easy for me now – with Klink incapacitated, I can maneuver events so that Burkhalter will have little leverage in this area.

Hochstetter's thoughts were interrupted as he heard Burkhalter answer the phone. "Ja, General Burkhalter – Major Hochstetter here," he said into the phone. "Ja, I just heard what happened," he said. "Captain Gruber phoned me not too long ago. Ja, I agree – it does seem to be the work of the Underground." He paused, listening into the phone. "With all due respect, Herr General, the Underground is the Gestapo's problem. True, two of your prisoners escaped, but your men should only be concerned about recapturing your escapees and leave the Underground to the Gestapo."

Hochstetter smiled as he listened to Burkhalter's words. "Ja, I understand that Colonel Klink has been given authority in this area, but somehow I do not think he will be leading the search for the men responsible. Ja, I realize that Captain Gruber is going to take charge of the search."

Hochstetter's smile grew larger as he listened to Burkhalter's interruption. He knew that whatever the argument that Burkhalter would use, it would be futile. Hochstetter was about to play his trump card. "General, I agree that Captain Gruber should take charge of the guards from Stalag 13 in the search for the escaped prisoners," he said, placing emphasis on several key words. "But he will do so under my charge." Hochstetter pulled the handset away from his ear as loud squawks emerged from it. After a second, he placed it back and said, "General, I have already spoken to Reichsführer Himmler about this and he agrees that I should direct the investigation – if, as you have already agreed, the Underground was involved."

Hochstetter listened to the silence coming through the headset and could barely keep himself from laughing. The mention of Himmler had the effect he was hoping for. The infighting between Himmler and Goering was well known, and Himmler had been very upset when Burkhalter had been able to convince the Führer to place Klink in general command of the Hammelburg area. Now it looked like the great invincible Klink was not so invincible, and Hochstetter knew the Reichsführer would jump at any chance to regain Gestapo control of the area.

"What's that, General?" Hochstetter asked. "You will be sending a new Kommandant to Stalag 13 – a Colonel Weingarten?" Hochstetter could hardly believe his ears. "Ja, I am acquainted with the Colonel. Ja. But that doesn't change current events, General. Ja, I know. And Captain Gruber can remain in charge of the Luftwaffe guards at the camp – under my charge. I will be traveling to Stalag 13 today to take control of the camp."

Hochstetter pulled the headset away from his ear again as another round of loud noises emerged. This time Hochstetter could not contain his laughter. "General, I would suggest that you take this matter up with the Reichsführer personally. I have my orders. Nein. That is not possible – time is of the essence here. The longer we delay in starting an organized search, the less chance we have of finding those responsible, and, I might add, of retrieving your escaped prisoners."

Hochstetter listened into the headset. "General, it is fruitless to continue this discussion – especially since all you are doing is threatening me," he said calmly. "As I said, you might want to take this up with Reichsführer Himmler yourself and leave me to pick up the pieces of Klink's failure." Hochstetter chuckled at Burkhalter's response. "General, I assure you that my mother was not of the canine persuasion."

Before Burkhalter could start screaming again, Hochstetter quickly continued. "Now if you will excuse me, I must be going. There is a terrible mess here that must be cleaned up, and I am afraid it looks like the Luftwaffe is not up to the challenge. Heil Hitler!"

As he hung up the headset, he heard more screaming coming from the receiver. Complain all you want, he thought. But I will make sure that Klink's days in charge of Stalag 13 are over. He smiled as he grabbed his hat and coat and left his office. And now, it's time to break the news to Captain Gruber.

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After they made their break from the clearing, Hogan and Carter had made their way to the abandoned mine that would be their hiding place. They had encountered no one along the route – apparently the guards had decided to remain in the clearing looking after the remaining prisoners.

Hogan was happy to see that the old mine was in the same condition that he remembered – hidden behind overgrown brush. The mine had been abandoned so long ago, that it simply resembled a cave now. The only indication that it had been a mine was the pile of old mining equipment sitting just inside the entrance.

Hogan and Carter were sitting inside, far enough back from the entrance to find at least some warmth, but not far enough to be in total darkness. Hogan knew that it would be a long, cold day. They would not be able to build a fire because the smoke was sure to be seen by the search parties that would be combing the woods looking for them. So they would have to make the best of it until it was time for them to make their way to the barn to meet Erika and Hochstetter.

Hogan walked to the entrance of the mine and looked out through the foliage. I'm glad Hochstetter suggested this old mine, he thought. If you don't know it's here, you can't see it through all this growth. He looked at his watch. It's been three hours since all hell broke loose. They must be out looking for us by now. I only hope that having Klink injured delayed their search.

Hogan felt Carter approach the mine entrance and turned to greet the Sergeant. "I thought you were sleeping," he said.

Carter grinned a sloppy grin and replied, "Shucks, who can sleep with all this going on?"

"It is nerve-wracking to have to sit around here and wait all day," Hogan agreed. "But it would be too dangerous to venture out in the woods now – they're bound to be looking for us."

"Do you think we'll be successful?" Carter asked seriously.

"We've escaped, haven't we?" Hogan replied lightly.

"That's not what I meant, sir," Carter responded.

Hogan sighed. "I know," he replied. "I've been trying not to think of that right now." He took off his hat and smoothed back his hair. "I hope it will, Carter. But right now, it's all up to Hochstetter."

Carter chuckled. "It seems strange to hear you say that," he replied. "We've spent all this time trying to outwit Hochstetter and now he's on our side."

Hogan laughed. "It's just as strange to have to say it," he said. "I just hope that he's able to outmaneuver Klink now."

"Colonel, do you think Klink survived back there?" Carter asked. "The last I saw of him, he was flying through the air."

Hogan shrugged. "I just don't know, Carter," Hogan replied. "If he did, he's probably hurt pretty bad. It might work to our advantage."

Carter was silent for a moment. "Um, sir," he said softly. "This may sound strange, but I hope he's all right. I mean, I know he's in the way of what we want to accomplish, and this Klink is meaner than before, but …"

"I know what you mean, Carter," Hogan replied. "I have a soft spot for Klink myself … our version of Klink, that is. But it seems like things have changed. And we're going to have to do whatever is necessary here and now and try not to think about what was."

Carter nodded, but Hogan could see the troubled look on the Sergeant's face. He smiled at Carter and said, "Why don't you go back and get some rest. We'll have to make our way to meet up with Erika later, and after that, who knows what we'll have to go through."

Carter nodded again and turned to walk back into the mine. After a couple steps, he stopped and turned back around. "Sir, do you think things, um, will ever be back the way they were?" he asked

"I wish I had the answer to that, Carter. I really wish I had the answer," Hogan replied. "But this is out of my control." Seeing the dejected look on Carter's face, he added, "But don't worry, things will work out just fine." I hope.

Carter thought for a moment. "Thanks, sir," he replied and walked back into the darkness.

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The Gestapo truck entered Stalag 13 and pulled to a stop in front of the Kommandant's office. Hochstetter got out of the truck and waited for his guards to assemble. "Sergeant Schmidt, you are with me. The rest of you take over for the Luftwaffe guards at the main gate – nobody in or out without my permission," he ordered.

"What if they refuse to be relieved?" Sergeant Dietz asked.

Hochstetter smiled. "If they give you any trouble, have them call the Kommandant's office," he replied. "And then, throw them in the cooler."

Sergeant Dietz saluted as Hochstetter and Schmidt turned towards the Kommandant's office. When Hochstetter entered the office, he saw Schultz standing by Helga's desk talking to the blonde secretary. "Sergeant, I want to see the barracks leader of Colonel Hogan's barracks in the Kommandant's office, at once!" he ordered.

Schultz snapped to attention and saluted. "But Major, Colonel Hogan is the barracks leader," he replied.

"Colonel Hogan has escaped, Sergeant," Hochstetter growled. "It would be difficult for him to be the barracks leader now."

"Jawohl, Major," Schultz replied.

"Well then get me whoever is next in line!" Hochstetter yelled. "Schnell!"

Schultz saluted and hurried towards the door.

"Send them right in when he returns, fräulein," Hochstetter said to Helga. Helga nodded.

Hochstetter barged into the Kommandant's private office to find Captain Gruber standing behind the desk looking at a map of the area and barking instructions into a wireless radio. When the door opened, Gruber looked up at the interruption and frowned when he saw Hochstetter.

"Cancel those orders, Captain," Hochstetter barked.

Gruber's frown deepened. "I will do no such thing," he replied. "I am conducting a search for the escaped prisoners."

"As well you should," Hochstetter replied with a humorless smile. "However, you will coordinate your search through me."

Gruber's eyes grew large. "I'll what?" he exclaimed.

Hochstetter's smile grew. "As of now, Captain, I am assuming effective control of Stalag 13," he said smoothly. "You will remain in command of the Luftwaffe personnel, but will make no decision without consulting me."

Gruber narrowed his eyes in defiance. "I will do no such thing," he hissed. "You have no authority."

Without replying, Hochstetter picked up the phone. "Get me General Burkhalter," he barked into the phone. Satisfied that the operator was making the connection, he handed the phone to Gruber. "My authority," he commented.

As Gruber waited for Burkhalter, Schultz arrived with Newkirk. Hochstetter motioned both of them into the room.

"Hello, General Burkhalter?" Gruber said into the phone. "Captain Gruber here again. Ja, I have begun the search, however there seems to be a problem here."

Gruber flinched as Burkhalter's loud voice bellowed from the headset. "I realize that, sir. Two escaped prisoners is definitely a problem. But Major Hochstetter is here now and he says he is assuming control of the camp."

Hochstetter gave a small chuckle as he noticed both Schultz and Newkirk glance at Gruber in surprise.

Gruber glared at Hochstetter as he listened to Burkhalter. Suddenly his eyes grew wide. "But sir, this is a Luftwaffe camp …" He paused as Burkhalter interrupted him. "But sir, surely that is not necessary. I have been Colonel Klink's aide for some time and I feel I am quite capable …"

Gruber yanked the phone away from his ear as Burkhalter began yelling – everyone in the room could hear the noise. Gruber quickly put the phone back to his ear.

"Nein, sir," he said. "I'm sorry, sir. Ja, I understand. Colonel Weingarten will be here in three days? Ja, I will make sure the quarters are in order." Gruber paused. "Ja, Major Hochstetter will have my full cooperation. Heil Hitler!"

Gruber put down the phone and looked at Hochstetter. "Well, it seems that you do have the authority, Major," he said tightly. "At least until Colonel Weingarten arrives to take command of the camp."

Hochstetter made a dismissive gesture. "I already told you as much," he said. "Now can we stop wasting time and get to the business of directing your search parties?"

"Of course, Major," Gruber replied. Then spotting Schultz for the first time, he added, "Sergeant, what are you doing here?"

"I sent for him, Captain," Hochstetter answered. "And for the prisoner."

"May I ask why?" Gruber asked.

"Of course," Hochstetter replied. "But my answer will be that it is none of your business." Seeing that Gruber was about to protest, he quickly continued, "You just concern yourself with the search parties, Captain."

Gruber closed his mouth and glared at Hochstetter. Hochstetter ignored the look and walked over to study the map. I have to keep Gruber and his men away from the area where Hogan is hiding, he thought. I can't take the risk of Hogan being recaptured by Gruber's men – I'd lose my leverage with Burkhalter.

"Now then, I heard you order a search to the east of the camp," Hochstetter stated. "Why there?"

"Because that is where the clearing is, Major," Gruber replied. "It makes sense to search the immediate area for the prisoners."

"Yes, it would," Hochstetter said blandly. "If the search was taking place immediately after the escape."

"But …" Gruber started. Hochstetter motioned him to silence.

"The escaped prisoners would do their best to move away from the immediate area," Hochstetter said. "So you will concentrate your search on the areas north and west of the camp for the prisoners. My men will search the area east of the camp."

"But, Major, my men are already in that area" Gruber protested.

"Captain," Hochstetter growled. "You may either obey my orders to find the escaped prisoners or become a prisoner yourself."

Gruber contemplated this choice for a second before snapping to attention. "Jawohl, Major. I will redirect my search parties immediately," he replied.

Hochstetter nodded. "I thought you might," he said. "Please see to it personally – and take Sergeant Schultz with you. I would like to interrogate this prisoner."

Gruber opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it. He saluted and motioned for Schultz to follow him from the office.

After the door closed, Hochstetter began laughing. "Well Corporal, it seems that Colonel Hogan's plan has worked," he said. He walked over to where Klink kept his schnapps and removed the stopped from the bottle.

"Beg your pardon, sir?" Newkirk replied.

Hochstetter poured two glasses full and handed one to a surprised Newkirk. "Come now, Corporal," he said.

Newkirk took the glass and made an obvious show of looking around the room. "I don't know what you are talking about," he replied defiantly.

"Corporal, I assure you that there are no listening devices in this office," Hochstetter said laughing. "Colonel Klink would hardly allow his office to be bugged."

Newkirk smiled and took a drink from his glass. "A man can never be too careful," he responded.

Hochstetter laughed. "Very good advice," he replied. "It's too bad that somebody didn't remind Colonel Klink of that!" Hochstetter took a sip from his glass. "That was a brilliant move by Colonel Hogan to put Klink out of action."

"The Colonel didn't plan for Klink to accompany the work detail," Newkirk replied.

Hochstetter shrugged. "No matter," he said. "With Klink in the hospital, I've been able to take control of the camp. Now when I meet with Hogan tonight, I can arrange to capture him before Colonel Weingarten arrives and ensure that Klink will not be a problem in the future."

"Yes, I heard Captain Gruber say that a new Kommandant is on his way," Newkirk responded.

Hochstetter smiled as he sipped his schnapps. "That is the other fortunate thing that has come from Colonel Hogan's plan," he replied. "Colonel Weingarten will be the new camp Kommandant."

"But what will you do then?" Newkirk asked. "I thought the idea was for you to assume control of the camp after we got rid of Klink."

Hochstetter laughed heartily. "That is correct, Corporal," he said. "But of all the people that Burkhalter could send to take over Stalag 13, he couldn't have made a better choice."

"I don't follow you," Newkirk replied, taking another sip of schnapps.

"I have a fairly large organization, Corporal," Hochstetter explained. "And not every member of the Underground is a civilian."

Newkirk's eyes widened. "You mean …" he said, his voice trailing off.

Hochstetter nodded. "That's right," he replied. "Colonel Heinrich Weingarten happens to be a very active source of information for my organization. With Klink gone, I can assume control of the martial law in this area of the country." He took another sip from his glass. "And having Colonel Weingarten in charge of Stalag 13 will be the same as having control myself."

Newkirk took in the information and slowly smiled. "Ain't that a cracker!" he said, extending his glass towards Hochstetter. "It looks like Colonel Hogan has given us all an early Christmas present, Major!"

Hochstetter smiled and touched his glass to Newkirk's.