Chapter 2: I'm Innocent

"Hay Mac, its Pete… How are things going?…Look I know you just got back from an assignment, but this is important. London just called asking me to send my best man to help Papa Bear and his men free a prisoner in Berlin… I know I promised you a two-week vacation after the last assignment, but I was asked to send my best person. You have had many jobs like this. I can't think of anyone who is more qualified…Yes, I will give you another two week vacation…No matter what...Good I will see you in an hour for a full briefing."

HH HH HH

Colonel Hogan paced around his room for the rest of the day trying to come up with a plan that will minimize losses on their side. He hated the idea that he would not be able to go into Gestapo headquarters with is men on this mission. If he ran into Hochstetter, the mission would have an abrupt and painful end.

I wish I knew what London had planed to help us. That might help me figure out what to do

HH HH HH

Sergeant Hans Shultz, a German guard who does not prefer to take sides during a war, entered barrack 2. "Roll Call! Everyone out! Raus!"

The men that were not outside in formation already, filed out and stood in ranks. Colonel Wilhelm Klink, commandant of Stalag 13, stood in front of the prisoners and yelled, "Report!"

"Herr Kommandant, all present and accounted for."

"Danke Sergeant. I have received word from the Gestapo that due to a certain person that is in Berlin, that security at all Stalags is to be tightened. Guards both in and out of camp will be doubled. Prisoners are confined to barracks until further notice. Dismissed."

"Would you get a load of Bald Eagle. He cant do that to us." Sergeant Andrew Carter, their bomb and chemistry expert, stated as he walked back into the barrack."

"Andrew" Newkirk shook his head. "He is the bloody commandant, he can do whatever he wants with us."

"Well that still isn't nice."

Hogan held up his hand for everyone to settle down. When it was quiet, he addressed the men. "This is the most dangerous assignment that London has given us. I am the only one here that is ordered to get White Fox out. I want everyone to realize that for you, this is strictly volunteer. I will not think differently about you if you decide you don't want to go. We are going to be going into Gestapo headquarters in Berlin, and freeing a heavily guarded, high profile prisoners, the chances of success are small and the chances of anyone who goes being able to get out unharmed, is low. If we are caught, we will have no protection and Hochstetter is going to have a field day with us. I want each man to be sure they are willing to accept the risks before they volunteer."

"Colonel, there is no thinking about it. I know the risks. They are the same risks that we take on every job. She has risked her life to save many of my people, it is the least I can do for her. You can count me in." LeBeau said as he stood at attention.

"Count me in also Gov'nor. I started this operation with you lot and if this is going to be the end, then I want to end it with the best mates one could 'ave." Newkirk then did something that was rare for him, and came to attention also.

Carter also stood at attention. "Don't think you are going to leave me behind."

Kinch smiled and stood at attention. "I know it will be harder for me to help, but what ever you need me to do, you can count on me."

Hogan stared at his men with pride. They were willing to risk everything for the sake of others. I couldn't ask for a better or more self-sacrificing group of men. "Thanks men I knew I could count on you. I will go downstairs and make contact with London. When I get back, I will tell you the plan."

HH HH HH

"Papa Bear to Goldilocks." Hogan said as he sat down at the radio.

After a moment, there was a response. "This is Goldilocks, go ahead Papa Bear."

"Need way out of camp for four men. Are you going to be able to help?"

"Affirmative. We are sending you a man tomorrow. He is willing to follow your orders. All we can say for now. Goldilocks over and out."

It would be nice if they could give me more information.

His thoughts were interrupted by Carter yelling down the tunnel, "Colonel, Shultz is headed this way."

Quickly, Hogan made his way upstairs. The bunk that canceled the tunnel entrance was closing as Shultz walked in.

"Colonel Hogan, the Big Shot wants to see you. Please be nice and don't get him angry. He is already upset with Berlin breathing down his neck about security."

"He wont get any problems out of me. I will be on my best behavior." However, the twinkle in his eye told another story.

HH HH HH

Hogan walked into Klink's office with is usual cool self. "You wanted to see me Sir?"

"Yes Hogan I did. Anytime I tighten security or the Gestapo has an important prisoner, something funny goes on here. I am giving you fair warning Hogan, I don't care if you are standing in this room with me, the general staff and the Fuhrer, if something blows up or anything unexplained happens, you are spending the rest of the war in the cooler. Have I made myself clear?"

Hogan was taken back by Klink's actions. Usually he doesn't threaten like this. "Question Sir? What brought all of this about and who is this important prisoner?"

"No one you need to concern yourself with. I have been watching you since Sergeant Wilson released you from the infirmary. You have been spending most of the day sitting in front of the barracks staring at the sky or toward the wire. I know you are either thinking up of a way to escape or of some way to get even. Whatever ideas you have come up with just forget them. I am going to be keeping a close eye on you."

"Sir, did you happen to notice that there was a volleyball game going on also? I was seeing who wins so I know who we will be playing and trying to find their weaknesses."

"I think that was just a distraction so that I wouldn't know what you are up to. I am on to you Hogan."

Hogan shrugged "I'll be good Kommandant. It's late and I have a headache. Can I go now?"

"Aha! You plan on escaping tonight. That will not happen. I warned you Hogan. Shultz!" Klink waited for Shultz to enter the room. "Escort Colonel Hogan to the cooler. He is going to be spending the night there. I want you to stand guard all night to make sure he stays there."

"But Kommandant, I'm innocent. I haven't done anything to earn any time in the cooler. I have been on my best behavior since I was released."

"Call it preventive maintenance. I guess you will have to cancel your escape planes for tonight. Dismissed."

"But Kommandant…"

"Do you want to make it longer? I said dismissed."

Hogan didn't say another word; he just put his crush cap on and followed Shultz to the cooler.

After Shultz shut the cell door, Hogan commented. "You know Shultz, I get in trouble no matter what I do. Sometimes I wonder why I bother."

"I am sorry Colonel. I will get you out in the morning. That is if Colonel Klink lets me. Good night Colonel Hogan."

"Good night Shultz."

HH HH HH

Hogan woke up early the next morning at the sound of the cell door being unlocked. Probably Shultz getting me for roll call. I guess Klink decided to let me out for good behavior. However when the cell door opened, Shultz was not the guard standing there. It wasn't even a Luftwaffe guard. The solid black uniform told Hogan that it was the Gestapo.

Hogan's heart filled with fear and he became short of breath. No, not again, not today. Why can't they just leave me alone?

Two men stepped into the cell and forced Hogan to face the wall as they handcuffed his hands behind him. Hogan didn't want any trouble so he accepted the treatment without word. When he stepped outside and saw the searchlights shinning on his men laying face down in front of barrack two, he couldn't keep silent any longer.

"Kommandant Klink, what is going on here?" Klink said nothing but just stared at Hogan with contempt.

I guess your warning came too late Hogan. It appears your fate is sealed this time. You better not take me down with you is all I can say. Klink thought as he stared at Hogan while partially listening to what the Gestapo Captain was saying.

"Kommandant answer me please." Hogan could not keep the fear out of his voice as he begged for an answer. Klink just remained silent. As Hogan was led closer to the two officers, he could barley make out what the Gestapo Captain was saying to Klink. What he heard caused his blood to run cold and he started to shake with fear as memories came to his mind from his last encounter with Hochstetter. The fear was not for him alone, but also for his men. It took all of his strength tonot letthe shaking and fear.

The guards took Hogan and laid him face down next to his men. He let out a groan, as the impact didn't agree with his still healing ribs. The Gestapo captain walked up to Hogan and knelt down beside him. "As you might have heard Colonel, the Gestapo has captured the most dangerous person in France. This person gave us your description as well as the men next to you, as being members in the underground. I am here to escort all of you to Berlin for further questioning. I shall enjoy being present as Hochstetter questions you and your men."

Hogan now stared at the captain with contempt for treating his men this way. The captain stood up grinned evilly at Hogan's anger and ordered, "Load them in the back of the truck."