Hi, my dear readers!
A little bit later than usual, but at least I managed it to publish the new chapter. Thank you so much for all your good wishes concerning my mother. She's back from hospital for a few days now, the pathological result was – thank the Lord – negative. Yet she is still very weak and I think I've to support my dad within the household for longer.
I also want to express my gratefulness for the big feedback concerning the last chapter. I knew you would love it, and I also know that you're eager to read more about the increasing relationship of our two colonels. But just right now they're busy with the next mission that will show the rest of the Heroes that Klink is really on their side.
So, have fun with the new chapter,
Love
Yours Starflight
Chapter 29 – The new mission
The two colonels finally ate their dinner and talked about the upcoming mission – a good distraction after the emotional roller-coaster Klink had been through. The evening went by, and the later it got the more nervous Hogan became. And the reason was simple: Newkirk and Carter were certainly already out to prepare the task – and Hogan would pay a whole year's salary to be with them right now.
Yes, it wasn't the first time that some of his men were out of the camp without him to prepare or even to fulfill a mission, yet every time he didn't find a peaceful minute until they were safely back. And today was no different. Hell, it was worse. If something happened to Newkirk and Carter, he would be unable to do anything in his current condition. Yes, he knew that Klink would try to help, but Peter and Andrew were his men – his responsibility and his friends. It would be up to him to aid them if something went down the hill, but he didn't even know if they were okay or not.
Two times Klink tried to persuade him to go to bed, and finally gave up. Hogan sat on the sofa, wrapped in a comforter and stared at nothing. The Kommandant had even suggested that they could kill time by playing one or two games of chess, and was more than surprised as the younger man confessed that he hadn't the nerve in the moment to concentrate on chess. Hell, Klink was convinced that there had been likewise situations before – that a few of Hogan's men were on a mission while the colonel played chess with the Oberst; distracting him and getting an alibi like this.
But not this time. And that Hogan even admitted to be too tense to pretend otherwise, showed Klink how much the younger man trusted him by now. In earlier times Hogan would have denied even the tiniest hints of nervousness, and now he even lived up to it. And it was also a sign of how exhausted and stricken Robert still was.
It was after midnight and Klink feared that Hogan was about to lose it, as the telephone rang. Despite his still healing limbs, the American was on his feet within the blink of an eye, but Klink was quicker. With a few long steps he was at the dresser and lifted the receiver.
"Ja, Oberst Klink here," he said while looking at Hogan, who had closed the distance to him. "Ah, Corporal Newkirk! Good to hear from you. Your superior is, by now, about to be pushed over the edge. I trust that you and Sergeant Carter are well?" He listened shortly and nodded at Hogan, who allowed himself a loud sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear this, Corporal. One moment, I'll give the receiver to our lame duck. Good night."
The colonel shot him a glare as he was called a 'lame duck', almost tore the receiver from Klink's hand and lifted it to his ear. "Newkirk? You and Carter are all right?"
Down in the tunnels, Newkirk smiled at Hogan's obvious concern. "Everything is all right, Gov'nor. Andy is happy because we need three bombs to incapacitate the railway for longer and to send the ME-wings to the skies without an engine."
"Any problems on the way?" he heard his friend and superior asking, and replied,
"No, no patrols, no road blocks. Danzig sends his greetings. A few of his men already observed a train's travel the day before yesterday. It needs 42 minutes from Schweinfurt to the place we chose. One of his men has taken a hotel room near the station in Würzburg and will inform him when the train leaves for Schweinfurt. That gives us enough time to reach the chosen place. Two other members of his cell will travel to Schweinfurt tomorrow to inform us when the train will leave the station so that Carter can set up the timer and we're all back for the roll call in time. And then his babies will hopefully go 'boom' at the correct moment."
"My timers always work correctly!" Carter protested while coming around the corner; leaving the room in which all their costumes and black clothes were hidden.
"Yes, yes," Newkirk sighed; rolling his eyes.
In Klink's quarters Hogan listened to the short banter and smiled; feeling like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The two were back in one piece – thank the Lord!
"Ask your men at which time I shall make surprise roll calls today and tomorrow," Klink murmured, and Hogan nodded – passing the question to Newkirk.
"Today it doesn't matter when he makes them. But it counts tomorrow. I'll inform you when Carter and LeBeau leave to place the bombs and when the big bang will be set to take place. Both things will happen within two hours or so, so…"
"Then the Kommandant will have a roll call three or four hours before and afterwards during the 'big bang'," Hogan interrupted him. "All right, keep me updated."
"No problem, sir. Afterwards we'll see if Klink really is our ally."
"NEWKIRK!" Hogan groaned.
"Good night, sir. Sleep well."
"Thanks, the same for you and the others," the colonel replied; still grimacing. Then he added quickly, "And Peter? Good work! Give my thanks to Carter, too."
"This I'll do. Good night, sir."
The link went dead and Hogan hung up. He took a very deep breath and let the air out again; relief plainly written on his face. He caught Klink's knowingly gaze and sighed, "I'm always tense when one or more of them are on the road. I am aware that they are experienced men who know what to do if a situation becomes hairy, yet…" He shrugged.
"They are your men – and your friends. Of course you worry for them," the Oberst replied softly. "Especially when you're dammed to remain here and are unable to join them. It's what makes you such a good leader and gains the men's deepest loyalty – and even brotherly love."
Hogan felt, for the second time this evening, heat rising in his cheeks. "Thanks for the compliment," he murmured. "You're a good leader, too."
"Oh yes, that was plain to see as every one of my guards, except for Schultz and Langenscheidt, volunteered to have a part in my planned execution last summer," Klink scoffed and turned away.
The colonel's hand on his arm stopped him. "Will, many things have changed since then. You protected them against Hochstetter as he demanded from you to send half of your men into a suicide mission."
Klink turned his head stared at him. "And how do you know about this detail?" He waved one hand. "Don't answer that. I know: Bugs."
Hogan smiled sheepishly at him, before he replied, "What I wanted to say is: Word of your refusal to give into the Gestapo's demand, sheltering your men, spread through the camp afterwards – and I saw many guards who afterwards looked at you with something close to guilt. They realized what they have in you – especially after the messy attempts of your replacements leading the camp whenever you had to leave Stalag 13 for a few days. And remember when we came back from our nightly trip twelve days ago? The guards smiled at you and a few even applauded at your return. Believe me, they have learned by now what a fine man hides behind the stern and sometimes crazy behavior." He winked at Klink, who had turned around again.
"You think so?" he asked; a real smile on his face while he seemed to grow an inch.
In earlier times Hogan would have thought that this was another display of vanity, but today he knew better. The older man was starved for simple human respect and appreciation – to get proof he wasn't worthless. And Hogan also knew that Klink's so often showed eagerness towards his superiors was rooted in the same longing: To receive some due credit from others. It showed the loneliness 'Willie' was suffering.
Placing both hands on the Oberst's shoulders, Hogan nodded sincerely. "Yes, I think your men have finally realized that their commanding officer may be hard and might sometimes make silly decisions they can't understand, but they know one thing for sure: He doesn't let them down and protects them. And this is more than many other officers are doing, independent of nation and army. Your men respect you. I'm convinced of it."
The typical wide smile spread over Klink's face while he chuckled in delight; eyes sparkling. Then he turned serious again. "Nu (Saxonian for 'well'), took them long enough." He laughed quietly as Hogan groaned, before the American shook his head and looked at the other man with warm eyes – unaware of the affection that lay in his gaze.
*** HH ***
This night Hogan was spared any forbidden fantasy-dreams. His whole mind and subconscious was fixed on the upcoming mission – a complicated task he had no part in except for scheming. His men were taking a great risk to cover Papa Bear's absence from the Underground-activities and to save them all they were putting their own lives at stake. He would have preferred to be together with them – on the front lines, so to say – but with his still healing body there was not much he could do.
At least not physically. But his mind ran at 1000 mi/h and his subconscious mingled memories with fantasy during the night. This time he was in the cellars and Hochstetter smiled in glee while Newkirk and Carter – torn and bleeding – were brought in and accused of blowing up half the area…
In the middle of the night Hogan woke up – shaking and sweating – and he needed a moment to realize that he lay half on top of Klink, who held him in a gentle embrace and whispered words of reassurance and comfort. And this time Robert didn't find the strength or had the heart to roll away, like the rational part of him demanded he do. Instead he relaxed and almost melted into the solid warm body beneath him, and relished in feeling those long arms wrapped around him – shielding and protecting him. There was Klink's heartbeat at his ear, and one hand combed with slender, sensitive fingers through the messy strands of hair peeking out from under the bandage.
Hogan felt safe – sheltered. And he didn't give a damn about modesty and duty. Without realizing it he even snuggled closer into the proximity of the older man and drifted back into sleep.
Klink gently held Robert to himself. He had been torn out of sleep by the younger man's trashing and groans, while partly understandable words spilled over his lips. It was more than obvious that Hogan was suffering from nightmares that weren't, this time, simply a result of the torture he had been through, but were also intensified and influenced by his deep worry for his men and the frustration of being forced to stay behind while his friends fulfilled the next mission.
There were certainly enough soldiers and officers who accused Klink of being insensitive, egocentric and ignorant – in truth he was nothing like it. He could understand the American's concern and restlessness because he feared for his men. They were both officers to the heart, even if their leading style and behavior differed a lot. So Klink simply knew what Hogan was going through at the moment, and as the colonel rolled around in bed and instinctively sought out human warmth, the Oberst kicked wariness and modesty out of the window and carefully pulled Robert to him – enveloping him and murmuring calming words to him like he had done while they were driving back from the Gestapo-Headquarters to Stalag 13 ten days ago. It had helped the traumatized colonel then – it would help him again.
And, by the way, Robert had comforted him in a similar manner in the earlier evening, as Klink had become fully aware that his deeds were high treason. Hogan had held him and he, Wilhelm Klink, had found peace and something close to salvation in the younger man's arms. They both needed each other more and more, and therefore it was the most natural thing for him to offer the one he loved a safe harbor by embracing him.
A few minutes later Hogan woke up. Klink had no idea if the younger man was fully awake or still in half-sleep, but one thing was very clear: The proximity did Hogan good. He relaxed and huddled even deeper into the embrace; suddenly sighing in content.
Warmth spread through Klink – a wave of deep love that seemed to bathe his heart and soul in golden light. And it even increased with a rush of utter tenderness, as he felt how Robert nestled against him like an oversized cat.
"I got you, Rob," he whispered; stroking through the once again dirty hair, the state of Hogan's hair something he didn't mind. "I got you, hon. We'll make it – your men will make it. I'll do everything in my power to cover and protect them. Don't fear for your friends."
He was aware that Hogan was once again in dreamland, but he also knew that those words reached the younger man's subconscious nonetheless. Giving into an impulse, he carefully raised his head and pressed a kiss to the bandaged head, before he relaxed as well – relishing in feeling the love of his life cuddled to him like this. If he could only show Robert how much he meant to him – if he could only cherish him the way he wanted to. But he hadn't any hope that this would ever come true, so he enjoyed the stolen moments in which he could have the younger man in his arms like this.
And slowly he slipped into Morpheus' realm again.
This time both men's sleep was peaceful…
*** HH ***
As Hogan woke up a few hours later, Klink had already left for duty. The colonel pursed his lips and tried to remember if he really had snuggled up to the older man who had held him in a warm, comfortable embrace, or if this had only been a dream. He wasn't certain, yet a part of him simply knew that this hadn't been an image from Morpheus' realm at all.
'I'll do everything in my power to cover and protect them. Don't fear for your friends.'
Those words uttered by Klink's quiet voice echoed through Hogan's memories – foggy and a little bit out of grasp, yet he knew that they weren't rooted in fantasy, but in something that had really been said during the night. The Oberst had tried to calm him with those words, and the sincerity in them sent a breath of warmth and increasing affection through the colonel.
Groaning, he closed his eyes again and pulled the comforter higher above himself; realizing that he was indeed fighting a lost battle. The responsible-minded part of him was grateful for Klink's honest support, Hogan's crazy, daring part enjoyed the half-memories of lying in the older man's arms and yearned for more.
He was distracted two hours later, as Kinch, Newkirk and Carter visited him and the two latter told him about the details of their trip the night prior. Kinchloe told him that he had returned the borrowed chart to Klink while making the daily report as acting senior POW officer. Kinch also spoke of the first surprise roll call Klink had made only one and an half hour after the official morning roll call. Many of the POWs were still grousing about it. The Kommandant had given them all a speech about the laziness that had found its way into the camp and their having to be reminded of the discipline every soldier should have. He threatened to hold the morning roll calls at the original time again, if this laziness didn't stop.
You didn't need a vivid imagination to picture the POWs' reaction to those words – and Hogan felt a little bit bad for Klink. He knew that his German counterpart was doing all this only to build the Heroes the alibis they were going to need tomorrow, but Klink was also risking the better regard the men had begun to have for him. The American colonel had learned how much the older man wanted to be respected by the men within Stalag 13, no matter the nationality, and losing the slightly better reputation he had gotten after rescuing Hogan two times would be hard for him. Yet Klink stood true to his suggestion and given word – and Robert admired him for it.
The whole day Hogan busied himself with reading some more German books he found in Klink's quarters, chatted with LeBeau while the Frenchman prepared lunch and rested after he ate his meal together with Klink.
Klink made another roll call in the middle of newly falling snow, and, to keep up the charade, the Heroes did their best to 'boo' about it. Kinchloe even made an official protest, Klink simply 'accepted' and answered with a loud "Diiiissmiiiiissed – everyone!"
"You know that you risk losing the acceptance the men have developed for you," Hogan said during dinner with sympathy in his eyes.
Klink sighed and shrugged one shoulder. "Ja, I'm aware of it. But it is for a higher purpose, so I can't sit back and sulk about it. Maybe one day they'll learn why I'm doing all this and forgive me." He shuddered. "It really is awful outside."
Because they had been up until very late the last night, both men went to bed early this evening – knowing that they had to be well rested for what would come tomorrow. Klink bid Hogan 'good-night' and was about to walk to the guest-room, as the reckless part of the younger man kicked in again.
"Why do you still go to bed over there, only to move to our bed an hour later?" he asked quietly; surprised by his own boldness.
Klink stopped his movements and slowly turned around. The words 'our bed' echoed through his mind and soul. He had heard them before – in the early morning after the ambush as they had woken up in the farm house. And, exactly like then, he felt himself flushing now.
"Well… I sleep beside you because of your nightmares… and… And, we've still some bed-manners to consider… and…"
"Will," Hogan interrupted him gently. "There is no need for pretenses." He saw the Oberst's eyes widening and for a moment he was utterly tempted to tell him that he knew about the feelings Klink harbored for him. But even a brave, daring man like Robert Edward Hogan had times when courage failed him, and so he shrugged, "You've slept beside me since you saved me from Hochstetter, so why not from the beginning of the night? It must be unpleasant for you to leave bed after it has finally gotten warm and walk through the cool quarters only to come here. And we both know that you're not only doing it for my sake. You feel better, too, so come on." He limped towards the bedroom, while he heard his inner voice scolding him, 'Coward!'
He ignored it, and heard how Klink slowly followed him.
"The ordnance will see that the bed in the guest-room is untouched," the Kommandant murmured.
"Then throw back the covers and crumple the pillow and the sheets," Hogan suggested wryly. "Your ordnance will see no difference. And, by the way, for days it's been Schultz acting as your factotum. You know that he 'hears and sees nothing'."
Klink stopped and said softly, "He is my ordnance at the moment to prevent my getting in trouble because of… yours and mine current sleeping arrangements."
Hogan turned around and looked gently at the older man. So, Schultz knew about his superior's feeling for him – Robert Hogan. Of course! The colonel had already assumed it days ago, but now he knew for sure. And Schultz didn't judge Klink, but stood loyal to him. The large Bavarian really was a good soul.
"See, no harm will be done if you skip the charade and sleep in your original bed from the beginning. Schultz wouldn't give you away. Hell, I remember the first morning after my rescue he came shouting into your quarters and tore you out of bed because Burkhalter was advancing."
Klink chuckled for a moment. "Yes, good old Schultz was very quick that morning." He sighed and looked at the two doors. It was more than tempting to waste no time by slipping first into the guest-bed and only later into his own – in his and Hogan's bed. And as he glanced back at the younger man, any thought of modesty vanished. One look from those chocolate brown eyes combined with the soft half-smirk, and the Oberst melted like butter in the sun.
Hogan stepped into the sleeping chamber and Klink called, "Make your evening-toilette first. I'll strip, get my nightgown and be back in a few." He went to the guestroom to get the gown and as he stepped into the sleeping-chamber a minute later, he heard Hogan being busy in the bathroom.
At least getting rid of the boots, the uniform jacket and the tie, Klink waited patiently for Hogan to re-appear. As the colonel finally came out of the bathroom with still slow movements and some limping, the Oberst needed all his self-control not to close the distance between him and the younger man and simply take him into his arms. Hogan's face was still sporting the most different colors, dominated by blue. The bruises on his throat were healing, but nonetheless clear to see. And Klink simply knew that Robert's back was still a mess and that his abdomen matched his face, arms and legs. Most of the time bruises that had started healing were uglier than shortly after they were inflicted, and the Kommandant didn't need to ask if Hogan was still in pain. It was obvious that the American was only better because of some medicine, the distraction of making new plans for missions and his pride.
Hogan caught Klink's thoughtful gaze that lingered a moment too long on his face and grimaced. "Yeah, I know. My statement five days ago that I'll be my shining beauty in no time again was a little bit overhasty."
The German officer chuckled softly; eyes warm and full of sympathy. "It's the inner beauty that counts – the outer one will come again in time." He winked at Hogan, who felt, to his horror, heat creeping into his cheeks.
"Flatterer," he murmured.
"No," Klink answered while shaking his head. "I'm flattering my superiors to cover my nervousness. To you I speak the plain truth." He saw how Hogan's eyes widened, took his nightgown and vanished into the bathroom. "Lay down, Robert, I'll join you soon."
The door closed with a soft click. Hogan looked over his shoulder and took a deep breath. That Klink had admitted his nervousness whenever one of the German staff officers was present showed how much the older man trusted him – and it increased the still new private atmosphere that had developed between them. And the compliment 'Willie' had just made… Usually Hogan would be amused, but not now. Not when those words came from Wilhelm Klink, who rarely spoke like this about other persons in a private manner – and even more rarely he gave compliments.
And there was further proof of the Oberst's feelings for him: Klink used the word 'beauty' not in an humorous but a serious way. A man could call a female 'beauty' even if he wasn't romantically interested in her, but usually a male never called another man beautiful – except if he harbored amorous emotions for said guy. And, the fact that he indeed felt flattered made Hogan really nervous one more time.
'Sweet Lord, Robert, get a grip – or you're going to do something that could put you and him in real danger.' And, this much was clear, said danger couldn't only come from the authorities, but also from what had taken roots deep within his heart: The blooming of increasing affection and woken desire.
*** HH ***
Finding rest from the first minute on was something that did both men good. And even if Hogan had some further troublesome dreams – last but not least because of his worry for the upcoming mission – he woke the next morning a little bit refreshed. Klink was already up and getting ready for the morning roll call he did half an hour later.
Then the waiting began – Klink in his office after breakfast, doing his desk-job, the Heroes preparing and Hogan in bed; tensed like an arrow ready to fly.
The Oberst made another demonstration of 'restoring discipline' by making another surprise roll call only two hours after the one in the morning; assuming that the expected cargo train wouldn't arrive in Würzburg this early, and his assumption was right.
It was in the later midday that the telephone finally rang in Klink's living room. Hogan limped as quickly as possible to it and picked up the call.
"Danzig called. The train left Würzburg five minutes ago, which means that it will pass our little surprise package within the next two hours or so. Newkirk and Carter are ready to leave," Kinch reported.
"Very good. Call Klink so that he can distract the guards. Inform me when our boys are back," Hogan said quietly; cursing his inability to accompany his men.
"Aye, Colonel," Kinch said down in the tunnels, and looked shortly back at Newkirk and Carter, who both wore black SS-uniforms, and had three further black sets of clothes packed for the Underground-members who would pick them up. Like this they wouldn't raise any suspicion if they had to pass any road blocks. Newkirk wore the uniform of an SS-Major and Carter that of a Leutnant. With such valuable cargo passing through this area, the arrival of SS-members could be expected and was a plain alibi for them being near the railway.
"Good luck, guys," Kinch said, before he plugged in another connection and cleared his throat.
"Ja, Oberst Klink hier, wer stört?" (Yes, Oberst Klink here, who is disturbing?) the Kommandant's voice sounded through the receiver.
"The event starts," Kinch said. "All will end in approx. two hours."
For a second there was silence, then the Oberst answered, "Tell the two to wait a minute. I'll talk to the guards." The link went dead and Kinchloe turned around.
"Klink's going to distract the guards, so go down to the emergency entrance and wait a moment there."
Newkirk and Carter exchanged a glance. "Now we'll see if the gov'nor was right about our Saxonian eagle or not," Peter murmured. "Either we'll have fulfilled another mission in the evening, or we'll all be standing up against the next wall."
For a moment Kinchloe felt some unease, then he sighed. "I bet ten dollars that Klink won't betray us."
"I'll take the bet. Send the money to my sister should I win, will you?" Newkirk asked with black humor, which made the others laugh, but they turned serious soon enough.
"Be careful, mon amis," LeBeau said, while crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"We will," Carter nodded eagerly. "We'll go outside, place the bombs in one and in two hours it'll go 'boom' – three times." He grinned. "And then we…"
"Andrew, no long speeches, we've to go!" Newkirk reminded him, waved at the others and went down the tunnel; Carter followed him with a cheerily, "Until later!"
A minute later Newkirk carefully pushed the hatch in the tree stub a little bit and peeked through the gap. Even over the distance he could hear Klink's irritated voice,
"Es ist mir gleich, ob es kalt ist oder nicht. Auch wenn es kalt ist kann der Schal sauber sein! Und was ist mit Ihren Stiefeln, Gefreiter? Was, keine Schuhcreme mehr? Spucke und ein Lappen reichen! Was lernt man heutzutage eigentlich noch in der Grundausbildung? Sauber machen, sonst gibt's Ärger. Unteroffizier Ladinger, da fehlen zwei Knöpfe! Gehen Sie zur Kleiderkammer und besorgen Sie sich Ersatz!" ("I don't care if it is cold or not! The scarf could be clean even when it is cold! And what's up with your boots, Private? What, is there no shoe-polish available? Spit and a rag do the job, too! What do they teach soldiers today in military basic training? Clean up or you face trouble! Corporal Ladinger, there are two buttons missing. Go to the uniform store and get yourself some replacements!")
Newkirk and Carter exchanged a short glance. Klink was in grousing-top-form, as it seemed. And one glance at the guard tower showed Peter that all Germans were glancing at their superior, who stood there in his typical stance in the middle between the Kommandantur and Barracks 2: A little bit bowed, riding-crop clamped beneath his right arm, left arm on his back. Schultz stood beside him – confused like so often.
"Now!" Newkirk whispered and quickly left the hideout; Carter followed him.
** HH **
In the camp, Klink continued his tirade.
"Ich dulde diese Schlampereien nicht länger! Weder von den Kriegsgefangenen, noch von meinen Männern! Sie haben rund zwei Stunden Zeit Ihre Uniformen in einen präsentablen Zustand zu bringen. Lösen Sie sich gegenseitig mit dem Wacheschieben ab! Beim nächsten Appell will ich nicht nur das die Gefangenen wieder wie Menschen aussehen, sondern dass ein jeder erkennt das Sie, meine Herren, Soldaten des glorreichen Dritten Reichs sind! Weeeeeggetreten!" ("I am not allowing this sloppiness anymore! Neither from the POWs, nor from my own men! You've two hours to make your uniforms presentable again. Replace each other for your sentry duty. At the next roll call all of you will not only be again recognizable as human beings, but everyone will see that you, Gentlemen, are soldiers of the glorious Third Reich. Diiiiisssmiiiissed!")
He turned towards the few POWs who were outside in the yard, "The same for you, Gentlemen! Take care of your uniforms, I'll check them in approx. two hours! Dismissed!" He looked at Schultz. "Spread this order through our men and the barracks," he said strongly, before he whispered in German, "Sehen Sie nicht zu genau hin in Barracke 2!" ("Don't look too closely into Barracks 2!")
Schultz frowned, then he began to comprehend what all this was about and what was really going on. For a moment a smile played around his lips, then he saluted, "Jawohl, Herr Kommandant!"
Klink returned the military greeting before he looked towards the east. He thought he saw a quick movement in the woods, but it vanished so quickly he could have also been mistaken, yet he knew what it was – or, better to say, who. 'Good luck,' he thought, before he returned to the Kommandantur; satisfied with the show he had just delivered.
** HH **
Newkirk and Carter had reached the top of the low hill that was beside the camp and vanished between the thick underwood.
"Boy, Klink can really make anybody's day a hard one," Andrew chuckled.
Peter's thoughts differed a lot from Carter's. "He kept his word," he whispered. "Either he's really on our side, or he's using this chance to get not just all of us, but members of the local Underground, too."
Andrew groaned. "Peter, you're really a worrywart!"
*** HH ***
Time seemed to flow doughy, like puree, and even the seconds ticking by at the Grandfather's clock seemed to be slower. Hogan had nothing else to do than try to read a book, which he skipped because he couldn't concentrate, or walk holes into the carpets – at least as long as his legs allowed it. He sat down on the sofa, only to rise a few minutes later and re-start his pacing. With anger he realized how exhausted he finally was and lay down in bed, where he was able to stay for a quarter hour before he rose again.
He had heard Klink's loud voice through the open window – catching only a few words. And Schultz had later told him about the Oberst's performance that had distracted the guards and had given another reason for the next roll call. The American was grateful for the Kommandant's support, and he'd only now recognized that there had been a very tiny part in him that had remained careful concerning Klink. He rebuked himself, but wariness had been drilled into him during his training, and therefore small leftover doubts had obviously remained. And now, after he'd witnessed Klink's active help during a mission, his conscience was tormenting him because of the silly apprehension he had still sported.
Yet he would only relax again when his men were back healthy and well.
Almost two hours after Kinch's call the telephone rang again. Hogan was a bundle of nerves by now and he skipped any formalities or politeness as he answered the phone. "Yes?"
"They're back. Everything is okay. The babies will cry in seventeen minutes," Kinchloe reported – and a groan of pure relief escaped the colonel.
"You're the best, guys," he murmured. "Thanks, Kinch. Give Peter and Andrew my most sincere gratitude. We'll speak later – when everything is over." He hung up and for a moment covered his face with both hands; asking himself a second later why he had been that unsettled. His men were professionals; they had mastered hundreds of missions before, partly even without him. Okay, he was the man behind all schemes, but there wouldn't have been any activities without his friends. Hell, on some occasions one or two of them had even been caught, but fortunately never identified – or those Gestapo-agents, who had recognized that they were POWs, were now 'guests' in London or had been compromised and were living their lives in prisons. Yet there was always some risk remaining, and with him out of commission for now, he'd had no chance to aid them if something went wrong.
Thank the Lord everything seemed to be fine.
Ten minutes later Hogan heard Schultz' strong voice shouting, "Alles raus! Raus!" ("Everyone out! Out!").
Four minutes later all POWs were lined up in the compound and the same went for almost all guards, and then Klink made his inspection.
And Hogan stood beside the open window, wrapped in the comforter and listening carefully in case some sign from the explosion was maybe audible.
** HH **
"Repooooort!" Klink shouted, while halting in front of the prisoners, who were shooting dark glares at him and were grumbling more than usual. Inwardly the German officer asked forgiveness for shoeing them all out into the icy wind that had begun blowing around midday from the east and was about to bloom into a full storm soon.
"All prisoners are present, Herr Kommandant," Schultz said. "And, I have to add, they didn't waste any time coming out of the barracks, and their uniforms are perfect. Well, as perfect as they can be, given the fact that many of the men have already been here for three or four years."
"I'm not complaining about weathered appearance or wrinkles. I know that the clothes can't be perfect anymore after all this time, but they can at least be clean and without open seams." He began his inspection with the POWs, starting with the men of Barracks 2, like so often. To his relief, he instantly saw Newkirk and Carter and gave them one firm glance, before he nodded, "Clean and proper, well done!"
The two men didn't react, but they understood the Oberst's words for what they were: A short acknowledgement of their return in time. Then Klink observed the others before he finally stopped in front of Kinchloe. "Your men are presentable, Sergeant, and…"
From afar, something like the rumble of thunder, that seemed to go on for a lot of seconds, was heard, before its echoes started fading away. "That sounds like an oncoming blizzard," Klink said with his normal tone, gave Kinchloe another short glance and turned towards the POWs of Barracks 3. "I think we should hurry up, Gentlemen. No-one wants to be caught in a winter thunderstorm. Schuuuultz, inspect our men and give me your report afterwards. There is no need to force the men to endure this awful weather longer than necessary."
Kinchloe hid a smile, while beside him Newkirk and Carter exchanged a glance. Mission accomplished!
Ten minutes later the Heroes returned to their barracks; shivering due to the icy wind but happy.
"I'll go downstairs and wait for Danzig's call," Kinch said and knocked against the hidden mechanism that opened the entrance to the tunnels. He looked back one time. "And Peter? I will profitably invest the ten dollars you lost."
Newkirk rolled his eyes, but he grinned. "I hope so." He took a deep breath. "And to say the truth: It's the first time I'm very happy to lose a bet."
*** HH ***
Half an hour later it became clear: The timing had been perfect. There wasn't much left from the wagons and their cargo, only the coal car and the loco were still intact. And, what was even more important, the railway was destroyed on a length of a few hundred meters, because as the bombs detonated the speed and the weight of the wagons had catapulted them forwards where they had crashed down on the rails and the close-by road – building several heaps along the way. Given the hard winter, and the deep-frozen and therefore stone-hard ground, there was no chance to rebuild the railway or to repair the road in the near future.
And that meant that the next cargo of wings for the ME-262 would have to make a long detour, or would have to be transported on trucks. Danzig promised to find out which solution the Nazis would chose and inform Hogan afterwards. Maybe this would be something for the Allies' air forces.
Kinch, Newkirk and Carter visited Hogan via the tunnel system; using the hidden entrance beneath the furnace in Klink's living room. Olsen would be watching the compound and would alert LeBeau in the radio room if the Oberst left his office. Okay, Klink had proven that he was indeed on their side, yet Hogan didn't want to give away the secret entrance to the Kommandant's own quarters, yet. The colonel knew that Klink wouldn't be too delighted about it and he wanted to make him privy to this detail in private during some calm minutes.
'Calm' was certainly the wrong word to use for what happened almost two hours after the successful end of 'Mission Wings'.
Fräulein Hilda knocked at Klink's office door and opened it. "Herr Kommandant, I have General Burkhalter on the line for you. And he seems to be very… worked up," she said quietly.
Klink had a certain assumption concerning his superior's call and mood, yet the only thing he replied was, "Burkhalter is always worked up, that's nothing new. Put him through, please. And then you can finish for today. Go home. The wind is becoming nastier and I don't want you to get caught in it."
She smiled at him. "Thank you, Herr Oberst, and a nice evening to you."
"Thanks, my dear, the same to you."
He waited until his secretary had closed the door and the phone rang. Lifting the receiver he put on his typical happy smile and said with excitement in his voice, "Ah, my dear General Burkhalter. How nice to hear from you again. I hope everything is the best in Berl…"
"Klink, shut up!" Burkhalter snarled through the line.
"I'm shutting up," the colonel sighed. Fräulein Hilda's description had been an understatement. The general wasn't just in a bad mood, he was comparable to a bottle full of TNT.
"Tell me that Colonel Hogan is still in no shape to go anywhere!" It was a demand, but also had an almost pleading undertone.
Klink smirked inwardly. So, the mission had been a full success – in every meaning. "Hogan?" he asked, pretending to be clueless. "You're calling because of my senior POW? That's nice of you to show so much concern. He…"
"Klink, simply tell me if Hogan is able to walk at all, or not!" The typical inpatient tone was back in Burkhalter's voice.
"This midday he needed almost three minutes to reach the restroom, as I observed during my lunch. So, yes, he can walk – but more like Huckleberry Finn than…"
"So, he is still unable to move properly at all. Just like I said. And his men? Are they all present?"
"What?" The Oberst infused his tone with the appropriate irritation now. "Of course they are here! If I may kindly remind you that there has never been a successful escape from my camp and…"
"Klink, your no-escape-rate is the only thing that spares you and me the group of a hundred SS-men tearing your camp apart." He took a deep, noisy breath. "I'm sitting here in my office together with Reichsführer Himmler, Reichsmarschall Goering and four further generals. And, above all, the Führer himself is honoring me with his current presence here. And do you know why every single one of them is in furious shock?"
"I have no clue," the Kommandant lied through his teeth; impressed that one detonation initiated a powwow of the highest ranking Reichs-members, including the 'tiny private with the moustache'. Yet the mere thought that Hitler himself was sitting in front of Burkhalter, at the other end of the line, woke nausea in him – out of fear but also out of loathing. He had faced the man in the early spring last year as he visited Stalag 13, and Klink had been really relieved as the short-tempered, moody Führer had left only a few minutes later. He couldn't have known that the whole event had been a fake made-up by Hogan and his men. For him, Hitler had really been in the camp, and the mere thought that the man's attention was driven to Stalag 13 – to Hogan – in a bad way sent chills down his back.
"Because an important railway very near your camp was blown up this afternoon". Burkhalter explained. "And not only this, but also a special cargo-train that was transporting four hundred new produced wings for the ME-262. Can you imagine what this means?" The general sounded more than stressed.
"That the serial-production will start without wings?" Klink knew that this reply was silly at best, but, after all, Burkhalter was used to getting idiotic answers from him.
"That the whole serial-production will start later and with a lot of delay concerning its quantity. This can be crucial for the whole war!" Burkhalter shouted – and Klink put some distance between the receiver and his ear; making a face.
"Yes, I understand this – and it's absolutely horrible. But what does this have to do with your questions about Hogan's health? You know that the terrible shape he was in after Hochstetter…"
"Major Hochstetter has been questioned two days ago by some high ranking Gestapo officers concerning his deeds, like I already told you, and Reichsmarschall Himmler got the record of it. You are aware that Hochstetter accuses your senior POW officer of being an active spy – better to say that he is the infamous Papa Bear who operates mainly in North-Bavaria, but also in the Reichs-countries around. And the major gave some very interesting investigative details he gained over the last two years, which woke some suspicions not only in Herr Himmler, but also in the other gentlemen. The assault of today bears Papa Bear's stamp. Therefore my telephone call to you and my question again: Colonel Hogan is in no condition to do anything at the moment!?"
"Yes, I could make an oath on the bible on it, Herr General," Klink said, firmly and truthfully. "Colonel Hogan is barely capable of taking a few steps to the bathroom, and his arms are only a little bit usable because of stretched muscles and sinews. Furthermore, he is weakened because of a bronchitis he caught in the cellars of the Gestapo-Headquarters in Hammelburg, and because of the blood-loss due to the many injuries inflicted on him. Dr. Birkhorn, the chief surgeon of Hammelburg's hospital, examined him and told me about these results."
"And Hogan's men are all present!?"
"Yes, according to the last roll call approx. two hours ago, Herr General," the Oberst replied; grateful for the foresight to make a watertight alibi.
"A roll call in the middle of the afternoon?" There was something close to hope in Burkhalter's voice.
"I made some surprise roll calls within the last days because of the laziness the POWs began to display with Hogan out of command."
"An excellent idea, Klink. I shall advise the other camp-Kommandanten to do the same with their prisoners," Burkhalter answered, and it wasn't clear if he was serious or was simply mocking his inferior.
A voice with a well-known hard dialect that rolled the 'r' a lot asked something in the background, and Klink felt his stomach drop. He knew who was speaking there. He had heard that voice in dozens of radio-broadcasts and one time live during the Olympic Games before the war started. He had also heard it during a personal introduction because he, Klink, had been a test-pilot of the new HE-111 six years ago, and he had heard it two times within the last year – over the phone and during the 'visit'. And even if he hadn't had recognized the voice, the general's next words laid any doubts to rest.
"Yes, mein Führer, I thought about this detail, too. I will ask him," Burkhalter answered, before he spoke into the receiver, "Klink, when did the last surprise roll call take place?"
Klink gulped as he realized that he had to answer to Germany's first man through Burkhalter. 'Stay calm, Wilhelm! They can't see you, only hear you. Even Hitler can't look through a line over hundreds of kilometers, so go on with the show!' he encouraged himself. With a surprisingly firm voice given the situation, he replied, "The last one was… One moment, I made a record about it." He shifted some papers around to pretend that he was searching; in truth he knew the exact point of time very well. "Ah, here it is. The roll call was between 15:05 and 15:25 and was done by Sergeant Schultz and me. All prisoners were present and also all my men, who were ordered to pass muster for an inspection of their uniforms. Everything was to my satisfaction."
Another voice spoke in the background and Klink acknowledged Himmler. He waited, with his heart beating wildly and his forehead drenched in cold sweat – something he only became aware of as one drop rolled down his temple. The hand, with which he wiped it away, trembled slightly. 'Stay calm! Stay calm! Don't lose your nerve now!' his mind echoed deep inside him.
"Yes, I know that the explosion was around 15:10," Burkhalter's voice replied something, obviously to his 'dear friend'. Then the general turned his attention back to the telephone, "Thank you for the information, Klink. It is like I have already said: Colonel Hogan may be a witty man, but he isn't Papa Bear. The Gestapo will investigate the whole incident within the area around Hammelburg and I expect your full support if it is needed."
"Of course, Herr General. Everything they need."
Again the well-known voice with the rolling 'r' was audible in the background, before Burkhalter said, "Of course, mein Führer. Klink? The Führer expects that you, as a high-ranking officer in the area concerned, will help to find the assassins responsible and that you support the Gestapo in every way possible!"
Klink felt really sick by now after receiving a direct order from the person with the highest position within Germany's current regime. Cold sweat ran down his spine and his mouth was dry, yet he was able to formulate full sentences – and a lot of them. "It's my pleasure to lend the gentlemen a hand. You know that I am always happy to help the loyal fighters of the Third Reich. It is and will be my holy duty to support my country," Klink answered in one rush; knowing that he was babbling again, but his nerves lay blank by now.
"That would be all, Klink."
"Thank you, Herr General. My best regards to you and the gentlemen in your office – and of course my obedient greetings to the Führer. If…" He stopped himself as he heard Burkhalter's formal Nazi-greeting, returned it and hung up as soon as he heard a click in the line.
For a moment he simply sat there – trembling hand still on the receiver, sweat pearling on his forehead, face pale like a tablecloth. Then he took a very deep breath, rose and stepped to the little dresser where the tray with a bottle of Schnaps stood. He didn't even waste time filling a glass, but simply put the bottle's mouth at his lips and took three large gulps; feeling how his stomach calmed down as the warmth spread through it.
Deciding that he was definitely done for today, he put on his coat, switched off the light and a few moments later stepped onto the compound; cursing as he realized that the wind had indeed turned into a full storm.
Langenscheidt strolled towards him; blinking because of the snow that was blowing down on everything. "Herr Kommandant, I am reporting that Corporal Leitner left the camp to take Fräulein Hilda home by using our truck."
Klink nodded. "Well done. I should have given the order myself, but I was distracted by a call from Berlin. Tell him that I'm pleased with his sense of responsibility."
"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant," Langenscheidt replied; smiling inwardly. The guards could grouse about Klink all they wanted, but deep inside the man was soft like velvet.
Klink continued on his way hastily, and this not only because of the awful weather. He needed some privacy just right now – a place where he could calm down and regain some composure. He needed some good cognac and an ear that would listen. He needed someone who understood the fears he just had been through, and he needed someone who would offer some solace and peace.
He needed Robert Hogan!
TBC…
Yes, the whole mission HAD to wake up 'Berlin'. And, believe me, it will stir up a lot of chaos. But, at least, our Heroes have begun to understand that their superior hasn't turned nuts and that Klink is on their side.
In the next chapter, Stalag 13 will be the target of a big examination. And it will be a hard one – something that drives our 'boys' to a certain kind of limit.
I hope, you liked the new update, and – like always – I'm eager to receive reviews.
Have a nice rest of the weekend,
Love
Yours Starflight
