Klink sat slumped in his chair as Hogan entered. Hogan wondered what bothered the Kommandant but Klink quickly revealed his concerns regarding the abduction of his friend. Hogan almost regretted it. Klink was becoming isolated, his friends dead, defecting, or rejecting his efforts at maintaining friendships.
Hogan modestly said, "I'll be your friend."
Klink sighed, "With enemies like you, who needs friends?"
Hogan said, "Cheer up. The Gestapo will find him and make the Underground pay."
Klink said, "I hope so, Hogan. Albert is a great man."
Hogan returned to the barracks, anxious to learn Strohkirch's fate. Hogan always worried for the passengers on his network. Strohkirch made it safely to the submarine, which departed on schedule but ran into trouble. London feared for its safety when it reported an engagement with a U-boat. However, the submarine arrived three days late and in need of repairs. The crew and passenger remained in high spirits.
It meant no submarine for a while but Hogan had other ways of getting people out of the country. At least Strohkirch provided London with valuable information. As he sat at the table enjoying a cup of coffee, he looked around the room. The men were pleased that the mission was a success.
"I wish I could have been there," sighed Saunders. "I really do good field work."
Hogan said, "Hochstetter was there. Remember: Klink is an asset, you're a potential liability."
LeBeau said, "Cheer up, Mademoiselle. I have strudel."
Hogan said, "Just in time. I wouldn't want to go to dinner hungry."
The men laughed. Sometimes Hogan just wanted regular white bread. LeBeau managed whenever he laid his hands on yeast and flour. The commissary did not offer such items. Black bread and thin soup grew tiresome when served daily. The occasional treats offered for services rendered came sparingly.
Carter said, "The guys in Barracks 9 are having a dance competition in the Rec Hall after supper. We'll need our strength."
Saunders said, "Dance competition? That sounds like fun."
Carter said, "Boy, it sure will be swell. I'd love to take you. It'd be just like back home."
Saunders smiled, "Really?"
"Sure," said Carter. "I always took my mother to the town dances."
As Saunders stood, so did Hogan. He grabbed her from behind making sure he did so by her arms. He dare not risk wrapping his arms around her midsection as he would restraining one of the men. Saunders snapped, "Let me at him!"
Carter said, "I don't get it. Mary Jane always thought it was sweet of me to bring mom along so she wouldn't be lonely." The men let out whistles followed by the simulated exploding bombs.
Hogan snapped, "Sit down, and that's an order." Saunders begrudgingly complied. Hogan snapped, "Carter, my office, now!" The men rendered a mock funeral dirge as Hogan and Carter entered the office.
Hogan closed the door and said, "What's wrong with you?"
Carter said, "I don't get it."
Hogan said, "For the past several days you've been harping on the colonel about her age. It's rude and clearly upsetting her."
Carter said, "I don't mean to. I'm trying to be nice. If she goes to that dance, well, you know some of the men would try to take advantage. I like her too much to see someone get fresh with her."
Hogan said, "You're going about it all wrong. Women like to be complimented. Tell her how pretty she is. Stop comparing her with your mother. She's not that old. Try whistling at her when she enters the room."
"Well that's just disrespectful," said Carter.
Hogan said, "Really? Asking her to the dance because that's what you did back home with your mother?"
Carter hemmed and hawed, "I guess I see your point."
Hogan said, "It's okay to tell her that she's pretty. It's not okay to harp about her age."
Carter said, "I think I see your point."
Hogan said, "Try to be nice."
"Yes sir," said Carter.
Hogan nodded his head and Carter left the room. He sighed and shook his head. Then he returned to the common room and listened as LeBeau showered Saunders with false flattery. Newkirk tried to outdo the Frenchman. Kinchloe kept laughing at the scene. Yes, Hogan maintained the peace.
After dinner, Hogan decided to check out the dance competition. The Tommy Dorsey records suffered wear and tear from repeated use. It was no typical dance hall. Tables and benches were pushed to the side. Men danced with other men. Sergeant Steel occasionally pointed out two men doing an exceptional dance.
Hogan noticed Saunders dancing with Baker. He saw the two having a good time. Newkirk managed to cut in for a few minutes. The earlier transgression with Carter seemed forgotten as she danced with the sergeant.
"What is going on here?" Someone retracted the needle from the record player and all eyes turned to Klink. He bellowed, "It is past lights out. Schultz!"
Hogan said, "Sorry, Kommandant. We're just having a dance competition and lost track of the time, that's all."
Schultz came running, half out of breath. He said, "Sergeant Schultz reporting as ordered."
Klink snapped, "Get these prisoners back to their barracks! Dance competition, bah! Hogan, you're up to something."
Hogan calmly said, "For once, I'm not."
Klink menacingly asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Hogan said, "Well, it's too cold to dig tunnels, and dancing just sounded like so much fun."
"Lights out!"
Hogan said, "You heard the Kommandant. Sergeant Steel will announce the winners in the morning."
There were the usual groans of complaint as the men exited the Rec Hall. Guards continued arriving, making sure the men made their way back to the barracks. Klink ordered Hogan to accompany him to his office. Hogan was somewhat curious but expected Klink was going to close the Rec Hall as punishment.
As Hogan sat in the chair he said, "I thought it was lights out."
Klink said, "No foolishness from you tonight. Your men are up to something. I can feel it. Dance competitions? Bah. You're planning an escape."
Hogan said, "I'll let the Escape Committee know your concerns."
"I should smash all of your Tommy Dorsey records," said Klink.
Hogan carefully asked, "What's on your mind?"
Klink stood and began pacing. He said, "My friend Albert is in England. They say he's a traitor to the Third Reich. They say he's telling the Allies everything."
Hogan said, "I thought the Underground abducted him."
Klink said, "That's what everyone thought. We have it on good authority that he planned his escape. He used me."
Hogan said, "So that's why you're upset with my men."
Klink returned to his chair and said, "The Gestapo knew and they said nothing. They were going to arrest him but he got away."
Hogan said, "Then you've got nothing to worry about."
"Oh, just go to bed!"
As Hogan stood he said, "Alright. It's been an interesting chat."
Hogan returned to the barracks. Funny, Klink did not take away the Rec Hall privileges. Something bothered the Kommandant. Just as curious, Hogan wondered how Klink learned that Strohkirch was cooperating with the Allies. It reminded him there were still issues within the Underground and possibly even within the SOE.
#HH#
"Nein," said Schultz as he tried counting the men at roll call.
Newkirk asked, "Is that nein as in no or nine as in the number?"
"Jolly jokers," scoffed Schultz.
Hogan carefully surveyed the scene. The water truck replenished the tower. Schnitzer was late. Two staff cars parked outside of the Kommandant's office. The guards appeared extra vigilant. The waft of perfume indicated the arrival of the nurse and the men responded in kind.
Schultz said, "Ah, what a vision of loveliness on such a day!"
Hogan said, "Careful, Schultz, you're a married man."
Schultz sternly said, "Don't remind me."
Hogan asked, "What's going on?"
Schultz said, "Oh, the Kommandant is getting ready to greet the Red Cross."
LeBeau exclaimed, "The Red Cross is coming?"
Schultz said, "Time for the medical inspections."
Hogan said, "Wow, the doctors are coming. Why wasn't I notified?"
Carter said, "Do you think they'll bring nurses this time?" Hogan shot a warning glance at Carter.
Schultz said, "I don't think so."
As Klink entered the compound he bellowed, "Report!"
Hogan quietly said, "All present."
Schultz did an about face, saluted Klink, and said, "All present, Herr Kommandant."
Klink returned the salute and said, "At ease. Colonel Hogan, the Red Cross is coming today for a medical inspection in accordance with Article 15 of the Geneva Convention."
Hogan said, "Aren't those supposed to happen once a month?"
Klink said, "No funny business. True, they are long overdue, but they wish to examine all the men. Fraulein Oberst, I trust you will make yourself available to assist as requested. I am prepared to compensate you."
"It is my privilege to take care of my compatriots and allies," said Saunders.
Klink said, "Good. Replenishment medical supplies have already been brought to the infirmary. I trust all will be in order."
Hogan said, "Hedging your bets?"
Klink said, "Colonel Hogan, I am tough but I am fair. I am happy to comply with the Geneva Convention."
Hogan said, "Of course you are. What's for dinner tonight?"
"Hogan," growled Klink. "No funny business. Remember, there will be two Red Cross doctors accompanied by a Heer doctor, in compliance with Articles 69 and 70. I hope no one tries anything stupid like an accident trying to break a leg or some other self-inflicted wound. Dismissed!"
Hogan watched as Klink scurried back to his office. He ordered Wilson to accompany Saunders to the infirmary. Then he returned to the barracks to talk with the men. The Red Cross was supposed to conduct medical inspections once a month but such visits proved unreliable. Stalag 13 missed routine inspections in favor of the larger camps.
Newkirk said, "Well it's about ruddy time."
Hogan said, "Klink wants to make a good impression. I'm impressed he was able to cite accurately the articles."
Kinchloe said, "Yeah, he did do that."
Hogan said, "Spread the word. I don't want any accidents. That's the one thing that will prevent any repatriation."
LeBeau asked, "What about Mademoiselle?"
Newkirk said, "Blimey, he's right. You can use this to get her out of the country."
Hogan thought about it. Yes, it was an excellent opportunity, but if he arranged it, he was in defiance of London's orders. He decided to contact London. What was the worst that could happen? Kinchloe descended into the tunnels and returned half an hour later.
"They said no," said Kinchloe.
Hogan said, "No?"
Kinchloe said, "Rapunzel on standby for mission with Monster Grimm."
Hogan slammed his fist against the table. The men slowly backed away. Hogan snapped, "What is wrong with those people?"
Kinchloe said, "We should have anticipated this considering they gave her a new codename."
Hogan said, "Damn. All right, we'll manage. Oh, and Carter, remember what I said."
Carter thought carefully, shook his head yes, and said, "Don't say anything that makes it sound like she's old, compliment her, be nice."
"Very good," said Hogan. "If we're lucky, the Red Cross might think she should be repatriated anyway."
#HH#
There were advantages to Red Cross medical inspections. Schultz organized distribution of new bedding. The commissary was replenished with a variety of foodstuffs that the prisoners could purchase. Klink afforded hot showers and provided clean towels. There were disadvantages. The men had work details to spruce up the camp.
Hogan took note of the Heer officers on site. Clearly, they advised Klink on preparing for the visit. While subordinate to Klink, the Kommandant did everything they 'suggested' for the sake of the inspection. Stalag 13 was not in perfect condition but it fared better than other camps. Hogan considered himself lucky that he was not placed in an Oflag. Too many competing egos as officers understood rank but also did not work well without the backbone of the military.
When the Red Cross arrived, Hogan noted the representative who delivered the parcels. He conversed with his Swiss compatriots. He remembered the strange little man. Then he saw a Red Cross nurse accompanying the detail. She was an older woman in her late thirties and wore the standard Red Cross uniform.
The representative cried, "Fraulein Oberst! Ach! It is good to see you again. May I present Frau Carla Brant?"
Saunders said, "Hello, Sister."
"Frau Krankenschwester, guten Tag," said Frau Brant.
"Herr Brandenburg," said the Heer doctor. "We appreciate your interest but we do have a tight schedule."
"Of course," said the representative.
Hogan thought it was too late in the day to inspect the entire camp. Something delayed the team. If they were rushed, his men would have no opportunity to benefit from a doctor's visit. He did not have any sick men, but men had a way of hiding things like foot fungus. Men worked through illness until practically on death's door.
Klink provided the answer as he led the team to guest quarters. He was all smiles and especially welcoming. Schultz hastily summoned LeBeau to prepare a dinner. It seemed as if Klink went to extra effort to make a good impression on the inspection team.
As Hogan sat at the table drinking the dregs of the coffee, Kinchloe came up from the tunnels. Hogan always knew when something was up by the look on the sergeant's face. He recognized the expression we have a mission.
"Out with it," said Hogan.
Kinchloe said, "New weapons factory in our location, sir. It's at that old vacuum cleaner factory. It's been retooled. It's supposed to go operational in one week."
"Sabotage," said Carter with a hungry look in his eyes.
"Down Carter," said Hogan. "I think tonight's a good night."
Newkirk exclaimed, "With the Red Cross here?"
Hogan said, "They won't be wandering around the camp at night. When Hochstetter arrives in the morning, he'll be on best behavior."
Newkirk beamed, "Bloody brilliant!"
Hogan said, "I'll have to stay behind in case Klink gets the heebie jeebies. Kinch, take Carter and Newkirk."
Newkirk said, "This time I'll climb up the tree when Carter loses the compass."
"You carry the compass," said Hogan. "I don't think we're ready for Kommandant Schultz again." It felt strange to laugh again while planning missions. He allowed himself a brief moment lost in thought.
Hogan's posting to the operation was incidental. After he was shot down at Hamburg, he felt a certain melancholy take hold of him. Biedenbender gloated over the situation. As he was loaded onto the truck destined for Stalag 13, a drunken civilian bumped into him. The Gestapo pushed away the man, but Hogan realized the drunkard palmed a small piece of paper into his hand.
Hogan read the note when the Gestapo was not looking. It said Papa Bear. At the time, Hogan had no idea what it meant. When he arrived at Stalag 13, he met the new Kommandant. Hogan was expected to take charge of the prisoners and act as a liaison. He thought Klink was an idiot. After his visit, Kinchloe escorted him to Barracks 2. The camp was a dump but at least the barracks appeared clean.
As soon as the door closed Kinchloe said, "We've been expecting you, Papa Bear."
Hogan asked, "What are you talking about?"
LeBeau said, "Uh oh, London didn't give him the message."
Newkirk said, "I told you we don't need some ruddy officer coming in here to take charge."
Hogan suspiciously asked, "Take charge of what?"
"I think I should show you," said Kinchloe.
Kinchloe showed Hogan the lone tunnel that housed a radio room. It did not make sense to Hogan at the time but he knew he had to exploit fully the situation. He eventually received his orders in full and began the famous traveler's aid society. His men constructed more tunnels and expanded their operations to include counterfeiting, forgeries, costume making, and bombs. In three months, he achieved the impossible.
Hogan understood the risks. He took pride in that effort. He had numerous successes and only a handful of failures. Recent events almost made him want to surrender to doubt. His overall determination prevented such a surrender. In the air, he dropped his eggs and pressed forward. On the ground, it was not so simple.
Hogan had no interest in attending dinner, nor was he invited. Even to the Red Cross, such an invitation suggested improprieties. He dressed for bed but sat at his desk. He worried for his men. He looked at his watch: 10:53 p.m. It was too soon for their return. He started pacing the room for what felt like an eternity. He looked at his watch again: 10:54 p.m.
He heard the telltale signs of someone entering the barracks. He went into the common area and saw LeBeau. He quietly asked, "How was dinner?"
LeBeau said, "Very tiring. Klink really needs a better wine cellar."
Hogan softly chuckled, "I see."
Olsen grumbled, "Oy, it's late."
Hogan said, "Yes, and we have men out on a mission."
Olsen said, "Sorry, Colonel."
Hogan returned to his room and LeBeau followed. He looked at his watch: 10:59 p.m. He sat at his desk.
LeBeau asked, "What's wrong?"
Hogan said, "Oh, nothing. I always worry when I send out men."
LeBeau proceeded to tell Hogan about dinner. Klink was his typical awkward self, trying to be a good host but failing at the small conversation. The Red Cross doctors seemed interested in camp operations. The Heer general kept giving Klink stern looks, which Klink heeded. Brandenburg reverted to his usual quiet demeanor. Frau Brant seemed disinterested. As a married woman, the men extended no efforts at flirtations.
Hogan finally heard the thunderous sound he had been eagerly anticipating. It was distant but unmistakable. He smiled and looked at his watch: 11:17 p.m. Given the timer settings, the men should return within the next half hour. The air raid sirens blared. Wait – was he mistaken? No, it was merely a precautionary measure in reaction to the explosion. The alert quickly ended.
As he started pacing again, Hogan told LeBeau to get some rest. It would not bode well to have exhausted men undergo physical examinations. Hogan was tempted to take a knock out pill but he had to wait for his team's successful return. The minute hand on his watch crawled slowly across the face. Why was tonight more agonizing than usual? Hogan could not afford an incident.
Midnight – still no sign of the team. Something went wrong. Had they been captured? Was someone injured? Was Wagner ruthlessly patrolling the woods as part of his training drills? Hogan sometimes respected the old cavalryman but also knew Wagner was a dangerous adversary. Hogan resented the idea of Wagner calling him a terrorist. Hitler was the true terrorist.
Then Hogan heard the telltale signs of the tunnel ladder. He entered the common area with a flashlight and saw three exhausted men struggling with the ascent. He said, "I was getting worried."
Kinchloe gasped, "The woods are crawling with Krauts."
Hogan defiantly shook his head and said, "Wagner."
Newkirk said, "Not unless he up and joined the SS."
Hogan said, "SS? What are they doing here?"
Carter said, "Beats me. I thought they were gonna get us but Kinch found a cave and we managed to hide a bit."
Hogan's mind raced. The SS did not routinely conduct operations in the area. He felt that sense of dread return. Was his unit compromised? It was too much of a coincidence. He received orders and fulfilled those orders. Were the SS hoping to catch his men in the act?
Hogan said, "Get some sleep. We're getting physicals in the morning." He stood in the doorway leading to his room and watched the three men ready for bed. Hogan had the best team. He finally entered his room and went to bed.