Hogan normally prided himself on knowing everything important concerning the camp. He felt dumbstruck as a new officer arrived with orders to assume command. Colonel Rudolf Kruger was an unknown quantity, but outward appearances suggested a man not easy to manipulate. Hogan had Kinchloe conduct research on the man.
Little was known. Kruger was almost as non-descript as Klink in terms of a military career. He was ten years younger and somewhat ambitious. He used a walking cane, but it appeared more so as an affectation rather than an assistance to any medical need. Perhaps it was the glasses. Kinchloe learned Kruger was shot down over France and suffered an injury. He jumped too late but trees caught his parachute, saving his life.
It made no sense to Hogan that Burkhalter wanted Klink replaced. Things had been going well. The Red Cross inspection was a success, the forest fire was successfully handled, and even Christmas was somewhat pleasant. Why now? He stood drinking his coffee while most of the men sat at the common room table.
Kinchloe said, "Maybe we made him look too good."
Hogan said, "Well, Kruger can't stay. When does Klink leave?"
"He's packing right now," said LeBeau.
Hogan said, "That soon. What are his orders?"
Kinchloe said, "Not the Russian Front. He's being reassigned to Berlin."
Hogan asked, "What's Berlin got that we don't?"
Kinchloe smiled, "Frauen."
Newkirk said, "Don't say that when the bird's around."
Kinchloe sobered and said, "They're putting him behind a desk overseeing training."
Hogan said thoughtfully, "That could be an Allied advantage."
LeBeau said, "But we need him here."
Hogan said, "Let's not be selfish."
Selfish – how quickly that sentiment changed during the roll call when Kruger snapped harsh instructions. The tall man was the epitome of Aryan looks with blond hair, blue eyes, and strong Nordic features. He carefully eyed the men.
Kruger said, "Officers belong in an Oflag."
Klink said, "Colonel Hogan is the liaison."
Kruger said, "Frauen belong in Ravensbruck."
Klink said, "She is just a nurse. General Burkhalter wishes her to remain here."
Kruger said, "I see. I shall talk with the general."
While Hogan did not care if Kruger arranged for Saunders' transfer, he did object to the idea of his transfer to an Oflag. Hogan had the best possible team at Stalag 13. Officers ordered about the enlisted because the enlisted had skills they lacked. How many officers could understand the basic concepts of building a radio, let alone sending/receiving coded messages?
Hogan said, "You're just marking your territory."
Kruger ignored the remark. As he casually walked toward the Kommandantur he said, "Dismissed." Hogan felt angry at the utter disregard and contempt. He decided Kruger had to go.
"What a piece of work," said Kinchloe.
As Hogan returned to the barracks, he had to think. He decided he needed a display to counter Kruger's contemptuous attitude. He sent Newkirk to round up the men for parade. Then he summoned Saunders.
Hogan said, "Be sure to sing La Marseilles."
Saunders said, "But Klink hates that."
Hogan said, "Kruger's in charge now. I want to see his reaction to parade."
Saunders said, "You're either going to get me transferred or shot."
Hogan smiled, "Hopefully transferred."
"You're so mean," said Saunders as she exited the barracks.
Hogan exited the barracks and observed the usual ritual. The only reason the men complied with the formation was on his order. Exuberant parades irritated the guards as well as Klink. He noted Kruger's calm demeanor while Klink cursed the dreaded song. Then he noted Kruger studying him. This officer understood something that eluded Klink.
Kruger made no effort to stop the activity. He even motioned for Klink to quiet. He observed. A thinking Kraut – that was the last thing Hogan needed. He waited until the formation disbanded. Then he snapped, "Sergeant Schultz, escort the fraulein to the Cooler."
Hogan shouted, "Now wait a minute!"
Kruger said, "Feeling sorry that she is being punished for your arrogance? You cannot fool me, Colonel Hogan. This little demonstration was your idea. You are testing the waters, no?"
"No," said Hogan. He watched as Schultz escorted Saunders to the Cooler.
Kruger said, "I am arranging her transfer to Ravensbruck. The SS will use extra precautions considering her skills at wearing aufseherin uniforms. They will tattoo her forearm. It might not be enough. Perhaps they should tattoo her cheek. Good day, Colonel Hogan."
The man had to go. Hogan knew assassination was not an option. He begrudgingly returned to the barracks. His men remained visibly upset and concerned. Olsen reported from his window post that Klink loaded his bags into a staff car. Langenscheidt was driving.
LeBeau said, "He's going to turn this place into a real Stalag!"
Hogan said, "We need Klink. All right, fellas, here's the plan. I need twenty volunteers."
Carter exclaimed, "Twenty!"
Hogan said, "Twenty men are going to escape. And they're all going to surrender at the right time. I don't want Kruger shooting anybody."
Newkirk said, "With that many escapees, Kruger will definitely get the boot."
"That's the point," said Hogan. "Kinch, once Kruger figures it out, I want an anonymous tip to Burkhalter in Berlin. You might have to move without my direct say so depending on the situation. Use your judgment."
"Right," said Kinchloe.
Hogan said, "I'll clear the escapees. Morning roll call will be twenty men short."
It seemed a simple enough plan. Hogan took care to select men he could count on to make it out and follow his orders with a return. He had several hiding places in mind including the old abandoned farmhouse and the remnants of a couple burnt out factories. There were also the caves. His men must be found in those locations.
While it proved a cold night, it was not bitter cold. The region returned to all the signs of a mild winter. It was early and dark as Hogan started sending men out the emergency tunnel. He made sure everyone had foodstuffs and was dressed warm enough for the weather. He patted Carter on the shoulder before sending him out along with Newkirk. Olsen quickly made his way.
LeBeau said, "Thank you for not sending me."
Hogan said, "I want a decent breakfast."
LeBeau laughed, "Officers!"
Hogan returned to the barracks and patiently waited. Schultz eventually came with his usual morning orders. Hogan and his men assembled. Schultz kept counting the men. He had a worried look on his face.
Hogan said, "Newkirk, Carter, and Olsen are missing."
Schultz exclaimed, "That cannot be!"
Hogan calmly said, "They're not the only ones."
Guards attending to other formations of men began sounding the alarm. Schultz stared incredulously at Hogan. For a moment, Hogan sensed that Schultz felt betrayed. He realized Kruger might take it out on the sergeant of the guard. This particular camp only had a handful of staff officers on assignment. Kruger would blame the senior enlisted first. He displayed irritation as he went down the line taking the various reports. He confined all prisoners to barracks and then dispatched search teams to recover the missing men.
Hogan had Kinchloe make the anonymous telephone call to Burkhalter in Berlin. Such as act was not unexpected. Burkhalter would suspect an officer or enlisted man loyal to Klink would easily betray a new commanding officer. There was nothing to do but wait for events to unfold. Kinchloe returned with a big smile on his face. Burkhalter and Klink were getting ready to return to the area.
Hogan said, "Now we just have to sit tight."
That was all Hogan could do. It would take several hours for Burkhalter and Klink to arrive. He frowned when a truck arrived. The guards located three prisoners. That did not bode well. Hogan did not want any found until Klink returned. He had to see it through to the end.
Wilson reported from the window post, "Colonel, the friendly SS just arrived."
"SS?" Hogan hastily moved to the window. He barely caught a glimpse of two SS men as they entered the Kommandantur. They arrived in a staff car. He immediately went to his room to set up the coffee pot.
While he missed the initial conversation, Hogan quickly caught up with it. He had forgotten Kruger's threat to transfer Saunders. He wanted her out of camp but did not have a rescue plan set up to get her out of Germany. Wilson kept reporting on events in the compound. Two guards escorted Saunders from the Cooler to the barracks. A few moments later, they escorted her to the waiting SS men at the staff car.
Hogan tried observing the events. He watched as Saunders slapped Kruger. This greatly amused the two SS men. The steadfast officer lost his temper and grabbed Saunders, but the SS quickly intervened and separated the two. Was she pocketing something? Hogan could not be certain. One of the SS men tossed her duffle into the back seat of the staff car and half shoved her into it. The other one entered the front and started the car.
LeBeau said, "At least now she has a chance to escape."
Hogan said, "I hope so."
Kinchloe said, "We can always stop that car."
"Too many Krauts in the woods," said Hogan. He decided to take a chance and used the periscope. Then he said, "I think she stole Kruger's pistol."
LeBeau dreamily said, "Ah, I shall miss mademoiselle!"
The car pulled away as Hogan retracted the periscope. He realized he was going to miss that particular thorn in his side. Stalag 13 was no place for a woman. Was Ravensbruck any better? If she did manage to steal Kruger's sidearm, she had half a chance.
#HH#
Saunders asked, "Where are we going?"
"Ravensbruck," said the officer in the backseat.
Saunders asked, "Are we there yet?"
The officer looked at her incredulously. She repeated the question. His eyes widened. Then she kept saying it repeatedly in the most annoying manner possible.
The officer snapped, "Stop the car!" The car abruptly halted. He fumbled for his pistol and realized it was missing.
"Looking for this?" Saunders produced a pistol and aimed it at the officer. He held up his arms in surrender. She continued, "Thank you for getting me out of that place. Klink made it impossible to escape but Kruger was easy to manipulate. I knew he would arrange my transfer. Out of the car."
Saunders carefully eased out the back of the car. She knew the driver remained armed and had to exercise caution. She ordered him to drop his pistol as well as the car keys and step away. Making sure the other officer did not try to come at her from behind, she retrieved the discarded pistol.
"Very good," said Saunders. "I should prefer not to shoot you but if I must, I must. Start walking to the camp."
The officer snapped, "You won't get away with this."
Saunders said, "Thanks to Colonel Kruger, I am getting away." She fired a warning shot and the two SS officers began walking towards Stalag 13. Saunders had to time it just right. She waited until they were far enough away before scrambling into the driver seat. As she expected, the men attempted doubling back but she managed to start the car and sped away.
Well, Hogan did not exactly sanction this escape. Saunders decided to play into the shenanigans. She knew Hogan had others escape in an effort to discredit Kruger. She hoped her efforts would further that purpose. After driving a short bit, she saw the Hofbrau. Well, no one would begrudge her making a slight scene. She parked the car and grabbed her duffle.
Saunders entered the Hofbrau and saw several older civilians. She brandished the pistol and said in English, "Don't do anything stupid and we'll all have a great time."
The bartender asked in broken English, "What do you want?"
Saunders casually said, "I'm escaping. I do want to try a beer. Sergeant Schultz says Germans make the best beer." She approached the bar and said, "Oh, you need some money." She pulled out Kruger's wallet and said, "Good, here's a note with a five on it. That should cover it."
All she had to do was sit and wait for the inevitable. The bartender served her a beer and she took a hearty gulp, which the patrons encouraged. She noticed the waitress making a telephone call but said nothing. It was a daring move.
As she was halfway through the beer, Saunders saw Wagner enter with one of his officers. He was startled to see her there. She trained her pistol at him and said, "Hello, Herr Oberst! Fancy meeting you here."
Wagner asked, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm escaping," said Saunders. "There's a new Kommandant. The woods are crawling with Allied soldiers escaping that godforsaken place." She took a swig of beer.
Wagner teased, "Is that how Americans drink beer? My five year old nephew can do better than that!"
"Oh really?" Saunders realized it was going to be a very enjoyable afternoon. She said, "Not too close. I don't trust you." She kept her pistol trained on him and he seemed to indulge the moment. He ordered a beer and drank it.
Saunders said, "I see how it is." She worked on the rest of her beer to the encouragement of the patrons. Yes, it was a game. She said, "I think I'll have another."
"Please do," said Wagner.
As Saunders pulled out some more money from the wallet, she also pulled out Kruger's ID and tossed it to Wagner. She said, "That's the new Kommandant."
"You stole his wallet," smiled Wagner.
Saunders bragged, "It was too easy. I won't miss Kommandant Klink. He made it impossible to escape."
Wagner said, "Don't let your beer get cold." He paid for another beer and quickly downed it. Saunders smiled and attempted the same feat, but she could not manage it. The patrons continued with the goading at the insistence of Wagner's fellow officer.
Saunders said, "Whoa, that's a beer."
Wagner said, "It's nothing like the sugar water you Americans drink. Ein Bier, bitte."
"Oh, so it's going to be like that," said Saunders. "Okay, I'll have another too." This greatly amused the patrons. She knew she could not keep up with Wagner, who drank beer as if it were water. She was definitely starting to feel the effects, which was Wagner's intention.
Hochstetter and a couple of associates barged into the Hofbrau. He trained his pistol on Saunders and said, "Arms up!"
Saunders trained her pistol on Hochstetter. She set the half-empty glass on the bar and pulled out a second pistol. She said, "I've got two pistols!" Then she started laughing.
Wagner started laughing, encouraging the entire bar to erupt in laughter. Saunders realized she lost her footing. Wagner quickly stepped in and grabbed both pistols. He said, "You are my prisoner!"
Saunders just started laughing. Then she said, "At least let me finish the beer." The patrons cheered as Wagner allowed her to finish the beer.
Hochstetter said, "I'll take it from here."
Wagner said, "I said she is my prisoner."
Hochstetter snapped, "And what are you going to do?"
Wagner said, "I intend to meet this idiot named Kruger."
Well, at least Wagner is bringing me back to camp, thought Saunders. She said, "Aw, couldn't you just let me go?"
Wagner said, "Come along, Fraulein. I must do my duty."
"I'll drive," said Saunders as she pulled out the keys to the SS staff car.
The comment generated intense laughter, even from the Gestapo. Wagner took the keys.
#HH#
Wilson said, "There are Burkhalter and Klink."
Hogan said, "It's about time."
Burkhalter was not pleased. Even Hogan could hear the words as the general berated Kruger. Then he saw Schultz hurry to Barracks 2. Hogan said, "More fun, round two."
Schultz entered and said, "Colonel Hogan, the Kommandant wants to see you."
Hogan said, "I don't want to see Kruger."
Schultz said, "He's not the Kommandant anymore."
Hogan smiled as he exited the barracks. Burkhalter continued berating Kruger. Klink approached him and said, "Colonel Hogan, there are still seventeen missing men. What do you know about this?"
Hogan said, "I know nothing."
Klink said, "Hogan, I'm warning you."
Hogan of course gave Klink the hiding locations of the men. Klink issued a series of orders to the search teams. Kruger looked at Hogan, who smiled and gave a little wave. They he looked at the arriving staff car. Was it the SS? No, this was a different staff car. Burkhalter took notice as Wagner exited the car.
Wagner said, "Ah, Colonel Klink. I thought you were no longer here."
Burkhalter grumbled, "He's back. What business do you have?"
Wagner pulled out a wallet and handed it to Burkhalter. He said, "I found this." His officer opened the back passenger door. Wagner continued, "I also found this." He went to the open door and pulled out Saunders.
Saunders sulked, "Aw, you brought me back. I thought we were escaping to America." Hogan tried stifling a laugh. She saw Klink and immediately tried hiding behind Wagner. She said, "You're supposed to be gone."
Klink said, "Fraulein, you're drunk."
Saunders said, "I'm not as escaped as you drunk I think." Hogan could no longer contain himself and started laughing.
Wagner sternly said, "She apparently stole Kruger's pistol along with his wallet."
Burkhalter flatly said, "I already heard about that."
Wagner said, "Fortunately, I found her at the Hofbrau having a celebratory beer before making her way."
Saunders slurred, "You cheated somehow."
Wagner shrugged his shoulders, "Americans can't hold their beer. It was very amusing."
Klink said, "Cooler, thirty days."
Hogan said, "Now that's not fair. She simply took advantage of Kruger's stupidity."
Klink said, "Oh, very well. Fraulein, you're confined to your barracks until further notice."
Before Saunders could say anything, Hogan gave her a warning look. She grabbed her duffle and said, "Yes, Herr Kommandant." Then she slightly staggered to Barracks 3.
Burkhalter said, "Thank you for returning her."
Wagner asked, "Is it true she manipulated him to get herself transferred out of here?"
Burkhalter said, "She has a way of escaping the clutches of the SS. That is why I feel this is the best place to keep her prisoner."
Wagner said, "Very good. If you'll excuse me, I'm sure my date is wondering where I am."
"Of course," said Burkhalter.
Wagner said, "Oberst Klink, keep an eye on her. She's a clever girl."
Klink said, "She is."
While Hogan found it somewhat amusing, he realized that Saunders sabotaged her efforts to escape Germany. The effort made Klink look very good. She stole Kruger's wallet and pistol, then the staff car from the SS. She could have easily connected with the Underground and made her way out of Germany.
A truck arrived with five recovered escapees. Burkhalter was definitely pleased with Klink's recovery efforts. Kruger tried to remain stoic but found it increasingly difficult. Hogan nodded as Carter and Newkirk climbed out of the truck. Schultz escorted the men to the Cooler. Hogan had to get his men freed but not at the moment.
Burkhalter said, "Kruger, hadn't you best be on your way?"
Kruger stiffly said, "Of course, Herr General."
Hogan said, "Better luck next time, Colonel Kruger."
Kruger looked at Hogan and said, "If I didn't know any better, one would think you wanted Klink back here."
Hogan shrugged his shoulders, "I'd rather you stay. This is the first time in months anyone's managed to escape."
Kruger said, "You've no idea what you've done."
Burkhalter said, "We're rounding up your men as we speak."
Kruger said nothing as he returned to the Kommandantur.
#HH#
Hogan bided his time inside the barracks. Klink was unwilling to release immediately the twenty escaped prisoners from the Cooler. Hogan slowly ate dinner prepared by LeBeau. It had been a narrow escape losing Klink. His operation relied too much on Klink remaining in command. If he could count on lightning striking twice, Hogan might consider a new Kommandant. Kruger was simply too Nazi for his liking.
Kinchloe brought Hogan orders from London. Hogan had to meet with an operative named Orion at the Gastof Hotel Zum Engel. London insisted it had to be Hogan. He had to comply despite not wanting to leave the camp after the day's adventures. The agent had to give the recognition code: could you give me a ride to Marburg in the morning? Hogan had to respond: after the rooster crows. If Newkirk were not in the Cooler, he undoubtedly would complain about the recognition codes. London came up with some doozies at times.
Hogan decided on civilian attire and donned a fake mustache. He made his way through the tunnel and out the tree trunk. Despite the bomber's moon, he eluded the guards and managed his way through the woods. It was cold but not bitter. He wished he had a car but did not have time to 'requisition' one from the motor pool.
Hammelburg was a charming town and did not suffer the constant barrages of air raids. Hogan made his way through the winding streets until he found the Gastof. He had no idea who to expect. He never met Orion. He surmised Orion would somehow know him. As he entered the bar, he realized his choice of civilian attire was appropriate. The hotel bar catered to civilians and the patrons were likely guests.
Hogan found a table along a wall. It was not busy and a waitress happily filled his order. He sat casually, listening to the classic folk music playing from a radio. Then his eye caught someone and he turned his head. What was he doing here? Undoubtedly, Hogan had been spotted as the man in civilian attire made a beeline.
Kruger sat at the table and said, "Could you give me a ride to Marburg in the morning?"
Hogan sighed, "After the rooster crows."
Kruger said, "Come now. It isn't all that bad. We could have made an excellent team. London failed to inform you of my arrival and you took appropriate action."
Hogan skeptically asked, "You're not here to arrest me?"
Kruger said, "I'm Orion. The plan was to assume command of Stalag 13 and expand the operations."
Hogan said, "I see."
Kruger said, "You certainly know how to neutralize potential threats."
Hogan asked, "What happens now?"
Kruger said, "I'm leaving, of course. I have no choice. The general is most upset."
Hogan said, "London usually sends notification before agents arrive."
Kruger said, "I won't attempt to assume why they failed. It is regrettable."
Hogan asked, "Why didn't you try to make contact?"
Kruger said, "I was going to in the morning. I wanted to be sure that the men understood Klink was truly gone. You implemented another plan. I had to play my part. London will not attempt another insertion."
Hogan drank his beer and said, "I didn't know."
Kruger laughed, "You are a cunning man."
Hogan asked, "What about Saunders? Were you under orders to get her out of there?"
Kruger said, "No. She had the perfect opportunity to escape. Then that cavalryman had to capture her and get her drunk. Little John is fuming about it."
Hogan did not correct Kruger's use of Collins' former codename. He did not entirely trust the situation, but Kruger seemed more legitimate. He allowed himself a quiet indulgence in the fantasy of having a Kommandant fully aware of the operations. Hogan could easily triple his business. Then reality set in; so much activity would draw the full attention and wrath of the Gestapo and the SS.
Hogan said, "Well, it's been interesting, but I must be going."
Kruger said, "We may meet again. Good luck." Hogan merely nodded.
The two men exited the bar and went their separate ways. Hogan remained unsettled. What if it was an elaborate trick? He hurried back to camp and found everything normal. He changed and went to bed. Could it have worked? Was he too hasty?