Nothing like normal roll call, thought Hogan. It took a couple of days before Klink agreed to release all of the men from the Cooler. Klink remained upset that Hogan's men took advantage of a new Kommandant. Klink had been looking forward to his new assignment. He saw it as an opportunity to advance and get that promotion he felt he deserved.
Hogan had misgivings as well. London failed to notify him of the staff change. If he had known, he would not have acted so hastily in arranging Kruger's dismissal. He did consider the pros and cons of having a Kommandant as part of the operation. He decided against the idea. Hogan had enough troubles with the Gestapo considering his current level of activity.
When Kruger mentioned Collins that set off alarms as far as Hogan was concerned. He did not entirely trust the unit operating outside of camp. Why did 82nd Airborne feel compelled to operate a unit in his vicinity? They had a reputation that the Underground did not appreciate. Collins made contact with Kruger, which meant he received word of the transfer. Hogan should have been first to know.
Then there was the unsatisfactory debriefing of Saunders. She had the perfect opportunity to escape without blemishing Klink's record. London did not authorize or condone it. She explained she sensed Hogan's intentions of discrediting Kruger, which she played a small minor part with the pickpocketing of the wallet and pistol. Hogan was furious, told her if (a mighty big if at that) another opportunity presented itself, she should clear out, and keep going.
He tried to make sense of it. Was she afraid to return to England? Hogan remembered Saunders had been captured once before and escaped, yet she was required to continue on missions with the 82nd Airborne. He remembered when she first arrived as well as her demeanor. She was done. Maybe she inherently understood that 82nd Airborne was going to get her killed. They were loose cannons. Hogan hoped Collins would exercise better judgment after Brody's death. For now, the operative played it cool.
Hogan quietly said, "All present, Schultz."
Schultz said, "I know that. I can count."
LeBeau said, "Cheer up. I'll make some strudel today."
Schultz turned around, snapped to attention, and said, "All present, Herr Kommandant!"
"Very good," said Klink. "Colonel Hogan, there are too many potholes in the road. I require a detail of your men. I shall issue shovels and I expect them all returned at the end of the day."
Hogan said, "Basic rate of pay?"
Klink said, "No. I expect cooperation in exchange for releasing your men early from the Cooler."
Hogan said, "Fair enough. We'll give you this one."
Klink said, "No parade today. Fraulein, not a single syllable in French today or I'll send you to the Cooler. I mean it."
Hogan said, "You're in a mood."
"Dismissed!"
Something troubled Klink. He started toward his office when Saunders started singing La vie en rose. He turned and pointed to the Cooler but then his face saddened and he lowered his hand. He turned again and entered the Kommandantur.
Hogan said, "Something's bothering Klink."
LeBeau said, "Mademoiselle that was beautiful! You are a chanteuse."
Schultz said, "Colonel Hogan, the detail."
Hogan asked, "What's wrong with Klink?"
Schultz shrugged his shoulders and said, "They were going to promote him to general, I think. Come along, we have a road to fix."
Hogan said, "Alright Schultz."
Knowing that Klink was despondent bothered Hogan. He was responsible for the welfare of his men, but he had to look out for Klink's welfare for the benefit of the operation. The notion of Klink possibly being promoted to general seemed outrageous. If Klink believed it, that might explain his moodiness. Any job in Berlin had its benefits.
As Schultz and several guards led the men out of camp, Hogan realized it was a fair day. It would not be so bad working on the road. As an officer, he merely had to supervise. His men still appreciated his presence. He kept thinking about Klink.
The men worked diligently on one section of road. Hogan heard strange noises from the tree line. Then he saw Wagner approach at full gallop. It seemed as if the officer intended to ram into the work detail. Men flattened against the road as Wagner's horse jumped over the detail. The guards attempted not to look foolish. Infantry from both sides of the road began revealing their positions as Wagner doubled back to the detail.
Wagner cried, "You are still prisoners of the Third Reich!"
As Hogan stood he said, "Yeah, we get that."
Schultz started dusting himself off and said, "Very naughty. They could have scattered."
Wagner said, "Impossible. With all the men I have in the woods, they would not have gotten far."
Hogan said, "You've had your fun."
Wagner said, "At this moment, it is perhaps fun. We are not like the camp guards. Your recent brazen escape reminds us to maintain constant vigilance. Enjoy your day."
Hogan watched with contempt as Wagner and his men departed. That man was proving an irritation. He had a strange sense of humor. While the prisoners were under the authority of the Luftwaffe, Wagner saw it as a personal duty to harass them. Hogan did not have a meeting today with members of the Underground, but if he did in the future, Wagner could cause problems.
It took several moments for his train of thought to return to Klink. Hogan needed Klink. If the man suffered disappointment at losing his Berlin assignment, Hogan had to boost his morale but not overinflate the ego.
Then Hogan saw an irritating distraction. Wagner trotted down the road with several of his men. It took him a moment before he realized Wagner's men found someone in the woods. Hogan scratched his head. He was not expecting any travelers today. As the men grew near, Hogan placed the palm of his hand over his face.
Newkirk said, "Bloody hell. Tell me it isn't him."
Schultz asked, "What is going on?"
Wagner proudly said, "Looks like I caught an escaping prisoner."
Hogan sighed, "He's not from our camp."
Crittendon said, "Well hello. Jolly good to see you chaps again, though I must say the circumstances are unfortunate."
Hogan asked, "When did you get out of Stalag 9?"
Crittendon said, "Just a couple of days ago. My word! Looks like you chaps have your hands full."
Schultz said, "He is not one of ours but Herr Oberst we always have room for one more."
Wagner said, "I see. Very interesting. Come along."
As much as Hogan despised Crittendon, he did not like the idea of Wagner's men leading him about. He watched as the men continued along the road towards camp.
Kinchloe calmly said, "There goes the neighborhood."
Newkirk said, "I hope Klink gets rid of him."
Hogan said, "Casanova Klink won't be too happy if…" He stopped. He remembered how Saunders took Crittendon. He was practically smitten with her. Klink was somewhat fancied by her as well.
Kinchloe said, "When he smiles like that, he's got a plan."
Schultz said, "Back to work."
#HH#
The detail team felt tired but Hogan knew Klink was somewhat appeased by the effort. He was not surprised to see Crittendon's bag in his room. Olsen reported that Crittendon was with Saunders in Barracks 3, and Langenscheidt acted as chaperone. That thought alone made Hogan smile. He decided to check on the two.
As Hogan entered Barracks 3, Crittendon said, "Well done! That's a big straight."
Saunders asked, "How many points is that worth?"
"Thirty," said Crittendon. "Ah, Colonel Hogan! Hello. Would you care to join us in the next game?"
Hogan suspiciously asked, "What are you playing?"
Crittendon said, "Just a friendly game of Yacht."
Hogan said, "Maybe later." He looked at Langenscheidt, who seemed extremely bored. Then he watched as Crittendon picked up five dice and threw them. He noticed the tea and some powdered milk.
Saunders said, "Wow, that's four of a kind, and you got it on the first roll."
"That is incredibly lucky," said Crittendon. "Four sixes – that's twenty four points for me."
Hogan said, "I see you're getting along nicely."
Crittendon said, "Yes. The Kommandant is in a foul mood. Did you chaps really break out?"
Hogan said, "They brought in a temporary Kommandant so yes, twenty jumped the wire."
"Good show," said Crittendon.
Hogan said, "Klink came back and everyone was recaptured."
"Bad luck," said Crittendon.
Hogan asked, "How long are you with us?"
Crittendon replied, "Well, not very. The Kommandant is sending me off first thing in the morning."
Hogan said, "I see. Well, LeBeau is just about ready with dinner."
Saunders cried, "I have a boat!"
Crittendon said, "Marvelous! That's called yacht, my dear."
Hogan was uncertain if Saunders was acting dumb or really was dumb. He appreciated that she took it upon herself to keep Crittendon distracted. Hogan did not want Crittendon interfering with his activities, even though there were currently no missions. He had no use for a femme fatale. Then he remembered when he first met her. That was not something she did.
Klink barged in accompanied by Schultz. His eyes grew so wide that his monocle nearly fell out of its place. He snapped, "Nur fur frauen!"
Hogan smiled, "Gesundheit."
Klink snapped, "Out! You too, Langenscheidt."
Hogan, Crittendon, and Langenscheidt left Barracks 3. Hogan loitered, noticing Klink did not emerge. Whatever troubled him, perhaps he intended to discuss it with the nurse.
As Saunders started straightening up the table, she said, "Something is troubling you."
"Bah," said Klink. "You know the rules. It is entirely inappropriate to have the men in here."
Saunders said, "I see. Herr Kommandant, you are a fair man – tough, but fair."
Klink weakly smiled, "Yes, I suppose."
Saunders said, "Oberst Kruger was cruel but he was also sloppy. That's why the men decided to bail. Did you know he made me stay the entire night in the Cooler?"
"He didn't," said Klink.
Saunders said, "I'm sure wherever he is now, he isn't in high favor with his superiors. You, on the other hand, well, you have your reputation. It was enough for General Burkhalter to recall you to Stalag 13. Now then, it must be suppertime. I understand the cook has added some cabbage to the soup."
Klink sighed, "Very well, Fraulein."
Hogan watched as the two exited the barracks. Klink immediately said he wanted to see him in his office. Maybe now he might get some answers. It meant he would miss LeBeau's dinner but Klink was broken and needed fixing. He took his usual chair while Klink sat behind his desk.
Hogan said, "What's on your mind, Kommandant?"
Klink said, "Hogan, I had an excellent opportunity in Berlin. Did you know that General Burkhalter was unaware of the transfer?"
Hogan said, "No."
Klink said, "That's correct. That's why he was so quick to bring me back here."
Hogan said, "But you didn't want to leave in the first place."
"That's true," said Klink. "That's beside the point. I'm not a young man anymore, Hogan. Promotion opportunities don't come along every day."
Hogan realized it was a pity party. He listened as Klink rehashed his not-so-glamorous career. Just when he thought he earned something, it disappeared in a puff of magician's smoke. He despised Kruger's incompetence. He was so close to getting his promotion.
Hogan said, "Hey, I'd like to have Kruger back too. He was fun. Men were jumping the wire; the Escape Committee was making all kinds of plans…"
Klink said, "That's not funny, Hogan. I like Colonel Wagner. I heard what he did to subdue the fraulein. He got her drunk in less than twenty minutes. Can you believe that?"
Hogan asked, "Did he do something?"
Klink said, "Never! He's too honorable for that sort of thing. However, it was mere luck that he was the one who found her."
Hogan said, "I see."
Klink said, "You and your men are a lot of trouble. Yes, I must watch you closely."
Hogan said, "You do that very well."
Klink said, "Yes, I do. Dismissed, Hogan."
Hogan left Klink's office, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with the conversation. He decided he had to do something to cheer up Klink. What a time for Klink to become ambitious, he thought. Kinchloe crossed the compound and approached. Hogan recognized the look on the man's face.
Kinchloe said, "Underground is bringing in an airman. He's badly injured."
"Damn," said Hogan. "What kind of injuries?"
"Gunshot wound to the thigh," said Kinchloe. "The connection in Hammelburg went badly. The Gestapo went a little trigger-happy. They're trying to get here but they're on the run."
Hogan said, "Alright. I want Newkirk ready to go at a moment's notice. Have Wilson start prepping the tunnel infirmary. I'll get Florence."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe.
Hogan did not like pulling anyone out of the mess hall. Several eyes noticed him approach Saunders, who was sitting with Crittendon. The soup was not as thin as normal given the cabbage but still hardly a fitting meal. The bread was unusually hard. Rumors abounded that the Krauts mixed sawdust in with the flour. Hogan had no idea of knowing whether it was true but he badgered Klink frequently.
As Hogan approached Saunders, he quietly said, "Incoming gunshot victim. Not yet here but Wilson is prepping."
Saunders asked, "Above or below?"
"Below," replied Hogan.
Saunders turned to Crittendon and said, "If you'll pardon me, Group Captain, but duty calls."
"Of course my dear," Crittendon graciously said as he stood.
As Hogan and Saunders departed the mess hall she said, "Colonel, we don't have blood transfusion kits or dried plasma. Is it at all possible to have something shipped? Otherwise, we'll need to borrow some from the local hospital."
Hogan stopped and asked, "Is that all you're worried about?"
Saunders said, "Well, if they want to airdrop a surgeon that would be superb."
Hogan sighed, "I'll see what I can arrange. Can you do a transfusion?"
"Sure," said Saunders. "I've done hundreds of them. Hell, even Sergeant Wilson can do it. It's the surgical aspect that's most problematic."
Hogan said, "Alright. You'd better get going."
"Yes sir," said Saunders.
Hogan watched as the nurse headed to Barracks 3. He had a serious problem. London was unlikely to drop in a surgeon. London might drop in medical supplies but that would take time. He had no idea what condition the airman was in but understood blood loss as a serious issue. He needed a local doctor.
It was Hogan's job to worry. Lately, the Underground proved sloppy. This was not a business to be careless. Men's lives were on the line. Hogan provided both creative and miraculous solutions on numerous occasions. He needed a vacation. Belay that; he needed to fix the Underground.
Hogan returned to Barracks 2. He descended into the tunnels. Newkirk stood in his usual uniform. Hogan dare not send him out in a disguise. He did not want the Underground to panic if they chanced upon a man who was dressed as a Wehrmacht soldier. Kinchloe lost contact with the Underground. It was a risk to send out Newkirk without knowing particulars. Yet he had a wounded airman in need of rescue.
Newkirk finally asked, "Well, Governor?"
Hogan reluctantly shook his head. He accompanied Newkirk through the emergency tunnel and said nothing. Rank hath its privileges. That old saying proved wrong in this moment of time. Rank hath its responsibilities. Officers often ordered men to their deaths for the greater good. He understood Newkirk. The clever Englishman achieved many feats for the good of the team.
When the two men arrived at the emergency exit, Hogan put his arm on Newkirk's shoulder. He said, "If it gets too hot out there, come back. Good luck."
Newkirk donned a fake smile and said, "No worries, Governor." He made his way up the ladder and quickly hurried into the woods.