Chapter 13: Getting Back To Normal
"Sir, I appreciate any help. I owe you one," said Hogan to Big Bird.
"After all the help you and your family have been to mine, helping your friend is the least I can do." Hogan could hear the emotion in Big Bird's voice.
"Have a good day, Sir. I will be sure to look you up when I get home. Papa Bear out." Hogan took off the headset and powered down the radio.
"Thought I heard someone down here?" Kinch said, holding out a cup of coffee.
Hogan jumped when he heard Kinch's voice. "You know it isn't nice to sneak up on people like that." Hogan accepted the cup of coffee and took a sip.
"Sorry, Colonel. I came down to see if there were any messages from London or the underground about the drop tonight."
"All still a go. Who is going to pick up the supplies?" asked Hogan after taking another sip of coffee.
"LeBeau and Newkirk," Kinch answered.
"LeBeau! I forgot I asked him to make me something to eat!" exclaimed Hogan.
Kinch waved his hand, signaling all was all right. "He saw you were sleeping when he brought you the food and decided you needed the rest. He's not upset." Kinch stared at his cup of coffee. "Who was on the radio?"
A smile appeared on Hogan's face. "My old CO. I haven't talked to him in over ten years. Did you know I have him to thank for the way I am? I went on my first espionage mission with him. Since he was a colonel, I suggested his codename be Big Bird."
Kinch shook his head. "I often wondered who mentored you. Was your code name Papa Bear?"
Hogan shook his head. "No. He gave me the codename of Goldilocks. Before you ask why, don't."
Kinch laughed. "So tell me about him."
Hogan thought back to his first time meeting Big Bird. "He was my CO when I graduated from the academy. He was only a Major then. He would wake me up at all hours of the night, asking me stupid questions. During training, he would pull me aside and give me riddles to answer. If I didn't answer them in what he thought was a timely manner, I had to do pushups until I came up with the right answer."
"The way your mind works, I can't imagine you ever doing a pushup for not coming up with the correct answer fast enough," Kinch chuckled.
Hogan laughed, remembering all the pushups he had to do. "The truth might surprise you. That man was the most difficult person to get along with. I hated him because he rode my butt so hard." Hogan paused in remembrance. "Now, I am glad he did."
"Many times we go through something painful, never knowing why. It is nice when we discover the reason, no matter how many years it takes," Kinch stated.
"Robert Edward Hogan! What do you think you are doing down here?" Wilson yelled, marching down the tunnel.
Hogan ducked his head like a scolded dog. "Uh oh."
Kinch did his best not to laugh. "Busted."
Hogan nodded. "Yep. Wilson, I promise you I was down here on important business. There was a call for me…"
"Colonel, you are the most difficult patient I have ever met. How do you expect your leg to heal if you don't let it rest? I have half a mind to tell Klink, the fracture is worse than we thought and it requires a cast." Wilson reprimanded.
Hogan threw his hands up in surrender. The last thing he wanted to do was upset the man who he might be able to talk out of putting a cast on his leg. "I give up Wilson. I will be a good patient as long as you don't put a cast on my leg. Kinch, the next time London calls for me, take a message. Tell them doctors orders."
"Yes, Colonel." Kinch said, looking away.
"You are still an impossible patient. You are lucky I don't stick you in a body cast just to make sure you stay put." Wilson said, as he stormed toward the ladder to the infirmary.
Hogan just stared after him in disbelief. "Right now he has Klink on his side. I better go before he makes good on that threat."
HH HH HH
LeBeau walked into the Infirmary, half an hour later, with plates of food for Hogan and Christopher. "You are both awake. Here is the food you asked for. I made enough for both of you." LeBeau set a plate in front of the men.
"Thanks, LeBeau. I'm starved." Christopher sat up some to eat.
"Sorry, I fell asleep on you earlier," Hogan apologized.
"It's alright. You have been through a lot and needed your rest." LeBeau reassured.
Hogan took a bite. "Mmmmm. I think this is the best meal you have ever made."
"Merci, Colonel," LeBeau thanked.
"You can say that again. LeBeau, I hope someday I can meet a girl who can cook as good as you." Christopher said putting another spoonful in his mouth.
"Merci. I think. If there is nothing else Colonel…" LeBeau asked
Hogan shook his head. "Thanks LeBeau."
Christopher, with a mouth full of food said, "Yea, thanks. Some day you will have to show me how to make this."
"When you are up and around, it will be my pleasure," said LeBeau before he left.
HH HH HH
After Hogan finished eating, he carefully stood and made his way toward the door.
"Where do you think you are going?" came a voice from behind him. There was no denying who it belonged to.
"Lay off, Wilson. I have to see Klink about the punishment of my men." When Wilson started to protest Hogan pointed his finger at him. "Not another word or I will talk Klink into transferring you to another camp."
Wilson laughed, "Now that's the Colonel we have all come to love."
Hogan waved his hand at Wilson. He slowly made his way over to the Kommandantur. He paused at the bottom of the steps, praying he didn't fall going up them. Hogan took a deep breath. He placed his injured leg on the bottom step. He hopped up, quickly putting his good foot down. Didn't hurt as bad as I thought. He continued up the stairs without any problems.
When he entered the outer office he saw Helga typing. A smile appeared on his face. If she were taking care of me, I would never leave my bed or hide my injuries. Heck, I might make up a few injuries.
"Good to see you up and about, Colonel," Helga said, with a smile.
After dealing with Wilson, her voice was soothing to his ears. "Is he in?"
Helga nodded. "Ja. He is very busy and asked not to be disturbed."
Hogan exaggerated his limp, as he walked over to Helga. He stood behind her, nuzzling her neck. "Would you deny an injured man, who struggled to walk all the way across camp, his request?"
Helga flashed a grin at Hogan. "I do believe it is my lunch break. I cannot be responsible for what happens when I am not here." She gathered her belongings and headed for the door. Before she left she turn to Hogan and said, "If you are good, I might bring you a bowl of soup."
Hogan's eyes twinkled. "Did I mention my right shoulder is injured and I am right handed?
Helga had a twinkle in her eye as she said, "Maybe, I'll stay to feed it to you. Good day, Colonel."
It is good to be me again. Hogan knocked on Klink's door and waited.
"Go away. I'm busy," Klink said. Hogan opened the door and sat down in a chair in front of Klink's desk. Klink looked up from his work. "Aren't you supposed to be in bed?"
"I wanted to thank you for confining my men to barracks, Sir," Hogan stated.
Klink shook his head. "You do?"
"Yes, Sir. After Wright's death, these men needed to know it is pointless to escape. The cost is too high. I am glad they have nothing to do but sit in their barracks thinking about how an escape attempt cost them the life of one of their friends and almost two others. They will think twice before thinking about an escape."
"They will?" Klink questioned.
"Of course, Sir. I like the way your mind works. Forcing them to dwell on their loss. I wouldn't have the guts to do such a thing. I guess I am too soft. Maybe, if I wasn't as soft on these men, Wright might still be alive. Yes, it's cruel. So are most lessons in life. You are a stronger man than I am, Sir. Just think how many more lives this cruel act might have saved," Hogan finished
Hogan observed the stunned look on Klink's face. "You know Colonel? Softness like this is why the Allies will never win. I think their lesson has been learned. You may tell them they are released from barracks with all privileges restored."
"But, Sir…" Hogan started.
"No buts. I know how your mind works. You want me to keep them confined indefinitely so they can work on an escape plan. I am wise to your schemes, Hogan. Dismissed." Klink saluted and went back to work.
"Sorry, I tried to trick you. You are too smart for me. Good day, Kommandant." Hogan saluted and headed for the door. After his back was to Klink, his eyes twinkled and a big smile appeared on his face. I still got it.
HH HH HH
After Hogan shut the door, Klink smiled. It was good to see the fight back in Hogan. As annoying as Hogan was, Klink missed listening to him go on about the prisoner's rights and wants. He even missed hearing his long list of complaints or pointing out different aspects of the Geneva Convention trying to get him to let the prisoners do what they wanted. Probably more accurately is what Papa Bear needed them to do to pull off one of his schemes.
Klink gave a smirk. All this time he was blind to Hogan's schemes. For some reason, things were so clear. Klink knew all along what Hogan really wanted. He wanted to hear what crazy story he had come up with. It was going to be different around here now. He hoped he could live up to his vow to help Papa Bear.
HH HH HH
Hogan slowly made his way to Barracks 2. When he opened the door, the room was quiet. The men were doing various tasks. One group was playing cards while others were writing letters or sleeping.
Carter was the first person to notice Hogan standing in the doorway. "Hey, look fellas! It's Colonel Hogan."
Everyone cheered and ran to Hogan. Hogan winced as someone accidentally bumped into his sore arm. "Watch it, Cummins!"
"Sorry, Sir," Cummins apologized.
"So gov'nor, Wilson release you?" Newkirk asked.
Hogan shook his head. "Not exactly. I had a talk with Klink and all privileges for Barracks 2 are restored. You are now free to roam about the camp."
Everyone cheered again.
Hogan motioned for everyone to calm down. "I want this camp running like clockwork. No more sitting on the sidelines, watching the war go on without us. We will again be taking an active role in it. Kinch, get in touch with the underground to see if they have any suggestions how we can come back with a bang."
Kinch smiled. "Right away, Colonel."
"The rest of you, keep your ears open for anything useful. Until Wilson releases me, I am relying on you to keep me informed of everything. If a guard changes his routine, I want to know about it. If someone comes into camp, I want to know about it. If someone leaves camp unexpectedly, I want to know about it. Either come and tell me immediatly or send word." Hogan glanced at each man to make sure everyone knew what was expected from them. "I am going back to the infirmary before Wilson comes looking for me." Hogan turned to leave
"Gov'nor, it's good to have you back," Newkirk said with a smile.
Hogan returned the smile. "Good to be back. Sorry it took so long."
"Don't know what you're talkin' 'bout, gov'nor. Go get some rest." Newkirk motioned for Hogan to leave.
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After Hogan left, Newkirk motioned for everyone to gather around. "Now, is everythin' set for the gov'nor's birthday party tomorrow?
"Oui. I have everything I need to make the cake except eggs. Schultz is suppose to bring them to me today," said Lebeau.
"You didn't tell Schultz about the party did you?" Carter asked. "You know he can't keep a secret."
"I told him they were to make some crêpes." LeBeau smiled.
Newkirk ran through his checklist. "How about the banner?"
"Knox and I finished it yesterday," answered Carter.
"How about gifts?" Baker asked.
Everyone looked at each other. "I don't know. Remember what 'appened the last time we tried to give him a birthday gift?" Newkirk reminded.
Heads nodded in remembrance. "I think Christopher was working on a gift for Colonel Hogan." LeBeau stated.
"It doesn't involve blowing anything up does it?" Newkirk asked hesitantly.
LeBeau shook his head. "I don't think so. I think he made him something."
"Good. We will decorate after roll call tomorrow mornin'. When we are ready, Kinch will get the gov'nor." Newkirk informed.
HH HH HH
That evening, LeBeau slipped Christopher a note with his meal. LeBeau sat so he blocked Hogan's view of Christopher.
"Yep. I think that's a good idea," said Christopher.
"What's a good idea?" Hogan asked.
"I tried something new with his meal. I wanted to see if he noticed. I added slivered almonds to the mushroom gravy." LeBeau covered.
Hogan looked at Christopher then to LeBeau. "Your cooking talents never cease to amaze me."
Lebeau bowed his head. "Merci, Colonel. I will let you eat in peace."