Chapter 14: Answers
After roll call the following day, the men rushed into the barracks and hung up the decorations. In the center of the table were various packages.
"I think we are ready for the guest of honor," said Kinch as he exited.
Kinch walked intothe Infirmary. "Hey, Wilson, I need to take Colonel Hogan back to the barracks. There is an underground member in his office. He has to talk to him right away."
"Why can't he meet him here?" Wilson played along. If Wilson gave up too easily, Hogan would know it was staged.
"We can't risk Klink checking on the Colonel," said Kinch.
"Very well. I will take the opportunity to see how Christopher's maneuverability is." Wilson stood beside Christopher's bed. "If everything goes well, I will let him get some fresh air."
Hogan rolled his eyes. He slowly rose from his bed. "Lead the way, Kinch." In a low voice, Hogan mumbled, "Before he changes his mind."
Hogan walked slowly toward the barracks. "Kinch, did he give any details as to what he wants?"
Kinch shook his head. "No, Colonel. He said he would only speak to you about it and in person." Kinch opened the door for Hogan. "After you, Colonel."
When Hogan walked through the door, everyone yelled, "Surprise!"
Hogan looked at all the decorations. The walls were lined with paper streamers. A 'Happy Birthday' banner hung on the far side of the room. Hogan saw various shaped packages on the center table.
"Thanks, men," Hogan said, sitting down at the table. "I didn't think anyone remembered."
"'Ow could we forget," Newkirk said, smiling.
The men sang 'Happy Birthday' as LeBeau brought the cake out of Hogan's room.
After the song had finished, a voice came from behind him. "Make a wish, Colonel."
Hogan turned around to see Christopher and Wilson standing behind him. "Surprised you let him walk over here," Hogan said to Wilson.
"Since he has been a good patient, I decided to let him go to the party," Wilson chided.
"I getthe hint, Wilson." Let the war end soon so we can all go home. Hogan blew out the candle and opened his presents. He received flasks, trinkets made in the metal shop, a used comic book and other various reading materials, homemade after-shave and a pair of knit socks.
There was one large gift left. Hogan unwrapped it. It was the quilt Christopher had made for him. Hogan suppressed his emotions as he thought about how the simple, innocent gift laying in front of him, almost cost a man his life.
"The men in camp donated scraps of their uniforms and blankets for me to make it. I sewed their initials on the various pieces of material," Christopher said, pointing to the letters.
"This is the best birthday ever. Thanks fellas." Hogan ran his fingers over the initials TOW. Thomas Oliver Wright.
Hogan always thought after the war he would want to forget about Stalag 13. As he read other initials, he realized parts of it he wanted to remember. The quilt wouldalways be a reminder of the brave men in his command, who gave up their freedoms, to help make a difference.
HH HH HH
A week had passed since Wright's death. Hogan talked Klink into thirty minutes of electricity after evening roll call so Christopher could council people. Hogan laid on his bed, covered with his new quilt. He kept absent-mindedly running his fingers over Wright's initials. Why did you betray us? What did they do to you? Was there something I could have done to prevent this from happening?
A black piece of material on the quilt caught Hogan's attention. The initials WAH were sewn in white. Hogan made it his business to know the name of every man in camp. He couldn't think of anyone with the initials WAH. I need to remember to ask Christopher about it later.
Hogan decided to give in and get some sleep. Hogan placed his arm under his pillow to get more comfortable. His hand hit a magazine. "What's this?" Hogan turned on the lamp beside his bed and lifted the pillow. He found the comic book Carter had given him for his birthday. Hogan didn't care to read comics, but didn't have the heart to tell Carter that.
Hogan turned the light out and laiddown again. A minute later, curiosity got the best of him. He turned the light on. The Muck Monster of Goose Lake. What a name for a comic. Hogan turned to the first page. The setting was a campground with a person knocking on a trailer door. Rise and shine Don! The fish are not going to wait forever.
A knock at Hogan's door disrupted his reading. "Come in."
Baker entered the room. "Colonel, London on the radio for you."
Hogan set down the comic and stretched. "I hope this isn't another one of their goofy missions. I can't believe they thought a cat would be a reliable way to pass information." Hogan thought back to their mission two days ago. An underground member was to visit camp as a dignitary carrying a cat. She was to let Hogan hold the cat while she picked up the contents of her handbag, which she "accidentally" dropped in the compound. Before Hogan could get the collar off the cat, one of the guard dogs got out. The cat jumped out of Hogan's arms and headed for the woods.
Baker laughed. "Yea. I think we chased that cat all over Germany before we finally caught it."
"I am glad the underground member was able to talk Klink into letting us find it." Hogan made his way to the radio room. "This is Papa Bear. Go ahead Goldilocks."
There was some static on the line before London answered. "We were wanting the whole story on our missing package. We were informed there were party crashers."
"The package was destroyed along with everyone who knew about the package and its contents." Hogan waited for London to respond.
After a minute of static, "Thanks, Papa Bear. Goldilocks out."
"Wait a minute," Hogan said quickly.
"Was there something you wanted, Papa Bear?" came Goldilocks reply.
"Answers for one thing. Do we have any information about how the package was made?" Hogan asked.
"Sorry, Papa Bear, you do not have proper clearance," Goldilocks said with some hesitation.
"What do you mean I don't have proper clearance? He was one of my men. I have the right to know what is going on here. Do I have to worry about something happening to any of my other men? I need to know if there is anything, which could put this operation in jeopardy. If at all possible, I would like to avoid this kind of situation in the future."
"We will see if the information can be cleared. We will notify you of our answer at 2330. Goldilocks out."
Hogan threw off the headphones. "I can't believe this. How dare they tell me I don't have proper clearance?"
"That's the brass for you." Kinch said.
Hogan threw his hands in the air. "Me, of all people."
"Sorry." Kinch sat beside Hogan. "I assume you were talking to your old CO earlier, trying to help my nephews?"
"Maybe," Hogan said, with a smile.
"Thank you for your help. I don't know how I can ever repay you," Kinch said.
"I don't know how much help it will be. He is the man I would turn to for help in this situation. He has a few connections who might be able to speed up the process," answered Hogan.
"You look up to him, don't you?" asked Kinch.
Hogan nodded. "I owe him a lot."
Kinch glanced at Hogan sheepishly. "I appreciate you opening up to me earlier. It was a nice change."
"I learned something through this whole ordeal. You have to be open with your friends. If not, you are going to be lonely and it could cause problems. I miss having friends around I can talk with about anything." Hogan raised his hand, stopping Kinch's comments. "I know I can come to you guys. But, I decided when I got sent here, I wasn't going to get close to anyone. Makes it easier to send people on missions where they might not return. When people open up to each other, it creates a bond of friendship. Losing friends is painful, but not having any friends is more painful. The tighter a bond is between people, the harder it is to break. In the end, it might prevent another incident like we had with Wright. It might take a while, and there will still be some things I won't talk about, but I'll work on it."
Kinch put his hand on Hogan's shoulder. "Colonel, all we ask is when you need help or someone to talk to, don't be afraid to ask. We are here for you like you are here for us."
"Thanks," Hogan said with a smile.
"Besides, when I get stateside, I will have to look up Big Bird to get the story on the real Robert Hogan. Maybe we can swap stories," Kinch said playfully.
Hogan playfully threw a pencil, which was laying on the table, at Kinch. "Generals are not known to socialize with privates."
They both laughed at the empty threat. Hogan glanced at his watch. "Almost time for me to contact London."
Kinch stood. "I'll leave you two alone."
"I doubt they will tell me anything over the radio. If they clear me, they will probably set up a meetwith someone who can give me some answers," Hogan said facing the radio. Hogan put the headphones on again. "Papa Bear to Goldilocks."
"Meet Kewpie at 0200 at Delta 8. Recognition code Romeo. Goldilocks out."
"Short, sweet and to the point. Hand me the codebook, Kinch."
As Kinch handed Hogan the codebook, he pointed out, "How do you plan on making it there with your injured leg? If you are not careful, you could break it."
Kinch has a point. I can't risk my leg giving out, but I have to do this. Hogan had no choice but to push his pride aside. "Kinch, get me the cane from the outfit room, please."
Kinch smiled. "Yes, Sir."
Hogan powered down the radio. Hogan looked through the codebook for RecognitionCode Romeo, while Kinch brought him the cane. "Ducks fly north. Except when the snow blows south. Can these codes get any dumber?"
Kinch laughed and handed Hogan the cane. "Maybe you can put in for coming up with Recognitioncodes for the next war."
Hogan looked up in a thoughtful manner. "Wouldn't be nice if there was not a need for any more wars?"
Kinch nodded his head in agreement. "Would be nice. As long as there are greedy people out there, there will be wars. Today we are fighting Germans and Japanese. Tomorrow, who knows?"
"I hope we don't end up fighting the Russians in the next one," Hogan said solemnly.
"Or anyone else who does not adhere to the Geneva Convention. I hear the Russians make the Gestapo look like puppy dogs," added Kinch.
"All I can say is I am glad they are on our side during this one." Hogan yawned and stretched. "Wake me in an hour."
HH HH HH
Kinch woke Hogan from his nap. "Time to get ready, Colonel."
Hogan changed into his covert gear. "I wonder who Kewpie is? I am not familiar with that code name."
"Must be London's secret contact who tipped them off about a traitor here," Kinch mused.
"Must be. I don't like an underground member operating in this area we don't know about," said Hogan, a little irritated.
Kinch checked Hogan's pistol then handed it to him. "Can't blame you. They have their reasons though."
"What is puzzling me is, it is someone I have been in contact with, who is not a known underground member," Hogan thought out loud.
"The person wants to make sure there is no chance of anyone talking if caught," Kinch stated.
"We know better than anyone how important a secret like that is. If Hochstetter ever caught the right person and they talked…" Hogan's voice shook thinking about the consequences.
"Don't upset your Guardian Angel and you have nothing to worry about." Kinch teased. "Better get going." Hogan had headed toward the ladder when Kinch stopped him. "Don't forget this." Kinch handed Hogan the cane. "In your condition, it should take you an hour and half to reach Delta 8 and back. Give an hour or so for the meeting. If I don't hear from you in two and a half hours, I am going looking for you."
"Yes, Dad," Hogan took the cane and headed up the ladder.
Despite the injured leg, with the stealth of a cat, Hogan slowly made his way through the woods. His senses were on high alert He didn't feel as nervous as he did taking Wright to the pick up. Maybe it was because he was alone with only himself to worry about. Or could it be because Hogan was confident in himself again?
Hogan neared the meeting place. He strained his ears for any sound out of the ordinary. The only sounds thatcould be heard were the animals in the barn. With caution, Hogan approached the barn. He peeked in a hole in the wall. The only thing he saw was a dim lit lantern and silhouettes of animals. He glanced around one last time, and then entered the barn.
As soon as Hogan was in the barn, he ducked into a nearby stall. The horse currently occupying the stall whinnied and brushed Hogan with his tail.
"Ducks fly north," came a voice from the far corner.
"Except when the snow blows south," Hogan replied. "Kewpie?"
"Papa Bear," Kewpie greeted.
Hogan could tell Kewpie was trying to disguise his voice. Even still, it seemed familiar to him. He couldn't put a face to it though. Hogan walked to the center of the barn. He still couldn't see Kewpie. "Where are you? Come out to meet me."
"I am fine where I am at," answered Kewpie.
"Then I will come to you." As Hogan took a step in the direction of the voice, he heard a gun cock.
"Not advised," said Kewpie.
Hogan froze. Kewpie was not playing around. "Goldilocks said you have information for me."
A folder landed at Hogan's feet. "What you want to know is in there. Read fast. I need the file back," said Kewpie.
If he needs the file back, that means he has access to the files. Which means he is an ally planted within the SS or Gestapo. No wonder he wants his identity kept secret. Hogan picked up the folder and moved closer to the lantern. He quickly skimmed the pages. Most of the pages were notes on experiments. Some involved electricity. Others involved drugs and hypnosis.
"It has a comparison to other test subjects. Who are the others? Are any of them my men?" Hogan inquired.
"Please, lay the folder down and leave the barn. You have your answers," Kewpie ordered.
"No! You didn't answer my last question. Are any of my men the other test subjects?" Hogan demanded. He was getting tired of playing Kewpie's game.
There was a long pause before Kewpie answered. "There is another person at Stalag 13, who they tried to brainwash. As of yet, no long-term success, only short-term."
"Who?" Hogan's voice was full of worry, knowing the incident with Wright might be repeated. No answer from Kewpie. "Answer me! Who is it?" There was still no answer. In a hesitant voice, Hogan asked, "Is it…is it me?"
"Lay down the folder and exit the barn. I will not ask again," Kewpie threatened.
Am I one of the test subjects? Is that why London suspected me? Hogan's eyes grew wide. Koch! He tried to brainwash me. Kinch was right. Koch's effects only lasted temporarily on me.
Hogan took one last look at the folder in his hands before laying it down. "Thanks for the answers." Hogan stepped away from the folder. He limped slightly to the barn door, where he had entered.
"Mind your leg, Papa Bear," suggested Kewpie
Hogan tipped his head in acknowledgment. He cracked open the door to make sure all was clear. When he felt it was safe, he exited.
HH HH HH
After Hogan left the barn, Kewpie emerged from his hiding place, holstering his gun. He walked to the folder Hogan laid down. Kewpie smiled as he thought out loud. "Don't worry, Colonel Hogan. As long as I am around, they will not succeed with you."
Kewpie hid the folder under his tunic. He pulled the collar of his coat around his face and tipped his hat further down on his head. He wanted to make sure if anyone saw him, they would not recognize him.
Being careful to stay in the shadows, Kewpie snuck to his car. Once in the car, he drove to work to replace the file. The last thing he wanted to do was get caught with it. Kewpie parked his car and walked into Gestapo Headquarters.
The night clerk came to attention and saluted. "Heil Hitler!"
Kewpie returned the salute. "Heil Hitler!"
"Working late, Major?" inquired the clerk.
"Ja, I couldn't sleep. I decided to go over some old cases," Kewpie answered.
"Have a good evening, Major. Heil Hitler!" The clerk sat down resuming his job of looking busy.
"Heil Hitler!" Kewpie responded. He walked down the long hall leading to the records room. He glanced around before going inside.
Kewpie quickly replaced the file. He walked to the filing cabinet containing the 'H's. He removed Hogan's folder and scanned the pages. Your actions have made me look bad with Germany, but good with London.
He took the folder along with a few others to his office. He sat behind his desk, filling out the last page of the test results in Hogan's folder.
Captain Koch's attempts at brainwashing Colonel Hogan have failed. Do not see a need to continue with tests. Signed, Major Wolfgang A. Hochstetter.
A/N: Thanks to all who read and reviewed. A special thanks to GSJessica for helping me with the story. Some have commented about William Christopher's name. He appeared in a couple of episodes. Most of his rolls was one of the extra's in Barracks 2. One time he was the German private who Carter tried to get to arrest him so he could pass the microphilm to the Nazi's. I didn't know what his name in the show was so I used his real name.
For those who enjoyed Big Bird, be patient. I am writing a sequel. This one will give us some insight to the pre WWII Robert Hogan.