Chapter 4: Carter's plans

A little after one, Carter was searching through the chemicals in his lab. Miller was standing guard at the door listening for any signs of tunnel activity.

After careful consideration, Carter selected two of the chemicals. "This should do it," he said. "I'm also going to need four empty vials. You want to help me carry this stuff, please.

Miller came over and picked up the empty vials. Then, the two of them headed back towards their barracks. When they reached the section of tunnel where the main tunnel branched off towards Barracks 6, Carter placed the two bottles of chemicals on the ground. "You can set those vials down if you like," he told Miller. "I've got to take some measurements before we leave."

Carter reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. He carefully examined the walls and floor of the tunnel near the intersection, taking notes. He paced the area in several spots, including the distance from the intersection to the Barracks 6 ladder, and made more notations. Finally, he was finished and put his paper away.

Carter walked to one wall just inside the branch tunnel. He took out two spoons and handed one to Miller. "Make a hole on that side about three fourths of the way up the wall," he ordered. "One large enough to hold a vial. Then, move down the tunnel about four feet and make another halfway up the wall."

"Okay, you got it, Chief."

Miller started digging on his side as ordered. Carter dug the holes on his side just the opposite, with the first hole halfway up and the second hole three fourths. Once they had finished, Carter divided the liquid from one of the bottles among the four vials and placed one on the floor under each hole.

"Okay, Sandy, you go on ahead," Carter stated. "Return to the barracks and wait for me by the open entrance. As soon as I'm inside, close it immediately. This stuff is pretty volatile when mixed. I'll have to move fast."

"Yes, Sir," Miller acknowledged and headed down the tunnel.

Carter picked up the remaining bottle and poured a fourth in the first vial and put it in one of the holes. He repeated the procedure for the three remaining vials. Then, he ran down the tunnel and raced up the ladder. A moment after Carter cleared the tunnel, Miller closed the trap door. About a minute later, they felt a slight tremor as the vials exploded below.

"We'll wait about a half hour. Give the dust a chance to settle. Then, we'll go back down and check it out," explained Carter.

- - -

Exactly a half hour later, Miller opened the trap door and he and Carter climbed down the ladder. About three feet down the tunnel, they could see that it was totally blocked from floor to ceiling by a huge pile of dirt. "It worked!" exclaimed Carter, ecstatically. "It actually worked.!"

Miller grinned at Carter's enthusiasm. "Good job, Chief," he praised.

"Thanks, Sandy. All right. Let's head back up and get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us."

- - -

Shultz called the men out for roll call at the usual time. The men from Barracks 6 came out as orderly as they had the day before. There was a noticeable improvement with Barracks 2, although not quite as orderly as Barracks 6. LeBeau rushed out of the barracks a few seconds behind the others and took his place in line.

Shultz was counting the men from Barracks 2 when Klink walked over as usual. "All prisoners present and accounted for," Shultz reported, standing at attention.

Klink nodded, then approached Hogan. "Much better," he commented. "Keep working on it. Dismissed." Klink walked on to Barracks 6.

Hogan stepped closer to Newkirk. "Okay, Newkirk. Go retrieve those bugs while they're still outside," he ordered.

"Yes, Sir," acknowledged Newkirk, as he left to follow orders.

- - -

A few minutes later, Newkirk returned. "Back so soon?" Hogan asked.

"Sir, we have a problem," Newkirk replied. "There's been a cave-in in the tunnels. The branch to Barracks 6 is completely blocked. There's no way in."

Hogan's face reflected his annoyance. "Carter," he guessed.

"You think Carter's responsible?"

"It's a little too convenient, I'd say. We'll figure out how to handle it later. For now, take LeBeau with you to stand guard outside. See if you can climb in one of the side windows to get the bugs."

"Yes, Sir," agreed Newkirk, as he went to find LeBeau and carry out his mission.

- - -

Newkirk and LeBeau approached Barracks 6 from the rear so they wouldn't be spotted by its inhabitants. "Check out front," ordered Newkirk.

LeBeau crept along the building to the front corner and peered around front. Then, he hastened back to Newkirk. "They're all still outside," he stated.

Newkirk inspected the windows and found one on the side that was slightly ajar. He opened it and climbed in. He went to Carter's quarters first but failed to find the bug. A search of the main room proved just as fruitless. Still searching, Newkirk failed to see the door open and Miller and Nelson enter.

"Looking for something?" Miller growled.

"Where's Carter?" Newkirk demanded.

"Not here, obviously." Then, Miller grabbed the front of Newkirk's shirt just below the collar, and pulling Newkirk close, ordered, "You stay away from him, you hear? We all like the Chief and we'll not have you guys giving him any trouble." Miller dragged Newkirk towards the open door. Then, releasing the grip on Newkirk's shirt, Miller shoved him through the doorway and said, "Now get out and stay out."

Montgomery, who was standing just outside with LeBeau pinned to the outer wall, released LeBeau and declared, "That goes for you, too. Now, get."

Both Newkirk and LeBeau hurried off towards Barracks 2.

- - -

Carter was not at Barracks 6 because, noticing Hogan still standing outside Barracks 2, Carter decided to pay a visit. He sauntered over to where Hogan was standing. "I believe these belong to you," he stated, holding out his right hand and unclasping it to reveal the bugs nestled in his palm.

Obviously displeased, Hogan reached down and snatched the bugs. "So you did know," he declared. "And you guys put on quite a performance."

Carter gave a weak smile. "The men enjoyed it."

Hogan glared at Carter. "Just what are you up to, Carter?"

"I'm a Barracks Leader, Sir. I plan to lead my men as well as I can. Now, if you'll excuse me, there's something I have to do." Carter left and headed towards Klink's barracks.

Hogan watched him go. He called Kinch over. Using the bugs in Barracks 6 hadn't worked but there was still the one in Klink's office. Maybe he could learn something that way.

- - -

Carter entered Klink's Barracks. "I'd like to speak with Colonel Klink, please," he told Hilda. "About improving the men's morale."

Hilda pushed a button. "Sgt. Carter is asking to see you," she said. "Something about improving the men's morale." She was silent a moment as she listened to the reply. Then, a surprised expression crossed her face as she acknowledged, "Jawohl, Herr Kommandant. Right away." Replacing the receiver, she stared at Carter. "The Kommandant will see you now. You may go in."

Carter smiled. "Thank you." Carter opened the door to Klink's office, walked in, and closed it behind him.

Klink was sitting at his desk. "Sgt. Carter, what can I do for you?" Klink asked, pleasantly.

"I'm wanting to improve the men's morale. Those of us in Barracks 6 would like to have a cookout tonight if it's okay with you."

Klink frowned slightly. "Cookout? As in bonfire?"

"Just a small campfire," Carter assured him. "We'll be careful. We won't cause any fires. And you don't have to worry about the Allied planes seeing it. They're not going to bomb a POW camp, you know. Besides, it will be fun. We're going to cook hamburgers and hotdogs and roast potatoes. Then, we're going to have apple pie for dessert. Miller's going to bring his guitar and when we're done eating, we're all going to gather around the campfire and sing. You're invited, of course."

Klink's frown deepened. "I don't fraternize with prisoners," he declared.

Carter would not be dissuaded. "Aw, Kommandant. Think of all the fun we could have. Besides, this would be a good opportunity to show the prisoners what a great guy you are. Maybe even convince some of them that there's no reason to escape."

Klink thought about it a moment. "You really think it could convince them not to escape?" he asked, amazed.

Carter shrugged. "It's possible."

Klink became quite animated, as he declared, "Barracks 6 has set a good example at roll call. Perhaps this cookout could serve as a reward for your behavior. Show the other prisoners that there are benefits to cooperation." Klink grinned, broadly. "I like it. Yes, Sgt. Carter, you may have your cookout tonight and I'll be there. About your menu, though, I'm not certain we have all the ingredients in camp."

"That's okay, Sir. We don't expect you to provide the food. We took up a collection of our funds to pay for it. Cpl. Evans is our chef. If it's okay with you, we thought maybe Shultz could take him to town and he could purchase what he needs."

"Of course," Klink amicably agreed. Then, pushing the button on his phone, he ordered, "Hilda, tell Shultz I need to see him in my office immediately."

Klink invited Carter to sit down. Then, he poured them both a drink while they waited for Shultz.

- - -

Over in Barracks 2, Hogan and Kinch had been listening to the entire conversation. Newkirk and LeBeau wandered in during the conversation. They listened and waited silently for it to end. When the conversation ceased during the wait for Shultz, Newkirk glanced at Hogan and reported, "I'm afraid we couldn't retrieve the bugs, Sir. They weren't there."

"I know," replied Hogan, reaching into his pocket and producing the three bugs. "Carter brought them over."

"Then, they did know." Hogan nodded, and Newkirk vehemently added, "That little performance last night. I could kill them."

LeBeau nervously chuckled. "You did not fare so well earlier that I could see, mon ami," he declared.

Newkirk glared at LeBeau. "Nor did you," he countered.

Hogan surveyed them both. "Something wrong, gentlemen?" he asked.

A scowl came to Newkirk's face as he explained, "While we were looking for the bugs, we were waylaid by Carter's mob. They warned us to stay away from Carter, then threw us out. Very intimidating, Sir."

LeBeau nodded his head. "Qui, mon Colonel," LeBeau agreed.

Hogan sighed, a worried expression on his face. "I don't know about this business with Carter. I just wish I knew what he was planning."

"Besides the cookout," Newkirk suggested.

"Of course, besides the cookout. I can't have him jeopardizing our missions."

"You think that's what he's got planned, Gov'nor?"

Hogan frowned. "At this point, I'm not sure what to think. I wish I did."

Further conversation was curtailed as they heard Shultz enter Klink's office.

- - -

Upon entering, Shultz stood at attention and said, "You wanted to see me, Herr Kommandant."

"Yes, Shultz. The men in Barracks 6 are having a cookout this evening, with my permission of course. They need you to take Evans into town to pick up supplies."

"Jawohl, Herr Kommandant." Then, a puzzled Shultz glanced at Carter, and declared, "But, Carter, I thought you said the cookout was Friday night."

"We were planning on Friday," Carter agreed. "But you know how it is. Some things are like Christmas. You just can't wait. So, we decided to ask to have it tonight, instead. You're still invited, of course."

"Danke. I shall be there."

"You knew about this, Shultz?" asked Klink.

"They invited me last night, Herr Kommandant," Shultz confessed. "I saw no harm. They were going to ask you this morning."

"I'll decide whether there's harm," snapped Klink. "I am the Kommandant of this camp. In the future, I expect to be informed. Understand?"

"Understood, Herr Kommandant."

"Good. Then, pick up a truck from the motor pool and drive Evans to town. Dismissed." After Shultz had gone, Klink turned his attention back to Carter. "Was there anything else, Sergeant?"

Carter was concerned. "We didn't mean to get Shultz into trouble, Sir. We just thought he'd enjoy the cookout, that's all."

"I expect to know what's happening in camp. But Shultz was right. There was no harm. That small reprimand is all he'll receive. Now, anything else?"

Carter shook his head. "I think we've covered it, Sir."

"All right. I have work to do. Dismissed."

- - -

Once he had returned to Barracks 6, Carter ordered Miller, Nelson and Montgomery to follow him. He opened the trap door and led them down into the tunnel.

"You're digging a tunnel?" asked Nelson.

"You planning an escape?" Montgomery wondered.

A gleam came to Carter's eyes, as he replied, "We are digging a tunnel but we are not going to escape. That's all you need to know for now." Carter pointed to one area at the base of the right tunnel wall and ordered, "I want you guys to dig about five feet into the wall here. Make the tunnel large enough for us to crawl through easily. Then, dig down another five feet, make a ninety degree turn to the left, and dig ahead another eight feet. At the eight foot mark, you need to dig up four feet. At the six foot mark, you need to dig up six feet."

Nelson was curious. "What about the dirt? How do we get rid of it?"

"I'm coming to that. I'm going to arrange for Davis to get a wheelbarrow and shovel on the pretense that he's creating a fire barrier for our campfire. Part of it, we'll dump just upstairs behind the barracks. The rest of it, we'll haul to our chosen campsite."

"Which is?" Montgomery prompted.

"The area near the fence behind Klink's quarters. Now, Montgomery and Nelson, you two get started. I have a few things to discuss with Miller. Then, we'll be down to help."

Montgomery and Nelson started digging. Carter, followed by Miller, climbed back upstairs. When they'd reached the main room, Carter called one of the men over. "Bell, I want you to watch the door," he explained. "If you see anyone coming that doesn't belong, let Montgomery and Nelson know."

"Yes, Sir," the man acknowledged as he walked over to the door to stand watch.

Carter and Miller entered Carter's quarters, closed the door, then sat down at the table. "I've been making plans," Carter told Miller. "Monday morning, I'm going to volunteer to be Klink's acting secretary."

Miller was shocked. "You're going to help the enemy," he gasped.

"No, I'm going to help us. I'm going to be our eyes and ears in Klink's office. And, if I should discover anything I think Hogan can use, I'll pass the information on to him."

"You're working for Hogan?" Miller surmised.

A melancholy look engulfed Carter. "No," he quietly said. "I had to leave." Carter fell silent for several moments. Finally, he sighed and continued, "I'm hoping we can have the tunnel finished by Sunday night. That way we can take care of our first mission before Burkhalter arrives. We don't need him in the way."

"And our first mission is?" Miller prompted.

"Crippling the new research lab."

"Blowing it up would be easier."

"But not safer," Carter warned. "Hogan is blowing up key sites. So's the Underground. The Gestapo is already suspicious of all the activity in this area. We don't need to add to it. We're going to arrange accidents. Ones that can cause fires--or explosions. Ones that are above suspicion. Looks like the Germans have suddenly become accident-prone. Faulty wiring. Chemical reactions. Inadequate plumbing. I'm sure we can come up with all sorts of disasters. But first, we've got to get that auxiliary tunnel dug. Let's go below and lend a hand."

- - -

For over two hours, the four men dug, making considerable progress. Suddenly, Miller stated, "I almost forgot Chief. Did you return those bugs to Hogan?"

"Yeah," replied Carter. "Just before I talked to Klink."

"I don't think Hogan's men will be bothering us anymore," Nelson declared.

Carter was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

The men explained what had happened that morning with Newkirk and LeBeau.

Carter frowned. "You threatened Newkirk and LeBeau?"

"Yes, Sir," the three all agreed.

"I don't want it happening again," Carter ordered.

"We didn't want them bothering you," protested Miller

"I know you guys meant well, but I don't want them threatened. All right?"

"All right," they promised.

Then, the four of went back to work on the tunnel.