August 9
The Emergency Tunnel – 2400 Hours
The plans are being played out as we speak. Carter and I are all set to move out in a few hours. Rob's little scheme of keeping Kommandant Klink, Schultz and the rest of the guards, for that matter, preoccupied with me being sick will have their heads turned as Carter and I head to England. Already, a dummy is in the place in my bottom bunk snoring and covered, a 78 record playing under the bunk as me snoring. Carter's replacement, a man from the Underground, is here now and up above sleeping in his bunk (he will stand for him in roll call).
And in the meanwhile, I'm fresh out of ideas of how we can trap our spy. Carter keeps asking me what I had in mind to nab him or her, and, after about the millionth time I've been silent, I said, "Carter, in due time, I'll think of something. First of all, let's get across the Channel and get to Headquarters safely without the Krauts becoming stir-crazy. Second, let's see how things work out and then we'll work out some plot of action."
"Yes, Mad'm," Carter said meekly, and he sat back down. We were waiting in the radio room for our false identifications to be processed correctly the last time he asked, but we were more or less ready to leave. All we needed to do was wait (and wait and wait) for Rob's signal. As soon as I went missing in roll call and Schultz and Klink investigate the dummy (me being sick), then Carter and I moved on to the emergency tunnel and will wait for the cost to be clear of guards and dogs. Apparently and obviously, the dummy passed Klink's test and Schultz sees, hears and knows nothing anyway. We're all set.
Our identifications cards are ready, our clothes are packed and we're ready to go. I'm bringing this journal with me, no matter how dangerous it might seem. If the Krauts catch us, then they might find this, but as soon as we reach the coast and cross that Channel, then we're more or less safe from their grasp. They wouldn't harm us or so I can figure out now. My neck, the indicator of danger (mostly ignored), hasn't been prickling, so I believe this mission will go over well, we can hope. When I think about it as a whole, though, I shudder. The trip to England hasn't given me as much as a chill to the back.
Look at me, I'm rambling on over nothing! I must remain cool, calm and collective for my stupid self, Carter and the rest of the gang here. Besides, I should be happy: Rob has asked we keep in constant contact with each other, so just immaturely wishing for his voice when he's not there will be countered by this order. We have to use the emergency wave length and start with "England shall be free, and shall have her whole rights and liberties inviolable" and end with "singular his articles forever shall be steadfastly, firmly and inviolably observed." I tried to think of something a little different this time instead of the usual American documents we use, like Lincoln's Gettysburg Address or the Constitution. I thought that using lines from the Magna Carter was appropriate when heading to England, since they have started these civil rights. Besides, it'll be easier for the old chaps there to memorize when signaling to Rob if we talk to the right people and not to the spy…or the army lot of them, if there is such.
Oops…it's time to head out with Carter. LeBeau just came in here to say that the dogs were in the other direction and that the guards were looking the conflicting way, especially Schultz. He wished us good luck and reminded us of the Underground stations that were looking out for us daily, so to mind them and to EAT the food he cooked especially for us.
There was also a message from Rob, coming from LeBeau, concerning radio contact. I am to use codename Mama Bear instead of Desertstar because of the possibility of spies being about. If there is such in England, then I'd be in a sticky wicket indeed when I face my executioners in Berlin. They don't need to know the face behind the name.
Gulping with this tidbit of information and food in hand, I thanked LeBeau profusely (I had to suck up to him as he STILL thinks I'm too thin and always hands me food, wherever I may go) and I had to nudge Carter. He fell asleep. I have to get him awake and ready to run. He and I need to keep each other safe from the Krauts.
Damn, let us get through Germany alive. Let's have a safe journey out.