Sheesh, don't you people know that it's always darkest just before the dawn? You don't have to get so defeatist.
By the way, I apologize: the chronology of all this is a little screwy, so if you're trying to figure it out...I've mostly been putting things in a way that will cause the most suspense, so if you're feeling like they're somewhat out of order, you're probably right.
Just to warn you.
Hogan was finished laying out the plan.
While Newkirk, Jager and another Undergrounder called Reinigen went into Hammelburg and were retrieving Carter, the other members of the team would booby trap the road, meaning that Hochstetter would have to either walk or take a different road to Stalag 13, giving them time to bring their teammate back. Once Carter was back in camp, however, there was obviously the problem of explaining and/or hiding whatever condition he would be in (which made everyone grimace), but at least they'd have him back, hopefully alive.
The rest was something they'd worry about when they got there.
"Any questions?" Hogan asked.
Instead of a question, though, there was a statement from the back of the group.
"I know someone who can help," said Heidegger, standing at the top of the ladder leading downstairs.
To say that Heidegger's appearance was given a frigid reception would be like saying that Hitler's decision to invade Russia might have been kind of a stupid idea.
Except for Newkirk, whose fiery expression made Kinch step in front of him, just in case.
Heidegger was undeterred by their obvious hostility; he went on, "I took the liberty of using your radio to call in one of our special operatives who will come in handy."
Hogan folded his arms. "I thought Carter was the most expendable member of our team."
Heidegger had the decency to wince a little. "It appears that I...underestimated his importance here."
You don't say, thought Newkirk.
"Who did you bring in?" asked Jager, eyebrows creasing in confusion.
"He's not someone you know," said Heidegger. "But he's here now, and he wants to help."
Hogan frowned. "How did he get past the Krauts?"
"Because he lives here, in the woods. And he's very adept at sneaking around."
Before anyone could question him further, Heidegger stepped inside, allowing a little figure bundled in a long coat and scarf to climb up.
"Meet special operative Morris."
After a hesitant moment, the figure unwound the scarf and pulled down his collar, revealing his face.
"Eh...hello, chaps."
He spoke with a slightly upper-class English accent which was somewhat unusual to hear around here. But that wasn't what was attracting everyone's attention, and making them stare at him with such bewilderment.
Morris's hair was kind of a light shade of brown.
And his upper lip was clean shaven.
Other than that, though, he was pretty much the doppelganger of Major Wolfgang Hochstetter.