That's the Name of the Game
Margaret Bryan, Patti Hutchins
2005 Papa Bear Awards - First Place
Best Challenge - Episode Title Refererence Challenge
This Game was written in response to another challenge from the
Hogan’s Heroes Smartgroups List. The challenge itself, offered by NETRAT, is
listed below. We again do not make any claims on the original Hogan’s Heroes’
characters. All other characters are ours.
But again, those characters are free for anyone to use, if you so
choose.
Our rating for this story would be PG-13. Enjoy!
The Episode Title Referencing
Challenge.
Here’s the rules:
HH has some of the most intriguing episode titles around, more so
than most other shows. The challenge is to write a story referencing as many
episode titles as you can, but at least five (if the story’s a short one…
otherwise, there should be more). By referencing, I mean that the title must
come up in dialogue – it does NOT mean that you have to refer to the episode.
Of course, you can choose yourself just how difficult you are going to make it
– after all, there’s a choice of 168 titles and I imagine it would be much
easier to reference “The Well” or “The Informer” than, say, “How To Escape From
A Prison Camp Without Really Trying”.
Additional rules:
1. You should include the titles at the end or, if there are many,
at least highlight them in the text.
2. The word “the” can be omitted.
3. You’re allowed to cheat a bit – for example, “Six Lessons By
Madame LaGrange” would be considered referenced if the words “six”, “lessons”,
and “Madame LaGrange” are used in the same sentence.
There’s a couple of good episode guides out there, so finding the
titles shouldn’t be a problem. Does anyone want to have a go? Please tell me if
you do, as I’d love to read the results!
Have fun!
Netrat
Thanks for the inspiration and the beta-read Netrat!
We took this challenge hoping to fit in all 168 titles.
Were we successful?
Read on…
That’s the Name of the Game
What’s in a name?
A chance to create a prophecy.
Names are permanent and sacred.
Many believe a name embodies the essence of a person
and influences self-concept, personality, and success.
Excerpted from http://www.dailycelebrations.com/012300.htm
Hammelburg, Germany, Luft Stalag 13,
Kommandant’s Office,
November 3, 1943, 0715 Hours
“You must be psychic Kommandant,” Hogan replied in feigned
astonishment. “Are you sure you don’t have any gypsy blood?”
“Hogan, while admittedly, you are my favorite prisoner…
don’t think I still can’t read you like a book. An informer told me…”
“Figures. There’s one in every crowd,” Hogan bemoaned. “Who
squealed?”
“The request was for ‘no names please’, however he shall
become forever known as ‘Colonel Klink’s Secret Weapon!’” the German
replied haughtily shaking his finger in the air. “Now. As I was saying, the tower at the north end of the
camp will be moved twelve yards to the east.
That should make sure that you and your men can not take advantage of
the darkness of the moon to escape.”
Hogan sighed, “What does a guy have to do around here, request
permission to escape?”
“You Hogan… are a man in a box. There is no way out for either you or your men,” Klink pointed
out.
“That’s true. But one day
I will be able to say that this was the most escape-proof camp I’ve ever
escaped from,” Hogan declared.
“You’ll be shot trying,” Klink affirmed.
“Then they’ll be calling you ‘Killer Klink’,” Hogan pointed
out.
“If it comes to that, yes.
No one ever escapes from Stalag 13,” Klink reiterated.
“Well getting shot sounds too painful,” Hogan replied with a
resigned shrug. “Easy come easy go, as they always say. I guess it’s back to the old drawing board.”
“Hogan when will you and your men realize, that for you, the
war has taken a holiday?” Klink asked.
“No one, least of all you my dear Colonel Hogan, will ever escape from
Stalag 13.”
“I know, but it is our duty to try,” Hogan replied seriously.
“It always seems that you and I are in a constant battle
for Stalag 13. Just know that it
will be you who will lose in the end,” Klink said.
“You must be bucking for Kommandant of the Year,” Hogan
smirked. “Or maybe even Fuhrer?”
“Hogan that’s not funny,” Klink stated seriously.
“But, isn’t that the dream of every German soldier? Come on Colonel.
You have the same regal bearing. You could pull it off. All you need is the
mustache. I can see it now… people won’t be able to tell you apart. They’ll be
in the streets shouting will the real Adolf please stand up!” Hogan
continued snidely, and then sighed.
“Actually there is the height issue… you could kneel Kommandant.”
“Hogan, go home!” Klink yelled.
“Home sir?” Hogan asked hopefully.
“Barracks two! The only home you’ll ever know until this war’s
over!” Klink said exasperated, and pointed toward his office door. “Now. Get out of my office!”
“Yes sir.” Hogan saluted, “Heil Klink!”
“HOGAN!”
Hogan left Klink’s office thinking to himself – a little guiltily.
I’m still amazed that I can always get Klink to do what I want. It’s really
such an unfair exchange… but I’ll get used to it.
As Hogan traversed the snow covered
compound to Barracks Two…
He heard the first of the guards from tower one yell, “It’s
eight o’clock and all is well.” He glanced at his watch and shook his head
at Klink’s newest attempt at tighter security. Klink now had the guards making
vocal status checks from one tower to the other… on an hourly basis. When is
Klink ever going to realize that he’s the prisoner’s prisoner? I’m so looking
forward to the day that I can finally admit to Klink, how we all got to
escape from this prison camp without really trying.
Hogan sighed and continued to his barracks, even as the sounds of the
German guard’s voices faded to barely noticeable. He opened the door to the
barracks only to overhear LeBeau commenting to Kinch, “But I have to go out
today, there’s a clearance sale at the black market!”
“I know Louie, I just need to make sure our purchasing plan
will support a shopping excursion today,” Kinch assured.
“What difference does that make,” Newkirk asked. “It’s not like we’re not using hot money.”
“No one’s going anywhere, Klink’s on the warpath,” Hogan said
interrupting the conversation.
“Although he did take the bait of our little red herring… hook, line,
and sinker. He really thinks there
is a traitor in the house. Good work Carter.” Although how Klink can
believe Carter would turn traitor is beyond me. “Anyway, he is going to move the tower over
by the well. From there we
should have an unimpeded view to watch as the trains go by. And
then once we have the new schedule… we get to have front row seats to witness
the next shipment of airplane parts go up.”
“You bet boy, um sir. I’ve got the track already wired with dynamite,
it’s all set,” Carter eagerly added.
“That nearby German bridge is supposed to be falling
down to remember,” Newkirk pointed out, as the memory of a certain London
Bridge invaded his thoughts.
“Right, you do have the Hammelburg Bridge covered Carter?” Hogan
asked. And then after getting the expected nod from Carter, he continued, “So
as soon as it’s moved, we will need to man that tower. We just have to come
with a plan to distract the tower guard. Don’t worry, I’ll think of something
before then. So Carter you’re up first,” Hogan ordered. “The only thing we know
for certain is that it will be a Luftwaffe train.”
“Oui, we will certainly be coloring the faces of the Luftwaffe
High Command red when that train goes up,” LeBeau interrupted.
“Yeah, and it shouldn’t take long for them to find out that some
of their plane’s parts are missing,” Carter added with a smirk.
“Okay, so we’ll be ready to go as soon as we know the train
schedule. But remember, everyone needs
to keep the big picture in mind here. Operation Hannibal must go
off without a hitch,” Hogan said. “It’s
a big gamble for us. But if everything comes together as planned, it
will certainly be a bad day in Berlin for the Luftwaffe.”
“Well it should work out fine Colonel. Let’s just be glad this
plan is nothing like the Crittendon Plan,” Newkirk sighed.
LeBeau groaned in return, “Oui, all we would need is for the Crittendon
Commandoes to show up!”
“I guess that would certainly be quite the sticky wicket,
huh Newkirk?” Carter offered sarcastically.
Newkirk only sighed while the rest of the men all chuckled.
“Okay, so now onto other matters.
We’ve an evening of Generals coming up next week. How is Cuisine
a’ la Stalag 13 coming along?” Hogan asked.
“I already have the menu planned.
The big dish will have those General’s eating out of my hands,”
LeBeau replied confidently.
“So, is that how we are to win friends and influence
Nazis… with stuffed mushrooms?” Hogan asked.
“Oui,” LeBeau assured. “Food is always a way to make good friends.
Please Mon Colonel, you can’t tell me that that Newark NJ Pizza
Parlor recipe didn’t return an enormous amount of information
from Major Bonacelli?
“Pretty soon,” Newkirk offered before Hogan could respond. “We
will be able to go into business for ourselves, as black market caterers. I can
see it know, we’ll be known as Hogan’s Hofbrau and Catering Service.”
“Hogan’s Hofbrau?” Hogan asked.
“Certainly, we can’t leave out our winemakers,” Newkirk replied.
“This way we cover all the bases.”
There was some general laugher, which was cut short when they all
heard the alarm and the dogs being released.
As one they all rushed outside, only to watch as Shultz hurried across
the prison yard toward the Kommandant’s office.
“Herr Kommandant, Herr Kommandant,” Shultz said as soon as Klink
appeared on his office stairs.
“What is it Shultz?” demanded Klink.
“A patrol found an empty parachute in the woods,” Shultz
reported.
“A parachute,” Hogan said.
“Newkirk, LeBeau. Go and see if you can find whoever lost that parachute
before Klink’s commandos do.
Someone must have had to bail from last night’s bombing raid without us
knowing, and is now, most certainly, a reluctant target. Just be careful
though.”
“Yes sir,” the two men agreed and hurriedly made for the
tunnels.
It took almost an hour for Newkirk and
LeBeau to track down that reluctant target…
But soon both men were skillfully guiding the downed airman around
the last of Klink’s patrols.
“You’re definitely experts at this,” the injured airman
noted softly, relieved that his cold, wet, and painful night of hiding was
over.
“This is our swing shift job. In our spare time we’re prisoners
of war,” LeBeau replied softly. “We
pretty much know all the places an airman can hide in the woods surrounding
Stalag 13. It’s just a good thing that the Krauts haven’t figured them all out
yet!” LeBeau offered with a sly smile.
“Easy now, just over this hill is our destination,” LeBeau continued,
helping the airmen down that hill, while carefully trying to avoid touching the
man’s injured right arm.
Once all three men made it down the slope…
Newkirk indicated a tree stump and said, “Take ‘im down, mate.
I’ll take care of our tracks.”
“Oui,” LeBeau replied lifting the cover to the tree stump.
The stunned airman just stared at the opening in amazement.
LeBeau got on the ladder first and motioned the flyer over the
edge. LeBeau and the airman then took
one step at a time, with LeBeau supporting the man’s back, just in case of any
misstep, especially since the man was injured. When they were both down safely
LeBeau led the way towards the central hub of the tunnel system.
Wilson was already there when they arrived, and quickly made an
assessment of his newest patient, while LeBeau poured the airman a cup of
coffee. “You’ll be okay Sergeant, looks like you just sprained your shoulder.
It’ll just have to be wrapped up for a few days. The best medical advice I can
give you is to drink that coffee, get some dry clothes, and then get some
rest.”
“Thanks, Sergeant.”
Colonel Hogan arrived to check on their
newest guest just a short time later…
“Mon Colonel this is Sergeant Bill Turner. His bomber took a bad
hit during last night’s raid. He’s pretty sure he’s the only one that made it
out of the bomber before it blew,” LeBeau reported, and then added softly. “We
searched sir, and found no other indication that anyone but the Sergeant was on
the ground.”
Hogan nodded at LeBeau’s report and then turned to the airman.
“I’m sorry about that Sergeant. I know how tough that can be,” Hogan offered.
“But you’re in good hands here. Don’t worry.”
“Yes, sir. I know. Ending up in Papa Bear’s den is something every
flyer hopes happens if they’re going to have to bail,” the Sergeant offered.
“Thank you sir.”
Hogan again only nodded.
LeBeau jumped in when he realized the Colonel had nothing else to say,
and knowing that their Papa Bear had a hard time accepting the personal ‘thank
yous’ when he thought all he was just doing his job. “Colonel the Sergeant was
just telling us quite a ‘moving story’, directed right at the 43rd
bomber squadron, from Axis Annie.”
“Really?” Hogan asked interested, as the German propaganda
Fraulein had indeed been a thorn in their sides recently.
Turner grinned at the memory, “Yeah, she made a big broadcast
last week. Went on and on about how benevolent the Germans are and how she knew
that the boys of the 43rd could only serve in one army at a time, but
that we should all consider joining the victorious Fatherland and putting on a
German uniform.”
“Typical,” Hogan said snidely.
“But what was even more funny Colonel, was that she was trying to
convince us how the Gestapo was close to catching Papa Bear,”
continued Turner with an even bigger smile. “And that all our flyers will no
longer have a way out of Germany.”
“Well,” LeBeau interjected. “You can assure the guys back home
that that it’s not true!”
“Sorry LeBeau,” Hogan interrupted. “No you can’t Sergeant, our
work here is classified.”
“I understand Colonel. We all thought she was pretty much full of
shit anyway,” Turner continued. “There was a whole lot of joking going on in
the mess hall afterwards. A lot of the guys were teasing, wondering when
will the blue baron strike again, knowing the Germans don’t have a flyer,
like him, working for them in this war. The guys even wanted the Allies to take
a picture of a grizzly bear dressed up to be Papa Bear’s great impersonation
of Himmler, and then send it to the Gestapo… with love.” Turner wanted
to laugh, but could only shake his head sadly, after realizing that a number of
the men he had been joking with, weren’t going to be there when he got home.
“No one really takes these broadcasts seriously,” he continued quietly.
“That’s good to know airman,” Hogan said to comfort having seen
the man’s demeanor change as he told the story. “So, how are you doing?”
Turner shrugged. “Well
when our bomber had to dropout of formation… my life certainly got a lot
more complicated, but then your boys appeared out of nowhere, just like knights
in shining armor, and things have certainly gotten a lot better since sir.”
“Good, well get some rest Sergeant. We’ll be moving you out in a day or so,” Hogan advised.
“Thank you sir.”
Later the same day…
Colonel Hogan’s head was spinning as he sat at his desk thinking
about all that had to be accomplished in the next week. Operation Hannibal, Operation
Tiger, Operation Briefcase, and now having to move a downed flyer as well
as the five escaping POWs who already arrived with the required reservations,
and who were now also taking up room in the tunnels below Stalag 13. Not to mention
any of the other POWs that were scheduled to show up in the next few days. And
on top of that, all the work the men are doing to get the camp ready for the
top-secret ‘rocket’ meeting and the fancy party that Klink’s
organizing for all those Generals, and their wives… and in some cases… their
mistresses.
What’s worse is that this party comes less than two weeks after
that huge costume party for General Burkhaulter’s 50th birthday! Although, I
shouldn’t complain, because without this party… neither Operation Tiger nor
Operation Briefcase would have a chance of succeeding. It’s just that things have been getting so
busy lately, that I’m surprised the men haven’t mutinied. “Ha. Anchors aweigh, men of Stalag 13!”
Hogan said out loud with a guilty smirk and then shook his head in
embarrassment at himself.
The Colonel had tried not to get caught up in all the silly
‘pirate’ talk that had been making the rounds of the camp since Newkirk’s dream
on Halloween. Word of the dream… about the men all being pirates, who escaped
from Stalag 13 to take over a pirate ship, and who were headed toward
Australia, only to be thwarted in the attempt by a giant platypus… spread like
wild fire through the camp. Poor Newkirk was so embarrassed when the other
men found out. But honestly it’s been a good morale booster. I’ve seen an awful
lot of smiling faces… and over something so silly! It’s been great to see.
And even Newkirk has taken to his new celebrity status. So, all in all, it hasn’t been a bad thing.
Arr me hardies. Yo ho!
“Okay Hogan, enough goofing off, back to work,” he ordered of
himself, but before he could even take a breath, Hogan heard the warning knock
on his door that told him Klink was heading in the direction of barracks
two. The Colonel looked around for
anything incriminating, and when he was satisfied that nothing was visible, he
hopped up on the top bunk in his quarters, laid back, and after not being able
to find his stolen copy of Mein Kampf, began flipping through his copy of the
Rules of the Geneva Convention. “Damn, I wonder who stole my stolen copy
of Mein Kampf?” he asked himself, knowing that having that book always made
a good impression with Klink. Well I’ll find it later I guess.
At that very moment, Sergeant Shultz pushed open the Colonel’s
door and yelled, “Achtung!”
Kommandant Klink swaggered in the door right on Shultz’s heels,
stopped short, and stared up at the American Colonel, who for his part remained
unflustered by the sudden intrusion.
“How’s the weather Kommandant, Shultz?” Hogan asked both
men casually as he calmly descended from his top bunk to stand in front of the
German Colonel.
“I have no time for small talk Hogan,” Klink said forcibly, as he shook
off the snowflakes that had come to rest on his topcoat as he crossed the
compound from his office. “I need to talk to you about something important.”
Turning quickly to his Sergeant, he ordered. “Dismissed Shultz!”
Silence reigned until Shultz had closed the door behind him.
“Okay Kommandant. What can I do for you?” Hogan asked helpfully.
“I’ve just now received a request from General Burkhaulter. His
wife Berta, and his sister Gertrude, will be accompanying him to the party next
week. Both woman want only to wear ‘Gowns by Yvette’. I am to have them
made. Both women will be in town tomorrow for fittings. Your Corporal LeBeau
will have to make these women their dresses,” Klink almost ordered and then
realized he was asking for something that Hogan’s men had the right to refuse
to do. “Please Hogan. I need to make a good impression.”
“Next you’ll be asking for six dance lessons from Madame
LaGrange for them too,” Hogan said snidely. “Come on Kommandant, LeBeau has
to get all the food ready for the party, he doesn’t have time to make the
dresses too.”
“The Englander Newkirk helped your LeBeau with that wedding dress
for General Burkhaulter’s niece. He can do all the work. LeBeau just has to do
the fitting,” Klink supplied anxiously. “It’s important Hogan. I don’t need to
end up on the General’s bad side in this.” Klink paused realizing that he was
close to begging for help and decided to change tactics. “I can make it worth
your while Hogan.”
Hogan smirked, “So the General must have offered you a new
posting. Somewhere cold I bet?”
“Hogan, I…” Klink began but was cut of by Colonel Hogan’s
headshake.
“Okay, okay. So it’s get the fitting, or go fight,”
Hogan offered. “I understand Kommandant. I’ll have LeBeau and Newkirk ready in the
morning. But as to your offer… the men want to put on their musical, ‘Hello
Zolle’. You know the one you refused to let them put on. I want your
permission to have it reinstated.”
“Hogan,” Klink started angry. “Your men have written a musical
that makes fun of the German government. I can’t have that done here.” Shaking
his head Klink said, “I’d be shot as a traitor.”
“In that case, we could always rename it. How about the
‘Kommandant dies at dawn’?” Hogan started sarcastically. “Or maybe ‘Will
the real Colonel Klink please stand up against the wall?”
“Hogan,” Klink sighed.
“Alright Kommandant. I’m sorry,” Hogan offered. “If I have them
change the tone, will you allow it?”
“Yes, certainly,” Klink sighed.
“It’s a deal then Colonel. There will be a car ready to take LeBeau and
Newkirk into town at 9:00am tomorrow.”
“They’ll be ready Kommandant,” Hogan replied.
“Good,” replied Klink, who then quickly made his getaway from the
American Colonel’s presence.
Hogan gave the German Colonel enough time to leave and made his
way slowly into the main barracks, knowing that he was going to have to break
the news to LeBeau and Newkirk. But at least Matthews and his guys can put
on that play. Well not quite the play they wanted, but no one had ever expected
that version to fly anyway. But it was good for a laugh. I can’t be more proud
of these guys, even in the midst of all the unpleasant things I make them do,
they all continue to work hard at keeping morale up here.
“See. You learned a good lesson today Carter,” Newkirk offered,
just as Hogan made his way to the center table of the main barracks. “Never
play cards with strangers,” Newkirk instructed as he made a big sweeping
motion with his arms to take the pot of candy bars from the middle of the table.
“But you are not a stranger Newkirk,” Carter said dejectedly.
“Yeah, that’s true Andrew,” Newkirk responded. “But if as a
friend… I can beat you soundly. Can you imagine what a stranger might do,” he
smirked at his young friend.
“Oh wow, thanks Newkirk. I’ll remember that,” Carter offered with
an innocence that made Newkirk split the pile of candy bars with him.
“Sorry guys,” the Colonel began. “I hate to interrupt. But…
LeBeau, Newkirk, you both need to be ready for 9:00am tomorrow. Klink just told
me that Burkhaulter’s wife and sister want you to make them gowns for next
week’s party. I guess you impressed them the last time Yvette,” Hogan offered
with a pat on LeBeau’s shoulder.
“But mon Colonel…” LeBeau started, but stopped as the officer held
up his hand.
“I know Louis,” Hogan assured. “You have a lot to do already,
that’s why Newkirk has to take the brunt of this job.” The Colonel glanced
sideways at his English Corporal. “But both ladies are expecting Yvette to be
there for their fittings.”
“So,” Newkirk offered. “Klink is trying to impress his old flame.
And all I end up with is blisters!”
“Actually Newkirk,” Hogan replied. “I’m not sure I’d consider
Gertrude Linkmeyer Klink’s old flame… it’s actually Burkhaulter who’s
turned up the heat this time. And if the flame grows any higher
with Klink not getting these dresses made, our own Casanova Klink will
be on his way to the Russian Front… without love. And we
all know that we can’t afford that to happen.”
“For sure Guvn’r,” Newkirk offered his commanding officer with a
glance at his French counterpart. “We’ll be ready.”
“Great,” Hogan replied. “Although, the news is not all bad guys.
Carter can you let Matthews know that the musical is back on, only it’s has to
be the ‘backup’ musical. ‘Hello Zolle’ just ain’t gonna fly with Klink.”
“Yes sir,” Carter replied and got up to leave the barracks to tell
Matthews, but was almost bowled over by Kommandant Klink’s return to barracks
two. He fell back against the lockers with an ‘excuse me sir’ as Kink barged
passed him. Boy Klink is like a bomb with a short fuse
lately. Geez!
“Hogan,” Klink said still very anxious. “That Russian
woman, Marya, is coming next week too. I need you to give another
birthday party, Hogan. Marya will be accompanying Field Marshall Adolf
Klingensmith and she wants a birthday cake at the party. It has to say ‘Happy
Birthday Adolf’ on it.”
Hogan just sighed, not having enough energy to come up with another
wiseass comment. “Of course Kommandant.”
“Good. Good,” Klink said distracted as if he was trying to
remember something. “Oh Hogan, have your men fixed the springs on
the door hinges of the guard’s mess hall yet?”
“My men finished that for General Burkhaulter’s birthday party
Kommandant,” Hogan said with an exhaustive sigh. “All the maintenance on the
mess hall building is done.” Including the installation of all those
wiretaps.
“Good. Just as I expected,” Klink said and left the barracks
without another comment.
Hogan just sighed again, and rubbed his forehead. “Is there a
doctor in the house? I’m getting a whopper of a headache,” he complained
and then returned to his quarters in quiet contemplation. Lord help me. What
is Marya coming here for? I’m always afraid she’ll spell dooms-day
for us here at Stalag 13. She has always caused too much commotion and
now with everything else happening at the same time… Oof.
Well hell… Now I really do have a headache. Where is Wilson when
you need him?
As Colonel Hogan went to throw himself on the top bunk in an
attempt to lie down and stop his headache, he remembered that he had no time
now to take a break. Glancing at his watch, he remembered his meeting regarding
Operation Tiger, with Tiger, one of their underground contacts. The Colonel
caught himself before he sighed though, as meeting with Tiger had always been a
bright spot for him in his time here. Early on, Hogan had felt himself falling
for the very attractive, very feisty, young French woman who also doubled as a
major player in the underground. But he had always known deep down that their
relationship, what there was of it, existed only because of the war. Neither of
them had ever expected more than a comforting friendship to help make the long
war seem bearable. And even at that, Hogan thought, we only see each
other in the midst of some crisis or other. Not actually all that conducive to
a lasting relationship.
As he turned from his bunk and headed for his locker, he heard a
knock on his door, and Kinch’s voice announce, ‘Tiger’s here Colonel.’
“On my way Kinch,” Hogan offered, quickly retrieving some
aftershave from his locker, for he always wanted to make a good impression with
Tiger.
And then after making his way down into
the tunnels below Barracks Two…
Colonel Hogan came up behind one of his escaping POWs just as
young man was trying to make, what seemed at this point anyway, a fairly
innocent pass at Tiger, who Kinch had left by herself in the tunnels to come get
him. ‘What’s a beautiful lady like yourself, doing in a place like this?’ Hogan
heard the POW ask Tiger.
Hogan coughed loudly from right behind the young American
Sergeant, and said in no uncertain terms, “That’s no lady Sergeant, that’s
my spy, my meister spy!”
The Sergeant jumped back about three feet to get out of the
Colonel’s way and started babbling… “I’m sorry sir! I meant nothing by it sir!
It’s just been a long time sir! It’s…”
“You better stop while you’re ahead Sergeant!” Hogan ordered
loudly. “And remember that all the people you meet here, are the people that
are trying to save your ass. Make sure
you treat them with respect. Is that understood Mister?”
“Yes. Of course Colonel,” the Sergeant said still a little
panicked. “I’m sorry sir.”
“Good. Now make yourself scarce Sergeant,” Hogan demanded. “I have
business with my contact.”
Hogan watched as the young Sergeant quickly made his way down a
tunnel extension. When the man disappeared, he turned back to Tiger and placed
a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m real sorry about that Tiger.”
“Don’t worry Colonel,” Tiger offered. “I can handle myself. It’s
not as if I haven’t had to deal with many a lonely soldier during this war.”
Her eyes sparkled. And one in particular, she thought as she gave Hogan
a quick kiss on the cheek and added, “Thank you for your concern though.”
Hogan’s own eyes betrayed his fondness for Tiger, even as he said,
“Yeah well. Ahhm. You’re welcome.” Backing away quickly from Tiger, he took a
deep breath, and then continued all business, “So do you have the information
about the scientist we are to make contact with? You said you know him
personally. Are you sure we can trust him?”
“Are you saying now, that you do not trust my judgment?” Tiger
asked getting her back up, but just as quickly calmed down when she saw the
anger flare in Hogan’s eyes. “I’m sorry. Yes I know how vulnerable you and your
men are here,” she answered his angry gaze before he could say anything. “I’m
certain you can trust him Colonel. He’s my uncle and he is a loyal Frenchman.
He got caught up in a power struggle with his fellow scientists, who have
betrayed France and now work for the Nazis. He has gone along with them, to
save his own life, but also knowing what they were working on could be
devastating to the world. He has chosen now to make his move, as clearly this
opportunity presented itself. But he told me that he is worried that his fellow
scientists are getting close to creating the ultimate weapon… an atomic
bomb.”
“Okay, so if he’s an invited guest at this meeting next week,”
Hogan offered, “we have to assume then that this meeting will be centered more
around the atomic bomb than what we were originally told. Though it seems that
too many people will be in attendance. You would think they’d keep it more
quiet.”
“Actually Colonel,” Tiger replied. “My uncle was only invited for
his other, more benign research, with rocket fuels. He has chosen on his own to
offer the Allies the sample he’s bringing with him.”
Okay that makes more sense with what we’ve heard about this
meeting… it’s supposed to only be a day of Rockets and Romance. Or what
was is that Newkirk called it? Oh yeah… Top Hat, White Tie, and Bomb Sight. “Ah,
you did say the sample he’s bringing with him is heavy water, right?” Hogan
asked quickly after realizing he had gotten a little distracted.
“Yes, he was able to procure the sample from his fellow
scientists. And he assured me that it is stable unless combined with the other
necessary chemicals,” Tiger assured. “But he still would prefer caution when
handling it.”
“Okay,” Hogan agreed, with a small smirk, relieved that he didn’t
have to rethink his whole plan for this already complicated scenario. “You can
assure him that we’ll go light on the heavy water.”
Tiger shook her head, not willing to fall for Hogan’s feeble
attempt at humor. “I’ll assure him that you have promised to handle the sample
with care.”
Hogan ignored Tiger’s smug reply, “You’re sure he’s willing to
return to France? He doesn’t want out?”
“As I said Colonel, my uncle Pierre is a loyal Frenchman,” Tiger
replied adamantly as if she was trying to defend her family honor. “He will go
back to France and continue to do what he can to thwart the efforts of his
partners or die in the attempt.”
“Okay. Okay. Put a hold
on the temper Tiger,” Hogan offered to ease the tension he could
feel radiating from her. “I didn’t mean anything by what I said. Moving people
is our job here, remember?”
“Of course Colonel,” Tiger said apologetically. “It’s just that my
uncle is everything to me. He raised my brother and me after our parents
died. I just worry for him.” She shook
her head negatively. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let my feelings get in the
way here.”
“It’s fine Tiger, don’t worry,” Hogan assured approaching her and
again placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Damn. I don’t know
what I’d do if I had to worry about my own parents living in the midst of all
this. “So what’s the code phrase? How will we know him?” he asked to bring
the conversation back to the job at hand.
“I’ve brought along a picture Colonel,” Tiger said retrieving a
black and white photo from her winter jacket. As she handed the American
Colonel the photo she explained, “My uncle expects his contact to use the
phrase, ‘A Tiger Hunt in Paris’, as part of the recognition code. His
response will be… ‘I heard from an operator at the Paris Phone
Company, that Prince Carlos of Bourbon bagged that tiger.’
Hogan just shook his head in disbelief, “Tiger… how the hell are
we supposed to work the phrase ‘A Tiger Hunt in Paris’ into regular
conversation?”
This time Tiger smirked, “I have no doubt Colonel Hogan, that you
will find a way!” She again gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and made her
escape before Hogan could even comprehend what happened.
Hogan just shook his head, smiled, and returned to his quarters.
And somehow, he realized, that his headache had disappeared.
Hammelburg, Germany, Luft Stalag 13,
Barracks Two,
November 4, 1943, 1645 Hours
“Carter,” Hogan said loudly as he made his way into the main
barracks from his quarters.
In response Carter nearly jumped out of his skin, because he had
been completely consumed in writing a letter home and never heard the Colonel’s
door open. As it was though, he leaped up, yelled “Ouch!” as he hit his head on
the bunk overhead, dropped the paper and pen he had been holding, then fumbled
to pick up the stuff he dropped and regain his balance, as well as trying to
respond to his commanding officer.
When he finally regained some of his composure, he looked up into
the Colonel’s face sheepishly, because the Colonel had made it all the way from
his quarters and was now standing quietly in from of him staring
disbelievingly. “I’m sorry Colonel,” Carter offered. “I was writing a letter to
my girl, Mary Jane, back home. Guess I got a little distracted. What was it you
wanted sir?”
“No problem Andrew,” Hogan said offering a hand to the younger
man’s shoulder. “I know how writing home can be. Hope everything’s okay,
though. I’ve never seen you this preoccupied when you’re writing your letters
home.”
“Everything is fine Colonel,” Carter assured, even though his
heart was breaking. “Thanks for asking though.”
“Okay good,” Hogan replied. “I just wanted you to have someone
come get me when LeBeau and Newkirk get back from that fitting in town. I
promised Matthews I’d check in on how the auditions for the play were going, so
I’m heading there now.”
“Oh, okay Colonel. Not a problem,” Carter replied and watched
gratefully as his commanding officer left barracks two. He then sat back on his
bunk with a desolate sigh. Picking up the pen, he finished off his letter with…
Please don’t forget to write!
Love Andy
Andrew then threw himself back on his bunk and covered his eyes
with his arm, not wanting anyone to see that tears were threatening. Why
haven’t you written Mary Jane? It’s been almost 6 months. Please. Please write…
I miss you so.
And then, after making his way across the
compound and entering the Recreation Hall…
Colonel Hogan asked, “How’s it going Matthews?” as he came up
behind his ‘theatre’ manager.
“Hey Colonel,” Matthews replied. “Things are going great sir. The
men are really excited about this play. I foresee a standing room only
crowd at the door. I’ve even gotten a lot more people involved this time round.
Seems we also had an influx of theatre arts majors recently.”
“Oh good,” Hogan smirked. “You sure, you’re not fudging those
internment interviews in your favor?”
“Colonel Hogan!” Matthews said incredulously. “I would never do
such a thing!”
“Okay, just make sure of that,” Hogan said with mock seriousness
and then smiled and put an arm around Matthew’s shoulder. “So tell me... what’s
this play all about? I have to admit that I had got caught up in the ‘Hello
Zolle’ plot, and haven’t had time to read through this one.”
“Oh Colonel,” Matthews said excitedly. “Let me tell you all about
it. It’s called Lady Chitterly’s Lover. And it’s…”
“Lady Chitterly’s Lover?” Hogan interrupted, as he stood
back and released his hold on the Sergeant’s shoulder. “I do seem to remember seeing something
about a comedy though, on the order of… A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to
London.”
“Well sir, that version turned out to be… not so funny. So we’re
going with this musical love story, set here in Germany in the far past. It’s
gonna be great,” Matthews assured. “You see Lady Chitterly is one of two diamonds
in the rough per se. She was raised as a peasant in the German town of Dusseldorf,
but really she’s a princess, having been sent away as a child, to keep her safe
from those trying to dispose her father as king. Her lover, unbeknownst to
either one, is supposedly her illegitimate brother, given away as a child in
disgrace by her father the king. But you see, he’s not really her
brother…”
Matthews paused when he saw the Colonel’s eyes start to glaze
over. “Well anyway Colonel it’s all about their relationship and how they find
out the truth of that relationship, and how both find their place in the world…
And well ah, they live happy ever after… the end.”
“So Matthews, promise to remember us little people when you go
Hollywood after the war, especially one Robert Hogan, okay?” the
Colonel asked with a smirk. “With that imagination, you’ll go far in the
movies, and I may need a job when this war’s over.”
“Ah thanks Colonel,” Matthews replied with a laugh. “You know,
Shultz asked me almost the same thing… after I told him he had a starring role
in our next production, ‘Sergeant Shultz meets Mata Hari’. But honestly,
even though lots of people say that movies are your best escape… I’m a
movie snob. You’ll only find me in New York, on the Broadway stage, or more
likely behind the Broadway stage.”
“Well, I expect to see your name in lights somewhere Sergeant,”
Hogan offered.
“Thank you sir,” Matthews said a little embarrassed.
“Okay, so let me take my leave of you. It certainly appears that
you have this situation well in hand,” Hogan said with good-natured approval.
“I’ll be looking forward to the first performance.”
“Actually Colonel, I did have a few things I could use your help
with,” Matthews said with a small question in his voice.
“Shoot,” Hogan said.
“Well Colonel,” Matthews started. “Doug Peterson and Ed Marcantonio
have written a few songs for the play. One is called ‘Drums along the
Dusseldorf’ and we could really use a drum soloist for that piece. And ah,
well Colonel, the men know you play. They’ve asked me to ask you if you’d play
the drums for that piece.”
“Ah, I don’t know Sergeant,” Hogan hedged. “I’m not really that
good. It’s probably more important to get other POWs involved, you know for
morale and everything. You don’t need me interfering.”
“Come on Colonel Hogan, this is art for the men’s sake,”
Matthews stated. “And it would be great for the men to see you involved sir.
Plus I’ve heard you play. You are very good Colonel. Really.”
Hogan sighed and then smiled because he actually did love playing the
drums. He always had a secret dream to play drums as part of a big band
orchestra with the likes of Tommy Dorsey or Glen Miller. But life, as it does
sometimes, got in the way. “You’ve got your drummer Matthews, what do I need to
do?”
“Thank you sir! I have the music right here sir,” Matthews said as
he leaned over to pick up paper from the chair next to him and handed it to
Colonel Hogan. “Then it’s just costuming sir,” Matthews explained. “I’ll have
Corporal Kilkenny come by later and take measurements. Okay?”
“Whoa Matthews. I draw the line at costumes. There is no way I’ll
be getting into something outlandish. I look better in basic black,” the
Colonel offered, “or brown as the case may be,” he continued with a sigh
glancing down at the brown ‘winter’ bomber jacket that he was now wearing.
Hogan fell silent then, not wanting to mention his fondness for his original
black bomber jacket, because everyone in camp knew why that jacket, which was
his favorite, was now only good enough for more milder weather. And everyone
had also agreed, that that incident, was best left… as a part of the past.
“Right, of course sir. Basic black… or brown… it is sir,” Matthew
assured quickly. Definitely black… most definitely black.
“Good, anything else?” Hogan asked skeptically.
“Just a couple things…” Matthews offered. “We could use Kommandant
Klink to play a reverend like he did in that Frenchman Boucher’s
wedding. The men thought he was hysterical.”
“I don’t know Matthews…” Hogan began.
“We have an idea sir…” Matthews said cutting off his commanding
officer. “We actually have a place for a violin soloist too. Well sort of. We
want offer it to Klink. It could be billed as Klink’s master piece sir,
but when he begins to play, we’ll cut him off with Wagner’s Flight of the
Valkyrie. Or is it just called ‘The Valkyrie’?” Matthew posed to himself
distracted, and then continued shaking his head, “anyway the name doesn’t
matter. No one will hear Klink’s wretched playing and the men can get a good
laugh out of it. What do you think sir??? Huh?”
I think I’m a bad influence on these guys. They are starting to
think up schemes on their own. Shaking his head Hogan admitted, “You’re
beginning to think too much like me.”
“I was going to add that we could promise Klink that we’d tape his
version of the new song and that with the help of Newkirk’s uncle, the record
producer, back in London… it’s was going to be a big hit record
for him,” Matthew laughed. “But I thought that maybe that was pushing it a bit
too far.”
“I’ll see what I can do Matthews,” Hogan laughed. “And we will be
skipping that last part. Anything else?”
“Just one more thing Colonel Hogan, we need to get more oil
for the lamps to set the right mood lighting for the romantic scenes,”
Matthews explained. “I’m pretty sure it can be bought at any local grocer sir.
Do you think the Kommandant will get it for us?”
“Like I said Matthews,” Hogan said tiredly. “I’ll do the best I
can.”
“Thank you sir.”
Hogan nodded at his theatre manager, and headed immediately out of
the recreation hall and across the compound – his first thought – to butter up
Klink. Although, Hogan really wasn’t sure what was up with the Kommandant,
because the man had returned from town earlier than expected. Hogan had thought
Klink would have returned with Newkirk and LeBeau. And what’s even more
strange… is that since then, Klink’s been holed up in his living room,
not taking visitors. Hmm, maybe I should just hold off and see what Newkirk and
LeBeau know. No sense pushing.
Fortunately Colonel Hogan’s decision about
what to do was made easier…
“LeBeau and Newkirk are back sir,” Private Walters hollered as he
ran to catch up with the Colonel.
“Thanks Walters,” Hogan said immediately changing his direction,
because regardless of Klink’s mood, Hogan knew he still had plenty of time to
get Klink involved in the play. The first scheduled performance wasn’t for
three weeks.
“So…” Hogan began as he entered barracks two, only to be cut off
by two very excited men.
“Oh Colonel,” Newkirk said as he rushed to Hogan’s side. “You
should have been there!”
“Oui,” LeBeau agreed, as he too rushed over to where the Colonel
was standing by the door. “It was incredible!”
“Okay, whoa!” Hogan yelled holding up his hands almost in
surrender. “One at time. Please?”
“Sorry,” both men said together, and then fell silent. After a
couple of beats with nothing being said, Hogan ordered, “Someone start.
LeBeau?”
“Yes sir. Sorry,” LeBeau began. “It seems that Frau Linkmeyer…”
“The merry widow,” interjected Newkirk snidely.
LeBeau and Hogan both shot Newkirk a look. Newkirk only shrugged.
“It seems Frau Linkmeyer has herself a new beau,” LeBeau
continued.
“Although,” Newkirk interjected again, “I don’t think she likes
him very much.”
“I said one at a time Newkirk,” Hogan repeated a little heatedly.
“LeBeau?”
“Well Colonel, he showed up just as the Kommandant was
escorting Gertrude Linkmeyer from her hotel room to the fitting room,”
LeBeau explained and waited to see if Newkirk was going to interrupt again.
When nothing happened he continued. “Whew, I thought there was going to be a
fight. Klink, of course wanted nothing to do with it.”
“But I could almost see the white gloves come out,” Newkirk
interjected. “A good old-fashion duel for Frau Linkmeyer’s honor.”
Newkirk looked into the Colonel’s eyes. “Sorry Colonel.”
Hogan returned his gaze to LeBeau, “Who is this guy?”
“All I got was what everyone was speculating… that it was
General Burkaulter’s brother-in-law. His wife’s brother Hermann,” LeBeau
explained.
“So what happened?” Hogan asked. “Klink showed up back here and
locked himself in his living room.”
“That fat bastard, General Burkhaulter, broke up the
confrontation before anything happened and told Hermann to go home,”
Newkirk said like he had lost his only brother. “I would have loved to see the
fight.”
“You didn’t get involved did you?” Hogan asked anxiously.
“No Colonel,” Newkirk offered. “LeBeau, me, and
another little old lady that came with Frauen Linkmeyer and Burkhaulter,
just stood as far away as possible from the foursome.”
“Yeah,” LeBeau continued. “Hermann did leave, and Colonel Klink
turned up missing. We weren’t sure where he might have gone, but we
never saw him again. So Klink must have made his escape early.”
“Oh,” Hogan supposed. “I had hoped when you said that Gertrude had
a new beau, that we didn’t have to deal with Cupid coming to Stalag 13…
again. But you said Frau Linkmeyer didn’t like this Hermann?”
“No mon Colonel,” LeBeau replied. “Her heart still belongs to
Klink, I’m pretty sure.”
Poor bastard. “Okay thanks,” Hogan offered. “You guys
think you can get the dresses made in time?”
“We should be all set Colonel,” Newkirk assured.
“Good,” Hogan said quietly, sighed, and returned to his quarters. Sometimes
it feels like we never catch a break. I could so enjoy not having to deal with
Gertrude Linkmeyer in heat along with everything else.
Late into the same evening…
“Everyone, lights out in five minutes,” Shultz announced entering
barracks two, brushing snow from his shoulders.
“Hey, look at all the pretty snowflakes. Shultz you look
like a snowman,” Carter said with a grin.
“Jolly joker,” Shultz muttered.
“What’s the matter Shultzie?” LeBeau asked. “Everyone loves a
snowman. Why back in France all the boys and girls would make the most
beautiful...”
“We are not in France, and it is time for lights out,” Shultz
replied grumpily and sidled up to the cheerfully glowing stove and stuck his
hands closer to the warmth rubbing briskly.
“Ahh.”
“What’s up Shultz?” Hogan asked coming into the room for another
cup of coffee.
“Lights out Colonel Hogan,” Shultz replied. “And no monkey business!”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Hogan replied. “It’s too cold out there to
think of monkey business!”
“Ja ja,” Shultz agreed, nearly purring in the heat of the stove.
“Hey look, happiness is a warm Sergeant!” LeBeau commented.
“How goes the search for the missing airman?” Hogan asked, handing
Shultz a cup of coffee.
“The Gestapo have taken over the
search. They have dogs out searching
the woods,” Shultz replied, taking a big sip of coffee.
“A man’s best friend is not his dog!” Olsen replied
sarcastically. Most especially if that dog belongs to the Gestapo.
“We could have told them that the Schultz brigade would
have found that missing man easily,” Hogan said with a smile and a pat on the
fat Sergeant’s arm.
“Shh Colonel Hogan, you should not even joke of such a thing!”
Shultz replied nervously remembering all too well exactly what the Schultz
brigade was supposed to be. “If a thing
like that got around you would be seeing the rise and fall of Sergeant
Schultz!”
“The bigger they are the softer they fall,” Newkirk
quipped.
Hogan glared at Newkirk and said, “I know Shultz. We promise. Our
lips are sealed, right fellas?”
“Right!” the roomful of men assured him.
Shultz looked from earnest face to earnest face and sighed. These men are such jolly jokers! “Cockroach, the Kommandant wanted me to tell
you that there are two more coming to the party.”
“More!” LeBeau exclaimed.
“There isn’t enough food in all of Germany to feed so many people.”
“It is my expert opinion that you will create the most amazing of
culinary delights, of which I will bravely test before it is served to the
Fatherland’s most glorious leaders,” Shultz replied, still savoring the coffee.
“Yeah, that from our Sergeant the analyst,” LeBeau said sourly. “And what will the other guests be eating
after you’ve tested everything?”
“Jolly joker,” Shultz replied, quickly finishing the coffee and
making his way back towards the exit.
“Now it’s lights out everyone!
Bed, bed, bed!” he yelled and closed the barracks door behind him.
“What do you think Colonel?” Newkirk asked Hogan after peeking out
the door and making sure Shultz was out of earshot. “Do you know who the extra people are?”
“No can’t say that I do. I’ll put out some feelers tomorrow, but
at least we know one thing,” Hogan replied draining his own cup of coffee.
“What’s that?” Carter asked.
“At last, Shultz knows something… how to eat!” Hogan
replied with a grin.
Hammelburg, Germany, Luft Stalag 13,
Kommandant’s Office,
November 5, 1943, 0845 Hours
Colonel Hogan was summoned to Kommandant Klink’s office. For what…
he wasn’t sure, as too many things were going on all at once. “You wanted to
see me Colonel?” Hogan asked, offering a quick salute and making his way to the
chair in front of the Kommandant’s desk.
“Yes Hogan,” Klink began, not looking at his Senior POW Officer.
“I’ve decided not to move that tower over by the well. In going over
regulations that tower is exactly where it should be. So I’ll just be doubling
the guards and adding dogs to the area in question.”
Damn. “If you say so sir,” Hogan said by rote
because his mind had already begun racing. Okay. That’s okay. I only wanted
it moved for Carter anyway. The kid just loves to watch things blow up. It’s not
really necessary to the real mission, which is just to take out that
train. Plus I haven’t figured out how
to distract the guard yet anyway. So
I’ll let Klink win here.
“Nothing else to say Hogan,” Klink said snidely, as he glanced up
into the American’s eyes. “Be assured Colonel, there is still no way out for
you or your men. I’ll be watching you closely.”
Hogan feigned irritation and sighed, “Was that all you wanted
Colonel, to continue to twist that knife in my back. The men are going lose
faith in me if this keeps up.”
Klink offered Hogan a self-righteous smirk. “No Hogan. I also
wanted to say that your men have done an admirable job in cleaning the camp,
and getting everything ready for next week’s visitors. In your time here, you
and your men have made this camp an important place in Berlin’s eyes. I now
find myself in the envious position of being in charge of what Berlin considers
one of the most secure places in Germany. Even General Burkhaulter has assured
me that Stalag 13 will continue to be used for more important meetings, and
other such proceedings, of major importance to the Third Reich.”
Klink stood and walked around to lean on his desk in front of
Hogan. “That is, as long as you and your men continue to prove your inability
to escape from here,” Klink continued with the haughtiest of demeanors. “Thank
you Hogan, I am now assured a favorable future with those in Berlin.”
Yes, it’s everything we’ve worked for!
“Well halleluiah,” Hogan began feigning despair. “Praise the Fuhrer and pass
the ammunition. You might as well just shoot me know Colonel. I’m as good
as dead if the Allies find out that that I’ve aided the German War Effort.”
“I, Kommandant Wilhelm Klink,” the German began with the
most pompous of grins, “can always offer a good word in your defense
Colonel when this war’s over for all that you’ve done to support the
Third Reich to victory.”
Hogan said nothing at first. Okay Hogan… control
yourself and be careful what you say, because you’ve chosen this double life.
Keeping this balance has been hard, and you know it’s only gonna get harder. But before the American Colonel got the
chance to respond, someone knocked on the office door interrupting Klink’s smug
fest.
“Come,” Klink said quickly and moved back to his seat as Hilda
entered the office.
“Kommandant Klink,” Hilda offered trying hard not to cry, and
trying even harder not to look at Colonel Hogan, because she knew what she was
going to say would have more impact on him than the Kommandant. “Did you hear the
news sir? The Gestapo have found the man responsible for the Great
Brinksmeyer Museum Robbery. It’s been the talk of the town today
Colonel. Ludwig Bieber, a janitor at
Gestapo Headquarters was killed very early today trying to evade arrest. It
turns out that he had been the curator of antiques at the museum for years
before losing that job. All the evidence points to him being responsible.
Although it seems that they haven’t yet found the Golden Eagle.”
Hogan sat speechless because Ludwig Bieber was his man inside
Gestapo Headquarters. What the hell happened? The poor bastard… did he
really steal the ridiculous statue? Why would he do that? Shit where does that
leave us? Did he blow his cover? Are we finished? Hogan felt himself start
to hyperventilate, but knew he couldn’t let it show. He wanted to grab Hilda
and force her to tell him what happened. He had to fight the urge to jump to
his feet and dash across the compound to find out what he could from the
underground. And his heart was now beating so hard, that he was surprised that
he didn’t have a coronary right in Klink’s office. I need to get out of here
now… or we could all be as good as dead. I just hope it’s not too late already.
“Typical of the Gestapo,” Klink offered with an angry shake of his
head to Hilda. “To kill the only man that could tell them the location of the
missing statue. The Golden Eagle is a priceless artifact dating back to the
reign of King Friedrich Wilhelm III in the early 1800’s. It will be a shame to
lose an antique of that import.”
Hilda could only nod, as she didn’t want to betray herself any
more than she already had.
“Thank you Hilda,” Klink offered after she appeared to have
nothing else to say.
Hilda escaped the office quickly, still trying to avoid looking at
Colonel Hogan.
And when Klink in turn seemed distracted Hogan offered, “So do you
have any more salt to rub into my open wounds Kommandant? Or can I leave now?”
“What?” Klink asked, almost as if he just remembered Hogan was
still there. “You’re dismissed Hogan,” was all he said. As the Kommandant
watched Hogan leave, all the pompous German pride he had been leveling at the
American disappeared, especially since he now had the awful feeling that
Hochstetter and his men were responsible for the Golden Eagle still being
‘missing’. I certainly have no proof, and I certainly cannot speak of it
openly. But how sad is that… that I cannot feel to trust my own countryman?
As Hogan entered the compound after barely
acknowledging Hilda…
The Colonel glanced across to where his four men stood at the door
of barracks two. He could feel the tension radiating from them as soon as he
looked into their faces, but he had to act casual until he made his way over to
them.
“Colonel,” Kinch said quickly. “We’ve got a big problem. Berger,
Freiling, and Schlick are in the tunnels. And you won’t believe what they have
with them.”
“Something tells me,” Hogan began with a troubled intake of
breath, “an antique gold statue and some really bad news.” Hogan started to
push past his men, but in seeing the surprised look on Kinch’s face he said,
“I’m not psychic Kinch, Hilda just gave me a heads up when she told Klink all
about it.” Hogan took another deep breath and then ordered, “Kinch you’re with
me. Everyone else keep an eye out for wandering Germans.”
With that, Hogan headed directly for the tunnel entrance. After
descending the ladder, he turned and choked on his first words when he saw the
faces of the three men standing nearby, as he knew that those words were going
to come out too harsh for his civilian contacts. “What happened?” was all he
asked instead.
Heinrich Berger came forward carrying the golden statue, “Colonel
please know that you and your men are safe. This incident has no connection, at
all, to your operation.” Berger sighed. “Ludwig Bieber came to me last night
with the Golden Eagle. He was distraught, and unsure of what to do. He admitted
to me, that what he had done, was done on an impulse.”
Hogan was just angry. “I don’t need distraught impulsive greedy
thieves in my organization! It’s bad enough that Bieber got himself killed, but
he could have taken us all with him! And still could, leaving that statue in
our possession.”
“Please Colonel,” Berger demanded. “Listen to me. Ludwig did not steal the Golden Eagle from
the museum; he retrieved it from the Gestapo. Recently, in his job as janitor,
he had been noticing a lot of crates being moved into Gestapo Headquarters. And
then just yesterday morning, Ludwig saw Major Hochstetter while he was making
his rounds… Ludwig watched the Major remove the Golden Eagle from a crate that
the Major had in his office.”
“So you’re telling me that Bieber then went rushing in
where angels fear to tread to steal the Golden Eagle from
Hochstetter,” Hogan bellowed. “For what? What good was that statue going to do
him? And now we’ve lost our only contact at Gestapo Headquarters. What a
selfish bastard.” Hogan paused shaking his head in anger. “He died for
absolutely nothing.”
Berger fell silent at Hogan’s angry outburst.
So it was Hermann Schlick who stepped forward to face the American
Colonel in his stead. “Colonel Hogan,” he started livid. “Remember that we are
not soldiers, but we have willingly joined you to fight against Hitler. But as
much as it is your job to eliminate the German government as it exists… know
that our true desire is to save what is our heritage, as well as removing the
present government so our country can return to that which we can be proud of.”
Herman took a deep breath and then stated emphatically, “Ludwig died for his
heritage Colonel, that is not nothing.”
Hogan made no response, as he was both angry and surprised at the
intensity of Schlick’s own irate reply.
“Colonel,” Doc Freiling offered when the silence felt like it
would overwhelm. “Ludwig went willingly back to work this morning, which was
most certainly a miscalculation on his part, but he wanted to continue the work
he was doing for you, and us. He did not take that statue merely for personal
gain. Please understand Colonel… Ludwig’s entire world, before life turned on
him, was as the curator of antiquities at the Brinksmeyer Museum. For him to
see, that animal, Major Hochstetter greedily fondling the Golden Eagle was too
much for him to bear.”
“Okay,” Hogan said softly. “I’m sorry. Really I am. And I’m not
oblivious to the need to preserve historical and cultural artifacts, but we
have to remember to work as a team. If that statue was of that much importance…
you all know that I have a number of safecrackers being trained here
that could have easily retrieved that statue from Hochstetter’s suite of
offices. It just takes a real thief sometimes. Ludwig only
died because he didn’t think it through. I can’t have that happen any more.” Hogan
sighed, and then asked forcefully, “Can you all understand that?”
When Hogan only got silent nods in response, he continued, “Listen
Gentlemen. I’m not a heartless bastard, really. I know Ludwig was a friend of
yours. I’m very sorry he had to die the way he did at the hands of the Gestapo.
But I have to think of the big picture here. And I need to know that I can
count on you to do the same, as well as needing to know that you will pass that
ideal onto all your contacts. Can I count on you to do that?”
There was a collective sigh, and Berger replied only after looking
deeply into the eyes of his compatriots, “Yes Colonel, you can. Please
understand though, and this is not an excuse… it is just sometimes hard for us
to separate our daily lives, from the covert work we have committed ourselves
to. We have all learned a hard lesson today, one that I can assure you, will
not have to be relearned.”
“Good,” Hogan offered. “So that leaves us with this statue.” Hogan went and examined the Golden Eagle
that Berger still held. “It is a very beautiful piece. What is your preference
here? Antiquities are not my strong suit.”
“Well Colonel,” Berger said quietly. “We were hoping that we could
work with you and your men to retrieve the other artifacts, that Ludwig was
sure, are in Hochstetter’s possession. It would make Ludwig’s sacrifice more
meaningful. None of us can fathom leaving such things in the Gestapo’s
possession. We would much rather have them in your possession… here at Stalag
13.”
“My possession?” Hogan asked in disbelief. “I just admitted that I
have no knowledge of how to take care of such things.”
“But,” Berger said with a sly confidence, “you have continued to
remind us of the diversified talents of your men. Surely someone here has the
knowledge necessary?”
Hogan just stared at Berger for a moment, caught by his own words.
Turning to Kinch with a sigh, “we’ll find someone,” was all he said. Looking
back at Berger and the other two men though, Hogan continued very seriously, “I
am sorry gentlemen. All I can offer you at this point is a place to store the
Golden Eagle. There is no way that a raid on Gestapo Headquarters, of the
magnitude you’re suggesting, will ever work. Not now anyway. Hochstetter would
be turning Hammelburg on its ear to find the loot. Our operation would be over,
before we could blink.”
“But Colonel…” all three men started at once.
“Not buts,” Hogan said loudly. “It’s too dangerous. Besides, more
than likely Hochstetter is planning on a happy, healthy, and wealthy retirement.
He won’t harm anything that could make him rich. I promise you though, that I
will not let him get away with this. It may take some time, but he will not
succeed, even if it comes to blowing up Gestapo Headquarters, so he can’t take
any of it with him.”
Hogan saw panic in the three men’s eyes. “I know, I know. I’m sure
most of what is there can probably only be described as priceless and
irreplaceable. I can only promise to do the best I can, when the time comes, to
get that stuff out of Gestapo Headquarters. Okay?”
There was another collective sigh, and Berger again spoke for his
friends. “Your promise will only strengthen our bond Colonel. Thank you.”
Berger glanced at his two companions and then back toward the American Colonel.
“We should go now,” he offered and handed Colonel Hogan the Golden Eagle.
But before the three Germans began their retreat down the tunnel
extension Hogan asked, “Gentlemen, wait. Did Ludwig Bieber have any family? Is
there something I can do for them? Anything that would help?”
Doc Freiling was the one to answer. “What family Ludwig had, has
not been a part of his life in a very long time Colonel. He once told me that
he had dreaded death because he had nothing to show for his life. But know
Colonel, that your offer would satisfy Ludwig, for he found new purpose in his
life when we approached him to help us on your behalf. That you cared enough to
ask would be enough for him.”
Hogan only nodded, and watched the leaders of his civilian
underground leave. Those men say they learned a good lesson today, but so
did I…I learned how much these men are sacrificing to do my bidding. Would I be
able to live next to my neighbors and lifelong friends and work at what could
easily be considered a betrayal of everyone and everything you grew up
believing in?
Hogan finally took his eyes off the now empty tunnel extension.
Turning to Kinch, he handed him the statue and ordered, “Find someone to take
care of this.” Then the American Colonel retreated to his quarters, realizing
that he would soon have to broach the subject – to his civilians – of finding a
replacement contact for Ludwig at Gestapo Headquarters, but also knowing that
he was going to let those men deal with their grief in losing a close friend
first. This whole thing can certainly wait a few days.
Hammelburg, Germany, Luft Stalag 13,
Tunnel beneath Barrack’s Two
November 7, 1943, 0340 Hours
“All set?” Kinch asked as Carter and Newkirk entered the main hub
of the tunnel system.
“You bet Kinch!” Carter replied with a pleased grin. “We should hear that Luftwaffe train go up
this morning about 11am.”
“It’s still too bad that you won’t get to see it go kablooey
though, huh Carter?” Newkirk interjected.
“It’s okay. I still can’t believe the Colonel was going to all that
trouble… just for me,” Carter offered amazed.
“Well the Colonel works hard at keeping up morale here, you know
that,” Kinch offered in support of their commanding officer. “You guys have any
trouble tonight?” Kinch inquired while the two men changed out of their black
clothing, suspecting that the answer was no, as both men were quite relaxed.
“Not a thing,” Newkirk said, pulling his sweater over his
head. “But it was dark, cold, and
lonely out there tonight. We didn’t even see as much as a squirrel.”
“That’s good,” Kinch approved. “Now, go on up topside. I know the
Colonel’s waiting for you both. Make sure you check in with him. Then get some
shut-eye before roll call.”
“You got it Kinch. What about you?” Carter asked pausing with his
foot on the bottom rung of the ladder.
“I’m waiting for a message from London. I’ll be up in a bit,” Kinch replied.
Just a short time later…
“This just in Colonel,” Kinch offered after opening Colonel
Hogan’s door. “It’s the response we’ve been waiting for.”
“Finally,” Hogan sighed as he stirred from a sleepless night’s
rest. They’d been waiting almost a week for the go ahead for Operation
Briefcase. Not to mention waiting for information on the two additional
attendees to the meeting that Shultz had told them about just the other day.
“Go ahead Kinch.”
“Well… Operation Briefcase is a go. A General Albert Dittmer aka ‘The
Collector General’ will be our defector. He’s offered to supply the
Allies with the locations of several important rocket plants and suspected bombsights.”
“Why is he called ‘the Collector General’?” Hogan asked
“That’s part of the reason he’s defecting. He’s become known for
his ability to collect all types of expensive trinkets during his tour for
duty. It seems though, that his sticky fingers have put him in bad favor with
many in Berlin. So he wants out, before
he’s put out of commission permanently.”
“So, is he gonna take any of these expensive trinkets with him?”
Hogan wondered out loud.
“No sir,” Kinch replied. “Seems he feels his life is more
important, but as a failsafe against any Allied betrayal… he’s hidden anything
he’s ‘collected’, and will only disclose their location to the Allies after he
arrives in London.”
“Figures,” Hogan sighed. “Okay. So what are the code phrases we’re
to use in contacting Dittmer?”
“We are supposed to approach the General and ask, ‘What time
does the balloon go up?’” Kinch smirked. “Dittmer’s reply will be ‘As soon
as we know when the Kamikazes are coming’.”
Hogan just shook his head in apprehension and disbelief, “You
would think that London could come up with code phrases that make more sense
huh? But I guess that’s wishful thinking after all this time.” After another
sigh he asked, “So what’s the good word about the additional guests at the
party?”
“Well Colonel,” Kinch began. “That’s big news, sort of.”
“What does that supposed to mean?” Hogan asked getting anxious.
“I guess we are going to be kept on the peripheral here,” Kinch
explained. “General Hammerschlag, who has replaced the late Field
Marshall Otto Kronisberg as Inspector General, will be accompanied by a
Professor Kurt Wernig. Wernig is a major player in atomic research, so much so,
that Allied High Command has put out an assassination order on him. They wanted
to keep this mission, code named Operation Top Coat, as top secret
as possible I guess. Kind of on a need to know basis.”
“So what do we need to know?” Hogan asked, his anxiety no less
than before.
“Sorry Colonel,” Kinch continued, “not much. We only have to do
what we’re already doing… record anything he offers up at the meeting. It seems
the Russians already have an assassin in the loop that will do the deed
after the man leaves Stalag 13.”
“Well if we’re lucky… that assassin will take out Hammerschlag
too,” Hogan supposed. “Two Nazis for the price of one… I never much
liked that guy when we met him on our last trip to Paris.”
“Yeah. Me neither,” Kinch agreed.
“Well Kinch, even without being involved in Operation Top Coat, we
still have enough work to keep us busy,” Hogan said. “Set up a meeting for this
afternoon. By then, Operation Hannibal should be history and we can concentrate
on Operation Tiger and Operation Briefcase, not to mention recording the big
meeting and organizing the big party.”
“Will do Colonel,” Kinch replied and left his commanding officer’s
quarters.
Just before 0800 hours…
Sergeant Shultz came into Colonel Hogan’s quarters unannounced to
escort him to the Kommandant office.
“So what’s the Kommandant want so early this morning Shultz?”
Hogan asked. “He shouldn’t have anything to complain about, the men have been
working hard for the past week.”
“I’m not sure Colonel Hogan,” Shultz offered. “But I don’t think
it’s to complain. He seemed in an awfully good mood.”
“Even after last night’s visit from Frau Linkmeyer?” Hogan asked
curious.
“Ja. Even after that!” Shultz replied.
“Well that’s a surprise. Lead on McDuff,” Hogan said standing from
his stool and retrieving his cap from his desk.
After entering the Kommandant’s office…
Colonel Klink happily patted Sergeant Shultz on the shoulder and
dismissed him. He then turned to Hogan and excitedly offered, “Sit Hogan, sit.
I’ve got wonderful news! Can you guess who is a free man after Gertrude
Linkmeyer came to dinner here last night?”
Hogan couldn’t help himself… he stood quickly and grabbed Klink’s
hand and shook it really hard. “Why thank you Kommandant! This is just amazing!
When do I get to leave!”
Klink just stood staring dumbfounded at first and then shook his
head in frustration at the audacity in Hogan’s assumption. Removing his hand
from the American Colonel’s he said sharply, “Don’t be ridiculous Hogan!”
“Oh, sorry sir,” Hogan offered in dejection and then sat heavily
in the chair in front of the Kommandant’s desk. “So am I too assume, that that
free man is you sir?”
“Yes Hogan,” Klink said patting the American on the shoulder. “Can
you believe that Gertrude actually came here to apologize to me? I’m sure you
heard about Hermann Wachts, General Burkhaulter’s brother-in-law. And don’t
pretend your men didn’t tell you what happened.”
“Okay Kommandant,” Hogan offered. “I won’t pretend. But now you
have to tell me what happened last night, because I hate to admit it, but your
love life gives me my only glimpse of the outside world.”
With a smug smile Klink explained, “Well, it seems that Gertrude
actually loves Hermann. She and he had a fight, and she only planned to attend
the party and call on me… to make him jealous,” Klink said happily. “They have
since made their peace. I am off the hook. She’s returning to Berlin today with
Hermann.”
“So you really are free,” Hogan offered. “At least I will still
get to hear about more of your romantic conquests. Honestly I was a little
disappointed thinking that you’d be tied down to one woman.”
“Well never fear,” Klink offered even more smugly. “I will
continue to keep you abreast of my activities.”
“Wonderful. Is that all you wanted sir?” Hogan offered with a
sigh, but was honestly more than relieved that he no longer had to deal with
Gertrude Linkymeyer and Klink’s love life the night of the party. I just
have too much else to do.
“No Hogan, I actually wanted to go over the preparations your men
are making for the meeting and party,” Klink replied. “How is everything coming
along?”
“Well sir, as we discussed…” Hogan began. “The meeting and the
evening’s party will take place in the guard’s mess hall. My men have
everything under control. They’ve organized the band and will move the musical
instruments into the hall in the morning. That way they’ll be ready for the
evening’s festivities. LeBeau has planned a sandwich buffet for during the
meeting and will have that set up just before the meeting’s participants
arrive. That way, my men will not have to be anywhere near the mess hall during
the course of the meeting.”
“Good. Good,” Klink replied satisfied. “And the afternoon’s
cocktail party?”
“That, of course,” Hogan continued, “will be held in your living
quarters. LeBeau has many hors d'oeuvres and
cocktails planned for the ladies while the meeting is taking place. And my men
are ready to be the waiters to serve them. I’ll of course be there to keep an
eye on things. But I’m sure the ladies will be impressed sir. And then once the
meeting is over, everything moves on over to the mess hall. LeBeau will have
already stocked the hall with the evening’s provisions. It will just be a
matter of a little set up time for the food, the liquor, and the band. And my
men again will be available as waiters for the entire evening.”
“Wonderful. Thank you Hogan,” Klink said. “As I’ve said your men
have done an incredible job. I will make all this work worth your while.”
“You’re welcome Kommandant,” Hogan offered as out of the blue an
idea of how to get Klink involved in the men’s play came to mind. “Actually
sir. You know the men can’t thank you enough for allowing them to put on their
newest play sir. They want to offer you a violin solo in this newest version.
As it is they’ve already cornered me for a drum solo. It would be great for
their morale sir. What do you say? It would certainly be payback enough sir.” Oh
boy, the things I stoop to…
“A violin solo, you say?” Klink asked surprised. “I can’t be
involved in anything like Hello Zolle Hogan.”
“This version is a love story sir. It’s called Lady Chitterly’s
Lover,” Hogan offered. “Nothing political at all.”
“Oh well then,” Klink said, “that’s different. If you think the
men would really want me… I will still need time to practice.”
“We both have almost three weeks sir,” Hogan offered. “I’m a
little rusty myself. Sergeant Matthews will bring the music by for you. I know
the men appreciate your help in putting on the play sir, thank you.”
“You’re welcome Hogan,” Klink said. “My pleasure. Well if that’s
all Hogan, you’re dismissed.”
“Yes sir,” Hogan replied, stood, and saluted the German Colonel.
As the American Colonel made his way to the door, Klink’s voice
gave him pause, “Oh one more thing Hogan.”
“Yes sir?” Hogan questioned glancing back in the German Colonel’s
direction.
“Frau Linkmeyer still wants that gown made,” Klink stated.
“Although Newkirk has more time. She said she has no plans to wear it for a few
weeks.”
“I’ll let him know Colonel,” Hogan sighed because he thought he
remembered hearing Newkirk say that he had finished Frau Linkmeyer’s gown
first. Oh well…you can’t win em’
all, he groaned to himself as he made his way from Klink’s office.
And then upon re-entering Barracks Two…
Kinch almost pounced on Colonel Hogan after he opened the door.
“Whoa, what’s the matter?” Hogan asked anxious.
“Sorry Colonel,” Kinch offered. “We just got word from Oskar
Schnitzer during his daily drop-off, that his niece Heidi has gotten the job to
replace Ludwig Bieber as a member of the housekeeping staff at Gestapo
Headquarters. Berger, Freiling, Schlick, and Oskar himself approached her about
going for the job.”
“Without checking with me first?” Hogan asked somewhat angry.
“It’s a dangerous position, Heidi can’t be more than 20, and she doesn’t even
have that much experience. Then to have to face that den of rabid lions
everyday… what were they thinking?”
“Well Colonel,” Kinch explained. “According to Oskar, Heidi has
always wanted to be more involved than just being the occasional distraction
here in camp. The only thing that had kept her from doing so, was because she
was helping to take care of her Aunt Frieda.” Kinch sighed. “And we all know
that that is no longer an issue since Oskar’s wife died six weeks ago. It seems
that since then Heidi hasn’t had much to do, except help with the dogs.”
“But…” Hogan started to protest and then paused realizing, that
whether or not he had set the process of finding a replacement in motion, he
would have eventually gone with his civilian’s recommendation for who was best
qualified for the job. But he had to ask, “Oskar is okay with this?”
“Oskar said that he and the others felt the need to lessen the
burden of you worrying about finding a replacement,” Kinch explained. “He said
they all felt responsible for Ludwig’s mistake. He said that Heidi readily
agreed to try and get the job. And they all knew that it certainly helped her
chances that she and Oskar were already well-known and trusted by the Gestapo,
as they’ve spent many a day caring for the Gestapo’s own dogs.” Kinch paused to
see if the Colonel had any response, when nothing was forthcoming he offered,
“Oskar said that everyone, including Heidi, agreed that she was the logical
choice. He said that the Gestapo hardly even questioned giving Heidi the job.”
“Okay,” Hogan sighed. “I guess I shouldn’t look a gift horse in
the mouth here.” Hogan shook his head, “It’s just hard letting go of my
responsibility, but it seems our civilians are becoming increasingly more
capable and committed. Wouldn’t you agree Kinch?”
“Yeah, that they are Colonel,” Kinch assured.
Colonel Hogan just nodded in response and then started toward his
quarters, only to turn back as he remembered an unresolved issue. “That reminds
me Kinch. Did you ever find someone to care for the Golden Eagle? I hadn’t
heard you mention it.”
“Well Colonel,” Kinch hedged. “I was going to bring it up at the
meeting.”
“Why what’s the matter?” Hogan asked easily seeing Kinch’s
hesitation.
“Well Colonel,” Kinch offered. “Matthews and I went through all
the interviews after having passed the word around camp that we needed help…
and got no response.”
“Yeah, so what did you find?” Hogan asked. “Do we have a rotten egg in our hen house?”
“No Colonel. Nothing like that,” Kinch assured. “Matthews came
across the name of someone who could probably help us out. But…”
“But what…” Hogan started getting annoyed. “Everyone here knows
their duty Kinch. There shouldn’t be any buts. Who is it? I’ll talk to him
myself.”
“That’s not a good idea Colonel,” Kinch stated, knowing that he
better spit the rest of it out before the Colonel blows his top. “The man in
question is Corporal Harold Butterworth.”
“Butterworth? Butterworth?” Hogan began almost too angry to
recognize the name. “Not…?” he questioned as the reason for Kinch’s
apprehension started to become quite clear to him. At Kinch’s quiet nod, Hogan
sighed, “Oh good God.”
“I’m sorry Colonel,” Kinch replied. “Butterworth’s interview says
he spent three college semesters as an assistant archeologist under the
tutelage of one Professor Henry Jones Sr., a noted expert in the field.” Kinch
sighed. “It’s just, as you know sir, Butterworth’s nothing but a nervous
breakdown waiting to happen. Ever since he arrived, we haven’t been able to
find him a duty station. He gets himself so worked up, with everything we’ve
ever given him, that if you even just ask him how he’s doing; he gets sick and
throws up. The man spends half his day in the latrine.”
“Well I’m sorry Kinch,” Hogan replied adamant. “He’s just gonna
have to suck it up. Someone already died retrieving that statue from the
Gestapo. I plan on keeping it as safe as possible. Assign Butterworth to the
care of the Golden Eagle, and if you have to… supply him with the bucket to
puke in.”
Kinch sighed, “Yes sir, but would you mind if I have Carter tell
him Colonel? The guy almost has a coronary anytime I go near him.”
“Is there any specific reason that he has a problem responding to
you?” Hogan asked hoping to get his point across without openly pushing the
racial issue in Kinch’s face.
Kinch seemed to understand the question. “No sir, I just
intimidate him. The poor guy is not cut out for this kind of stuff. How he even
got passed the draft board is beyond me.”
“Okay, okay,” Hogan ordered. “Do whatever it takes, but he will be
responsible for the Golden Eagle.”
“Yes sir,” Kinch replied. “I’ll get on it right away Colonel.”
Kinch started for the door to find Carter, but glanced back over his shoulder,
and as a reminder to the Colonel offered, “We have that meeting at 1300 hours
sir.”
At Hogan’s nod, Kinch made his way out of barracks two. And
Colonel Hogan, for his part, just sighed and escaped to his quarters, as
another headache threatened.
At 1300 hours…
Colonel Hogan exited his quarters to find his men already gathered
for their meeting. There was an extra large group today, as this meeting was
covering a huge effort on everyone’s part. “Okay gentlemen. Why don’t we just start
right in. We’ll go around the room and I want a report of readiness from each
of you.” Hogan glanced up and said, “Carter you’re up first.”
“Yes sir,” Carter offered. “I shouldn’t have any problem sir. As a
waiter at the party, I don’t foresee any issue in contacting Tiger’s Uncle
Pierre. I have his picture. I should be
able to find him easily. Once he’s alone I’ll approach with the code phrase and
pick up the sample.” Carter shrugged in Newkirk’s direction. “Newkirk has given
me some pointers for ‘picking up’ that sample, so you shouldn’t worry sir.
After that I’ll head for the mess’s kitchen and pass it off to our runner…”
Hogan interrupted before Carter could finish, “That’s you Peters.
Have any concerns?”
“No sir,” Peters replied. “It’s an easy trip from the mess hall to
barracks seven. I’ll make it there and back again before anyone even misses me.
Anderson will then have Stetson transfer the sample to Kinch for safekeeping.”
“And I…” Kinch started, “have the perfect hiding place for it
until it’s time to transfer the sample to the couriers from Allied
Headquarters, who will be arriving on the evening of the 11th.”
“The couriers already know what they’re moving right?” Hogan
asked.
“Yes sir,” Kinch replied. “That’s why Headquarters is sending
three men. Between the heavy water sample, the meeting’s paperwork and
recording, and the transferring of General Dittmer to London, they’ll have
their hands full.”
“Good,” Hogan offered. “So Matthews… do you have the recorder
ready?”
“Yes sir,” Matthews replied. “Everything should be fine Colonel.
It will be moved in with the musical instruments for the band. It will be
hidden under the stage we’ve put together. I’ll just start it running when
we’ve made our final pass over the equipment.”
“And after the meeting?” Hogan asked.
“In getting ready to perform, we should be able to retrieve it
easily,” Matthews offered. “And once handed off to Peters… that will be that.”
“The same transfer will occur sir,” Peters reported. “Me to
Anderson to Stetson to Kinch. There won’t be a problem Colonel.”
“So Kinch, we are back to you.” Hogan said with a quick turn
toward his second-in-command. “Are we all set with the wiretaps and our steno
staff?”
“Yes sir,” Kinch offered. “I have ten men who’ve had training as
radio men and can take shorthand. They will each be stationed in a different
barracks to record all that they hear throughout the meeting. I feel that ten
men should be able to cover everything necessary sir. Between the voice
recordings and their paperwork… we shouldn’t miss a thing.”
“Good. Good,” Hogan praised. “Everything’s coming together. Do we
have anyone taking photographs?”
“That would be me sir,” Anderson replied. “I will take pictures of
the coming and goings from the mess hall while I wait for Peters to transfer
the heavy water sample and the recordings. And as Peters said I’ll be handing
them off to Stetson who will get those things to Kinch.”
“Okay good, so next up is Dittmer,” Hogan supposed. “Newkirk?”
“Right sir,” Newkirk began. “Like Carter said, as a waiter, the
initial contact shouldn’t be hard. The plan is to have the General leave the
party early. I’ll be able to signal Anderson at the door to the mess hall that
the General is leaving. The General will already know that he’ll be stopped at
a roadblock two miles from camp, and that those who meet him will transfer him
to his next stop to London. Away from Stalag 13, per your orders sir.”
“Once Anderson gives me the heads up Colonel,” Kinch offered.
“I’ll radio Ken Hart and his team to be ready at the road block for our
defector.”
“So Sergeant Hart,” Hogan asked. “Are you all set to make this
transfer?”
“Yes sir,” Hart said. “I’ll have four men with me. I have the code
phrase. I don’t foresee a problem. With us dressed as Luftwaffe, the transfer
should go well, especially since the General is a willing participant.”
“I still don’t trust this guy and he may be accompanied by a
security detail,” Hogan reminded his Sergeant. “So this could be a trap, if so
it’s a capture or kill situation. If you have any inkling that something’s not
right, your first priority is the safety of your men.”
“Of course Colonel,” Hart assured. “Always. I understand the
situation.”
“Good,” Hogan stated. “And you’ll be blind-folding and drugging
the General, unbeknownst to the General of course, and then moving him to
Werner Kemp’s barn?”
“Yes sir, Werner is to meet us and keep the General under wraps
until we come back the next night and transfer him to the couriers,” Hart
offered. “Again, per your order sir… he will be kept as much in the dark about
our operation as possible.”
“Okay,” Hogan continued. “We do have to make a slight change in
procedure though. I’m going to have to disappear from the cocktail party. The
more I’ve thought about it… I’m worried that General Hammerschlag will
recognize me from our little séance in Paris. I’ll have to stay at the cocktail
party in Klink’s quarters long enough to find out why Marya is coming. Once I
work that out, I’ll have to feign an illness and return here, so I can be as
far away from Hammerschlag and the mess hall as possible.”
“That’s fine Colonel,” Newkirk offered. “We can do the job. Don’t
worry.”
“I know you can Newkirk,” Hogan assured. “I’m just concerned about
what Marya is coming here for. She could throw a monkey wrench into the whole
scenario.” Hogan looked up into the eyes of his men, and continued, “But she’s
my problem. We’ll make it work. Thank you gentlemen. That’s all. Dismissed.”
Hogan watched as most of his men dispersed, but caught Kinch by
the arm. “Any word through the grapevine about that Luftwaffe supply train? The
explosions were deafening.”
“Nothing from the underground as of yet sir,” Kinch said. “But Shultz
and the other guards who responded to the emergency at the train station
returned and reported to Klink about the complete destruction of the train and
bridge.”
“Okay, so that mission was a success. Thanks Kinch,” Hogan said
patting Kinch on the shoulder and then headed to his quarters. Let’s just
hope we can pull off everything else we still need too, without getting
ourselves killed.
Hammelburg, Germany, Luft Stalag 13,
Kommandant’s Klink’s Living Quarters
The Cocktail Party, November 10, 1943,
1230 Hours
“Colonel Hogan,” Kommandant Klink said as he came up to stand
beside his Senior POW Officer. “You honestly don’t look well Hogan. You should
go back to your barracks. You have my permission to leave.”
“Thanks Kommandant,” Hogan offered quite glad that he had again
enlisted Doctor Freiling to help him appear sick. “But I’ll stick it out a
little longer. I want to make sure my men have everything well in hand.” Oof.
That stuff the Doc gave me during that pneumonia outbreak last winter works quickly.
Hell I’m already sweating and my stomach is all queasy. And I only took that
stuff this morning.
“I really don’t need you passing out on me Colonel,” Klink stated.
“And I don’t know how you’d feel about this… but the Lady
Baroness Von Hoffstein is a doctor Hogan. If you are that sick, I
could ask her to examine you.”
“No. No, that’s alright Kommandant,” Hogan hedged. “I’ll be fine.
I’ll only stay for a bit longer.” Marya you better show up soon or this
whole thing is going to blow up in our faces.
“Alright. Just don’t embarrass me Hogan,” Klink warned and then
returned to hosting the cocktail party.
“Never sir,” Hogan replied to Klink’s retreating back. Come on
Marya. Where are you?
As if on cue Marya took the Colonel by surprise as she came up from
behind him while he was watching Klink walk away. “Happy Birthday my dear
Hogan!” she bellowed in her deep throaty Russian accent and took him into a
huge embrace. “We really need to talk Hogan,” she whispered in his ear and then
kissed him on the cheek.
Hogan broke the embrace, announcing in no uncertain terms… “It’s
not my birthday Marya.”
“Ah no matter,” she continued. “It is of course my Adolf’s
birthday.” She turned quickly back the way she had come and grabbed the arm of
a Field Marshall and made him walk toward Hogan. “Say Happy Birthday to Adolf
Hogan!”
Hogan nodded graciously, “Happy Birthday Field Marshall.”
“Thank you Colonel… Hogan is it?” Field Marshall Klingensmith
replied in question.
“Yes sir. Colonel Robert Hogan, US Army Air Corps, Senior POW
officer,” Hogan offered formally.
“Ah Marya,” the Field Marshall teased. “This is the man you have
told me about… yes?”
Hogan almost had a coronary. You what Marya?
“Yes Adolf,” Marya replied seductively. “Isn’t he all that I
said?” She took Hogan into another embrace and this time tussled his jet-black
hair, and gave him another kiss.
Hogan for his part just stood dumbfounded, not even able to think
of a way out of this predicament.
“My apologies Colonel Hogan,” the Field Marshall offered. “It was
not my intention to embarrass a fellow officer, even if an enemy officer. Marya
had told me how when she first visited Stalag 13 she found the Senior POW
Officer to be quite handsome… even if the enemy.”
“Apology accepted,” Hogan sighed. “I think.”
“Ah good,” Klingensmith replied with a smirk of amusement. “So I
will leave you in good hands then Marya,” Klingensmith said offering a nod at
Colonel Hogan as he reached for Marya’s hand and kissed it in a gentlemanly
fashion. He then made a quick exit from the Kommandant’s quarters heading no
doubt for the meeting that was just beginning.
“Do you enjoy giving me a heart attack Marya?” Hogan questioned.
“Eminently, my dear Colonel.” Marya smiled. “But now is not the
time to banter words Hogan. I need your help.”
“What’s going on?” Hogan whispered and headed casually over to a
more secure and quiet corner of Klink’s quarters.
Marya followed and whispered, “I know London informed you of what
would be Professor Kurt Wernig’s ultimate demise at the hands of a Russian
assassin. Only that assassin has gone missing Colonel. I have not had contact
with him in days. I need your help to rid the world of this Wernig.”
“What’s your part in this?” Hogan asked, glancing around to make
sure they were still being ignored.
“I was only to make known to my contact when Wernig and
Hammerschlag were leaving the party,” Marya supplied. “The rest was up to him.
I was of course going to help the ‘leaving’ along, so there wouldn’t be any
mishap.”
“So,” Hogan said angry. “Does that mean I’m now responsible for
the assassination?”
“I knew you would understand Hogan!” Marya bellowed in a whisper.
Hogan just stood quietly, half of him wanting to strangle Marya, the
other half already working on a plan. “Marya, you keep up your part in this
operation. Get Hammerschlag and Wernig to leave earlier than expected… but it
has to be after a General Albert Dittmer.” Hogan took a deep breath. “All you
have to do is pretend to get a breath of fresh air. Leave the mess hall via the
front doors. That’s all the signal my men need.”
“Oh Hogan,” Marya purred. “I knew I could count on you!” Marya
then grabbed him by the arm and yelled quite loudly, “Come have a drink with me
Hogan!”
For his part, Hogan bent over coughing and holding onto his
stomach.
Kommandant Klink was at his side – from all the way across the
room – almost immediately. “I’m sorry Marya, Colonel Hogan is not well.” He
turned away looking in the direction of the kitchen. “Shultz,” he bellowed.
“Escort Colonel Hogan back to his quarters!”
“Thank you Kommandant,” Hogan said quietly. In more ways than
one.
Then as soon as Shultz made his exit from
Barracks Two…
Colonel Hogan burst through the door of his office and bellowed,
“Olsen. Find Sergeants Hart and Kinchloe. I need to see them both ASAP. Got
it.”
“Yes sir,” Olsen replied in a gasping breath, as he jumped from
his bunk at the Colonel’s order. He headed for the tunnel entrance barely
giving the Colonel another look.
Colonel Hogan never even acknowledged Olsen’s reply, assuming he
didn’t have to, and knowing Olsen didn’t need to be coaxed into doing his duty.
Hogan then paced barracks two like a caged tiger, his mind racing as to how
they would accomplish this newest mission. He knew he could count on Hart to
follow through. The man always did his duty, and had already proven to Hogan
that he could do the tough jobs without hesitation. And Hogan knew that this
newest job was one of the tough ones.
Hogan continued to pace until he saw Kinch emerge from the tunnel
breathing hard, as if he’d run all the way from where he’d been.
“What’s the matter Colonel?” Kinch asked breathless. “Olsen was a
wreck when he came and got me.”
“Wait until Hart get here,” Hogan ordered. “I don’t want any
misunderstandings. I want to explain this to both of you at the same time.”
“Of course sir,” Kinch agreed catching his breath.
Just then Sergeant Hart appeared at the tunnel entrance as out of breath
as Kinch was. “You needed to see me sir? Is there something wrong?”
“You could say that Sergeant,” Hogan stated and began to pace
again thinking out loud. “We have a problem. You both know that Professor Kurt
Wernig was to be an assassination target of the Russians. Well Marya just told
me that that assassin went missing. She has graciously dumped Wernig’s
assassination in our laps.”
“What’s your plan sir?” Hart asked without hesitation.
Hogan stopped his pacing and looked up at Hart in surprise, and
then glanced sideway at Kinch. “Am I that transparent Sergeant?”
“I’m sorry Colonel,” Hart apologized. “I assumed….”
“No apology Sergeant,” Hogan sighed. “I do have a plan, and I’ll
be laying that plan at your feet. Can you handle it?”
Hart came to attention, “Yes sir, my men and I are ready for
anything Colonel. Just give the word.”
“Thank you Sergeant,” Hogan offered. “I knew I could count of
you.” The Colonel took a deep breath. “Well first Dittmer’s transfer will
happen as planned. You might need a couple more people Hart. But I’ll leave
that decision to you. Marya is going to somehow force Wernig and Hammerschlag
to leave the party early, but not until after Dittmer. She’ll be using the same
signal as Newkirk, appearing at the door to the mess hall. After that, my plan
is fairly simple Hart. After getting the word from Kinch, you’ll need to take
out Wernig at the same road block.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem Colonel,” Hart assured. “What about
Hammerschlag? And their security escort?”
“The safest bet would be to eliminate them all,” Hogan said. “But
I was just wondering whether if it would be worth the danger to capture
Hammerschlag. We could always use him as a hostage, eventually even swapping
the General for something. What at this point I don’t know.” Hogan took
a breath. “I just don’t know if it’s worth the close contact needed to capture
him. Because other than that you and your men could spray the General’s vehicle
from a safe distance.”
“Colonel Hogan sir,” Hart offered. “My men are ready for whatever
you decide. If you feel Hammerschlag’s capture is important, then that’s what
we’ll do.”
“Thank you Sergeant,” Hogan replied. “I’m still toying with the
idea, but I’m also worried that too much activity will have the Gestapo on our
tails in no time. I need to work out a way to deflect any blame away from us.”
Hogan started to pace in earnest again.
Kinch who had been quiet for most of this meeting finally offered,
“You know Colonel… I was listening in on the meeting. Remember how I said
Dittmer was being investigated by those in Berlin?”
“Yeah,” Hogan replied curious.
“Well hell Colonel,” Kinch supplied. “There’s no doubt in my mind
now that Dittmer has made enemies. General Hammerschlag was burning
in rage at the man. They almost had a knock down drag out fight before the
meeting even started. Hammerschlag, as the new inspector General, has been
fairly immersed in Dittmer’s case, I guess.” Kinch laughed. “And it seems that
Dittmer never knew that Hammerschlag was coming to this meeting. I’ve never
heard a man back–peddling so fast in my life.
But even still… Dittmer seemed to be quite the arrogant bastard.”
“Can we say, a lot of other people heard this fight?” Hogan asked.
“Most definitely Colonel,” Kinch assured.
“Well that cuts it then,” Hogan began. “Sergeant your job will be
to eliminate everyone in the General’s vehicle. But I want you to make it look
like the ambush came from Dittmer. Use his car to block the road, anything that
will incriminate the bastard.”
“Yes sir. Gladly,” Hart said with a surge of adrenalin.
“Great,” Hogan stated. “Good luck Sergeant. On your way.”
“Yes sir, thank you sir,” Hart said. “You have nothing to worry
about. Trust me.”
“I do Sergeant. I do,” Hogan assured and stood quietly as his man
made his way back into the tunnels under barracks two. After what seemed like an eternity, Hogan
turned back to Kinch. “You better get back down stairs, and keep an ear in on
the meeting. And make sure Anderson knows he’s also watching for Marya’s signal
as well.”
“Yes sir, will do.” Kinch turned and left his commanding officer
standing quietly at the center table, knowing that the Colonel hated this point
in any operation. The point at which he had to wait for everyone else to do
their jobs. The waiting always kills him. He’d so rather be in the thick of
things. Kinch sighed as he heard,
even from his position at the bottom of the ladder, the Colonel’s office door
slam shut. It just kills him.
Hammelburg, Germany, Luft Stalag 13,
Tunnel beneath Barracks Two, Radio Room,
November 12, 1943, 11:30 Hours
“Well Kinch,” Colonel Hogan said as he stood next to his radioman.
“The last couple of weeks have been hell. Wouldn’t you say?”
“You can say that again,” Kinch sighed. “Although certainly a
successful two weeks. With the couriers on their way to London with Dittmer,
the recordings, the heavy water sample, and the paperwork… London should be
very impressed Colonel.”
“Yeah. We even have the Gestapo believing that Dittmer took out
Hammerschlag for fear of prosecution. Word has it they even think Wernig was
just ‘in the way’ during Hammerschlag’s assassination,” Hogan smirked. “Hell
London can even pin any leaked information from the meeting on Dittmer too. It
should keep our defecting General in line, I guess. And keep the wolves away
from us.”
“Yeah. And now the guys even get a breather,” Kinch offered.
“Other than moving a few POWs, it’s pretty quiet today.”
“Probably won’t last long,” Hogan sighed. “But you’re right. At least
we get a day to regroup.” Hogan put a hand to Kinch’s shoulder, “So how about a
tour of the camp? Help me spread a some good feelings, huh?”
“Great idea Colonel,” Kinch agreed and stood from his radio desk.
As he did though two small slips of paper slid from his grasp and onto the dirt
floor in front of Colonel Hogan. Kinch went quickly to pick them up, almost
colliding with the Colonel who had also bent down to retrieve them. “I got them
Colonel!” he said a little too anxious, but was not able to beat Colonel Hogan
to the punch.
Hogan, ever curious, had picked up quickly that Kinch wanted to
keep him from knowing what was on those pieces of paper. “So what’s this?”
Hogan smirked at the embarrassed look on Kinch’s face. He read the first piece
of paper, “Hmm Operation Radar.” Nothing too embarrassing about that.
Flipping it over Hogan couldn’t help but screw his face into a grimace. “How
to cook a German goose by Radar?” Hogan asked aloud, giving Kinch a dirty
look.
“Colonel Hogan, please…” Kinch started but was quieted by Hogan’s
raised hand.
“Don’t say anything,” Hogan began taking in what was written on
the second piece of paper. “Operation Trucking Service,” he said aloud and then
flipping that piece of paper over he read, “Hogan’s Trucking Service… We
Bring the Factory to You.”
“Colonel Hogan, please understand…” Kinch started again but was
quieted for a second time by Hogan’s raised hand.
“It’s okay Kinch,” Hogan offered, handing the pieces of paper back
to Kinch. “I know we all have to blow off a little steam. If this is your way,
it’s fine. I just hope I’m not the brunt of the joke for of all those though,”
the Colonel offered seeing a stack of the same small pieces of paper in Kinch’s
hand.
“Please Colonel,” Kinch almost begged. “This was never meant as a
joke. Please don’t take offense. It’s honestly just a way for me to keep better
track of the missions.” Kinch sighed in embarrassment. “Really Colonel, we’ve
been so busy. I just thought that it would be easier to have a more explanatory
name to go by, than just Operation Something.” Kinch paused and took a deep
breath. “It just got a little out of control when Lieutenant James from
Barracks Twenty overheard me talking about coming up with the names.”
“How’s that?” Hogan asked.
“Well Colonel, James worked for an advertising agency before the
war,” Kinch tried to explain. “It was standard procedure to solicit all types
of slogans from each ad team that worked for his company. Everyone would then
vote for the best slogan for each advertising campaign, and that would be the
one that would make it onto the ad.”
“What are you talking about Kinch?” Hogan asked getting
frustrated.
“I’m sorry Colonel,” Kinch apologized. “This has only been going
on for a couple months. But James
organized a slogan committee. They’ve been coming up with slogans for each of
our missions. I just let them Colonel. I’m sorry. Some of them are embarrassing
sir, but the guys have been having a great time coming up with them. And I
promised…”
Hogan just shook his head and started to laugh, “Okay Kinch. I
understand. I’m the last person to stop the men from having a little fun.” Even
if at my expense. “But now you’re going to have to let me read the rest
some time okay? I promise I won’t let anyone know I know.”
“Ah, thanks Colonel,” Kinch said and shamefacedly offered the
stack of papers to his commanding officer.
“Eh. Not now Kinch,” Hogan offered quickly. “We still have our
little tour of camp to make.” And… I should probably give you a chance to
sort through the one’s you really don’t want me to see.
“Yes sir,” Kinch sighed in pure relief, and put the stack in the
radio desk’s drawer. Whew, there are definitely some of these that I will need
to keep from him until this war’s over… And even then ‘only maybe’ will I show
them to him.
Kinch then gratefully followed his Commanding Officer to make that
goodwill tour of the camp.
And even though things seem quiet at
Stalag 13 at the moment, something happening across town will soon change that
for our heroes…
“Captain Dingle, Supply Officer,” the supervisor in charge of the
Hammelburg Supply Depot said answering the phone. “What? – You can’t be
serious. – There’s a war on… I can’t requisition that much gasoline
without proper authorization. – A tank? One tank you say? – If my memory
serves… it would take fifty tanks, three months, to use the
amount of gasoline you’re asking for. Call me back when you have proper
authorization.” Dingle hung up the phone annoyed at the jokester on the other
end. I hate dealing with prank calls.
The phone rang again almost immediately. “Captain Dingle, Supply
Officer,” the Captain repeated and then panicked offering, “Top secret. Yes
sir. I’m sorry General Kurtz. The gasoline will be ready sir. The 4th
Panzer Brigade will be passing through the Hammelburg area next Tuesday. You
need enough gasoline for the whole Brigade, seventy-five tanks. Yes sir. Of
course, it’s top secret sir.” Dingle sighed in relief when the General slammed
the phone down. When am I ever going learn? You’d think after the
whole Burkhaulter vs Klink and that Gonculator
incident; I’d watch what I say.
But no…
At least that whole thing worked out for the best. I played right
into Papa Bear’s hands without knowing.
This time though, I know exactly how to play the game…Dingle
looked at his watch, knowing that it was almost time for lunch. He would go to
his regular lunch spot, the Haus Brau. His plan… to spend some time doting on
the young waitress, Erika, and then offering the owner, Herman Schlick, the
newest information just garnered this morning. The location of the 4th
Panzer Brigade.
I only hope that Papa Bear can make short work of that tank
battalion.
The End
Author’s Note:
Listed below, in order of appearance
within this Game, are the Episode Title’s used.
(And yes, all 168 titles were included!)
Did we do good? Let us know what you
think…
1. Psychic Kommandant, Episode #25
2. The Gypsy, Episode #157
3. My Favorite Prisoner, Episode #110
4. The Informer, Episode #1
5. One in Every Crowd, Episode #72
6. No Names Please, Episode #102
7. Colonel Klink’s Secret Weapon, Episode #60
8. The Tower, Episode #59
9. Request Permission to Escape, Episode #32
10. Man in a Box, Episode #106
11. The Most Escape-Proof Camp I’ve Ever Escaped From, Episode #58
12. Killer Klink, Episode #54
13. Easy Come, Easy Go, Episode #159
14. War Takes a Holiday, Episode #83
15. The Battle of Stalag 13, Episode #37
16. Kommandant of the Year, Episode #3
17. Will the Real Adolf Please Stand up?, Episode #44
18. Hogan, Go Home, Episode #81
19. Heil Klink, Episode #54
20. Unfair Exchange, Episode 123
21. Eight O’clock and All is Well, Episode #152
22. The Prisoner’s Prisoner, Episode #6
23. How to Escape from a Prison Camp without Really Trying,
Episode #88
24. Clearance Sale at the Black Market, Episode #93
25. The Purchasing Plan, Episode#114
26. Hot Money, Episode #71
27. Is there a Traitor in the House?, Episode #131
28. Carter Turns Traitor, Episode #78
29. The Well, Episode#120
30. Watch the Trains go by, Episode #111
31. The Witness, Episode #115
32. It’s Dynamite, Episode #154
33. German Bridge is Falling Down, Episode #7
34. Color the Luftwaffe Red, Episode #100
35. Some of Their Planes are Missing, Episode #64
36. The Big Picture, Episode #126
37. Operation Hannibal, Episode #109
38. The Big Gamble, Episode 127
39. Bad Day in Berlin, Episode #103
40. The Crittendon Plan, Episode #63
41. Crittendon Commandoes, Episode #143
42. Sticky Wicket Newkirk, Episode #82
43. An Evening of Generals, Episode #75
44. Cuisine a’la Stalag 13, Episode #145
45. The Big Dish, Episode #116
46. How to Win Friends and Influence Nazis, Episode #69
47. Information Please, Episode #47
48. The Pizza Parlor, Episode #22
49. The Return of Major Bonacelli, Episode #117
50. Hogan’s Hofbrau, Episode #13
51. The Empty Parachute, Episode #129
52. Klink’s Commandos, Episode #121
53. The Reluctant Target, Episode #62
54. The Experts, Episode #146
55. The Swing Shift, Episode #53
56. The 43rd, a Moving Story, Episode #23
57. Axis Annie, Episode #85
58. The Big Broadcast, Episode #156
59. One Army at a Time, Episode #138
60. How to Catch a Papa Bear, Episode #95
61. Will the Blue Baron Strike Again?, Episode #104
62. The Great Impersonation, Episode #21
63. To the Gestapo with Love, Episode #97
64. The Dropouts, Episode #158
65. Nights in Shining Armor, Episode #70
66. Operation Tiger, Episode #155
67. Operation Briefcase, Episode #36
68. Reservations are Required, Episode #15
69. Klink’s Rocket, Episode #46
70. Anchors Aweigh, Men of Stalag 13, Episode #16
71. Who Stole My Copy of Mein Kampf?, Episode #108
72. How’s the Weather?, Episode #133
73. Kommandant Schultz, Episode #151
74. Gowns by Yvette, Episode #137
75. Six Lessons from Madame LaGrange, Episode #140
76. Get Fit or Go Fight, Episode #9
77. Hello, Zolle, Episode #19
78. The Kommandant Dies at Dawn, Episode #124
79. Will the Real Colonel Klink Please Stand up Against the Wall?,
Episode #105
80. Never Play Cards with Strangers, Episode #99
81. Klink’s Old Flame, Episode #112
82. The Flame Grows Higher, Episode #31
83. Casanova Klink, Episode #68
84. To Russia Without Love, Episode #162
85. A Klink, a Bomb and a Short Fuse, Episode #40
86. A Russian is Coming, Episode #74
87. Hogan Gives a Birthday Party, Episode #33
88. Happy Birthday, Adolf, Episode #17
89. Hogan Springs, Episode #39
90. Is there a Doctor in the House?, Episode #80
91. D-Day at Stalag 13, Episode #65
92. That’s No Lady, That’s My Spy, Episode #161
93. The Meister Spy, Episode #160
94. The Scientist, Episode #12
95. The Ultimate Weapon, Episode #90
96. Rockets or Romance, Episode #168
97. Top Hat, White Tie, and Bomb Sight, Episode #10
98. Go Light on the Heavy Water, Episode #9
99. Hold the Tiger, Episode #2
100. A Tiger Hunt in Paris, Episode #42
101. The Prince from the Phone Company, Episode #26
102. A Tiger Hunt in Paris, Episode #43
103. Don’t forget to Write, Episode #45
104. Standing Room Only, Episode #139
105. Lady Chitterly’s Lover, Episode #148
106. Lady Chitterly’s Lover, Episode #149
107. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to London, Episode #67
108. Diamonds in the Rough, Episode #35
109. Hogan goes Hollywood, Episode #119
110. Sergeant Shultz Meets Mata Hari, Episode #66
111. Movies are your Best Escape, Episode #8
112. Drums along the Dusseldorf, Episode #92
113. Art for Hogan’s Sake, Episode #48
114. I look Better in Basic Black, Episode #28
115. Reverend Kommandant Klink, Episode #57
116. Klink’s Masterpiece, Episode #147
117. The Flight of the Valkyrie, Episode #5
118. The Big Record, Episode #153
119. Oil for the Lamps of Hogan, Episode #14
120. Up in Klink’s Room, Episode #113
121. The Merry Widow, Episode #142
122. Kommandant Gertrude, Episode #165
123. Duel of Honor, Episode #84
124. Everyone has a Brother-in-Law, Episode #55
125. Fat Hermann, Go Home, Episode #135
126. LeBeau and the Little Old Lady, Episode #87
127. Missing Klink, Episode #107
128. Klink’s Escape, Episode #144
129. Cupid comes to Stalag 13, Episode #30
130. Look at the Pretty Snowflakes, Episode #167
131. Everybody Loves a Snowman, Episode #76
132. Monkey Business, Episode #91
133. Happiness is a Warm Sergeant, Episode #11
134. The Gestapo Takeover, Episode #150
135. Man’s Best Friend is not His Dog, Episode#98
136. The Schultz Brigade, Episode #34
137. The Rise and Fall of Sergeant Schultz, Episode #38
138. The Softer They Fall, Episode#136
139. The Sergeant’s Analyst, Episode #141
140. At Last-Schultz Knows Something, Episode #132
141. Praise the Fuhrer and Pass the Ammunition, Episode #51
142. Klink for the Defense, Episode #163
143. Hogan’s Double Life, Episode #166
144. The Great Brinksmeyer Robbery, Episode #50
145. The Antique, Episode #130
146. The Gold Rush, Episode #18
147. The Safecracker Suite, Episode #27
148. It Takes a Thief… Sometimes, Episode #20
149. The Collector General, Episode #89
150. The Defector, Episode #128
151. Bombsight, Episode #125
152. What Time Does the Balloon Go Up?, Episode #86
153. The Kamikazes are Coming, Episode #164
154. The Late Inspector General, Episode #4
155. Top Secret Top Coat, Episode #61
156. The Assassin, Episode #29
157. Two Nazis for The Price of One, Episode #79
158. Guess Who Came to Dinner, Episode #101
159. Hogan and the Lady Doctor, Episode #52
160. Happy Birthday, Dear Hogan, Episode #118
161. The Hostage, Episode #77
162. The General Swap, Episode #49
163. Is General Hammerschlag Burning, Episode #73
164. How to Cook a German Goose by Radar, Episode #24
165. Hogan’s Trucking Service… We Bring the Factory to You,
Episode #96
166. The Gasoline War, Episode #122
167. Tanks for the Memory, Episode #41
168. Klink vs the Gonculator, Episode #94
A quick note…Fanfiction.net has been notorious about
automatically removing the URL’s contained in our stories of late. If this has occurred again, please know that
it was unintentional on our part, as we certainly don’t want to take credit for
someone else’s work. If you are
interested in looking up the websites we used, please email us and we will
gladly supply you with those URL’s.
Thanks for reading!
Patti and Marg
Text and original characters copyright 2004 by Margaret Bryan, Patti Hutchins
This copyright covers only original material and characters, and in no way intends to infringe upon the privileges of the holders of the copyrights, trademarks, or other legal rights, for the Hogan's Heroes universe.