This effort was designed to be a direct sequel to our first story, End Game. In this story, we have taken a different direction. We have tried to show the two-years following the events in End Game. That is, post WWII. We are using post-war correspondence for this story. Meaning that almost every section here begins or ends with a letter written from one character to another. There are sections that remain only text with no letters, but mostly for explanatory reasons. 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. (We still have the Tender Loving Care requirement for Toby. But we now include the character of Shamus in that requirement as well. They both appear somewhere in Post Games)

This effort contains some strong language and some sexual situations. Our rating would be PG-13.

But the World was still dealing with its aftermath.

Nazi Atrocities.

Crimes against humanity.

Millions of Jews massacred by Hilter’s Third Reich.

German run death camps, concentration camps, and labor camps.

All of this was being revisited at the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal.

American Atrocities.

The United States leveled two Japanese cities with the aid of the Atomic Bomb.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki

140,000 people were killed in the immediate aftermath of those bombs.

Another 70,000 died in the following months as a direct result of those bombs.

Still, there were some struggling to aid in the healing process.

It was a warm summer’s evening. Rob Hogan and his wife Beth were trying to relax in the courtyard of their large Prussian Castle, which was on a hill overlooking the small town of Hammelburg, Germany. They had purchased and began refurbishing the residence last September, after the end of war, when Major General Robert Hogan took over as Military Governor for the US controlled zone in Germany. He had chosen Hammelburg as his base of operations due to his long-standing relationship with the people of this town. During the war, he and his men had run a large Allied sabotage & espionage operation from Stalag 13, a German POW camp on the outskirts of Hammelburg. He felt he owed the people in this town something, as he knew that he and his men would never have survived the war without their help. So he wanted to return the favor, even if it was only to infuse some needed cash into the area. As Military Governor, though, he was responsible for the entire US controlled zone, which encompassed the southern most part of Germany. During the war, his operation had had some devastating effects on this part of the country. So now, as Military Governor, he felt he could also aid in its recovery, as well.

Sitting next to his wife and holding her hand, Rob was trying to act calm, cool and collected. He didn’t want his wife to pick up on the fact that he was actually a nervous wreck. Keep it together man. You’re a General for Christ sake. You’re supposed to be able to handle a crisis. Just because your wife’s overdue, don’t panic. His wife’s due date was five days ago. Rob had been watching Beth like a hawk since then. He even had Doctor Freiling’s wife Ursula stay with Beth during the day while he was at work. Beth wanted to have the baby at home and Ursula was a trained mid-wife. She and Doc Freiling didn’t even live far away at all. They could be there in a matter of minutes. So don’t worry -- Easy for you to say.

It was hard for Rob to watch Beth being so uncomfortable. He had tried using words to get her mind off it, but that was futile. Understandably, she was in the midst of some excessive mood swings, and anything he said just caused it to get worse. Sitting quietly, in each other’s arms, seemed to be the best solution. So, Rob tried to concentrate on something else.

Just as he finished that thought, he felt Beth’s hand grip his tightly, so tightly that her nails made impressions deep into his palm. Ouch. A contraction? Oh God, here we go. "Are you alright, Beth?" he asked innocently.

"No I’m not alright!" She bellowed. "I’m having a contraction!" She was breathing very heavily. "It’s time," she continued to squeeze his hand.

Ouch. "Okay, let’s get you to bed. I’ll contact the Freilings. Everything will be fine," Rob said softly, trying to remain calm, but not succeeding. He helped Beth into the house and toward their master bedroom. "Here Beth, just lay down, relax. I’ll go call the Freilings. Everything will be fine," Rob said as he turned to leave the room. He quickly turned back. "Is their anything else you need Beth?"

"Just contact the Freilings. Everything will be fine," Beth said reassuringly, as the contraction eased. Poor Rob! He was a wreck!

"Okay, I’ll just go contact the Freilings. Everything will be fine," Rob said, almost on autopilot. He left the bedroom and immediately called the Freilings. They arrived within 20 minutes. Rob had gone back and was sitting with Beth waiting for them.

"You must leave Robert," said Ursula austerely, as she entered the room.

"Why? I want to be here. Beth needs me," Hogan answered defiantly.

Doc Freiling had trailed Ursula into the room. Without missing a beat, he said "Why? Why, you ask? Because I don’t need three patients! When you faint dead away to the floor, you will take my time away from your wife and child! I have no time for that, now go!"

"But, but. I won’t faint," Hogan stammered. He wanted to sound confident, but it came out apprehensively.

"No buts, Robert. You need to leave," Ursula said gently as she held his arm and steered him to the door.

Rob Hogan left the bedroom and began pacing up and down the hallway just outside. For three hours, he heard Beth continue to cry out in pain. He couldn’t stand it. He had to restrain himself from bursting through the door. Finally things got quiet, and when a baby’s cry was heard, he almost passed out. He had to steady himself against the wall in the hallway. He heard the door. He took a deep breath and almost came to attention. He didn’t want anyone to notice how anxious he was.

Ursula came out of the bedroom, carrying the baby. "It’s a boy, Robert. A very healthy little boy." She handed him the baby. Our brave General is hyperventilating!

"How’s Beth?" Rob asked, breathing rapidly. He glanced quickly at Ursula and read her smiling face. He returned his gaze to his son and his face was full of joy. He didn’t want to take his eyes off his son. Hey there, Michael. -- Michael Robert Hogan. -- Welcome to my world.

"Beth is fine," Ursula said smiling. It is nice to see the joy on Robert’s face. For so much of the time that we’ve known him, we never saw anything but determination and commitment there. That’s still there of course, but it can now be tempered with joy. Family life suits him well.

Rob looked back to Ursula. "Thanks Ursula, thanks for everything," Rob said smiling. As he returned his gaze to his son though, his expression changed to one of apprehension. Welcome to my world? Huh, Michael? - Let us just hope that the world is the best place for you, right now. There is so much uncertainty, I’m not sure the world is the safest place for you. -- Stop thinking like that Hogan. - Yeah. Yeah. - Michael, just so you know. -- Your mother and I made a conscious decision to bring you into our lives. -- I can only hope that we can make good on that decision. - I promise you, we are going to try our best. - Okay? - So now, Michael Robert Hogan. -- Are we ready to tackle this world together? The joy returned to Rob’s face, but the joy was tempered with his determination to help make this world a better place for his son, and for others.

July 16, 1946

Dear Mom, Dad, and John

Well congratulations are in order! We have a new addition to the Hogan family. Michael Robert Hogan. Michael was just born last night. July 15, 1946 at 2105 hours, 10lbs, 2oz, 23 inches. He’s healthy and strong, and has all ten fingers and toes. I’ll send you a picture as soon as I can. He’s beautiful though, even If I say so myself.

Michael was five days overdue though. Boy, it was a rough five days. Doc Freiling said that everything went according to the rules and he doesn’t expect any problems. Beth is doing fine. She’s understandably tired. And I’m doing much better now too, thanks for asking. (Boy dad, how did you make it through the four of us? Oof! What a wreck I was! Oh God, sorry Mom. I know you had it worse. It’s just that I never expected to feel that useless. It’s tough on us military types to feel so useless, you know?)

Beth is going to be suitably impressed with me, though. I’ve tried to convince her that I have first hand knowledge of the diaper changing and the multiple feedings etc. (Though, that birthing process was tough.) She doesn’t believe me. If there’s any lesson you both taught me, it was how to care for my younger siblings. You’ll be glad to know I haven’t forgotten that lesson. I’m going to try to be the best father I can be.

Please let Sue and Ed know the news for me. Hopefully you can all make it for the baby’s christening, August 25th. Please try and come, I want to show off the new house. And show you the German countryside. And there are so many people I want you to meet. I’ll call Joe in London. I’m going to ask him to be Michael’s Godfather. Beth’s sister, Joan has agreed to be Michael’s Godmother. Both Joan and Phyllis, Beth’s Mom, will be coming. They’ll be arriving on the 21st; hopefully you will get to meet them.

Oh, I almost forgot. I’m so sorry about Toby. I know what he meant to you. I’m glad I got to see him when I was home last. He was a great dog. He had a good life with you. Spoiled rotten, but man’s best friend, always right? So tell me, is there another puppy in the works for the Hogan family? If I know you both, it won’t be long before the patter of little puppy feet again graces the Hogan household. Keep me posted, send pictures.

Love Always

Rob & Beth (and Michael)

As he got to his desk, he noticed a telegram sitting on top of his desk. It had to be of a personal nature. If Lieutenant Walters is anything, he is organized and would not have left that there otherwise. The return address was Heidelberg. Hans Shultz. Hogan smiled as he opened the telegram.

July 17, 1946

To Office of Military Governor, Robert Hogan. Stop. Wilhelm told me about the new baby. Stop. A boy! Congratulations. Stop. Michael Robert. I like it. Stop. Tell Beth I hope she is feeling better. Stop. How’s the new dad holding up? Stop. Call when you get a chance. Stop. Your friend, Hans Shultz. Stop.

Hogan could do nothing but smile. Wilhelm and Hans had a new and different relationship. Hans had finally admitted to Wilhelm that he knew what my men and I were doing during our internment. I was never privy as to what was said between both men, but they have made their peace, and their friendship has grown. I know that it was hard on Wilhelm at first, but he keeps surprising me. He has come to terms with his feelings of guilt and so have I for that matter. Our relationship has also become new and different. I’m not sure if as Military Governor that I would have accomplished as much, as quickly, without him involved. And that’s saying a lot.

Hogan looked up from his musing about new and different relationships and decided he needed to draft the letter to his men, before any more time went by.

July 20, 1946

Ivan, Peter, Louis, and Andrew

I’m sending you all the same correspondence. Please don’t take it as an insult. The time constraints of being Military Governor (and a new dad!) don’t give me much leeway. Plus everything I wanted to say, I wanted to say to all of you.

First, I should let you all know that the surgery went fine. There has been no lasting after effects. My vision has even returned to normal. In fact, to look at me now you would never know what had happened. And fellas, I’m not lying to you. Everything is fine, even Ivan will tell you that!

Moving on…Enclosed please find two pictures.

You see that one of the big empty field. That was Stalag 13. We are building a state of the art school on that site. Great huh? Ground breaking was just done on the 15th. The civilian leaders in Hammelburg surprised me though. They want to dedicate the school to Papa Bear and his organization. So for next September, I’d love to have as many of the men that can, to come. Chris Matthews and Steve Marlow had the names and addresses of everyone. I’ve already contacted them. You should hear from them soon. I would love for you guys to come then as well, but I wanted to extend an open invitation to you four to come visit anytime. I’ve missed you all. It would be great to get together.

So please, at the very least. Write and tell me what you’ve been up too. I hope all is well. My promise still stands; if I can do anything for any of you, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m just sorry it took so long to write.

Peter, Louis, Andrew. I don’t even know if you know this. But, you guys need to congratulate Major Ivan Kinchloe on his posting, in the states, as an instructor at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. He’s moved onto bigger and better things! He got his promotion in January of this year.

Kinch. My family is still only 2 ½ hours away. Remember they had extended you an invitation to visit. They would love to meet you. So if you are ever in the need of a home-cooked meal, just give them a call. (899) 555-1212. I’m sure that that invitation would include all of you. So, don’t feel left out. When next you find yourselves near Bridgeport, CT. By all means, call.

Peter. Have you ever talked to my brother? He’s still stationed in London at Fieldstone. Look him up sometime. Colonel Joseph Hogan.

Louis. You’re only a relatively short distance away. We had even made the trip a couple of times together, remember? Please call, or come by. Anything.

Andrew. I’m sorry you are the only one not near a Hogan family connection. Please write. I want to know what new and different things you’ve been working on. (Dare, I ask?)

Now to the second picture! You see that cute little kid? That’s Michael Robert Hogan. My son. As of today, he’s five days old and counting. Doc Freiling delivered him. My wife Beth is fine. Did you guys know Beth and I got married in August of last year, during my visit home to the states? This past year has been a whirlwind for me, so forgive the memory lapses! Kinch where are you when I need you? Or maybe I should just blame it on no sleep. Five-day-olds don’t seem to care when they need your attention!

Overall though, July 15th 1946 was a pretty damn good day!

I’ve even managed to convince most of my immediate family to show up next month for the baby’s christening. I hope they all can make it. I didn’t get much time last August to spend with them. Just two weeks. It will be nice to see them again. Anyway, the baby’s christening is August 25th. You guys have an open invitation to come, but I realize that this is short notice, so don’t feel pressured at all.

Beth and my first wedding anniversary is almost here, August 3rd. I would have liked to use our first anniversary to remember the happy occasion of our wedding, as well as for me, getting to see my family for the first time in four years. Instead our visit to the states, and our wedding, were marred by the horrifying events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on August 6th and 9th. The only saving grace, I guess, was that the wedding ceremony happened before those two appalling tragedies. Because, for the rest of the time, that topic was what dominated my visit home.

The prevailing sentiment in the country, at the time, was one of revenge. My gut reaction to the events was to throw up. Then I became a rampaging maniac. You know that temper, I have? I blew my top. I could not believe that the United States would stoop to something like that. It made us nothing less than Hitler’s Third Reich. Twice! Needless to say my family was a little shocked at my temper. When I finally calmed down, we all sat and talked it through. My family continued to show their true colors. They all believed as I did, which was a relief for me. It would not have been good for me to visit family I haven’t seen for four years, only to find out they were now left-wing extremist!

Well, I guess, since I’ve already broached the more serious events of the past year, I will just continue. I spent three weeks at the Nuremberg Tribunal this past winter. I had to testify to the conditions I had found at Dachau during my original visit there. For three weeks I listened to other people’s experiences at similar camps. It was horrendous. They are now estimating that millions lost their lives in those camps. Millions. I heard a total as high as six million Jews exterminated in those places. I still can’t fathom that nothing much was done after I reported it. I just don’t know what to think, feel or do. And on top of it, that damn bastard Goering was allowed to commit suicide! If I thought that was going to happen, I would have shot him myself!

Wow, sorry. Got to start watching that temper!

The two concentration camps here in the US controlled zone are still being treated as ‘crime scenes’, but they both will be made into memorials as soon as all the uproar settles. Which may not be for a very, very long time. So for now, they are being protected by US troops. I’ve seen both places empty. You can still feel the ghosts.

The German civilians have not dealt well with the realization of their government’s atrocities. It’s hard to explain. They want to atone for what their government has done, but at the same time move away from what their government has done. It’s been hard for me. I’m fighting a battle to let these people rebuild their lives. But political sentiment is understandably against helping these people. You know as well as I that these atrocities were not brought on by the civilian population, but by Hitler and his henchman. I just hope eventually the stigma will disappear. But again it probably won’t be for a very, very long time.

And Kinch can tell you this as well. When we first arrived back in Germany, everyone here was terrified. They had thought we’d betrayed them. They were waiting for the United States to drop the third atomic bomb on Germany. But as the US troops moved into place and the military government came to be, the terror abated somewhat. But it was awful to see that terror written on the faces of people who for more than three years, you had considered friends. We were able to win their trust back fairly quickly. But it took a while for some and still the trust is not complete for everyone.

But, on the up side. I got to pull together quite the civilian government here. It certainly helped that we had so many contacts during our little operation. Almost 300. I’ve helped appoint any that were willing, into the civilian government. It has made the transition for this area a little easier. These people have worked tirelessly within their communities to plan the recovery for each area. Very quickly, I was able to appropriate the correct funds. It’s still an uphill battle and not everyone is happy, but we have managed to be more effective in an organized way.

Speaking of organized, you won’t believe it! Wilhelm Klink is in charge of the budget appropriations for the civilian government. He’s actually been an incredible asset. What I thought was true. If you take the pressure off, he’s exceptionally proficient. I deal with him on a daily basis, and our relationship is very good. Talk about strange huh? Four years ago, I never would have thought it possible.

Oh yeah, Wilhelm was able to move his family here. His mother and brother. I see them often. His mother Heike was not what I expected. I’m actually not sure what I expected. But she is a very sweet, very intelligent woman. His brother Wolfgang, you remember him, the ‘deadbeat’, has actually turned out to be a very capable accountant as well. Both men have worked hard for me. I’ve been suitably impressed.

One last note, Shultz has restarted his toy business. He was right you know. His family’s business reputation was well established. He and his family are well on their way to recovering from the war. They have also taken in over 200 orphans. They’ve housed them on the factory property. They’ve found homes for some, but not every one is capable of taking in children at this point. But Shultz just keeps adding rooms and doesn’t seem to care how many stay with him. Shultz is a very decent human being, but we all knew that before, didn’t we?

Well, I’ve rambled enough. So much has happened in the past year. Please remember my open invitation. But at the very least, please write and tell me how it’s going.

Rob

Michael Hogan entered his kitchen and gave his wife a kiss. He immediately went to sorting the mail. I know how Mary feels. There should be no reason to worry now, with the war over. But two of our sons are still over seas. Our middle son, Joseph is working in London as an intelligence operative. He was transferred from Washington close to the end of the war. He still hasn’t told us much about his job, so we worry. But, we hope that he hasn’t taken lessons from his older brother, Robert, who is still in Germany. Only now he’s stationed there, as Military Governor of the US held province. Go figure. What a shock it was to find out that the son who kept telling you that nothing ever happened in his prison camp, would leave that prison camp a highly decorated war hero. One who was promoted from a Colonel to a Major General while in that prison camp? One who was given credit for running the largest sabotage & espionage unit, in military history, from that POW camp? One who was credited with saving the lives of thousands of Allied servicemen? One who, his father, wanted to strangle for lying to them for over three years? Please Joe, don’t take after your older brother.

Michael Hogan finally came upon a letter from his son, Robert. He and his wife, as well as their youngest son and daughter had been waiting for this letter. They hoped it contained the good news they were expecting. He called Mary over and they read it together. They were grandparents for a second time. A grandson, Michael Robert!! Rob sounded so very happy. He called both of their children with the news. He wanted to confirm whether everyone was still going to be able to make the trip to Germany next month for the baby’s christening. He wanted to respond to Rob as quickly as possible. It looked as if Rob would have a full house. Me, Mary, John, Sue, Ed and little Stephen. He hoped that Joe would be able to make it from London.

July 21, 1946

Dear Rob, Beth and Michael.

Your mom and I are ecstatic. We can’t tell you how much. Grandparents again. Give Michael a big hug and kiss from us both. I’m glad that you and Beth are doing well. Childbirth can be a traumatic thing for fathers, and this from a pediatrician. Believe me Rob I do sympathize.

But make sure Beth knows that I’m on her side. You better keep your promise to help out with the baby or I’ll be forced to tell her about the first time you were watching John by yourself. You remember that time, don’t you? I know you do and I know John certainly does.

Don’t worry Beth, everything worked out fine in the end. But I know that the threat of the story getting to your ears will be sufficient to make Rob toe the line. So use it as often as necessary.

All kidding aside, though. Rob, Beth. Your mother and I know, in our hearts, that you both will be the best parents you can be. It’s such an incredible experience, not to be forsaken. (Of course, there are still those times, when you will want to take your oldest son by the throat and throttle him for lying to you. -- Oh sorry, I digress.)

Sue, Ed, John and little Stephen send their love. Stephen is so excited about meeting his cousin. We will all be coming for the christening. We’ve made plans to stay for two weeks, arriving on the 20th. Hopefully, this will be okay. You’re sure you have enough room? Have you heard from Joe?

We can’t wait to see you, the baby, and your house. And we look forward to meeting your friends.

Love

Mom & Dad

P.S. Enclosed find a picture of ‘Shamus’. This time, a yellow lab. Eight weeks old in the picture. Your sister and brother couldn’t resist and Shamus has been with us for a month now. We had told them that we weren’t ready, but they didn’t listen. He’s adorable and has won our hearts.

July 19, 1946

Steve and Chris,

I hope the two of you are doing fine, and civilian life suits you.

Well its been over a year since we all walked out the gates at Stalag 13 and as you can tell by the envelope I did come back to Germany to become the Military Governor here. The job has been a hard one. It’s been hard to politically balance what the United Nations wants vs. what would be best for the populace of Germany in the aftermath of the war.

I guess I should let you both know that the additional surgery went fine, and I have recovered fully from my injuries. I also married Beth Newton last August and our first child was born on July 15. Michael Robert Hogan. Both Beth and Michael are doing great, and this new father stuff is incredibly wonderful.

So, about that picture you’re probably looking at. That wide-open field is the old Stalag 13 site. It’s pretty amazing standing and looking at that green grassy field, a year later. But that’s the reason for the letter. I need you to contact all the guys for me. The people of Hammelburg will be dedicating a school, located on the Stalag 13 site, to Papa Bear and his organization. I’d like to see as many of the men present as possible for this wonderful honor being paid to us.

The dedication ceremony will be held on September 3, 1947.

Please get in touch with me, so we can coordinate this massive effort on getting everyone together. I am trying to arrange accommodations for everyone and will know more as the time draws near. I will keep you both informed as to developments.

‘Colonel’ Rob Hogan

Hot Damn! Steve thought to himself. Even more than a year later the ‘Colonel’ is still full of surprises. He rushed upstairs and called Chris Mathews who also lived in New York City.

"Hi, Chris? It’s Steve. - Yeah, I got a letter too. -- Great. I’ll take tomorrow off. I’ll be over your place about eight am. -- Ok? -- Good. See you then." Steve hung up the phone. He went over to the closet and rummaged around on the top shelf and removed a shoebox. It contained all of the known addresses for his half of the 2000 men who had been at Stalag 13 at the end. He and Chris had a lot of writing to do tomorrow!

July 25, 1946

To all of Hogan’s Heroes,

This is a letter of invitation to all of Hogan’s Heroes to attend a dedication. A school, built on the site of Stalag 13, is being dedicated to Papa Bear and his organization.

Therefore, ‘The Colonel’ has issued an invitation to any and all of the men of Stalag 13 to come back to Hammelburg, for September 3, 1947 to help dedicate and celebrate the opening of this new school. Please bring as many family and friends as you wish to share in this very special occasion.

As most of you know, our former Commanding Officer is now the Military Governor of the US Controlled Zone in Germany. His headquarters are in Hammelburg. He also wanted everyone to know that he has recovered from all of his injuries. The additional surgery went well and he is just fine now.

Let’s all come to show our support and pride in being involved in such a pivotal, important operation. Come and show ‘The Colonel’ how much he meant to us. Please reply to me with a count of how many will be attending this celebration. As time draws nearer, you will hear from me again with more details.

As always, please remember to keep me informed of any changes of address. I’d like to keep the mailing list as accurate as possible.

See you all next September!

Steve Marlow

Ivan Kinchloe had just returned from his final class of the day. He was hoping to have some quiet time to grade his students on their most recent exam. As he got to his desk, he noticed an official envelope with a return address of: The Office of Military Government, Hammelburg, Germany. He smiled. Looks like I may not have time to get through the grading before I leave.

He sat and quietly read the letter from his former commanding officer. He had of course, known some of what Rob had written about. But it was nice to know that he was trying to reach out to the others. I had thought about writing, but things have been so busy. Those first five months in Germany were just crazy. Definitely a whirlwind for sure.

And then the promotion came. I wasn’t even sure I wanted it, but Rob was adamant that I take it. He had put out feelers for me, which helped. But I found myself in a very enviable position. I never thought that being second in command to Papa Bear would work out so well. I should have known better. With the feelers out, I got offers from multiple bases for instructor positions. Rob and I talked long and hard about it. I had been made these offers free and clear. Nothing was mentioned about my racial background. It was the right move, but I still hated leaving Rob high and dry. But as he had told me, he would never stand in my way. So here I am. And it has been great. Not perfect, but first-rate.

July 26, 1946

Rob, Peter, Louis and Andrew.

Wow a boy? Huh Rob? Beautiful. Congratulations. I know how much thought went into your decision, during this difficult time, to bring a child into this world. So, I know what he means to you. I’m so happy for you and Beth. Michael Robert. Isn’t that your dad’s name? I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it to the christening. Tell your parents to take a lot of pictures of the christening and I will definitely take them up on their offer of a home-cooked meal after they return.

Wow, It’s weird to see that field empty. Last time I was there, last November, Stalag 13 was still a pile of rubble. A school dedication to us? Really nice. I will definitely be there, if not before. But I can’t promise on the ‘before’.

I’ve been enjoying my time as an instructor here. It’s been very busy. I’m teaching four classes a day. Electronic Surveillance & Radio Communication mostly. The men stationed here have been great. It’s kind of funny. They are a little in awe of Papa Bear’s second in command. Thanks ‘Colonel’. But thanks also go to you, Louis, Peter and Andrew. We made a great team. It has made my transition here so much easier.

One thing that has been tough to deal with is that Anti-German sentiment permeates everything here. It’s completely understandable, as people are in shock as to the extent of the Nazi atrocities. But everyone has assumed that I hate all Germans because I was a POW for so long and because of all that ‘Papa Bear’ was able to accomplish against Hitler’s Third Reich. It’s hard to have a conversation. I try to tell people that part of the reason we were so successful was because a lot of our operatives were German civilians who did not follow Hitler’s doctrines. I try hard to give a balanced picture of our experiences in Germany. It just real hard when people don’t want to hear it.

On top of that, Anti-Japanese sentiment has run rampant. There is still a sense of victory, because of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. People have decided that those two incidents were payback for Pearl Harbor. It’s sad. If there’s one thing I learned from our experience in Germany, it’s that you can’t blame an entire nation for something it’s government did. But it’s hard to see the forest for the trees, I guess. It will be a long time before things change.

Other than that things in the states are fairly back to normal routine. I do realize that the US always seemed one step away from the war. No physical damage to the landscape, expect for Pearl Harbor. We were lucky in that regard.

Peter, Louis, Andrew. I’m sorry I haven’t written to you. And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s being behind the eight ball. Rob you beat me to the punch here. Please write guys. Maybe we can all get together if we give each other enough notice. I miss you all as well.

Rob, it’s good to hear that Wilhelm and Shultz are doing well. Say hello to them for me. Also Heinrich, Hermann, Schnitzer and the Freilings.

Your Friend

Ivan

Opening Night for the Palladium is October 1st. They will be opening with a special engagement. Jose Ferrer, appearing in Cyrano de Bergerac. Jose Ferrer was being heralded as Broadway’s first Emmy Award Winner for Best Actor in a dramatic play. He and his company will be making a special month long engagement, here in London, to celebrate the re-opening of the London Palladium. We have so much work to do, but we are almost there.

Peter moved the plans that the architects and he were working on. He noticed a letter from The Office of Military Government, Hammelburg, Germany. He smiled. How did this get here? It was addressed to his parent’s home. Peter had been so busy today that he had forgotten that his father called and said he was dropping off a letter for him. Why didn’t you come get me dad? --Wow, I wonder what Rob wants. -- I hope it’s good news. -- I’ve been meaning to write. -- Well, open it. - Okay. Okay.

July 26, 1946

Rob, Ivan, Louis and Andrew

Hello Mates. Sorry I didn’t write. It’s been a very busy year for me. Sorry to disappoint you all, but I won’t be opening that pub. I’ve gone back to my roots, the theatre. I’m now the owner/manager of the London Palladium. Wow, huh? I can’t believe it myself. I’ve spent the last year refurbishing the theatre. It feels as if I’ve been living out of my office. So many long days and nights. Opening Night is October 1st. Everyone is invited. Just let me know, I’ve got connections to get you fairly decent seats! It would be great to see you all.

London’s Theatre District is making a real come back. It was in awful condition when I first got back here. I just couldn’t bring myself to open a pub. That seemed kind of selfish, somehow. In refurbishing the Palladium, I can share this grand old place with everyone. People round here need some outlet, to get away from the horrors that the war left in it’s wake.

London had taken a beating, but you know us Englanders, we’re a stoic bunch. People are just working hard at trying to restore London to what it was before the war. Anti-German sentiment is prevalent here as well. I just don’t say much. I’ve got to admit I’m still harboring some real anger myself. I know. I know. It wasn’t all Germans involved, just that lunatic and his cronies. It’s just hard to work in that perspective into a conversation around here. So, I’ve just kept myself absorbed in refurbishing the Palladium.

Hey that picture of ‘Stalag 13’ just floored me. You can count me in for the dedication. Incredible. Imagine a school on that site. Wow! You should be very proud ‘Colonel’. We did good work there. I’m glad to know that Wilhelm and Shultzie are doing well. Say hello to everyone else for me.

Hey that other picture… not bad either. Congratulations Rob! You’re a dad. What happened to that playboy, I remember? Only Kidding. I’m not sure I can make the baby’s christening, with opening night here looming. There is too much to do. Say hello to Beth for me. You can always come for opening night, you know? Three front row seats and a backstage pass… interested? Hey, make that four front row seats. One for your brother as well. I’m sorry, but I haven’t had a chance to contact him. Let me know if you want to take me up on that offer.

Ivan. Congratulations, you deserve all the accolades you can get. You kept all us guys in-line. We couldn’t have been a team without you. Sorry ‘Colonel’. I know you already know my feelings about you. Ivan just needed some recognition here.

Louis. What have you been up to little buddy? When’s that restaurant going to open? Can’t wait to come by.

Andrew. Hey, is everything in Bullfrog North Dakota still in one piece? Only Kidding. How’s school? Any girlfriends?

Call or write soon. I’ve missed you all.

Your Mate

Peter.

Boy, I can’t believe it has been a year already! Andrew thought to himself. He had brought the Colonel’s, Rob’s letter out to the front porch to read. The late July day was a sultry one and he’d been enjoying his day off. For the summer he’d volunteered to chaperone groups of summer campers from the City onto the reservation. They were able to go horseback riding and canoeing on the many lakes and rivers. They were also learning more about Indian culture. It was a great diversion for him. He had embraced small town life enthusiastically as soon as he had arrived home.

Today the whole family had gathered at the Town Gazebo for their annual family picnic. This was the first one he’d been able to attend in five years. The whole clan had been there, more than 60 people. Also there, were sixteen of his cousins who had served in the war. One, Charlie, had been a POW for the last nine months of the War. Charlie had had it rough, and couldn’t believe what Andrew had done during his long stint as a POW. Charlie had known about Papa Bear, as most of the allied forces in Europe did, but Charlie hadn’t been able to picture his cousin as having a pivotal role in that organization. It had made for some tense moments, but Andrew’s easygoing nature had diffused the awkwardness easily.

Next week Andrew would began the last summer camp term. He’d be back in school in September.

July 27, 1946

Hi Colonel, um Rob, Peter, Louis and Ivan

I just got the Colonel’s letter, I mean Rob’s letter today. Boy is that hard to get used to. Rob, I mean. It sounds like it’s been a whirlwind for Rob back in Hammelburg. But we all knew that it wasn’t going to be very easy.

Things here in North Dakota are funny. There is a lot of anti-everyone sentiment here. German, Japanese, actually any European or Asian Country. I think folk are scared by the way the world has changed. Today there was a family picnic. Almost everyone was there, David my second cousin on my mother’s sister’s side and his family weren’t there, neither was my Uncle Tom’s mother. Tom married my father’s sister. Well anyway, sixteen of my cousins who served in the war were there. One of them, Charlie who is my mother’s sister Edna’s boy, was a POW, at Stalag 22 in North Germany. He was really perturbed with me. I guess he felt that I wasn’t really a POW because of my involvement with ‘Papa Bear.’ I guess he figured we all had it easy. He was there for nine months, and then they had to walk out. But he looked pretty good, and I hope I convinced him that three and a half years as a POW, in any capacity, was hard. Anyway we talked for a long time.

I did go back to school. There’s a GI Bill here in the states. It’s paying for my education. When I filled out my application at the school, the University of North Dakota, there was a spot for veteran status. I filled it out and didn’t think much of it. A week later I received a letter in the mail that my tuition has been paid, and would continue to be paid through the GI Bill. It’s wonderful. I think it’s great that Uncle Sam is taking some interest in helping out its veterans. I feel like I have to be productive right away so I did double classes last year, and plan to do the same this coming year. Being at Stalag 13 really taught me how to study. After I graduate, I plan to teach high school science. I can’t wait.

That picture of the old place looked unreal. I will definitely be there for the dedication. A school. Dedicated to us! Wow! That’s top rate.

Rob, that other picture looks wonderful as well. A new father. That is terrific. I’m sure you’re going to be a great Dad. You’ve already had lots of practice! I will just have enough time to make it back to school before classes begin if I leave for home on the 26th, so you can definitely count me in for Michael’s christening.

Ivan, that news that you’re teaching in Massachusetts is wonderful. I know you’re a great teacher, so those guys are lucky to have you.

Peter, what’s up with the pub?

Louis, when’s that restaurant opening?

Rob, I’ll see you in a few weeks, and hopefully some of the other guys as well. Say hello to everyone for me, and Happy Anniversary. A little early, but you’ll probably get this letter around the 5th anyway.

Andrew

Actually, Dad was pretty funny. Wanting to make sure I’ve enough room for everyone. The library here was big enough to hold my entire family. Rob glanced around the library, taking in the statuesque pillars holding the balcony above his head, and the ornate spiral staircase leading up to it. The balcony is where the oldest part of the collection was stored. There are more than 3,000 volumes in the entire place. All left over, from when Field Marshall von Leiter vacated the premises. The whole estate had been furnished when I’d bought it. It just needed to be refurbished. It was by chance, that the place was available when I returned to Germany. I had really liked the place when I came here as ‘Erik Schoffstein’ to visit the old Field Marshall for his birthday party. That visit had been part of a smoke screen to throw the Gestapo Major, Pruhst, off the track. He’d gotten too close, even had a witness that could identify me. But, everything had worked out. Admittedly, I never expected to be living here at that time. God, come to think of it, I hadn’t expected to live past that night. In fact, there were way too many nights like that. Thank God that’s over with! Now I can build good memories here.

Louis LeBeau trudged wearily down the road. He had moved into a new apartment today, determined to move his life forward. For the past year he had traveled all over France, searching for any trace whatsoever of his family. The home he had grown up in was gone, destroyed by fire. None of the neighbors around the old homestead had known what had happened to his family. Sadly, three months ago, he located obituary listings for his mother and his younger sister, Rachelle. Six weeks ago, he had located an elderly uncle, but the old man didn’t know what had happened to Louis’s family. Louis had been unable to find anything about his father or his youngest sister, Michelle. There was nowhere else to look. There was no one left. The War has destroyed my family. It’s up to me to carry on the LeBeau family name.

"Louis, Louis!" A voice called from behind him. He turned and was pleased to see it was Verlaine.

"Hello, Verlaine. How are you?" LeBeau asked, embracing his friend and kissing him on each cheek.

"I’m fine, just fine." Verlaine’s expression turned sad. "Have you found your family, Louis?" Verlaine asked, worried.

"No," LeBeau replied with a sigh. "I have given up my search. It’s time to move on."

"Oh, I am so sorry Louis," Verlaine commiserated. "Such a terrible time we’ve been through. But the Bosche have been defeated and Paris is once again free. It is something to rejoice, no?"

"Oui. Paris is Free," LeBeau replied fervently. "We have all sacrificed much for that to happen."

"Oui. Oui. I have a letter for you." Verlaine removed a letter from his pocket and held it out to Louis. "General Hogan has been trying to locate you for a couple of weeks. He sent you a letter and it was returned to him. He’s been very worried. He finally called me."

"When did you talk with him?" LeBeau asked, taking the letter. He had meant to write everyone, but the last year had been very difficult.

"Just a week ago. I told him that I expected you back in town, and that I would keep his letter until we met," Verlaine explained. "Suzette told me this morning that she had talked with you at the corner grocer, so I was coming to see you."

"Oui, it was good to see her this morning," LeBeau replied. "I had fully intended to come and visit with you and Suzette."

"Come and visit, anytime Louis," Verlaine said, "I must go now. Take care of yourself." He started to leave. He could tell that Louis was anxious to read the letter from the General.

"I will do that Verlaine," LeBeau replied. Suddenly he was looking forward to returning home.

August 3, 1946

Rob, Ivan, Peter and Andrew:

I’m sorry to you all for not writing before now.

I have just today received Rob’s letter. I am sorry that it had such a difficult time in reaching me. I have just returned to Paris today. My friend, Verlaine found me on the street as I returned to my new apartment and presented me with your letter Rob. Thank you for going the extra effort to find me.

I have been doing a lot of traveling around France. When I returned home last July, I found that my family was gone and my home was burned to the ground. Sadly, all of my travels have been fruitless. Apparently none of my family have survived the War. My mother and one of my younger sisters I am sure are dead. Unfortunately I can find no trace of my father or my youngest sister. I will probably never learn what has happened to them.

It is so sad that the War is still deeply affecting our lives. Here in France, the populace is ecstatic to have their country back. But they are unforgiving of all Germans. There was a newspaper article written early after my return to France detailing ‘Papa Bear’s Organization’. Of course, you all know, that Papa Bear was well known here in France during the war. But once my name was associated with ‘Papa Bear’ people have the strangest notions about where my sympathies and beliefs lie. I have not been able to get anyone to see that ‘all Germans’ were not evil, and that some had fought Hitler and his Third Reich harder than any of the Free French ever considered doing. So Rob, I can sympathize with your struggles.

The past year has not been an easy one for me, but now that I have returned to Paris I intend to begin my life anew. And what better place to begin again than Paris? Tomorrow I will begin to look for a location for my restaurant. I hope to locate near the Louvre. I have decided upon the name ‘Robuchon.’ I will tell everyone when I expect to open, but as I have said I don’t even have a location yet.

Rob. Congratulations on the birth of your first child! How exciting! As you have said, Hammelburg and Paris are very close. I will come for Michael’s christening. Say hello to Beth for me. Happy anniversary, by the way! Please say hello to everyone there for me, and tell them that I will see them at the christening.

Andrew. Have you begun teaching yet?

Peter. Have I missed the opening of your pub?

Ivan. I am so pleased for you, your new position sounds very exciting.

I would love to hear from all of you. Please write and tell me how you are doing.

I am also excited that there will be a school built on the old Stalag 13 site. What a wonderful thing to build there. There couldn’t be a better thing dedicated to ‘Papa Bear’ than that. I will definitely be there for the dedication.

My new address is 1892 Rue du Pont de L, 75006, Paris.

Keep Safe,

Louis

Strange, thought Waters. Of all times to take a leave. Because that means that Klink won’t be attending the General’s son’s christening either. The General had been deeply hurt, when late yesterday, he got word that another friend, Hans Shultz, would not be able to come either. It’s seems very odd that neither man told the General in person. In the year that I’ve known Wilhelm Klink, it has always seemed that he and the General were close. And as much as I’ve only met Hans Shultz twice, the General’s relationship with him seemed even closer, and they talked often.

Rob Hogan entered his outer office and noticed almost immediately that his aide, Lieutenant Waters, was already tense. Not a good way to start the day. "Good morning Lieutenant, is something wrong?" Hogan asked.

"Sir, Good morning sir. I’m sorry sir. It’s just that. Um. Well, Whilhem Klink was here very early this morning and left a letter and a package for you. It’s in your office, sir. He said he was taking a leave of absence and would be gone for a month. He said the letter would explain sir," Waters said as fast as he could. He then waited for the inevitable explosion. It didn’t happen. The General didn’t say a word, just went into his office and closed the door behind him.

Rob sat at his desk and stared at the letter and package on his desk. Twice in two days, a letter and a package. So Wilhelm, you’re not going to be around for the christening, either. Shultz not coming was bad enough. His letter didn’t even explain his reasoning. I was going to call him today. But, why you? Why would you be leaving all of a sudden? A leave of absence? Out of the blue? That’s a load of bunk. What’s going on?

August 10, 1946

Rob,

I am writing this letter to you on behalf of Hans and myself. He just couldn’t put his feelings into words. I’m having trouble myself. But you deserve an explanation. Neither of us could face you with this. The words would never have come properly in person. We hope you understand. We hope that after this month, we can continue our friendships, but that too may not be possible.

Please accept our sincerest apologies for missing Michael’s christening. Both of us had thought we would be able to come. We had looked forward to being there for you and Beth and Michael. We had both foolishly started to believe that we could be part of your family, even if it was to be just surrogate uncles to Michael.

As the day approached though, I saw how thrilled you were that your entire family was going to be together for this very special occasion. It was then, I realized, that neither Hans nor I have any right to believe that we could ever be included in your family. It was nothing that you did, believe me.

Neither of us could ever possibly face your family. For over three years, both Hans and I were your captors. I realize that through most of that time, you could have done what ever you wanted. And Hans and I have come to terms with that, personally. I know that the three of us have also made our peace with one another. That’s why Hans and I foolishly began to think we could make more of our relationship with you and your new family.

But we also know Rob, that during your incarceration, you never told your parents and siblings about your operation. It was understandably a secret. So for three and a half years your family knew us as nothing but your captors. I’m sure you mentioned both Hans and me in your letters. Even if under the best circumstances, you told them nothing. We were still responsible for keeping their son and/or brother locked up in a POW camp, and not always under the best of conditions. Their worries, their fears, and their anger, for over three years, was directed at me alone. And Hans possibly. There is no way that Hans and I could face your family. There is nothing that we could say that would ever give your parents back over three years of their son’s life.

So, please accept our apology. I hope you can understand our feelings. We are very sorry to have hurt yours. I will be staying in Heidelberg with Hans for the next month. I would hope that I could return to work with you, after your family leaves for the states, but I will understand if you appoint someone else to take over for me. My brother Wolfgang will stay on until you make a decision. I didn’t want to leave you hanging. I only have one request and that is, for you not to involve Wolfgang or my mother in this situation. They both understand the situation, and that we may have to move on after this month, but that is all I want to burden them with.

One last thing, please do not try and change our minds. After four years in your acquaintance, I’ve gotten better at anticipating your next move. Hans and I will not force ourselves onto your family. And we will certainly not lie to your family either. We will not pretend that we are not who we were. I may be your budget appropriations manager now. But that will never take away that we were still the men who, in their eyes, kept you incarcerated.

Again we are sorry. But we both want to wish you the best with Michael. You and Beth will make wonderful parents. I left a present for Michael along with this letter. Hans told me he was sending one as well. Please take good care of that little boy. He was born under three different Flags. American, English and German. As he gets older, he will find himself in a unique position, maybe to help his father bring about a change in this world.

Your Friends

Wilhelm, Hans

Rob looked up from the letter. Feelings of anger, guilt, and sorrow hit him all at once. Anger won out. He stood and exited his office. "Waters. Get me a flight to Heidelberg for tomorrow morning. I’ll need transportation once I arrive at the airport. I will need a return flight as well for late in the day," Rob said as he left his office, not giving Waters a chance to respond.

Rob got in his car and drove. Without much conscious thought, he ended up at the Stalag 13 site. He sat quietly for long time. The anger dissipated. I don’t know what to do. I can’t possibly just barge into Hans home. That would do nothing to solve this. How can I make them believe that my family will accept them? How can I even be sure that my family will accept them? I can’t be sure. I’ve never even dreamed that I’d be involved in this situation. I never expected it to be an issue. I thought that we, the three of us, were past where anything like this would be an issue. I guess in this case, I’ve had blinders on. What can I do now?

Rob drove back to his office. As he entered, he sheepishly said, "Lieutenant, I’m sorry. Please cancel those plans you’ve made for my flight to Heidelberg. I will not be traveling there tomorrow. I’m sorry, that I flew off the handle. I apologize for making you go to any trouble," the General said as he returned to his own office.

August 10, 1946

Wilhelm, Hans

Before I decided to write, you almost had me as a houseguest Hans. I had poor Kevin here rushing around trying to get a flight to Heidelberg for as soon as possible. My plans were to tell you both in person how unfounded, idiotic, selfish, and insane your position was. Temper, temper. It would have done wonders for our friendships huh? What do you think?

I finally came to my senses.

I certainly do not want to forsake our friendships. You’ve both have come to mean a lot to me. You have both done amazing things in helping to rebuild your country. I could not have done as much without either of you. So, we’ll just get past this month. Okay? Wilhelm you can’t get out of your job that easily.

I spent a long time today trying to make myself believe that my family would accept you, without repercussions. I wanted to believe that they wouldn’t be that petty. I wanted to be able to say to you with confidence that this whole thing wasn’t going to be an issue. What I came to realize was that I couldn’t promise you anything. And that hurt me, more than you could know.

My family are good people. But, I never actually had a conscious thought about what they might feel about our relationship. I never even thought it would be an issue. But, you were right, I never told them anything about my operation. And they did spend all that time worrying about me. And I spent a lot of time sugar coating my experiences at Stalag 13 for them. My family has yet to forgive me, for lying to them for over three years. I guess, I shouldn’t expect them to accept you both unconditionally, even though that is truly what I would like to see happen.

So, I’m at a loss. I would truly like you both to be here to celebrate Michael’s christening. It would make the day more complete. I have two families, you know. The one from Bridgeport CT, that I was born into and the one here, in Germany, that I was born into by fire. Both are very important to me. But I understand and will respect your wishes. Just don’t think you can forsake your new nephew forever. Uncle Wilhelm. Uncle Hans.

I will see you both in a month. Both your presents for Michael, will be waiting unopened until we can open them in your presence.

Your Friend

Rob

"Dad!" A voice called out and Michael scanned the crowded platform and spotted Rob waving at them from near the station entrance.

Rob shook hands with his father, John and Ed and hugged his mother and sister. He squatted briefly to say hello to his nephew Stephen. "How was the trip?" Rob asked.

"Good. Long, but we didn’t have any difficulties," Michael replied. "Your directions were terrific."

"I’ve had lots of practice. Come on, we’ll get your bags and go on to the house," Rob replied grinning, he led the way to the baggage car where the bags were being off loaded. He called out something in German and one of the handlers immediately pointed out a group of bags. Rob said something again, and two of the station men picked up the bags and followed them.

"I don’t have room to get all of you to the house in my car," Rob said exiting the train station and leading the way to where two cars were parked. A man was leaning against one of the cars. "So, Mom, Dad and John can ride with me. Sue; you, Ed and Stephen can ride with Heinrich and we’ll get all the bags back somehow. Luckily Phyllis and Joan are coming tomorrow. Joe will be here on Friday."

"Heinrich Berger, my mother and father, Michael and Mary; my brother John, my sister Sue, her husband Ed and their son Stephen," Rob introduced them to the man who had been leaning against a battered old black car.

"Pleasure to meet you all at last," Heinrich said in German accented English. "Robert’s told us all about you."

I wish the reverse were true. Michael thought to himself, smiling and shaking the German’s hand. They had no idea who this man was.

Rob and Heinrich along with John and Ed loaded the bags and shortly they were all driving through town.

"Is this a hotel?" Michael asked when Rob turned into the drive of a large, castle like structure.

"No," Rob replied. "This is my home. I told you I had lots of room. I bought it shortly after I returned to Germany last year. I liked the place the first time I was here, and when the office told me I should have a better residence than the house I was going to buy, I told them to come up with a list of available places. This one was on the list. I bought it. Beth and I spent the better part of the last year doing some refurbishing, but it’s all done now."

"But it’s a castle!" His mother protested.

"Yeah, I know. It’s definitely bigger than what we need. But the office demanded something a little showier than a two story Tudor farmhouse," Rob replied. "The man who owned the place saved my life once, though I doubt he realized it at the time. His daughter wanted to sell; the father and son were both killed during the war. I bought it. It was quite reasonable." Rob pulled his car up at the front entrance. Beth came out of the house.

"Welcome. I see you made it here in one piece," Beth said with a welcoming smile.

After the bags were sorted and Heinrich had left, Rob led his family through the halls of the mansion.

"A little ostentatious son, don’t you think?" Michael finally asked his oldest son after being shown the library. It was amazing that his son owned this place.

Rob laughed and replied, "Dad, after sleeping on a bloody cot with hardly any mattress or blanket for over three years I was dammed well going to make myself comfortable on my return to Germany."

Michael stared expressionless at his son, then turned and walked away.

Rob groaned inwardly. Obviously that comment didn’t go over well.

Chris Matthews eagerly returned home from the theatre every evening. His mailbox was generally filled with responses from the men on his list. This night though, before he could go upstairs to sort the mail out, the superintendent for his building called out to him.

"Mr. Matthews, your mailbox has been overflowing everyday for these past two weeks. This can’t continue. You are over-burdening the office," the superintendent informed him.

Chris smiled, "I’m sorry, Mr. Albert. My correspondence is likely to be heavy for the next year. I’m organizing sort of a field trip to Germany for next September."

"Why in the world would you want to go to Germany?" The super asked him astonished.

"It would be a return to Germany, coupled with a reunion," Chris replied. "I’ve got half the list, and my buddy Steve Marlow has the other. I can’t wait, it’s quite an honor they’re paying to us."

"What do you mean? Honor?" Albert asked surprised at Mr. Matthews’s comment.

"They’re building a school, and dedicating it to ‘Papa Bear,’" Chris replied with a grin. "It’s amazing that we’re being recognized like that!"

"You were Papa Bear?" Albert asked. He remembered reading about the agent in the papers. It had made quite a media splash about a year ago. Every now and then another article was written.

"No. Not me," Chris replied with a broad grin. "I was one of his operations staff. ‘Papa Bear’ was the senior officer in Camp, a ‘Colonel’ Robert Hogan. He kept us all alive, sane and working together during three and a half long years in prison. We would have done anything for him. Hell, we did do anything for him!"

"You were in prison?" Albert asked surprised. He didn’t know anything about Chris Matthews, except he paid his rent on time and in full, was quiet, and got along with everyone in the building.

"A Prisoner of War Camp," Chris replied. "Almost four years a resident at Luft Stalag 13, outside of Hammelburg Germany. When we left London, after being liberated, the Colonel asked me to keep half of the list of men, Steve got the other half. 1,000 men each."

"I didn’t know. I’m sorry," Albert replied astonished. He hadn’t really believed the news stories. How the Hell could anyone do what had been reported?

"Don’t be," Chris replied. "Those years were hard, but I wouldn’t have missed them. If the letters bother the office, leave them in a cardboard box, I’ll pick them up every night. Or I can arrange for the mail to be held at the post office."

"No. That’s all right. We will deal with the extra mail," Albert replied. He was going to go to the library tomorrow and re-read those newspaper articles. Imagine having a bonafide war hero in his building! Just wait till he told his wife.

"Thanks Mr. Albert," Chris said. "You know, I meant to tell you that I’ll be gone for five weeks starting the end of September. I should be back in early November. I’ll be traveling with my theatre company to London. We’ll be celebrating the grand reopening of the London Palladium with a month long performance schedule. I’m going to have a friend come by when he can and pick up the mail. Hopefully that won’t be a problem. His name is Steve Marlow. I don’t want you to have him arrested for mail fraud."

"That’s okay, tell him I will keep any overflow in my apartment and he can come get it there," the super said.

"Thanks again, Mr. Albert," Chris said as he picked up the mail and eagerly entered his apartment to sort through the mail. He found one of particular interest.

August 21, 1946

Chris,

It was great to hear from you, and for such a reason! Of course I will be there. I have begun medical school, but regardless of what is going on next September I will be in Germany.

It will be great to see the boys, and to hear what everyone has been doing. We were such a diverse group of men; some of the stories are liable to be hilarious! I am sure that from among the 2,000 of us there’s at least one of every occupation.

I will be accompanied by my wife, Cathy and father, Jim. Cathy doesn’t want me to give up the month of September, she’d like me to continue with my studies uninterrupted. I hope that I have convinced her that this is more important to me than any degree could possibly be.

Please let me know if I can do anything to help you and Steve organize this. I feel kind of left out of the loop, it was always the four of us … Kinch, me, you and Steve. Now you and Steve have all the responsibility.

Good luck.

‘Sgt’ Edgar Wilson

It was late, but it was the first time in days that Rob Hogan had some time to himself. With the entire Hogan family here, as well as Beth’s mom and sister, and Louis LeBeau and Andrew Carter, the house had been completely jammed with people for days. It was great!

Now that Rob had some time, he wanted to write to Ivan and Peter. He wanted to tell them all about the christening before he let too much time go by -- again.

August 26, 1946

Ivan, Peter

Before too much time went by, I wanted to tell you about Michael’s christening. We had quite the houseful, and still do at this point. My entire family, Beth’s mom and sister, Louis and Andrew. All staying with us at the house. It’s great. Actually Louis and Andrew left just this morning. Everyone else will be here for another week. I’m writing this at 10:00pm. It’s the first time that I’ve had some quiet time, since the troops landed. I’m not complaining. It’s the first time in over six years that my entire family has been in the same place at the same time.

Peter did I ever tell you that I bought the von Leiter Mansion when I returned to Germany. It was a ‘steal’ when I bought it. Completely furnished. It seemed that the previous owner left in a bit of a hurry! You should have seen the look on everyone’s face when they pulled up in front of it. I had never told my family what kind of house I bought, just that it had needed refurbishing. As I showed my father around the house, he said "A little ostentatious son, don’t you think?" I just laughed and said that after sleeping on a bloody cot with hardly any mattress or blanket for over three years, that I’d be dammed if I weren’t going to make myself comfortable on my return to Germany. Nobody else thought that was funny though. Oops.

It was great to see Andrew and Louis.

Andrew hasn’t changed. He still retains the same innocence that he always had. He was a big hit with my family, though. They wanted to adopt him. Then I told them that he was my demolitions expert during our operation. They looked at me stupid and refused to believe me, until Andrew started spouting technical jargon about demolition packs, dynamite, fuses, etc. You know how he could go on. And on. I actually let him this time. You should have seen the look on my family’s faces. Too funny.

Louis looked great. He was very upbeat, but I could see the underlying sadness. I told him that I would help him continue his search for his father and younger sister. I hope I can, at the very least, give him some closure. Other than that, he was doing well. He thinks he has found a place for his restaurant. Nothing concrete yet though. Oh yeah, he made three huge pans of chicken divan for after the christening. Wonderful. I tried to tell my family we ate like that all the time during our stay at Stalag 13. Unfortunately, they didn’t believe me.

On a somewhat unsettling note, at least for me, was that both Wilhelm and Hans told me they weren’t going to make the christening. I had been deeply hurt at first. But, I couldn’t deny their reasons. Neither man wanted to face my family. They couldn’t face them, knowing that they were the men who kept us all incarcerated for over three years. I know that we’ve all worked it out, but they couldn’t bring themselves to confront my family. I just wanted to say ‘nothing’ (to coin a phrase) about their occupations during the war. They both refused to lie to my family, so they chose not to be present at the christening. I had told them I understood, but it still hurt.

But there was unexpected good news. Both men did show up for the church service. They stayed in the back of the church, trying to be unobtrusive. I know, that they know, I saw them. I had asked Ursula to talk to them for me, to see if they changed their minds about meeting my family. They hadn’t. But they told her, that they just couldn’t miss, at least, part of Michael’s special day. I know how hard that must have been for them. But, like I’ve said over and over again in the past year or so, they keep surprising me.

As for the party after the christening… Thank God I bought the von Leiter place. There had to have been over 75 people who came. Most of course, you both would know. It was nice to see everyone. There were some language issues, but the Freilings adopted my parents and translated for them and the Berger’s did the same for my sister and her husband. It worked out very well. My brothers had Louis and Andrew to help as well. And after a year, Beth has the language mastered as well. She translated for her family. Everyone seemed to get along fine. Which was great. I, of course, had to mingle. Being Military Governor still has its protocols, you know.

Oh. One funny comment overheard. My dad asked Werner Kemp where he met me. Werner was funny and said; "Generally we met in the haystack outside my barn." Too funny, but try explaining that to your father afterwards. He stopped asking that question. Ha.

Overall, it was a great day. This past week has been great for me too. I got to spend so much time with my family, and Beth’s family. It feels like we’ve never been apart. And I’ve still got another week with them all. All the old habits are falling into place.

I know my parents were nervous at first, about coming to Germany. A country, that at present, wasn’t high on anyone’s list to visit. And on top of that, neither of my parents have ever been out of the New England area. But it’s been so nice to see that they have literally become enamored with the Freilings and the Bergers.

Wow this turned out to be a long letter.

Peter. I want you to know, that Beth and I, and my brother are going to take you up on the offer of Opening Night. I wouldn’t miss it. Beth and I and Michael will be staying with Beth’s mom in London. That way we have a babysitter. I don’t think Michael would enjoy Opening Night. Or at least, others won’t enjoy Michael at Opening Night. I’m so looking forward to being there for you. See you soon.

Ivan. You’re in for it now. Just so you know, my family has been snapping more pictures than you can ever imagine. My mother already has the meal she’s going to serve. So you better give them a call or they might even drive to Fort Devens one weekend and kidnap you. I’m not kidding. Be forewarned.

Keep writing guys.

Rob

As Rob put down his pen, he heard a knock on the library door. It was his mother and father. "Come on in," he said. "Have a seat. Would you like a drink?" Rob got up to hit the liquor cabinet. He poured out some scotch for his father and wine for his mother. They both had made themselves comfortable, but were very quiet. He started to make small talk. "So, you guys enjoying your stay so far?"

"Everything has been great Rob," his dad answered. "You’ve made some wonderful friends here. The Freilings and the Bergers. Amazing. It’s still hard for your mom and me to take it all in. We still have a hard time fathoming that these people were working with you against Hitler. None of the people that we met yesterday even seem capable of deceit. I guess I shouldn’t say it that way, though. I’m sorry."

"No dad, that’s okay. Deceit is the right word. But at least it was for the right cause. They were working for something they believed in. Securing their country from Hitler. They are a very strong people. When they decided to help me, they committed themselves wholeheartedly," Rob said. "That’s also why we had a tough time defeating Hitler. He had more than his share of strong committed people on his side. Let’s just be thankful it’s over."

"Yeah, you can say that again," his father, replied. "Rob, your mother and I were talking before we came in here. We had noticed that of all the people we met in the past week, not one of them was this Wilhelm or Hans that you have spent so much time in your letters telling us about. We thought that they would be the first people we would get to meet. Will we get to meet them?" Michael Hogan asked, thinking that he noticed a small flicker of ‘something’ show on his son’s face, but it disappeared quickly.

Okay Hogan, you now need a good excuse. "No, I’m sorry, you won’t. Both men have extended to me, their apologies. Hans runs that orphanage/toy factory in Heidelberg I told you about. He just couldn’t get away. Wilhelm had a family emergency. He’s traveling now. Neither was going to be able to make it for your visit. I guess, I should have told you before this. They both had wanted to be here, but things just come up, you know?" Rob said quickly. He hoped that would be the end of the discussion.

"Oh that’s very strange then," interjected his mother. "I swore I overheard Ursula and Beth talking about seeing them both at the church. Guess I misunderstood." Mary Hogan carefully watched her son Rob for a reaction. There it was, guilt. Again he’s lying.

"Must have, neither man was there," Rob said, his heart pounding. He could never lie to his parents. They could always see through it. "I am sorry, you won’t get to meet them. Both men have worked hard to rebuild their country. I’m proud to know them." Get off the subject Rob. "So would you want me to take you out to the site of Stalag 13? It’s an empty field now. But if you’re interested, we can go tomorrow."

"Okay Rob," said Michael. "Maybe you were good at subterfuge during the war against Hitler’s Third Reich. But you stink at it now. You see I overheard the same conversation that your mother did. Why is it that you don’t want us to meet them?"

Damn, I was hoping to avoid this conversation all together. "I’m sorry. It was not my idea, but I agreed with their decision to stay away from the christening. They surprised me though and came for the church service, but I knew that was as far as they would go. You see, both men are very sensitive to your feelings about my being incarcerated in Stalag 13 for over three years. Actually, the whole situation at Stalag 13 has put both of these men into a difficult position. They could not face all of you. Wilhelm, Hans and I, as well as the rest of my ‘people’, have come to terms with each other. We’ve all moved beyond the past and are working toward the future. Your visit here just brought everything home to roost for both Wilhelm and Hans. You see. Oh God, this is hard to say to you. You see. Wilhelm was the Kommandant of Stalag 13 and Hans was the Sergeant of the guard. Klink and Shultz. I know I mentioned them in my letters during my years at Stalag 13. It was impossible for both men to face you. They didn’t want to force their presence on you. They thought things would be better if they were not around," Rob explained, hoping that his family could understand.

Rob saw two very surprised speechless people staring back at him. Then he saw anger appear on their faces. Damn. Wilhelm was right. "Whoa, before you both go flying off the handle. You have to know something. There are two very important reasons that my operation was successful at Stalag 13. Klink for one and Shultz for the other. They have both come to terms with my blatantly using them for my own agenda. But my agenda only worked because both men were basically decent human beings caught between a rock and a hard place. Neither man ever really supported Hitler’s Third Reich. Neither man had much of a choice. Death was their only other option. So, somehow we worked out a system, where they ignored my crazy activity and I kept them safe and sound at Stalag 13. They both had assumed that I was just a con man, trying to keep my men safe and sound. Neither man, until the end, ever really knew anything about the extent of my operation. But they were a vital part of its success. So don’t jump to conclusions about them. Okay?" He pleaded.

"No, it’s not okay. This is just impossible to believe Rob," his dad said. "I can’t understand how you can be this forgiving. Your letters to us were always sugar coated. And we knew it. I’ve read accounts of POW camps. I know that life there was not easy. And to think that you could even consider the persons in charge of places like that friends, just makes me wonder if you’d been brainwashed somehow. I just don’t understand it. And on top of that, you are still lying to us. Is it ever going to stop?"

"Listen mom, dad. POW camps were awful, but Wilhelm Klink tried his damndest in a tough situation to run Stalag 13 close to what the Geneva Convention demanded. All the while trying not to look too lenient. It was a hard balance. And that was his decision. I had no control over that. But because of that though, I was able to get away with what I did," Rob said emphatically. "As for Hans Shultz, he would never have survived this war, under someone else command. The man is one of the most non-confrontational, decent men, that I’ve ever met," Rob tried to read his parent’s faces.

"You still don’t look convinced," Rob said getting angry. "Look, I’m sorry I’ve lied to you. But, all of what I just told you is true. But I guess, you need concrete proof. Well, I’m your concrete proof. The fact that I’m standing in front of you today is concrete proof of both men’s decency. You both know, I was injured during the last two months in that camp. My injuries were from a Gestapo interrogation. If it wasn’t for Wilhelm Klink, I would be dead." Here we go. "I would have died during that interrogation. Wilhelm stopped the interrogation, just before the Gestapo Major put a bullet in my head. Not a pretty picture huh? But, you are both so determined to have the truth. There it is, then. I owe him my life. Or would you rather me, six feet under?" Oh God, did I just say that?

Before Rob had another thought, his mother got up, slapped him across the face and ran from the room. His father quickly followed his wife, but turned back and said. "What the hell’s the matter with you Rob? How could you say that to your mother? How could you be so unfeeling and put that picture in her head?" He then left the library as well, without another word.

It had been a long sleepless night for Rob Hogan. He was sure by now his whole family knew about last night’s confrontation. I don’t know what to do? I cannot tell them everything I’ve done. It’s taken me this long to come to terms with most of it myself. I’ve done too many things I’m not proud of. I’ve almost died a few too many times as well. How are you supposed to explain that to your parents? But, I would still do it all again. It was necessary.

He heard Michael cry and as Beth was starting to get up he said, "I’ll go Beth. You sleep. I haven’t been able to." Rob Hogan went and picked up Michael and took him into the kitchen to get him something to eat. Beth had been breast-feeding, but they were trying to slowly wean him off. This way Rob could help out more. He prepared the formula and went to sit in the sunroom, right off the kitchen. He and Michael just sat and relaxed.

It wasn’t very long before Ursula showed up. Both Ursula and Olga had been taking turns coming over to help cook for the Hogan family while they were in town. Rob had offered to hire some young woman from Hammelburg to do all the work. Both Ursula and Olga, the two most stubborn women he’s ever met, would not hear of any such thing, so they’ve almost been camped at the house since the Hogan family arrived. "Good morning Robert. Michael," Ursula said. She noticed that Michael and Robert were both starting to dose in the early morning sun. "Here, here Robert. Don’t go falling asleep with your son in your lap. Let me put him back to bed. Oskar will be here shortly anyway, for his checkup." Before Rob could blink, Michael was on his way back to bed.

Rob then went back into the kitchen and started brewing some coffee. He sat quietly at the table. Doc Freiling had come in and had gone right into Michael’s room to check on him. Rob’s mother and father entered the kitchen just as he started drinking his first cup of coffee. "Good morning?" he asked quietly.

Neither parent answered their son right away. They had heard the baby and assumed Beth would be up. They wanted to talk to someone, who knew their son’s perspective. They didn’t know what to say to their son. Mary went and got both of them a cup of coffee. They joined their son at the table. "Rob, we don’t know what to say. Your mother spent the night crying. How could you have been so callous? I really don’t understand you, Rob. What other lies have you told us? Or maybe the question is what haven’t you told us? Can we believe anything you say anymore? Every time we turn around, we find out some awful hidden truth from you. How can we ever truly believe you again?" Michael said emphatically.

Rob took a deep breath trying to compose an answer. But before he could start, Beth, Oskar and Ursula returned from checking on the baby. Ursula was the first one to speak. "Michael Hogan," she said purposefully. "Why are you berating your son? So much time apart and you want to yell at him, for things he had no control over. Shame on you." She came almost to the table to face him. "Our time in this world is too short. Don’t waste that time. Your son was doing what he needed to do. There are many things that he cannot tell you. War is war. Bad things happen. You should be glad that you have a son that survived this war. A son who just gave you a beautiful grandson. A son who most of the people you met yesterday, owe their life. If you are to be angry with someone, it is all of us, who your son sacrificed so much to help." She was so close to him now, she poked him in the chest with her fore finger. "Now stop. Life is to precious a thing to waste on anger," she continued to stare at him, but her demeanor softened.

Doc Freiling interjected. "Michael. Mary," he said noticing that the rest of the Hogan family was joining them in the kitchen. "All of you. Beth just told Ursula and myself what started this argument. Life is indeed to precious a thing to waste on anger. We have known your son for four years now. I think that in our hearts, he has become as much our son, as yours. We have had a relationship tested by the real fires of war. It was never easy. But we, Ursula and I and those you met yesterday, had to learn to trust your son’s judgment. That was not easy for a stubborn people, such as we. Even your son can attest to that stubbornness. We have all done things that we will never speak of openly. But what it all boils down to is that your son brought us together as a whole, to defeat Hitler. And that ‘us’ eventually included Wilhelm Klink and Hans Shultz. We were all skeptical at first, but once again your son’s judgment has born out to be true. Both men are now part of our extended ‘family’ here in Germany. They are good men, working hard at rebuilding what we have lost. Now it is time for all of you to learn to trust Robert’s judgment."

At first, no one made a sound. Everyone had sort of taken a collective breath. Finally Rob broke the silence. "Look everyone," he began. "I am sorry that you are upset with me. I’m sorry that I can’t tell you everything. Hitler’s Third Reich needed to be defeated. To that end, I’ve done many things that I’m not proud of. I would indeed do it all again if the situation presented itself. I know that it’s hard for you to understand my perspective. There are horrible memories of this war that will live with me forever. And I’m sorry to say I can’t blame all those horrible memories on the enemy. The means that we used to defeat Hitler were more often than not, brutal and cold-blooded. But it was necessary," Rob explained quietly. He paused then asked, "Can we just get past this?"

"Dad, he’s right you know," Joe agreed. "I wanted to side with you in this, because I was angry at and maybe even a little jealous of my now infamous big brother. But he’s right. There’s too much bad that has happened. We should just move on. Let’s embrace the fact that we can all be together to have this argument."

"Yeah, maybe we should," Michael said. But, then there was a long uncomfortable silence. Rob, Beth, Ursula and Oskar took it as a cue to leave the rest of the family to their thoughts. They exited the house and sat out in the courtyard.

A while later, Michael Hogan approached the group in the courtyard. "Rob. We all talked. Everyone. We are sorry, that we forced you to tell us things that were better kept hidden. We will try not to confront you again, but we all wanted you to know that we can handle more than you’ve given us credit for. So if you ever do need to talk about those things, we will listen. Anyway, I composed a letter that I would like you to give to Wilhelm and Hans for me. I’m still not sure that I could face those two men. But if the only decent thing those men ever did, in this lifetime, was to save your life, then I will not forsake your friendship with them," his father said. "Like I said, I don’t think I could talk to them face to face. Not now, maybe not ever. But I needed to say thank you. We all needed to. Will you give this to them?" his father asked.

Rob took the letter. "I will only give it to them after I’ve read it. I will not give them a letter that tears into them. Okay?" his father nodded and went back into the house. Rob read the letter.

August 27, 1946

Wilhelm Klink, Hans Shultz,

I have asked Rob to give you this letter. I hope that you will receive it in the spirit in which it is intended. We forced Rob’s hand, not knowing what he was to tell us, but just having been genuinely curious as to why the two people that he mentioned most in his letters home in the past year, were not any where to be found. We found it even more curious, when we heard Ursula and Beth talking about seeing you both in church.

So, we confronted Rob. He tried to give you both logical excuses for not attending the christening. But, you see as his father, I’ve had the unhappy experience of having seen him lie through his teeth before. This time was no different.

Admittedly, we were all shocked to find out your occupations during the war. I’m sorry to say that our first reaction was not one of acceptance. I’m not even sure that we can accept it still. But, at this point, our feelings are not important. My son told me that you both in one way or another have saved his life. For that, I can only thank you both from the bottom of my heart.

My son means the world to me. I don’t know what we would do without him. So if he tells me that you both are his friends, then that’s the way it will be. I will not forsake his friendship with both of you. But, I have to admit, that I’m still not comfortable with this. Maybe in time, that will change. But what it does mean, is that you Wilhelm and you Hans, are expected to be present at any future gatherings of this family. We would expect nothing less from friends of my son.

Michael Hogan

Mary grabbed the mail and left the puppy with Michael. Michael was shocked. I guess she thinks she’s safe for a while, having just seen everyone in the same place. What a wonderful time we had. There were some rough spots, but those were all worked out by the time we left. It was just great to have everyone together again, even if it was only for a couple of weeks. Michael then saw a look of panic come over Mary’s face. She glanced at him worriedly. The letter she held in her hand had a return address of Hammelburg, Germany. But the two names listed, Wilhelm Klink and Hans Shultz, told of whom the letter was from.

September 1, 1946

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hogan

Both Hans and I are very grateful for your correspondence with us. We are at a loss for what to say to you both. We can apologize to you for how our occupations during the war kept you separated from your son. But, we know nothing we say, can change that fact, and for that we are sorry.

Your son and his family have come to mean a lot to us. Our relationship has always been one of contradictions. Both Hans and I have been bested many many times by your son. More times than we care to remember. When we finally came to the realization, that his path was the correct path, it was difficult and our pride suffered. But your son is a man of honesty, dignity, and integrity. And that is the stepping-stone from which our present relationship has emerged.

We hope that someday, we can meet in the middle and bring the chasm that exists between us to a close. But Hans and I will never force that meeting on you. Maybe our relationship will never be more than with your son as the buffer between us. But we are glad that you have accepted our need to remain as friends to your son.

Finally, we want to congratulate you on the birth of your grandson, Michael. We know how much he means to his parents. And if Rob’s love for his son is any indication of the home that he grew up in, it makes us even sadder for the rift, in that home, we almost caused during your visit here.

We will say this to you. Please do not repeat this to your son. If you ever feel that we will be infringing, with our presence, on any Hogan family gathering, please let us know. We will certainly stay away. It will be as hard an excuse to come up as the one we tried to use for your recent visit. Your son doesn’t bend easily nor does he take no for an answer. But we will do as you wish and stay away. Again, we will never force our presence on you.

Wilhelm Klink, Hans Shultz

"Well what do you know?" Michael said, reading over the letter Mary had thrust at him. "I didn’t expect to hear back from them."

"What are we to do now?" Mary asked apprehensive.

"Rob does want us to make peace. They’re certainly upholding their end. I think perhaps we should try as well," Michael replied. "All we need is to find some sort of common ground with which to continue the correspondence that they’ve begun with this letter."

Mary nodded in agreement. We should try. Everyone we met in Germany holds the same high opinion of them that Rob does. That must count for something.

Beth was lying anxiously in bed next to her husband. Rob was having another nightmare. She couldn’t help but remember their first three months in Germany. Rob had had nightmares almost nightly for those first three months. The nightmares finally subsided and Rob hadn’t had one in almost nine months. That was until this week. The nightmares returned after his parents had left for the states almost a week ago. What brought them back on?

Tonight was a particularly bad night, Rob seemed to have cycled through all three nightmares in a row. That has never happened before. He usually wakes after each and generally only experiences one at time. Occasionally two come in the same night, but never together. Tonight all three, he’s going to be exhausted. It would be one thing if he didn’t have such physical reactions to the nightmares, but each one brought a new and different response.

Beth continued to watch helplessly as her husband’s body shook ceaselessly. It normally took a full ten minutes for this nightmare to play out. It was the worst of the three. This one was the one where the Gestapo discover his operation and many, many Gestapo storm Stalag 13, forcing a roll call before anyone can react. Then they remove Rob from the line-up and force him to watch as his men, all 2000, are gunned down in a mass execution. Rob usually wakes at the point when his own execution takes place. He has told me, that as he watches the mass execution; he can feel each and every bullet impact while his men are gunned down.

Just then Rob woke startled and extremely distressed. He was breathing heavy and sweating profusely. His body was still showing signs of tremors. Beth did not dare to touch him yet; she waited until she saw his eyes began to focus on his surroundings. She had tried early on to quickly comfort him by taking him in her arms, but it had been the wrong thing to do. In his distressed state, he would lash out quite violently. Poor Rob, when I first told him that, he practically fell to his knees asking me to forgive him. Every night for the past week, he has apologized to me for having the nightmares. He’s more worried about me, than himself.

"Rob," Beth said softly as she began caressing his forehead. "Everything’s okay now."

Rob’s eyes slowly focused on her face. "I’m so sorry Beth. I just don’t know what’s going on. I didn’t hurt you or anything, did I?" His voice was still shaky and his breathing heavy.

"No Rob, you didn’t," Beth comforted as she repositioned herself to take him into a full embrace, gently guiding his head to her chest. She continued to caress his forehead. "It was bad tonight, wasn’t it?"

Rob’s body was tense at first. But then, almost childlike, he gratefully fell into her embrace resting his head gently on her chest. Feeling the warmth of her milk-laden breasts beneath his cheek gave him a feeling of serenity. The tension in his body lessened. He finally encircled her with his embrace and said, "Yeah really bad. It felt like it went on for days. Watching as everyone is killed when the Allies unexpectedly bomb Stalag13 on D-day. Watching my own execution at the hands of the Gestapo Major Hochstetter. And finally, watching the mass execution of all my men by the Gestapo after the raid on Stalag 13. God, all three came together tonight. I don’t know if I can’t take all three at once again. Damn, I wish they were the kind of dreams you wake up from and didn’t remember. But I guess that would be too easy. As it is, I get to experience every minute of each nightmare as if I was really there." The worst part is that I could have ‘really’ been there. Any one of those dreams could have happened. Actually two of them almost did. God Damn, I never had these nightmares while I was at Stalag 13. Why did they come after I returned to Germany and why now for Christ’s sake? - God I’m so tired.

"I’m so sorry Rob," Beth said. "I wish there was more I could do." Beth continued to quietly hold Rob in her arms, caressing his forehead and occasionally offering a gentle kiss. She knew from past experience that after a particularly bad night, this embrace would occasionally lead to some gentle foreplay and lovemaking. She always let Rob make the first move. Other than that, she just held him until he fell asleep. Whatever it takes, I’ll be here for him.

Rob lay awake for a long while cradled in Beth’s arms, his head still resting on her chest. Finally, he began slowly caressing and gently suckling from her breasts. Beth responded as she always had, fully accepting his advances. Before long, Beth willingly slipped under her husband as he pushed his body up from the bed. Rob had felt Beth’s body quiver with anticipation under him as he moved to cover her body with his. He fully intended to continue with their lovemaking, but as his eyes truly connected with Beth’s for the first time, he just couldn’t continue. Damn, I need to think about more than just myself. Don’t be a selfish bastard. Rob kissed Beth gently on the lips and then rolled out of bed, saying, "I’m sorry Beth. Why don’t you just try to get some sleep? I’ve already kept you up half the night. Michael is going to need you soon," he said and then quietly left the bedroom.

Beth had watched distraught as her husband left their bedroom. Rob had never walked out on her before, not even after a particularly bad nightmare. Oh God. I wish I knew what to do. Rob and I could easily lose ourselves in each other’s embrace before tonight. It never mattered who or what started the embraces or even why they started. The embraces were always something to be savored and cherished. That was also something that the war changed. The Rob Hogan I dated before his plane was shot down was always a very intense, driven, and purposeful lover. The Rob Hogan I married after his three years in that POW camp is a gentle, passionate lover who savors the entire lovemaking experience. It had helped us work through the nightmares together the first time. But now it’s so different with Michael here. Michael understandably needs my undivided attention. But right now, so does Rob. It’s sad how Rob has been so standoffish to Michael all week. I know it’s because Rob is afraid of falling asleep unexpectedly and lashing out and hurting him. I just don’t know what to do. Rob needs more help than I can give him. I guess I will write to Rodney in the morning, hopefully he can help.

Rob had gone to the sunroom off the kitchen. He had sprawled on the cushioned love seat. Damn, I can’t continue on like this. Poor Beth. Poor Michael. I haven’t been the best husband or father this week. I’ve barely even touched Michael. I’ve left Beth with that responsibility. I’ve been so afraid to fall asleep. I’m worried that anytime I close my eyes, the nightmares will return. As it is, I’m a mess. I don’t want to sleep but I also find myself dozing off at weird times, at work, at home. Because of that, I just can’t bring myself to hold Michael. If I fell asleep, I would never forgive myself for lashing out in anger and hurting him. I’ve tried to spend as much time as possible with him, but I’ve only held him when Beth was around. It’s just that he is so vulnerable. Beth seems to understand my need to have her around when I’m holding Michael. She has never balked at anything. I don’t know what I would do without her. Damn, I can’t just ignore my child anymore and I shouldn’t be putting all this pressure on Beth. I need to find a way to stop these nightmares. Beth doesn’t have the time to be a new mom, and to placate her neurotic husband’s psyche. I need to be the one offering support, not getting it.

Beth woke in the morning to find a note that said Rob had already left for the office. She had had to get up for Michael, not too long after Rob had left their bedroom, so she had known that Rob had spent the rest of the night in the sunroom off the kitchen. I couldn’t bring myself to talk to Rob. I didn’t know what to say. So I just fed and changed Michael and went back to bed. I’m so worried about Rob. It’s just that this whole thing is hitting him so much harder now than before. I need to do something. Beth sat down wrote the letter to Rodney Ballister.

September 15, 1946

Rodney,

How’s everything been? How’s your wife Stephanie? I know it’s been a long time. It’s been quite a year for me. Being married to the Military Governor of the US Controlled Zone definitely has its perks. Rob has an unbelievable network of friends here. They are all incredible people. I now understand his passion for trying to help them.

We had a baby boy on July 15, 1946. Michael Robert Hogan. Healthy and Happy. Rob, Michael and I are coming to London on the 30th of September. We’ll be attending the Grand-reopening of the London Palladium. One of Rob’s men, Peter Newkirk, had bought it and refurbished it.

I guess maybe I should get to the point of this letter. I have a big favor to ask of you Rodney. As a way of a quick explanation, when Rob and I returned to Germany, Rob experienced some awful nightmares for our first few months here. He had them almost every night. Together, we worked through the nightmares ourselves. It was hard. But, Rob hadn’t had another nightmare for almost nine months. That is, until this past week. And now they seem worse than before. The nightmares, as you might expect, all center on his experiences as a POW. He doesn’t know I’m writing you. But, is there anyway you could set up some time to talk to him while we are in London? We are both at a loss, and he is reluctant to talk to the people here. Rob and I can’t go though another few months like we did before and now with Michael in the picture, I don’t have as much time to support Rob through this.

I’d be forever grateful if you could help in any way.

Your friend

Beth

Rob tried to get some work out of the way before heading to Wurzburg. Around noon, he had Lieutenant Waters drive him to the base, under threat of death for telling anyone why. Rob had decided to tell Waters, because the poor kid had been dealing with a neurotic commanding officer for a week now. He deserved some explanation, even if it was not the complete truth.

Naturally when he arrived, he received a tour of the base and then had to meet with all the command personnel as well. He had hoped to be in and out quickly, but he soon realized that wasn’t going to be the case. On top of that, this facility did not have an updated medical history for him. Doctor Freiling has done his most recent physicals and had never sent the records. So Rob had to go through a short battery of tests as well.

After finally getting to meet Dr. Mitchell, the appointment actually went well. Rob hadn’t found it as hard as he expected to open up to the doctor. The doctor spent a few hours with him. Rob explained each nightmare and that he knew from his wife’s description and by the way he felt after each nightmare that he had some serious physical reactions to each nightmare. Since the entire US Military now knows of my ‘Papa Bear’ identity, I’m sure the doctors here have been waiting for me to crack since I got back to Germany. Well, I guess they got what they were waiting for.

Rob left the doctor’s office with some medication and a schedule of follow-up appointments for the express purpose of continuing the discussions about his nightmares. The doctor made sure Rob realized that today was not going to solve the problem. He had a long road ahead, but the doctor wanted him to know that he should now be able to sleep, and not dream, with the medication he was given. The doctor also requested that his wife be present for as many of the follow-up sessions as possible. Rob then gathered up Lieutenant Waters and they drove back to Hammelburg.

Waters had just dropped General Hogan off at his house, at his request. It was late, and the General hadn’t told anyone where they had gone today. Waters watched as the General went into his house, and then he drove himself home. The General said he would be out of the office for a couple days. I’ll have to pick him up for work when he returns, unless I can get someone to help me return the General’s car tomorrow. I hope everything is all right. The General has been really out of sorts all week.

"Where have you been Rob?!" Beth scolded angrily, as Rob entered the kitchen. "Nobody at the office knew anything! They said you and Kevin just left without saying a word! You had me scared to death! I’ve been looking for you all afternoon!"

"Is there something wrong? Is Michael okay?" Rob asked panicky. Beth was really on edge. She was never that way, even in a crisis.

"Michael’s fine! Everything’s fine! I was just worried about you!" Beth answered rather loud and bordering on hysteria. "How dare you not tell anyone where you were going?!"

Rob tried to diffuse her anger. He walked over to Beth and placed both hands on her shoulders. He looked her directly in the eyes and said, "So, you were worried that your neurotic husband may have gone off the deep end and taken Lieutenant Waters with him? Is that it Beth?" Rob held her gaze, and then smiled.

Beth just stared at Rob with no reaction. She looked like she had forgotten to breathe. She finally took a deep breath and hauled off, hitting Rob hard in the chest with both hands, as if pushing him away. "How dare you make jokes?! This isn’t funny!" Again she went to shove him with her hands.

Rob grabbed both hands and pulled her as close to him as possible. He let go of her hands and embraced her. He had to hold her tight while she struggled rather aggressively. He hoped she would just calm down. "Beth, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I know it’s not funny. But everything is okay. Honestly. I went to see a doctor today at the Military base in Wurzburg. That’s where I was. Everything is going to be okay. Really. I’m so sorry to have frightened you. I didn’t mean too."

It took a long moment, but Beth finally stopped struggling and really looked at Rob. "Oh God Rob. After last night, when you walked out on me, I was so worried. Then today after you disappeared, all I could think of was what it would be like being a widow, and alone in Germany. And what it would be like for our son, not to have a father." She began to cry and fell into his arms, shaking.

Rob continued to embrace her until her tears stopped. "Oh God Beth. I’m so sorry. I knew I was putting too much pressure on you. But I think everything’s going to be okay now. There’s no magical cure, but just even getting it off my chest today was a relief in some ways." Rob then kissed her and ended the embrace.

He backed away from her and leaned against one of the kitchen counters. Staring at the floor he admitted something he never expected to have to resort to, "the doctor gave me some medication, sleeping pills actually." Rob looked up to meet Beth’s gaze. "So, at least for a while, I won’t be much help to you with Michael at night. They are supposed to stop the nightmares, so I can get some sleep. Let’s hope it works. It of course, doesn’t get rid of the reason for the nightmares. I have a number of follow-up appointments with the doctor, so we can discuss the nightmares and their effect on this family. He wants you to come whenever you can. Okay?" he asked quietly.

Beth just let out a big sigh of relief. "Of course Rob, I’ll be there. Always." Beth approached Rob and they embraced. "I love you," she said.

Rob kissed her quickly on the cheek and said, "I love you too. We’ll work this out, I promise."

They continued the embrace for a long moment until they heard Michael begin to cry. Beth turned and headed for the bedroom.

"You know what Beth, I’ll go get him. Okay?" Rob asked quietly.

Beth turned back to Rob and smiled, "Any time dad, any time at all."

As Rob went to get Michael, Beth pulled the letter from her pocket that she had written to Rodney Ballister. She had been so pre-occupied today; she had never even mailed it. She tore it up and threw it away. Thanks anyway Rodney. Here’s hoping we won’t need your help.

Ken Mitchell sat back in his chair after going over his shorthand notes from yesterday’s emergency consultation with his new patient, Major General Robert Hogan. It had been a long session that went late into the day and he hadn’t gotten around to organizing his notes. Today he needed to put together his new patient’s notes into an official record. The record would be sealed as all psychiatric records were out of routine practice. But this record would have to be classified as well.

When his secretary had told him yesterday that he would be seeing an emergency consultation, he’d been annoyed. He hadn’t had time for an unscheduled visit. His schedule was full. So he had gone to protest to the base hospital’s commander, General Sydney Frank. But Doctor Frank had been ready for Ken’s protests. Doctor Frank adamantly made a point of telling Ken that he was being ordered to see Major General Robert Hogan.

Ken now smiled wryly to himself in memory. His protests had died before he had even uttered them. As I’m sure Sydney knew they would. Robert Hogan a.k.a. Papa Bear. I was going to meet Papa Bear! What an honor and an unexpected opportunity. The only thing that Sydney could tell him was that General Hogan had called for the appointment, himself. The General had expressed concerns about some bad dreams, but that was all. And no one at the base was going to put him off.

"Just listen to him Ken," Sydney told him. "General Hogan just sounds like he wants to talk with someone. You’re the best shrink in the place. But remember, whatever he tells you will be classified. We’ll have to get your security clearance upgraded. The brass doesn’t want any specifics about Papa Bear’s operation leaked. It needs to remain classified. They’ve only declassified that the operation existed and who were the principles involved, but nothing else. Granted a lot of it has been made public by word of mouth, but the brass want to try and keep a lid on as much as possible."

Ken had returned to his office trying to rehearse what he would say to the bonafide war hero when he arrived. He had personal reasons for wanting to thank Robert Hogan. His younger brother Keith had been one of the thousands of airmen that Papa Bear had rescued and returned to England. After the war Keith had told him the tale of ‘Papa Bear’. It was unbelievable, but amazingly, it was true. Stalag 13 -- a POW Camp above -- was a virtual labyrinth of tunnels below. The prisoners there dedicated themselves to helping other servicemen return safely home. What it must have taken for them to remain behind as literally thousands of servicemen were processed home.

Ken sighed as he leafed back through his scribbled notes. Where to begin? He had so wanted to express his gratitude to Papa Bear, the genius, who created the operation that saved his brother and so many others. But Ken quickly realized that his heaping praise on Robert Hogan, the man, was not going to help his new patient.

Ken finished off organizing his notes and plans for treatment. Damn. Twelve pages after only one session. Ken closed the thin new record with a sigh. He knew before too long that shiny new folder would be bulging with too much paper. Because of the troubled psyche of a man with a conscience, who was thrust into a situation where he had no choice but to follow through. After all that he accomplished, Robert Hogan still harbors feelings of guilt, that what he did do, wasn’t enough. He feels he should have done more. And yet he still feels acutely responsible for every life lost, on either side, because of his actions.

He pulled out a piece of letterhead and the address of the German doctor in Hammelburg that Hogan had listed as personal physician.

September 16, 1946

Dr. Freiling,

Yesterday your patient, General Robert Hogan, was seen at the base hosptal. Some routine medical tests were performed. Enclosed you should find a copy of those test results.

As a follow-up to his appointment I am writing to request that you send copies of any and all records you have kept on General Hogan to my office. I am especially concerned with the time he spent as a POW during the war. If you have any such records, they would be very helpful to me in assessing the General’s condition.

You should note on your own records that I have prescribed Amitriptyline to the General. He has informed me that he is not on any other medications at this time. I would like your verification that that is indeed the case.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call and speak with me.

Kenneth Mitchell, M.D.

Psychiatrist

The base physicians had some standard test performed, blood tests, weight, height etc. Nothing out of the ordinary. Except that the doctor from the base listed as Rob’s primary doctor, was not a physician, he was a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist also said that Rob had been put on a sedative, but there was really no explanation given as to why.

Oskar barely acknowledged Ursula as he gave her an excuse of an emergency house call when he left the house. Oskar drove quickly over to the Governor’s Mansion. He barely knocked and walked right though the door into the kitchen, calling out loudly for either Rob or Beth. It was then that he realized that barging in was a really stupid thing to do. He discovered that Rob and Beth were obviously ‘intimately involved’ on the sun porch. Oskar quickly turned away embarrassed and went outside into the courtyard.

Rob, with his heart pounding and his body reeling from the interruption, quickly dressed by throwing pants on. As he headed outside, he ran his hands through his hair hoping to look somewhat presentable. By the time he reached Oskar, Rob was more worried about some unknown emergency than the unexpected interruption to Beth and his lovemaking.

"What’s the matter Oskar? Is there an emergency? What do you need me to do?" Rob asked very worried and breathless.

Oskar would not look at Rob. Shaking his head he said, "Oh God Rob. I’m so sorry. I should never have barged in. I never would have done that under normal circumstances. Please accept my apologies."

"It’s okay. I know you wouldn’t. Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?" Rob asked, walking up and putting a hand on the older man’s shoulder.

Beth just arrived outside. She had needed extra time to dress and compose herself before she could face Oskar. She was so very embarrassed. What was he doing here? Something must be wrong. "What’s the matter? Rob? Oskar?" she asked, as she watched Rob try to comfort Oskar.

Oskar turned back and faced both young people. "Rob, Beth. Please forgive me. I don’t know what to say. I came here in a panic. Ursula doesn’t even know why I rushed out of the house, or even where I went. How can I say this? Rob, today I got a request for your medical records to be sent to the base hospital in Wurzburg. They sent me a report of your treatment from an appointment last week. All it said was that you had some basic tests completed, but that you were put on a sedative and were being seen by a psychiatrist. Beth you won’t understand this, but Rob all I could think of was the last time you were on sedatives under my care. I panicked that that condition had re-occurred. I’m hoping that that is not the case. Please tell me that is not the case?" Oskar pleaded, his eyes threatening to fill with tears, his body trembling.

Rob reached out and took Oskar into an embrace. "Damn, Oskar. It’s not the case. Really, that’s not it. I’m so sorry. I never thought the base would send you anything. It was stupid of me to think that that wouldn’t happen." Rob pulled back from Oskar, though he kept his hands on his shoulders. "I’m not dying, Oskar. Okay? Turns out I have a completely new neurosis. One, I didn’t want to bother you with," Rob said quietly. "I am not dying, okay?" He gave the Doc a small shake. "Did you hear me?"

Oskar sighed heavily, "Yes. I heard you. What’s wrong then? Something you didn’t want to bother me with, you said?"

"Well. Um. I’m not sure you’re going to understand. Basically, I’ve been having nightmares. Pretty bad ones, where I have severe physical reactions to them. They started right after my family left. I wouldn’t have been all that worried about them. But what I never told you, before, was that for the first three months after my return to Germany, I had the same nightmares almost every night. Beth and I suffered through them together. When they started this time, they were much much worse. I was pretty much a basket case. Not sleeping. Not eating. Serious mood swings. I was afraid to even touch Michael. I was going to hell in a hand-basket. So, I went to a psychiatrist at the base. He gave me the sedatives, so I could sleep. Other than that, I have follow-up appointments to find the cause of the nightmares. That’s all. Really. And the sedatives have worked so far," Rob said trying to be re-assuring.

"Why didn’t you tell me!? Of anyone, I think I would understand your nightmares!" Oskar said frustrated.

"Actually Oskar, I assumed you had some of your own and you didn’t need mine to deal with too," Rob said.

Oskar approached Rob and slapped him across the face. "How dare you decide what I can and can not handle? Three weeks ago, I told your parents that in my heart you are as much my son as theirs. A parent does not deserve to be a parent, if they cannot accept the pain of their children. In this, you are my son, not my patient. You will never close me out again, is that understood?" Oskar said angered.

Rob was so taken aback. He didn’t respond right away. Rob glanced at Beth for support, but she looked just as taken aback. Rob turn to Oskar and sheepishly looked at the floor, "God damn it. My track record sucks with parents recently." He slowly glanced up at Oskar. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you out of the loop. It’s just that…" A thought struck. "Damn it, you are right Oskar. You know that? In this, I was your son, and not your patient. And you should have figured out by now, that I hide unpleasant things from my parents. And I do seem to remember someone saying that ‘there are things that can’t be told’ and that people should learn to trust my judgment."

"No you don’t. You will not force that issue with me. That statement had nothing at all to do with the ‘life and death’ of one’s child. It had everything to do with the fortunes of war," Oscar said frustrated. "You can be the most stubborn, frustrating, and impossible man."

"Yeah and look who’s talking?" Rob retorted. Great come back, huh? Worthy of a four-year-old.

Both men just stood staring at one another. Neither had any more arguments to make. Beth broke the silence. "So… Rob? Oskar? Are you guys finished? Your arguments are going to get you nowhere. Plus I find it fascinating that the two of you argued and came to the same conclusion, that you both love each other as family. So it’s time to knock off the stubborn indignant acts and apologize to one another."

Oskar was the first to answer. He stared Rob directly in the eyes. "I will not apologize for loving you like a son. I expect an apology, though, from a son who feels I’m not worthy of sharing his pain."

Okay. Back down Rob. This argument you can’t win. Do you even want to for that matter? "Oskar, I apologize. I truly just didn’t want to burden you with it. I had never expected that information to come back to you. I’m sorry it made you come to the conclusion that you did. I’m more sorry about that than you can ever know. But I promise to be more cognizant of your feelings in regards to my health. Okay? Truly everything is going well. The dreams stopped within a day of beginning the medication. I still need to work through the cause, but everything will be okay."

Oskar was still angry, but didn’t have another rejoinder. "Fine," he said evenly. "I still do not apologize for worrying." Then he smiled sheepishly and said, "But I truly apologize for interrupting you and Beth this evening." Oskar put his arms around both Beth and Rob, "I would never forgive myself if I interfered with you both bringing another child into this world. You two should continue where you left off." He gave both young people a shove in the direction of the house.

Both Rob and Beth looked embarrassed. Rob said, a little stunned, "You know Oskar, that is one statement I never thought I’d hear from a parent."

Oskar just laughed, "You two should know by now that parenthood is a precious gift, and never should be forsaken. But what you don’t realize is that grandparenthood is an even more precious gift, and one that should be encouraged at every opportunity." Oscar smiled, put his hand on Rob’s shoulder, looked directly at Rob, and never broke eye contact with him. "Although, I admit that sometimes children can be a patience tester and occasionally a good throttling is necessary," Oskar said, giving Rob’s neck a small squeeze. "I will go now," he said, and made his way to his car.

Rob watched as Oskar got into his car and drove away. Damn, do parents get together and come up with a consensus? Or is it just me that makes ‘parents’ want to throttle me?

Tonight was the first night that Beth would be out of the house for the evening since Michael was born. Of course, for the first 3 months, Beth was breast-feeding and it was rather difficult to leave. Then with Rob’s nightmares, he hadn’t wanted Beth to leave Michael alone with him. But Michael was almost completely weaned onto a bottle and Rob’s nightmares had subsided. Well at least they were being controlled by the medication. Rob felt comfortable enough for her to go out and enjoy herself. It was sort of a girl’s night out. She, Ursula and Olga were attending a theatre production of Shakespeare’s A Mid Summer’s Night’s Dream. The boys were converging on the Hogan residence for a game of poker.

It’s kind of a relief that someone else was going to be here tonight, Rob thought. I won’t admit to Beth that I’m still a little worried. And not so much about the nightmares, as much as this really would be the first time I’d be alone for an extended period of time with Michael. Yeah, I know. I tried to convince her I had experience with babies and all that…it’s just that he’s so small.

While waiting for his guests and with Michael settled, Rob took some time out to respond to the letter that Peter had written last week.

November 10, 1946

Peter,

Sounds like things at the Palladium have been very successful so far. Congratulations, I couldn’t be happier for you. I was going to say I couldn’t have been more proud of you, but I don’t think that’s my prerogative any more. (Even though, I am).

Beth and I (and Michael) had a wonderful time in London. It was good to see you and meet your mom, dad and sister. They were all great fun. But I wanted you to know that I really appreciate your connecting with my brother Joe. You both seem to have hit it off. That is if what his most recent letter to me said was true. Was it? Something about you, him and two women being drunk, naked and in the wading pool outside the Palladium? Drunk, I understand. Women, I understand. But… My brother Joe, naked in a wading pool, in October? Are you corrupting my little brother, Peter?

Thanks.

So, did Chris Matthews accept your offer of a job? It was great to see him. What a surprise that was. I hope he takes you up on your offer. You two always worked well together.

The real purpose for this letter was to extend an invitation to you and your family to come to Germany to celebrate Thanksgiving with Beth and I. Joe was already planning to come. I realize, of course, that basically Joe and I would be the only ones with any claim to the Thanksgiving Holiday. But any excuse for a Holiday, right? We would love to have you and your family. This year will be the first time that we we’ll be able to enjoy the holiday season. Last year, it wasn’t even possible. The conditions in this country were not good at the time. They are, of course, not perfect now. But things are getting better.

We’ll be celebrating on Saturday, November 24th. I couldn’t legitimately make Thursday the Holiday. If you can come, plan to stay the weekend (or longer). You and your family can stay at the house with us. If everyone comes we’ll have a house full on that Saturday. I’ve invited close to 20 people for dinner. Hopefully you all can make it.

I had already asked Louis to come, but he and his sister are spending this time getting re-acquainted. I’m glad we were able to locate Michelle. She’d been living for the past year in an orphanage in Paris. Louis’s father had died around the same time that we were liberated from Stalag 13. Anyway, Louis wants to spend time with her, but has promised that they will come for the Christmas holiday.

Joe already told me that you’ve invited him to spend Christmas with your family. The big brother in me can’t thank you enough for your kindness to him.

Oh yeah. Want to know something funny? I’ve taken up playing poker with Doc Freiling, Doc Schnitzer, Heinrich, Hermann and Wilhelm. I’m waiting for them all to show up and play tonight, as I write this. I had it good at first; none of them had ever played much. Now though, they have all mastered it enough to continually beat the pants off me. I really, really miss having you as my poker ‘partner’. Maybe we can play a round or two ‘together’, with them of course, if you make it for Thanksgiving? (Vindictive of me, isn’t it?) They should all be here that day.

Well I honestly hope you can make it sometime, even if it isn’t for Thanksgiving.

Your Friend,

Rob

PS. You know, that wading pool thing sounded like a lot of fun. I wish I could have been there. (Oh God, don’t ever tell Beth that I said that!)

Rob went quickly to check on Michael. Everything’s fine, don’t be neurotic. Then he decided to send his brother Joe a note, as well. He wanted Joe to know that he invited Peter and his family. But I wonder. Should I tell Joe that Wilhelm and his family have already agreed to come for Thanksgiving? I told Wilhelm that my brother would be here. I could tell Wilhelm was nervous about it, but he told me that he and his family would be there. Then he said, and I quote, "Even if it is just to figure out what all the fuss is about your Thanksgiving Holiday." Damn, the man has turned into such a wise-ass. I guess maybe, I’m a bad influence. You know what, I not going to mention it to Joe. He’s just going to have to deal with it.

November 10, 1946

Joe,

How’s everything? Any more skinny-dipping in the Palladium’s wading pool? Everything’s fine here. I just wanted to touch base with you. I wanted to make sure you were still coming for Thanksgiving? It is going to be you and me for the American contingent at the house for Thanksgiving.

I’m planning on close to 20 people for dinner. I’ve even hired, ahem commandeered, a couple of cooks from the military base in Wurzburg to do all the work. I wanted everyone else to have time to relax. Olga and Ursula were angry when they first heard that. Honestly, even though both ladies are good cooks, I just don’t think the turkey would come out the same. As it is, I made sure my commandeered cooks were American. (Sorry, still harboring a distaste for German cuisine).

I also wanted you to know that I invited Peter and his family. So will you touch base with them? I hope they can come. I just figured you might want to travel together.

See you soon

Rob

So far everything was going really well. The food smelled wonderful. I’m really glad I had these two guys come, it’s working out great. The liquor cabinet was full. Very Important. The only thing we won’t have is the traditional high school football game to watch. Too bad. Everything else, so far so good.

"Hey big brother. Would you like a beer?" Joe said heading in Rob’s direction from the main living room and the bar, attested to by the two bottles of beer he was carrying.

Rob turned just in time to catch the bottle his brother threw at him. "Thanks," Rob said eyeing his brother warily. Whoa, what’s this? Joe is still in his skivvies. And he’s already had one too many.

Joe approached and opened Rob’s bottle with the opener he had been carrying, "Happy Thanksgiving." Joe clunked his bottle haphazardly against his brother’s. "Cheers," Joe said taking a swig.

"Cheers," Rob answered, trying to avoid the spillage from his brother’s bottle. He then also took a swig. "You started a little early today, huh?" Rob said noticing that his younger brother was somewhat inebriated. He wasn’t too bad, but there was a definite alcoholic haze about him. "Why don’t you just slow down, okay?"

"Why, you afraid your younger brother will embarrass you in front of your friends?" Joe said sarcastically.

"As a matter of a fact, yes. What gives Joe? You aren’t normally like this. Is there a problem?" Rob asked rather pointedly.

"No problem. No problem at all. Just preparing myself to pay the proper homage to my big brother, Major General Robert Hogan," Joe said bowing, which caused even more beer spillage.

"What are you talking about?" Rob asked, confused.

"Tell me General sir," Joe said waving his beer in the air. "How many of the people at dinner today are going to tell me that they owe you their life? Huh? Every single one, right? It’s sickening, you know. I can’t even have a conversation with Peter without it somehow coming up that my big brother was an infamous war hero," Joe said with a real sour attitude.

"Whoa Joe. Where’s this coming from? I never saw you like this before. Drunk, yes. Nasty no. What’s wrong?" Rob asked.

Joe got right in his brother’s face. "You are what’s wrong! You try being stationed at Fieldstone; where everyday your work is compared to your big brother’s. I can’t get away from it. The biggest reason for me going into intelligence, in the first place, was to get out from under your shadow. Even as kids, you were always the one people noticed. Now, my big brother the ‘pilot’ turns out to be the man that ran the biggest intelligence operation in military history from inside a POW camp. I just can’t win here." Joe turned and walked away from his brother.

Rob absent-mindedly put his beer down on the closet table and approached his brother saying, "Joe, I don’t know what to say to you. I never realized you felt this way. Why didn’t you tell me before this? Is there anything I can do?" Rob asked worried.

"Give it a rest Rob. I don’t need your holier-than-thou attitude," Joe said evenly, taking the last swig from his beer and throwing the empty bottle in Rob’s general direction.

The bottle went sailing passed Rob and smashed to pieces against the wall behind him. Rob’s anger rose from down deep. "You are a bastard, Joe. Do you know that? So, I bet you enjoyed your time in the limelight then, with your older brother being held captive in a POW camp. How could I possibly out shine you from there huh? Or maybe you would prefer that I never came back? My death would have suited your plans to out shine your big brother. It could have been easily arranged you know. Death was a fairly common occurrence. It wouldn’t have been hard to arrange at all…" Rob’s angry voice had to trailed off, as he ducked Joe’s right cross. Joe had taken a big swing and he lost his balance. Rob grabbed him, but let his brother’s momentum drop him to the ground. Rob then sat on him and restrained his arms behind his back. He held on to his brother as tight as he could.

Joe struggled, but couldn’t break Rob’s hold. "God damn it Rob, get off of me," Joe complained.

"No, you are going to answer my question. -- Would you have preferred that I never came back?" Rob asked again.

"Let go of me, you bastard!" Joe yelled, still struggling against his brother.

"Would you have preferred that I never came back?" Rob repeated evenly, as he tightened his grip.

"Get off me!" Joe yelled frustrated.

"First, answer my question. Would you have preferred that I never came back?" Rob demanded.

"Of course not! God damn it, how can you ask me that!? You’re my brother for Christ sake!" Joe said rather deflated.

"Then tell me once again why we are having this argument," Rob demanded, the tension in his voice easing.

"Because, I just need to hate you every once in a while!" Joe bellowed, sarcastically.

"Oh. Is that all?" Rob asked, as he released his hold on his brother. He slapped his brother upside the head. "So warn me the next time that’s gonna happen." Rob stood up and helped his brother to his feet. "Truce?" Rob asked.

"Truce," answered Joe. "I’m sorry Rob."

"Yeah, well I guess we have stuff to talk about. Now go get cleaned up and drink some coffee. I don’t need my guests tripping over my inebriated brother." Rob grabbed his brother’s shoulders, "We will talk. You can count on it. I can’t have my little brother hating me all the time. Every once in a while -- maybe."

As Joe left the room, Peter came in from another entrance. "Rob," Peter said nodding quickly and trying not to make eye contact.

"Peter," Rob said also nodding. "So, how much of that did you see?"

"Most of it." Peter said apologizing, "Sorry."

"Don’t be sorry. Has he been acting like that around you? I’ve never seen him like that. I mean. Well. Hell. We’ve always had the typical sibling rivalry. But damn, I never thought it went so far," Rob said sadly.

"You know Rob, I’ve haven’t seen him like that either and we’ve spent a lot of time together recently. It’s just this past week that he’s been out of sorts. I know he’s really nervous about meeting Wilhelm. Actually my whole family was. I really couldn’t convince them to come."

"Yeah. My whole family has a problem with it too. I guess that may never change," Rob said distracted. "If you’ll excuse me Peter. I think I’m going to bring my brother some coffee."

"Sure no problem," Newkirk said as he watched Rob leave. Peter then went to get something to clean up the broken beer bottle. He was sure Rob wouldn’t want to leave any evidence of that altercation. Peter decided to take the blame for the mess. Just plain being clumsy, I guess.

Rob knocked on the door of his brother’s bedroom. "Can I come in?" he asked. He heard a muffled response and took it for ‘yes’. As he opened the door, Joe was just coming out of the bathroom that was attached to his bedroom. He had just showered and was now changing. "Here’s some coffee," Rob said as he walked over and handed it to his brother.

Joe barely looked at Rob. "Thanks," he said and took a sip. He started to turn away from Rob, but stopped suddenly. Looking back at his older brother Joe said, "Rob. Listen. I was so way out-of-line, that I don’t even know if an apology would ever suffice. But, I am sorry. And God, I’m so proud that you are my brother. Really, I am. I would never have wanted anything to hurt you. I’m so sorry that I made you think that I would want you dead. That you think that hurts me, more than you could know," Joe said quietly and again started to turn away.

Joe then turned back quickly before Rob could respond. He smirked trying to break the mood. "Although, I’m still going to retain the right to hate you every once in a while. Your footsteps are hard to follow in, you know? But damn, what footsteps! Huh?" This time, the right cross landed, but Joe had only aimed at his brother’s shoulder.

Rob’s shoulder absorbed the impact and he stood there a little dumbfounded staring at his younger brother. "Apology accepted," Rob paused. "I think."

"Look Rob, I’ll be honest. I’m just really nervous about being here. I know I’ve met most of these people before. It’s just that this time, I feel out numbered. And the thought of hearing you guys sharing ‘war stories’ with the man -- and his family -- who had a life and death hold on you for three years, just irks me. I have visions of myself jumping up from the table and strangling him," Joe said. "I guess, I just started to take those feelings out on you. I’m sorry, but I really don’t know how to deal with the man."

"Look Joe. First of all, ‘war stories’ are off limits. We don’t discuss the war. There are too many uncomfortable memories there. Like I told you the last time you were here, we’ve already dealt with those and we’ve all moved on. We discuss only the present or what the future will bring," Rob said pointedly and then paused.

"But just so you understand," Rob continued. "Try looking at this from Wilhelm and Han’s position. My men and I whooped their butts, but good. Again it was necessary and I would do it again. But can you understand what it took for both men, coming from a place of authority over me, to learn that I’d made a fool of them for over three years. -- And you still need to remember that if both men were true Nazi’s, my men and I would be dead. -- My operation only worked because of both men’s inherent decency. Neither man ever had any intentions to harm any of us. And believe me, that was a hard balance for a POW Kommandant in Nazi Germany. Somehow, together we made it work. I never gave him a reason to shoot us, so he never had to make the decision to shoot us. Granted a strange balance of power, but it worked. -- And, I still got the better of both men. -- But yet, here they are over a year later, working hard with me, at rebuilding their country. -- Believe me, both men have swallowed way too much pride."

"But how can you call them friends?" Joe asked.

"Because Joe," Rob said. "After all that I did to them and their country. They both had the balls and the gumption to stand up and do what was right, regardless of how much their pride suffered. Those are the men that I call friends. They have done something that I’m not sure I’d be able to do if the situation was reversed."

Joe was just shaking his head. "I don’t know Rob, I just don’t know."

Rob approached his brother and put his hands on his shoulders. "Can you please try to meet Wilhelm half way. He’s just as worried as your are. Hans isn’t going to be here, so I’m sure Wilhelm feels just as nervous as you do."

"Okay. Okay. I’ll try," Joe agreed.

Just as they finished the conversation, Beth knocked on the door and called out, "Rob. Joe. Wilhelm and his family have arrived. Can you come?"

"We’re on our way Beth," Rob answered. He then looked at Joe, indicating the door, and said, "So into the fray little brother?" Rob led his brother down stairs to meet his guests.

It wasn’t until 3:30 in the morning that Joe got back to his bedroom. The day had gone much better than he ever expected. Rob, Peter, Doc Freiling and Wilhelm were still downstairs playing poker. Everyone else had gone home and Beth had gone to bed hours ago. I finally had to call it quits and head to bed. I need to be up and on the train for 12:00pm. So does Peter for that matter, but he didn’t even look remotely tired. Probably because, between Rob and Peter, they were cleaning up. Granted, they weren’t playing high stakes poker. But you wouldn’t know that from the expressions on the four men’s faces. If they keep going the way they’re going, I won’t have much time to talk to Rob tomorrow. I really need to tell him that I can see what he sees in Wilhelm Klink. -- And damn. -- All that talk about delivering toys to orphanages all over Germany from Hans Shultz’s toy company/orphanage. -- I get the picture Rob. - I can’t leave here without trying to settle with Rob. Maybe I’ll just write my feelings down and leave them for him to read.

Rob,

I wasn’t sure how much time we were going to have today to talk before I had to leave. So, I thought I would just write you a note. I wanted to make sure I got everything I wanted to say off my chest.

First, I apologize again for that inane outburst yesterday morning. Please forgive your little brother, okay? I could never say this to your face, but in a letter I can get it out. I love ya, you big lug of a Major General. Really, I do. And I hate myself for feeling like I do sometimes. But nothing will ever take away how proud I am to be your little brother. You have done incredible things; I just hope that I can at least continue to bask in your limelight. I may not always like it, but I couldn’t live with the alternative. Okay, is that enough gushing?

I also needed to tell you that I got to see what you saw in Wilhelm Klink. I now understand your perspective. After all you tried to tell me, I still had been picturing him as an overzealous member of the German military. I saw him as someone that you were able to subjugate, whether through blackmail or threat of death or whatever. I really didn’t want to know which. Well anyway, you know that saying about ‘meeting the face of the enemy?’ Well, yesterday I did. And there it was… the face of a decent human being, who had been caught between a rock and a hard place. It blew me away.

As for your Hans Shultz… Damn, the man sounds like Santa Claus for Christ sake. Was that a little overkill for my benefit? Probably not, huh? All that talk of toys drives and orphanages. Geesh. I get the picture. I’m sorry now that I didn’t get to meet that ‘face of the enemy’. But I think now that I would never have seen the ‘enemy’. Am I right?

Yesterday was a wonderful Thanksgiving. Truly. It was a very interesting exercise trying to explain Thanksgiving to a room full of people who have no clue. You know, that whole Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, and Indians explanation really went nowhere. As for the high school football games, nobody understood the connection. They all seemed to get the ‘thankful’ part, which was good.

And, telling them about that Thanksgiving we spent in New York City to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was great because I got to tease my big brother a little. I can remember that day like it was yesterday, Mom and Dad asking you to watch John and Sue while they took me to the hospital after I broke my ankle. The two of them so wanted to see the parade. And you… You were so confident about being able to watch them by yourself. But then you lost John in New York City during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Thank God he wasn’t that far away and that policeman found him. It probably would have been a lot better had the policeman found him before mom, dad and I returned from the hospital. Huh? What do you think? I do seem to remember you getting quite the ass whooping. Bet it still smarts sometimes! That was certainly one time I was glad you were the older brother!

You know the look on your face after I finished the story, and on Beth’s face for that matter, was priceless. I got the impression you never told her that story. Oh no. Sorry dad. I bet that was another one of those things where your little brother should have kept his trap shut. Huh? Just don’t take Michael to New York City for the Macy’s parade and you should be okay.

Well Rob, I can’t see you on Christmas. I don’t know when I can get away again. So keep writing or plan to come back to London when you can.

Your little brother,

Joe

He sighed again looking at the urgent reports on his desk for his attention. Well it was lunchtime. They could wait.

December 2, 1946

Mom and Dad;

Another year is winding down. Things here in London have been busy, but I was able to get away recently to spend ‘Thanksgiving’ with Rob. Well truthfully, we were the only ones with a legitimate claim to the Holiday, but the rest of his guests got in the spirit of the thing easily. I traveled to Rob’s with Peter Newkirk. You will all love him when you meet him. Peter is truly a one of a kind. He’s a nefarious thief I’m sure, who would give you the shirt off his back. Well, he’d probably give you his and then steel another one for himself! Honestly, Peter Newkirk is a great guy, who just happens to have some ‘different’ talents. He runs the Palladium Theatre here in London. Such a grand place. He’s done a splendid job refurbishing.

Peter and his family were invited to Rob’s as well. But Peter couldn’t convince his parents and sister to go. They have horrible memories about what the Germans did to London. They also have similar feelings about the whole Wilhelm Klink and Hans Shultz thing that you all do. I knew that Wilhelm Klink was going to be there and I admit to having been a nervous wreck about meeting him. I bugged Peter about 'Wilhelm', during the whole trip to Germany. But he wouldn’t tell me a thing.

But then I met Willhelm Klink. Whatever you have pictured Willhelm Klink to be, forget it. He’s not. Willhelm Klink turned out to be the guy that you would pass by in the Library. The guy that clerked in the basement of the Company. The guy no one would ever look twice at. The guy who did his job, and life went on around him. But he’s not that either. He’s difficult to explain.

But he definitely wasn’t ‘The Enemy.’ Willhelm is a man in his 50’s, who was a career military officer. Not distinguished in any way. I can definitely see why Rob described him as being caught between a rock and a hard place. But he doesn’t talk about the War either. No one in Hammelburg discusses it with any ease. He’s incredibly competent at what he is doing now. And ‘now’ in Germany is what seems to count. No one dwells on the past. It's dead and they want it to stay that way. He’s been a terrific ‘uncle’ to Michael. Beth seems to have accepted him as well. She makes no bones about knowing who he was, but she obviously adores him.

I tried my best; but I couldn’t hate him. In fact, as the day went on I would have to tell you that I admired him, in a strange sort of way. I just can’t picture him as Rob’s jailer, even though I know he was. Rob doesn’t see him that way. And I don’t think, except for at the very beginning, did Rob ever see the man that way.

Well that’s really all I wanted to say. I met Willhelm Klink. I like him. I really wish I could have met Hans Shultz. He sounded like the kind of guy that 'everyone’ would love. I can’t imagine Hans Shultz with an enemy in the world after the picture that every one of Rob’s guests painted of the man. I can’t wait to meet him in September, and if he’s not there, I plan on making Rob tell me where I can find him. I need to put a face to that picture.

On a different note, you know that I cannot make it home for Christmas again this year. I just can’t be gone from here that long. I’ll be celebrating with Peter and his family. So I imagine the next time we will all meet again will be in September. I hope Suzy and John are doing fine, and that everyone else there is well. Write soon,

Love, Joe

"Good afternoon Mary," Michael greeting her as he came into the kitchen. "How’s your day been so far?"

"Joe wrote, his letter is on the table," Mary replied. "Oh yes, Edna was over for coffee earlier. It seems that Father Cohan is retiring at the end of the year. The new pastor will be Father Rittenhouse from St. Catherine’s."

Michael sat at the table and picked up Joe’s letter. "Are they planning anything for him?" he asked distracted as he began to read his son’s letter.

"Edna said she’d let us know," Mary replied, knowing that Michael was no longer listening. He was instantly involved in reading Joe’s letter. Mary wasn’t surprised when upon finishing John's letter, Michael immediately put pen to paper to respond to Joe.

December 12, 1946

Dear Joe,

Your letter arrived, and we’re sorry to hear that you can’t make it home again this year for the Christmas Holiday. But we do understand.

I am glad that you got to meet Willhelm Klink. Your mother and I have been corresponding with him and Hans for a few months now. I don’t believe Rob is aware of that, and please don’t you tell him. We hope to work through a solution without him involved. I have to admit that the first letter from them came as quite a shock, but after thinking about it … well I don’t think if our roles had been reversed that I would have been able to write that first letter. Rob’s right, he seems to be quite a man. I’m glad that Rob’s opinion is enforced by your own. We also want to meet them when we go to the dedication in September.

John is still in school full-time. He graduates soon. He’ll be an aviation engineer. Sounds exciting, even if John is still upset that he can no longer fly. Your mother and I are just grateful that he is still here and capable of pursuing another career and direction with his life. As you know, for a while there, it looked liked John was going to be permanently disabled. Thank God that didn’t turn out to be the case.

Your sister is fine. In fact, I believe that in May you will be an Uncle again. I told Sue yesterday that I thought she was carrying twins. She almost fainted in the hallway! She didn’t want me to mention my theory to Ed. She wanted to be the one to break the news to him. I know that she has an appointment with her own doctor next Tuesday. I’m sure that he’ll confirm my suspicions! I know I should have let Sue tell you, but I just couldn’t help it. Proud Grandpa can’t stop bragging about his grandkids!

I do hope that you and Rob can both make it home for your new niece(s) / Nephew(s) Christenings. But if not, we will all be gathering again in Hammelburg in September. So strange how the World is that we are more often all together as family on the soil of a former Enemy. But I wouldn’t trade it for the World. All of my children are alive and happy. What more could a father ask for than that?

Your mother and I will see you in September, or before! Please have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Dad

They had agreed upon a date in June, right after classes let out for the year. He’d be graduating, and Ruth still had a year to go. Ruth was studying to be a teacher as well. The wedding was going to be in Hartford, Connecticut, Ruth’s hometown. He had not wanted to wait so long, but she was adamant that they couldn’t get a wedding together in any time less than that.

December 16, 1946

Rob, Peter, Ivan and Louis

You won’t believe this but I am getting married! I met Ruth Woodward at a party at school, just after I came back from Michael’s christening. She is a wonderful girl, and I’m still in awe that she said ‘yes’! Imagine someone wanting to marry me?

Well, the wedding will be in Hartford, CT on June 26, 1947 assuming that all of the plans come together properly. I hope this is enough time to get you all in Connecticut for June 26. I have a problem though. I want one of you to be my best man. You are all my best friends. Each of you deserves to be the one that I ask. But I don’t know whom to ask.

Peter. You were the first one to speak to me when I landed at Stalag 13. You and I have done a thousand missions together since then. You’ve watched my back so many times, showed me the right way, and taught me to play cards. So in a lot of ways I should be asking you to do be my best man. Only…

Ivan. You were the one who kept us all going in the same direction. You were always the one who could interpret what the Colonel wanted. You always supported me, through everything. When I blew up tunnel number 3, when I accidentally put nitroglycerin in the bottle of furniture polish and left it in the radio room, even when I tripped and almost got you shot that time when we blew up the railroad bridge. You were always the one who stood up for me. You taught me German, and then how to develop my confidence so I could be whatever character the Colonel needed in his latest scheme. I don’t believe I ever would have had the nerve to do that without you there coaching me.

Did I tell you that I’ve been cast in the lead role of the school production of Cyrano de Bergerac? The drama coach, Rich Jones, was in the common room where Ruth and some of her friends had encouraged me to do my ‘Hitler’ imitation. I tried to tell Rich that I didn’t do very well with set scripts but the guy was adamant that I was a born actor. I didn’t have the heart to really tell him no. So now I have to learn my lines, which was never one of my more successful assignments. I’m sure the production is going to be a dismal failure.

But I’m off topic here, sorry.

Louis. Where would I be now without you? You kept everyone fed, entertained and clothed with neat patches on all of our things. You taught me so many things over the years, how to cook, dance and all that funny stuff with girls. I doubt I would have asked Ruth to dance that first night without your voice in my mind urging me on! Thanks pal! So perhaps out of all of you, I owe my engagement to Louis.

But that leaves Rob. You were always the one who encouraged me. You kept me thinking I could do whatever it was that I was doing. I doubt very much if I could have accomplished everything that I’ve done without you pushing me. So to you I owe where I am presently, with the confidence that I could do whatever I’d set out to do. For a guy like me, that confidence is a precious gift.

So for all of those reasons and so many more, I’m cannot just choose one of you. But I would like to choose someone who can represent all of you. I know this may sound strange, but I’m going to ask ‘the Colonel’ to stand in for all of you, and to be my best man. The Colonel a.k.a. Papa Bear, the man who it was that started that insane underground operation. If it wasn’t for him, I know in my heart that none of us would have survived. Not as POWs, anyway. So if it weren’t for ‘the Colonel’, none of you would be here today, so that I could ask you to my wedding. We all would have been lost without his leadership and his commitment to duty.

So ‘Colonel’, would you please be my best man?

There, I said it. Please guys, I couldn’t choose. I really couldn’t choose between you. So I did the next best thing. I chose ‘the Colonel’. Would the rest of you do me the honor of being ushers?

Let me know when you are all coming, and I will have Ruth’s parents make arrangements at a local hotel. Rob, I will assume that you will want to combine this trip for my wedding with a visit with your family in Bridgeport.

Louis I can’t wait to meet Michelle. I am so glad that you and her were able to get back together and be a family again.

Please write soon.

Your pal,

Andrew

What a week! Hans Shultz thought as he sat his weary body down and propped his feet up on top of his desk. He leaned back in his chair and sighed, closing his eyes. He just wanted to catch a couple minutes rest, but he couldn't relax.

Hans Shultz had received word from all those involved with the deliveries by late Christmas Eve. They had indeed completed the Toy Drive unhindered. Almost everyone told him wonderful stories about the joy written on the faces of the children, who were waiting, all knowing that even if Santa didn’t deliver these toys, they were brought to them through the love and kindness of one man, Hans Shultz. It had been quite a joyous time for Hans and the members of his staff. Hans had thrown a huge party for everyone last night. On each and every one of the phone calls received from the drivers, a rousing cheer was heard, as his staff celebrated all the hard work that went into bringing back the tradition started by Gunther Shultz many many years ago. A tradition that had made the Schatze Toy Company loved by all.

Hans sat up at his desk. Looking down, he saw the local morning newspaper. He hadn’t had time all day to check to see if the ad he placed, thanking everyone, had even made it to the newspaper. He had actually placed ads in the four largest newspapers, covering the 4 controlled zones. He wanted the entire country to know of the support given to the children of Germany. It’s still very sad that Germany cannot be as a whole anymore. No one really knows what the future will bring. Let’s hope that even the smallest kindness will eventually lead to a brighter future for our children.

Just then Hans’s wife Gerta entered the office, "Hans. Here you are. I’ve been looking all over for you. Are you hiding?"

"Just taking a break Gerta," Hans replied. "It’s been such a busy week. And today, with all the Christmas celebrations, between the orphanage and our own children, I’m just tired. Don’t get me wrong; today was such a wonderful day. But I just needed a few minutes to myself. I had wanted to write to Rob Hogan, before too much time passed, to thank him for all that he’s done for us."

"You write your letter then. I had just wanted to check on you. I know how busy it’s been. Tell Rob and Beth thank you from me as well. When you’re finished, come over to the house. I’ve lit a fire in the living room. We can have a nightcap before turning in. The children are already asleep," Gerta said smiling as she kissed her husband on the forehead and left the office.

December 25, 1946

Rob,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Was Santa good to Michael? With all the activity of the past week, we never really had quiet time to talk. Gerta and Beth seemed to have a great time together decorating and coordinating the Christmas celebrations for our ‘own’ children here, all 200 plus. Not to mention for my own brood of five. (or six, if you count the fact that Gerta wants to steal Michael)

Thank you so very much for all that you’ve done, Rob. We would never have been able to coordinate such a big effort without your help. The political entanglements alone would have crushed our dream. But, it is fortunate for me that I have a friend in such a respectable position. It is also fortunate that that friend does not take ‘no’ for an answer. I know how much it took for you to push this effort through all the red tape. There are not enough words for me to express my gratitude to you. So please, at the very least, accept my sincere and heartfelt thank you.

It’s still difficult to live in a Germany divided. I realize that this will be the way of life for a long time to come. All I can say is that through your efforts, Germany is just a little less divided today. The feeling will not last, of course, with the political climate such as it is. But just maybe, at the very least, the children will remember the kindness shown this holiday season. It is my sincere hope that those memories will eventually lead to a brighter future for our children and our children’s children.

Your friend always,

Hans

Even now thinking back on all that Rob and his men accomplished during that time, Sue was still amazed. Originally she had wanted to know everything about what he had done there. But then she thought about it more carefully. She decided that she didn’t need to know anything more than that Rob had come home alive. That to Sue was more important than anything else.

She smiled as she noticed the letter on the table beside her. Rob had written saying he was coming home for a visit in June.

December 30, 1946

Rob,

I received your last letter and am overjoyed that you will be home for a visit in June. Andrew seemed like such a wonderful man, I am very happy for him.

Of course your friends, Peter, Louis and his sister Michelle can stay with us. If Peter is anything at all like Ivan, Louis or Andrew, I don’t see how I won’t enjoy his company. Please tell Louis though, that the price for staying with us is at least one meal. Tell him my mouth is already watering! Yum!

Also, I have some good news. I’m pregnant again, and the baby is due in May. So you should be able to meet your new niece/nephew when you arrive. Stephen is so excited to be a big brother. Oh, I shouldn’t tell you this first, when I haven’t even told this to Ed yet. So no telling Ed, okay? Dad thinks I’m carrying twins! I’m already huge and I’m only four months along. Ed was such a wreck during the first pregnancy. I don’t want to see him when he finds out about the twins! Dad and John have been teasing me about ‘being as big as a house.’ Ed hasn’t picked up on it or he’s in denial!

Speaking of that, when are you going to give Stephen another cousin?

Oh yeah. This is probably not my place, but did you know that John misses you? Since his injury, he and I have spent a lot of time together. He always talks about you and how he would love to kibitz with you about flying. He really does miss flying. But there is no way any airline will hire him as a pilot with his medical record. But, he’s coping with that. He really does love school. He will be an aviation design engineer when he graduates. He should be finished next May. More than likely he’ll have to move out of state for the best employment.

Mom and Dad are going to have a hard time with him leaving. Intuitively they understand John will need to move on eventually. It’s just that they spent all that time helping John recover. Although, helping John did give them a focus, something to concentrate on, because it was just about the same time that your letters stopped coming. Not knowing your status was hard for all of us to handle, especially when we never heard anything from you during all those long eight months.

But the last three months were even worse… They were Hell actually. Mom and dad didn’t even have John to focus on, because by that time he was up and around. Then when the stories of the horrors found in camps began inundating the news reports and no one had heard from you, mom and dad, to put it kindly, didn’t do well. Thing just weren’t suppose to happen to the ‘first born’ or your big brother, for that matter. You were always there for us, and we could do nothing for you. The not knowing was excruciating.

Before then, during all of those three years, as long as we continued to get your letters, we took you at your word that ‘Nothing much happens here.’ (What a cock and bull story that was Huh?) We had known we couldn’t do anything at all to help you. We just kept you in our prayers always. But when those reports started being released. It was just horrible. We couldn’t even get any word on your status even though official channels.

Then when Joe was sent to London and found out your were alive. God, what a relief. But boy we certainly weren’t expecting what happened next!

Wow I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to bring all of that up again. Its over with, and I’m glad. I will see you in June.

Love,

Sue

January 6, 1947

Andrew,

What wonderful news your last letter brought. I am very happy for you. I am sure that Ruth is a wonderful woman and she is very lucky to have you.

As to your request, well all I can say is that ‘the Colonel’ is very flattered and will very definitely be there to be your best man. I am assuming as you chose my military persona that you want me to be in uniform? If you would prefer a tux I can arrange that as well. Let me know.

Beth, Michael and I are planning to arrive in Bridgeport on June 20. We will be staying with my parents, along with Ivan. Louis and Michelle will be traveling with us and I believe will be able to stay with my sister Sue’s family. Peter will hopefully also be staying with Sue. The only question I’ve received from Sue was if Louis would cook just once while he stayed with them. I think she still has a very pleasant memory of Louis’ culinary wizardry from Michael’s christening. I can still see Louis blushing bright red as Sue heaped praises upon him.

Michael is doing very well. He’s growing so quickly now. He’s (walking, crawling, toddling?) and is into everything. If it isn’t nailed down, it’s in his mouth. Hans sends him presents at least once a month. The kid has more toys than he knows what to do with!

I’m so looking forward to meeting your parents at the wedding.

Again, congratulations! And good luck during your final semester. I’m expecting to see you graduated when I arrive in June. Any high school is going to be lucky to get someone with your enthusiasm for your work. Just do me a favor. Try to leave it standing when you’re through. Blowing up the chemistry lab in the first year is not a good way to make an impression!

Let me know of any change in plans.

‘The Colonel’ (Rob)

Also with the additional building he could have an apartment constructed on the top floor. He and Michelle could live there, making it easier for him to be nearby if she should need him while he worked. As it was she spent every evening alone, or she was here in the restaurant. Thinking of Michelle brought back the happy memory of receiving word of her whereabouts from Rob. He had gone immediately to the small home where she was staying. The home wasn’t an orphanage, but merely an elderly woman who had taken in children who had nowhere to go. He hadn’t known the place existed, so when he had searched the orphanages in his first year home he hadn’t looked there. So he had missed Michelle.

Hans Shultz had given Rob a listing of orphanages or shelters in France. It was a subject that the former guard was an expert on, having coordinated the whole of southern Germany. Hans even had contacts in the other provinces of Germany and France. The war had left so many children without homes. And Rob had someone quietly search each and every one of them for his sister. Then Rob had come in person with the news of Michelle’s location and together the two of them had gone to get her. Michelle had recognized him, he wasn’t sure she would. There were 13 years between them; she had been 5 when he had been drafted.

So now he had a family, as well as an extended family. Louis and Michelle had spent the Christmas Holiday with Rob and Beth in Germany. They had gone there on Christmas Eve to help participate in the Schatze Toy Company’s Christmas Eve Toy Drive. Everyone that could was there to help. What fun everyone had, seeing the joy on the faces of children was a nice memory.

He put his feet up on the chair next to him, as the wait staff busied themselves with putting the dinning rooms back to order for the next day’s business. He pulled two letters from his pocket. He read them over quickly then he began to write his answers.

January 7, 1947

Andrew,

I am overjoyed for you! Of course I will be there for your wedding. Rob and I have already discussed it and we will be traveling together. Michelle and I, along with Peter will hopefully be staying with Rob’s sister Sue’s family. I believe that Rob will be writing to you to tell you that he, Beth, Michael and Ivan will be staying at his parents.

So that you know, I have no hard feelings over your choice of best man. I think, for once, you have made an intelligent decision. Asking ‘the Colonel’ was a wise move. And none of us will resent that choice. Because you are right, none of us would have made it home without ‘the Colonel’.

I would like to offer my services as Chef for the rehearsal dinner before the wedding. Please accept this as a wedding present to you and your bride. In this way everyone can all meet as friends over a meal. Just the way to begin any relationship. This will have to be the evening of the 25th after the rehearsal. As I already know from Peter, that he and Rob are planning the stag party for you on the 24th.

As you know Rob located Michelle for me. Even after all this time, the man is still pulling miracles from under his cap! I don’t believe I will ever be able to thank him enough. Michelle doesn’t have to grow up without any family. We have each other now.

I understand why you were unable to make my grand opening as you were in school. Just so you know ‘Robuchon’ is quite a success for me. I am already planning on expanding. Rob and Peter both told me I didn’t have a large enough place. I answered I thought I had too much space. But they were right! I am so busy that I turn patrons away. Shameful. I have placed signs that ‘Robuchon’ will be expanding shortly and to please be patient. The restaurant has received four stars from the two Paris newspapers, and it has been written up in sixteen magazines.

Just today I have received notice that ‘Robuchon’ will be listed in a new American publication on things to see and do when visiting Paris. Fodors Travel Guides. I have seen a copy of their first edition. Very informative. I’m honored that they believe my restaurant is worthy of note to someone visiting my city.

In any case, Congratulations Andrew. I can’t wait to kiss the bride! See you in June.

Louis

Ivan decided to write to Rob, because he hadn’t really touched base with him since before Thanksgiving.

January 15, 1947

Rob,

Happy New Year. I’m sorry I haven’t written. But you can blame your mother and father for that. I’ve spent so much time in Connecticut since I wrote you last; I haven’t had much extra time.

Your family has been great to me. They’ve been treating me like family. I don’t know if they have told you, but I’ve spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with your family. My dad has also been welcome in your family’s home, for both holidays. I can’t tell you how much that has meant to me.

Your brother John and I are getting along really well. It’s weird, I don’t know your brother Joe well, but John is just like you. It’s funny. Both of us have taken to playing chess when I visit. Did you play with him much? He’s just as sneaky as you and hates to lose. It kind of freaks me out. Very close to a carbon copy of you in some ways. But yet still very different.

Wow, we’ve had so much good news, Louis finding his sister and opening his restaurant, Peter becoming successful as the owner of the London Palladium and Andrew getting married. Oh yeah. Congratulations Best Man. Poor Andrew. Having to make that decision was tough for him. Just so you know, he made the right decision. We all feel the same way, as Andrew, about ‘the Colonel.’

You know what’s going to be funny. If I know Andrew, he’s been telling everyone that ‘the Colonel’ will be my best man. I bet he’ll forget to mention to his in-laws that ‘the Colonel’ is now a Major General. Can you see it? I can. Don’t be surprised if half the people at the wedding address you as Colonel. If I know you, and I do, I have a feeling that won’t be a problem. Huh Colonel? I hope everyone is going to be able to make it for the wedding. I won’t get to Europe before September for the dedication. I would really like to see everyone.

Well things here at Devens are the same. I’m still teaching. I do really enjoy it. And everyone’s been very accepting of me. But honestly, I’ve been feeling so much more at home here since your family ‘adopted’ me. It’s like having an extended family. Because as you know, it’s only my dad and me. But I now know what it’s like to have a big family. It’s been great.

I can’t wait to see everyone. Please continue to write and I promise to do better, but I tend to have no energy when I return from Connecticut. Your mother stuffs enough food into me. Ugh.

Talk to you soon, your friend

Ivan

"Willhelm, is that you?" His mother’s voice called from the sitting room.

"Yes, Maman," Willhelm replied entering the cozy room where his mother spent the majority of her time. "I’m home. Has your day been good?"

"Yes. Fine. The post brought a package for you from the United States," she told him handing him the package from the table beside her. "It’s from Michael Hogan. Are you ever going to tell Rob that you and his father have been corresponding regularly?"

"No. I don’t think so. I know that Michael hasn’t told Rob. I will not break Michael’s confidence and tentative trust in me," Willhelm replied taking the package wondering if Michael had been able to find the music he had told him about.

January 17, 1947

Willhelm,

Happy New Year to you, your mother and brother. I hope that things are well there.

As per the suggestion in your last letter, I have purchased the Concerto Funebre by Karl Amadeus Hartmann. It was an extremely hard concerto to find, but I had my music dealer continue to search until he located a copy. As you said, it is an extremely powerful piece of music. The string combination at the end is exceptionally poignant.

I’ve included a copy of the music for Connecticut born Charles Ives's Symphony No. 3. His compositions have been ‘rediscovered’ in the past few years. It is rumored that Mr. Ives is up for the Pulitzer Prize this year for this piece of music that he composed in 1904. I think with your ear for musical harmony that you will find this composition quite compelling.

As we have corresponded for several months now, I wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed our discussions on the musical world. I find your knowledge and insights to be thought provoking. I do hope that the reverse is also true. Please continue to offer more musical suggestions, and I will do the same.

I know that my wife Mary and Hans Shultz have been writing as well. They seemed to have found a common ground. Mary is heavily involved with Children’s Charities here in Bridgeport and has given Hans pointers from her fundraising efforts.

Well. I hesitate to bring this up, as I don’t know your feelings.

But this September we will be traveling to Germany for the dedication. On behalf of both Mary and myself, we wanted to give you enough of a head’s up, because we were wondering if you and Hans were planning on being there for the ceremony? We were hoping that the four of us could meet. That is of course, only if meeting is something that you and Hans would agree to.

Just so you know, we have not told Rob about our correspondence. He has not mentioned anything to me, so we have assumed that neither of you have mentioned it to him. Personally, we both would like to meet you and Hans without Rob present. We love our son, but we think he would just make this whole situation harder.

Please let us know what your feelings are on this matter. If you would like to meet, but want Rob to be there, we will understand and agree to that. Of course, if you and Hans do not wish to meet and only wish to continue our correspondence. We will understand that as well. We realize that this could be a difficult situation for the four of us, but we would sincerely like to get past this last hurdle.

Michael and Mary Hogan

The dedication was now only six months away. It was time to send Rob an update on the numbers committed to returning to Germany.

April 3, 1947

Rob,

As promised here is the six-month update.

As you know Chris has moved to London, and is still maintaining his half of the list, though his names are now all of the guys from over there. I expect that he is writing to you today as well.

Of the 1052 men on my list, 468 are definitely attending, 234 cannot make it at this time, (but most say that they will try to make the journey at a later time), and I am still waiting for replies from the remaining 350 men.

From the 468 definitely attending there will be 1872 people coming to Hammelburg for the dedication.

This is really shaping up into a first class celebration!

As you get more details of the events and accommodations available let me know and I will disseminate the information. I’ve arranged to ‘charter’ a steamer to have a lot of the people travel together from New York harbor. I have a buddy in the office of one of the steamer lines and he’s interested in our reunion as an advertising plum. Thus we’re all going to get a very cheap rate. I’ve another buddy working for the New York Times. He’s already planning on running a whole week of stories on ‘Papa Bear’ the week we all leave from the States to return to Germany. I think he’s even coming along to report on the dedication.

This little reunion of ours is generating a lot of attention here in New York.

I’ll keep you up to date on developments here. I hope that you and your family are well. Please say hello to the people there for me.

Regards,

Steve Marlow

John sat down and decided to write to his brothers, to let them know. He thought maybe he could ask their advice on how to tell parents things like this. He already knew that he’d never receive a response from either in time to help him with what he had to do. Tell his parents. But right now John needed to feel like he was at least touching base with his brothers.

Actually, Rob was going to be in Connecticut in mid June for a wedding. I was hoping to see him, I’m not sure I’ll have time, now. I would really like to sit with him someday and just talk. We’ve never talked much about the war, he and I. So far all our visits have been great, but they have always centered on the family. God, that isn’t a bad thing. But, he’s never even mentioned the war in any of his letters. I would just like to get a better peek inside Rob’s head, that’s all.

May 1, 1947

Rob, Joe

Hi guys. I have good news. I’ve finished my degree; actually my last class was today! I even have a job lined-up at Rockwell International in Washington DC. It’s a great position and great money (always a consideration, huh?). And I still get to play with airplanes! Fantastic. My job starts in six weeks.

Congratulate me, okay. I am so looking forward to this new job. I know it ain’t the military. But at least I’ll still be playing with my favorite toys. The aviation industry is expected to take off (literally, ha). The industry expects that soon ‘commercial’ flights for civilians will be the fastest growing part of the industry. Really cool, huh. I still will miss flying, but you can’t have everything, right?

Of course, this all means I’m moving out of the house. And out of the state. And leaving the nest, you know? I don’t know what it was like for you guys when you decided to leave home. Hell, I did it too when I joined the Navy. But somehow now… it’s different. I haven’t told mom and dad yet. I was writing to you guys to get advice on how to tell parents these things.

Don’t worry, I’ll have already told them by the time you get this. I just need to think it through. I’m not even sure you guys will understand my dilemma. You weren’t here every minute of every day during my illness. I’m not blaming you at all. Please don’t get me wrong. It’s just that mom and dad were here. Never complaining, always instilling me with confidence that I could recover, especially during those first months where my ‘expected’ full recovery was questionable. Not once did I see a tear being shed (even though, I knew they were there). Even when they had to literally push my sorry ass out of that bed. I never saw anything but confidence in their faces. I wasn’t always the ideal patient, you know? That Hogan temper, I’ve got that too. But, they were always there. Always.

And this part I know you guys won’t understand. But in their eyes, I’m still the baby! God you think you would outgrow that, but it doesn’t happen! So, when I leave… they will be alone. It’s hard for me to think about leaving parents, who have sacrificed so much for me. Because, I know if I never recovered completely, they would still be there for me always… And now I’m just going to leave.

Oh, I know. It’s my life. I get to lead it anyway I want. I understand all of that. And I even know mom and dad understand that. It’s just hard. Anyway guys, thanks for letting me vent.

Love

John

John folded Joe’s letter into its envelope and addressed it. As he went to do the same to Rob’s he realized he still needed to say stuff to Rob. Maybe even just to tell him about his desire to ‘talk’ to his older brother about the war. I can’t talk to Joe about it. He never saw combat. Thank God, actually. Mom and dad could have lost all three of us. I’m glad he was always close by for them. And even though Rob and my experiences were ultimately very different -- What an understatement that is - I still want to hear what he has to say. So, John continued with another letter to Rob.

May 1, 1947

Rob,

Hi there, again. I thought I had finished that letter. But as I went to put yours in the envelope, I realized I needed to say more to you.

It looks like I won’t be in Connecticut when you come for your friend’s wedding. I was hoping to see you then. I was hoping to talk to you. Nothing drastic. But it’s just that you and I have never talked much about the war. I was hoping to spend sometime picking my big brother’s brain.

I never could talk to Joe. Having never seen combat, he wouldn’t understand. You know? God, that’s not a bad thing either. I’m so glad he never did.

I’m not even sure what I want to talk to you about really. No specific topic. I already have a fairly detailed picture of my big brother the Major General’s, accomplishments. Maybe just your feelings. Like what you felt like when your plane got shot out from under you? I know as a fighter pilot, I only had my life in my hands. What was it like for you, being in command of a squadron and losing men under your command? Hell. You may not even want to tell me any of this. It’s just that you never mention it. I can imagine that it was incredibly hard on you.

Other than that our experiences diverged quite rapidly…an understatement, if I’ve ever heard one. Huh? But, I still would like to hash it out with you. Both times that we’ve been together, I’ve never said anything. God, the first time you were home, those God-awful atomic bombs went off. And the second time, there was so much to work through about your ‘friends’, you know?

So anyway, I was thinking. Could you hit the Washington DC area before you head back to Germany? I hope so. I would really like to spend some time with you.

You, Beth and Michael can always stay with me. I still need to find an apartment, but I’ll make room. Don’t worry. Mom and dad will have the address. I may not be able to pick you up at the station, depending on when your train arrives, but as long as you can get to the apartment on the day you arrive, I’ll have the landlord or a neighbor expect you. Please try and come.

Hope to talk to you soon

John

Rob had received a letter yesterday, from his youngest brother, John. John had specifically asked Rob to come to Washington to see him, on his way back to Germany from the states. To maybe talk about the war. To maybe talk about his feelings. He realized that John was probably looking to get advice from his older brother. Maybe how to deal with those feelings. Rob had panicked and called for this appointment with Ken.

Kenneth Mitchell arrived at his office at 7:58 am. Damn good thing I wasn’t late today. Whew. He could tell by Rob’s demeanor that something was really bothering him. His office assistant said that the General had been here since 7:30am.

"Good morning, Rob. I’m sorry that I’m late. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting," Ken said. Well that should be enough to cover my ass if the General is in a bad mood. As much as I like Rob, when he gets his back up as Major General Robert Hogan, you need to mind your manners. I wonder what could have sent him into this panic attack. He doesn’t generally have panic attacks. Something must have happened.

"Good morning Ken. No apology necessary. I was early," Rob said apologetically.

Good. That started better than I expected. "Okay, so why don’t you tell me, what brought on this emergency appointment," Ken said calmly as he took a seat behind his desk. "I hate to say this, but you look really tense today. Is everything all right? Is it Beth or Michael?"

"No Ken. I’m sorry. Everything’s fine at home." Rob took a deep breath. "You now that I’ll be heading to the states next month for Andrew Carter’s wedding. Well, I got a letter from my youngest brother John. He was the Navy fighter pilot. I know I’ve told you about him," Rob said, looking for Ken’s recognition of his brother. Ken just nodded. "Well, he just got a new job in Washington DC. He won’t be in Connecticut when I get there. He wants me to stop in DC on my way back to see him." Rob paused.

"And there’s a problem with that?" asked Ken.

"He wants to talk to me about the war, and my feelings," Rob explained. "I think he wants his big brother’s advice on how to deal with his own feelings. What the hell am I supposed to say to him? That his Big Brother, the Major General, the War Hero, is a basket case who can’t sleep though the night without medication." Rob got up from his seat and started pacing. "God damn it, Ken. I want to be able to help my brother. He’s had it rough. I just don’t think I’ll be any good to him."

"Or," Ken said interrupting. "Is it that you are afraid that the ‘Big Brother’, the ‘Major General’ and the ‘War Hero’ has to finally admit that he can’t live up to everyone’s expectations?" Ken paused waiting for Rob to look at him. "Look Rob, ever since I met you and from all that I’ve learned about you. You have always needed to be the one in-charge, and that’s not a bad thing. But sometimes you need to let go of that. I think it would be good for you to talk to your brother. Be honest. Don’t sugar coat anything. From what you told me, early on in the war you both were pilots. Use that as your basis. He may be having the same problems you are, but you’ll never find out anything by avoiding him," Ken said pausing and trying to read his patient.

"You know Rob. It’s okay not to ‘have it all together’. Look, in the eight months since you’ve been coming here, we’ve talked though a lot of stuff. Together we came to the conclusion that the things causing the nightmares are things you will never be able to change. We’ve agreed that you had to do horrible things to ‘get the job done’. We’ve agreed that way too many people died because you gave the orders that brought about those deaths. We’ve agreed that you hate being referred to as a ‘War Hero’ because it just wants to make you throw up. And we’ve discovered that you have a massive guilt trip for lying to your family for all that time," Ken said getting up to approach his patient.

"Rob, together I think we’ve worked through a lot. You are now only on the smallest dose of medication possible. You understand why, how, and where those nightmares come from. You haven’t had one in months. The reason you’re still even on the medication is that I cannot predict your subconscious mind. That’s where all this is manifesting itself. It’s just going to take time. But I think if you give up the pretense of always being the one who has got it all together, at least with your family, then it may help you get past some of this. So start small and open up to your brother. Okay?" Ken asked.

"You really think that this might help?" asked Rob nervous.

"Yeah, I really do. Just admit that the Big Brother in you needs help from his Little Brother. Then I think you’ll be fine. If you can do this with your family, it will make it easier all around. The one drawback here is that you will still be that "Major General" and that "War Hero" to everyone else. Even, as much as you don’t like those labels, you still need to remember that you do deserve both. You saved a lot of lives with what you and your men did. And you helped bring Hitler’s Third Reich to its knees. What you did was necessary," Ken said and paused. "So anyway, I think if you can get re-grounded with your family, dealing with those labels won’t be as hard to cope with." Ken patted his patient on the shoulder. "So what do you think?"

"I think, I’ll just write my brother and confirm my reservations in Washington DC," Rob said confidently.

"Great. I’m always here. You now that. We don’t have another appointment scheduled before you leave. If you want one, just call. Okay? Good luck Rob," Ken said reaching out to shake Rob’s hand.

Rob returned the handshake, "Thanks Ken. I’ll talk to you when I get back."

"Okay," said Ken. Damn, I always have to be careful to balance what I say to Rob. I’ve had to face my own attitude about the man and his operation. It’s hard, because I’d easily be one of those heaping praise on the guy. I never told him that my younger brother was one of those thousands of Allied Servicemen rescued by his operation. Every once in a while I find myself wanting to hug the guy for my brother’s sake. But then, in listening to Rob’s stories, it’s amazing that he and his men ever made it back alive. No wonder the man has nightmares, trying to keep all that bottled up inside. God. Rob I hope you can open up to your brother. I really do.

Rob had left the office and drove himself to his office. After he got there, he decided to write John before he chickened out.

May 8, 1947

John,

Hey little brother. Congrats on the new job! Sounds great! You were always the one to tinker with stuff. What fun you are going to have. You’ll be designing those big passenger jets that I’ve been hearing about. I’m really happy for you.

I know it isn’t the military and you won’t be flying. I know that must be tough. But I know you’ll be successful in whatever you do. Hey look at me, stuck behind a desk. Five years ago, I never would have thought that possible. But life’s unpredictable. You do what you have to, you know?

I wanted to let you know that we will be stopping in Washington DC on the way back to Germany. Beth, Michael and I should arrive in DC on June 30th. I have four days to spare. We will be leaving on the July 5th. Beth has never seen Washington for the 4th of July Celebration. Thanks for letting us stay with you. I hope we won’t be too much trouble. Don’t worry we will manage to get to your apartment without you just fine that first day. I’ve already arranged for a driver to pick us up at the airport. One of the perks of being a Major General, I was able to commandeer a driver from the Pentagon. I don’t even have to tell them where I’m going. They’ll just come get me.

I do have some Military Governor stuff to do, meetings and such, but most of it is during the day. I had assumed you couldn’t get time off so soon. We will have time to talk. I’m sorry that we’ve never done it before now. I’m really looking forwarded to seeing you.

Hey can I get a tour of Rockwell International? I’d love to see that avionics think tank. Do you think they’d let a Major General wonder about?

Talk to you soon,

Rob

"Almost everything, Beth. The only thing I don’t think I’ve packed yet is my medication," Rob replied. "I just want to dash off a quick note to Kyle Birmingham. I was talking with Wilhelm and Hans today about attending the dedication. Neither Wilhelm nor Shultz are going to attend. They didn’t want to face all the men’s relatives, nor did they want to be around any of the Military Dignitaries expected to show up. I can’t really blame them. It’s not an easy position to be in. Wilhelm is planning on staying at Hans’ for those two weeks. But anyway, that got me to thinking of whom else was in camp at the end. It was then that I realized I hadn’t invited Kyle to the dedication."

"Rob, there is still so much to do before we leave," Beth pointed out exasperated. "We’re leaving early in the morning." She wished that Rob had thought of writing this letter sooner. Louis and Michelle weren’t arriving till very late tonight, and then in the morning the five of them would take the train to the coast where they would catch a steamer for America. The journey was going to take a week. Couldn’t Rob just write the letter from the ship?

"I know. I know. I’ll be in to help you finish packing in a few moments. This letter won’t take long to write," Rob replied, pulling a piece of writing paper from his desk.

June 13, 1947

Kyle,

Wow. It’s been two years since you and I parted company at Stalag 13. Many things have happened in those two years.

As you’re already aware, I was appointed the Military Governor of the US Controlled Zone in Southern Germany. Okay, so I held them over a barrel and demanded the posting. The posting has been a hard balance between what the United Nations demands and the needs of the population of Germany. I hope I’ve struck an appropriate balance. I haven’t had too many issues of non-compliance. Nor have I had any major complaints from either the United Nations or the civilian German government.

The thing that has most surprised me is that the people of Hammelburg, even those who were not part of my organization, are very proud of the fact that ‘Papa Bear’ called Hammelburg ‘home.’ They are dedicating a school to us this September. As an unofficial member of my staff at the end, I am inviting you to take part in this dedication ceremony. So please, I would appreciate if you tried to come.

Another thing I am sure you are aware of is that Goering committed suicide before he was brought to trial. I appreciate that you were able to deliver him, along with the other prisoners to Nuremberg. But in light of what happened, I wish I had allowed some sort of reckoning for that Bastard while I held him at Stalag 13. I had to spend three weeks at the Nuremberg trials, which included three days as an expert witness. It was a very hard three days. Telling the court about what I knew, what I saw. -- Well it was hard.

On a more positive note, I know that Beth and Karen correspond regularly, so I am sure you know about Michael. It’s great being a dad. Marrying Beth was the best thing I have ever done. She is a gem beyond words. It was hard at first for Beth to fit in here in Hammelburg. The language barrier was hard on her at first, but she worked hard, and had mastered the language by the end the first year. Now’s she speaks German like a native.

I also wanted to give you an update on the men that you knew best during your short time at Stalag 13.

Ivan Kinchloe stayed in the military as a Captain. He returned to Hammelburg as my aide. Within a year he had been offered another promotion, this time to Major, to teach at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. It was quite an accomplishment for him to be offered that, with no strings attached. So Kinch, is now in Massachusetts, and is very much enjoying himself.

Peter Newkirk returned home to London with plans on opening a pub. But before he got very far with that endeavor he visited the London Palladium where he was often a performer before the War. The theatre was in horrible disarray and its owner had no plans on refurbishing. Peter bought the theatre. He spent a year refurbishing and the theatre had reopened to record sell-out performances last October.

Louis LeBeau returned to France, and unfortunately discovered that his family was nowhere to be found. In the course of the first year after the war, he discovered that both his mother and younger sister were dead. Over the past year I was able to help him find out about his father and youngest sister. Sadly his father had also died. Fortunately his youngest sister, Michelle, was still alive, but living in an orphanage. Louis is now raising her. That and his new restaurant ‘Robuchon’ is keeping him fairly occupied. ‘Robuchon’ was an immediate gastronomical success. Louis will have no difficulties. The man is an absolute genius with food.

And finally, Andrew Carter. He returned to his hometown of Bullfrog, North Dakota and is working toward a degree in teaching. He is now working as a teacher’s aid in high school level science. Good luck to the high school! Hopefully it will be still standing after Andrew is through! He sounds very happy and is now engaged. Actually, Beth and I will be leaving for America in the morning to attend his wedding. He asked me to be his Best Man, actually he asked ‘the Colonel’ to be his Best Man. Too long of an explanation, just say I’m twice privileged.

For the dedication, I understand that there are 1500 of the 2000 men coming. With their families the total number of people coming will be close to 3,000 people. It is going to be quite the party. I hope the town of Hammelburg can support an influx of that many people! The town council is overjoyed at the number of my organization that are coming, and they have a whole two weeks of activities planned.

Hope to see you in September.

Rob

"Are you really a General?" Susan asked him. "Andy told Ruth you were a Colonel."

"I was a Colonel when I first met Andrew," Rob replied with an easy smile. "Andrew still refers to me like that in odd moments. I was his commanding officer during the war."

"Oh, how exciting!" Susan replied, her eyes shinning.

"Perhaps," Rob replied. "Excuse me while I check with my wife for a moment." Rob moved away from the head table to where the two sets of parents, Beth and Michelle were seated. He wanted to make sure that Susan realized he was escorting her, only as a convention. Best Man to Maid of Honor. He was a happily married man, and intended to stay that way.

He leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek.

"Nice dancing," Beth teased. She had not missed Susan’s obvious ploys.

"I’m glad you thought so," Rob groaned. Ever since meeting Susan yesterday at the rehearsal she had been grating on his nerves. Though last nights feast prepared by Louis had been divine.

"Don’t worry about it," Beth advised. "So long as I get the rest of them, I don’t care."

"My dance card is very full," Rob assured her. "It has one name on it. And she is absolutely beautiful this evening in a very lovely evening gown." Rob raised Beth’s hand to his lips and kissed it gallantly. "And since we are all staying here in the hotel this evening we will dance until you’ve had enough. Tonight is for you."

Beth laughed. "Go. Beast. You’ve duties."

"Yes ma’am," Rob replied with a sultry wink. He sauntered back to the head table where he had to give Andrew’s toast. He’d been thinking for months what to say. He seated himself, next to Andrew. Andrew looked very distinguished in his wedding tux, and Ruth was radiant in her gown of white. A very handsome couple indeed.

After everyone in the hall was settled and the servers had ensured that all had a full glass of champagne Rob rose to his feet. The hall became quiet and waited for him to speak.

"Well tonight we have gathered here to witness two young people marry. Such a joyous occasion, always best when shared by family and good friends. I am standing here today as Andrew’s best man, because he truly couldn’t choose between his four closest friends. He has chosen me to represent us all. And as ‘Colonel’ Hogan I am very flattered and have been honored to stand up for him tonight. I could tell a thousand truly embarrassing stories about our groom, and some would say that is the duty of every best man." There was a round of laughter over that comment from those who knew Andrew, though the majority of people in attendance were from the bride’s side. "But instead I’ll only say that never have I known a more loyal and steady man. It was an honor to have him under my command, and I truly believe that neither myself nor the other members of my unit would be standing here today without the vital contributions that Andrew made. He was always a bright spot in a not so cheerful place, and good for a laugh when they came hard. On a more personal note, I am very proud to call Andrew Carter my friend, and hope to continue to do so for the rest of our lives. Ruth, be patient with him. He’s accident-prone but, as I am sure you realize by now, he has a heart of gold. Andrew approaches everything he does with the same high child-like enthusiasm. Treasure that, it’s a rare commodity in a World such as we live in. So I propose a toast, to Andrew and Ruth Carter, long may their happiness last!"

The toast was drunk, and the servers came back out with the first course of the meal.

"Gov’nr," Newkirk said from where he sat next to Susan. "You were supposed to roast ‘em!"

Rob grinned, "I know I was Peter. But I couldn’t. Andrew didn’t deserve that from me today. Besides he’s got me decked out in uniform. How would it have looked that a three-star General destroyed his former Sergeant verbally?"

"He would have expected it," Newkirk replied.

"Yeah, maybe from you guys, but not from me," Rob countered. "Besides we roasted him two nights ago at that splendid stag party you threw him, Peter."

Peter grinned in happy memory of the event. "Um. Yeah. I quite outdid meself on that one, didn’t I?"

"Oui." LeBeau agreed, entering into the conversation. "I don’t believe that Ruth’s brothers have recovered yet!"

"They probably learned more about Andrew than they wanted to," Ivan added from further down the table. "Not that they probably believed half of what they heard!"

"Be that as it may," Rob replied with a grin of amusement. "Tonight is another night, and hopefully one with more dignity on our parts."

"You take the fun outta everything, you do gov’nr," Peter protested but he subsided.

The meal was consumed with pleasant conversation, though Louis had several comments on how the meal was prepared. Then came the first few dances. Rob escorted Andrew’s mother, Marion, and then Ruth’s mother, Isobel. Each had been an interesting conversation.

Marion had thanked him for taking care of her son. Rob had smiled and answered her that it had been a joint effort on everyone’s part. They had all taken a vital role in ensuring the survival of the rest of the team.

Isobel had wanted to know just who her son-in-law was that he could have an obviously important 3-star General appear to be his best man. Rob had replied honestly that they had all been guests of the Germans during the War. They had all learned to rely upon each other, regardless of their ranks. He had been a Colonel. Andrew had been a Staff Sergeant. Rank hadn’t mattered then and it certainly didn’t matter now. He had also said he would do anything or go anywhere for the four men present tonight. Louis, Ivan, Peter and Andrew. He assured Isobel that she would enjoy having Andrew as a son-in-law, and that he would take good care of her daughter.

After those few obligatory duties, Rob attached himself firmly to his wife where he fully intended to remain for the rest of the night. It had been too long since he and Beth had been able to enjoy themselves with no political or parental strings attached. After several dances, Beth returned to the table while Rob got them both something from the bar. The only ones still at the table were Michelle and one of Andrew’s nephews, Tom, who was Andrew’s sister Donna’s son. Donna had accompanied Andrew’s parents to the wedding, bringing her fourteen-year-old son with her.

The two kids were trying hard to understand each other. Michelle spoke very limited English, and Tom didn’t speak a word of French. Whatever they were doing, it seemed to be working. Smiles were emanating from both Michelle and Tom. Rob arrived then with a small tray of drinks; sodas for the two kids, a beer for himself and a glass of wine for Beth.

"Merci, Oncle Rob," Michelle said, sipping her soda.

"Thanks," Tom echoed.

"De rien, je vous en prie, Michelle. You’re welcome, Tom," Rob replied. He’d picked up a few French phrases over the years. He was not fluent and his accent was atrocious, but he could get his point across. Actually here, Beth was more lingual, as she did speak rather good French with a passable accent.

Rob sat down, his gaze focused on Beth, as if no one else existed. Beth is radiant tonight. How lucky can you be Hogan? Don’t ever let her go. When she finished half of her glass, Rob gallantly escorted Beth back to the dance floor. They danced far into the night, before saying goodnight to the others guys.

All of them were staying at the hotel tonight. Tomorrow would bring an end to a wonderful time for them all. They all planned to do breakfast in the morning, to say their goodbyes. Then Andrew and Ruth would be off on their honeymoon to Niagara Falls. Louis, Michelle and Peter would be traveling back to England. Louis and Michelle would then make the short hop across the channel back to France from Dover. Ivan was due back at Fort Devens tomorrow afternoon. Rob and Beth would be returning to Bridgeport for a couple of days, then heading to Washington for an additional few days, to see Rob’s brother John, before heading back to Germany.

All-in-all, it had been a very enjoyable wedding. But nothing could ever surpass the camaraderie that existed between the five former POWs. Even with the time spent apart, they were still bound together like brothers.

Rob, Beth and Michael arrived at John’s apartment early in the afternoon. Rob had dismissed the driver from the Pentagon. John’s landlord had met them as they entered the building and let them into John’s apartment. Rob and Beth spent some time getting acclimated. John had left a long note explaining which was their bedroom, where everything was etc. And John already had dinner planned. So basically, Rob and Beth made themselves at home.

It was close to 2:30pm, by the time they had unpacked and had gotten Michael settled. He had eaten and gone in for his nap almost immediately. John was due home around 4:00pm. Both Rob and Beth went to sit on the balcony of John’s apartment for that last hour and a half. It was a beautiful June day, and people were out in droves. They had a great view of the thoroughfare. They just spent the time people watching, and relaxing. Or trying to anyway, Beth could tell that Rob was really nervous.

"Rob, please relax. It will be okay. Why are you so uptight? Your brother loves you, that’s all that matters," Beth said comforting.

"Beth, I know that. But in your family, you’re the youngest. You don’t understand what it means to be the oldest. I’m supposed to be the one that my younger siblings can come to for help. And now I have to lay it on the line and tell my youngest brother I don’t have the answers. It’s really hard for me," Rob said nervously.

"Ken told you this would be the best thing. Trust that Ken is right. John will understand. But maybe John isn’t even looking for answers, maybe just someone with similar experiences," Beth stated.

"Okay Beth, it will be fine. I’ve already committed to telling him my situation. I’ll work though it. I just hope I can get him some of the answers he’s looking for," Rob answered.

John arrived home promptly at 4:00pm. He hugged both Beth and Rob as they came in from the balcony. "Oh God, it’s great to see you guys! So, the landlord must have let you in. Good. Did you find the apartment all right? Sorry, it isn’t quite up to par with the Governor’s Mansion. Did you have any trouble getting settled? Did my note make sense?" John asked excitedly.

"Whoa little brother. Everything was fine. No problems. We even got a chance to relax on the balcony. Great view by the way," Rob said.

"Fantastic. I had made dinner reservations at the Café Royal here in town, but I thought maybe you guys would want to relax. So I found this caterer that does anything from small intimate dinners to huge functions. They should be arriving soon. Plus I didn’t know Michael’s schedule. We can do dinner out some other night. Hopefully that’s okay?" John asked worried.

"John, that will be great," Beth said comforting. "I could use the time to relax. Between your family and Rob’s friends and the wedding, it will be nice to have a quiet dinner."

"Rob, is it all right with you? I actually thought that I might try to make dinner, but I’m not really set up for that, just moving in and all," John said. "Not to mention, I’m not very good cook." Damn, calm down. It’s only your big brother. I so want to show him his younger brother can handle himself.

"John, everything is fine. I’m very happy just spending dinner quietly here in your apartment," Rob said. God Damn it. He’s a nervous wreck. Trying to impress me? Or am I just making him nervous? "It will give us more time to talk." Why did you bring that up?

"Okay great. Let me go change and take a peek in at Michael. I’ll be out soon. Dinner should be here within the next 45 minutes," John said as he headed for his bedroom, but turned back. "Damn. What kind of host am I? Do you guys want anything to drink? There’s soda, beer, wine, and some more substantial stuff as well."

"Relax John. I’ve already raided your beer supply, and Beth is quite happy with her glass of wine," Rob said sheepishly, pointing back out towards the balcony. "You can go do what you need to. We’ll be fine."

"Okay. Okay," John said and this time disappeared into his bedroom. Damn. Calm down. You’re acting like an idiot. Your brother will think you’re crazy. It’s amazing, Rob never comes across nervous. I wish I had his resolve. No wonder he was able to achieve all that he did. And you can’t even get through pleasantries without acting jumpy.

After John went into his bedroom, Rob turned to Beth. "God Damn Beth. I’m making him nervous." He’s probably picking up on my stress. Calm down, making your brother a nervous wreck wasn’t why you came here.

"Everything will be fine Rob," Beth said. "Remember, just be honest with John. He will understand. You know what? After dinner, I’ll leave you guys alone. I’ll take Michael in our room and you guys can talk."

"You don’t have to leave," Rob said, too quickly.

"Yeah, I do. I love you and I understand your feelings. I just don’t think you’ll be as honest with John, if I’m still in the room," Beth said rather pointedly. "Because I know, even when I’ve been at the sessions with you and Ken that you still sugar coat stuff for my benefit. I can live with the sugarcoating, you can’t. So, I’ll just excuse myself after dinner. Okay?"

Rob just nodded. Damn. I can’t really hide stuff from Beth. Why do I even try anymore?

Dinner had gone off effortlessly. The caterers had everything planned. The food was wonderful, including the old PB&J standby for Michael. Conversation was casual, about John’s new job, about the tour John had worked out for Rob at Rockwell International, about the wedding, about Sue and Ed’s new twin girls, Theresa and Emily, and the rest of the family. Actually, by the end of dinner and desert, both John and Rob had relaxed enough that Beth and Michael could make their exit.

"Beth didn’t have to leave you know," John said. "I didn’t invite you here to make Beth hide in your room."

"No you didn’t. But you did invite me here to talk. Beth just doesn’t want to be an obstacle to that conversation," Rob said. "And I have to admit -- that I would let her be. Talking isn’t what I do best."

"Hey Rob. Listen," John said apologetically. "I don’t want you to feel obligated to ‘tell’ me something. I’d be just as happy hanging with you as talking with you. It just that I’ve been amazed by what you’ve been able to accomplish, through what I know had to be really tough times for you. I guess I was hoping, that if we spent time talking, some of that ability would rub off on me. You always seemed to have it together, anytime I see you, and even from your letters. I just wish I could corral some of that confidence."

"Whoa John. That’s enough ego boosting for one day. Okay?" Rob said sarcastically. "I wanted to say the same to you. That I’ve been awed by what you’ve been able to accomplish, through what I know had to be really tough times for you. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to bounce back the way you did from your injuries. I probably would have curled up and died."

"You, curl up and die. I seriously doubt that about you Rob. You, my Big Brother, the War Hero, the Major General, ready to curl up and die. Impossible." John said quickly, not noticing the cringe that ran down his brother’s spine. "Me, on the other hand. I was very close at one point to checking out. The thought of existing in that condition permanently was too much to fathom. Do you know what kept me going, besides mom and dad?" John paused and looked intently at his brother. "It was you. I couldn’t possibly do what I was thinking. I had to know what happened to you. I could never have left mom and dad with only one son, if something had happened to you. But, if I had still been paralyzed when Joe located you alive, I might have committed suicide then. At least mom and dad would still have you and Joe. And believe me Rob, more than anything else, I wanted you and Joe to be the ones to be with mom and dad. I was going to be no good to them in that condition, just a burden. But as it happened, I stuck it out, and recovered, only because you were still among the missing." John got up from the dinner table. "So, Rob. Nice thoughts on my part, huh? Thanks big brother for living through hell. I wouldn’t be here now if you weren’t where you were then. So don’t be awed by me, I had nothing to do with my recovery. I was forced into it by guilt."

"Damn it John. Please. Please don’t lay your recovery on my shoulders," Rob said nervously. He stood up from the dinner table as well. "You are telling me, that if you knew I was alive during those last eight months, you might have committed suicide." He sighed and shook his head. "You can’t lay that one on me John, you just can’t!" Rob had gone to sit on the living room couch. "God damn it, John! You can’t make me responsible for that too! I can’t handle it!" He sat heavily and ran his hands over his face and through his hair. Then resting his head in his hands, he mumbled to himself, "Oh God, not another person to have been responsible for. Damn it John, now you’ll be in my nightmares."

John watched in shock until Rob finally settled on the couch. Rob was still sitting with his head in his hands. Joe realized that Rob’s last comment was not meant for his ears. Something about nightmares. Damn. Rob’s distraught; I’ve never seen him like this. My God. What brought this on? "Rob, what’s the matter? I’m so sorry. Hey listen, it didn’t happen. Don’t blame yourself for anything. I’d never want you to feel that it could have been your fault. That’s not why I said anything! Damn I have enough guilt for just having those thoughts. -- I’ll survive if my brother doesn’t - great thoughts for a brother to have huh? I just wanted to be honest with you. Get stuff off my chest, you know? I never expected that admission to affect you like it is. I’m so sorry."

Rob looked up at his brother, his eyes bright. "So you just assumed that your Big Brother, the War Hero, the Major General could handle anything you threw at him huh?" Rob asked shaking his head. "Well John, I guess it’s my turn to let you in on the dirty little secret your big brother has carried around with him for two years." Rob got up from the couch and approached his brother. "You see. Your big brother is a psychiatric outpatient at the base hospital in Wurzburg, Germany. It seems that your big brother can’t sleep through the night without medication. He’s prone to severe nightmares, all stemming from the over 3 years he spent at Stalag 13 and his position that had him responsible for the lives of over 2000 people. Any or all of whom could have died with one wrong decision made by your big brother." Rob turned away from his brother, "I can’t handle being made responsible for you too." Rob turned back, taking in John’s slack jawed expression. "God damn it John. I’m not angry with you. I would have gladly given my life to save yours, and I still would for that matter. But thinking that my living could have caused you to take your life, I just can’t handle that." Rob walked away from his brother and sat back down at the kitchen table not facing John.

John at first had no response to make, but he knew he had to say something. God damn. Rob, a psychiatric outpatient? I would never have thought that possible, or necessary. I’ve never seen Rob distraught. -- Over anything. -- He’s always been the one that seemed to have it all together. -- Oh, so that’s it then, huh? -- He has been keeping everything bottled up inside. -- Damn. -- For how long? "I’m sorry Rob. I really am. I don’t want you to feel responsible for me. I can’t possibly take back what I said. It was the truth. -- I always felt I could go to you with anything, growing up. I never once doubted that you would always be there for me. That’s probably why I picked you to focus those feelings on. -- I do realize that the war has interfered, but I just never really expected or wanted things to change between you and I. It was wrong of me to make that assumption. I’m sorry that I’ve taken advantage of that. I really didn’t understand your situation," John approached his brother and put a hand Rob on his shoulder. "Hey big brother, if you’ll let me, I want to be here for you now. How can I help?"

Rob tried desperately to control the shiver that threatened to run down his spine as his brother touched him. He was successful, but just barely. He then addressed John calmly, "John, don’t worry. I’m fine. Really. You can relax. I’m not crazy. Not yet anyway. I’ve worked through a lot of my fears with the doctor at the base. When I got your letter asking me to come and talk with you… Well, I panicked. I wasn’t ready to talk because it meant that I would have to admit to having problems. The doctor convinced me that talking to you could be the best move in helping me overcome my fear of admitting to myself and others, that I don’t ‘have it all together.’" Rob took a deep breath, "I honestly just wasn’t expecting to hear what you just told me, John. But, I’ll deal with it. Everything will be fine. The most important thing to me is that you’re alive, and we can actually have this conversation."

John was taken aback at first. Rob now looks calm, cool and collected. And he’s trying to comfort me. What a crock! "What the hell do you mean? Don’t worry about it John? I’ll deal with it John? How? Not five minutes ago, you fell apart on my couch! You can’t just bury this! So, that’s what you’ve been doing all along! How long have you been burying the feelings you can’t handle? -- You know your pretty dam good at it too. I almost fell for it. -- God damn it Rob, no wonder you’ve got problems!" John replied loud and angry into his brother’s face. He had spun the chair his brother was sitting in, out from the dinner table. He was trying to get Rob to open up … even if it took getting him angry. "Damn. What the hell have you been doing to yourself!"

"Who the hell do you think you are? Don’t you dare tell me how to deal with anything! You’ve no idea! None." Rob yelled furious, standing to face his brother. "You have no idea what it took for me to get through those three and a half years! Everyone depending upon me, every minute of every day. Over 2,000 people. Men, women and children. Even one mistake on my part and we could have all been dead. -- In a blink of an eye."

"So you did spend all that time burying your feelings. God damn it Rob. No wonder those feelings are backing up into nightmares!" John stated, and then he smirked at his old brother. "Damn. I bet they’re doosies!" John saw anger flare on his brother’s face. Whoa, I guess getting him mad is working.

"What do you know about nightmares? How can you make a judgment about my nightmares?" Rob demanded. He couldn’t believe that John would make light of his problems.

"I’m not trying to judge anything, Rob. But, I do understand nightmares," John said emphatically. "I had my own share of nightmares and still do. I even lived through one for almost eight months." John again put his hand on Rob’s shoulder. "Listen big brother, I’m new at this helping thing. I’m really just trying to make you see that you shouldn’t bottle all that inside of you. Damn, it seems that we both have plenty of things we can talk about. That is what you came here for wasn’t it? Perhaps it’s time that we just lean on each other? What do you say?" John asked.

Rob stared at his brother for a moment, his anger draining away. "Yeah. I guess you’re right." Rob reached out and took his brother into an embrace and said, "You know, your doing okay with the helping thing." Joe returned the embrace. "For a novice, that is," continued Rob. They both laughed and the tension just disappeared.

For the rest of the evening, they talked, they laughed, they drank beer, and sometimes they even cried. It was just before midnight when Beth came out to check on them. They had both been quiet for a long while. She thought that they might have both fallen asleep. But she saw that the two brothers were sitting on the balcony, still talking. Beth smiled, relieved. Things seemed to have worked out. For a while this evening, I wasn’t sure that it would. Rob could be so stubborn. I’ll see how it goes in the next few days. She hoped to write and tell Ken that he had been right.

July 3, 1947

Hi Ken,

I thought I’d write and tell you how we made out with Rob’s brother John. They got off to a real rocky start, but after that John’s been a great help. In fact, the two of them have seemed to help each other. They haven’t really confided in me what they’ve been talking about. But I can tell that it has helped. Rob is more relaxed. I’ve even heard him laugh more in the past few days, than he has in months.

They’ve been good for each other. When they’re able to be together, they’ve become almost inseparable. It is going to be hard to say goodbye in two more days. I’m hoping that this will have a lasting effect on Rob, and John as well.

I’m sure Rob will tell you all about it when we return to Germany. But it has been such a relief to see Rob happy again. I’d almost forgotten what that was like. The last nine months have been so hard, for both of us.

We’ll both be seeing you soon.

Beth Hogan

Paul has always been pretty quiet about his time at Stalag 13. He had returned to the states to hometown hero worship for his connection to Papa Bear's organization. Paul had taken it in stride at first, but has since tried to distance himself from it. Scott can never tell what his son is feeling about his time there. One minute he is ecstatic about talking about the men he served with, but the next doesn't want to talk about what he and those men did during that time. Scott has tried to talk to him many times. There is one incident that Paul has admitted to me, that does cause an occasional bad dream. It was the only mission he had command of, having something to do with destroying an airfield. He says all he can see now, in his mind’s eye, are the many people who died at that airfield. He told me he knows that what he did was necessary, and he would do it again. It just doesn’t make those deaths hurt any less.

Damn. That reminds me, Paul's mail about the Stalag 13 POW reunion keeps getting sent here. There was a new letter that just came the other day. Scott went to find the correspondence before Paul arrived. As he picked up the letter, he noticed the return address. It was different from the prior letters. This one came directly from the Office of Military Governor, Major General Robert Hogan, Hammelburg Germany. Damn. Major General Robert Hogan? Wasn't that the name of that General that just toured Rockwell the other day? Oh no, I never made the connection. Paul always refers to him as 'Colonel Hogan'. I'll have to let Paul know. He's going to be disappointed that he missed him.

Paul entered the house just a few minutes later, "Hello dad." He found his father in the kitchen, holding an envelope in his hand. "What's that?" Paul asked.

"Hello son," Scott replied. "It's another letter about the reunion. It's from the Office of Military Governor, Major General Robert Hogan, Hammelburg Germany."

"Fantastic," Paul said as he took the letter from his dad and read it.

June 10, 1947

To My Fellow POWs

I'm writing to everyone to extend my sincere thanks for the efforts you all have made to return to Germany for the School Dedication to Papa Bear and his organization. I am happy to inform you that the local Civilian Government in Hammelburg will pay for all your housing costs here.

In the uncertain times that have befallen Germany in the aftermath of the war, you all should be proud that the one unanimous decision made by the Civilian Government was to support us in this way.

Housing for all of you will be spread throughout the towns surrounding Hammelburg, as well as Hammelburg. Transportation will be provided to and from all events. There are many events planned for the time between August 27th and September 10th. The dedication itself is on September 3rd.

I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to welcome you back to Germany. Things have been like a whirlwind for me here, but everything is pulling together nicely. I think you will all be pleasantly surprised by the recovery of the Hammelburg area. (One of the first things that I authorized was the reconstruction of the Hammelburg Bridge. Using steel!) I'm looking forward to seeing and talking to everyone and meeting your families. Two weeks doesn't feel like enough time to get reacquainted. But we will make it work. We have always been able to make 'it' work, even in less desirable conditions.

See you soon.

Major General Robert Hogan,

a.k.a. 'Colonel' Hogan

a.k.a. ‘Papa Bear’

"Hey, that's great. The civilian government of the US Controlled Zone is paying for the housing for the reunion. What a nice gesture. It's going to be great to see everyone," Paul said excitedly.

"You know Paul, I realized something as I read the return address on that envelope. Remember I told you of the Army General that toured Rockwell the other day?" Scott said, waiting for Paul's acknowledgement. "Well damn, it was Major General Robert Hogan. I never made the connection. You call him 'Colonel' so often, I never even thought there was a connection."

"Oh Damn. Do you know why he was touring Rockwell? Do you think he's still in Washington?" asked Paul. "I'll check at the Pentagon tomorrow."

"Actually Paul, I heard that he was in Washington visiting his brother who just started working at Rockwell," Scott paused. "Damn, I think his brother works as a design engineer. I can check tomorrow for you. Maybe the General's still in town."

"Oh could you dad? That would be great! If the General is still in town, it will be great to see him. If not, it would still be nice to meet his brother. Maybe he will be heading to Germany for the reunion," Paul said hopeful.

"I will definitely check for you Paul. I'm sorry that I didn't make the connection. But his position was never mentioned to me during the tour. If I heard anything about him being the Military Governor in Hammelburg, I would have made the connection," Scott told his son.

"Don't worry dad. I'll see him in September. Though it would have been nice to see him before then, if I had the chance," Paul stated, and then changed the subject. "Hey, weren't we going out for dinner? Let's go. The birthday boy doesn't like waiting."

"Okay let's go birthday boy," Scott said putting his arm around his son's shoulders. They headed for the door.

John Hogan looked up from the blueprints on his desk when he heard the knock on his door. "Come in," he said. An older man entered. John recognized him as one of the VP's in the company but didn't really know his name. "Good Morning." John stood and extended his hand. "I'm sorry sir, but I have to admit to not remembering your name."

"Good Morning John. I'm Scott Foster, Vice-President of Marketing. It is John Hogan, isn't it?" Scott said, shaking John's hand.

"It is. What can I do for you Mr. Foster?" asked John curious. "I hope I haven't upset the powers that be after only one month on the job."

"Oh God John. No, this is actually a social visit. Please call me Scott," Foster said. "Would you mind, if I sat?" Scott pointed to a chair.

"Of course not, please make yourself comfortable. Would you like some coffee?" asked John. "I can have my secretary get you some."

"No John. That's fine. Please relax. Sit." Scott sat, waiting for John to do the same and then continued, "Well the first thing I should ask you is... Was that your brother, Major General Robert Hogan who toured the company last week?"

"Yes, it was. Rob and his family were in town visiting with me. Rob was intrigued with the company knowing that I got a job here right after finishing my degree. He had been a pilot early in his military career. Was there a problem with his visit? I'm sure if anything happened, it was unintentional," John said confused, having no clue what this guy was going to tell him.

"John please relax, I just wanted to make sure I was talking to the right person. I should have just come out and asked you if your brother was Papa Bear?" Scott said sheepishly.

"Oh. Whew. Load of my mind. Yes, my brother is the one and only Papa Bear. He didn't want to advertise that all over the company when he toured," John explained. "So what can Papa Bear's little brother do for you Scott?"

"Actually, it's more ‘what you can do’ for my son, Major Paul Foster. Paul, who was a Sergeant at the time, served with your brother in Germany. I never made the ‘Papa Bear’ connection until just last night. Paul was wondering whether your brother was still in town. Other than that he said that he would like to meet you. He was wondering whether you were heading to Germany for the Stalag 13 reunion. I guess you can say he's being nosey," Scott again said sheepishly. "And I get to be his messenger."

"Wow, I'm sorry Scott. Rob left on the 5th. That's a shame; I know how much those men meant to him. He would have jumped at the chance to talk to your son, I'm sure," John assured. "And I would love to meet your son. I'm still awed by my big brother. I'd love to talk to people who served with him. I'm really disappointed that I won't be going to Germany in September. It would have been a great opportunity to meet the men who my brother claims are the real reason that Papa Bear's operation succeeded."

"So you won't be going. Why? I'm even going with Paul. It would seem to be a crime that a member of Papa Bear's family won't be there," Scott said sympathetically.

"Thanks for caring, Scott. But I just started this job four weeks ago. Taking two weeks off after just starting a new job is not what’s expected from a new employee. Rob already knows I won't be there. He was disappointed, but understands," John explained.

"Did you even talk to your boss? Let me talk to him, I'm sure he would understand. You may have to give up two weeks pay, depending on company policy. But if you really want to go, I can persuade your boss," Scott said.

"Scott, you can't imagine how much I want to be there for my brother. I just don't want to make waves in my first month here, you know?" John said quietly.

"Then it's settled. I'll go talk to Roger Payne now. Be back shortly," Scott said as he got up and left the office before John could blink.

July 16, 1947

Rob,

You won’t believe it. I'm going to be able to come for the dedication. The weirdest coincident occurred after you left. One of Rockwell’s Vice-Presidents, Scott Foster, came into my office last week. He scared the crap out of me. I thought I had done something wrong and was being fired. Boy, was that not it.

His son is Major ‘Sergeant’ Paul Foster. Scott told me he served with you at Stalag 13. Scott never connected you to Papa Bear while you toured. It wasn't until after you left that he figured it out. Paul was disappointed that he didn't get to see you. Anyway Scott put two & two together and figured out that I was your brother.

We talked and he realized that I wasn't going to be traveling to Germany for the dedication. He thought that was a shame. He talked to my boss. I’ve got the time off. I'm so excited to be there for you. Scott and Paul and I will be traveling together. It seems that there are a number of fans of Papa Bear working for Rockwell. The President of Rockwell International is letting us take the corporate plane. Cool huh?

Thanks Big Brother. I know you still have a hard time dealing with all this acclaim, but I'll tell you, just meeting Paul Foster was an eye opener for me. He has since told me some stories... You deserve the acclaim you’re getting Rob. If you don't want to accept it for you, then accept it for me. Other than that I don't get to fly around the world in Rockwell International's corporate plane!

See ya soon

August 1, 1947

Rob,

Your dad and I have had to make a change in our plans. Your dad can't get away from the clinic as soon as we thought. Doctor Peterson won't be able to cover for your dad for at least a week after first thought. So we won't be able to make it to Hammelburg before September 1st. We were hoping maybe to add a few days to the end of our stay. Hopefully that will be okay? But never fear we will not miss the dedication.

Sue and Ed will still be traveling on the old time schedule. I also know John still has his same schedule as well. Corporate plane. huh. I haven't heard from Joe recently, but he assured us he would be there as well. It will be nice to have the family together again.

So, we are sorry to put this small damper on the family reunion, but it is our hope to make it up to you after we arrive.

Love

Mom.

Rob just returned home from the train station seeing off the last of his men that left Germany this morning. Rob had been saying goodbye for a few days now. Newkirk, LeBeau, Carter and Kinch took a couple of days and went to Heidelberg to visit both Wilhelm and Hans before heading in their separate directions. Others had been leaving sporadically over the last three days, including both of his brothers and his sister's family. Rob's mom and dad were going to stay for a few more days.

Rob wandered his house. Nobody was home. There was no note. Strange. Rob plunked himself down on the loveseat in the sunroom. I hope everything is okay? Damn. Just because Beth announced that she was pregnant yesterday. Don't start panicking just yet. They didn't know when to expect you home, they might just have gone out to eat. Yeah. Yeah.

The phone rang interrupting his thoughts. He entered the kitchen to pick up the extension. "Hello," Rob said. "Wilhelm. How's it going? -- Good. -- Yeah, the last of the crew is gone. -- Tomorrow great. -- Hans is coming with you. Wonderful. -- We'll see you around 6:00pm. -- Oh Wilhelm. Damn. I'm sorry. -- My parents are still in town. -- I still want to get together, I just wanted you both to know that my parents would be here. -- Okay, you're sure? -- All right, as long as your okay with it. -- See you both tomorrow. -- Oh God Wilhelm! -- Sorry. It's good news! -- Beth is pregnant. She just told everyone yesterday! -- Thanks, I'm already a wreck though. -- Don't tell Beth, Okay? -- Great. See you tomorrow." As Rob hung up the phone, his family entered the kitchen.

Whew." Where have you guys been? You didn't leave a note," Rob asked quickly.

"We took our daughter-in-law and grandson out to eat," Michael said matter-of-factly. "We would have waited if we knew you would be through early."

"No, that's okay. I'm just being a neurotic expectant father," Rob admitted sheepishly.

"Oh. So you start early," Michael teased.

"I should have known better Michael," Beth said. "During the first pregnancy I had to leave a note when I went to the bathroom." Beth came up from behind Rob and hugged him and then kissed him on the cheek.

"Come on. I wasn't that bad," Rob said indignantly. "Was I?"

"Yes you were. -- And I couldn't have loved you more for it," Beth said taking Rob in a full embrace, kissing him passionately.

Rob willingly returned the embrace and the kiss, until he remembered they had company. He gently broke the embrace. Looking up at his parents, he expected to see his parent's condescending stare. Instead they were both smiling. He quickly interjected a comment, "So where did you guys go to eat?"

"We went to the Haus-Brau," Beth said. "Poor Hermann. He was still reeling from the last two weeks. Rob, you never told me that the Haus-Brau was quite the happening place during the war," she teased. "I think everyone of your men had to hit the Haus-Brau at least once during the two weeks and I think some of them made it a regular stop." Beth smiled at her husband, but noticed his demeanor change. She was sure his parents saw it too.

"Yeah definitely a happening place," Rob answered quietly, looking at the floor. If you count getting shot by the Gestapo after being chased out of the building. Rob looked up quickly, the smile back on his face. "I hope Hermann made out like a bandit then. Except that I think he was offering free drinks to the POWs."

Beth was happy to see the smile return. I'm going to ask him what that was all about. But she decided to change the subject for now. "Hey Rob, who was that on the phone when we first came in?" Oops, I guess that wasn't the right thing to ask either. What's wrong?

"Rob is there something wrong?" Michael asked. "Ever since Beth mentioned the Haus-Brau, your whole demeanor has changed. Is everything okay?"

"I'm sorry. Everything is fine," Rob said quickly and realized for the first time that he was covering up his feelings. "Wow. You know what? Everything is not okay. Mom. Dad. Beth. As for the Haus Brau, I'll explain quickly. My last visit to the Haus-Brau during the war resulted in my getting shot by the Gestapo. It was all related to that interrogation that I've told you about. Guess I was just feeling bad for myself."

Rob paused and took a breath. "Actually, the Haus-Brau represents the beginning of the end of the war for my men. I took that bullet after the last meeting that put our final mission into play. I really should be proud and not be feeling bad for myself. Hermann told me that all my guys did while they were there was toast the ‘Colonel’." Rob looked into the faces of his wife and parents, "Wow. Sorry, I guess that was a little too much honesty?"

Rob cleared his throat and said, "As for the phone call. Mom. Dad. This involves you and not Beth. Wilhelm and Hans are coming here for dinner tomorrow night. That was them on the phone. They know that you will be here and are still willing to come. I know that in your letter to them you told them you would welcome them. Both men have taken you at your word. I just want to make sure that you both understand my position here. These men are my friends and they are welcome in my home at any time. I expect that you both will treat them pleasantly, or I will ask you to find someplace else to be tomorrow night."

Michael glanced at Mary, looking for help as to what to do. They had yet to tell Rob about meeting both Wilhelm and Hans. Dinner tomorrow night was going to be the way for all four to be together to tell Rob about the situation. Things had gone very well in Heidelberg. The four of them got along quite well. So, they decided that they could continue with the original plan of meeting here tomorrow. If the meeting had not gone well Wilhelm and Hans would not have made the effort to call. And Rob would never have to be aware of their inability to find common ground. But neither Michael nor Mary had ever expected Rob to be adamant enough to actually tell his parents that they would be asked to leave his home. They didn't know what to say. They had wanted tomorrow night to be a pleasant surprise for him. But he was so on edge about their attitude. Michael glanced back at his son, having read his wife face.

"Rob. It seems that honesty will have to be the virtue of the hour," Michael stated, not looking directly at Rob. "First. You will need to hear me out. Okay? I guess I should start off by saying that you don't have to worry about us accepting Wilhelm and Hans. Wilhelm and I, as well as your mother and Hans have been corresponding regularly for the last year. Wilhelm, Hans, your mother and I just spent three days together in Heidelberg. That was the real reason for our being late coming here. We kept this from you because we wanted to make sure that we, the four of us, could find some common ground on which to build a relationship. We did not want you involved in that process. If it did not work, we did not want you to be disappointed." Michael took a deep breath. "The four of us planned on dinner tomorrow night as a way to let you know of our success. If it had been a complete disaster, Wilhelm and Hans would never have called here today. You should be happy to know, that the four of us got along wonderfully." Michael looked up into his son's face. He couldn't read the expression on his son's face.

Rob had the look of daggers. "So, you lied to me? For over a year?" He began pacing around the room, ranting. "I really don't appreciate being lied too. I never expected something like this from you both. And you forced Wilhelm and Hans into your deception. How dare you? How can I ever face them again? For years they were manipulated by me. Now they spent the last year being manipulated by my parents."

Rob quickly glanced at his parents, shock was plastered all of their faces. Rob stopped his pacing and ranting. He looked directly at his parents and he smirked, "Never lie to a liar. You will never succeed."

Rob burst out laughing. "Mom. Dad. I'm sorry, but I've known since last Thanksgiving that you've been corresponding with both men. You'll have to blame Wilhelm. But don't be too hard on him, I don't think he even remembers telling me. He had had way too much to drink by 4:30 in the morning. He even told me not to tell me, that it was a secret. So I kept his secret."

Rob sighed, "Admittedly, until your admission, I didn't really know if what you four were doing was working or not. I'm glad to hear that it has."

"So your speech about us being made to leave your home was just to get a rise out of us?" asked his mother incredulously.

Rob's demeanor turned serious. "No mom. That speech came from the heart and I meant every word. I would never have stood for either of you belittling my relationship to both men. And since I really wasn't aware of the solution you four came to. I wanted to make sure you understood my position."

"Oh," his mother said quietly.

"Sorry. I'm very glad that I don't have to 'ask you to leave.' I love you both for working hard to make peace with both Wilhelm and Hans. I know it means a lot to them. And it means a lot to me. I once told them that I had two families. One from Bridgeport CT that I was born into, and one here in Germany that I was born into by fire." Rob paused. "You both don't know how happy I am, that those two families are now one." Rob approached his mother, hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. He then reached out and took his dad into an embrace as well.

Rob broke the embrace. With a really huge smirk on his face he said. "So. Are you to going to let me give both Wilhelm and Hans grief about lying to me tomorrow night? Or would you prefer that I call them and tell them that I already know?"

Michael Hogan gave his son a look of long suffering. "Rob, if what you just made us go through, is what you have planned for Wilhelm and Hans. I would prefer you call them now. The last thing we would want is them to think we were part of your plan to give them grief."

"Okay. Okay," said Rob. "I'll call them." Rob went to the phone and called his two friends. The three of them talked for such a long time, that both Beth and his parents gave up waiting for the call to end.

Rob entered the library. His parents had left earlier this morning for home. This was the first time today that he had time to relax. As he sat at his desk, he saw the note that he had left on his desk. It was from Kyle Birmingham. He had gotten word three weeks ago from Kyle that he was not going to make it to the dedication. His wife had given birth to their fourth child. The baby came two months early. They had some scary moments with the baby early on, but everything turned out okay. Rob decided to take some time now and write Kyle and tell him about the past two weeks and to see how the baby’s parents were making out.

September 14, 1947

Kyle,

I hope all is well with you and your family. I’m sorry you couldn’t make the dedication, but I’ll forgive you. How’s the new baby? Trevor, right? Wow four kids. I’m impressed. Actually Beth and I have some good news too! She just told me a few days ago that she’s pregnant! Wow I’m so excited, but boy was I such a basket case during the first pregnancy. Hey Kyle does it get any easier? Ugh. Anyway, Michael is doing great. I can’t believe that he is almost 14 months. Time has gone by so fast. Oh yeah, tell Karen that Beth is thinking of her. We should really set aside some time to get together. Famous last words huh? Well we should at least continue to write.

Anyway, I wrote to give you the low-down on the Dedication Ceremony. We had almost 4000 people out at the site that day. There were 1500 of my men and their families as well as most of the population of Hammelburg. Not to mention some military dignitaries as well. It was a beautiful day. We couldn’t have asked for a better day. There were the typical speeches. I even had to give one. Most of the men were snickering on their sleeves watching me. It’s not what I do best. Anyway, the plaque has been placed at the main entrance of the school.

I think everyone had a great time, I had been able to garner enough funds to put everyone up. They were scattered over the four closest towns. There were activities everyday. Anything from Octoberfests (a little early) to concerts. As much stuff ‘unbecoming an officer’ that we could come up with. It was a wonderful time. I actually think that the civilians were glad when everyone left. Hammelburg just doesn’t hold 3000 extra people.

On a sad note, we had a prayer service on the day of the dedication. I couldn’t believe that we had 15 men die after leaving Stalag 13. Most to illness, but some to things as useless as car accidents. How ironic can that be? After surviving over three years under the guns of the German War Machine, yet you get home and get killed in a car accident. There were another 100, we had no response from. I can only hope that they are still well. The balance just couldn’t make it, but many promised to come at sometime in the future. I hope they do.

I can’t tell you how proud I am of all these men. They again surprised me. After my speech, they all broke out in a raucous cheer. It was embarrassing as all hell. But nice, really nice.

Okay, I guess I’ll cut this short. Keep in touch Kyle. Take care of the new baby.

Talk to you soon

Rob

PS. Oh, I never told you what the Dedication said. It was very nice.

On this site, from October 1942 thru May 1945,

Papa Bear and his operatives heroically fought against insurmountable odds,

while confined to a Prisoner of War Camp,

to defeat Adolph Hitler’s Third Reich.

It is, in part, to these men that we, all of us the world over,

owe our very existence.

For if not for their bravery and commitment,

the world we now know would not exist.

We hope you enjoyed Post Games. Your comments are very welcome.

With our attempt at HH fan fiction writing,

it is our hope that you can read anyone of our "Games" in "plot-date order"

and find continuity of the characters, their thoughts and/or plots devices.

Enjoy!