Ways We Live and Die
By
Jennaya
Disclaimer: I still own nothing about Hogan's Heroes. Bummer. I just like to take them out to play every now and then.
Major Wolfgang Hochstetter had a miserable week. A train with supplies heading to the front lines had been destroyed in his jurisdiction, and he'd just return from being chewed out by his bosses in Berlin. There'd been too many acts of sabotage in his area, and he'd not been able to get a control on the underground activity. It was only a matter of time before he'd be replaced; the writing was on the wall.
Hochstetter knew exactly who was responsible, but why proof was not forthcoming he couldn't understand. Colonel Robert Hogan, a prisoner at Stalag 13, was the leader of the espionage group working in his area. It was a perfect cover for the American. But no one would believe him. Hochstetter knew full well that Hogan ran the prisoner of war camp by manipulating Klink. Anyone who'd ever spent anytime observing the pair could see it.
He stopped at an intersection debating which way he should head. Going left would take him to the office, right would take him home. Perhaps his second in command, Captain Fritz Fuchs, investigation of the train site provided some clues to Hogan's guilt. It was late and misty rain, so Hochstetter decided to go home and get an early start in the morning. He could review any evidence and spend the day interrogating Hogan tomorrow. He was determined Hogan wouldn't be his downfall. Maybe, he'd just execute the man for being an irritation, and then prove he was Papa Bear as sabotage activities stopped after his death. It was a pleasant thought that brought a smile to Hochstetter's face.
Taking the road towards home, Hochstetter wondered if he'd really be in any more trouble than he already was by killing Hogan. It would almost be worth it just to get rid of the man. He could always claim Hogan tried to escape. He came to the next crossroads and decided to take the scenic route home. He wasn't ready to give up his little fantasy just yet. Driving down the back roads, he saw a light in a barn that was abandoned. That was strange; no one had lived on that farm for several years. He turned his headlights off and slowed down to take a closer look. Perhaps he'd stumbled onto a meeting of the underground. Turning into the drive, he saw Fuchs's staff car. He must be meeting an informant, Hochstetter thought then parked his car behind the other car. He wanted to interrogate this person also. Something good had to come out of today.
Hochstetter got out and walked into the barn where he saw two men meeting. A thermos of coffee sat between them. As he took a few steps farther, he recognized the second man, and a huge grin took over his face. "You've caught him! Well done, Captain. There will be a promotion in this for us," Hochstetter congratulated Fuchs.
"Hochstetter, what are you doing here?" Hogan said shaking his head. He and Fuchs shared a knowing look.
"The better question is what are you doing out of camp in civilian clothes?" Hochstetter was almost giddy. He had his man now, and no one could doubt his investigative skills anymore.
"Herr Major, it would have been better if you never saw this," Fuchs said turning towards his boss.
"What do you mean? Now we have him!" Hochstetter was confused and stopped walking, staring at them.
"What should we do with him?" Fuchs asked unclipping his holster.
"Do?" Hochstetter wondered why it wasn't obvious. "We're going to arrest Hogan and drag him to Berlin to stand trial for all the sabotage he's committed. Then we'll exterminate all the other vermin at Stalag 13." This night couldn't have ended better!
"He wasn't speaking to you," Hogan said standing up slowly. "We're going to have to take care of him now."
"What?" Hochstetter looked at Hogan like he'd gone nuts. Then the reality of the meeting became clear to the Major. "Fuchs, you're in league with him? You're a traitor!" Hochstetter went for his gun, but Hogan was faster. He placed three rounds through Hochstetter's heart before the Major could draw his weapon. He fell where he stood.
"I'm not a traitor. I'm saving Germany," Fuchs answered as he stepped over to the body removing Hochstetter's weapon.
"How do you want to handle this?" Hogan asked as he emptied Hochstetter's pockets.
"If I write this up correctly, we can pin the train explosion on him. And there might still be a promotion in my future," Fuchs grinned. Fuchs would do whatever was needed to make sure the Allies won the war.
Hogan shook his head in agreement as the two friends set the stage to turn Hochstetter into a traitor to the Fatherland.
AN: This was a challenge to kill off Hochstetter. I thought, why not? I'm an equal opportunity killing author. It's grown into a series to kill off every character in HH. No one is safe who's ever appeared on the show. Have a character you want to see bumped off in a certain way? Drop me a note and I'll see what I can do.