Kirk stood in the transporter room with McCoy dressed in period clothing. Kirk did not want to wear the uniform. The men wore suits suggestive of Sunday's best for church. Spock stood behind the transporter controls while Jackson approached Kirk.
Kirk said, "We have to get him back."
Jackson said, "You've no idea what he intends. His son has no idea what he intends."
Kirk said, "I have a general sense. He's going to attempt to infiltrate that camp again."
McCoy asked, "Are we going to the camp or to Gestapo Headquarters?"
Kirk replied, "Gestapo Headquarters. Christopher will need time to collect resources before attempting to contact Klink. He'll need clothing, money, and transportation."
McCoy said, "We've no idea if Colonel Collins is still undercover."
Kirk said, "He is."
McCoy mockingly said, "I guess your new obsession paid off."
Kirk said, "Come on. We've got work to do."
The two men took their places on the platform. The Enterprise teleporter room disappeared from view, replaced by a quiet street. It was almost eight in the morning. Kirk remembered the way and hoped he was right about Collins. It was less about obsession with the archives that told him Collins was still in the area. He remembered what Collins said. As long as she's stuck in a camp that no one ever escapes from then it's my duty to do what I can to keep her safe.
The archives proved inconclusive concerning Collins' fate. Kirk appreciated the situation. The man successfully infiltrated a perverse organization to assist persons escape a horrible travesty. On a certain level, it was noble. Kirk could not dismiss the fact that Collins remained because he probably loved Saunders.
The two men entered the building, which seemed minimally staffed. Whether it was due to the early Sunday hour or observation of the holy day, Kirk was uncertain. It seemed surreal. Kirk hoped that two civilians entering at such a time did not appear unnatural to the men.
A corporal asked, "What brings you here?"
Kirk said, "I hope to speak with Colonel Feldkamp. I have heard something that he once asked me to listen for."
"We know he isn't in church," smiled the corporal. Several men entertained small laughter. Then he said, "Now we know why he came in so early today. I shall inform him you are here. Your name?"
"Josef Kappel," said Kirk. He watched as the man went down the hall, returning a moment later with Collins. Kirk hid his relief.
Collins said, "Oh, this is an unexpected surprise. Come with me." The two men followed Collins as he led the way to his office, smaller than Hochstetter's and considerably less cluttered. He closed the door and said, "I thought I'd never see you boys again."
Kirk said, "It couldn't be helped."
Collins said, "Hogan hasn't contacted me so I'm assuming I'm your first stop. You took a big chance. How'd you know I was still here?"
Kirk said, "She's still stuck in camp."
Collins sighed, "Yeah. It's been over a year now. She was captured December of Forty Two but I guess you being from the future already knew that."
Kirk said, "Captain Christopher escaped custody."
Collins said, "You think he's coming here. Damn. You know, it's not beneath the Krauts to execute a nurse. They did it during the first war in Belgium. They justified it because she was involved in belligerent actions and so the Convention meant nothing. They still have posters about it in England."
Kirk said, "I need to stop him."
Collins said, "I can't go with you. They're bringing in a French Resistance operative. I need to get her out of here before they interrogate her. Otherwise, I would loan you my car."
Kirk said, "I understand."
"I'll contact Hogan as soon as I can but you might just show up unannounced," said Collins.
Kirk said, "I'll manage. How do I get to camp?"
Collins said, "You boys sure are out of your element. See this map?" He pointed to a map on the wall and gave directions on how to get to camp. Then he led the men through the building. Two men brought in a blonde woman. Collins said, "Ah, Mademoiselle Marie Louise Monet! She is pretty, no? I enjoy interrogating the frauen."
Kirk and McCoy felt instant revulsion at the comment. Despite knowing that Collins intended to get her out, he successfully delivered the statement in such a manner as to invite the Gestapo men into jeers and mockery. Kirk looked at the woman, who expressed fear when she saw Collins.
McCoy gently coughed and Kirk returned to the moment. He walked away. How many others walked away when they saw injustice? Knowing that Collins was performing a part did not help. How far would he go to convince the others he was one of them?
Once outside McCoy said, "I hope he gets her out of there."
Kirk said, "I know."
The two men walked to an inconspicuous spot and had Spock transport them closer to the camp. Kirk did not want to risk transporting inside the camp in case any of the prisoners saw the act. He had to minimalize contamination as much as possible. They arrived on a dirt road that lead to the Luftstalag.
As they walked, Kirk could not believe his eyes. Three men on horseback approached from the direction of the camp. He and McCoy looked at each other. The horsemen slowed their gait.
"It is early for a Sunday morning walk," said Wagner as he approached Kirk.
Kirk said, "I thought the cavalry was no more."
Wagner laughed, "You were mistaken. Guten tag."
The two watched the horsemen continue down the road. They shrugged and continued to the camp. Kirk said, "That was damn peculiar."
McCoy said, "We've no idea if he's supposed to be here. What do we really know about the timeline? All we have are ancient records."
Kirk said, "This is about right." He turned into the woods and said, "We know Christopher is deliberately interfering. We have to proceed. We know that if we don't, Christopher will change history."
The two approached camp and kept hidden behind trees. There was one advantage to the guard routine. They spent more time looking inside the camp than outside. Kirk appreciated that the tree stump was in a blind spot between two guard towers. First he bade McCoy to enter; then he immediately followed. There was a certain excitement sneaking into a POW camp. Kirk understood that for the prisoners, it was a risk.
"The Colonel will not be happy to see you fellas," said Wilson.
Kirk spoke as if in a haze, "It couldn't be helped. How'd you know we were coming?" The notion of someone waiting for his arrival foretold a bad omen. He tried to remember the man's name.
Wilson said, "Cousin Gerhardt showed up. Follow me."
As the two followed the man McCoy asked, "How'd he get here so quickly?"
"I don't know," said Kirk. "It takes time to get disguises and such."
"Wait here," said Wilson.
Kirk watched as the man climbed up the ladder. He remained impressed with the operation, which appeared in full working mode. If the Nazis found the underground system, they would be equally amazed to see printing presses producing counterfeit money, forgers working on various pieces of equipment, a gunsmith repairing weapons, and a chemical laboratory. There was the radio and switchboard set up, a secret infirmary, even a wine cellar.
As Hogan arrived he said, "Your problem seems to be my problem. I kind of figured you wouldn't have a way to contact me."
Kirk said, "We tried. We met up with Colonel Collins first but he couldn't help us."
Hogan stood with arms folded across his chest and said, "Couldn't or wouldn't?"
McCoy said, "They have a French Resistance operative in captivity. He's working on getting her out."
Hogan exclaimed, "Her?"
Kirk said, "Yes. She's a younger woman." He turned to McCoy and asked, "What was her name? Marie Louise Monet?"
Hogan thrust his arms downward with hands clenched in fists. He snapped, "Damn it! They have Tiger! He's working on getting her out?"
Kirk said, "That's why he couldn't loan us his car."
Hogan said, "There's only two things he holds onto closer than that car. Kinch! See if you can find out what's going on. The Gestapo nabbed Tiger. She's at Headquarters right now."
"Yes sir," Kinchloe shouted.
Hogan said, "Upstairs." He climbed up the ladder and the two men followed.
The common area shared a thick tension. LeBeau was trying to cook. Carter and Saunders played cards. Olsen remained on permanent window watch. Newkirk monitored the coffeepot in Hogan's office. Seeing the two sailors again set the barracks on edge.
McCoy quietly said, "Lots of negative energy."
Hogan said, "I heard that. Your man is trying to get my men killed. He's started on the schnapps. I expect sooner or later Klink will ask LeBeau to cook dinner. Colonel Wagner will be coming back very soon."
Kirk asked, "Who's that?"
LeBeau said, "He's the local infantry commander, runs a training camp."
Hogan said, "Yeah, he's more loyal to the Fatherland than the Fuhrer but he's still dangerous. He's an old cavalry officer."
Kirk said, "I thought the Germans didn't use cavalry anymore."
Hogan said, "They don't – except a few spots along the Russian Front, maybe. Wagner's having a hard time giving up his saddle. For some reason, he likes Klink. He gets to meet Cousin Gerhardt. Your Captain Christopher might be good but Wagner's actually been to the Russian Front."
Kinchloe came up from the tunnels and said, "Colonel, everything's okay. Little John reported that he has Tiger safely away. He wants her to come here but he's concerned because we've got squids running around."
Hogan said, "Bring her in. He scares her."
Saunders said, "She can bunk with me."
Hogan said, "During the day she stays in the tunnels as much as possible. See if you can get a hold of Dubois to arrange a transfer."
"Yes sir," said Kinchloe. He climbed down the ladder to fulfill his orders.
Carter said, "We can poison him."
LeBeau said, "Too risky. After what happened last time, he'll make sure someone else tastes everything before he touches it. It wasn't the best wine but it still deserved a better fate."
Kirk said, "You're planning on killing him."
Hogan said, "That's right. He's intent on taking us out – permanently. You had him eight months ago and he escaped."
McCoy asked, "Has it been that long?"
Kirk gave McCoy a look. Time was relevant depending on a man's perspective. While eight months had transpired for the prisoners, it was only a matter of two weeks for Kirk and McCoy. Kirk finally said, "I guess it has been that long."
Saunders weakly said, "I can get close to him."
Hogan said, "He's too dangerous."
Saunders said, "Maybe but get enough schnapps in him and he'll fall flat on his face."
Carter said, "Yeah, but he was giving you the eye."
Hogan said, "Carter."
Carter said, "But it's true! I didn't like the way he was staring at her. I'm surprised Klink didn't notice. He's always giving her the eye too. It's disrespectful – disrespectful!"
Saunders said, "I can handle it. I don't think the Kommandant would appreciate his cousin trying to get his girl, if you know what I mean."
Hogan said, "Don't do anything to instigate or exacerbate that."
Saunders said, "Maybe if we're lucky, Klink will shoot him for us."
Hogan said, "The day he does that will be the day we need a new Kommandant. I like him just the way he is – spineless."
Kirk said, "I'd rather take Christopher out of here alive."
Hogan said, "Not at the expense of my men's lives."
"Or women," said Saunders.
"Don't start that again," said Hogan. "The problem is that we're not in control of this situation. We need to take control. Christopher is calling all of the shots."
Olsen said, "Schultz is coming."
Hogan snapped, "You two – tunnels!" Kirk and McCoy immediately scrambled down the ladder. Hogan knew it was the anticipated request for LeBeau to cook dinner. Schultz did not disappoint him. There was the usual bantering and bartering for favors.
After Schultz left Saunders said, "I guess I'm not invited."
"Good," said Hogan. "Get those two sailors back up here."
The discussion resumed on how to take care of Christopher. The two leaders remained at odds. Hogan refused to take chances when it came to the lives of his men. Kirk advocated apprehension to face due justice. Hogan argued in favor of assassination. While not something he preferred, Hogan understood it was a matter of kill or be killed.
Hogan said, "We can argue this until the cows come home. If Christopher simply vanishes, I'll make up a story and sell it to Klink hook, line, and sinker."
Kirk struggled to interpret the idioms. He finally said, "Let me think about it."
"Don't take too long," said Hogan. "Your man wants us dead."
#TOS x HH#
Kirk and McCoy sat in the tunnels on a spare cot. There were too many comings and goings of guards for Hogan's liking for them to remain in the barracks. They were not in uniform. While Hogan had many costumes, he did not maintain a supply of Allied uniforms. Just about all of the men had what they wore at the time of their capture. A fair number had a spare set if they were able to evacuate with an emergency kit. Saunders had her flight uniform and traditional nurse's attire as her unit intended a stay of unlimited duration. The Red Cross provided her with additional nurses' uniforms from their organization but sewed on red winkels to appease the local authorities.
Hogan did not invest resources in replenishment uniforms for the men. Instead, he chose to use procured materials for Kraut uniforms. The Underground assisted with civilian attire. If he had spare Allied uniforms, he would have allowed Kirk and McCoy to change and remain in the barracks. Only Schultz knew with any certainty the number of prisoners and national uniforms. As long as Schultz guarded LeBeau during the cooking, the men could have gotten away with the impersonation.
McCoy said, "We're stuck here."
Kirk said, "Tell me about it. We've got to get Christopher out of here alive so he can stand trial."
McCoy said, "Colonel Hogan is being stubborn."
Kirk said, "He knows there's a firing squad if he's caught engaged in belligerent actions. He becomes subject to the German civil laws and is no longer afforded the protections of the Geneva Convention. I suppose there might be a trial but these are troubled times."
McCoy said, "There must be something we can do."
Kirk said, "There are too many people in the vicinity. Without a subcutaneous transponder, we can never guarantee a good lock."
McCoy said, "If only there was a way to plant something on him."
Kirk said, "That's a possibility. Isolinear tags are small. Someone would have to get close to him and pull it off in such a way that he doesn't realize it."
McCoy asked, "What about one of Colonel Hogan's men?"
Kirk said, "One of them is a pickpocket. I'm trying to remember which one."
"That would be Corporal Newkirk," said Saunders as she approached. The two men stood. She folded her arms and said, "Voices have a way of carrying through the tunnels. Colonel Hogan is ready for you."
Kirk said, "Very good."
McCoy said, "You seem at ease in these tunnels."
Saunders flatly said, "I despise them. They're worse than trenches. I can't imagine a worse death than being buried alive. Alright, that's not true. I can imagine worse ways of dying but that would be at the hands of the Krauts."
As the two men followed Kirk asked, "Why do you keep calling them Krauts?"
Saunders replied, "Krauts are the enemy. Don't misunderstand me. We do have German friends and they most definitively are not Krauts."
Kirk struggled to interpret the delineation. Then came a flurry of activity with men racing about the tunnels. Kirk and McCoy did as Saunders, pressing to one side. Kirk saw the woman from Gestapo Headquarters, somewhat shaken up but alive. Saunders immediately hugged her. Then he realized Collins was in the tunnels as well.
"I see you boys made it," said Collins.
Hogan made his entrance and said, "Tiger!"
Kirk watched as Tiger went to Hogan and the two embraced. He did not know this woman nor remembered seeing her picture in any of the archives. Somehow, she looked familiar. He decided that he must have seen her picture. She was a striking woman. He realized that Hogan expressed more than genuine concern. Were they lovers?
Saunders said, "Thank you, John."
"No hug for me?"
Saunders smiled and gave him a hug. She said, "Of course you get a hug." She pulled back and continued, "Thank you."
Collins said, "Yeah, well, Major Hochstetter is going to have a lot of explaining to do once he wakes up. I need to get back for the floorshow."
Hogan remembered his priorities and said, "Thanks, Colonel."
Collins said, "Anytime."
Kirk tried to understand the scene. He remembered the two men shared bitterness towards one another but put that aside for the greater good. He watched as Collins headed down the tunnels. Kirk finally said, "I'm glad to see you're safe, Miss."
Tiger said, "Oui, for the moment."
Hogan said, "Dubois is on his way."
"Merci," said Tiger.
Hogan said, "I have things to take care of. Colonel, look after her."
"Of course," smiled Saunders. Kirk watched as the two women went down the tunnel and climbed a ladder.
Hogan said, "Women don't belong here. War is men's work."
Kirk said, "Somehow I don't think you'll convince either of them that's true."
Hogan laughed, "Yeah, I know." Sobering his tone he continued, "We've got work to do." He watched as Tiger descended the ladder. He suspected a guard must have approached the women's barracks. He did not like the idea of Tiger being confined to the tunnel system, but the POW camp only had one female prisoner – and one was too many.
Newkirk entered the tunnels and said, "Langenscheidt is escorting Florence to the Kommandantur."
Kirk asked, "Is that bad?"
Hogan said, "It sure is. If he starts playing a violin solo she might not put up with it. I'm all out of chocolate bars." Kirk and McCoy looked at each other in an effort to understand the quip.