Chapter 2: Chronometers Askew
Enterprise established a high enough orbit to escape detection from the primitive technology of the time. It was indeed 1943. Kirk did not want to transport down to the surface in a Nazi uniform. The very idea filled him with revulsion. However, he had little choice. Spock managed to triangulate the shuttle's position. Scanners indicated more than one hundred humans in the immediate vicinity.
Best estimates suggested the shuttle crashed three hours prior to Enterprise arriving in the time era. Kirk listened to Spock's exhaustive explanation of time dilation but did not understand it. He did understand the problem of Nazi Germany exploiting the find. The timeline would greatly suffer.
Kirk took his place on the transporter platform. He looked at McCoy, who felt just as ill at ease at wearing a Gestapo uniform. Then he turned to Chekov, an unlikely interpreter but versed enough in German should the need arise. As much as he wanted Spock to join the landing party, Kirk dare not risk it. He chose to not take any security personnel. If his party was too large, it would attract unnecessary attention.
The room faded from view. A moment later, the three men materialized within a small cluster of trees. They approached the tree line and saw countless men surrounding the shuttle, which was partially submerged in the river. Portable searchlights trained on the vessel. Someone already opened the hull door and Germans freely entered and exited the craft.
Kirk saw four bodies on the ground in Starfleet uniforms. He heard the discreet sound of McCoy's medical tricorder. Then he saw someone start to cover the bodies with sheets. He quietly asked, "Can you tell how they died?"
McCoy responded in kind, "Catastrophic internal organ damage. There's also low levels of theta radiation. We'll need to be inoculated. Jim, one is a Vulcan female."
Kirk nodded his head, understanding the gravity of the situation. He looked at Chekov, who scanned the shuttle using a science tricorder. He asked, "What is it?"
Chekov replied, "I'm picking up a weak radiation trail."
Kirk said, "Where?"
"Heading in that direction," replied Chekov as he pointed into the woods.
"Someone survived," said Kirk.
McCoy said, "There's nothing we can do for these people here except recover their bodies."
Kirk looked at Chekov and said, "Lead the way."
The three men walked through the woods. Once safely away from the commotion, Kirk contacted Enterprise and informed Spock of the situation. He ordered Spock to transport the shuttle and the bodies. Understanding the issues of so many witnesses to such an event, it was unavoidable. They could not afford the technology to fall into the wrong hands. There was also the matter of the Vulcan female, which the doctors of the time would undoubtedly autopsy and conduct extensive research.
Spock accompanied Scotty to the cargo bay transporter room along with a security detail. Any Germans inside the craft might act illogically to the transportation process. He could not allow the local denizens to defile the body of a fellow Vulcan. He read much about the conflict currently underway. While he knew many details, he did not understand why humans chose to act in such a manner.
"I think we're ready," said Scotty as the transporter panel activated.
The security guards stood poised with their phasers. Spock continued monitoring the scanner. After a moment he finally said, "Engage." The cargo transporter was less discriminating than the standard platforms where persons stood on independent pads. Anything within the defined perimeter would transport. Spock had no choice. At least one German was trapped within the transport process.
The shuttle and bodies materialized. A very confused young German man stood in the doorway of the craft. He drew his rifle out of fear but then froze after viewing his surroundings. He looked at Spock, who cautiously approached.
The man asked, "Bin ich tot?" Am I dead?
Spock placed his fingers on the man's face and said, "Vergessen." Forget.
The man slipped into unconsciousness. Spock caught him and passed him to one of the security guards. The guard asked, "What do you want us to do with him?"
Spock replied, "Transporter Room Six." He took the lead. Due to the confusing period of the time, Spock had no way of ascertaining if his unwelcome guest was destined to disappear during the war or what might occur if he did when he was not supposed to. The Germans destroyed many records towards the end of the war in the face of imminent defeat.
Logic suggested the best course of action was to return the man. Once in the transporter room, Spock conducted scans in the immediate vicinity and selected a secluded spot within the woods near the crash site. The man would recover. Then he contacted Kirk.
"It's unfortunate but considering the situation a very prudent move," said Kirk.
Spock said, "Agreed."
Kirk said, "Contact me as soon as you find out from the shuttle's logs how many persons were aboard. We're still following the weak trail of a potential survivor. I want to know what happened on that shuttle."
"Understood," said Spock.
"Kirk out."
McCoy said, "This is a Greek tragedy."
Kirk said, "Tell me about it. We couldn't have picked a worse period to time travel to."
The three men continued through the woods until they reached a road. Chekov had difficulty maintaining a lock on the trail. Kirk presumed someone in a vehicle picked up the survivor in the hopes of taking the person to medical care. Chekov increased the scanning range as well as adjusted resolution levels, hoping to maintain some semblance of a trail.
They followed the road until it met a highway. After walking half an hour, Chekov felt confidant the trail continued down a side road. They continued, even when it appeared the vehicle left the road. Kirk motioned for the others to hide when he heard sounds. They remained hidden as they saw a small group of men in the dim moonlight digging in the ground.
Chekov whispered, "Found him."
McCoy whispered, "Jim, he's dead."
Kirk listened to the voices and realized the men spoke English, most with the proficiency of an American. At least one sounded British while another sounded French. Who were these men? Had an American reconnaissance team chanced upon the survivor? He continued listening.
Newkirk sighed, "Alright, I think we can set him in."
Hogan said, "Alright. Be careful, men. This poor fellow's been through a lot."
Carter asked, "Do we at least know his name?"
Hogan clasped his hands together and lowered his eyes. His men followed suit. He said, "We didn't know you, fellow, but we've done our best to take care of you. On my word of honor, I will inform London where you are so that one day your family can visit your grave. Lieutenant Arnold Carlisle, I'm not a man of the cloth but I do remember this one line and I hope it brings you some relief. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Amen."
"Amen," chorused the team.
Hogan began shoveling dirt and his men did likewise. He could not afford to remain outside the camp much longer. He thought about the men buried in the woods. Hercules was the first, fatally injured when he was caught up in flak while parachuting down on a mission. Brody was the second, shot by Wagner's men. Hogan did not have the requisite medical supplies to save his life. Now, he had a peculiar pilot that briefly survived a crash but died shortly thereafter.
Carter said, "Sir, we're done here."
Hogan said, "I know."
Newkirk said, "We did what we could. He was already done for when we picked him up."
Hogan said, "I know. Let's get back to camp."
The men made their way through the woods, silently followed but unaware. Hogan's night was a loss, but he did not blame the pilot. It was rotten luck, for all around. He took care of the pilot, a decent yet small act of kindness in the middle of a horrible war.
Kirk wondered where the strangers headed. He paused when they huddled near a large tree stump outside of some type of military establishment. Then he watched in amazement as the men raised some kind of hatch or trap door and disappeared within the tree stump.
McCoy asked, "Where'd they go?"
"Strange," said Kirk. "Most people go in the front door. I wonder what that place is."
McCoy said, "Lots of armed men."
Chekov said, "They are using barbed wire on the fences."
McCoy jokingly asked, "Are you sure?"
Chekov said, "Of course! Barbed wire was invented in Russia. I know what it looks like."
Kirk said, "We'd better get out of here."
Kirk led the men away from the strange facility. He contacted Enterprise and soon felt the familiar embrace of the transporter. He saw Spock waiting and anticipated a report.
Spock said, "Captain, there were six crewmen on the shuttle."
Kirk said, "Six? There's a man missing."
Spock said, "We have identified the four recovered bodies as Sub-Commander T'Pan, Ensign Richard Lake, Doctor Shelby Markesan, and Doctor Steven Prentice."
Kirk said, "Some men buried a crewman named Lieutenant Arnold Carlisle."
Spock said, "That leaves Doctor Floyd Barber unaccounted for."
Kirk said, "Alright, we have to find out what happened to him. I want staff assembled in the briefing room in one hour. Spock, the men that buried Carlisle disappeared outside of some kind of military establishment. It was strange. They went into a tree stump and disappeared. See what you can find out about the local military bases."
"Yes sir," said Spock.
Kirk returned to his cabin. He desperately wanted out of the Nazi uniform. He was half tempted to pour a brandy but decided against it. He had many unanswered questions. He hoped Spock had enough time to analyze the data. It was a turbulent era in humanity's timeline. He demonstrated little care with the reprehensible uniform of the time. He embraced the familiarity of his true uniform.
It was late but anything from the 23rd Century affecting the timeline had to be abolished. Kirk headed to the briefing room. He needed to quickly find and recover Doctor Barber. He entered the room and took a seat. His crew looked tired except for Spock. He asked, "Anything of interest from the historical documents?"
Spock replied, "There is no indication of the incident in records of the period."
McCoy snapped, "The incident? For God's sake, five men and women are dead! A sixth man is missing – probably injured and confused."
Kirk said, "Take it easy, Bones."
Spock said, "The Third Reich destroyed many records when defeat became imminent."
Kirk asked, "What about the men who buried Lieutenant Carlisle? They definitely spoke English."
Spock said, "This region has not yet been liberated. Logic suggests the men are spies or working with the Underground in opposition to the Third Reich."
Kirk sighed, "We'll never find them again. What about local military bases?"
Spock replied, "There are several military bases in the immediate vicinity of the crash including an infantry training regiment, a prisoner of war camp…"
Kirk said in deep thought, "A prisoner of war camp."
Spock continued, "Correct – specifically a camp housing airmen operated by the Luftwaffe."
Kirk said, "Right. If the Germans found a pilot, they would bring him to such a camp."
McCoy said, "You're not actually thinking of going inside such a place. You don't speak German."
Kirk said, "I have the universal translator."
McCoy pointed an accusing finger and snapped, "What if it fails? What if it breaks?"
Kirk said, "Necessary risk."
He listened to the various concerns and complaints. So far, the timeline did not change. If it did, all that he knew could disappear like a soap bubble losing viscosity and bursting asunder. Kirk could not sit idly waiting for that to occur. Fear of intervention was just as harmful as inappropriate intercession. He intended to visit the camp and make subtle inquiries.
McCoy asked, "What's the plan? You can't just walk up to the door and say here I am."
#TOS x HH#
Hogan sat at his desk trying to make sense of the strange evening. Kinchloe and Baker alternated manning the radio. There were wild reports about the bizarre circumstances. London could not identify Lieutenant Arnold Carlisle. While there were any number of different missions happening on a daily basis, London could not identify the stranger's mission.
Klink was in his office receiving numerous telephone calls. The Gestapo insisted the downed craft was some type of unidentifiable flying vessel and contained a dead alien creature. The vessel mysteriously disappeared in full view of fifty men. The guard placed inside the craft was later found unconscious in the woods and had no recollection of what happened when he awoke.
Further compounding the mystery was the discovery of three human bodies. The bodies wore similar clothing, perhaps some type of uniform. The markings on the craft were English, USS Calculus in print along with a stylized Pythagoras in script. The mathematical references clearly suggested it was of Earth origin, yet it fell from the sky.
Burkhalter was alerted to the situation and advised operations at Stalag 13. If there were little green men running around, the Gestapo was intent on finding them. Burkhalter was disinclined to think it was aliens. He believed it was an American experiment that went awry.
Hogan spoke with the man. He mentioned both Calculus and Pythagoras. He clearly spoke English. He bled red blood. If London was aware of a top secret mission, they would have told him to never speak of such things ever again. London acted just as confused and mystified as the Krauts did. Allies did not always share secrets. Hogan presumed it was a top secret experimental American mission.
As the men formed up for morning roll call, Hogan remained distracted. He knew Collins would establish contact to make up for the night's failed rendezvous. When Collins came to camp, he chose one of two methods: through the tunnels or through the gates in Gestapo disguise. His thoughts returned to the moment as guards rushed to the main gate.
Newkirk said, "Blimey, what's gotten into the guards?"
Hogan watched the strange scenario unfold. Guards surrounded three men in Gestapo uniform and seemed intent on bringing them to the cooler. Hogan listened to the conversation and not so directly placed the palm of his hand across his face. The accents were awful. Whoever were the men, the Krauts immediately knew they were Allied imposters.
Klink exited the Kommandantur and snapped, "What is going on?" The strange group stopped.
Kirk said, "I am Hauptmann Josef Kappel! You are making a big mistake!"
Klink laughed, "Your accent is atrocious. Corporal Langenscheidt, take them to the cooler. Be quick about it. Sergeant Schultz, report!"
It took a moment for the guards to lead away the three strangers. Hogan wondered if he missed a message from London. The men looked Gestapo but were clearly ill prepared for a foray. As much as he despised Collins, the man would not send such overt amateurs unless it was part of a grand scheme – one that required cannon fodder.
Schultz quickly counted the men and asked, "Where is the fraulein?"
"Coming!"
Klink snapped, "Fraulein Oberst! Why are you late?"
As Saunders joined the ranks she said, "It's not easy being a girl prisoner! After all, the men can just roll out of bed and stagger into formation. Me? Well, I have to make sure my makeup is perfect, my hair is neat and in regulation, no runs in my stockings…"
Klink shook his head and said, "Not another word."
Saunders said, "I can see my efforts are wasted."
Hogan said, "Not another word." Perhaps she intended to acknowledge the order but before she could speak Hogan pointed his finger and said, "Not another word."
Klink smiled, "I shall overlook this transgression because we Germans are not barbarians."
The men listened to the usual propaganda that Klink increasingly rained upon them. Hogan dare not bring up the previous night's events and Klink made no mention. He needed formation ended. Saunders was late for a reason. Did it have something to do with the new arrivals? Why did Klink continue with the prattle?
"Dismissed!"
Finally, sighed Hogan. He grabbed Saunders by the arm and said, "You were disrespectful towards the Kommandant. Come with me."
Klink watched the strange scenario as Hogan practically dragged Saunders into Barracks 2. Yes, he needed discipline and respect, but women were not generally suited for military life. Oh, he appreciated Saunders' attempts at such courtesies, but she was just a woman. He failed to understand why Hogan intended to correct the situation with undue harshness.
Yet Hogan had other intentions. His men understood, or at least he hoped they did as his core team took seats at the table in the common room. He asked, "Why were you really late?"
Saunders replied, "Colonel Collins arrived. He wants to see you."
Hogan said, "That's Lieutenant Colonel Collins and I'll see him when I'm damn good and ready."
"Battles of urination are of little interest to me," said Saunders. "He's in Barracks 3."
Hogan looked at her sternly while Kinchloe suppressed a laugh. Carter looked slightly confused as did LeBeau. Newkirk did not react to the unusual comment. Hogan finally said, "Yup, you're an Army nurse. Come on, Florence."
Saunders said, "That's Lieutenant Colonel Saunders."
As the group made their way down the tunnel Carter said, "Well, yeah, but Colonel Hogan is a full bird and you're a half bird, but you have girl rank and that doesn't count anyway."
Newkirk said, "A half bird? Blimey, what's wrong with you Andrew? Learn to speak bloody English."
Hogan said, "Enough with that girl rank talk."
Saunders said, "Thank you, Colonel."
Carter shrugged, "Okay."
Seniority did not always matter in Hogan's line of work. It should – but reality prevailed. He outranked Collins but the man showed little regard and respect. There were times that Collins had the upper hand including information. Airborne did not play nice with other units. As well, the unit kept the nurse on reserve for involvement in missions that Hogan did not always participate in or even know about.
When Hogan first learned that Baker was relaying orders and assignments directly to Saunders, he almost transferred the young man out of camp. He reconsidered only because Baker was entrusted with the 82nd Airborne codes and that gave him an advantage to intervene if something went wrong. Hogan conceded to the occasional missions but demanded notification. It leveled the playing field. Collins always knew what Hogan's orders involved.
Up the ladder and into Barracks 3, Hogan sighed at the sight of Collins drinking coffee and wearing a Gestapo uniform. He said, "It's too early for this, Mister All American."
Collins said, "I was going to come in the front gate but someone else had that same idea."
Hogan asked, "Where's your car?"
Collins said, "Suffered an accident on the highway. Well, Mister Flyboy, we've got an interesting problem."
Hogan raised an eyebrow and said, "We?"
Collins said, "Yeah – we. My contact got the hell out of Dodge because of that nonsense last night. That mission is a scrub. Now we have a new mission and that's to find little green men."
"I doubt they're green," said Hogan. He looked at Collins' face to gage a reaction but did not see any change. He continued, "We buried Lieutenant Arnold Carlisle last night. He didn't live very long after that crash."
Collins took an exaggerated drink of coffee and put the cup on the table. He said, "No one knows who he is, which means whatever he was doing is so top secret even our bosses are completely clueless."
Hogan looked around and saw concern on the faces of his men. The notion that London might be unaware of activities seemed farfetched. Hogan said, "I buried an American last night."
Collins said, "This is where it gets interesting. Whatever it was that crashed, it's gone completely missing."
Kinchloe said, "The Krauts snatched it."
"The Krauts did not snatch it," said Collins. "The Krauts were going to snatch it but it disappeared – literally just vanished in front of fifty men staring at it directly. There were four bodies and the Krauts are convinced one was not human."
Hogan said, "A bad crash can mangle a man beyond recognition."
Collins said, "Take a look at these." He pulled out some photographs and handed them to Hogan. He continued, "They're not the only copies."
Hogan looked at the strange markings on the craft, which coincided with what Carlisle said before dying. Three of the dead bodies looked human – older men and likely designers of the strange craft. Then he saw the fourth body. The Agfa camera with color film had captured the peculiarity flawlessly. The body appeared female but was covered with green blood from her injuries.
Collins said, "We are looking for little green men."
Hogan said, "How do you explain these three?"
Collins said, "Damned if I know. Maybe – just maybe our government is working with Ming the Merciless and these three are Flash Gordon's associates."
Carter said, "Uh huh, Colonel, but you've got it wrong. Ming the Merciless works with the Krauts. You have got to read the comics." Several sets of eyes trained on the technical sergeant. Newkirk finally pulled off his hat and swatted Carter on the head.
Hogan said, "Alright, so we're looking for little green men."
Kinchloe asked, "Colonel, what about those jokers that walked up to the gate?"
Hogan snapped his fingers and said, "I forgot about those idiots."
Collins casually said, "They're not Krauts."
Hogan said, "I've heard better accents on the Katzenjammer Kids. Alright, back to Barracks 2. Collins, stay out of trouble. I'll go talk to Hans, Fritz, Max and Moritz."
While it would have been more convenient to exit directly from Barracks 3, Hogan did not want to arouse undue attention. Schultz saw them enter Barracks 2 so they had to exit from Barracks 2. As for Collins, the man seemed content to remain in the tunnels.
Hogan did not want to take the nurse but prisoners confined to the cooler were entitled to daily medical inspections in accordance with Article 58 of the Geneva Convention, assuming the new amateurs understood. Schultz was easy enough to bribe with the chocolate. Hogan looked at the three men and sighed. The costumes were impeccable. What went wrong?
