Kirk assured Collins that he and his men would be alright. He watched the staff car continue down the highway and then retreated into the woods with Chekov and McCoy. He signaled the ship and soon felt the comfort of the transporter. Once on board, he made his way to the bridge.
Kirk snapped, "Report."
Spock said, "I have analyzed the computer data from Pythagoras and the evidence is compelling. Captain Christopher deliberately initiated a time dilation to travel to this period with intent to alter the timeline."
Kirk listened to the explanations and watched some damaged security footage recovered from the shuttlecraft. Christopher's intentions did not become apparent until Pythagoras neared Tholian space. He incapacitated the shuttle crew and contacted the Tholians. With their assistance, Christopher used the shuttle's warp drive sled to initiate a distortion in the time/space continuum. He wanted to restore honor to his family. The Tholians wanted an upper hand in something they referred to as a temporal war.
The distortion grew exponentially and Calculus was drawn into the rift. Christopher cursed as his first officer apparently determined what was happening and attempted to negate the effects of the distortion. Ultimately, it was the Tholians that destroyed Calculus to prevent the ship from completing a distress call to Enterprise.
Christopher lost control of the shuttlecraft as it emerged from the distortion. He had the advantage of being secured in the chair's safety harness. The others tossed about the vessel like rag dolls except for one man who had the good fortune of being harnessed before Christopher stunned him. His efforts to land the shuttle intact failed. Undaunted, he changed into an SS uniform.
Christopher left the shuttle to inspect the damage. Carlisle regained consciousness. He saw Enterprise on the shuttle's long range scanner and sent out the distress message. Christopher returned and was surprised to see the security officer alive. He ran out of the shuttlecraft and Carlisle pursued him. A few moments later, Christopher returned and turned off the distress signal. He assembled a kit and left.
Kirk looked at Christopher's Starfleet dossier picture. There was an uncanny resemblance to the camp officer. While not identical, the men shared many physical traits in common. How long had Christopher planned this? The fact that he brought a costume indicated careful planning and research.
Kirk finally said, "He's come this far. He's not going to stop now."
Spock said, "It is his intent to create a scenario whereby his ancestor apprehends Colonel Hogan and eliminates his operation."
Kirk said, "You said Colonel Hogan helped many men escape Germany. How long? When did he stop?"
Spock said, "His operations continued until the Allies liberated the camp April 1945."
Kirk said, "That's another year and a half. The consequences are unfathomable."
Spock said, "Jim, Captain Christopher is insane. He must be stopped."
Kirk said, "I want a different uniform." Something gently rocked the ship. He asked, "What happened?"
"Fascinating," said Spock as he looked at his scanners. "It is only a hypothesis."
McCoy said, "Out with it, Spock!"
Spock said, "I believe we just experienced a time quake. It is a theory of several learned scholars that alterations to the established timeline result in a temporal rift that travels through time, making changes as a result of the displacement."
Kirk said, "The timeline is already suffering. Any idea what might have changed?"
"Impossible to tell," said Spock. "We still exist. There is no known protection to spare us should the timeline change radically enough to erase us from history."
Kirk remembered a very lonely planet with an ancient guardian. He thought about a young woman named Edith Keeler who had to die in order to preserve the future. Briefly, the landing party existed outside of the existential time continuum. The guardian preserved them, thus affording him and Spock a chance to correct a mistake.
"There is a way," said Kirk. "We just don't know it. The Guardian of Forever managed it."
Spock said, "We are approximately four point three nine months away from the planet. The probability of reaching the Guardian of Forever before our erasure is thirty two million, four hundred fifty two thousand, and eight hundred sixty seven to one."
"I'm going back down there," said Kirk. "It's up to us. Find a way."
#TOS x HH#
Hogan smiled as he stood in formation. His eye remained swollen but he was out of the cooler. At the moment, he did not care how Saunders managed to convince Klink to release him from confinement. He was exhausted but he had work to accomplish. He tried brushing away the nurse as she attempted to examine his face.
"It's a nice purple, boy, er, Colonel," said Carter.
Saunders said, "Hold still."
Carter said, "My grandmother used to use a sage tea compress. Works like a charm."
LeBeau said, "Well my grandmother used to soak cloths in vinegar."
"A cold compress will work," said Saunders.
Schultz teased, "Maybe you would like a nice slab of steak."
"I'm fine," said Hogan. "Although, steak does sound nice."
As Klink walked down the porch steps of the Kommandantur he cried, "Report!"
Schultz proudly saluted and said, "All present, Herr Kommandant."
"Very good," smiled Klink. "Colonel Hogan that is quite the shiner you have. Fortunately, I am in a good mood today. I trust you learned your lesson about escaping."
Hogan said, "Yes, Herr Kommandant."
"Good," said Klink. "Now then, I want you on best behavior today. My cousin Gerhardt is coming for a visit."
Saunders said, "Be sure to entertain him with one of your famous violin solos."
"An excellent suggestion," said Klink. "Perhaps you will join us?"
Hogan said, "Now wait just a minute! She's taking care of me."
Klink said, "Bah! What kind of a grown man doesn't know how to take care of a black eye? Dismissed!"
"Come along," said Saunders as she took Hogan's arm and guided him into Barracks 2.
As soon as the barracks door closed Hogan said, "Don't pad your part."
Saunders said, "As long as the Kommandant is distracted, you're free to go after that traitor. I'll keep an eye on him and his cousin. Colonel Hogan, I worry about you."
Hogan said, "The only thing you need to worry about is Collins because when I see him I'm going to reciprocate the shiner."
LeBeau said, "We're still where we were last night. We don't know how to find this traitor."
Newkirk said, "He's got to be running around nearby."
Kinchloe said, "Someone was calling the Kommandant."
Saunders said, "Yeah, well, Sergeant Baker said his German wasn't very good."
Baker laughed, "I'm surprised the Kommandant went along with it as long as he did."
Hogan said, "He isn't exactly the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree."
Saunders said, "Don't be cruel. If this traitor gets to the Kommandant, it's bad. We could end up with someone far worse than Wilhelm Klink."
Hogan said, "Assuming we live long enough for the changing of the guard."
Kinchloe said, "Don't frighten the women."
Hogan said, "Oh, cut it out. Klink would do just about anything to keep her safe." He turned to Saunders and said, "He likes you too much. Don't ruin things with him."
Saunders said, "I'm well aware that he's the enemy. You don't need to remind me all the time."
"Apparently I do," said Hogan.
Olsen let out a low whistle as he looked out the window and said, "Get a load of that! It's a Mercedes-Benz 770 Series Two luxury car."
Hogan went to the window and said, "Wow. What a car. I wonder who's in it." Several men crowded around the window.
Newkirk said, "Could be anyone – Himmler, Goering, even Hitler. That's a car for a rich man."
LeBeau said, "Hey, look at that fellow. He looks almost like Klink. I bet that's his cousin."
Hogan said, "Yeah, and he's wearing an SS uniform. This is not good."
Saunders said, "Well, I'd better go out there."
"Not alone," said Carter. "That guy's probably dangerous."
Saunders said, "Colonel, I'm good at being a distraction."
"Let's go check out the car," said Hogan cheerfully.
The men piled out of Barracks 2. Any attempt to get close to the car was repelled by two stubborn guards. Schultz started snapping, "Back! Back, back, back, back, back!"
"We just want to see the nice car," said LeBeau.
Hogan watched the interchange between Klink and the visitor. They were very close in age and shared the same slim build. They both had strong German features. The man had the usual decorations of a brave man and wore the rank of a colonel. At first, Klink seemed unsure but quickly warmed up to the visitor.
"Ah, Fraulein! This is my cousin, Gerhardt," said Klink.
Hogan watched as Saunders cautiously approached. She said, "You never mentioned you had a cousin in the SS."
Klink turned to the cousin and said, "She's usually not shy."
The cousin said, "Most unusual! How is it that you ended up with an American nurse here?"
"It's an interesting little story," said Klink with a smile. "General Burkhalter felt that since she was once captured and escaped from Ravensbruck that our little camp might be a better containment facility for her. No one ever escapes Luftstalag 13. She's been our guest for almost ten months."
"I see," said the cousin. "Strange that I did not know this."
Hogan watched as the blood drained from Saunders' face. He rarely saw her frightened. He remembered several events involving her and the SS. This encounter was proving stressful to the seasoned nurse.
Klink graciously said, "Come! You must be tired from your travels."
The cousin said, "Perhaps the fraulein will join us?"
Klink said, "Ah, yes. Fraulein, would you do me this honor?"
Saunders weakly said, "Yes, Herr Kommandant."
Hogan watched as the three entered the Kommandantur. He quietly said to Kinchloe, "What's got her so spooked?"
"I don't know," said Kinchloe. "She's usually not bothered by the SS."
"LeBeau," said Hogan. "I want you to volunteer to cook dinner for the Kommandant."
LeBeau said, "Oui. Is something wrong?"
Hogan stroked his chin and said, "I don't know. There's something about Cousin Gerhardt that doesn't seem right."
LeBeau asked, "Do you think Mademoiselle is in danger?"
"Let's hope not," said Hogan. "Keep an eye on her, just in case."
"Oui mon Colonel," said LeBeau.
Hogan watched as LeBeau approached Schultz and offered to cook dinner. This always pleased the guard, who served as food tester to make sure the Kommandant was not being poisoned. Not that Hogan wanted to poison Klink, but it allowed him to have his man keep an ear to the ground as there were no bugs in Klink's private quarters.
Hogan returned to Barracks 2 disturbed by the unfolding events. He poured a cup of coffee and sat at the table. He finally said, "Kinch, see what you can find out about good old Cousin Gerhardt."
Kinchloe said, "Yes sir. He gives me the creeps."
Newkirk said, "There's something about him." Then he mocked, "Strange that I did not know this!"
Baker said, "Wait, what did you just say?"
Newkirk repeated in his usual voice, "Strange that I did not know this. Who in the bloody hell talks like that?"
Baker said, "The man who was calling Klink on the phone last night, that's who."
"Damn it!" Hogan angrily stood and snapped, "Kinchloe, I gave you an order. Get moving! Carter! Get down in the tunnels. I want you eavesdropping on the conversations in Klink's quarters. Somebody get him a gun. Newkirk! I don't care how you do it but I want that fancy gross mobile disabled. Move it!"
Hogan stormed into his office and set up the coffeepot. How could he have been so stupid? Not hearing any sounds from Klink's office, he knew that the Kommandant was entertaining in his quarters. He slammed his fist into the wall and instantly regretted it.
"You didn't know," Baker said calmly.
Hogan snapped, "There's no way that's Klink's cousin." He softened his tone, "If anything happens to her, I'll never forgive myself."
Baker said, "Colonel, you always come up with a plan."
Hogan said, "You're all my responsibility."
"We all volunteered for this," said Baker. "We knew what we were getting into. We understand the consequences."
Hogan sat at his desk and said, "What about her? She didn't volunteer for this. All that talk about being the damn distraction! She should have just backed out."
Baker said, "Okay, so she's probably scared but she's still going to do her job. Look, you're not the only one who cares about her. We all do."
Hogan sighed, "I never should have allowed this."
Baker said, "What is it that Newkirk's always saying? In for a penny, in for a pound. We're in this and we're in this together, sir."
Hogan said, "When Benjamin Franklin stood ready to sign the Declaration of Independence he said, we must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. Thanks, Baker."
"Anytime," said Baker. "I'll go see if Newkirk needs a hand."
Hogan said, "Wait. Give Kinch a hand. I want the radio and the switchboard monitored at all times. See if you can contact Collins."
"I thought you didn't like him," smiled Baker.
"I can't stand him but right now I need all my hole cards," said Hogan. "Let's just they aren't aces and eights."
"Dead man's hand," said Baker. "I always did wonder why they were all black cards." Hogan saw a wry smile form on Baker's face. Baker added, "I understand the hole card was the queen of hearts."
"I heard jack of diamonds," said Hogan. He watched the young man leave. His thoughts returned to the problem at hand. One of Kirk's men stated that Christopher was related to Klink. Somehow, they found out but too late to dismiss the man from their secret spaceship program. Spaceships – ridiculous! The man then deserted, causing several men to die.
There was more than what Kirk shared. Hogan knew the great radio dramas. Sure, they were flights of fancy entertaining ideas such as Martians attacking and Flash Gordon saving the day. Were there such things as aliens? If so, did they all want to conquer the planet? Maybe it was an elaborate trick. None of it was real.
Hogan had to dismiss such thoughts. He did have a genuine problem with a man intent on helping Klink by exposing his operation. That was real. He could touch it, smell it, hear it, and most importantly he could act upon it. He was sitting around doing nothing. He stood just as Kinchloe entered.
Hogan said, "Hey, I'm sorry for barking at you."
Kinchloe said, "I already forgot about that but thanks for apologizing. I just got off the phone with Collins. According to the Gestapo's file on Klink…"
Hogan whistled, "They have a file on him?"
Kinchloe laughed, "Yeah. They don't trust anybody. He has a cousin named Gerhardt."
Hogan said, "So this guy's legit?"
Kinchloe said, "Must have done something really awesome to earn a break from the Russian Front."
Hogan said, "I see. You would think that Klink would recognize his own cousin."
"They weren't exactly close," said Kinchloe. "They probably haven't seen each other in years because of their military duties but that's just a guess."
"That man does look like a Klink," said Hogan.
Kinchloe said, "I'd better get back down below."
Hogan said, "Okay. See if Collins knows where those sailors are. They need to know their problem is in my front yard."
"Right-o," said Kinchloe.
#TOS x HH#
Time was a luxury Kirk did not have. He had no idea how to stop Christopher. He had to do something. He stood on the street corner with McCoy. This time, both men wore civilian attire. He loathed the idea of putting on a Gestapo uniform. He hoped the documents Spock created would pass inspection. He silently thanked the Vulcan for improving the functionality of the universal translator.
McCoy said, "There's Gestapo Headquarters. What's the plan?"
Kirk said, "We need to talk to Colonel Collins."
McCoy asked, "Do we have any idea what alias he's using?"
"None," said Kirk. "How many Gestapo colonels do you think they have in there?"
McCoy said, "You're asking me?"
"Right," said Kirk. "Come on. What's the worst that could happen?"
"Firing squad," said McCoy.
Kirk said, "Cheer up, Bones."
The two men crossed the street. They were not the only ones to nervously approach and enter the building. Kirk remembered the paranoia and the diligence of the concerned German citizen. The Gestapo was so greatly feared that friends and neighbors turned in fellow citizens rather than wait for the Gestapo to find them. If the Gestapo came, it was akin to a death sentence.
Kirk approached one of the desks and said, "Pardon me but I need help."
The corporal looked up and said, "You should be working for the Fatherland."
Kirk said, "I have some information. A colonel asked me to come to him if I saw my neighbor acting peculiar."
The corporal said, "I see. Your name?"
Kirk said, "Josef Kappel."
"Wait here," said the corporal. Kirk stood and watched as the corporal went through the room and down a hallway. When he returned, a different man accompanied him. Kirk realized it was a major.
"Colonel Feldkamp is not here at the moment. I am Major Hochstetter."
Kirk shook his head and said, "Forgive me, but the colonel made it quite clear to discuss this with no one but him."
Hochstetter said, "I am in charge here. Colonel Feldkamp is here temporarily in a training capacity."
McCoy asked, "Is there someplace we might speak privately?"
"Follow me," said Hochstetter.
Kirk did not want to talk with Hochstetter. He could not leave without arousing suspicion so he and McCoy followed Hochstetter to a cramped office. Hochstetter took a seat behind the desk and asked, "What is peculiar about your neighbor?"
Kirk replied, "I do not wish to be difficult but the colonel said no one was to know except him. I can hardly believe what I saw and heard."
McCoy said, "Careful, Josef. The major might misunderstand."
Hochstetter said, "It must be important for you to not be at work. Do you think that will please the colonel?"
Kirk said, "Forgive me. Of course." He had no choice but to quickly fabricate a story. He said, "My neighbor had a strange visitor. I overheard them talking."
Hochstetter said, "Yes, go on."
Kirk stammered, "They…have this crazy idea of having a man impersonating a relative of an important military man."
Hochstetter laughed, "That's ridiculous. They would never get away with such a thing."
Kirk said, "Perhaps you are right. I was just trying to be a good citizen. Colonel Klink would never believe a stranger was a relative."
Hochstetter said, "Klink? You think he is an important military man?"
McCoy said, "He has a perfect record. No prisoners escape from his camp."
Kirk said, "A man like that does not need a stranger's help getting promoted."
Hochstetter asked, "Why do they want to help him get promoted?"
Kirk shrugged, "I don't know."
Without ceremony or announcement, Collins entered the room and said, "Ah, I heard you were here. The man that wishes to impersonate Klink's relative – have you learned why?"
Kirk replied, "He wants to make him a hero but as to the why, it is a mystery."
Hochstetter laughed, "Klink a hero? Ridiculous!"
Collins joined the laughter and said, "Completely. I am going to that miserable little POW camp. Josef, do you need a ride?"
Kirk said, "You are very kind and understanding. My boss will be upset with me for missing work."
Collins said, "I shall explain things to him. Wolfgang, these men are doing a small service for the Fatherland today. It is not easy turning in one's own father. Come, Josef. You are doing the right thing."
As the group left the office, Hochstetter sighed. He continued learning from his mentor. The two strangers were afraid. Instead of using brute force to compel statements, the colonel used false flattery and grandiose statements. He had to try it some time.
Collins led Kirk and McCoy to his car. Once they were safely away he said, "That was not very smart."
Kirk said, "I didn't know how to get in touch with you."
Collins said, "You could have gone to the camp."
"In daylight?"
Collins said, "Okay, so you're operating outside of your normal element. I get that. Don't jeopardize my mission. Hochstetter never used to trust me. We've got problems. Your turncoat man is at the camp."
Kirk exclaimed, "He is?"
Collins said, "Yeah. He's dressed up as an SS officer passing himself off as Colonel Gerhardt Klink, a cousin. Problem is that Klink's cousin is just as much an idiot and ended up being sent to the Russian Front."
McCoy said, "Surely he'd recognize his own cousin."
As Collins turned down a road leading out of town he said, "I spoke with his mother. They haven't seen each other in twenty years. The Klink family is not exactly very close." He pulled up to a small house in a thinly populated area that bordered farmland. He snapped, "Follow me and be quick about it."
While Collins belonged there, Kirk and McCoy did not. Kirk did not see any prying eyes but understood Collins' wariness. The house was small and sparsely furnished, more Spartan in nature suggesting no woman resided in it.
"Nice place," said McCoy.
Collins said, "Come on." He led the men into a small basement. At first, Kirk did not understand what was happening when Collins pulled a large shelf away from the wall. The shelf was on caster wheels and slid easily across the cement floor, revealing a framed door. Collins opened the door and bade the men to enter. Kirk was impressed with the hidden room. It contained a variety of uniforms, some German and others belonging to various Allied forces.
Collins said, "Klink has already seen you two. You need a mustache. I think a goatee for you."
Kirk said, "I can't wear that uniform anymore. How can you stand it?"
Collins handed the two men fine business suits and said, "Anything that I can do to shorten this war in favor of an Allied victory is worth it. Colonel Hogan isn't the only one helping escaping prisoners."
Kirk and McCoy changed into the suits, which had the disadvantage of better fitting taller persons. Collins used tape and a stapler to crudely hem up the pants and shorten the sleeves. He said, "Klink won't buy a couple of civilians on a sightseeing tour of the camp. I think a surprise Red Cross visit is our best bet."
Kirk said, "I'm not a doctor."
McCoy said, "What am I? Chopped liver?"
Kirk laughed, "Right, sorry Bones."
Collins stood nose to nose with Kirk and said, "This is serious. Your man is out to take down Hogan's operation. I should bail while I still can but I can't leave her behind. London never should have…" His voice trailed.
Kirk said, "You love her."
Collins backed away and said, "No. General Brody loved her but he's dead. He regretted sending her on that mission. They shot down the Gooney and now she's stuck in that damned POW camp. They would have been better off sending her to Ravensbruck."
Kirk said, "A concentration camp?"
"She'd never make it there," said Collins. "If they ever try it, we'll rescue her, but 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. Your renegade is going to get her shot."
McCoy softly said, "And the others."
"Yes," said Collins. "Stand still, sawbones." McCoy tried not to flinch as Collins applied the fake goatee. Collins said, "Alright, you next Popeye. Damn Navy doesn't belong here. And you can tell your ordinates I said that."