Author's Note: Others own the Hogan's Heroes characters. All others are my creations. Please don't use them without my permission.
Beyond the End - Part 10
By Diane Maher
As Schultz and Geist entered the barracks, Klink looked up. He saw Geist briefly stiffen as he sensed the air of tension in the room and a look of concern flashed across the Oberstleutnant's face. Klink noticed the men situated near him shuffled over to the far side of the barracks as though they were wary of the officers. Geist slowly came over to where he sat and joined him.
"Sir?" asked Geist.
"Sit down, Karl. I think that Major Heinzmann is ready to kill me," said Klink.
Geist frowned. "Why do you say that?"
Leaning forward, Klink placed his elbows just above his knees and sighed. He turned and said, "We just had a discussion – if you could call it that, it was more like a quarrel - and Heinzmann told me exactly what he thought of me and how I've been doing as senior POW."
"I see. Obviously, it wasn't what you expected to hear," said Geist flatly.
"No," said Klink. "I never expected praise from a Gestapo man, but he should remember that he is among those who benefit from my dealing with the commandant. Besides, I'm his superior officer he should respect me!"
Geist looked around and up before continuing. Klink nodded to indicate it was safe for them to talk. The other prisoners were keeping their distance from the two officers. Geist began, "Wilhelm, during my time as senior POW, I realized that I walked a fine line between the prisoners and our captors."
"Oh? What do you mean?" asked Klink.
"You don't want to be seen by the Allies as overly aggressive; at the same time, you don't want to appear to be a traitor to our men."
Klink nodded. "You understand how I feel, Karl. Since my decision to surrender Stalag 13, I've felt like a traitor as well as a coward. The Gestapo have called me a coward before. Those incidents happened in the past and don't bother me. But to be called a traitor, that's too much. I have served my country faithfully. I am a loyal German officer and I won't allow my fellow Germans to be mistreated. I...I don't know how you put up with it."
"I did what I had to, as you must now do," said Geist.
"What happened after those men tried to escape?" asked Klink. "I mean the ones who were shot trying to escape."
"Crenshaw demanded that I do more to keep the men in line," replied Geist.
"Did he threaten to put you into the cooler?" asked Klink.
"If I didn't control the prisoners, yes," replied Geist.
"If there is an escape, I'll probably be put into the cooler," said Klink.
"Perhaps you will. I am wondering why no one's been sent to interview you."
Confused, Klink asked, "Why would anyone want to interview me?"
Geist chuckled. His look was far more serious when he continued, "Interview is a polite way of saying interrogate."
Klink cringed. "I don't want to be interrogated by anyone. I haven't done anything wrong."
Geist shook his head. "That may be true, but it won't stop them once they know about you being an ex-Kommandant of a POW camp. A man in my barracks who cleans the commandant's office told me that someone is coming to interrogate you soon."
Klink asked fearfully, "What shall I do?"
"Colonel, I wasn't going to tell you about this until we were ready, but the men and I in Barracks 12 were going to escape as soon as we finish our tunnel under the wire," said Geist.
"Are you serious? You really have a tunnel?" whispered Klink, incredulous.
Geist nodded. "You're welcome to come with us when we escape."
Klink thought for a moment. "If I escape, that would leave Heinzmann as the senior POW officer. On the other hand, what if Heinzmann were to escape?"
"As far as I'm concerned, if Heinzmann wants to escape, let him. He's..." Looking at Klink, Geist finished, "beneath contempt."
"What will happen to us if he does escape?" inquired Klink. "What would happen to the rest of our men?"
At that instant, the light bulb over their heads went out. Geist glanced toward the other light at the far end of the barracks. Someone lit a candle and placed it on the table in front of the two officers. Klink watched the light dance over Geist's troubled features. A breeze blew through a crack in the window and plunged them into the shadows once more.
When Geist turned to answer him, his face was completely in shadow. "I don't know."
"What about your tunnel?" asked Klink. "Maybe we can leave before Heinzmann does?"
Geist replied, "Wilhelm, you know as well as I do that not everyone can leave through the tunnel. Also, Sergeant Schultz will not fit in the tunnel, unlike Captain Gruber or Corporal Langenscheidt."
"Schultz is a big tub of lard, but in this place, he is a familiar face who still respects me, despite the situation we're now in because of my decision to surrender," said Klink.
"You could leave him behind," Geist said softly.
"No," replied Klink. "He's always been loyal to me. I can't repay that loyalty by leaving him in a place where there's a Gestapo maniac in charge."
Geist was silent for a moment. "You care about the welfare of your men. Some would call that being soft."
"What about you, Karl?" whispered Klink. "What do you think?"
"I think that your attitude is due to your being stationed in the rear and not in combat." Geist leaned close and continued, "I've been in the position where I've had to send my friends on dangerous missions. Sometimes they returned, sometimes they didn't. I had to do it; I couldn't afford to let my emotions get in the way of what needed to be done."
Klink cringed inwardly at Geist's cold practicality and nodded. "I see."
Geist said, "I respect you, both as a superior officer and as a person, Wilhelm. No matter what happens, I want you to know that."
Klink nodded and was silent as he considered the options open to him. Geist knew that he was concerned about Schultz's well being. Klink wondered if he was capable of leaving the fate of his men in the hands of a fanatical Gestapo agent.
Sergeant Hawkins poked his head inside the barracks then and called, "Lights out!"
Muttering, the prisoners settled into their bunks. Geist finished, "Consider what I've said."
Klink nodded absently, deep in thought as Geist left the barracks. One of the men near the door turned off the remaining light as Klink clambered up to his bunk. He felt the bunk sway as Schultz made himself comfortable below him. He wondered what would happen tomorrow when Colonel Crittendon arrived.
As the room grew quiet, Klink's thoughts wandered back to a time when Hogan had aggravated him over the leaking roof in his barracks. It seemed so petty to him then. I always thought that Hogan was living lazily off the Reich, getting the food and supplies that either the German people or the military needed. I never dreamed that what Hogan was going through was anything like this miserable camp. But now I know what an aching stomach and shivering in a damp barracks feels like. Maybe I treated my prisoners a little carelessly and Hogan had some right to complain. I never treated him as bad as I've been treated.
* * * * * * *
The next day was pretty much a typical day at the camp. Klink wandered over by the fence near Barracks 1. This time, he didn't hear anything unusual coming from the barracks. He leaned against the wall, feeling suddenly weak and lethargic. It was increasingly difficult to keep fit and alert without adequate food for energy. Schultz had tightened his belt a notch or two since they'd been here. Klink realized as he straightened up and adjusted his tunic jacket that his uniform was looser on his body than it had ever been.
Someone called his name from behind. Turning, he saw Sergeant Hawkins walking towards him.
"Klink!" Hawkins called. "The commandant wants you in his office now!"
Klink turned and headed for Crenshaw's office. He noticed a car parked outside and thought, I hope that Colonel Crittendon is here and that this camp won the contest after all that hard work the men did! His stomach growled.
As he walked up to the door of the administration building, Klink felt like the eyes of every prisoner in camp were on him. He glanced nervously over his shoulder and saw Geist standing outside of Barracks 7 with Schultz. Turning back to the door, he entered. Inside the building, the guard on duty outside Crenshaw's office announced him. When Klink walked into the office, Colonel Crittendon looked at him as though he didn't recognize him.
Crittendon turned to Crenshaw and exclaimed, "Aren't you feeding these men?"
"Of course we are! But there isn't a lot of food to go around," Crenshaw replied. Crittendon glanced at Klink who was shaking his head. Crenshaw shot a glare at Klink who then nodded meekly.
Crittendon saw this and said, "Major, when the extra food arrives in this camp, these men will be served first, is that understood? I will inform the Red Cross of this inhumane treatment and there will be an official inquiry into your conduct as commandant of this camp." To Klink he asked, "Are you willing to testify on behalf of the prisoners here?" Klink nodded.
"But suh!" protested Crenshaw.
"No buts Major, I warned you. I should think that as an Englishman, you would be above such barbarism. You've disgraced your country!" replied Crittendon.
Klink watched impassively as Crittendon reprimanded Crenshaw. Did things just get better or worse? When Crittendon leaves, what will Crenshaw do to us?
To get his mind off the subject, Klink looked out the window. He saw Heinzmann staring at him. Klink steeled his gaze and tried not to visibly flinch. His attention turned back to Crittendon who was finished lecturing Crenshaw.
"The extra food for your prisoners will be here this evening," said Crittendon as he looked at his watch. "I will remain here and supervise the distribution. I take it you have some visiting guest quarters here?"
"Yes sir. Come with me," replied Crenshaw. "Klink, you're dismissed."
When the two Englishmen headed off to the guest quarters, Klink left the office and headed for the barracks. He looked around as he crossed the compound and wondered where Heinzmann was. He saw Geist motioning to him and went to where he stood.
"What is it?" asked Klink.
Geist motioned him to silence and indicated for him to follow. They went to the far side of Barracks 7 and Geist whispered, "One of the men in Heinzmann's barracks told me he overheard the major's plans to escape."
"Escape?" gasped Klink. "How?"
Geist nodded and continued, "They're setting up a diversion. Apparently, one of them has managed to make some explosive. I don't know where they will plant it, but you can bet that one or more people will die if they succeed. They're expecting Crenshaw to blame you. It's Heinzmann's hope that you'll finally see how foolish you've been to cooperate with what he calls the 'Allied scum'."
Aghast, Klink said, "Good job. Have your men keep an eye on them."
Geist nodded and said, "The commandant and his guest are heading this way."
Klink muttered, "What do they want with me now?" Geist shook his head.
Crenshaw said, "The truck with your extra food will be here this evening. I will make a formal announcement at the afternoon roll call."
"Thank you," replied Klink.
Crittendon added, "Jolly good show on winning the contest, Colonel. You and your men deserve the extra food."
"Thank you, Colonel. I'm sure the men appreciate your gesture," said Klink with a grin.
Crittendon and Crenshaw left and headed back to the administration building.
"Amazing!" said Klink.
"What is?" asked Geist, mystified.
"Colonel Crittendon's attitude," replied Klink with a smirk. "He hasn't changed a bit since I knew him as a prisoner at Stalag 13."
"How so?" asked Geist.
Klink replied, "He's always open with you, even if his tone is a bit arrogant and condescending."
"And you respect him despite this condescending attitude?"
"Crittendon is also respectful. That's a trait that is becoming harder to find in this world we live in," replied Klink. Geist nodded in agreement.
Klink noticed Heinzmann watching them from a distance. What is he planning?
At the afternoon roll call, Klink listened as Crenshaw informed them of the extra food they would receive. The men cheered. Klink noticed Heinzmann's lack of reaction. Schultz's expression of joy as he found they were to get more food made his agreement to participate in the gardening contest worthwhile. Later that evening, when it was time for the prisoners to eat their meal, they headed for the mess hall. Klink and Geist sat at a table in the corner and watched the prisoners consume their food. They took a particular interest in Heinzmann and his companions.
"What do you think they're planning?" whispered Klink.
"Whatever it is, they've already placed their explosive," replied Geist.
Klink took a bite of food and stared at Geist. "Are you kidding?"
Shaking his head, Geist replied, "I saw from a distance what they were doing."
"Where did they plant it?" asked Klink.
"I won't say anything else here. I've probably already said too much as it is," Geist replied with a furtive glance upward.
Colonel Crittendon came over to their table and asked, "How's the food?"
Klink nodded. "It tastes good, no matter how bad it tastes."
Crittendon chuckled. "Colonel, I see you still have a sense of humor. Jolly good show that is. I hope that all you men are released soon and allowed to return to Germany."
"You do?" asked Klink.
"I've been a prisoner and I know how it feels to be kept away from those I love. It's a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone," replied Crittendon.
Klink didn't know what to say. "Thank you, Colonel."
Crittendon stood. "You're welcome. I'll be leaving tonight after everything is done here."
Nodding, Klink continued consuming his meal until he saw Geist's expression. He was staring at Crittendon's back. Klink looked at Crittendon and then at Geist who nodded slightly. Klink's eyes went wide with dread.
When Klink returned to the barracks, he climbed up to his bunk, lay down and closed his eyes. At least my stomach isn't growling tonight!
What seemed like a moment later, someone shook his shoulder to wake him. When he opened his eyes, Klink saw Sergeant Hawkins standing there.
Hawkins said, "Colonel, the commandant wishes to see you in his office."
Surprised by Hawkins' politeness, Klink climbed down from the bunk and put on his monocle and hat. The barracks was dark and quiet as they left. There was little moonlight and a warm, moisture-laden breeze blew through the compound.
"What does Crenshaw want?" asked Klink.
"I don't know, he doesn't take me into his confidence," replied Hawkins.
They entered the administration building, and then Crenshaw's office.
Crenshaw stood and said, "Colonel Klink."
Klink folded his arms across his chest and looked at Crenshaw expectantly. "Well? What do you want?"
Crenshaw's expression was relaxed as he said, "You're under arrest."
"WHAT?!?!?" asked Klink.
"Hawkins, take him to the cooler," ordered Crenshaw.
"What did I do?" asked Klink. "I have a right to know!"
Crenshaw turned toward the window without replying.
Hawkins nudged Klink in the arm with his rifle. "Let's go."
Klink couldn't believe what was happening to him. He stumbled toward the door. When they left the administration building, Klink saw it was now raining and he didn't have his coat. The building housing the cooler was nearby. Within moments they stood outside a cell. Hawkins opened the cell door. Klink entered and heard the cell door clang shut behind him. He sat down on the cot and tried to make himself comfortable.
Klink felt angry and depressed. He covered his face with his hands. A few minutes later, he felt a chill creeping into his hands. Klink put his hands under his arms to try and warm them. What did I do to deserve this treatment? he wondered as a shiver ran through his body.
The quiet of the cell was suddenly, violently interrupted by a tremendous explosion – he assumed it was the one that Geist had warned him about - and a lot of noise. Klink jumped from the bunk and rushed to the window of the cell. Looking out, he saw a car in flames and recognized the car as the one Colonel Crittendon had arrived in.
Oh NO! Is Colonel Crittendon dead?!? Klink thought.
