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 11

By Diane Maher



          Klink stared out the cell window, horrified watching Colonel Crittendon's car burn.  He watched as the guards ran over to extinguish the flames with their fire hoses and water buckets.  He heard the shouts as the burnt corpse was discovered, and turned away from the window, nauseated.

          He fell to the floor shivering uncontrollably.  Why hadn't he tried harder to warn Colonel Crittendon that there might have been a bomb in his car? Why? Klink slammed his fist on the floor in anger at his own foolishness.  Geist had told him that there was a bomb in Crittendon's car and yet, since he couldn't tell him in the mess hall, surrounded by men who would think him a turncoat for speaking with an enemy officer, he hadn't acted on that information.  Am I now responsible for the deaths of two people? he thought.

          His hand shook as he lifted it, like it had after he'd killed General Metzger back at Stalag 13.  Slowly, he made his way back to the bunk, lay down and faced the wall.  Crittendon had remained inside either the administration building or the visiting guest quarters.  He had been inaccessible to the prisoners.  Klink knew that was only part of the reason he'd not been able to warn Crittendon.  Deep down, he'd been afraid of what the other prisoners would do to him if they found he felt concern for an enemy officer.  Removing his monocle, and placing it in his tunic's pocket, he closed his eyes and tried not to think of what had happened outside.  Was it Crittendon's body in the car? He sincerely hoped not.



          Klink woke when he heard the rattle of the keys in the lock.  He swung his legs over the edge of the bunk and sat up.  Crenshaw and another man entered the cell.

          "This is the man.  If you need anything, call for the guard," said Crenshaw.

          Klink slid his fingers into his tunic's pocket, pulled out his monocle and placed it on his eye.  He made no move to stand.

          The door closed behind Crenshaw with a final, echoing boom.  Klink shivered and he reflexively rubbed his hands along his thighs to hide his nervousness from the stranger.

          "Now, Colonel Klink.  I understand that you were a POW camp commandant," said the man.

          Klink's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he looked at this man.  "Who are you?"

          "I am Wing Commander Sedgwick," the man answered.

          This man seemed more reasonable than Crenshaw.  "Jawohl.  I was Kommandant of Luft Stalag 13, on the outskirts of Hammelburg."

          Sedgwick took a step closer and said, "We're aware of Hitler's last order to you Kraut POW commandants."

          "Who's we?" whispered Klink hoarsely.

          Leaning closer, Sedgwick replied, "Those of us who are investigating the war crimes of you Krauts."  Klink swallowed nervously and leaned back against the wall.  A smirk came over Sedgwick's face at his fearful reaction.  "And you are the only camp commandant that we've been able to find."

          Klink blanched visibly.  "Wha...what are you going to do with me?"

          Sedgwick stepped back, turned away, and replied, "I believe that a court martial may be convened to determine your fate."

          "I...I'm going to be tried when I've done nothing wrong?" whispered Klink, incredulous.

          "If you cooperate, it will go much easier on you," said Sedgwick.  "There is also another matter.  I am assisting in the investigation of the attempt on Colonel Crittendon's life last night.  You should be aware that you are a suspect in that crime."

          Klink couldn't believe what he was hearing.  "I had nothing to do with it! I was already locked in here when the car exploded! Is Colonel Crittendon...?"

          "He wasn't in the car.  The man who was killed was his driver."  Sedgwick narrowed his eyes.  "It has since been discovered that three prisoners escaped last night during the commotion.  I suppose you had nothing to do with that either?"

          Klink gaped at Sedgwick.  Inside, Klink was intensely relieved that Crittendon was alive.  He suspected that the reprisals against Crittendon's death would have been swift and merciless and would have started with him.  He slowly stood, straightened his tunic, went to the window and looked out at the remains of the car.  The sun was up and he could barely see the prisoners in the formation.  "Nein."

          "Don't play games with me, Klink," said Sedgwick.

          Swallowing nervously, Klink said, "I had nothing to do with the bomb in the car.  If the escaped prisoners are who I think they are, then good riddance.  We'll be better off without them here."

          Sedgwick's brow rose.  "You have a grudge against those prisoners?"

          "No, but one of them disliked me intensely," replied Klink.

          "Why do you say that, Colonel?" asked Sedgwick.

          "The Gestapo is notorious for disliking everyone," replied Klink with a shrug.

          "I see," Sedgwick said.  "I was to take the Gestapo man with me when I left to evaluate the need to try him for war crimes."

          "You were?" asked Klink.

          Sedgwick nodded and turned his attention to a folder, which he opened and looked at the contents.  He took his time and flipped through several pages of material.

          Klink was nervous and Sedgwick's delay only made it worse.  How long will he continue flipping through those pages in that damned folder?

          Sedgwick closed the folder and said, "Colonel Klink, give me some details about your prisoners and camp, so I can expedite this matter."

          Klink looked at Sedgwick, "Isn't that what you have there in your folder?"

          Sedgwick grinned evilly.  "You're right Colonel.  That's exactly what I have here."  The smile reminded Klink of Major Hochstetter when he threatened him.

          "You have? What all is in there?" asked Klink.

          "Various depositions from your former prisoners," replied Sedgwick.

          "What did they say about me?" asked Klink.

          Sedgwick's grin broadened.  "You really want to know what they thought of you?  Well, on the average, they didn't like you."

          Klink stared at Sedgwick, wondering if this was the beginning of the end for him.  "On the average? What does that mean?"

          "It means that your prisoners generally didn't like you – however, the senior POW officer gave you higher marks overall and I've been informed that his remarks will carry the most weight in our evaluation of you."

          "So why are you here?" asked Klink, mystified.

          The keys rattled in the lock and then the door opened.  Klink turned to face the newcomer and gasped in recognition.  The man who entered the cell was none other than Colonel Hogan – only now, Klink noticed that Hogan wasn't a colonel any more.

          Sedgwick stood and saluted.  "General Hogan, thank you for coming on such short notice."

          Hogan returned the salute.  Looking at Klink, he acknowledged him with a nod and calmly said, "Colonel Klink."

          "Hogan," said Klink.  He couldn't believe his eyes.

          "That's General Hogan to you!" Sedgwick snapped.

          A smile flitted across Hogan's face.  "Dismissed, Wing Commander!"

          Klink watched as Sedgwick frowned, stiffly saluted Hogan and left the cell.  Once the door was closed, Hogan turned and looked him over.  "I see that you've learned what it's like to be a prisoner.  Not fun and games, is it?"

          "No, it's not.  I've had to deal with prisoners who don't respect me, some who downright despise me and there are those who think I'm nothing more than a cringing bootlicker.  Of course, there's that pathetic excuse for a Kommandant, Major Crenshaw.  He can't stand me."  Klink paused and then, seeing Hogan's distant expression, asked, "Hogan, why are you here?"

          A cheeky smile crossed Hogan's face.  "I just wanted to see how you enjoyed life as a POW – and get you out of trouble."

          Klink cringed.  "But I've done nothing..."

          "I know that! I just had an interview with another prisoner, Oberstleutnant Geist."

          Klink's eyes widened.  "You've spoken with Geist?"

          "I have.  He thinks highly of you.  He told me of the things that you've done since becoming senior POW in his place.  You've done a good job, Klink, despite the conditions here.  Colonel Crittendon has asked me to discuss Major Crenshaw's actions with you so he can forward a complete report to the Red Cross."

          Klink gaped at Hogan.  "You want me to tell you what I think of that idiot Crenshaw?"

          "That's right," said Hogan.  "I suppose he felt that you would feel more comfortable talking to me."

          Klink nodded.  "Crenshaw doesn't believe in the Geneva Convention, no matter how much he claims to adhere by it."

          "I see.  And you believe that as a commandant you abided by it?" asked Hogan ironically.

          Aghast, Klink replied, "I believe that you and your men were treated well, Hogan.  Perhaps not like kings, but certainly far better than I've been treated here."  Klink's stomach growled in agreement.

          "And at the end, you did save my life."

          Klink nodded.  "By the way, how is Sergeant Kinchloe's leg?"

          Hogan's eyebrows rose.  "He recovered quickly from the wound."

          "You look surprised that I would ask," said Klink.

          "I am."

          "Sergeant Kinchloe is the reason I was able to stand up to General Metzger," Klink began.  "The look in his eyes as he watched the confrontation between you and Metzger touched me in a way that very few things have."

          "I see," said Hogan.  He crossed to the barred window.  "I remember this view from Stalag 13."

          "You didn't see it very often, Hogan.  I rarely put you in the cooler," Klink said dryly.  Come to think of it, you rarely did anything that warranted solitary confinement."

          Hogan chuckled.

          "What's so funny?" asked Klink.

          Hogan shook his head, as if recalling a fond memory.  Klink saw that familiar, irritating, mischievous twinkle in his eyes.  "Nothing.  Tell me about Major Crenshaw."

          Klink's expression became fearful.  "Why?"

          "I told you! So Colonel Crittendon can give him what he deserves."

          "And when you and Crittendon leave, our goose is cooked with Crenshaw!"

          "No, Colonel.  You have my word on it," said Hogan solemnly.

          Klink looked hard at Hogan.  Then, he loudly exhaled.  "All right.  I guess I've no choice but to trust you."

          "Have I ever let you down?" asked Hogan.

          Heaving another sigh, Klink replied, "No, I suppose not."



          Hogan gathered his notes together.  "Well, Colonel.  I think that I can convince the powers that be not to make you their scapegoat for the crimes of your fellow commandants."

          "Thank you, Hogan.  I've found it ironic at times that I have faced under Crenshaw what you may have faced under me," said Klink.

          Hogan took in Klink's appearance before replying, "Colonel, at least you fed us.  I see that you've lost weight since you've been here."

          Klink smiled at him.  "You should see Schultz.  He's dropped quite a few pounds since we've been here."

          "As much as I'd like to, I can't.  Tell him I said hello, would you?" asked Hogan as he stood.

          Klink stood and replied with a nod, "Of course."  As Hogan turned to leave, Klink saluted him.  "Herr General."

          "Herr Oberst."  Hogan returned Klink's salute.  A minute later, the cell was quiet.



          Several days passed before a guard came and took Klink back to Crenshaw's office.  On entering, he saw Crenshaw behind the desk, Crittendon and Sedgwick sitting across from him.  He looked around, but Hogan wasn't there.  I suppose he returned to where he's now stationed.

          Today, Crenshaw gave him more than his usual scowl.  Klink saw burning hatred in his eyes.  Taken aback, Klink feared that he would be shot for what he confided to Hogan.

          "Ah, Colonel Klink," began Crittendon.  "I have some good news for you, old chap."

          Old chap?! thought Klink indignantly.  He tried to keep a neutral expression as he asked, "What news is that?"

          Grinning, Crittendon replied, "You and the other prisoners are to be released and allowed to return to Germany."

          Klink's eyes widened in surprise.  "When?"

          Crittendon continued, "Since we determined that you aren't going to be tried for crimes you didn't commit and the other men, to our knowledge have committed no atrocities, I decided that there was little point in keeping this camp open any longer.  That Gestapo chap who we believe tried to murder me escaped with his cohorts, but that is hardly your fault."

          Crenshaw muttered, "And my career is over too, no thanks to you, Klink! You bloody rotten Kraut!"

          Klink was stunned at this news.  I'm going home.  At last, I'm going home! He quickly regained his senses and whispered, "Thank you, Colonel Crittendon."

          "You're welcome, Colonel Klink.  As to when, I should think that you prisoners may leave in the next couple of days.  I'll see to it that the details are announced at the next roll call.  You are dismissed and may start disseminating the information."  Crittendon beamed at him.  "Many a time I've stood before you and wished it would happen to me, old chap.  Glad I could say the words to you."

          Klink managed a nod.  He saluted, turned and left the office.  As he crossed the compound, he looked up at the blue sky.  The first word that came to mind was freedom.  His next thought was of Sofia.  Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks at the thought of being reunited with her.  He reached up, removed his monocle and wiped his eyes.  Replacing his monocle, he continued towards Barracks 12.

          Geist stepped out.  "I see they finally released you.  Some Allied general asked me some questions about you and I'm curious as to what's been happening."

          "Come with me," said Klink.

          "We've been confined to quarters since the car exploded a few nights ago."

          "Don't worry about that.  Come."

          The two officers walked away from the building and stood near the water tower, out of sight of the guards.  Geist looked expectantly at Klink.

          "Do you remember me telling you about the senior POW officer at Stalag 13?"

          Geist nodded and then understanding dawned.  "That general was him? I thought you said he was a colonel."

          "It seems he was promoted," Klink said.  "It seems that the Allies haven't been able to find any of the other POW camp Kommandants and were considering trying me as a war criminal in their place."

          "Are you serious?!" Geist whispered, incredulous.

          Nodding, Klink replied, "I'm quite serious.  Apparently, Hogan spoke up in my defense.  Crittendon thought that I would be more comfortable talking to Hogan and that's why he came."

          "Did you talk to him?" asked Geist.

          A sardonic grin crossed Klink's face as he replied, "I did, but most of what I said was in regards to Major Crenshaw."

          Geist laughed.  "So, you told him what you thought of Crenshaw?"

          "Jawohl.  Hogan must have succeeded in convincing the Allies about me.  When I was taken back to Crenshaw's office, I got the news that I was not to be tried for the crimes of the other Kommandants."

          "That's great!" exclaimed Geist.

          "What's even better is that Colonel Crittendon told me that we were to be released in the next few days."

          Geist was stunned into silence.  Klink continued, "You can go home to your sister and I will return to Hammelburg to find Sofia."

          "I hope she is well, Wilhelm," said Geist.

          "I hope your sister is well when you return to her, Karl," replied Klink with a nod.

          Klink saw Geist scan the camp.  "It will be good to leave this place."

          "Yes.  Colonel Crittendon said there would be an announcement later today at the roll call, but I thought I'd tell you first."

          "Danke.  I guess we won't need that tunnel after all," said Geist.  "May I tell the others about this?"

          Klink replied, "Yes.  I'm going back to my barracks to tell the men there.  Are the prisoners still confined to the barracks?"

          "As far as I know," Geist replied.

          "I see.  I suppose we should get back before someone gets trigger-happy."

          When Klink returned to his barracks, he found that the burnt out light bulb hadn't been replaced.  He now knew that it wouldn't be.  He looked at Schultz's bunk and found him snoring peacefully.  It didn't matter that it was almost noon.  Shaking his head at Schultz, he turned towards the men in his barracks and called, "May I have your attention please?"

          Behind him, Schultz snored.  The other men were at attention, so he turned around, nodded at the private who occupied a bunk across from him and waited.  The private brought a cup of water over and handed it to him.  Klink dashed the water in Schultz's face.

          Schultz sputtered awake.  "What is going on here?!" he demanded.

          "Dummkopf! I'm about to make an important announcement!" exclaimed Klink.

          "Oh, I'm sorry, Herr Oberst," Schultz said as he stood.

          "I have just been informed that we are to be released in the next few days."  There was a moment of stunned silence followed by cheering.  Klink motioned for silence and finished, "I believe we will find out exactly when we will be released at the next roll call."



          At the evening roll call, Klink noticed that Crenshaw was nowhere to be seen.  Colonel Crittendon stood in front of them with several men who Klink assumed were on his staff.  After Sergeant Hawkins reported that all the prisoners were present, Crittendon took two steps forward.

          "Prisoners! My superiors have informed me that it is time for you to be released and we are to give you a small amount of money as you leave the camp."  He looked directly at Klink.  "Colonel Klink, I would like you to assist us.  Please choose several men and come to the commandant's office first thing in the morning.  That is all."

          Klink stared after Crittendon.  Geist came over and stood next to him.  "Geist, bring Captain Gruber and Corporal Langenscheidt tomorrow morning.  Sergeant Schultz, you will also help."

          "Yes sir," replied Geist.  Geist looked at the gate of the camp and the land beyond.  "Soon we'll see that view without barbed wire and guards."

          Klink looked and his expression softened.  "Yes.  We will be free to live our lives without the shadow of Hitler or war over us.  Good night, Karl.  I'm going to turn in early.  Tomorrow will be a long day."



          The next morning, Klink and his men found Crittendon behind Crenshaw's desk when they entered the commandant's office.  The men he had seen last night were with him.  Crittendon stood and motioned to some canvas sacks on the floor beside the desk.  "Klink, I need you and your men to assist us in getting this money handed out quickly.  I expect things to run smoothly.  If they do, I'll give you and your men a little extra money."

          "Where will this be done?" asked Klink.

          "It will be done in the mess hall and as soon as possible.  When the prisoners get their money and leave, the front gates will be open," replied Crittendon.  "It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.  Report to the mess hall now."

          Klink nodded and saluted then, followed Geist and the others out of the office accompanied by several guards carrying the canvas sacks.  They reported to the mess hall where they were instructed on what they were to do.  The prisoners began filing through a short while later.  As Klink handed over the French and German currency, he wondered if it would be enough to get the men home.  His men.  His last command, for he did not expect the Allies would allow him to command soldiers again.  He looked at the money.  No picture of Hitler.  The French notes had pictures of DeGaulle on them, and the Goddess of Liberty wearing her cap.  The little cockroach must be pleased.  Things ran smoothly over the next couple of hours and soon, everyone was gone but them.  Colonel Crittendon was true to his word and gave them all something extra.  He told them they were to leave as soon as possible.

          Klink and the others returned briefly to their barracks to collect the few possessions they had.  When they met in the compound, Klink looked at the open gate and said solemnly, "This is it, men.  We are finally free."

          They walked towards the main gate.  When he stepped outside the camp, Klink felt as though a weight was lifted from his shoulders.  No more did he have to put up with aggravating guards or former Gestapo agents who wanted him dead.  Now was the time for him to return home and find Sofia.  He looked at Geist.  The Oberstleutnant had a solemn look on his face as he stepped out of the camp.  Schultz's expression was one of grateful excitement.  He's going back to his family, Klink thought with a little smile.  I hope he can rebuild his toy factory.  Gruber and Langenscheidt looked relaxed.

          "I would like to thank you all for standing by me during our mutual incarceration in this miserable place.  May you all find your families alive and well, wherever they may be," said Klink.

          Geist replied, "You're welcome, Herr Oberst."

          They turned east and started down the road leading towards Germany.  Will I find Sofia alive and well? Klink wondered.