Hi, my dear readers,

Originally I wanted to publish the next chapter yesterday, but a surprise-visit of friends prevented it. Therefore the new installment comes only now, and I hope you're not angry about it.

Thaaaank you so much for the many reviews. I hoped that you would like the last chapter, and my expectations weren't disappointed. You really seemed to love it. And I can promise you that the new chapter is extraordinary, too.

So, have fun with it,

Love

Yours Starflight

Chapter 25 – To win the Heroes

Klink was barely out of his quarters, as Kinch and LeBeau began to speak rapidly.

"Do you really think he is on our side, mon Colonel? Oui, he helped you, but all this could be one big trick to deliver us to Berlin and to finally receive the damn red stripes for his trousers!"

"Louis is right, Colonel. This all here – letting you stay here, getting all hero-like all of a sudden, playing the elderly friend – can be nothing more than one big trick to…"

"He knows too many details about our missions that he could have only gotten by watching us closely and by figuring us out during or shortly after our operations in the past," Hogan interrupted them softly. "He could have already delivered us to the Gestapo two years ago – at least after the whole mess with Hegel. He knew what was going on, and eliminated the phony diamonds which could have given us away because they were packed in a box made of teak-wood which is typically English. And he stayed silent during my big fish-story I presented to the Gestapo afterwards; in effect playing along with it. He recognized my voice while we had the big show going on concerning the kidnapping of Feldmarschall von Heiken to get General Barton out – and again he played along. He…"

"He blurted out that it was your voice he heard, so…"

LeBeau couldn't finish his sentence, because Hogan replied, "Yes, and he even apologized to me for putting me in danger by his reaction." He sighed. "Klink knew about the vanished tiger-tank, the vanished air-fighter… Hell, he even assumed the right thing concerning the damn rocket-test last year. He didn't deliver me to the Gestapo after he caught me in a German uniform at the Hofbräu and didn't punish you all for also being outside of the camp. He warned us as this radio-detector arrived, and…"

"Colonel Hogan, you really should wait until the others are here. It spares energy to have such a discussion only one time." Klink returned into the room; carrying a tray with glasses and a bottle of cognac. "I think the gentlemen are going to need it." He looked at Hogan. "Do you think you could bear a Schnapps with your sore throat?"

"I rather worry for my stomach if I don't get one," the younger man sighed; knowing that the upcoming talk would be stressful and tiresome. He already felt a headache approaching.

Klink chuckled and poured seven glasses with cognac. He was barely done, as Schultz appeared; Baker, Newkirk and Carter in tow. The three Heroes looked rather puzzled at the two officers and saluted quickly, before they looked enquiringly at their other two friends.

"What's the matter here, mate?" Newkirk whispered towards LeBeau, who glared at Klink and Hogan. What the heck…?

"Is this for us?" Carter piped up; pointing at the tray with the filled glasses.

"You're going to need it, André," Louis said darkly; crossing his arms in front of his chest. "You're going to need a lot more of it, believe me."

Schultz looked questioningly at Klink. "Herr Kommandant, I brought the three prisoners. Any further orders?"

"No, Schultz, dismissed!"

"One moment," Hogan cut in and lifted a hand. "I think Schultz should stay."

"What?" Klink stared in disbelief at him. "You want him to stay? Don't you think this would be a little bit…"

"You suggested that it would be better if all participants were informed at once to spare us all nerves," the colonel answered; shrugging one shoulder.

"And what does this have to do with Schultz?" Klink demanded.

"Please, Colonel Hogan," the sergeant began in his typical uncertain voice, "I've done nothing. Nnnnoooothing at all. You know: I see nothing and I hear nothing…"

"Exactly," Hogan nodded and looked up at Klink. "Just like you."

The Oberst frowned, blinked slowly – and Hogan began to count the seconds in his mind. 'One, two, three, four…'

"Don't tell me that… that SCHULTZ… No, this can't be!" Klink burst out; shock written all over his face.

"I don't know what Herr Hogan is implying, Herr Kommandant," the large Bavarian began to whine. "I really have done nothing that…"

"Shut up, Schultz!" Klink snapped and wagged one balled fist. "You… you covered for them, too?"

"I-I-I c-c-c-cover for them, Herr K-K-K-Kommandant?" Schultz stuttered; panic in his eyes.

"Why did he say, 'too'?" Carter asked Newkirk, who stared disbelievingly at Hogan. Why had the gov'nor given Schultz away to Klink?

"Yes," Klink groused; feeling betrayed. "You cover for them, let me run blind and deaf through the camp and…"

"Colonel Klink, you weren't 'deaf' and 'blind' like you conclusively told me," Hogan interrupted the beginning tirade. "You only pretended to be ignorant – just like Schultz. So please don't rebuke him."

"The Kommandant just said, 'you covered for them, too'," Carter directed his attention to Kinch, as he realized that he wouldn't get any answer from a rigid Newkirk. "I heard it very well. What does he mean with this?"

Kinchloe sighed deeply. "He means…"

"What Colonel Klink means, is that Schultz isn't the only one who was and still is on our side, guys," Hogan cut in. His gaze wandered from one Hero to the next, before it stayed on Klink's half indignant, half tensed face. "Colonel Klink knows that I'm Papa Bear and he also knows of our missions. And he has protected us within the last two years!"

You could have heard the famous needle hitting the ground. Newkirk, Baker and Carter gaped at their superior officer, Kinch crossed his arms in front of his chest again and grimaced, while LeBeau made a face, too. And Schultz?

The large Bavarian was opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water, while his eyes were about to bulge out of his head. Then he pointed a finger at Klink and gasped, "You… you knew about them – and covered for them? But… this was what I did the whole time!"

"This much I've understood, Schultz," Klink snapped. "I suspected for quite some time that your nice handling of the POWs doesn't only happen because of your kind nature or because they give you chocolate from their Red Cross-packages. Don't look at me like this, I've seen you munching it often enough. But I never thought that you would double-cross me like this!"

Schultz gulped. "I've never double-crossed you, Herr Kommandant. I was always loyal to you and…"

"Colonel Klink, you really can't reproach Schultz for doing the same thing you have been doing," Hogan tried to calm the enraged Oberst. "And it would be highly unfair to accuse Schultz of disloyalty concerning your person. It was he who came to us for help to get you to safety before your planned execution could take place. He defended you a lot of times against suspicious superiors and was always there for you – even in private, if I may remind you. He helped us because he thought it was the right thing to do – and because he loathes what is going on in this country just like you do. But he didn't know that you were covering and protecting us, too. The show you delivered was too good for him to see through, so he didn't dare tell you that…"

"Don't stroke my ego to drive a point or opinion home, Hogan. I've recognized this trick a long time ago."

"Yet you allowed it to happen more than often," the colonel replied gently.

"Yes, I know," Klink growled; sending the younger man a dark look. "And you took advantage of it."

"Of course – after all I didn't know that you were on our side the whole time."

"He. Is. What?" Newkirk finally began grasping what his superior had said, and stared with wide eyes at Klink and Hogan.

The colonel sighed; his attention still fixed on the Kommandant. "Come on, Willie, you are only irritated because you didn't see this coming with Schultz – and the other way around. You two hid your true convictions and secret supports too well. Sweet Lord, you even fooled me, and so…"

"One. Bloody. Moment!" Newkirk cut in; being instantly in everyone's focus. "What are you trying to say here, Colonel? That KLINK is on our side?"

"Bright spark," LeBeau taunted him. "Isn't this what the two colonels have been talking about the whole time? Mon colonel is convinced that Klink is our ally – and now it's your turn to say something about it."

Peter stared at the American officer and managed to ask, "Permission to speak freely?"

"Go ahead," Hogan nodded; already knowing what was coming.

"Have you lost your bloody mind – sir?" he exploded; pointing at the Oberst. "Klink tries for almost three years to reveal us, to…"

"This is Colonel Klink for you, Newkirk," Hogan interrupted him. "That I allow you to speak your mind openly doesn't include the permission to address him improperly."

"You do it the most times," Carter murmured, but was still heard.

"Colonel Klink and I have the same rank. This makes a difference, Carter," Hogan said firmly.

"Rank or no rank, sir, but C-o-l-o-n-e-l Klink tries for three years now to reveal us, supports the damn Gestapo, does the SS's biddings and…"

"And didn't raise any suspicions like this," Hogan cut in. "He played a role – just like Schultz, just like we did."

"And how do you know that this isn't one big trick?" Newkirk snarled. "Gut-feeling? You were wrong about persons before, sir!"

"Yes, and I was wrong about Colonel Klink, too – because I didn't recognize until yesterday that he is not only on our side, but even covered for us and supported us. He still does!"

"This… this is insane!" Newkirk hissed; his eyes flashed. "I can understand that you are grateful for him saving your neck, but…"

"This has nothing to do with me, Newkirk!"

"Really?"

"Colonel Klink just gave us very important information about the increasing cargo transfers within Germany and revealed Goering's and Hitler's newest project," Kinchloe rose to speak; voice and face calm. "Does this sound like playing tricks to lull us into a false sense of safety? What for, Newkirk? If he already has the colonel's admission of our missions, it would have been one of his easiest tasks to call the Gestapo and deliver us to them, but he didn't." His dark eyes wandered to the tensed German officer. "You had this chance since yesterday, as far as I understood – yet we are all still here."

"This is a trick!" Newkirk hissed. "Doesn't anybody see this?"

"Well," LeBeau began; cocking his head. "I thought about this all – and I think Colonel Hogan is right."

"I advised you to never think too closely about something," Peter all but sneered.

"Someone who puts mint-sauce on meat shouldn't speak about 'too much thinking'," LeBeau mocked back, before he took a very – very! – deep breath. "But concerning this whole mess… I don't like to say this, but Kinch and Colonel Hogan have a point. Why would Colonel Klink wait until today and discuss everything with us, if in truth he intends to deliver us to the Gestapo? Why should he trick us into believing him if he could take care of our arrest every second if he wanted to?" He pushed his cap back. "That really would make no sense. And, by the way, he risked his own life to protect and rescue mon colonel. He even stood up against the Gestapo and punched Hochstetter. And this all tells me a lot."

"Thank you, Corporal LeBeau," Klink said.

"You're welcome," the tiny Frenchman replied.

Newkirk glared at his friend. "Has he wrapped you around his finger now, too?"

"Non, of course not, but try to think straight and cool your hot head down, Pierre. If Klink's intentions were to trick us all, he would have called the Gestapo yesterday – after mon colonel admitted everything about us. Yet we're standing here, discussing everything, no SS in sight and…" He looked at the tray, "… and with cognac waiting for us all. I think that speaks its own language."

Newkirk only shook his head; shooting fierce glances at the two officers.

Hogan sighed. "Baker, what do you think?" he asked. "Until now you're the only one who hasn't said anything."

Baker grimaced, crossed his arms in front of his chest and murmured, "Give me a minute more to stomach the information that Colonel Klink was made privy by you."

"It was the other way around, Baker. He revealed himself to me," Hogan said softly.

"And what makes you so certain that he hadn't made a shot in the dark and now got his assumptions proved?"

"I made a 'shot in the dark'," Klink cut in; deeply baffled about the democratic way Hogan handled his men, but maybe this was the key to his success. "Like Hogan said, I only had a lot of assumptions concerning you all, but after everything that happened within the last week, I knew I had to act. Covering for you, laying false tracks or playing a role aren't enough anymore. After first Pruhst and now Hochstetter found everything out but fortunately lacked the last iron-clad proof, you all, Gentlemen, are a hair-width away from being revealed. Berlin has become paranoid and that goes for all leading persons, independent if they belong to the Wehrmacht, SS or Gestapo. The war teeters on the brink – last but not least because of the ME-262 V5 going into serial production."

"What?" Baker asked; alarmed.

Kinchloe, LeBeau and Hogan simply nodded, while Klink continued,

"Just like you all – and most Germans by now – I want an end to this insanity that wracks the whole continent; even the whole world if you add the Pacific-war. I, in person, never wanted this war. Contrary to you all – except for Schultz – I have lived through the first madness and I had hoped, prayed, that nothing likewise would happen again. In a very twisted way my prayers were heard: This war isn't like the first one – it's worse! And I fear it will leave this world – this planet, like the scientists call it now – in ruins. The sooner the war ends, the better – and hopefully with the Allies as the winners."

"Maybe those who supported your beloved Führer should have thought about it sooner," Newkirk growled. "It would have cost less millions of lives."

"What a fortunate circumstance that the 'British Empire' is free of all crimes," Schultz murmured; showing again loyalty towards Klink by giving examples against Newkirk's voiced loath. "I had a friend back in Heidelberg. He came from India and had a little shop of spices. When he told me of everything that had happened in his country from the beginning of the colonial era until now... I still get sick."

Newkirk opened his mouth to protest, but Hogan was quicker. Lifting his right hand he said strongly, "If we want to bestow each other with accusations for everything that went wrong in history, we can start with Adam and Eve, so stop it! Just right here and now, there are only a few things that count: Colonel Klink and Sergeant Schultz are on our side – because they want to free their country of this madman, just like we want to stop him before he topples the whole world into darkness. Colonel Klink broke his silence yesterday and told me of the many things he saw, heard, witnessed and concluded concerning our missions, but contrary to Hochstetter he didn't use this development to doom us, but to defend and protect us. And I think it best he tells you what he found out and how, before you all dart at him like a pack of hyenas."

"Hyenas?" Newkirk snapped.

"Sorry, fellas, I know that this all must be hard for you to understand, but we already mastered other difficult occurrences, because we not only used our brain and mind, but also our heart. Maybe you all should do this here and now again. For my part, I trust Colonel Klink – because I have acknowledged one big truth: We all would have been dead many months now if it wouldn't have been for him. And concerning your doubt of his intentions: If he really wanted to lull us into a false sense of security, why risk getting killed before he could reveal us? When he saved me during the Air Force ambush, he came a brink away from being shot. Yet it didn't stop him from coming to my aid. And he did it again two days later as he got me away from Hochstetter. Don't get me wrong, fellas, but when a guy saves my neck two times by risking his own, I cannot allege him of using dirty tricks. For something like this there had been too much at stake for his person. He chose the deadly risk; not caring if he survived or not. So I do think that getting the 'red stripes for his trousers' was the last thing on his mind during those moments. And why? Because the 'red stripes' are nothing to him. Ending this war and stopping Hitler are more important to him – and, by the way, the safety of every person in this camp. Not only that of his men, but ours, too."

"The colonel has some points here," Baker murmured.

Hogan knew that he was about to gain his men's agreement and led another trump. His glance found the Sergeant of the Guards. "You have to come to trust our Schultzie, because he is a kind-hearted man and wants to do the right thing. You mentioned it several times that you don't care about the uniform he wears, because he is a good man." He watched how the large Bavarian grew a few centimeters in pride but also smiled with a lot of gratefulness at him. "If you trust him and do not care for his nationality, why don't you want to do the same for Colonel Klink?" Hogan continued. "He did no less for us than Schultz."

For a long moment there was again nothing else than silence, then LeBeau grumbled, "I remember his reaction as he learned that you were in Hochstetter's clutches, mon Colonel. I thought he would faint – and then he got all warriorlike." He looked at Klink. "You didn't worry for your health, but only for Colonel Hogan. To get to him as fast as possible and to save him from Hochstetter was all that mattered to you at those moments."

It wasn't a question, yet Klink felt the need to nod. "Ja," he said quietly. "Hogan's welfare is… very important to me, because despite everything the brass says and expects, he is my friend."

LeBeau's dark eyes seemed to penetrate him for a moment, and whatever the Frenchman saw seemed to satisfy him, because Louis' face relaxed, while he sighed, "This much I've recognized." He glanced shortly back at Hogan. "D'accord, I listen. And to make everything easier, we all drink this cognac now."

"Oh yes, please," Schultz groaned. "I can really use one now."

"You should still shut up," Klink snapped.

"Willie," Hogan rebuked him softly, and the Oberst shot him a glare.

"No informalities, Hogan! How often do I have to repeat myself until you learn it?"

An idea struck the American – an idea concerning this crazy thought he had got regarding the assumed feelings of his German counterpart. Smiling softly at the older man and cocking his head in a way that always succeeded when females were involved, he replied gently, "Wilhelm, we're one big gang now, so loosen up. And concerning Schultz: Haven't we cleared it out that you and Schultz are the best team on the German side within Stalag 13? Without you two, not only my men and me, but also both of you would have been leaked out by now. So calm your hurt ego and say 'thank-you' to the man who was always loyal to your person despite the fact that he didn't know that you belong to the same side he does."

Klink stared at him, saw the velvet brown eyes looking at him with understanding, sympathy, pleading and even fondness – and his inner being melted away. Warmth spread through him and one time more he remembered the first time he ever had lain eyes on Hogan, knowing from this moment on that he was lost. And how lost he was had been proven within the last days.

"God dammit, you rascal!" he growled, before he glared at the Bavarian. "And damn your naive way, Schultz! I have lost count of how often I downgraded you only to take it back – or how often I wanted to send you away, but somehow never did. Hell, I was even deeply afraid as I thought you deadly ill, because I knew that I've a friend within you, and then…" He sighed and lowered his head. "Why didn't you trust me enough to tell me the truth?" He sounded hurt.

Hogan was about to answer this question instead of Schultz, but skipped it. This was something between those two men, and not his place to interference. And, by the way, he had just gotten another proof that his own assumptions concerning Klink's feelings were spot-on. Good God, what should he do now?

Hans still looked at his superior. "Because I didn't know how much I could entrust you with this delicate thing. I knew you are against the regime – I knew that you loathe it like I do, but…" He took a deep breath. "But I didn't know how much they had intimidated you by now, or what you were willing to risk." His big eyes shortly found Hogan's, before he glanced back at Klink. "But I knew other things, which showed me that you are a good man. I only…" He gulped. "I was only unsure how you would react if you knew the truth so…" He shrugged helplessly.

Both Germans looked at each other – one searching for forgiveness, the other one debating if he could really continue to trust his subordinate. Then, tired out, Klink's shoulders slumped. "You know that you can come to me every time, Schultz. And you'll hopefully remember this the next time you're unsure about what you can tell me or not."

The Sergeant of the Guards dared a tiny smile and his big eyes were a little bit damp, as all of sudden LeBeau stepped between them and offered them two glasses of cognac. "Here, I think it will make everything better."

"There aren't enough glasses now," Carter cut in; his voice as innocent as always.

"Take mine," Hogan offered. "I don't think I can bear some with my sore thro…"

"Oh no, sir, I'll get you another glass," Andrew interrupted him eagerly. "And then," he continued; looking around, "I think we should hear what Colonel Klink and Colonel Hogan have to tell us, and only then decide what we shall do."

Klink, having calmed down and once again in control of himself, glanced at his American counterpart. "Is this the way your army handles problems – by discussing it with everyone?"

Hogan smiled. "No, it's my way – and the reason why we were and still are so successful. Understanding is the key to everything." His glance found a still glaring Newkirk. "Well, at least I hope so."

*** HH ***

The whole talk lasted more than an hour. Klink told the other Heroes more or less the same he had admitted to Hogan the day prior. There were some occasions to which Schultz could add a few details, other incidents were completed by Kinchloe and Carter, who had both seemed to come to terms with the whole change easier than the others – just like Hogan had assumed.

Newkirk didn't say much during the whole discussion – he only leant against the wall, held the empty cognac glass and stared with small eyes at the two officers. LeBeau was more talkative and even if his whole face practically screamed 'distrust', he was open enough to listen and think about everything thoroughly. Baker was silent most of the time, too, but you could see that he pondered all details to come up with his own opinion.

But the Heroes not only listened to Klink's remarks and observations, they asked him their own questions – questions directed at his person. And despite the fact that Klink didn't like to speak about his private thoughts, he answered as truthfully as possible. He knew that it would be a long and stony way to gain the men's trust, but if they could accept the fact that he was indeed not their enemy, it would be a beginning. And so he revealed his point of view concerning the current regime and the war. He knew that he risked a lot by doing so, on the other hand if he wanted to convince Hogan's men of his seriousness he had to show them his own trust into their sense of justice. And, by the way, he knew that Hogan wouldn't allow them to use their knowledge against him. Just like Klink protected the younger man, he knew that it was likewise the other way around.

And, to his not so big surprise, Schultz cut in here and there, and told the Heroes about the one or other things Klink did or decided, obviously to keep them safe. There were details not even Hogan knew about, and the colonel's respect for the way Klink handled everything grew.

In the end Kinch and Carter – and also Baker – admitted that one thing was sure: Klink, the gauche, weak and foolish Kommandant, was anything but lame and daft. In his own way he was clever and also genuine in his endeavor to shield Hogan and his men and to end this war by supporting the Allies.

LeBeau was still wary, but he had seen firsthand how much the Oberst had worried for Hogan. This hadn't been an act, but true reactions. And the Frenchman remembered that, even though they were running out of time, Klink had made sure that the SS or Gestapo wouldn't catch LeBeau outside of camp. The German officer had protected him – and since then Klink had handled him and the others in a far kinder manner than usual. Those hours in which they had all worried their heads off for Hogan seemed to have forged them together – the camp-Kommandant and the POW-gang. So LeBeau was ready to give the man a chance – after all, he had done the same for Schultz and had never been disappointed by the large Bavarian.

The only one who clung to his strong distrust and aversion was Newkirk. Yes, he was grateful that Klink had saved Hogan. And that the German officer had risked his own life while doing so was something he couldn't deny. That Klink had also faced a lot of trouble that could have backfired on him as he stood up against Hochstetter, and even punched the bastard to avenge Hogan, was another thing that made Peter think a little bit higher of the Kommandant. But to believe that Klink had really seen through them for two years now was something he couldn't believe. Yes, the others were right when they pointed out that Klink could have given them away since yesterday at the latest, but hadn't done so, but to trust the man was crazy at best. Too often he had witnessed how the Saxonian had bent to the SS's or Gestapo's liking – or Burkhalter's – to not get into trouble or to save his neck. Newkirk couldn't imagine that Klink would keep silent if the pressure on him would grow – for whichever reason. Yet, as it seemed, his friends were more or less ready to take this risk. And it gave Newkirk a headache.

"So, any further questions?" Hogan's voice tore him out of his thoughts, and he lifted his hand.

"Yes, one: Are we now going to inform Colonel Klink of everything we're going to do?"

"I don't think he's interested if you have to use the restrooms or not," LeBeau said ironically. "But if you refer to informing Colonel Klink when we've 'businesses' to attend to, then – oui – I think he should learn about it."

"Well, then don't begin to cry when we're surprised by a load of SS-men the next time we're out of the camp," Peter growled.

"Newkirk," Hogan warned, "this here is a matter of trust. Colonel Klink trusted me – us! – as he told not only me but also you all the truth. He…"

"He holds the whip in the hand, sir, because he knows about us and could use this to…"

"And we know about his views. If anybody loyal to the regime learns about it, it would mean certain death for Colonel Klink. So you can say that one hand washes the other – or, how I prefer it, when we trust each other, we all come out of the situation as winners." He sighed as he saw the still harsh glances Newkirk gave Klink. "Peter, I know how hard it must be for you to let go of your grudges, but you do so any time we're working together with Germans from the Underground. You do so concerning Schultz. Why don't you give Colonel Klink at least a chance?"

"I didn't say that," Newkirk replied, "but I've been through too much in this damn war to suddenly put my trust into someone who threw stones in our way at every given possibility."

"No stones, Peter, only pebbles as to not make his superiors and the Gestapo suspicious. If he really wanted to give us trouble, it would have looked a lot different. This much I know now."

"And why was he so glad as you were about to be transferred to another camp – or was eager to let you return to the US, if he knew what important work you've to do here? Sweet Lord, as you were about to be transferred to Stalag 15, it almost cost you your life because the damn Berlin Express was doomed to get blown up, and…"

"Klink didn't know about the latter," Hogan added for consideration.

"You knew about the upcoming explosion?" Klink gasped. "This was the reason you asked for the actual time and commented something about my clock – my radio – being too slow?" He remembered the moment the explosion tore through the air from afar; learning only afterwards what had been torn to pieces. He then had realized that Hogan had almost been on this train and it had given him the chills for days how close the colonel's demise had been. And that after he, Klink, had taken care that the travel for the man who had wormed his way beneath his skin should be comfortable – on said train, not on a cold truck. Even today he didn't want to think of the fact that he had almost caused Robert's death.

"Well, we initiated it – a day before everything got so out of hand," Hogan told him. "And the latter was my fault. I got the request to go home and I gladly accepted it, only to think twice about it and wanted to take my agreement back. I couldn't leave my men, I couldn't walk away while they would still be here. But it was too late. London had already arranged a replacement for me and the mess took its course – in many different ways, because even in our worst nightmares we hadn't imagined that they would send Crittendon. We all, including you, already had the displeasure of working with him before." He sighed. "Thank the Lord everything worked out in the end."

"Yes, but it was a near thing. You were almost killed," Newkirk growled. Then he looked at Klink. "And you were eager to get rid of him. Why so, if you see a friend in him?"

Hogan frowned, but Newkirk had a point here. A point that had a completely different meaning for the colonel than his friends couldn't imagine. Glancing at his tired German counterpart, he asked quietly, "Newkirk is right about this detail. Why did you want to get rid of me this much if you wanted to support my missions?" – 'Why did you want to get rid of me if you've feelings for me? Because of them?' he thought.

Klink still felt bad about the whole thing. And now even more after he just learned that this close-call had been Hogan's own doing. Sweet Lord, he had almost lost Robert – because he, Klink, had thought he could kill two birds with one stone: Sending Hogan to relative safety to another Stalag and eliminating the seduction he was more and more helpless against. But he couldn't speak of the latter – never!

"Out of the same reason I wanted you to flee after the ambush last week," he replied quietly; only telling a part of the truth.

At his words, the Heroes gasped and stared again with large eyes at him – even Newkirk gaped at him in utter disbelief. Klink had wanted what?

"The ring of those who suspected you of being an active Underground-member – of being Papa Bear – was closing more and more up around you during autumn 1943," the Oberst continued. "Especially Hochstetter was very close on your tail at the beginning of last year. So I thought it best to get you away to safety after the chance came last autumn. If you would have been transferred to another Stalag, Hochstetter, at least, would have been out of your hair. And if you would have made an escape and returned to the States, you would have been safe, too. But, of course, you crossed all my attempts to get you out of the rising danger, and even returned on your own after you were freed by the Underground. I can't say that I was unhappy, because this Crittendon already cost me dozens of nerves after only one day. But on the other hand you caused me new old problems: How to protect you." He sighed soundlessly. 'I would endure never seeing you again if this means that you're safe – and I can't even say it aloud because then you would realize how much you really mean to me – how much I love you.'

Hogan pursed his lips and wanted to say something, but Newkirk was quicker.

"Give me a sec here. Did I understand this correctly? The Kommandant wanted you to flee last week?" he addressed his superior; flabbergasted.

Hogan nodded slowly and wasn't aware of the soft smile that played around his healing lips. He hadn't told his friends about this detail because it had been something private between Klink and him. But with the Oberst's admission he could break the silence about it.

"Yes, he even ordered me to escape – knowing that Hochstetter would be after me as soon as the black-cladded rat learned I survived the ambush. I refused to obey…"

"I still should send you to the cooler for this disobedience," Klink grumbled, but even Newkirk realized that the German was only joking in his own unique way.

"Thanks, I had it cold and dark enough during Hochstetter's hospitality," Hogan commented wryly.

"Don't remind me," the Kommandant said; anger began to brim in his eyes. "I still want to kill him for what he did to you."

LeBeau pursed his lips. There it was again: This fierce protectiveness Klink developed whenever Hogan was facing danger. And when he thought back two days ago as he found them both sleeping side by side, he began to wonder how close this friendship between the two went by now.

"The Kommandant wanted to give up his beloved perfect record of no escapes for you?" Carter asked; pushing both hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Boy, I think that speaks for itself." He nodded firmly to himself.

Newkirk cocked his head and watched the two officers, who looked shortly at each other with odd soft eyes, before Hogan addressed the youngest member of his team, "So, you're willing to give Colonel Klink a chance, Carter?"

"Well, he put your injuries above his own. He forbid Wilson from treating him until you were cared for, and he punched Hochstetter. And he wanted you to flee so that you were safe – he even tried to get you home last autumn. And he didn't reveal us to the Gestapo. So, yes, I think it's safe to see an ally in him."

Hogan smirked, before he glanced at Kinchloe and Baker. "Kinch, Baker, what do you think?"

James took a deep breath. "What shall I say? Carter already pointed everything out – and if you trust Colonel Klink, then… well, I'm in. By the way, it would already be too late to do something else and…" His dark eyes found the tall German. "And you are not as bad as I believed in earlier times."

"Thanks, Sergeant Kinchloe." Klink replied. "I'll try not to disappoint you." His glance found Baker. "The same goes for you, Sergeant."

Baker nodded shortly.

Hogan glanced at Louis. "LeBeau?" he asked and the Frenchman grimaced.

"It's like the others already said: Colonel Klink knows about us and there is nothing that can be done about it anymore. I hope that you're right and that he won't double-cross us, but in one thing I trust him: That he keeps you safe. And if he wants to protect you, he has to stay silent about us, otherwise you would be lost, too. So – oui – I'll give him one chance." He suddenly looked fiercely at Klink and pointed a finger at him. "But woe you do something that will harm mon colonel, then you learn what it means to face French rage."

To his surprise the German officer only smiled. "I know what it means to enrage a protective Frenchman, LeBeau. I had this experience a dozen times and more within the last almost three years."

The tiny Hero crossed his arms in front of him. "And don't you forget it," he grumbled, before he suddenly smirked, "Otherwise you can say au revoir to any delicious meal."

Hogan chuckled. This was so typical for the feisty cook. Grousing, grumbling and even bitching, but his heart was made of gold. He admired Louis for it. Then his gaze found Newkirk.

"Peter?" he asked.

Frustrated, the Englishman threw up both arms. "What shall I say? I'm obviously outvoted, so there is nothing I can do at the moment." His eyes became small while he glared at Klink. "But I'll watch you." He waited a moment before he added, "sir!"

"By all means, there is nothing I could do to prevent that," Klink shrugged. Then his attention was driven to Schultz. "Is there anything else you did within the last three years I should learn of?"

"Nnnnothing, Herr Kommandant. To say the truth, those boys over there cost me years of my life." He lifted his right hand and began to count fingers. "I was forced to parachute out of a stolen aircraft, I had to close my eyes during the last rocket-test because there was no way I could see the guys over there in SS-uniforms for real, and…"

"WHAT? So, like this you were able to manipulate the rocket?" Klink stared wide-eyed at his American counterpart. "We'll speak about this, too!" he glowered; pointing a finger at the younger man.

Hogan gave him a very innocent, gentle smile. "With pleasure."

"And why do I have the feeling that he really means what he just said," Klink huffed, looked back at Schultz and said sternly, "I don't know if I want to learn about your 'adventures' at all, or I'll get the grays. Yet I hope everything you've been through taught you one important thing."

"And what should this be, bitteschön?"

"If you hang out with this rascal here for too long," he flipped one thumb at Hogan, "you're either ready for a one year vacation, or you request early retirement of your superior."

"I'm not this bad," the colonel promptly pouted.

"No, you're worse," Klink deadpanned, but there was a warm gleam beneath his exasperated gaze. He took a deep breath and not only the Sergeant of the Guards, but also the others saw the exhaustion the Oberst tried to hide. "Schultz, you're in charge this afternoon again. I'm done for today. Please no disturbances except if the world comes to an end."

"We should come up with a story as to why we've all been sitting here for more than an hour now," Kinchloe cut in. "Not only will the other POWs be curious by now, your officers and men will be wary, too," he addressed Klink.

The Kommandant nodded. "A good idea, Sergeant Kinchloe." He looked at Hogan. "Regarding the fact that our senior POW will be in no condition to resume his duty within the next two weeks…"

"No, I'm going to be fit earlier!" Hogan instantly protested, but Klink lifted a hand.

"You will be ready to do your duty in two or three weeks, Hogan, like it or not. Therefore the allocation of responsibility has to change for the time being. Sergeant Kinchloe and Sergeant Baker are going to share your duty. Like this none of them has too much to do and can also resume their own tasks." He looked at Baker. "As far as I know you're the leading POW of Barracks 4, and Sergeant Kinchloe shares the same post in Barracks 2 in Hogan's absence. If you two are also taking over the duties of a senior POW, you can fulfill both duties if they are shared." His glance found the three other POWs. "Concerning your part in this meeting, we can officially say that your presence was required by Colonel Hogan, because he has given you further instructions how to run the camp from the POWs' side. I know that this isn't usual, but given the fact that you six are close friends and are functioning the best when building a group, I agreed to your participation – last but not least to ensure the camp's safety and to lighten the mood that has been down for days now. I think there is no need to explain more." He took a deep breath. "Who of you is responsible for the radio traffic?"

Kinchloe crossed his arms in front of him. "That would be me."

"And me," Baker added. He wouldn't let Kinchloe face any consequences alone should Klink play a foul game.

"Right. I assume that you keep London updated about Colonel Hogan's condition – and given the fact that he pulls the strings, there are no missions at the moment. Yet we have to think about a few things which should take place. Burkhalter is no idiot. If nothing happens in this area while Hogan is put out of commission, so to say, he will count one and one together and may realize that Hochstetter wasn't that wrong with his accusations. So, if London has tasks for you which can be fulfilled without our troublemaker, do them. You can inform me or not. I already offered Hogan that it's up to him what he tells me and what not. The same goes for you. If you're comfortable with informing me about something, I'm honored. If you decide to keep things from me, I hold no grudges against you. I'm aware that you first have to learn to trust me and that this will take a while. I only ask for one thing: Be careful. Very, very careful! Hochstetter was certainly able to wake some suspicions in Burkhalter, who is already wary when it comes to Stalag 13 and you especially. If you have some missions for which you need an alibi, Schultz or I can provide you with one, but then we need to know about it in time, so please keep this in mind."

Except for Hogan, the Heroes looked surprised at Klink, and it was Carter, who piped up, "This sounds fair, don't you think so too, boys?"

"Yes, the question is how long this will last," Newkirk murmured beneath his breath.

"Colonel Klink is right when he suggests that we shouldn't hold still until I'm fit again," Hogan said slowly. "It would alert Burkhalter and certainly a few other high-ranking guys. So ask London for a task – nothing too difficult, nothing too dramatic, but something that will show the German brass that the Underground in this area is still active."

"And if the brass in London have nothing to do for us, I can always blow up a bridge or a street," Carter said eagerly. "That certainly would wake them up in Berlin."

Klink looked with big eyes at him, before he turned towards Hogan. "Don't tell me that he is the one with the dynamite."

Hogan had to chuckle. "Our dear Andrew has fire, Willie. And this is meant literally."

The Oberst groaned and closed his eyes. "I don't think I want to learn more." And somehow it relaxed him as he heard a few of the other men chuckling…

TBC…

Yeah, now the cat is out of the back for everyone. Of course the revelation that Klink more or less knew about the Heroes for approx. two years had to be a shock for Hogan's men. It always takes you by utterly surprise if you think you could keep something a secret only to learn that others knew about it for longer. And it will be partly a hard way for the Heroes to come to terms with it – and to learn to trust Klink. Especially Newkirk has his problems with it.

In the next chapter, Hogan learns more about Klink's private life and family, but this isn't the reason for the beginning of unrestful sleeps. With the realization that his 'jailer' and officially enemy has feelings for him, everything begins to go out of hand for our dear colonel, because never in a million years he had thought that his own emotions would turn into chaos. To suppress something like this is never a good idea, because feelings can haunt you even in your dreams…

I hope, you liked the new chapter and that the reaction of the Heroes were like you assumed. Like always I'm dying to learn about your thoughts and likings.

I'll try to poste the next chapter at the coming weekend, but this depends on my beta-reader, because I sent her a whole bunch of edited chapters last Saturday and hope to get no. 26 back until the following weekend.

Have a nice week,

Love

Yours Starflight