Hi my dear readers!

A big 'thank you' for the large feedback of the last chapter. As it seems, you liked it very much and I'm happy to meet your approval like this.

In the new chapter, there is not only more of Max and his new friend/protector, but also Hogan of being Papa Bear (but this doesn't refer utterly to his 'job', more I won't reveal), a lot of fluff between our two lovebirds, before on of the men, who share the Kommandant's quarter with them, becomes aware of another secret.

Have fun,

Love

Yours Starflight

Chapter 91 – Friendship means hope

Calmness had settled within Stalag 13. The young women had left after receiving a big 'thank you' from the POWs, along with some 'secret' agreements to meet again after the war (or earlier, should the camp be liberated before then). Roll call happened, then everyone went more or less to bed. The latter also went for the basic camps on the west side of Coblenz. To his wonder, but also utter relief, Max had been called to Milford's tent to sleep there. He even got a sleeping bag. Frank had to stay in the field hospital because the medical staff had to watch over him.

Max had been torn between his fear of Howards, his wish to sleep in the relative safety of Milford's tent, and staying with Frank. Hawkins promised him that no harm would befall on the other boy, and Max knew that it would be an offense to distrust the surgeon's given word.

Frank had woken up in the evening – confused, disoriented, and afraid. Max had been there and comforted him. Milford had appeared to get the smaller of the two boys and done his best to calm Frank down. This, and the sedative Dr. Hawkins gave him, had Frank fast asleep again.

Now Max lay in the tent together with Milford, Wright, and David Greenhill, an American of Jewish heritage, while listening to the calm noises outside. He heard the men talking quietly to each other, but one by one went silent. There was no heater in the tent, no lights to prevent the Luftwaffe from spotting them from above, but the sleeping bag offered shelter and warmth. This and the warm dinner Max had gotten – a thick, but tasty bean stew with some flesh, and afterwards even some chocolate – together with the knowledge that he was safe, lulled the boy in. Sleep found him easily…that was until he was torn out of Morpheus' realm early in the morning, when a GI peeked into the tent to wake the other three men.

Still groggy, Max braced himself on an elbow while watching Milford do his morning toilette in the light of a little lamp that hung from the tent ceiling. "It's still going on, isn't it?" he asked quietly.

John looked over his shoulder. "Yes. Maybe we can put an end to it all today."

The tent's entrance flipped open as Jim Wright returned from relieving himself in one of the bushes nearby and looked down at the boy. "Maybe you should cross your fingers that your comrades give up quickly. It would spare more casualties and losses on both sides."

Max sighed. "I'm already doing that," he admitted. "Am I allowed to return the field hospital?"

"Of course," John nodded, while putting his shave-blade away. "To say the truth, I don't think you have any freedom of movement within the camp at the moment. Major General Culin hasn't decided what to do with you yet, and I think anything that goes wrong could lead to a misunderstanding."

Nodding slowly, the teen sighed. "I understand – I really do. But to be in this field hospital and sit on my hands all day is really…boring. I don't think your comrades would like to hear Frank and I talk so much and…" He shrugged.

Milford smiled at him. "You could offer some help to our medical staff. You know, every hand helps."

The boy's face lit up at the prospect of having something to do. "You mean…Dr. Hawkins would allow me to support his staff?"

"Why not? You've proven yourself to not be the enemy – and like I said; every hand counts when it comes to casualties." John exchanged a half amused, half touched smile with his two friends as he saw the kid beaming.

*** HH *** HH ***

Burkhalter was in a relative good mood that morning, which maybe was for the many talks with the young ladies the day before and the cake Hilda's mother had baked for him. His little speech was over soon, and he returned to the office, Schultz following not too far from behind.

The general's good mood vanished quickly as he followed the morning news on the radio. First Albert Speer, Reichs-Minister of the Armament and War Production, foreshowed that the German economy would collapse within a few weeks and that the air raid two days ago against Nürnberg had lasted 'til yesterday and cost more than 560 lives in the end – and this after the town had already lain in ruins before the attack happened. What shocked Burkhalter more was the air raid of Würzburg that happened on March 16th, because 'Dresden' repeated itself. The Baroque center of the town and the historical part of the middle ages and new living quarters were completely destroyed. The same went for the Würzburg Residenz – the Baroque castle that underwent a large renovation only a few years ago. The side wings burned down completely, and the main house lay in ruins – just like the town. More than 91% of Würzburg burned down, and the number of victims would later be declared as 4,000 – 5,000 lives.

Furthermore, the government had ordered to evacuate the inner quarters of Berlin, because intel had reached the Führer-Staff that a new air raid was planned for today, March 19th.

As Hogan entered the office to ask about the ordered supplies, he found Burkhalter pale and furious, and even Schultz's face was ashen.

"What happened?" he asked quietly; already assuming that new larger air raids happened.

"You speak German, so listen!" Burkhalter snapped, and turned up the radio.

Yes, Hogan knew that Berlin was one of the most important targets – after all it was the capitol of the Third Reich, but to listen how the US Army Air Corps and the Royal Air Force let fire bombs fall on the town in a wide carpet for two hours, didn't leave him untouched.

The first attacks were meant for the railroad stations, as well as some factories in Northern Berlin. Those air raids were done by the US Air Corps. Then the Royal Air Force followed, and Robert couldn't prevent some nausea he felt as he heard that most attacks were aimed for civil houses. Later he would learn that the Royal Air Force wanted 'to take the roof away from the industrial workers' – a surgical strike against civilians. A dark, maybe insane thought came to his mind: The US Air fighters attacked the industry, and the RAF the civilians. It tasted of bitter revenge for Hitler's strikes against England.

Burkhalter, still shocked and enraged, saw the rising anger in Hogan's eyes. As it seemed, on both sides, the taboo of attacking civilians on purpose had fallen prey to the increasing madness while the war neared its end.

Days later it came out that this particular strike had cost more than 25,000 civilian lives, because of the 3,000 – 4,000 tons of bombs. Hogan would learn weeks later that the attack was also meant to break the German's back bone, so to say, by killing civilians in large numbers on purpose. It would change something in the colonel forever – but that day was in the future.

*** HH *** HH ***

The horrible news for the German side didn't cease to quit. In the evening, it became clear that Coblenz had been conquered. Only a few men in Fort Konstantin still offered resistance, but their attempts would be for nothing. With seizing this particular town, the way across the Rhine for the US troops was free again. Yes, the bridge near Remagen had finally fallen prey to the many tries of the Wehrmacht to destroy it and had collapsed four days ago, but now – with Coblenz in the US' hand – the natural hindrance of the river, defended by the Wehrmacht, was no more.

In the north, in Cologne, the last remaining bridge was used by the US troops, too, yet the most bridges along the river had been blown up by the Wehrmacht and / or SS. Only a few were still standing, but it would be a question of time when they were conquered, too – or destroyed.

Max had spent the whole day in the field hospital; offering help to the medical staff, feed casualties food and water, talk quietly with Frank, and avoid Howards, who thought it be wiser to leave him alone after a new encounter around midday, during which the man got into trouble not only with Dr. Hawkins, but also with a lieutenant who stopped by.

As the evening began to approach, he heard cheers and applause in the camp. He was rolling up washed bandages, but interrupted his task to peek outside. One of the medics stepped towards him and looked out, too.

"We won," the man grinned, and glanced down at the slender teen. "Coblenz fell."

Max sighed. "Well, let's face it: 1,000 against how many? 20,000? No chance at all, don't you agree?"

The man chuckled. "At least like this your comrades realized they couldn't win and gave in."

"Hopefully," the teen sighed. "The men of the Volkssturm were nice, and a few of the Wehrmacht, too. I didn't wish them any harm." He grimaced. "But most of the Waffen-SS, which I met in those few days, were cold-hearted bastards. If they received a severe drubbing, I won't mind." He lowered his head. "Yet I don't want them to die." He glanced up at the man beside him. "Does that make any sense at all?"

The medic smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Yes, kid, it does. It means that you're a good person." He vanished back deeper into the tent, and Max was about to follow him as he saw a familiar face between the many GIs returning from town; jumping off a jeep. The boy was unaware of the wide smile that spread over his face as he left the tent and headed towards Milford.

The staff sergeant was dirty, sweaty, tired, and had a bruise on his left temple despite the steel helmet that was also covered – like those of everyone else – with a net to stick leaves and branches into it if cover within the woods if it was needed. Those green eyes looked at him – and John began to grin while he changed his direction towards the boy.

"Hey, kiddo, you all right?" he already called from afar.

"Yeah," Max answered, and beamed up at the man. "I'm glad that you're okay. What about the others – Corporals Wright and Greenhill?"

The teen's concern for him and his friends obviously pleased Milford, because his face softened. "They're dirty like dogs, but unharmed. How's Frank doing?"

"The doc gave him some painkillers, and he sleeps a lot, but otherwise he's fine. He doesn't have a fever, and the doc thinks it's a very good sign."

To Milford's amusement, the boy spoke with a little slang. "It's clear with whom you hang out with at the moment. Medic Brown and Doc Hawkins are from the Midwest, and you almost sound like them now."

Schultz's youngest son cocked his head. "Is that bad?"

"Depends," John drawled. "Your English teacher at school won't be delighted about it – we, on the other hand, certainly don't mind that you sound a bit more like us instead of an Eaton-pupil of good ol' England." He lowered his voice. "Tell you what; the Brits speak like they walk – as if they've swallowed a broom stick." He lifted his nose, placed a slightly arrogant expression on his face, and straightened his back as if he had to salute.

Max began to laugh, and it felt so good to do it again. John grinned down on him, and wrapping an arm around his shoulder in a comradely way, he said, "Come on; I'll get us some dinner. Then we'll visit Frank, okay?"

"Okay," the boy answered, flipping him a casual salute in his best US-manner, which elicited a laugh from the staff sergeant and several grins from the GIs around.

Not far away, the Division's leading officer, Major General Culin, and two members of his staff watched the whole thing and exchanged gazes with each other. Of course the story of 'the boy who didn't shoot' went around the camp, and thanks to Lieutenant Muller, it was also one of the more popular topics within the camp of the 69th Division. And understandably, the tale of 'the staff sergeant who defended the boy' was also discussed, yet the question remained open: What did they do with said boy and the other German kid?

The teens in town, who had been captured during yesterday and today, were taken into captivity along with the Wehrmacht, Volkssturm, and SS-men that had surrendered or been caught. The number was around 800 POWs now, but Max and Frank were under special protection from London. The reason for it was a wild mixture of half-truth and rumors, but Culin had to decide how to proceed from here on now. And he had no idea what to do.

*** HH *** HH ***

As the news of Coblenz's fall spread through Stalag 13, Hans Schultz was still concerned about his youngest. He waited until Burkhalter – whose mood was technically zero – left Klink's quarters in the evening after a short dinner before he entered the separate little building.

Hogan was about to go to the bathroom and get ready for bed as the large Bavarian arrived and all but begged him to contact London about Max and Frank's fate. Understanding Schultz's worry, the colonel agreed with a big sigh. While Schultz and Connor watched the compound, Robert climbed down into the tunnels and radioed London.

Of course he asked about the new air raid concerning Berlin and Würzburg, asking why the hell the RAF mainly attacked civilian targets. He learned that Churchill had already distanced himself from those kinds of attacks and had supporters in the House of Lords, as well as from many American officers and even the Anglican Church, but the whole strategy of the RAF was oriented for those kinds of attacks, and therefore continued.

Hogan was more than furious – again. He and his men tried everything to keep the numbers of victims low during their missions, no matter if the opponents were members of the Wehrmacht or SS, not to speak of civilians. Hogan would rather stop a task than risk the lives of harmless people, and London attacked them without consideration like Moscow did in the east. No, this was nothing Hogan could agree with. It went too far against his nature and his honor, and he ended the talk with the Brass member quickly before he got carried away in his anger again.

Five minutes later he got a direct connection to Colonel Hudson, thanks to the help of London communication experts. He was glad to distract himself with taking care of Max and Frank's fate. At least here was something he could do to lessen worry and sorrow.

Like this, he learned that none of the staff officers of the two Divisions at Coblenz had a single clue on how to handle this case. To send the boys together with the other POWs to one of the hastily risen POW camps of the West Allies was out of question. Not only that revenge from the other Germans was to fear, it also would be wrong to lock the two kids up.

Robert understood that it was also too risky to send the two boys home – at least until Heidelberg was seized…but it gave him another idea. He knew that seized towns were guarded by at least 1,000 – 3,000 GIs. Seeing that Coblenz was mostly vacated of citizens and only a few members of the medical staff and casualties were left, it was clear that the former habitants would return sooner or later – at least when their current sanctuaries would be conquered, too. In other words, two or three thousand soldiers of the 69th and 87th Division would stay in town; making sure that chaos wouldn't devour the remains of the city. The second reason for the soldiers was to hold the strategically valuable position at the Rhine River.

And this was the solution. Max and Frank could be kept safe within the American Headquarters in Coblenz, and Hogan managed to elicit an agreement with Hudson. The two boys wouldn't give any trouble and could even be of some use. Especially in Max's case. Yes, Hogan groaned as he heard the other boy received more than a few bruises, but at least he wasn't endangered and in good hands. And Maximilian Schultz – he spoke English and could translate between German civilians and the American occupation.

Knowing that this was the best solution for the boys, Hogan thanked his colleague and ended the call.

Kinchloe, who had listened, leaned against the wall with crossed arms and smiled. "You really have earned the name Papa Bear," he said warm, yet teasingly. As he received Robert's asking glance, he explained. "You're a Papa for everyone who won your friendship or is in need of protection. And concerning the latter, you really turn into a human bear who defends his cubs to the utmost – or the cubs of friends, in this case."

"Hm, you forgot the classic book from Rudyard Kipling: 'The Jungle Book'. Baloo was called by Mowgli 'Papa Bear', too," Hogan grumbled, while rolling his eyes. He had calmed down again and was grateful for the harmless jokes of his friend. They distracted him at least.

James smirked, having seen through his superior and friend. He knew that Hogan was angry because of what he learned during his talk with London, so he tried to steer the man's thoughts in another direction. "Well, then 'Jungle Book' fits even better. Baloo had a partner who helped him get the wild boy under control: Bagheera, the panther."

Hogan leaned back in the chair, smirking while he remembered the fairytale he had liked reading as a child. "And you're this panther," he deadpanned amused.

Kinch shook his head, grinning broadly. "No, that role's already taken by our Iron Eagle – even if his wings are a little bit clipped at the moment."

Robert cocked his head chuckling. "A panther is no bird, as mighty as said bird should be, and…"

"The only important birds in this book are the vultures – and I think the Gestapo and the SS already volunteered for that position."

A loud laugh escaped the colonel, and it did good to have something to laugh about again – especially now. With a twinkle in his eyes he lifted his right index finger. "I hope you don't include our young friend Schmidt in this circle."

"Nah," Kinch waved a hand. "He rather reminds me of Father Wolf, who took Mowgli in and raised him. And not only because he took care of the little imp our Hilda is so taken with. Father Wolf fought against the tiger. And when you think of Schmidt and how he defended the Martins brothers – or Connor's men in general – you can really compare him with said wolf."

Completely amused now, Rob shook his head; the anger leaving him slowly. "And Hartmann was Sheer Khan, the tiger – the very same who got taught a lesson from all the others and fled the jungle."

Again Kinchloe laughed. "Let's hope that this 'tiger' really fled the 'jungle' and doesn't give us any trouble anymore."

He couldn't know how wrong he was.

*** HH ***

Ten minutes later, Hogan climbed up through the furnace in Klink's quarters. Schultz sat on the sofa, sans helmet, and was more nervous than a maiden facing her bridal night.

"And?" he urged, while Connor, who had watched the ground through the half closed curtains, glanced askingly over his shoulder, too.

"The boys will remain in the new US Headquarters in Coblenz – safe and sound," Hogan said, while shoving the oven back over the hidden entrance; hissing as he almost burnt his fingers. "They made more than 800 POWs today, among them almost all the teens, and they'll be transferred to one of the new US POW camps, but Max and Frank will remain in Coblenz. Colonel Hudson mentioned the staff sergeant again – the one Max spared and who helped him in return. It seems as if the man has indeed taken the two boys into his care, and Hudson will speak with the man's superior if he can remain in Coblenz. Like this, Max and Frank will be safe, they'll have someone who can 'watch' them, and the young man is out of danger for a few weeks."

Schultz sighed loudly in relief. "Thank you, Herr Hogan. Once again."

Rob waved it off, frustrated that he couldn't do more, but at least he had been able to help a friend. "You're welcome. But you know that you can't tell your wife and your daughters about the news. In a week at earliest you can inform them…otherwise…"

"Otherwise I'll make myself suspicious from where I gained the knowledge," Schultz nodded. "I'm aware of it."

Hogan winked at him. "I knew that you're cleverer than letting on."

"Ja, and I'll remember that when I'm back in the office," Klink's voice sounded from the sleeping room. "Don't you dare pretend to be clueless and stupid, Schultz. I know now that you led me on a merry chase for more than three years."

"Better pretend to be stupid for five minutes than being in the cross fire for five years," Hans deadpanned, which elicited laughter from the three Americans – Elison's laughter droned from the guest room – while Hogan didn't need to throw a glance into the sleeping chamber to know that Will was harrumphing.

Calming down, Rob cocked his head as he took in the smiling face of the Bavarian. "Feeling better now?"

"Yes, more than better," Schultz answered, beaming at him.

Connor grinned at Hogan. "The strings you're able to pull seem to be everywhere," he chuckled, and Robert shrugged.

"A good network is life guaranteed during a war." He rubbed his neck. "I just hope this damn war is over soon. It's really closing up on our camp step by step now. If Burkhalter doesn't succeed of getting nourishment for us, we're in hot water."

*** HH ***

A quarter hour later, he slipped into bed beside Will, who smiled at him. "I think you gave Schultz a worriless night."

Robert pulled the comforter higher, shuddering as the warm material blocked the cool air. Coal and wood was quickly becoming rare within the camp, therefore the furnace wasn't completely filled and the fire would die soon. "I'm glad that I could help. This war demanded already too much innocent lives. Every less dead is a victory on its own; even if the damn British Brass regards it different." He turned on his side to face his lover. "I have an uneasy gut feeling that it'll get worse before the storm is over."

Klink nodded slowly. "I agree. Burkhalter told me about Würzburg – and Nürnberg. And Berlin…" He sighed. "Those many, many civilian victims can't be an accident."

"I think likewise," Hogan whispered. "I don't mind if we try to weaken the German army, but too many civilians are getting killed now. That's…a crime. I know many members of the Brass, especially the British members, would accuse me of treachery thoughts if they would hear me now, but I would voice them nevertheless. War is war, and death lurks everywhere, but to kill civilians in great numbers is a crime no matter which side does it." He moistened his lips. "Connor teased me that I obviously have my 'strings' everywhere, but not in this case. There's nothing I can do to stop this insanity and…and it makes me sad and furious." He took a deep breath. "And it makes my already made decision easier."

Wilhelm looked at him with curiosity. "What decision?"

"When this war is over, I'll stay in Germany or return to help it building up anew," Robert stated.

Will blinked and gaped at him. "You want…what?"

Hogan took another deep breath before he answered quietly. "I had a lot of time to think as you fought with the Grim Reaper. Those hours – days – I didn't know if you would make it showed me one thing; I don't want to be without you. Ever. I love you, and you're the world to me." He reached out and gently cupped Will's cheek as he saw those blue pools dampening, yet they shone with pure love. "We'll stay together no matter what. Yet I know that you have family here – family you have to take care of when the war is over. Your mother and your younger brother are going to need you, and I wouldn't expect everything else from you than remaining here to support them."

Klink lowered his gaze as the younger man voiced something he had tried to push into the deepest back of his mind until now. Love and honor demanded from him to stay in this country and to take care of his old mother and crippled brother, but his heart and soul longed to go with Hogan – to leave this destroyed wreckage Germany had turned into behind and to start a new life somewhere where nothing reminded him of the dark times and evilness he had gone through within the last few years.

"I want to go with you," he whispered. "I want nothing more than being far away from here, together with you and to start a new life – free of the shadows and the misery which will remain here even after the war." He gulped. "But…" He searched for the right words, while his gaze wandered through the semi-dark room. "But my mother and Wolfgang…if they would be somewhere safe and cared for…with my sister, for example, in Switzerland. But that train already left the station. The borders are closed, private travels are forbidden, most streets and railroads are damaged. They're captured within Düsseldorf. Even if Wolfgang and I could persuade Mother to leave town and evacuate to some village nearby, the chance that they wouldn't make it is high. If they survive the war, it's up to me to take care of them."

He glanced at Hogan, the love in his eyes was slowly changing into despair. "And you're on the other side of the world, and…"

Robert took one of Will's hands into his strong ones. "Like I said; I'll return. I'll come back home to you, because you are my home. I'll stay here with you – hopefully still as a part of the US Army, because I never learned to do something else."

"You could open a secret investigation agency," Wilhelm suggested, anything but serious, and Rob laughed for a moment.

"No, that wouldn't be anything for me." Then he grew sincere again. "I've already got a plan on how to make it work. Germany lays in ruins, the infrastructure is destroyed; most people have no roof over their heads, and nourishment and necessary items are rare. There's no way in hell that your people can make it out of this alone. We saw last time what happens when you're left alone." His expression became firm. "I'll try to win members of the Brass and Congress for my idea and…"

"What idea?" Klink interrupted him softly.

"We help to rebuild Germany. We lend you a hand, help you find a new government and laws – help you find a way back to an organized life. First nourishment and shelter are the most necessary things, but there is more. Your people are going to need more than food and someone to tell them what to do. The whole country has to be re-structured, and it has to be lead by delegates of your own people; not from us."

"And you think you'll win politicians and generals for your idea?" Klink asked, flabbergasted. "You want them to help the enemy?"

"Your people are not the enemy – Hitler is and hopefully soon 'was'. The civilians are victims, but even if some of the Brass and Congress don't have any empathy for you, another thing will maybe gain their agreement." He began to smile. "You Germans are tinkerers. You've got enough fantasy to develop new technics our engineers are still searching solutions for…and steered into a peaceful and logical direction, the Germans can become a valuable addition for the world's conjuncture within the next decades. I think that values more than demanding a payment you'll never be able to give back. To what this can lead to has been seen after the first war."

Will moistened his lips. "What you suggest is almost…too fantastic to hope for. Yet I have my doubts, because many Americans – not only the members of the Brass and the politicians – will regard us hostile and don't care what happens to us."

Robert sighed. "It will need time to make them see you in another light, yes; so it's important to start cleaning the German image as soon as possible. Your people are mostly good ones. And there is one thing you can count on: Many of us Americans technically melt when children, young women or old people are wallowing in misery. I think when the war is over, it's only a question of a few weeks until the first loud voices are risen that we have to help. And when we support you now, we win an Alley in you. Maybe even a friend one day. That's far better than to let you bleed out completely and take the last piece of bread and shirt away from you as 'payment'. But to make all that happen, your people will need a lot of help – especially at the beginning. And there I step into the scene. I speak fluid German, I know this country in and out, and I know your people. The Brass will need men like me to get everything organized here, and that's my ticket back to Germany."

"You think so?" Klink breathed.

Robert took a deep breath, before he replied softly, but firmly, "It'll maybe be a month or two until everything is settled, but then I'll return – as an officer with an official task to fulfill, or as a private man who will help you and your people in another way, maybe by coordinating aid organizations. Nonetheless, I will come back to be together with you one way or the other, and then we both can try to lessen your people's misery." He stroke through the dark and grey hair at Will's temple, who looked at him with awe.

"You thought this all through."

"Hm-hm," Robert hummed, smiling gently.

"Like always," Will added, before he chuckled. "You'll always scheme and find ways out where no chance seems to remain." He robbed a kiss from the younger man; happy, confused, but also utterly touched because of Rob's determination to help the German civilians. "You're incredible."

Robert carefully wrapped one arm around his lover. "To plot and find solutions is within my nature, yes; but this time it's not because of the challenge of a difficult situation I want to master. Yes, I want to help your people, but the bigger motive is egoistically. This time it's because of a motivation I've never had before: love and happiness. This is for us, and I'm hell-bent to give everything for a future together with you."

Wilhelm couldn't help himself; he felt a tear rolling down his cheek, born of the bright shining love he held for his witty fox, but also out of utmost happiness and relief. He had never thought to find someone who would love him like this – that someone would leave the own home country to be with him even in the middle of a destroyed land, but here he were. In his quarters within a camp that was located in the middle of nowhere, near a small old town, with death hanging its sword over them all – and with a beautiful man at his side who would move hell and Earth to be with him. After his first love's demise, Will had been alone – for almost 25 years. He had given up hope to find someone he could share his life with, and then this impossible, handsome, clever troublemaker appeared in his camp, and his world was turned upside-down. And it felt right.

Now, as there was a small prospect of having a future together after the war, the world's darkness that was closing up on Stalag 13 and its occupants began to melt away. Light seemed to slowly brighten through everything, taking away doubts and fears and made room for hope and tentative joy.

Will was not aware of the wide smile on his face as he edged forward and captured his beloved's soft lips with his own. It wasn't a kiss of passion, but of deep, unwavering love – an oath of its own. A promise that sealed their fate forever.

*** HH *** HH ***

The next morning began with an incident Hogan and Klink were completely unaware of. Elison stumbled into the Kommandant's sleeping chamber to go to the restroom and found said German staff officer and his American counterpart entangled beneath the sheets. For a moment Elison was about to shrug it off – the current sleeping arrangements were uncommon but offered everyone a bed – then he took a closer look.

To 'spoon' against each other in the innocence of sleep was one thing. Hell, he had done it with Connor – and even Harrison – a lot during the last few weeks and even months. Ryan was his godson and had snuggled up to him since he was able to crawl as an infant. That only really changed after Ryan joined the Army, and they began to serve in the same unit. But during the last few months – and especially during the inhumane walk – the old habit had returned, and Elison didn't mind. Ryan was like a son to him and to offer him comfort in this simple way was something he didn't have to think about twice.

He even didn't mind that Leonard Harrison had also sought out warmth against him during their walk through snow and ice since Camp 64 had been 'evacuated'. But what he saw now was another league. This was no spooning, this was no subconscious seek for body warmth, this here was cuddling. Plain and simple.

Even if the blanket and comforter covered a lot of both officers, Elison would have to be blind not to recognize that the two men had wrapped their arms around each other – or the fact that Hogan's face was buried against the Oberst's throat in a far too intimate way. And it was impossible to oversee the hint of a smile on the German's face – a face that was incredibly peaceful, yet radiated with happiness. The happiness of contentment.

Both men breathed in unison, and Brian was certain that even their pulse beat in unison if he were to check it without waking them.

Scratching his head, the aging staff sergeant pursed his lips. Of course he knew about people who preferred the same gender. Hell, he knew of at least five couples in their own troop, which hid their feelings for each other very well. But living in such a close space like Camp 64 – even if it had offered more room than Stalag 13 – made it impossible to hide something like this.

Somehow the two officers in front of him looked very similar to Thomas and Gordon, for example, when he caught them sharing a bed four months ago. He hadn't said anything, only glared at them, but had kept their secret. No, he couldn't imagine having an affair with another man, but during times of war, love was rare and sometimes the only reason why soldiers went on. So he had left the two alone – them and a few others he became aware of.

But this here caught him off guard. An American colonel and a German officer of the same rank, prisoner and jailer, were a couple? Well, under certain circumstances, he could imagine something like this. It certainly made life easier within the camp to be the Kommandant's lover. On the other hand, Hogan didn't strike him as a kind of man who would offer himself in such a way only to gain some advantages.

No, this here certainly didn't result out of calculus. If the two were really romantically involved, then it had to be on both sides of their own will. Maybe it was a thing of passion, maybe it was more. Given Hogan's display of true worry concerning his counterpart's welfare, Elison would take the bet that the emotions ran deeper than simple lust. And given the way Klink looked at the younger man, Brian was ready to state that the feelings were mutual. Yet he didn't know what to make of the given situation.

Both colonels moved outside of every law and rule; both committed a crime with being together like this. This was something the US and Germany had in common and what also went for most other countries. Hell, Brian didn't know for certain, but he was sure that the Nazis would shoot Klink instantly if they learned of his streak. And Hogan would land in jail or the 'hospital' for decades if the US Brass learned of this.

Groaning soundlessly, Elison rubbed his neck. Sweet Lord, he was no friend of such pairs, but he also didn't damned them. Yes, it irked him that one of the two 'lovebirds' was a German, but Klink had proven to be a true alley and risked years of his life to cover for Papa Bear. 'His lover! He covered for his lover,' his mind added.

Well, Hogan had told them that he technically lived in these quarters since his painful encounter with a Gestapo major in January, and Klink had nursed him back to health. Maybe during that time both men realized their desire for each other, and Klink already covered for Hogan before they began to share a bed for more than just sleeping. So their affair had nothing to do with Hogan's 'job'. At least Elison hoped so. It would make the whole thing more…serious.

But one way or the other, both men sailed close to the wind – a wind that could turn into a storm and even into a full blown hurricane if their secret was revealed. Elison was convinced that Hogan's friends knew about this relationship, and maybe the big Bavarian – Schultz – too. He only hoped no one else realized what was going on with these two; at least Burkhalter. Brian didn't doubt that the general would shoot them all by himself, so…so Brian realized he had already made up his mind and would keep their secret. Just like he had done for the other uncommon couples of Camp 64.

Grimacing, he pinched his nose. 'Why me!' he sighed inwardly, before his bodily urges made themselves noticeable again. Half frustrated, half amused, he tiptoed to the bathroom to relieve himself. And as he re-appeared ten minutes later, both colonels were still in dreamland – wrapped around each other and happy like little boys.

'Deep down you two are exactly that. Two little boys caught in a sinister world and going through it because you keep each other anchored – and maybe this is the key to your success within the last three years,' he thought, with a hint of fondness that took him by surprise.

Quietly, he left, checked the front door, and went back to the guestroom. It was far too early to rise for the day. Another hour beneath the warm comforter was exactly what he needed right now.

*** HH *** HH ***

Morning roll call happened without any incidents, and for once Burkhalter didn't need to discuss something with Hogan, which gave the colonel the chance to return to the warm quarters for breakfast before he resumed his duty as Senior POW Officer.

The morning went by uneventful. The new shower rooms were still under construction, the former motor pool – now mess hall – got its windows and were completely usable now, the cooks did little miracles to get something cooked that even tasted good, and the first healing successes concerning the sick newcomers were noticeable.

Hogan contacted London to check if he and his boys could accept a new task, but for once the Brass had no mission for him. In the east, the Red Army slowly closed up on the core land of the Third Reich. In the west, more and more US infantries were gaining ground and crossed in troops at the Rhine River. Where in earlier times intel had been necessary to make strikes against Nazi Germany possible, there were now simply continuing battles between the West Allies and the Wehrmacht and SS. To blow up bridges and railways, to smuggle people and information to London, or to eliminate dangerous people were no longer needed. The war had been reduced to its oldest ways since the human race rose: Brutal battles at all fronts; not more, not less.

It also meant for Hogan, his friends, and all the others only one thing: Sit there and wait to get liberated – and to hope that the 'tiny private' didn't come up with more evil plans for them or his own people. The latter hope was to no avail. The next proof of Hitler's insanity was given during midday.

A new radio speech of the Führer himself. As it seemed, all of sudden, he took a kind of liking to publish new orders and laws all by himself.

"Tries to show that he still has 'everything under control', while everything is tumbling down the hill," Hogan scoffed, while listening to the hated voice with the hard dialect.

"He's even speeding the mess up," Klink growled, sitting on the sofa clad in his dark blue bathrobe. They listened more, and after a few more statements, both stared disbelievingly at each other.

"He's mad," Robert whispered. "He's utterly and thoroughly mad! Good God, is there no rule to take someone off his position if he becomes truly insane?"

Klink only shook his head and continued to listen. And what he and Robert heard made both of them thunderstruck. Hitler ordered that all factories and other facilities, which were important for any kind of supply, had to be destroyed at the advancing of the Allies. 'The Enemy' should only find scorched earth, so to say. Later this step would be called the 'Nero-Order'.

Hogan snorted in utter disbelief. "That not only robs the German Army of any ordnance, it worsens the civilians' living conditions technically to zero. What next; to annihilate his own country and people?"

Wilhelm rubbed his forehead, betraying the headache that was approaching. "Given his way of thinking, I believe he'd rather see us all dead and the whole country razed than defeated and conquered."

"Collective suicide?" Robert asked, flabbergasted.

"Something like that," Klink murmured. "As far as Hitler is concerned, he certainly would prefer that outcome in the end than surrendering."

The American officer sat down beside his German counterpart shell-shocked. "I hope your people are clever enough to disobey him in the end."

Will reached out and lay his fingers over Rob's. "I'm sure they will," he said quietly. "I'm sure they'll even be happy when your comrades free them of the scourge of Berlin."

*** HH ***

While the life in Stalag 13 continued in its current half-routine, half-chaotic way, in Coblenz the last resistance fell. Fort Konstantin was conquered, and the last members of the Wehrmacht and SS were in captivity. The town had been seized, and the few civilian men, who had tried to keep up order, surrendered.

In the evening the Stars and Stripes were flying in the wind over the townhall of Coblenz; the fight for the town was completely over. Almost 1,000 men and boys became POWs, and the remaining civilians were appealed to remain calm and put up no defense. No one would be threatened if they played by the rules. The few nurses and doctors, the rest of the aldermen, and the few policemen, which were still in town, declared that they accepted the American authority, and got food and medical supplies in return. There was no need to let those brave men and women suffer any longer.

But it became very clear that another kind of 'battle' would begin. Coblenz held not only the regular authority of the area, but also the headquarters of a position that was equal to that of a governor. The town had been responsible for the Middle Rhine province, therefore the whole structure of the government was complicated – and inevitable to keep the area functional. The American staff officers learned that they had to make a 'dance on the high wire' if they wanted to keep the area in check, but without risking civilian lives or lose control. Men were needed to fulfill the town's political duties, as well as keeping up security and order. The risk to choose a wolf in sheep's clothes among them was high. It wouldn't be an easy task to decide whom to trust and whom not. Many people had only been followers of the Nazi regime and would face a more simple denazification; others were true stickler of Hitler's regards, which could mean trouble.

Therefore, as evening came, the decision was made that at least 3,000 GIs would remain in town, together with a dozen officers or more. The field hospital would be moved into one of the less damaged buildings as soon as circumstances allowed it – and it would be Max and Frank's 'home' for the next few weeks.

Max slept – like the two evenings prior – in Milford's tent, and tonight he slept well. He had just learned his new friend would remain in Coblenz with his troop and secure the town. In all the uncertainty and anxiety, it was the first real glimmer of light for him, because a part of him trusted John completely. He was a protector and leader, but also a funny guy to be around. And he conveyed the boys' safety – not only Max's, but also Frank's, whose injuries didn't show any complications.

Max couldn't know that his forming friendship with John would have an influence on his whole family. And for once in a good way. But until then, a lot of water would still flow down the Rhine.

TBC…

Well, good and bad news are coming and going, and they depend on someone's point of view. For those, who yearn to see this war coming to an end, every ground the Allies gain is a step more into the good directions, for those who still cling to the crazy believe that the boat can be turned one more time, those news are horror. And Burkhalter somehow sits now between the chairs, like we say in Germany.

In the next chapter, it will be seen that not only the 'commonality' has problems, generals are technically facing problems everywhere. Burkhalter is ordered back to Berlin and he already assumes that something isn't right. General Butler arrives in Coblenz and promptly will come aware of an unruly friendship that has formed between one of the staff sergeants and a German boy, who should be a POW, but isn't. And the good man will get one shock after the next one, because Max shows that under certain circumstances a Schultz can be firm and ready to give orders, no matter to whom.

I hope, you liked the new chapter – and my idea how Hogan plans to stay together with Will, who will not be able to travel the United States within the near future; not only because he belongs(ed) to the Luftwaffe as a higher ranking officer, but because family duties are binding him.

Like always I would be happy to receive your feedback.

Have a nice weekend and stay safe,

Love

Yours Starflight