Hi, my dear readers,
I hope, you all had a peaceful and sweet Christmas and that Santa was nice to you.
I don't know, if you hadn't recognized that I published the last chapter already a week after the one before, because for the first time ever I didn't get any reviews. All right, time was short before Christmas and I usually published new chapters within a three-week-rhythm, so I think you didn't expected a new chapter so fast. So, for all, who didn't read chapter 105 'til now, please return to it, because the new one wouldn't make much sense without reading the one before.
Because the last chapter ended with a cliffhanger and the whole situation in Hammelburg is like a pot with boiling water, I don't want to reveal too much, but release you to the next chapter.
Have fun,
Love
Yours Starflight
Chapter 106 – Peace for Hammelburg
Hogan stared at the members of the town council and Burgomaster Klammann. Not one of them spoke English or was ready to be the negotiator to tell General Butler that the town would surrender? Sweet Lord, had he to do everything by himself? Sighing, he came to a decision. "All right, then one of you accompanies…"
"I'll do it," a small voice sounded – and it spoke in acceptable English. A young man pushed through the crowd of council members.
"Kirchner?" The burgomaster asked, surprised.
The young man took a deep breath and addressed Hogan directly. "Sir, I speak English – not well, but maybe well enough. I even learned some American words when I was in the States a few years ago. I volunteer for the job."
"Who are you, young man?" Robert asked.
"Ludwig Kirchner. I'm a city employee and learned English at school, and…well…during my journey through America."
Hogan took a closer look at the young man and had to respect his courage. "Okay, son. As soon as the last of the soldiers have left town, my men will accompany you to General Butler." He turned around. "Herr Klammann, do you have a radio within the townhall?"
"There is one on the ground level – in the security room," the man answered slowly. "Why?"
"Just look at the clock. The ultimatum is off by now, and I'm sure that the attack will begin soon. I have to contact our general to tell him of the town council's decision and that you need some time for preparation."
Kirchner lifted his hand again. "I know where the radio is, Colonel."
"Great," Robert nodded, and looked at Schmidt's men. "I ask for one of the gentlemen to accompany us – for the case that your comrades outside of this office are getting nervous."
Fuhrmann turned towards his inferiors. "Stadler, go with the colonel and Herr Kirchner. Schmidt is already speaking with our men outside, but the Colonel is still wary. We both know that a few of our comrades have the finger near the trigger."
The man made an affirming gesture, went to the door, opened it, looked outside, and nodded at Hogan and Kirchner. Robert threw Fuhrmann a pointing glance, who simply smiled. "I'll hold the position here, Colonel."
"Thanks," the American replied, waved at Carter and Newkirk, and left the office.
*** HH *** HH ***
General Alexander Butler pursed his lips and looked over the remains of the Old Saale Bridge towards Hammelburg. From the town, there was nothing to be heard; only here and there some chorus coming from hundreds of women, and there was light shimmering on the market place. Without the street lamps, the flickering told everyone that the light was given by open fire. The only thing that calmed the general's nerves was the fact that no further shooting had followed so far.
His gaze found the town line again. He had gotten some information about the official buildings and knew that the large ancient house to the right of the bridge was the so-called 'Red Castle' that was raised in 1724. Since the last century, it was used as a winery and in its best times stocked more than 700,000 liters of wine. Klink himself had visited the wine-cellars and restaurant dozens of times and had asked Butler to not 'clump it down'. There was still expensive wine stocked, and he even had tried to tempt Butler with the clue that his men would have a nice 'drink' later. Alex felt a smile tugging at his mouth when he thought of the German colonel's words. The man was a gourmet, no doubt here, and he loved everything that was historical. Butler had promised to spare the 'castle' as much as possible.
Butler rubbed his neck and looked over the rest of the town's shape. Behind the Red Castle was the historic center of the town – the place where Robert certainly was. He had said that he wanted to convince the town court and burgomaster to surrender. Hopefully. The alternative was too painful to think of about. And as the time ticked by, he felt more and more wary. Hell, he even imagined Hogan being shot or killed. He looked in the spotlights on his wristwatch. A quarter to one o'clock. Dammit, the ultimatum was off by 45 minutes now – yet he had skipped from ordering the attack. He hoped that Hogan simply needed more time and that everything would end well for everyone.
Suddenly, shouts came from one of the trucks and was carrying a small radio station. One of the GIs called for him, and the name 'Hogan' was plainly heard.
Butler didn't care for any protocol or dignity. He ran to the truck that held a movable radio station. He climbed on the cargo bed and addressed the radioman. "Do you have Colonel Hogan?" He asked, tensed.
The GI saluted. "Yes, General." He offered him the headset. "Colonel Hogan is radioing us from the townhall. Hammelburg surrendered."
"Thank the Lord." Alex sighed before he placed the headset over his ears. Bending over the radio, he used the extern microphone to answer Hogan's hail. "Robert, is that you?"
"Yes, General, it's me," came the answer of the well-known voice. "Hammelburg surrenders. I repeat, Hammelburg surrenders. They're sending the last of the soldiers away and collecting all weapons from the members of the Volkssturm and SS. The documents for the handing-over are currently being written, yet the whole process will last another hour or so. As soon as everything is prepared, a negotiator will come. He goes by the name of Ludwig Kirchner and belongs to the city employees. He speaks a little English, but I'm sending Newkirk and Carter with him, and…" He listened to a voice in the background that spoke German, and continued. "Alex, listen. I hear that parts of the destroyed bridge tumbled into the river?"
"Yes, that's correct. If we don't put some of the big debris aside soon, Hammelburg will get wet feet with the next rain."
"I thought so much," Hogan replied. "And because of the destroyed bridge, Mr. Kirchner can't cross the river."
"We can send a boat over and…"
"Too dangerous in the dark with all the large debris in the river. Mr. Kirchner will go to our boys in the north. He'll come down Fuldaer Street. My men will carry two red storm lanterns. Mr. Kirchner has a white flag."
"Understood," Butler answered, not only as the military reply, but also in fact. To send a boat over the river under given circumstances was too dangerous. The water had impounded a bit within the last few hours. "I'll inform Captain Goldman, who is in charge of our troop in the north of Hammelburg, about everything." He took a deep breath and asked in a more private voice, "Robert, are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. A little hungry and tired, but fine."
"What about your SS-friend Schmidt?"
"Lieutenant Schmidt was saved at the very last minute. He's well and taking care that the local SS gives up and hands over any defense or weaponry."
Butler grinned, exchanged a few more words with 'his troublemaker', then the connection was broken. He felt a smile tugging at his mouth. As it seemed, this time there wouldn't be any battle and destruction. He nodded at his radioman. "Link me to Captain Goldman, please."
*** HH *** HH ***
"Merde, what is taking them so long?" It was the 100th time Louis LeBeau asked the question. He and the others sat in Barracks 2. The light was still on, and outside many former POWs were celebrating their liberation, but the Heroes, Klink, Burkhalter, Schultz, and even Langenscheidt waited for news about Hogan and the others.
And someone else was with them – silent, pale, and deeply afraid for someone in particular: Hilda Schneider. She sat on one of the bunks, had pulled a blanket around her small shoulders, and stared into nothingness; willing fate to support Robert one last time so that Horst could be saved.
Kinch manned the radio 'downstairs'. Butler had promised to inform them as soon as he heard something about Hogan. And it was past the given ultimatum.
Baker and Olsen rolled their eyes at LeBeau's words, especially after Klink, who leaned beside them against a stock bed, answered tightly, "There are dozens of reasons why we haven't heard anything from them until now. They could…"
"Please, Kommandant, don't." Richard groaned. "We already heard everything four or five times."
Klink could understand him and wrapped his arms around himself; feeling uneasy like the others. The evening had turned into night, it was cold outside, and wind had begun to blow. It was long past midnight, the ultimatum had worn off by now, yet there were no news from Hogan or Schmidt. Will and the others were highly nervous. Sooner or later General Butler had to give the order to attack – and Robert (and Newkirk, Carter, and Schmidt) were in the middle of the town; straight in the line of fire.
The latter was what worried Klink the most. If artillery was opened, Rob's life was at high risk – so was Schmidt's.
Wilhelm lowered his head and huffed. Since Robert had driven away together with Fuhrmann, Newkirk, and Carter, the German officer felt coldness and anxiety burn in his stomach with churning intensity. His beloved was more or less alone over there – in the lion's den. Freeing an ally and friend and moving among real enemies while trying to save the day again.
'It's so typical for him. He always puts his friends or those who need help above his own well-being. Hilda was right. He IS reckless when those he cares for are in danger. Dammit, I should have gone with him, but my face is well-known in Hammelburg. Hartmann and his zombies would have realized instantly that something was wrong.'
"Guys, we're getting a message!" Kinch's shout from the tunnels was like a prayer answered from Heaven above. Klink raced towards the ladder, the others following behind him. Without hesitation, he climbed into the tunnels and almost stumbled in his haste to reach the radio.
Kinchloe looked backwards at the arriving group and called, "It's the Colonel himself."
Will felt dizzy with relief. If Rob called in person, he was okay. THANK. THE. LORD!
"What's he saying?" Klink all but demanded.
James grinned broadly at him. "He's radioing us from the townhall. Hammelburg surrendered, and…"
"Joa, dem Himmel sei Dank." – Schultz. (Thank the heavens)
"Hallelujah." – Baker.
"Mon Dieu, merci." – LeBeau.
"Finally!" – Olsen.
"About time." – Burkhalter.
Klink was unable to say anything. His voice died in his throat with the immense relief that shook him. Rob was safe – so was the town.
"What about Horst?" Hilda's usually so soft voice was almost strident, while Baker helped her down the ladder.
"Oui, and how is mon colonel?" Louis asked, worried.
"Yes, is Robert okay?" Klink croaked.
"Don't fear for him, Klink. That man is like a cat with nine lives," Burkhalter sighed.
"He has to have more than that. Nine lives are nothing within this country," Olsen grumbled.
"Give me a damn moment, guys." Kinchloe sighed, and spoke into the microphone, "Colonel? I'm putting you on the speakers. The whole gang almost went crazy with worry for you and the others." He then laughed at whatever Hogan said on the other end, then pushed some switches, and Hogan's voice sounded throughout the radio room.
"Calm down, fellas. Newkirk, Carter, and I are okay. So is Schmidt."
Everyone looked at Hilda, whose legs began to wobble, while tears of relief filled her eyes. Louis and Burkhalter were instantly at her side, steading her.
"We came in at the last moment, so to say," Hogan continued. "Hartmann was about to hang him."
"WHAT?" The outraged cry came from everyone.
"Yeah, but Schmidt paid him back good." The smile in Robert's voice was clearly heard. "We got into the townhall to negotiate with the burgomaster, and as Hartmann showed up there and recognized that Schmidt wasn't a captive anymore, it came to a short struggle. I gave him a piece of his mind – and then Schmidt took the desk lamp and hit Hartmann on the head." He laughed quietly. "He fell like a dead tree and has been out cold ever since."
Most of the Heroes applauded along with Klink, Schultz, and Langenscheidt. Even Burkhalter looked satisfied.
"Thank you, Robbie." Hilda's trembling voice almost went down in the cheers of the others, yet Hogan had heard her.
"You're welcome, Sweetie. Like I said: I never let a friend down."
"Colonel, what happens now?" Kinchloe, always the reasonable one, returned to the topic.
"Schmidt and the second burgomaster are taking care that the last of the soldiers leave Hammelburg and the town's SS surrender their weapons. A young town employee will afterwards meet with one of our captains outside of Hammelburg. I'll remain here with Schmidt and a few of his men, who stayed loyal to him despite him being arrested. I want to make sure that everything takes it course before Butler and our boys arrive."
"Isn't it typical?" Klink groaned.
"Colonel Hogan takes his responsibility very seriously – something you certainly understand," Burkhalter grumbled.
"Ja, but does he have to stay in the middle of the lion's den?"
"Schmidt's with him, and so are Fuhrmann and a few of their guys." Baker explained. "I don't think that the Colonel will be in any trouble. Not anymore."
"Your words into the Lord's ears," Will sighed.
"Baker is right, Willie; don't fear for me. I'm safe now," Robert tried to calm his lover.
"If not, I'll come over in person, drag your ass out of the hot water, and slay those alive who give you trouble!" Klink groused.
"May the heavens prevent that something happens to your precious Hogan," Albert sighed, grimacing.
An index-finger was pointed at him. "And don't you forget it," Wilhelm said sharply, before he turned his attention back to the radio. "Rob, when will everything be over in Hammelburg?"
"I think within the next two or three hours," came the soft reply. "But Newkirk, Carter, and I certainly won't return until morning. Go to sleep. The war's over for this area."
"What about you, Colonel?" Kinch asked.
"Oh, when Alex is here and everything's settled, Newkirk, Carter, and I might find some time to rest. The same goes for the others. So lay down, fellas. You too, Hilda. Horst is a little beaten and pale, but nothing serious. I'm sure he'll look forward to seeing you as soon as possible."
The young woman couldn't answer for once. Tears of happiness streamed down her face, and LeBeau spoke for her. "She's a bit overwhelmed, mon colonel."
"It's all right, darlin'. I promised to get him back for you," Hogan answered gently, then his voice became firm again. "Okay, guys; I still have a lot to do. Goodnight, and until later. Papa Bear out." The connection went off, and for a long moment, everyone simply looked at each other.
Then they heard it – applause, cheers, and thank-yous from the tunnels. The people of the Underground and their families, as well as the Schneiders and Obermayers, had listened to everything.
A moment later, the Heroes found themselves pulled into embraces, getting kisses on the cheeks or claps on the backs. Even Klink and Schultz got the same treatment. The relief was almost testable, and it was obvious that most didn't think of sleep anymore.
*** HH *** HH ***
Hogan switched off the radio and stared at the device for a long moment. This was certainly the last time he would ever say those words – or used his codename at all.
It was over – finally. The war may continue within Germany for a few more weeks, but for his friends, his beloved, the town and its citizen, his allies, and himself, the war was over. He would need time to fully realize it. And for now, he would use the lasting tension to bring his last mission to an end.
He left the radio room accompanied by Kirchner and one of Schmidt's men, Stadler. The atmosphere in the hall was tense. The guards and their reinforcement of other SS-members were more than nervous; especially those who belonged to Hartmann's men. At first, a few of them had refused to accept the surrender, but Klamann suddenly appeared among them and told them firmly that they were ordered to give up any resistance. Finally, they obeyed. Of course, many of them wanted to know what happened to Hartmann, but the burgomaster only told them that the major 'lost it' as he attacked an official messenger and even threatened him. Hartmann was under arrest.
It were a rather hairy situation for a few minutes. Hogan only relaxed as the last of the men had lain down their guns and went with the others to the entrance to wait for the US soldiers to arrive. Then he, the burgomaster, and the other two men returned to the office.
Hartmann, who had been handcuffed in a chair, had regained consciousness and stared with hate at everyone. First, his uttered, "Cowards," "Traitors," and "You all should burn in hell" were ignored. But as he continued to whisper those offenses, Fuhrmann finally had enough.
"Two choices – you shut your mouth, or I make you." He snarled, losing his patience.
Hogan gave the major a glare. "If I were you, I would try to behave at best. Thanks to you, many good men died, and you're going to face trial no matter what. Cooperation might spare you the hangman, so keep your trap shut." His voice was unusually sharp.
A glance at the grandfather's clock told them that the night was very late, but outside, the citizens still stood in fear; waiting for news. Klamann, who simply knew that his time as the burgomaster would end with the rising of the sun, did what his job demanded to do. He stepped outside on the balcony. A little bit hoarse, he told the people of the town council's decision to surrender and that a messenger would be sent to the Americans as soon as the last of the soldiers had left Hammelburg. Kirchner and Hogan accompanied him, and the confusion was mighty as the colonel revealed his true identity – that he was not only a US officer despite his current uniform, but even the Senior POW Officer of the nearby camp. In plain German, he promised that nothing bad would befall the town and its citizen, and in the light of the torches, he saw the relief on many faces.
Three-quarters of an hour later, the last of the German soldiers had left Hammelburg – avoiding the US-division as well as possible. Nonetheless, dozens were captured, and it was not a surprise that most of them were relieved the war was over for them.
It was half past 2:00 in the morning as Schmidt announced the town to be 'free' of soldiers, all weapons were gathered, currently lying on a big heap in the middle of the market plaza, and the regime loyal SS and Volkssturm members, as well as the soldiers who were unable to move, had surrendered.
Hogan suppressed a smile as he saw that by now Schmidt, Fuhrmann, and their men had ripped off their red brassards with the cursed Nazi-symbol and had also gotten rid of the Hakenkreuz-pin they usually wore on the knot of their ties.
Now there was only one more thing to do. Turning towards his friends, the colonel ordered, "Newkirk, Carter, take Mr. Kirchner to the north of the town and accompany him down the Fuldaer Street." He glanced at Schmidt. "Did you get the red storm lanterns?"
"One of my men has them and is waiting at the entrance of the townhall," Horst answered. "I also got a white flag – well, a blanket, but who cares." He handed the light material to Kirchner, who was more than nervous by now.
Hogan smiled for real this time. "Well done." He nodded at his men. "Make sure that Mr. Kirchner reaches our comrades safely."
Peter tipped at his temple, while Carter smiled. "You can regard the deal as done, boy – I mean Colonel."
Robert rolled his eyes and stepped towards Kirchner. "Don't be afraid, young man. None of our boys are gonna hurt you. Surrender the town, and you'll be brought back to Hammelburg safe and sound."
Kirchner gulped and nodded. "Thank you, Colonel."
Encouragingly, Hogan clapped his shoulder, then he addressed Newkirk and Carter. "Tell Captain Goldman that I'll remain here until our boys arrive. I'm sure that the council has more questions for me – and I want to make sure that the citizens stay calm."
"All right, Colonel. Please be careful," Peter replied.
"Always," Hogan sighed, received two very odd looks, and watched his two friends go. His gaze found Schmidt, who massaged his temples. "Headache?" He asked sympathetically.
"When this is all over, I think I'm going to sleep for the next 24 hours," Horst sighed, earning him a soft laugh from the colonel and a pitiful slap on the shoulder from Fuhrmann.
*** HH ***
Captain Goldman and his troop waited in the northern area of Hammelburg at the hillside of the Buchberg. He had ordered some scouts to keep eyes and ears open for three men carrying two red storm lanterns and a white flag. It was ten minutes before 2:00 a.m. as he got the report that three men were seen – two wearing SS-black, and a man in civilian clothing.
Ordering ten men to come with him, he stepped on the country road and walked towards the three men. Then he saw them from afar and frowned as he heard a voice speaking with a typical English accent, "HEY, OVER THERE! PARLEY!"
"One of the POWs is English," his confidant said.
Goldman nodded. "Yes, I heard so much."
"He, another of our sergeants, and the colonel went to town to free an ally costumed as SS-men."
Goldman shook his head. "It seems as if the legends of Papa Bear are not exaggerated, but even understated. This man has to be crazy." He snorted. "But I like crazy guys." He rose his voice to shout back, "Point our lights at them!"
The searchlights, which got their power from one of the movable generators, flickered over the dark road, then they stilled as three men were caught in them: Two wearing SS-black, one in civilian clothing and waiving a large white piece of material – obviously a blanket.
"Clever," Goldman commented.
The little party reached the captain, and Newkirk and Carter removed their SS-caps and toupees; grinning at their comrades, who were partly chuckling. Then they saluted. "Sergeant Carter and Corporal Newkirk report in, Captain."
"Sergeant, you really look odd in those closes," Goldman couldn't skip from pulling the man's leg. Then he returned the salute and drove his attention to the young male between the two former POWs. "And this is the German messenger?"
A sergeant, who spoke German, stopped beside the captain, but his service wasn't needed. The citizen spoke a rather accent-loaded English, "Sir, my name is Ludwig Kirchner. I'm an employee of the town."
The staff officer tipped his temple. "Captain Thomas Goldman, US Army. You were sent as an official messenger of the town?"
The young man felt uncomfortable in his own skin, but he stood his ground. "Yes, Captain. I was elected by Burgomaster Klamann and the town council." He cleared his throat. "We surrender – without any conditions."
"A wise decision," Thomas deadpanned.
"Our dignitaries have only one request," Kirchner continued and took a deep breath to increase his courage. "Please spare our women and children. US Colonel Hogan already told us that the town and its citizens will be spared, but – please understand – many of us heard…bad stories, so the oldest members of our town council ask for this…mercy."
It was more than obvious how much those words cost Kirchner and that he was, despite Hogan's reassurances, afraid. Not only for himself, but for the town as well.
Goldman lifted both brows. "The decisions are made by General Butler, but if Colonel Hogan already promised all that, I think there is nothing we have to add – except for one thing; we respect the surrender of someone, and it's not our style to harass and kill civilians – or even hostile soldiers when they've lain down their weapons. You don't have to worry, Mr. Kirchner. But we will check the citizens, collect every Nazi symbol, book, etc., and your people are going to learn things about their 'Führer' that will certainly shock them, but we won't tyrannize them. That's not our league." He took a deep breath. "I got the information, and your burgomaster rather agrees with the regime's way of thinking?"
Ludwig bit his lips, but nodded.
"Okay, then his position has to be filled anew. The same goes for high officials belonging to the regime's forces, but this is nothing of your concern."
"What will happen to those men?" Kirchner dared to ask.
The captain cocked his head. "As long as they haven't done anything criminal or broke international law, they have nothing to fear. Those who did crimes will face trial – later."
Gulping, the young man lowered his head.
"Bad conscious?" Goldman asked, feeling some sympathy rising for the youth.
"N-n-n-n-no Captain, only…many people followed the regime's way, and in the beginning many were thrilled about everything. But now…"
"But now, after you not only got a sincere roasting, but realized that many things went off the course, to put it mildly, you all think twice about it," Goldman's confidant commented and shook his head. "It's always the same."
Goldman listened quietly, then turned his attention back to Kirchner. "Do you have any documents or something else that confirms the town's surrender?"
"No, Captain, but I have this here." He plunged his right hand into his pocket, and instantly, three rifles were aimed at him. "It's…it's only the town's key," Kirchner all but stammered.
Goldman gestured for him to get the hand out, and the young man obeyed – turning the palm upwards. The lights shimmered on the antique looking key. It was a large one that would fit into a fairytale like 'Sleeping Beauty' or any other tale of the Middle Ages. Goldman took it and analyzed it. "The key of the town – to open the gates of the town wall?"
For a second, something like a smirk played around Ludwig's mouth. "Well, the town gates went down with the outer town towers. Only three remained after the fatal flames 80 years ago, and the towers are inside of the city now, because Hammelburg grew a lot within the last three decades. But…well…a key of the town was the town's safety in earlier centuries, and today it's still a certain symbol when you give it up."
"I know," Thomas replied. "It's not the first time we receive a key of town within the last several weeks. And I developed a habit. As soon as everything is taken into order in the town, its key is returned."
Kirchner's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Mr. Kirchner, can you imagine how many big key rings we would have to carry around to keep all the town keys we already got?" He chuckled for a moment before turning serious again. "I accept this symbol of surrender for Hammelburg, Mr. Kirchner," he said formally. "If you want, we'll take you with us when we drive to the town. All weapons were collected?"
"Yes, Captain," Ludwig answered, with some relief that the formal part was over. "They are on the market plaza. Most citizens were sent home, but many are still there."
Goldman made an affirming gesture. "All right. When we're there, we'll send the rest home, too. But tomorrow we ask all citizens to be present – except for the ill or elderly. Mothers who have young babies shall stay at home, too, but their older children have to come. There will be some rules we will have to explain to them."
Kirchner took a deep breath. "Yes, sir," he nodded.
"Furthermore, all still present members of the Volkssturm and SS are expected to surrender…"
"They already did, Captain; as did the soldiers too injured to leave town."
"Very well." Thomas almost smiled. "Lieutenant Ashton?" He shouted over his shoulder.
"Aye sir," came the immediate reply.
"Inform General Butler that we have received the surrender of the town, and everything is prepared. We'll seize Hammelburg peacefully and take the messenger with us home."
"Sir," Newkirk addressed him. "Colonel Hogan is still there and expects a report from Sergeant Carter and I. Would you take us with you, too?"
This time, Goldman grinned. "He expects your report? But of course, Corporal." He simply knew that this Colonel Hogan and his men had to be like a tight bunch of 'thick thieves', given how long they operated together here in Germany. Comradeship and loyalty were things he highly valued, and so he had no problem to taking the two men with him.
*** HH *** HH ***
In the townhall, the members of the town council, the first and second burgomaster, Hogan, Schmidt, and Fuhrmann waited for news. Robert had told Horst that he informed the camp and Hilda about everything, and saw the young man smiling for the first time as the young woman was mentioned. Rob was absolutely certain to what this would all lead to – later, when this mess was over.
It was 2:05 a.m., and they all knew that Kirchner must have reached the Americans by now. Soon the US-troops would arrive and then…
A knock came at the door, and Schmidt opened it. One of his men reported, "Sir, they are coming from the north and the south. There are also boats crossing the river with dozens of Americans. They'll be here in a few minutes."
Schmidt nodded and released the man from duty with a nod. Then he took a deep breath and turned towards his loyal men. "Gentlemen, we finally reached the end of this mess, and I can't express my deepest gratitude for your loyalty. You risked your necks as you decided to free me, even if this had become unnecessary." He gave Hogan a smirk, who only chuckled.
"Well, you were the best CO we ever had. You didn't harass people, you took your responsibility as a police officer seriously, and you always had an open ear for us," one of the man said slowly.
"In some way, it was our duty to protect you," another guard murmured.
"And broke the law like that," Hartmann growled.
"Who wanted to lynch the Oberleutnant here?" Fuhrmann snapped. "Execution without trial is murder."
"Not when the case is as clear as this one is!" The major hissed.
"You had no proof, no real reason to act like you did. And above all, you wanted to do something even the most savage native people wouldn't do: kill a messenger. Only because the Oberleutnant didn't bow to your tyrannizing ways the last time you were here. We couldn't allow you to hang Schmidt. He's the best that ever happened to this damn HQ!"
"I have no proof?" Hartmann asked. "Then tell me how come Hogan stays in the middle of Hammelburg's townhall wearing SS-black and pretended to be a police president only to reveal himself as the spy he is? Don't you think Schmidt didn't recognize him from the beginning as he came to HQ and lied straight into my face?" Hartmann's voice was hard as stone.
"I did recognize Colonel Hogan – and I knew that he had come not only to save me, but also the town," Schmidt cut in. "And we were running out of time. Of course, I went along with his obvious intentions. As the commanding police officer of Hammelburg, it was and always will be my duty to make certain that the citizens are safe. But this is a kind of responsibility you will never be able to grasp, because to put the well-being of others before your own is so against your nature as if a pig wanted to fly." He turned towards his men. "I know it was not easy for you to make such a daring step like revolting against the regime and its fellows, but you chose the side of reason and humanity. And you kept your oath by protecting this town in the only possible way left. Thank you."
The men nodded and murmured replies.
"You'll all face a firing squad for this betrayal!" Hartmann fumed. "The Führer will not allow the damn Amis to conquer all of Germany and will strike back. And when this town is free again, you all will…mpfh…"
Hogan felt amusement rising in him as he watched how Fuhrmann took a lace doily from the dresser and jammed it in the major's mouth. "There were many times I wish I could have done that to Hochstetter." He sighed.
"I think this nasty behavior and spatting threats comes with the particular rank," Schmidt joked, earning him a few laughs. Then he glanced at Klamann and his substitute. "I think gentlemen, there is one last thing we have to do."
The two men nodded, slipped into their coats, and while Klamann took a document, he sighed. In his hands he held the official surrender of the town. This was the end of his career and the end of the Third Reich here in Hammelburg. His gaze wandered to the American officer, who nodded calmly at him.
Hogan could understand what these steps cost the man, but his pity was limited. He held no sympathy for followers of Hitler and his insane ideas, and he was glad that the war for Hammelburg and its citizens was over.
'Tomorrow peace will wave over this town and its area, and I'm going to enjoy it with Will in every way possible,' he thought, then he straightened his coat, nodded at Schmidt, and left the office with the two burgomasters, the members of the town council, Horst, and Fuhrmann.
The market plaza was still illuminated by torches and hand lamps, and despite Klamann's little speech, many citizens were still there. Of course, they all feared a bit of what would come next.
Robert's gaze found the large heap of surrendered weapons of all kinds guarded by three of Schmidt's men; those who hadn't switched sides were lined up on the other side of the plaza.
It was exactly a quarter past 2:00 a.m. as the first of the jeeps reached the market plaza. They were accompanied by trucks and other vehicles. Hogan smiled as he saw Butler. Of course, the old dare devil had to cross the Saale River (despite the danger) to enter the city of the town in the first jeep. Behind him more cars came, and Robert grinned as he recognized Newkirk and Carter in the light of the lamps being carried by dozens of GIs.
Hogan looked around. To his right were Klamann and Kasner, to his left were Schmidt and Fuhrmann. Behind him the members of the town council stood. It was almost eerily silent, because most people were still afraid. Robert felt sad about it. The 'horror stories' Hitler, Goebbels, and their fellows had placed into people's heads were strong. It would need some time to rebuild some easiness. Maybe – in future years – they could all become friends. At least Robert hoped so. The world lay more or less in ruins, and they were all going to need each other to raise new places to live and work.
Butler's jeep stopped not too far from the townhall beside the market fountain. Spotlights were trained on the little group in front of the building, and lifting his cap, Hogan walked towards his superior and mentor.
They stopped in front of each other, and Robert saluted. "General, the town is ready for the capitulation."
"Well done, Colonel. Yours and your men's interventions saved many lives tonight." Then he smiled quickly. "I'm proud of you, Robert," he whispered, before he straightened his shape and looked around. His gaze took in the old-fashioned houses, which seemed to be on some kind of film set. He had seen many towns and villages like this within the last few weeks, and he could understand that the citizens loved them dearly. When an American spoke of 'old', he referred to three or 400 years. Those cities were even centuries older.
"I can understand that you wanted to spare the town so desperately, Robert. It's really…cute."
By now, the jeeps, trucks, and other cars had entered the market plaza, and dozens of GIs stepped on Hammelburg ground while being warily watched by the citizens still there.
As Norton, Captain Goldman together with Kirchner, Newkirk and Carter, and a few other officers closed the distance between him, Burton looked over Hogan's shoulder at the group of German men, saw Schmidt, nodded quickly at him, and turned his attention to the fat man in the front. The burgomaster; he simply knew it.
He glanced at Hogan. "Shall we?"
Robert nodded. "With pleasure."
TBC…
Dear readers, I hope this chapter was to your liking. And I have to make a disclaimer. Ludwig Kirchner was indeed the negotiator who took the courage to seek out the US-division and informed them of the town's surrender. The burgomaster, who went by the name Clement, hesitated to surrender, as well as his substitute Kessler. But during the evening, the town council realized that there was no other option left. Kirchner spoke English and was accompanied by two POWs, who were still in town as the liberation of the camp took place. I refer to this man with high respect, and I'm sure the citizens of Hammelburg are grateful even today for his bravery.
The surrender happened a quarter to two o'clock in the morning, around a quarter past two o'clock the US-troops arrived in Hammelburg. Later, it turned out that the attack had been planned for three o'clock. On April 22nd, the citizens celebrated a thanksgiving service that their town was spared.
I hope, you liked the new installment and I would be very happy to get some reviews.
In the next chapter, you'll read about the whole outcome of everything. And Hilda will be there, too, what leads to a very cute and sweet scene.
Dear readers, thank you for your loyalty in during this difficult year, and I do hope that my story brought some distraction and maybe even joy to your daily routine that certainly wasn't a 'routine' at all for the most times.
Have a nice New Year' Eve and may the Heavens grant us a better year within 2021.
Love, and please stay safe,
Yours Starflight
