Hi everyone and Happy New Year! One more chapter and it'll be done!

The plane shuddered as it hit turbulence, jolting Hogan back to reality. He blinked, the images of his last moments with Marie still clouding his vision. He glanced out the window, trying to push the unpleasant memories from his mind and focused on watching the sunrise over the Swiss Alps. His first real sight of the mountain range nearly took his breath away. He'd hiked in the rounded hills of the Blue Ridge mountains near his home as a boy, he had seen the Rockies when he'd visited Carter, but even those seemingly giant mountains could never compare to the majestic sight before him. The sun was just peaking out behind their craggy peaks, tinting the snowcaps a dusky pink and giving off enough light for him to really appreciate their beauty. They seemed to defy gravity, the sharp summits looking like teeth trying to devour some unseen foe. They were both stunning and frightening, and they made him feel very small.

The plane had almost landed when the little old lady next to him awoke and sleepily followed his gaze to the outside. "They're just lovely, aren't they?" she asked, wonder coloring her voice.

Hogan jumped a little at her sudden speech, then smiled gently as he peered back out at the mountains. "Yes, they are," he replied, "I've never seen them before."

"Neither have I," she said, "but my little grandson has been living here for the last year. I've come to take him home." She paused, looking at the tired young man beside her, and added, "What are you looking for, deary?"

Hogan glanced out the window again, then turned his gaze back to the lady, "What am I looking for?" he answered as the plane touched down, "I'm looking for the woman I love."

As the people around them began to stand, the woman reached over and gently took his hand, "Good luck," she said, "I hope you find her."

"You too," he replied, helping her to her feet, "your grandson's lucky to have such a lovely woman as yourself for a grandmother."

She chuckled lightly at his feigned flirting. He quickly grabbed her bag for her as they made their way down the isle of the plane, making for the exit. Playing the perfect gentleman, he steadied her on her descent of the stairs to the runway. She smiled again, giving him a small curtsey, "Why thank you, my good man, it has been a pleasure flying with you."

He nodded back, touching his hat in respect as he started away. He was called back by her sudden speech, "Sir? I never did get your name."

Smiling, he held out his right hand to her, "Colonel Robert Hogan, ma'am, United States Air Corps, and I'm on my way to Germany of my own free will."

She shook his hand and laughed as she introduced herself, "It's a pleasure to meet you Robert. I'm Helen Smerker, and I'mon my way to Austria. May you have good luck in your search for love."

"And you as well," he replied.

He grabbed his bag and quickly headed towards the main building on the air strip, turning once to wave goodbye to Helen.

Inside the building was busy, though the war in Europe had been officially over for six months, there were still many soldiers in uniform to be seen, meandering around the airport. He pushed his way through the small, crowded room, making his way to the main desk. A young, disinterested man sat behind it, chin resting in his palm and sighing. He looked up as Hogan approached. His arm dropped to the desk and sat up a little straighter as he was addressed, but gained no enthusiasm as he asked dispassionately, "Can I help you, sir?"

"I hope so," Hogan replied, "Where's the nearest train station?"

The young man heaved a great sigh and pointed weakly towards the left side of the building, reminding Hogan of a scarecrow in a movie he'd seen before the war, "In town, about a ten minute walk that way."

Hogan glanced in the direction, rapped the desk and said, "Thanks," he turned to leave, then added dryly, "I admire your enthusiasm."

Bag in hand, the Colonel walked out into the surprisingly warm air. He could see the town from the road, and in the October sun, the walk was really quite pleasant. The old buildings with their elaborately painted walls lined the road as he descended towards his destination, each beautiful and unique in its own way. Their houses here told stories in pictures and colors; some told of family history, others of myths, and still others of biblical tales. They created an almost fairy tale setting that, until a jeep blew past him, made him feel as if he had truly stepped back in time.

The train station was easy to find, as most traffic seemed to be headed in that direction. Even train stations here were majestic structures. Stone and glass created an image that looked more like a castle than train station. He quickly entered and found the ticket window, in a hurry now that he was so close to the end of his journey – one train ride and he would be in Hammelburg. The old man at the ticket window only a little more alert than the young one at the air field.
"I need a ticket to Hammelburg," Hogan said, speaking over the roar of a train entering the station and the people standing around.

"Hammelburg?" the man said, but spoke again before Hogan could confirm or deny, "next train there leaves in half an hour."

"I'll take it," Hogan answered, a little louder this time and handing over his money.

The man quickly took it, slid the ticket to the Colonel under the barred window, and pointed to an empty bench where he could wait.

Bag between his feet on the ground, Hogan waited out the half hour without incident.

–––––––

The train lost only a few passengers as it stopped, but as Hogan discovered, the train was practically empty. He quickly sat down in a seat, gazing out the window and letting his mind wander again. . .

After the liberation of Stalag 13, Hogan and his crew had spent the remaining days of the war in London. They'd cut loose after their successful but near suicide mission, finally getting to enjoy being alive. Newkirk had taken them out on the town, showing them around his home town and relishing in the fact that he was finally home.

Mavis Newkirk had welcomed them into her home while they were being detained by headquarters. They all had too much information for headquarters to even think about sending any of them to the Pacific, so they'd been held until Hitler had been found dead and the Allies officially held Berlin. V-E day was a day of spectacular celebration in London and the former prisoners of Stalag 13 were in the middle of it, knowing that they had played a small part in stopping the mad man who sat at the head of the Third Reich.

The five men finally parted ways about two weeks after V-E day. Among great pomp and circumstance, the group was awarded, acknowledged and decorated for their dedication and service to the Allied Cause. Medals and citations were handed out, along with a small party being thrown in their honor.

After all the celebrations were over, they'd all finally been able to go home. It had been a bitter sweet parting. They'd fought so long for the chance to finally return home, but the thought of splitting up made leaving hard. They'd left after the awards, spending one quiet night together in the small corner of a pub, saying their goodbyes and promises to keep in touch. . .

As the train pulled into Hammelburg Station, Hogan quickly stood and stepped out onto the platform, ready to finally find his Tiger.