Go Gently Into the Night

Karl entered the Barracks and headed over to his locker next to his bunk. Opening it, he got out his soap and towel. He set them on the bunk while he undressed and got ready for his shower. Wrapping the towel around his waist he walked over to the showers which were situated at the end of the hallway. Karl paused in front of an empty shower stall. His mind knew he desperately needed to shower but his body was in rebellion. The water was ice cold and made bathing an ordeal. It didn't help that the shower area, not to mention the rest of the barracks, was only a few degrees warmer than it was outside. He wondered if the NCOs and officers ever got warm showers. The last one he had was during his trip home.

He decided it was not best to put off the inevitable. The water, even cold, was strictly rationed and if he missed his allotted time, he'd have to wait two days until his next shower period. Biting the bullet, he removed the towel and stepped into the stall. The initial spray of the shower was so cold it momentarily took his breath away. After the initial shock was over, he quickly wetted himself down and turned off the shower. Standing there shivering, he soaped his entire body down and quickly rinsed himself off. He repeated the process. Then just as quickly, he washed his hair and stepped out of the shower stall. Shivering almost uncontrollably, he dried himself and hurried back to his bunk. Dressing quickly in clean long underwear and heavy woolen socks, he sat down on his bunk and wrapped his extra blanket around his shoulders.

The grey woolen blanket was thin but did provide some protection from the cold draft coming from the cracks where the windows weren't properly sealed. More than once he wished his bunk wasn't so close to the window. He would have much preferred to be closer to the wood stove that sat in the middle of the room. He smiled at the thought of how the prisoners would be surprised to learn the enlisted men stationed at Stalag 13 did not have it much better than they did.

Retrieving his gear from his foot locker, Karl began working on his boots so they would be presentable for tomorrow. He began brushing the dirt from his boots with gusto in hopes the activity would help warm him up. When he finished brushing his boots, Karl began to work on the polish and shine. Busy with his work, he didn't notice at first when Schultz came into the room. Hearing footsteps Karl looked up from his work. He was very surprised to see the top NCO in the enlisted barracks and wondered briefly if it was some sort of surprise inspection.

"Langenscheidt," Schultz said as he came over to where the Gefreiter sat. "Get dressed and pack your rucksack, we're going to Paris."

Karl gazed up at Schultz with a puzzled look for a moment and then gave a loud bark of laughter. "You had me going for a minute. Paris….very funny." Karl grinned at the large man, then chuckled, shook his head and went back to polishing his boots.

"I'm serious Langenscheidt," Schultz replied. "The Kommandant is sending Hogan and LeBeau to Paris. The little cockroach destroyed General Burkhalter's painting. They are going to get someone to copy the painting so the Kommandant won't get into trouble. We are to guard them while they are there."

"Corporal LeBeau did not destroy the painting. It's a trick," replied Karl, still polishing his boots. "The Frenchman would never destroy a national treasure."

"He did, I saw what was left of it. Oh the Kommandant was so mad. Luckily Hogan knew what to do so we are going to Paris."

Karl paused and thought about the situation. Even in a fit of national pride and to spite Burkhalter, I can't believe LeBeau would do such a thing. The Oberst is up to something and now we are being dragged into it too. "I'm not sure about this," Karl began. "Perhaps I should stay here. Why not take Bruno. He has said several times how much he wants to visit there."

"No, the Kommandant has ordered both of us to go. There can be no further discussion. Get your stuff ready, we're moving out in 2200 hours."

"But it's night," Karl said with a hint of panic in his voice, "a moonless night. Perfect for bombers and we will not be allowed to use our lights."

"You worry too much. Now gather your things and get ready to go," replied Schultz as he turned and headed for the door. "Relax; I've got everything under control."

"Famous last words," Karl mumbled under his breath as he watched Schultz leave. "You're not the one driving. I am in enough trouble without being smack in the middle of one of Hogan's little plots." He sat down heavily on the bunk and began to finish polishing his boots. I've been here long enough to know Germans do not do well when they get involved in one of Hogan's schemes. I don't want to disappear like others have. Setting the boot down Karl assessed his situation, unless he was willing to lose more than his rank by refusing to obey a lawful order by his superior officer, he would have to go along and hope for the best. The Oberst likes Schultz and will protect him. Maybe if I stick close to him, I will have the same protection. With a heavy sigh, Karl got up and began to get dressed.

After dressing and packing, Karl went to the motor pool and requisitioned a staff car. He made sure to check oil and filled the tank before signing the vehicle out. He then drove the car to the front of the Kommandantur and waited. He had been up for almost twenty-four hours and was tired. Karl hoped he would not be required to drive a long distance before he was allowed to rest.

The door of the barracks opened and Hogan, LeBeau and Kinch stepped outside. Almost immediately the door to the Kommandantur opened and Klink and Schultz stepped outside onto the small porch.

The three prisoners stood near the staff car and even though they were speaking in a whisper, Karl could hear what they were saying.

Karl watched as Kinch put his hands in his pockets to keep them warm and then spoke to Hogan.

"The painting and the uniform is under the backseat of the car, Colonel."

What? Karl thought in a mild panic. The painting is supposed to be destroyed. I knew they were up to something. I wonder if they will give me a last request before I disappear.

"Right Kinch, mind the store until I get back," Hogan said as he started towards the car.

"Right, will do. Good luck."

LeBeau moved the suitcase into his other hand. He reached out and shook Kinch's hand. "Bye Kinch. We'll send you a postcard."

"Yeah, you do that buddy," Kinch said smiling at his friend.

Klink and Schultz walked over to the car and LeBeau saluted Colonel Klink and opened the car door.

"Good luck Hogan," Klink said shaking his hand. Hogan, LeBeau and Schultz got in the backseat. Karl started the car and began to drive through the gates. He glanced in the rear view mirror at the back seat with the three men crowded together. Karl began to discretely check himself for any foul odors. Finding none, he checked his breath. Nothing. So why are they all back there? Wouldn't they be more comfortable if someone was up here with me? Karl mentally shrugged and continued to drive. Glancing in the mirror again he noticed Hogan was looking at him with a faint hint of a smile. Damn, the Oberst caught me checking myself. Karl felt his face get red. This is going to be one long trip. Karl looked once again into the mirror and saw that Hogan's face had broken into a full-fledged smile. Oh my God, the man can read minds too!