A/N: And so begins another chapter of Ashes & Wine. And since I've just arrived back in Vermont from southern Virginia in what was almost the worlds longest drive, I have nothing all that clever to say.

Disclaimer: This is based on the Band of Brothers miniseries, not the real people. No disrespect intended.

SS Samaria, September 1943

He had never really liked traveling by boat. Not because he got seasick or anything. No, it was more the lack of anything to do. That feeling was amplified on a troop ship. It was on the third day of the trip that Lewis found himself up on deck, looking out over the vast Atlantic ocean.

"Penny for your thoughts." Lewis turned, saw Dick Winters coming to a stop next to him.

"Just thinking about how boring boat travel is." Dick nodded. "The last time I was on a boat was back in 1936." Lewis smiled as a memory played through his head. "It was for my sister Eve's 12th birthday. She was going through a pirate phase."

"Eve?" Dick replied. "Isn't that your sister in England?" Lewis nodded.

"That would indeed be Eve."

"She's been over there almost a year and a half, hasn't she?" Again Lewis nodded.

"And there've only been five letters. Not to mention they get shorter and shorter each time."

"Well she's probably busy."

"More than likely." Lewis reluctantly agreed. "I'll admit that I'm kinda excited to see her again."

"From what you've told me, you two were pretty close."

"Mostly because she's my only family member with any sense." Dick chuckled.

"A Nixon with sense?" He teased.

"I know. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?" Dick was about to respond when the dinner bell clanged. Clapping Dick on the back, Lewis led the way to the mess.

London, England

"That doesn't change the fact that I need bandages." Eve snapped, annoyed with the Private who was coming very close to arguing with her.

"But ma'am--"

"It's Sergeant Nixon, Private MacMillian." MacMillian snapped to attention as Captain Laurie approached with a disproving look.

"Yes sir. Sorry sir."

"It's not me you should be apologizing to."

"My apologes Sergeant Nixon."

"Find me some bloody bandages and I'll let it slide."

"Right away Sergeant." MacMillian couldn't salute and get away fast enough. Carlton watched with concern as Eve dug through the supplies on the shelf.

"Eve, you look exhausted." He commented softly.

"That's probably because I am exhausted Carlton!" She snapped back.

"You need to get some sleep."

"Carlton--"

"I will order you if I have to." Carlton interrupted firmly. "Please Eve." She sighed, ran a hand through her hair.

"Fine." Carlton smiled, kissed the top of her head affectionately.

"Thank you."

"But make sure we get bandages."

"I will, I will. Now go get some rest." Giving him a small smile, Eve left the makeshift hospital. She was grateful with Carlton for letting her take a break. She was so tired but she couldn't bring herself to walk away. There was always something to do. It wasn't until she reached her room that Eve remembered her birthday was the next day.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed. More up soon. Reviews feed the muse.