Later that night, we were in our full gear, walking our typical march. Marching next to Winters, I looked over at him," How are you holding up?"

He glanced in my direction," I'm fine. How are you doing, Kate?"

I smiled," Oh, you know, the usual." He smiled back.

A voice shouted from behind us," Lieutenant Winters!"

Winters slowed down to hear the man who was shouting for him," What is it?"

"Permission to speak sir?"

"Permission granted."

"We got nine companies, sir."

Winters nodded," That we do."

The man replied," Well, how come we're the only company marching every Friday night, twelve miles, full pack in the pitch dark?"

Winters glanced up at me, as I had turned around to see his reaction as Dick asked," Why do you think, Private Randleman?"

The answer was short and to the point," Lieutenant Sobel hates us, sir."

Meeting my gaze, Winters smiled. He turned his attention over to Randleman, stating," Lieutenant Sobel does not hate Easy Company, Private Randleman...he just hates you."

Laughter could be heard, and I couldn't help but chuckle over the joke. Voices could be heard about who hates Sobel more, causing a lighter mood to the men.

When we returned from the march, we stood at attention for Sobel. I stood next to Winters, who was next to the pacing Sobel. We looked down the line at our men. Sobel shouted," Lieutenant Winters, I want canteens out of belts with caps unscrewed."

The order was given," Easy Company, Canteens out and open." In quick time, everyone followed the order, and awaited the next.

Sobel paced again, driving me nuts. I wanted to tell him to stand still for a change, but I couldn't do that. He spoke," On my command, they will pour the contents on the ground."

"On the CO's order, you will upend your canteen."

"Now, Lieutenant," Sobel said, in a very smug manner. I wanted to slap him.

The men had begun pouring the water out of their canteens. My eyes were drawn to one man in the back. It was too dark to see which man it was, but I could see the fear in his face, as his canteen stopped way too early. I prayed that Sobel wouldn't see him, but unfortunately, Sobel was pacing in front of his part of the line.

"Who is this? Christenson! Why is there no water in your canteen? You drank from your canteen, didn't you?" Before he allowed Christenson to retort, Sobel shouted," Winters! Patterson!"

"Yes sir?" we said in unison, approaching the two of them.

"Wasn't this man ordered to not drink from his canteen during the Friday night march?" Sobel shouted again.

Winters spoke first," He was, sir."

"Private Christenson, you have disobeyed a direct order! You will fill your canteen and repeat all 12 miles of the march immediately!" Sobel shouted into his face.

"Yes sir," he replied quietly.

"Fall out!" Sobel spat at him, as he quickly rushed away to follow his order.

I had hoped that Sobel would move on, but instead, he glared at Winters and me, pointing to us to follow, then to the spot in which he wanted us to stand. He got in close quarters with us," What in the name of God, are you doing with my company? You're late, and you allow troopers to disobey direct orders?"

Winters again, spoke first," No excuse, sir."

Suddenly, Sobel's hateful eyes were upon me," And what about you? Why aren't you ordering them around? Why aren't you making sure that he," Sobel jabbed his finger into Winters's chest," isn't disobeying orders?"

I inhaled, choosing my words carefully," Disobeying what, sir?"

Sobel wasn't sure what to say to my retort. Instead, he looked at us," You're making me look bad, Lieutenants...this is not Dog company. This is not Fox company. This is Easy company, and under my command, this will be the first and finest company in this regiment." I could see he was thinking up something, as he stood there for a moment before telling Winters," I want the names of six men, their infractions and your disciplinary recommendations on my desk by 0130...is that clear?" Sobel had talked himself to standing only inches from Winters's face. I was suddenly uncomfortable standing there.

"What infractions, sir?" Winters asked calmly.

Sobel glared at him," Find. Some." With that, Sobel started to walk away, but not before slamming his shoulder into mine, causing me to lose balance for a moment. I looked at him as he left, then turned to Winters.

"Unbelievable..." I muttered.

A/N: Another short chapter. I know, I know, not much happening, but it will pick up! Promise!