A/N: A big thank you to Crazy4urlove for betaing this chapter.

Share the Same Moon

November 1938

"No don't go!" he screamed.

Georg von Trapp woke with a start. A cold sweat covered his body, Georg shivered as he slowly looked at his surroundings. Ignoring the ache in his body, he climbed out of bed and stumbled to the window. He was in a small, dingy cell. The room was bare except for a small table, two rickety chairs that were in the center of the room and a thin mattress that lay on the floor along the wall. On the opposite wall there was a small, barred window; leaning heavily against a wall, the wall with the only window, he steadied himself as best he could with his hands bound and his body physically weak.

He looked out the window trying to forget his nightmare. It was the same one each night:

He was running through a forest. It was dark and the wind howled around him. Shadows loomed just beyond the trees, out of his reach- shadows of the past. A red headed man bleeding in his arms, dying; a pair of panicked eyes, a gun held in his steady hand, pulling the trigger, killing a man; a woman with long blond hair shivering, his arm around her desperately trying to warm her; a quiet house, a lonely bed, emptiness, a red flag hanging over the door in his home, a boy pointing a gun at his chest; a dark mountain, a sharp pain, faces disappearing into nothingness…

That same blasted dream, every night! Robbing him of what little peace he was allowed. Whenever the nightmares came, Georg would stand by the window staring at the moon, its presence in the sky giving him peace.

At the tender age of fourteen he was sent to the naval academy. As he parted with his mother, she gave him a tight hug and whispered in his ear, that whenever he is lonely he should look to the sky; for no matter how far apart they may be, they still shared the same moon.

And throughout his life he did stare at the moon, and in his cell in Salzburg he often spent hours looking out the window thinking of Maria and the children, reflecting on his life, the decisions he made-his failures. Solitude stirs that sort of reflection, as does the death sentence hanging over ones head.

He had endured a lot over the last few weeks. Zeller has been ruthless and let Georg be his men's' entertainment. They beat him, starved him, and humiliated him- Zeller's orders being "do whatever you like with him".

However, the worst torture has been the uncertainty surrounding the fate of his family. Did they make to Switzerland? Are they all safe? Are they even alive? If one member of his family were hurt… he would never forgive himself.

Georg was never an optimist; he tended to worry and therefore liked having everything carefully planned. It was who he was, as a naval officer, as a husband, and as a father. Georg did not take risks unnecessarily, he always had a plan, and he always had a way out.

But now there was no way out. Zeller intended to torment him, both psychically and mentally, before killing him. And Herr Zeller has learned something about Georg von Trapp over the last couple of weeks. The Captain cared little about his own welfare, thus the way to break him was to aim right at his heart. Zeller toyed with Georg's sanity with vague words and cruel insinuations. He never a told of the fate of the family and the uncertainty was slowly gnawing at George's soul.

"Please let them be okay," he prayed while staring at the silver moon till the soft rays of dawn appeared.

Maria was not feeling well. She was completely exhausted and drained. It was as if her energy was zapped without Georg.

Georg, how deeply she missed him, how worried she was. It has been a three weeks and there had been no word of him. Was he alive or … no she couldn't think of such things, surely he was alive, her Georg, her sea captain, her strong and brave Georg.

She felt tears running down her cheeks, and found herself crying yet again "this is ridicules Maria" she scolded herself. Now was not the time to cry, but that is what she found herself doing all the time. As much as she needed to be brave now, and help the children, she could not seem to stop crying.

And as much as she tried, the children haven't been doing too well. Adjusting to a new life, in a strange land was hard enough; but doing it without their father was worse. She closed her eyes and tried to get that horrible image-Georg being hit over the head with a terrible crack, his body falling limp and unmoving-out of her head.

Liesl had been her savior, always ready to help with the children, acting somewhere between a friend and a daughter. Friedrich has been taking the role of a man, but his toothy grin has been so absent; Louisa had been quiet and withdrawn; Kurt found solace in eating even more food than usual; Brigitta escaped more often to read her books; Gretl and Marta have been so confused and scared, often waking up with nightmares of that awful night at the border.

And Maria had been there, drying their tears, cradling them in their arms, trying to ease their pain, and keep their hopes alive. But she'd never felt so lonely, sleeping in the big master bedroom in Berne while her husband was somewhere in Austria, far away from her.

She then sank into her empty bed, lying on her side so she could look outside the window and stare at the silver moon. "Oh Georg…where are you…" she choked, and like she had done every night for the last few weeks, she cried herself to sleep.

Rays of sunshine streamed through Maria's bedroom window.

She woke up felling very sick. She dashed for the bathroom, just reaching the toilet bowl before she vomited.

Maria sank down to the floor and rested her head against the cool tiles of the bathroom, taking shaky breaths in an attempt to calm herself.

Eventually she regained her composure and soon she stood and dressed for the day. She had been feely queasy for the last few days, however this was the first morning she actually threw up. Relax, Maria it's nothing. She blocked out the worrisome thoughts as she proceeded down the hall to wake the younger girls.

She listened behind the door and heard silence. Maria turned the knob and quietly opened the door to Brigitta's, Marta's, and Gretl's room.

Brigitta had her nose buried beneath a book; Gretl sat besides her playing with her hair as she read. Maria noticed Marta laying low in her bed, clutching her doll. Maria felt her heart break watching Marta. Her second to youngest had had the hardest time getting over George's capture. She loved him very much and they seemed to have a special bond.

Maria approached Marta's bed and gathered her in her arms. Marta let out a little sob as Maria stroked her hair. After her crying subsided somewhat, Maria asked "Marta do you know what's tomorrow?" Marta shook her head, "tomorrow you'll be starting school." Maria said, trying desperately to get the little girl's mind off her father

Hearing the word "school" Gretl's head shot up in interest. She stopped playing with Brigitta's hair and ran to Marta's bed.

"Oh mother, am I really going to go to school tomorrow!" Gretl exclaimed.

"Yes darling"

"Good"

"Now isn't that exciting Marta?" Maria asked. Marta nodded slightly. "Well, then how about we get dressed and have breakfast before going to buy your school supplies." Marta and Gretl nodded enthusiastically. Even Brigitta's face appeared from behind the book.

Maria was hoping that school would bring some sense of normality to the children's lives. Nevertheless, a part of her felt guilty in doing so. Georg was in danger and she and children were going about their lives like nothing is wrong?

She now understood why Georg acted the way he had towards the children after Agatha's death. He felt that enjoying his children and going about his life would be disrespectful to her. But he's not dead. She reminded herself.

"You're a man now Friedrich" how many times have those words echoed in his ears? "You're a man now Friedrich".

Friedrich von Trapp has been left with a task; it was his father's wish for him to take care of his family. Friedrich rose from his chair and began pacing the room. "I am a man now" he said to himself. "I am a man now" he repeated out loud. Then why don't I feel like one?

Friedrich momentarily stopped his pacing and ran his finger through his smooth blonde hair. He and his sibling have been in Switzerland for three weeks. They spent four days with Alex before coming to Berne. Alex insisted on driving them to their new home despite Maria's protest; but Friedrich knew that she really appreciated Alex's help.

On their second day in Berne Maria, Friedrich and Alex made a trip to town while Liesl watched over the younger children. In town they went to a bank to inquire about the amount of wealth Father had left them. It was a substantial amount, but considering that there was an economic depression and that the world was at the brink of war, their assets would have to be spent wisely.

For that reason Maria felt it was wise to save as much money as possible and not hire help, Alex and Friedrich however, tried to convince her otherwise. They argued that there was no way Maria could feed, cloth, and care for such a large family without help. But Maria, being as stubborn as she is, refused; besides, she reasoned, how could they find someone they could trust.

Maria was trying hard to make everything as normal possible for the children without Georg-sewing cloths for the family, playing with the children, and singing songs to them.

Soon Friedrich and his siblings would start attending classes at the local school, "because that is what children do." Friedrich agreed, except for himself. School again, the thought was laughable to him, not with the tasks of caring for his family. School was the last thing on his mind, they needed money. True Father left them with a lot, but with a family of eight they'll need food, clothing, toys, books…

Standing in a sparsely decorated room in Berne Friedrich heard his father's phantom voice again, calling him, beckoning him, drawing him to make a difficult yet so simple decision. Friedrich made his decision- he would go to work. The biggest challenge would be to convince mother.

Friedrich resumed his pacing while fiddling with his father's knife in his pocket. "I am a man now" he said.

"Absolutely not!" Friedrich looked completely shocked. Never had he heard his mother use such a tone a voice with him- Father was usually the disciplinarian.

Maria surprised herself as well with her tone of voice.

The day had been long and taxing. After breakfast she and all the children headed to town to buy supplies for school. At the time it had seemed like a good idea to take all of them long. But by the end of the trip Maria was worn and exhausted. The rest of the day had all the usual chaos seven children can bring and only before dinner did Maria find five minutes to rest.

It was during those few minutes of reprieve that Friedrich mistakenly chose to speak to his mother. Already tense from the stressful day, Maria would not hear, nor agree to Friedrich proposition of dropping out of school and going to work.

An argument ensued between the two.

"Friedrich, I appreciate your concern for the family, but you are not dropping out of school and ruining your future, we will manage fine" Maria stated firmly.

With no room open for discussion Maria rose from her seat. However, a wave of dizziness hit her and she was barely conscious of two arms trying to catch her as she fell to the floor.

Maria woke up and found seven anxious faces staring intently at her.

"What happened?" Maria asked.

"You fainted" Liesl answered simply. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine now" Maria replied as she attempted to get up, before Liesl's sturdy hand laid her back down.

"Mother" Liesl started slowly; "I… we think you should see a doctor, because you see…it's just you haven't looked well for the last few day" she finished quickly.

Maria knew she hadn't been well the last few weeks. But she didn't want to worry about it, nor did she want to burden the children. Little did she know that she looked so obviously sick. The truth was she was worried, and as much as she hated doctors; to ease her worries and the children's she agreed to see the doctor.

Doctor Wolfsan entered his next patient's room, while reading her chart. Patient exhibits symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and some vomiting. Must be a new mother, who did not recognize the symptoms, but he'd have the nurse take a urine sample, just to be sure. Dr. Wolfsan looked up from his chart and saw a young woman sitting before him. She was blonde, thin, very pale and seemed at the verge of tears; next to her stood an equally young woman holding her hand and looking very anxious.

He saw that the blond woman was wearing a wedding ring, so she must be married. Having worked in the medical profession for many years he'd seen his fair share of expectant mothers; and sometime they'd come to his office alone. Some were not married. But others were left alone, as their husbands were of fighting the war to end all wars; and they did not always return home. In recent years there have been peace, but now with the world at the brink of war…

"well there will be many more widowed and orphaned children" he grimly thought.

Giving his full attention to the woman before him, they began to discuss how she was feeling; he was in middle of taking down her medical history when the nurse came back with her results.

Pregnant.

"Ah miss," The doctor started, referring to Liesl, who had insisted on accompanying Maria. "would you mind waiting outside so that I can have a word with Frau von Trapp"

Liesl nodded and squeezed Maria's hand before leaving the room.

"Well Frau von Trapp, I think I figured out what was ailing you, and it was what I was expected. Congratulations you're pregnant, and from what you told me I'd say you're at least two months along.

Maria stared at the doctor with a look that fell somewhere between total shock and complete awe. Instinctively her hand went to her abdomen that was now nurturing a new life, as tears streamed down her face.

The doctor awkwardly scratched his neck, he did not know what to say to the woman crying before him, and maybe he should ask her friend to come back. When Maria's tears subsided somewhat, he finally cleared his throat and asked "where is your husband miss?"

"He's not here" was her only reply.

The doctor nodded in understanding.

"Do you want me to call the young woman back?"

Maria nodded, and when Liesl re-entered the doctor sat down and spoke with Maria about the changes she will be experiencing over the next few months; a healthy diet she should stick to; and general recommendations a woman who is expecting should adhere to.

As she and the doctor spoke, Maria's emotions settled. By the time she and Liesl left the doctor, she was feeling better, and a certain glow radiated from her. She and Liesl decided not to tell the rest of the children the good news yet. When Maria returned home she assured the children that she was healthy and everything was fine.

By the time the children were ready for bed, they were sure that Maria was fine. Only Friedrich remained looking miserable, he could hardly look at Maria. She could read his guilty expression easily. Therefore before bed she spoke with him and reiterated that she was feeling fine, and he has nothing to feel guilty about. Friedrich however remained skeptical.

"But after our argument you feinted" he protested.

"Friedrich I'm not ill, you didn't do anything wrong" Maria started "I'm just… we'll I'm expecting a child." She felt strange sharing this information with her adolescent son, but at the same time she couldn't let him agonize over the misperception that he caused her harm. "I haven't been eating and resting enough."

Friedrich stared at her few a few moments with a dumbfounded expression, as he processed what Maria had just told him.

His mouth twitched slightly, a gesture so similar to his Father "So I guess I will be going to work after all" Friedrich said with a mischievous grin.

"Friedrich, you really are impossible" Maria said with a chuckle. For the first time since her honeymoon, Maria allowed herself to smile a genuine smile.

Herr Zeller paid a visit to the Captain with the intention of only causing malice. He entered the cell while Georg was in the process of eating his meal-a piece of crusty bread and a cup filled with dark liquid that could be called coffee only by name and not by taste.

"I see your enjoying your meal," Zeller said while sitting down on an empty chair by the table.

"Yes, it quite a feast"

"I have some news that I'm sure would interest you, news of your family". He waited for Georg to react before continuing, Georg remained silent and stoic.

"They're dead captain"

Georg felt a surge of hatred that he never felt before. Acting on impulse alone he lunged at Zeller, knocking him down, while wrapping his fingers tightly around his throat- choking him. He never felt a rage as he felt now. He wanted to kill Zeller –if only with his bare hands then so be it.

The soldiers quickly responded by prying the Captain's hands off Zeller's throat and pulling him off. Zeller was left gasping for air, but for a moment when his eyes locked with Georg's blazing ones, before the latter disappeared under a sea of soldiers.

Latter that night Zeller took the stairs once again to see the Captain. Only this time he made sure that his two burliest soldiers accompanied him. As they entered the cell one look at the Captain convinced Zeller that his cautiousness was unwarranted. The consequences of the Georg's actions left the soldiers to be merciless in his beating. His face was viciously bruised. Both eyes were blackened; his lips were swollen and cut. Blood oozed from his mouth and nose-staining his shirt, hair, and face.

He looked forlorn, lost, and beat. he and his family no longer shared the same moon.

TBC