Chapter Nine

McCall glanced over at the LT and with a serious expression on his tired face he spoke. "Sir…it was a hell of a plan and I'm sure glad you came up with it." Glancing at his squad mates he added. "We all are."

"Consider it a team effort, men." Hanley responded

"What next LT?" Caje asked.

All the men were hoping they could get back to Charlie Company to look in on Saunders...then they all wanted a warm meal and a good night's sleep, if they could get it.

Hanley rubbed a hand tiredly over the stubble on his chin, he needed a shower and a shave. First he needed to talk to Capt. Jampel and with a sigh he stood up. "I'll check with the Captain and see what he wants us to do…stay put til I get back." Turning he walked toward the TC.

After the LT walked away Kirby spoke up. "Boy, I know what I'd like to do, grab a good hot meal, good hot shower and visit with the Serge." Turning to Caje, he asked. "You think the LT can get the Captain to let us go back to Charlie?

Caje thought for a moment before answering. "I bet the LT will try to borrow a jeep to get us there once Battalion shows up."

When is Battalion supposed to be here? Brockmeyer asked as he started cleaning his weapons.

McCall spoke up. "Before daybreak according to one of the communication guys...Command wants the equipment Battalion is bringing with them in place before the Germans arrive with the reinforcements."

"Those Krauts are sure in for a surprise when they arrive." Kirby said with a grin.

"Not a pleasant one either." added McCall with a matching grin.

"Well, if we are lucky maybe Lt. Hanley will have us back at Charlie before the Germans roll in." Caje paused for a moment. "Then again it would be interesting to see how the Krauts react."

Brockmeyer glanced at the other three men then spoke. "True but I would rather be visiting with the Serge."

Continuing to clean his weapons, Brockmeyer listened as Caje, McCall and Kirby talked among themselves, grinning when Kirby started throwing out ideas on how to confiscate a jeep, while McCall would come up with ideas why Kirby's ideas wouldn't work. Occasionally Caje would throw in a suggestion which would get the two other men competing on whose idea would work best. At the moment he was glad they were all in one piece, well except for the LT but he was wounded before they took over the town so that didn't count. He looked up when his friends stopped talking to see the LT making his way back to them, a frown playing on his features...still wearing the sling so Brockmeyer figured the arm was starting to protest a bit more and the LT was feeling it. Hoping it wasn't bad news Hanley was getting ready to share, Brockmeyer stood at attention with the other three men and wait.

With a wave of his good hand, Hanley motioned for them to relax before coming to a stop in front of them. "Captain Jampel has given us orders," he began, hiding a grin when he saw the disappointed looks cross the men's features. "We're to make our way over to the TC building…where a jeep is waiting…McCall you'll be driving…we are to recon fifteen miles south of this town." Pausing to give his men a moment to consider what he had said.

"Sir, that will take us to Charlie Company." Brockmeyer said with a frown...which slowly turned to a smile when he realized what the LT was saying.

"He's going to let us go before Battalion gets here?" Caje asked.

Hanley smiled as he continued. "Battalion radioed in…there thirty minutes out coming in from the east…Capt. Jampel fixed it with Capt, Parker so that we could stay with C Company for a few days." Pausing before continuing. "Dr. Williams said Saunders is still unconscious but not to worry, the operation on his leg went well…no complications.

"That's good news Sir" commented Kirby. "Sure hope he's awake when we get there."

"Don't worry Kirby…if he isn't, I'm sure the melodious sound of your voice will wake him up." McCall said with a smirk.

"Ah…cut it out." Kirby replied, with a hint of irritation. Do you even know what melodious means?

"Alright men, let's get moving…or do you want to wait til morning?" Hanley asked.

"No Sir…when you're ready." McCall said glancing at the LT.

"Make sure you have all your equipment before setting foot in the jeep, I'll tell the Captain that we're heading out." Hanley said as he turned and walked away.

Fifteen minutes later Hanley stepped from the TC building carrying a satchel that Capt. Jampel wanted him to deliver to Charlie Company. Pausing before stepping in to the jeep, Hanley looked over the men...Caje, Kirby and Brockmeyer were sitting in the back of the jeep, packs stored neatly on the floor boards, McCall was at the wheel, jeep idling. All four men safe {that should make Saunders happy, he thought, placing his pack on the floor as he took the passenger seat}. "Let's move out, Private."

"Yes Sir." McCall responded as he put the jeep in gear and head toward C Company.

Dr. Williams was making final rounds when Sgt. Saunders regained consciousness, as he examined his patient the Doctor asked some basic questions.

What's your name soldier?

"Sgt. Chip Saunders."

Do you know where you are?

"In Medical at C Company, I hope." Saunders replied as he glanced around. "That's where the LT was bringing me."

"Your LT brought you in yesterday afternoon, I'm Capt. Williams, Medical Officer, assigned to Charlie Company." Pulling a stool up the Doctor sat and began examining the head wound." How do you feel, Sergeant? Headache…nausea…any blurred vision…

"Headache only, but I haven't tried to sit up yet." Saunders informed him, wincing as the Doctor, cleaned and redressed the wound.

Shifting on the stool the Doc began to clean and redress the bandages on Saunders leg. "The wound looks good, Sergeant…no apparent infection." Finishing up Dr. Williams made notes on the patient chart then laid the chart on the empty cot beside Saunders. "Alright Sgt. Saunders let's see what happens when you try to sit."

Clasping his patients hands the Doc tugged gently while the Sergeant pulled himself up a few inches at a time…halfway to a sitting position Saunders hesitated...

Dr. Williams watched closely. "Nice and slow Sergeant...Are you alright?

"Yeah…felt light headed for a moment but I'm fine now." Saunders replied as he completed the exercise.

"Good…You can lay back." Dr. Williams said. "Your pupils are even and you reflexes are good, no concussion…you were lucky Sergeant…I'll prescribe a mild pain reliever for the headache…it should ease up within a few days …you'll need to stay off the leg as much as possible for the next 48 hours, I'll have you fitted for crutches tomorrow…which are to be used for a minimum of two weeks…you'll need to check in with your own Doctor once you get back to King Company." Picking up the patients chart he paused. "Now that I've given you my diagnosis…do you have any questions for me?"