Colonel Sink, the "lady" General and Dr. Einstein joined the Major at the front of the table. After all the officers exchanged salutes, The Colonel extended his hand and congratulated Winters on a job well done. The latter did not know if he was referring to the one on the hill or the capture of Foy, but shook the Sink's hand and thanked him.
"Lieutenant Lipton, congratulations. "It was a pleasure to promote you Carwood."
"Thank you, sir."
"It is good to see you looking so well Lieutenant Compton."
"It's good to be back with the men, sir. Thank you sir."
"Nix, how are you this morning?"
"Fine sir and I trust you are well."
"Could not be better." Sink could not help but notice that Captain Nixon was cold sober, no hangover, and he shaved.
"Gentlemen, this is General Roxanne Clinton of the Free American Air Force."
"How do you do General," said Winters. The other officers offered similar exchanges.
"Very well, I trust there are no hard feelings over last night's unfortunate episode," her voice was strong but not nearly as angry as it sounded last night when she chewed Lieutenant Bush a new asshole.
"Absolutely not, I am glad everything worked out and no one was hurt."
"Dick, Professor Einstein would like to open the floor to the men's questions. He probably has a better bead on all of this time travel than you and I do."
"All right sir, if you think that is best."
"I do Dick. I really do."
Walking back over to the table, "Colonel Sink suggests that Professor Einstein might be better equipped to answer your questions, than I can, and I quite agree." Dick motioned for Professor Einstein to come over. "Men I expect you to treat Professor Einstein with every courtesy you would give me."
"Thank you Major. It is true that this is the year 2645. In the past seven hundred years, humankind has made incredible achievements in technology. In the first one hundred years, a number of inventions emerged, including the atomic bomb that ended the war in Japan. Space travel took man to the moon in 1971." That bit of news shook the men up quite a bit.
"That's great, we go to war and when we go home, we become Buck Rogers," joked Luz. No one else laughed by Luz noticed the amused twinkle in the Professor's eyes.
Perhaps some visuals are in order. Please turn your attention to the wall. For the next two hours, Dr. Einstein flashed images by clicking some small device. He described the highs and lows of American society in the first one hundred years following the end of World War II. Many of the men were impressed with the GI Bill and the growth of the American economy and the roll they played in it. Then he moved onto the next century where there were a number of wars, global warming caused a rise in ocean levels and the disappearance of coastal cities, political upheavals, increase in natural disasters, diseases and the growing inability of governments to cope with these problems. More importantly, the sudden disappearance of the common honeybee set off a worldwide famine.
"Honeybees," said Wild Bill. "Did he or did he not, just say honeybees?"
"That he did boyo," said Malarkey.
"Jesus Christ." Guarnere rolled his eyes. Looking around the room, the mood of the men was mixed. Some were obviously confused, Skip, Hoobler and Penk seemed uncharacteristically calm but others like Martin looked liked they might explode. Can't say as I blame Muck and them, thought Wild Bill. This is one lucky break for them and maybe for me and Joe too.
"Religious wars that began in the year 2266 triggered mass uprisings throughout the world. In the middle of this period, private monies enabled nations to construct space stations that orbit above the earth. In the beginning, scientists populated these stations. Eventually, there was a fear that humankind itself would disappear if cultural changes were not made. This gave rise to social experiments on the space stations. These experiments addressed the cultural divides that seem to spark long term animosity among societies and countries." Dr. Einstein watched the faces of the men before him. It was obvious that he offered too much information and no real explanation for why they were here, which was their only concern.
"I apologize for expanding on minutia. Let us start from this very simple premise. You find yourself in the year 2645. That much you know is true. Currently you are in what is now known as New Penn Colony. Most of America is now unpopulated as is most of the Earth. It is true that you traveled through time because we needed you and your abilities to defeat a vicious enemy. One of the many great technological advances was the discovery of the ability to travel in time. Why was this so important? During the past centuries, as man seemed hell bent on destroying one another, our leaders who are referred to as elders in the space stations reached the conclusion that we as a race need to study history if we were to prevent future conflicts.
In our modern culture, historians such as Miss Daniels, play an important role in developing long-term policies. Another development emerged with the almost universal decline of organized religion. People began to explore their relationship with God via a more spiritual connection. Religious denominations disappeared during one of the many religious wars that we lump together and refer to as The Earth Wars. In this particular war, Protestants fought Catholics, Christians and Jews fought Muslims and so on and so on. I know I am digressing again, but you must understand all of this is interconnected. So, please be patient a little longer."
Eventually, the population of the earth declined except for the native tribes in certain regions. For the next 300 years, we decided to let the planet heal. Work in the stations focused on restoring the planet with plants, trees, insects, fish, and other animals that had become extinct. How did we achieve this? The invention of portals that could transport people through time was the answer. Not only did it improve our knowledge of history. Our scientists crossed the years to retrieve every species that sustains life. Our biologist carefully nurtured these creatures, and when the time was right, they released the animals in areas where they once flourished. Specially designed robots removed areas contaminated by nuclear weapons and turned the soil into forms of energy. Eventually, the Earth returned to a life supporting state."
Our society became a peaceful one. It is truly the most egalitarian one in the history of humankind. Emotional deterrents such as racial and religious prejudices disappeared. Pacifism became the norm. A desire rose among some living on space stations to re-establish colonies on earth where people lived in the harmonious manner as they did in Nouvelle and other space stations. They also explored being part of nature itself. Today, there are a number of colonies throughout the world. Initially, the inhabitants faced numerous hardships. This was to be expected because they were accustomed to living in controlled environments with all the comforts of the 27th century. Unfortunately, at the same time emerged an evil movement led by one Dr. Gregor Swinehudt, who was deeply disturbed. He worked in the time travel section. Dr. S.'s madness led him to bring back one of the most demented minds in the world has ever known.
"Adolph Hitler," said Nixon. He did not realize how loud he said that and apologized for interrupting.
"That is quite all right my son. You are correct. For two years, Hitler and Dr. S. recruited young men who had aggressive tendencies and who felt marginalized in our new society. They even brought back some of Hitler's minions. Before, we became aware of the problem their numbers had grown and they were secretly traveling in time and obtaining the weapons used during the Second World War Eventually they were discovered, but not before destroying an entire space station that resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. Those that we were able to capture are now in mental hospitals. The rest escaped using what is best described as a space ship that housed these soldiers, two mad leaders and their cache of weapons. They began attacking our Earth colonies, killing those who they knew would not join them and forcibly taking young boys as recruits and certain girls as slaves, who were forced to bare children to populate the New Order. They also began killing the Native Americans, Eskimos, and any Aborigines because they were not white."
The men looked at each other and shook their heads. It was truly a horrifying story they were hearing.
"What we were to do? Eventually, we were able to track their portals and neutralize the mechanisms that made travel possible. However, they lived dormant, waiting for the right time to attack. Knowing it was only a matter of time before they would move on the colonies, we tried to raise our own Armies, but it is hard to train men and women to kill when it has been bred out of them. Diplomacy was fruitless and only led to the death of our ambassadors. It was decided that the only way was to combine our knowledge of history, technology, and time travel."
"What you are really saying, is that we were brought here to do your dirty work," said Guarnere.
Dr. Einstein considered what the Sergeant just said. "Yes, for the past year we have been bringing back citizen soldiers from World War II to help us defeat this enemy. We believe it is the only solution if we are to stop the killing. Yesterday, the Aryan Army launched three final assaults. There had been no communication between the ship and the land forces for two months. Fortunately, for us about the same time the Major discovered two of their portals, there was a lone signal sent from a location near here to the command ship that had been hiding behind One Ceres. That is a very large asteroid in our galaxy. Our Army neutralized the ship, but before it could be seized, it exploded. There were no survivors."
"So, when do we return," asked Martin.
Toye did not wait for the professor to answer. "Were there women on that ship?"
Dr. Einstein studied the face of the serious young man. "Yes, Sergeant Toye, there were young girls and women that had been kidnapped by the Aryans on the ship. Unfortunately, sometime innocent lives are lost during a war. Of that, I am sure you know very well."
"Still don't make it right though," said Joe.
"No, my son, but war is rarely about what is right and what is wrong."
"As for your return, some of you will probably wish to return sooner than others. As we speak, the Aryan portals are being removed. Our time travel specialists are uneasy about the close proximity of those portals to ours. As soon as they believe it is safe, those of you wish to return may do so."
Hoobler stood up and announced he was staying.
"Ditto," said Muck.
"What Skip just said," laughed Penkala. He could not remember a time he was so happy.
"You boys really are going to stay here," asked Malarkey. He was not exactly sure what he was going to do, but he never realized how much he cared for his friends until they died.
Muck looked at him and laughed. "Well, Malark it seems you have forgotten that 1945 wasn't exactly a very good year for Penk, Hoob and me. So, yeah, we are staying here."
Colonel Sink stood up, walked over to Dr. Einstein and whispered in his ear. The latter nodded and gestured for Sink to take his place. Silence filled the room again.
"That's right boys those of you who wish to stay can do so. However, I am hoping that all of you will consider remaining here in America for at least six months so that you can partake in one final mission that we hope will be led by Major Winters. Now I have always been proud of Easy Company. In fact, yesterday, when you helped take the town of Foy, I cannot remember a better sign of leadership as I saw yesterday when Major Winters refrained from leading the attack after Lieutenant Dike was unable to do so.
Instead, he replaced Dike with Lieutenant Spiers. I would like to say that you will be taken off the line, but there are a few more towns that we need to capture and Ike wants action. However, in six months, the Germans will surrender in. Three months later, the Japanese will also surrender and the war will be over. Men will return to their civilian lives and try and rebuild their lives. However, you will discover that you have formed bonds with the men sitting around you that link you for generations to come.
Undoubtedly, you noticed the children living in this community. Some of you are aware that they bear not only your surnames but also strong physical resemblances to you or to members of your family. These children are your direct descendants. They are a special group of young people. Most of them were born on Earth unlike their parents who came from different space stations. Their parents eagerly volunteered to establish a small community near here called New Eden. One year ago, Aryan soldiers attacked that community. The majority of the adults were massacred for lack of a better word. Much to our surprise, the children who survived that assault insist upon continuing with their parent's dream of building what Dr. Einstein described as a colony. The women who care for the children are close relatives, and I believe there is one case where the mother survived and will return soon to rejoin her children." Sink looked to Professor Einstein who nodded in the affirmative. Sink had the men's attention now. They hung onto every word, but it was a lot digest that these children were somehow their great-great-great-great whatever children. After a few minutes passed and Sink drank some water, he continued.
"Based on the expert opinion of child psychologists, the Elders or leaders of Nouveau, the American space satellite, decided that it is not in the best interest of the children for them to remain in New Penn. They will depart from here at the end of March to Carolina in the western part of what use to be called North Carolina. There they will join other colonists, who are already there establishing a community known as New Harmony. The Elders are desirous to have men such as you who know the true horror of war and its aftermath to help in the re-building process. They asked me to invite you men to remain here, lead the expedition to Carolina and make your homes there. Now I know this is a lot to ask of you men. They assure me that they have simulators where you can actually experience reuniting with your families, as you will after you are discharged from the Army. However, you would remain here. Men this is a rare opportunity. Imagine building an America that is free of war. This has proven successful in a number of countries in Europe, Canada, South America, and Africa as well as what is left of Asia. You men in particular were selected because of the special bond that you have developed. This would indeed be the final mission for Easy Company. I ask that you not make any snap decisions, but give it the time that such a momentous decision deserves. I have always been proud of the accomplishments of Easy Company. You are unique band of soldiers."
"Sir, may I ask if you are staying here," asked Popeye?
"I am afraid I am too much of a war horse to settle down here. My life is the service, Sergeant Wynn. Those of you here who survived the war return to your civilian lives. Some of you will be successful beyond your wildest dreams while others will not be so fortunate. Perhaps here all of you can find the peaceful lives that you have fought for so hard." With that, Sink shook the hands of the officers and did the same with the enlisted men. Then he stepped into York's cubicle. A blinding light shot from under the door of the small room.
Shifty got up, walked over to the cubicle and was about to open the door, when Einstein told him that it was not necessary. Colonel Sink had returned home.
It was quiet for a moment and then all hell broke loose. "I want to go back right now damn it," said Martin. This led to Guarnere to jump in and tell Johnny that he understood how he must feel, but think of the children. "This is the opportunity that my Dad dreamed of when he came to this country, a chance to build a new America on an equal standing with the guy next to him. Instead, he busts his hump as a tailor all dese years. I haven't made up mind, but I don't think any of us should jump to any decision right away."
Luz thought of his own parents who came from Portugal, but he could not imagine never seeing them again or his brothers and sisters.
In the greenhouse, Lewis Winters finished planting the last of the Maple trees. Relieved to have two chores off his list, he decided to take a break. I think I will go and see the heleocopter pull that portal out of the ground. I wonder if Dick can see it from his house. He closed the door to the greenhouse, ran to the front of the house and leaned against the fence. It seemed the craft was playing a strange game of tug of war with the portal, but finally the latter gave up and the copter rose straight up over the hillside when all of a sudden the cables connecting the portal to the craft snapped. Dick hit the ground and put his hand over his ears anticipating the explosions that followed as the portal fell straight into the top of the hill.
Gillian and Sarah were heading downstairs. Looking down at her aunt's feet," she said you don't have any shoes on."
"Oh, how silly of me." Before Sarah could go back to her room, a large blast knocked her down. Gilly screamed. Sarah picked her up and carried her downstairs. "Mrs. Mendenhall are you all right?" Sarah turned the corner and went into the kitchen. Another blast through her back and the glass in the front windows shattered, sending tiny shards everywhere. Sarah shielded Gilly with her body.
Mrs. Mendenhall was under the kitchen table at the time of the blast. Trying to retrieve a spoon, she dropped just before the explosion. "God in Heaven what has happened? Are you all right, Sarah?"
"Yes, I am fine except my ears are ringing. Gilly, please stop screaming honey and let me look at you." Satisfied that the child was not injured, Sarah realized that Lewis was not here. "Where's Lewis?"
"He was going to re-pot the seedlings," said Gilly.
"Oh, no," cried Mrs. Mendenhall.
"Gilly, I need you stay here with Mrs. Mendenhall. I am going to look for Lewis." Sarah turned to Ellen and said, "Stay down in case there is another blast and be careful of the glass." She grabbed her coat and went out the back door, yelling Lewis. She reached the greenhouse, which was in shambles from the blasts. Picking her way through all of the broken glass, Sarah frantically began lifting tables and screaming her nephew's name.
"What the hell was that," yelled Nixon!
"Maybe it is another attack," said Buck. The men scrambled to retrieve their gear.
Winters quickly went into action. "Talbert come with me we are going take a look outside and see what is going on. Nix you take Lip and go around the back. The rest of you men get ready." Tab grabbed his helmet, his rifle and followed Winters outside. Using the trees and the fence for coverage, Winters soon determined that the blast was further away than he originally thought. Then he saw Lewis trying to pull himself up by using the fence as support.
Lewis tried to get up, but he was stunned from the blast. Someone was calling his name. It was Aunt Sarah. Standing up he looked around, but he could not see her, but he did see Major Winters running toward him. "Are you all right son?"
Lewis stared at the man, but his ears felt stopped up. Shaking his head seemed to help. Then he heard his aunt calling his name. Lewis stood still as Winters checked him for wounds.
Tab stared up at the hillside. "Major Winters take a look up there."
Dick was more concerned about the boy, but he turned his attention to where Tab pointed. Flames shot out of the cave as well as the hillside. Men whose clothes were on fire ran down the hill screaming. Smaller crafts flew in from all direction in the direction of the disaster.
Lewis started for the greenhouse, but he was still dizzy. Dick walked over to him and told him to sit still. "I need to tell Aunt Sarah that I am ok. She must think I am in the hothouse."
Dick heard Sarah's frantic cries for her nephew. "Where is this hothouse?"
"Straight up that way just above the barn. Gee, I hope the animals are ok, I better go see."
Nix and Lipton appeared from behind the barracks and gave the all clear sign. Lip pointed to the house. The blast blew out most of the windows and the curtains flapped outside. Nix ran over to the house to see if anyone had been hurt. In the back of his mind, he prayed that Faith and Dick were safe.
Dick told Talbert to go back inside and get the rest of the company. They may have to go up there and help rescue those men. The two men watched in horror as rescue teams tried to assist men engulfed in flames. Tab took off and Dick returned to find Lewis walking up towards the greenhouse yelling to his aunt that he was all right.
Walking into the barracks, Tab reported what he had seen to the General and Compton. The latter yelled, "Easy Company on me." Just as they were about to leave. A telephone rang. The men turned and watched as General Clinton pulled a small device out of her pocket and began talking. Albie held up his hand to get the men to settle down so the General could hear. There was a long pause. Then General Clinton asked the person on the other end about casualties and a damage report.
Wild Bill looked at Joe. They were concerned about the children and the women they shared breakfast with just a few hours ago. Bill closed his eyes and asked God to keep them safe.
Finally, the General put the small phone back in her pocket. "I am afraid gentlemen that there has been an accident during the removal of the Aryan portal. We do not know the extent of the damage to our own portal, but the early reports do not sound good, there are a number of casualties. Every available emergency transport is flying in from a number of space stations to assist in the cleanup and the recovery. Consequently, there maybe some difficulty in returning those of you who wish to leave soon as originally planned."