In the morning, Lew knocked on Dick's door to find him dressing.
"So, do we win the war?"
Dick turned and smiled. "Yes, Easy came out fine."
"Have you decided what to do about teaching the men the rules regarding the opposite sex?" Nixon smirked while Dick raised his brows and tried not to turn red.
"You are just full of questions this morning, but as a matter of fact, I have. I decided that as your immediate CO, I order you to inform the men that there are certain proprieties expected of them to maintain while they are here, and they are to act accordingly. Anything you want to add is entirely up to you."
"Oh, no, say you don't mean it."
"I do. Rank has its privilege. Therefore I am ordering you to serve as my information liaison seeing how you end up with Easy Company."
"How's that?"
"It's all in here." Winters tossed the book he finished last night, which Nixon caught and looked at the cover. "Now I suggest we go downstairs for breakfast. As you said, Ellen Mendenhall is the best cook of this our any other century.
While the children were off to school, Faith and Albie came by with several simulator re-enactors for the men who requested them. Bill, Joe, and Tab were shown how to use the devices, which enabled the wearer to travel back to any time in their life. Each man went into his cubicle, placed the round device firmly on their brain. They would feel every sensation as if they were in that time, but there would always be awareness that they could remove the re-enactors when they wanted to stop.
Joe Toye
"Ah, you're awake boyo." Joe looked up and saw his father's face.
"Hi, Pop, it sure is good to see your face."
"And yours too laddie. They gave us quite a scare when they said you were wounded, but I know my Joe is tough. He's a Toye. You'd pull through and here your are."
"I am sorry that I won't be able to help you on the farm like we planned." Joe's face tightened and he refused to cry, but he felt like he had let his father down.
"What do I give a damn about that when I have my son back? Jesus boyo, when so many Fathers and Mothers are loosing their sons, I thank the good Lord for bringing you home to us. Who gives a damn about a leg? You are Joseph Toye, my son, and that is enough for me."
"Where's ma?"
"She just outside. Your mother took it real hard, and I told her no crying in front of ya. This is a day of celebration because you're home and your safe. Now, I'll go and fetch her."
Joe kept his eyes on the door and then he saw his mom. He smiled as did she, but he could tell she had been crying.
"Ah, Joey, I am awfully happy to see you son."
"Me too, Mom."
"You always were one to take chances. Your Captain wrote us and told us how you didn't have to go back on the line but you wanted to be with your friends. I am proud of ya, but sometimes I wish you would have used a little more sense when you were over there a fighting the Germans."
"Ah, Ma, I was just doing my duty."
"Your dooty," she said with her thick Irish brogue. She stroked Joe's hair. "Wait until I get you home and I will show you what your dooty is, which is to have a proper meal. Look at you. All skin and bones your are. Oh, and I heard about how your friend the Eyetalian one, who came out of his hole to help you. I want you to know that I went to church and lit a candle for him. What was his name again?"
"Bill Guarnere," said Joe. "Wild Bill Guarnere."
"Well, he's not Irish," said Peter Toye, but he must be a good man and a good friend to come to your aid after the bastards, pardon me mother, dropped those bombs on you and your men. T'is cowardly not to come out and fight man to man."
Joe jumped ahead and saw that he struggled to work. His first marriage went bust, but it seemed everything settled down with his second marriage. Joe even watched as he and his sons went hunting, but he never carried a rifle again. When Joe lifted the re-enactor off of his head, his first thoughts were Bill Guarnere.
Wild Bill Guarnere felt a little nervous when he put what he thought was a screwy looking device on his head. He sat the dial to the dates suggested by Faith. Soon, he realized he was lying in an American hospital and a door opened. Bill immediately recognized the faces of his parents. His father muttered in Italian. They both looked shocked to see him.
What's wrong, Ma? Aren't ya glad to see me?
"Course we are Bill. Oh my Bill. Your father and I didn't know ya lost your leg. The doctor wrote us and told it was just a fracture. Letta me look at you. Still handsome as ever andwhat's this. Are you crying Bill? Do you hurta somawhere. Shoulda I get the doctor?"
"No, Ma, I am just happy to see ya, that's all. Dey told you I broke my leg did they. You could say it broke right off."
"Don'ta scare your mama lika dat.".Never a man to show his affection Joe Guarnere ran his fingers through his son's head then patted him on the shoulder. "I coulda ring dat doctor's neck. It is a shock to see ya laying there like dis."
Kissing her son, Gussie Guarnere said, "Hah, whatta I care. Ima justa happy to see my baby boy. God has beena good to me and bring my son back."
"I'm sorry about Henry. Sometimes, I think it should have been me."
"Are you outta your mind. Don'ta talk such nonsense, said his father who squeezed Bill's shoulders. Dey donta feed you too good. You are skin and bones."
"Papa is right," said Gussie. "These things they are in the hands of God not Bill Guarnere's. I loved Henry. I love all my boys. He will be with me always in here," she patted her ample bosom, "but you came back, and that's all that a matters to me now. Hey, guess who came with us today?"
"Who?"
"Why, Francine of course. She's a good girl. Now you two can get married and gimme some a grandchildren"
"Oh, Ma. Look at me what can I offer her now?"
"Hey, donna talka a stupid," said his father. "You gotta a brain and two hands. As well as a big heart, even though you pretend not to. Besides, who do ya think broughta us here. Dattsa right, Francine. You a good boy Bill. You listen to your mama. You're gonna be fine and have a good life."
Augustina Guarnere bent down and kissed her youngest son. "God broughta you back to me for a reason. You just remember that. Now I am going to get Francine."
Bill continued to watch himself and Francine. The feelings were so intense. The minute he saw her, Bill knew he wanted to marry her. He fast forward the machine a bit and listenend how Fran's parents did not want them to marry because of his war injuries. Bill laughed out loud and almost cheered to see himself and his girl elope to Maryland then honeymoon with Johnny Martin and his wife. Bill could tell they were happy because they had each other. A year later, he saw himself shooting craps and Babe Heffron came up and jumped on his back. As Bill watched his life go by he was proud that he never let his "disability" get him down. Through thick and thin, Franny was there by his side, helping him straighten out his struggles with the goddamn Veterans Administration, and raising their two beautiful sons. There were reunions with Easy Company that were joyous events.and through it all Babe Heffron was there. Mama Guarnere was right. He was going to have a good life. Bill hoped Joe and Tab's experiences were equally pleasant.
Every since Floyd Talbert was told about the situation, he felt uneasy about reviewing his life. Tab started with his discharge and that was fine as was seeing his family. He became a successful salesman, but as he got older, Tab isolated himself just as he discovered he had cancer. Then Tab saw himself shaving, putting on a suit, and attending a reunion with the guys. It was one of the bright spots in his life that would soon come to a close.. Tab removed the device, put his head in his hands, and wept. After awhile, he just laid there on the bed. He did not have any choice he thought. To go back to that was just impossible. "I like it here with my buddies, but he wanted to talk to Major Winters. Tab got up and went upstairs to wash his face. None of the men asked him what it was like. His face was an open book.
As he walked over to the Daniels house, he did not know exactly what he was going to ask the Major, but he just knew the Major could help him. Ellen answered the door and let Tab inside. "The Major is upstairs. Would you like for me to see if he is busy, Sergeant?"
"Yes m'am, would you please?"
Ellen saw Sarah heading upstairs and told her that one of the soldiers was here to see the Major. Sarah looked down and smiled at Tab. It was obvious something troubled him, and she had an idea what it might be. Sarah knocked on the door and told him that Sergeant Talbert was here to see him. Dick came downstairs and motioned for Tab to follow him into the back parlor so they could have some privacy.
"What's on your mind Tab?" Winters thought Tab was one of the finest soldiers that he ever had. He was dependable and got the job done, but he was obviously troubled by something.
Tab got up and started pacing. Then it all came pouring out about what he had seen. Winters was surprised. He thought Tab would do fine in civilian life.
"I don't under stand why I would want to live alone in the wilderness." He was staring out the window now.
Dick got up and put his hand on Tab's shoulder. "Floyd, you are one of the best soldiers I've ever had. If I had to select one man to go into battle with, I would choose you. War does strange things to people and how we react to civilian life will vary for each man. I am sorry to hear that I loose touch with you after the war. Last night I read a book about Easy Company and you are featured prominently. You write me a letter that any Company Commander would be proud to received, and I cherish those sentiments." Dick paused for a moment. "The choice is yours to make. Maybe you should consider remaining here."
"I've thought about that, but what if it's not any different here."
"Now that you know what the possibility could be, I don't think you will let that happen. Besides Captain Nixon and Sergeant Guarnere are probably going to stay. I can't see Wild Bill letting you down."
"No, none of the guys will.. Have you reached your decision yet, Major?"
The long silence said it all, but finally Dick said, "No, I have not."
"Thank you for listening to me, sir. I have the utmost respect for you."
"I know you do, Tab, and I appreciate it. If anything else troubles you, come to me, and will talk it out. You are a good man. I know you will have a good life here if you put as much effort into it as you do as a soldier."
"Thank you, sir." Floyd saluted, and Dick dismissed him. "I will see my self out."
Sarah watched as Tab left and Dick remained in the parlor. "Is everything all right? He seemed distressed when he first came inside."
"He saw his future, and the end was rather bittersweet." Dick sat down in a chair.
"Do you need to talk?"
"Hmm, you know all about us don't you? Do I have a good life after the Army?"
Sarah sat down on the couch across from him." What I know, I know from books and visual viewings of your lives in your own time, reacting to events that you experienced then, not now. However, to answer your question, you have a rich and wonderful life. There will be ups and downs as there are in most people's lives, but overall, you maintain your ideals, you work hard, marry, and have children. You even purchase a farm where you spend the remaining years of your life."
"Am I happy?"
"Probably more than most people, but you are an exceptional man, Dick Winters. You are a good man who works hard to lead a good life." Sarah got up. "Some men always have trouble readjusting to civilian life, but most find their way. I see Tab staying here. He will work hard, but he will need help along the way. The are talking to one another now just as they would on the ships that bring them back home in 1945. We also have doctors that any of the soldiers can talk to to help ease their adjustment into civilian life."
"What about me, do you see me staying here?" Dick watched intently so much so that Sarah blushed.
"There are times when visualizing you here is as natural as seeing one of the children playing in the yard, but then there are times like now, when I am certain that you will take the first time portal back." Although, she tried to maintain an air of calmness, the idea of Dick leaving frightened her, but it must be his choice to stay, she thought. When she heard a knock at the front door, she quickly left the room to answer it. "Excuse me," she said, "I must see who it is."
Dick heard Sarah talking to someone. "Let me take your helmet and coat. Yes, he's in the back parlor. Down the hall and to your right." Realizing someone else was here to see him, Dick tried to prepare himself, but to his amazement, it was Colonel Sink.
"Hello, Dick." As the younger man stood at attention, Sink, waved his hand, "Never mind the protocol right now. I am here to learn what you have decided?"
For the next hour, Dick and the Colonel talked. First it was about Foy, where the Colonel expressed how proud he was of him and Easy Company. "Smartest thing I did was bring you back into Easy Company after that dispute with Sobel. I am going to be honest with you. I don't know a damn thing about your life or mine after the war. I have never asked them anything about the war. It would not be a fair fight, but the end is coming and it's coming fast. This mission is a lot to ask of any man, and I don't know what all you have learned about America since the war ended."
"They implied things went well for the United States, but then there were environmental problems and more wars."
"I read the last two hundred years of our history. For all practical purposes, the country went down the crapper. We forgot who we are as a people. The people elected to government office forgot whom they represented. They became as corrupt and as despotic as any government you and I have seen thus far. You know they had to restore what they could of the land, icecaps, rivers, plants, trees, animals, insects, you name it, they went back into time to revive this planet in the hopes that human beings could return here and build a new civilization, one that devotes time to peace and not war. It is going to require special people for this mission, and like it or not Dick, you are needed here. With your style of leadership, I believe this colony stands a chance. You know it is the first one they have been able to establish south of Pennsylvania."
"Why is that, sir?"
"Dick, most of the coastal towns around the world were lost during a long period of global warming. Cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Norfolk are all under water. Hell, all of Hawaii and half of California is too, and that's just here in this country. The coast of Virginia now lies along what use to be the James River. It's unbelievable how the geography of this nation changed. In Europe, most of the battlefields in Holland fell into the sea three hundred years ago. Along with the cemeteries that held American soldiers. Goddamn, I am glad I do not recollect any of this when I return to 1945. Only when I am here do I have any idea of what the future holds. Now I was asked to select men whom I thought could protect and rebuild this country. Who understood the price of war and would work for peace in the future. By golly, I think the men of the 2nd Battalion fit the bill. These women are smart. Educated beyond belief. All of the men will have that same opportunity. I insisted upon it. They will send down the finest scholars so the boys can get a college degree. It is a one in a million opportunity Dick. To be on the dawn of rebuilding American, that must mean something to you."
"It does sir, but like the men, all I want to do after the war is go home to see my family, and then began building a life that I choose. Not one that has been selected for me."
"Yes, I am afraid that is true. That Miss Daniels pegged you right. She said the only way this mission will succeed is if each man decides to stay for reasons known only to him. Not the children or the women can play any part in that process. Regardless of her own desires, Miss Daniels will not use any undo influence on you Dick, so you don't have to worry about that. Well, I came here to say what I had to say, Dick. I hope you will forgive me for trying to convince you. I know you love your country, but you are entitled to live your own life. I may pop in on you from time to time just to see how things progress."
"That will be fine, sir." Dick opened the door and the two men went out together. Mrs. Mendenhall brought the Colonel is helmet and coat. The latter went back to the barracks. While the other went up stairs to his room, he saw Sarah exiting his room.
"Hello, Albie brought the device that lets you see your family. I thought it would be nice break for you. I can show you how to work it if you like."
"Have you ever used one before?"
"Yes, when my sister died. I missed her terribly, so I went back in time when we were young at Christmas time. It was wonderful but painful, but I am glad I did it. I had a hard time grieving for her because of the children. I needed to cry, to feel the loss, but I had shut off my emotions, but it was wrong. The children began to think that they should not grieve either. So, I needed to remind myself of what I loss in order for them to open up and release their anger, their fear, as well as their sadness. Excuse me I am rattling on. I will leave you alone now." Sarah started to head downstairs, when Dick stopped her.
"Wait, you did not show me how use it." Sarah tucked in her lip, came back up, and followed Dick into his room.
"You set the date like so, place it on your head and your thoughts keep it going. If you wish to press forward, use this button. To stop, all you do is remove the device from your head. I will be downstairs for a bit if you have anymore questions."
For the next six hours, Dick Winters review his life. He saw the battles following Foy. The insane mission at Haguenau to retrieve live prisoners. Then there was the joy of seizing the Berchtesgaden and the beauty of Austria. It brought a smile to his face when Nix offered him a job after the war. He watched in disgust as some of his men died in stupid accidents all because they did not have the points necessary to go home. He fast forwarded through the long transport home. Watching himself as he called his parents, he anticipated seeing their faces, as they seemed to arrive to pick him up in no time. Dickwas shocked to see that his mother's hair had turned white even his father looked older, but oh, the sweetness of holding them and seeing the pride in their faces as he stood before them. His sister, Ann had grown so much. She was a young woman.
Upon his return home, Dick felt the restlessness that most men feel when they came home after the war. He watched as he went to work for Nixon Industries. It was difficult seeing his friend's problem with alcohol then Stanhope Nixon's manipulation of everyone around him. However, the amazement of seeing himself fall in love with the woman who would become his wife thrilled him as well as their long life together. Dick watched as his life unfolded before his eye, his business successes, and the purchase of the farm near Hershey. Dick continued watching almost up until what he believed would be his departure from that life. Feeling hungry and exhausted, Dick went downstairs where Ellen scolded him for skipping lunch.
"Sarah said I was not to disturb you. Now you sit down and eat that sandwich while I get you some milk to wash it down." She went to the refrigerator and got the milk, reached for a glass. After pouring him a glass, Ellen sat the bottle down beside him. She knew how much he enjoyed milk.
After polishing half his sandwich, some questions arose in Dick's mind. "Ellen, may I ask if you plan to go to New Harmony?"
"Yes, I do. Like Sarah I studied American history. My husband and I devoted our lives to the re-establishment of this country. I want to see this come to fruition more than anything in my life."
Dick continued to eat while listening to Ellen Mendenhall describe the early work in gathering plant and animal life. It was hard to imagine the difficulties. More so, was the need for honeybees both wild and tame to restore much of the flowers and vegetables that he took for granted. America was as new as when the first settlers came. The land pure and the air clean. Apparently, these things that he experienced in everyday life disappeared over time. Dick nodded as if he understood, but he really needed some air.
"I think I will go for a walk," he said.
"Ah, it is a good thing to get some fresh air. You have been cooped up too long today."
Dick put on his coat and a toboggan that was too big for Lewis. It had warmed up a bit. He followed the footsteps that he, Sarah, and the children took just yesterday. Coming upon the snow angels, he saw a family. Looking across the field, he saw Sarah walking towards him. She waved and he waved back. Some birds flew overhead and she stopped to watch. Dick realized that maybe she appreciated this life more knowing all that had taken place that had brought them both to this point. Even from a distance, Dick could see she was smiling and he realized he felt a thrill similar to the one he had just experienced when he saw Ethel, the woman he would marry if he returned to his lifetime. It was a different kind of love, but it was just as strong and rich as what he felt earlier. How could that be? Dick found himself walking out to meet Sarah. Noticing the intense look on Dick's face, heartened Sarah and she found herself walking faster as was Dick. They stood in front of each other for just a moment before Dick embraced Sarah and kissed her, softly at first then the kiss deepened. Finally, they broke away from each other. Dick took her hand and they turned around and wandered through the field for awhile. He found himself asking her all sorts of questions about her life, her family, what foods she liked. Then she began inquiring about his life before the war as well as encouraging him in talking about his war experiences. Dick could not recall talking so much to a woman and feeling so at ease and at peace. They spent the afternoon walking inspecting the fields, discovering holes in fences, and talking about the plans for New Harmony.