If you are familiar with the former e-mag 'Dunes', you may recognise parts of this story based on the B Negative Raid. I've expanded considerably on the original. Enjoy!
Sergeant Troy lay prone at the crest of a dune, binoculars in hand, when a quiet call came from Tully, manning the radio below. "Hey, Sarge, call comin' in." Troy slithered down the sandy slope to the waiting jeeps. Tully continued to listen to the blurred voice on the radio, then signed off and said "There's a convoy pinned down about 10 kilometers north of here. Headquarters wants us to chase off the jerries and escort what's left of the convoy into base." After checking their position and refolding the chart, Troy said "Okay, let's shake it."
ooooooooooooooooo
His face twisted with fear, Corporal William Pennel crouched behind the dubious protection of his burning truck and fought hard to hold on to Sergeant Troy's words; "Everyone's scared out here. You learn to live with it."
The convoy's escort was no match for the deadly fire from the German half-tracks. Now they were pinned down, and despite his fear, Corporal Pennell was determined not to go down without a fight. He would prove to Sgt. Troy that he hadn't wasted his second chance.
Turning to reassure his frightened buddy, he saw a grenade land inches from his feet. Shouting a warning Pennell leapt to push his friend out of harm's way.
Searing pain enveloped him, seeming to come from everywhere at once. As the darkness closed in he heard the welcome sound of jeep engines and the pounding chatter of 50 caliber guns.
ooooooooooooooooo
The Rat Patrol paused on a rise to assess the situation. The twisted burning remains of a German halftrack and scattered bodies attested to the fierceness of the Allies defence, but it was obvious that without help they would soon be overrun. Troy and Moffett climbed into the back of their jeeps and primed the 50's. Gunning the engines the two privates sent the jeeps hurtling down to do what they did best.
Concentrating on the convoy, the Germans were totally unprepared for the lightning attack from the rear. Caught between the harrying Jeep's and the heartened men of the convoy, they retreated
After making sure the enemy would not double back, Troy and the others helped the convoy's survivors bury the dead and rearrange the cargo so that the wounded could be placed in one of the remaining trucks. They then escorted the convoy to the base without further incident, arriving mid-afternoon.
ooooooooooooooooo
Later that evening as they were finishing their supper in the mess hall they were approached by a medic. "Which one of you gentlemen is Sergeant Moffett?"
"That would be me," said Moffett. "What can I do for you?"
"I understand that your blood type is B negative. is that right?" asked the medic.
"yes it is." said Moffett. "Is someone in need of a refill?"
"A Corporal from the convoy that was attacked today is being prepped for surgery right now. He's got a nasty head wound, a compound leg fracture, and a lot of shrapnel wounds. He's lost a lot of blood, and B negative is in short supply. Apparently he shoved another guy away from a grenade and caught part of the blast himself."
"Well, I can certainly spare a pint or two for a genuine hero. Lay on, McDuff." The medic looked askance at Moffett and muttered Who the heck is McDuff? My name's Smith", but he led Moffett to the hospital.
ooooooooooooooooo
As soon as Moffett was. cleared for duty after giving all the blood he could spare the Rat Patrol was sent out on yet another extended mission deep behind enemy lines. After nearly four weeks of sand, blazing sun and chasing Hauptmann Dietrich they were back at headquarters. With debriefing, showers, and a hot meal (with no sand in it!) behind them, the men of the Rat Patrol were enjoying some well deserved RR.
Tully was at the motor pool hovering over the Jeeps and driving the mechanics crazy making sure everything was done to his exacting standard.
As usual, Hitch was off somewhere with a pretty girl. Troy hoped there wasn't an irate husband brother, or boyfriend waiting in the wings.
Troy and Moffett sat at a rickety table in the local bar. Troy had his usual beer with a pinch of salt. The bartender didn't have the makings for a Ghibli, so Moffett settled for a beer as well. He sipped the warn slightly flat brew with distaste.
The fan overhead did little to dispell the oppressive heat. Mopping his brow with the corner of his ascot, Moffett thought with longing of a pint of Guinness at the Black Swan, his favorite pub back home. In his mind's eye he could see it; the dark wood paneling, the red chimnied lanterns on the tables, the heavy oak furniture, the original Stubb's hunting scenes, and the antique pewter tankards over the massive stone fireplace. A far cry from this dingy bar in a dusty North African garrison town.
Moffett's musing was cut short by a voice at his side. "Excuse me, Sergeants. I'd like to buy you guys a drink." Moffett turned to find a young Corporal wearing a bandage over one eye, a cast on one leg, and a huge grin on his face. Moffett didn't recognize the boy, but the boy obviously knew them. "I say, lad. Do I know you?"
"You weren't in any shape to remember the last time we met, but we're sorta blood brothers.
I'm Corporal William Pennell, and you have some of my blood. I'm being shipped home tomorrow, and when I heard you guys were in town I had to find you to say thanks.
Moffett said "By all means, sit down and join us."
Pennell signaled the bartender for another round and joined the sergeants at the table. "After I rejoined my unit I was assigned to drive trucks. I was plenty scared a lot of times but I remembered what you said, Sergeant Troy. I can't say I ever got used to it, but at least I didn't run. It's thanks to you guys that I'm going home with honor instead of disgrace."
"What a remarkable thing," said Moffett, extending his hand to shake Pennell's. "Just after we escorted that convoy in, I was asked to give blood to a badly wounded driver who's blood type was B negative. They didn't tell me his name only that he'd saved the life of a comrade. It seems we really are blood brothers!"
Hope you enjoyed this. I look forward to reading your reviews. If anyone has prompts, (Tullyfan I'm looking at you) I need some inspiration.