Disclaimer: I own nothing of Band of Brothers and the images I used, just my characters and story. In addition, I meant no disrespect to the real soldiers of Easy Company and I apologize for any mistakes whether it be historical inaccuracies or punctuation/grammar.
An Airfield in England: 1944
Turning around to whoever called her, Eliza hoped her mind was playing tricks, that it wasn't a certain captain hated by Easy Company. But fully positioned to see who it was, Eliza cursed under her breath. It was indeed, Captain Sobel.
Unbuckling her parachute and dropping it with the rest of her gear, Eliza walked towards Sobel and saw that he was previously taking to Malarkey. Being dismissed, Malarkey solemnly nodded towards Eliza, who stared at the reason why they were called. Behind Sobel was the damn motorcycle that Malarkey and More stole back at Aldbourne.
"Captain Sobel," Eliza greeted with a salute as she stood in front of him.
"Corporal Clark," Sobel replied, saluting back at her.
"Do you happen to know who stole this motorcycle? Maybe you recall seeing Sergeant Malarkey with this certain motorcycle?" Sobel continued, looking down at her with the same disdain he had shown her ever since the first day at Camp Toccoa.
Knowing precisely the two paratroopers who stole the motorcycle and seeing them in the act with her own eyes, Eliza wasn't going to give Sobel the satisfaction of ratting her comrades. Even though Sobel had trained her and the rest of Easy Company to be the best, Eliza would rather hike Currahee in full gear at the dead of night than be a snitch for Sobel.
"No, sir. I do not know who stole the motorcycle, nor do I know if Sergeant Malarkey was responsible for it," Eliza responded with clenched fists, trying her best to be respectful.
"Clark, it will not do you any good to lie to your superior officer," Sobel exclaimed, a frown etching onto his face while his brows scrunched in rage.
Before Sobel could continue his rant, Eliza interjected, "With all due respect, sir, I have more important things to attend to than being questioned about a stolen motorcycle already found."
Without acknowledging his growing temper, Eliza saluted Sobel out of respect for his rank and walked away, hoping that it would be the last encounter she would have with the insufferable captain.
Making her way to the gear she left, Eliza saw that Malarkey was approaching her.
"Hey, Stardust, what did Sobel want with you?" Malarkey asked, walking beside Eliza to her station.
"What'd you think, Don? I'm pretty sure the motorcycle is a huge clue on what Sobel wanted to talk about?"
"Damn it, you didn't tell him, did you?"
"Of course not, why would you think I would rat you and More to Sobel?"
Malarkey sighed with relief, he knew Eliza wouldn't betray them, but he wanted to be sure. Not wanting to trouble Eliza anymore, Malarkey thanked her and made his way back to his station.
But before he left, Eliza exclaimed with a smirk, "Hey, next time you do something reckless, make sure to cover your tracks. I don't wanna be covering your ass again."
Turning around, Malarkey grinned back, replying, "Will do, Stardust. I'll see you at the drop-zone."
Eindhoven, Holland: 1944
The drop into Holland was much easier than Normandy, with the apparent reason that there weren't German forces shooting at them in midair during the dead of night. Fortunately, for Eliza, jumping into Holland also accounted for the lack of trees at the drop-zone. Therefore, she wasn't at the risk of repeating the same unfortunate events. After landing safely, Easy Company trekked through the grassy terrain until they reached a ditch for cover. Stopping only for a short while due to a holdup, Easy Company was signaled to move again. It had been some time for Easy to walk through the long-grassed field until they reached a town that appeared empty.
Stopping for cover since the town could've been occupied with snipers, the paratroopers prepared their weapons as the window in one of the buildings suddenly opened. Suddenly, a woman appeared out of the window and tied an orange flag to the window pane.
One orange flag from a single woman emerged a thousand flags being waved and flaunted by the Dutch people while they celebrated. It had become a parade to carouse the possibility of liberating their town from the Germans. Amid the celebration, Eliza tried her best to move through the crowd since they were ordered by the higher-ups to keep moving. Many people came to Eliza, shaking her hand or patting her shoulder. Because her helmet was much larger, it had covered her pinned hair and the upper portion of her face; therefore, people thought she was a man. With handshaking and patting of her shoulder, Eliza also had various women come to her and tried to kiss her cheek or lips. It was difficult to block their advances as several women at a time would come to Eliza, managing to kiss her cheek. Providentially, the closest they had to kiss her lips was at the side, evident from the corners of Eliza's lips being painted red with lipstick.
Mustering her strength to block the townsfolk and keep moving, Eliza had managed to steer elsewhere from any upcoming women, trying to kiss her. As she walked, Eliza saw the rest of her comrades enjoying the celebration, some were eating treats while others were taking their time to get to know the Dutch women. Across the distance, Eliza even saw a couple of paratroopers from First and Second Platoon taking a picture with the women and children. However, because she was distracted, Eliza didn't notice that someone had sneaked behind her and took her helmet away.
Suddenly, Eliza's hair cascaded down her back as removing the helmet had caused the pins to hold her updo to be loose. Turning around to see the culprit, Eliza saw a blonde woman around her age, holding her helmet. Once her identity was revealed, the blonde, shocked from the revelation, immediately handed Eliza's helmet back and ran without a word. Sheepishly, Eliza placed her helmet back, making sure to tilt it at the back so that the helmet wouldn't fall, nor would it block her sight.
Because she was exposed as a female, the Dutch were shocked. Although it was known that women were serving in the war, it was rare to actually see them in action. So, while the women still showed their gratitude, they steered elsewhere from Eliza. However, instead of several women flocking towards Eliza, it was now men who were leering at her. Feeling vulnerable while three men started to advance towards her, Eliza walked backward, trying to get away until she bumped into someone.
Turning around to apologize, Eliza looked to see that it was Randleman she bumped into.
"Oh, hey Bull, sorry about that," Eliza muttered, looking back at the men to track how close they were to her. Fortunately, Eliza was able to put some distance, far away from them.
"It's alright, you okay? Are they bothering ya?" Randleman responded, glaring at the men who immediately scurried away.
"I'm okay; thank you, Bull," Eliza replied, joining Randleman at his side in moving throughout the crowd. But before they left their spot, Randleman grabbed Hashey once again from eating.
Making their way through the parade, the trio had heard numerous Dutch people congregating into a circle, chanting in spite. Curious to their anger yells, the trio migrated closer and saw a horrific scene. Amid the group were several Dutch women kneeling onto the rough cobblestone, screaming and crying as their hair was roughly chopped off to the point they bled.
With the knowledge that Eindhoven was occupied by the Germans, it wasn't difficult for Eliza to realize that the women were being punished for fornicating with them. This had angered Eliza as she knew that some people would not hesitate to act when given the means to exploit others. It had taken every inch of her strength not to dash and help the women; because if she acted on her emotions, Eliza would face opposition from the Dutch.
Remaining in her position and seething with anger, Eliza had least expected that such a ruthless thing can happen amid a celebration. Ironically, that was how the world was for Eliza, for it was hard to see the world in rose-tinted glasses when there was so much misery. Scanning the scene, Eliza had not only been angry, but sadness had dawned over her. Among the women being punished, it was the same woman who took Eliza's helmet, whose once beautiful blonde hair styled in victory rolls was being sniped away.
Not being able to stomach it any longer, Eliza left with Randleman in tow while Hashey lingering behind them, still gazing out to the group. Randleman, having seen Eliza's reactions as they saw the harrowing spectacle, remained silent beside her understanding why it had affected her so much.
However, Hashey inquisitive to what had happened, asked, "What did they do?"
"Sometimes, the world can be so cruel, that a woman must give her entire being just to survive."
From Eliza's words and expression, Hashey began to understand the situation and continued with Randleman and Eliza in silence. They had stopped since British tanks were coming their way. Hashey leaving them to join other Easy paratroopers, Randleman had hoisted himself to a street lamp, while Eliza leaned onto the same lamp to stare at the tanks.
Unbeknownst to Eliza, Winters had walked beside her. It had been a while since he talked or seen Eliza as their last encounter was back at Carentan. It also didn't help; he was promoted to Captain, which meant more duties. Clearing his throat to announce his presence, Eliza jumped in surprise, resulting in hitting her elbow against the lamp.
"Dammit, Dick, you could've greeted me like any other person," Eliza muttered under her breath while she massaged her elbow to ease the pain.
"I could, but where's the fun in that?" Winters replied with a small smile, watching Eliza tend to her elbow.
"Haha, hilarious, who knew that Captain Winters can be funny, which by the way, congrats on the promotion."
"Thanks, if you can call it that."
Eliza grinned, knowing that with the promotion came more work.
"How have you been? It's been a while since we've talked, sorry about that," Winters continued, turning his attention to the tanks.
"You don't have to apologize for that, I'm also at fault too. But I'm okay, though things could be better."
The staggering of Eliza's voice at the end of her sentence had caught Winter's attention. When he gazed at her, he could tell that something was bothering Eliza, because her smile wasn't the same. There was no glimmer in her once bright eyes, and this concerned Winters. But before he could ask Eliza, the leader of the Dutch Resistance made his way towards him to discuss strategy for crossing the bridges. So before he left her, Winters bid Eliza farewell.
Although he didn't get a chance to help with whatever was troubling Eliza, Winters was glad he talked to her. Because during the time they were separated, he had missed her.
Nuenen, Holland: 1944
The next day, Easy Company was headed out of Eindhoven and into another town, Nuenen. Currently, most of the paratroopers were carried by the tanks while others walked at its sides. Eliza was, fortunately, sitting at one of the tanks soaking up the bright sunlight. The night before, she had slept soundly out on the fields beneath the glimmering stars. It had been a relief not to expect a whole German infantry to attack as soon she had become vulnerable. However, Eliza hadn't fully let her guard down since there were still Germans, even though they were much weaker compared to those back at Carentan. Additionally, sleeping out in the field had reminded Eliza of her childhood; back then, her family would frequently go camping near Lake Merced. Having laid onto the soft grass beneath the stars, she munched on the chocolate given by the Watsons as a farewell gift. It had saddened her to leave them, being briefed that Easy Company wouldn't go back to Aldbourne.
Among her comrades, they have favored Holland than England since the people were more accepting and showered them with gifts. Eliza had been given several jars of olives and fruit, but she had traded some of it for their chocolate rations. Although Holland was a great place with great people, Eliza much preferred England.
The tanks had abruptly stopped since a sniper had gotten Lieutenant Brewer as he walked in front without taking any precautions. Besides the sniper, Easy Company dealt with a half-tracker, proceed to fire at them, resulting in many of the paratroopers hiding in a ditch for cover.
Because she was positioned at the back, Eliza took a while to reach the front. By the time Eliza had made it, she had sawed that another medic was treating Lieutenant Brewer. But before she could make her way towards them, the medic was shot in his leg. Without hesitation, Eliza dashed in the open, hoping that the sniper wouldn't get her. Providentially, Randleman had urged the men to move out of their covers, which provided some protection as she moved to the injured men.
Settling beside Lieutenant Brewer, who looked at Eliza with fear, holding his bleeding neck. To distract him, Eliza introduced herself as she removed his hand to inspect the wound.
"Hello Lieutenant Brewer, I'm Corporal Clark, don't worry, you're going to be fine. I'm just going to remove your hand to see the wound."
Lieutenant Brewer had eased up from her statement, but Eliza could tell that he was still in shock. Having seen that the injury was a graze and that it didn't nick a significant artery, Eliza had seized gauze from her pouch and grabbed his bloodied hand to hold it in place.
"Lieutenant Brewer, I'm gonna need you to hold onto the bandage so the bleeding can be controlled. Blink if you understand me," Eliza exclaimed amid the loud ringing of weapons being fired and shouts of officers.
Brewer had slowly blinked and held onto dressings just like he was required to. Meanwhile, Eliza turned her attention to the injured medic, who was grunting in pain as he held onto his leg.
"Doc, I'm gonna place a tourniquet on your leg, but you need to stop squirming," Eliza ordered, grabbing the necessary equipment to dress his wound.
The medic tried his best to stay still while Eliza wrapped the tourniquet around his appendage. Once the bleeding was controlled, Eliza immediately cleaned and bandaged it. While tending to the medic, Eliza kept checking on Brewer, who occasionally blinked when Eliza ordered him, to make sure that he was responsive.
When she finished treating the medic as best she could, Eliza turned her attention back at Brewer, who had been slipping in and out of consciousness. Knowing that his lack of blood was the cause for his unresponsive nature, Eliza obtained a bottle of plasma and injected it into Brewer's arm. Gradually, Brewer maintained his cognizance until stretch-bearers were able to safely evacuate him while Eliza had assisted the medic to the field hospital at the rear.
Making her back into the field, Eliza had seen the battle raging on in full force. Many of Easy paratroopers were scattered and firing back behind ditches and buildings. Because the British were oblivious to the hidden tiger tanks, the Germans became much superior as they were able to take down the Shermans. Without the tanks for support, Easy had no choice but to fall back.
Hiding behind a wooden barrier of what looked to be a cafe, Martin had spotted Eliza a few meters, concealed by a short brick fence.
Calling out to her, Martin screamed, "Eliza, Bull got injured; he's behind that tank over there!"
Looking to where Martin was pointing at, Eliza answered, "I got it, Johhny!"
"Be careful, there's an MG-42 on top of the building."
"Okay, thanks for the heads-up!"
Because there was no covering between Eliza and the tank, Eliza had to run while bullets rained down onto her. Almost making it to the tank for cover, a bullet had hit her helmet, causing Eliza to recoil and miss her footing. Without a helmet, Eliza roughly landed into a ditch, knocked out by the rough force.
Seeing the bullets target Eliza, Martin tried to provide support for Eliza as she ran. When he ducked for cover, Martin saw Eliza fall down, thinking that a bullet had got to her. But before he could check to confirm his worst thoughts, Martin and several of the men had to evacuate because the shell from a tiger tank had hit the building they were using for cover.
Because they were at a disadvantage due to the Tigers taking out the Shermans at the beginning of the battle, Easy Company was not able to match the Germans' superiority, having to fall back.
While the men were trying to quickly jump into jeeps, Lipton came hastily towards Winters to relay information about the death and injured count.
"Captain, we got four dead and eleven injured."
"Okay, let's move 'em out."
"Oh, and, sir, Randleman and Eliza are missing too."
"E-Eliza?" Winters questioned, making sure that his hearing didn't deceive him.
"Yes, sir. Sergeant Martin informed me that Eliza was trying to run towards Randleman since they thought he was injured. No one has seen them ever since," Lipton replied, seeing the growing concern plastered on Winters's face.
It had crushed Winters to know that Eliza was out there, among the Germans, without any weapon to defend herself or possibly injured. Winters had hesitated to leave without her, but Nixon had convinced him that it wouldn't do any good if he ran back to search for Eliza. As Winters jumped onto the jeep, regret had dawned on him as he couldn't do anything to save her.
Back at Nuenen, Eliza slowly opened her eyes, seeing a figure beside her in the dark. As her vision came back, Eliza saw that Randleman was beside her, looking out of the tunnel.
"What happened?" Eliza whispered, reaching her hand to the pain radiating from her head.
However, Randleman had faced her and brought his index finger to his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. In an instant, Eliza realized why Randleman shushed her, the sound of German soldiers talking and bombings of buildings became clear.
Out of all the things she presumed to happen in battle, Eliza least expected to be hiding in an underground tunnel with Randleman among a whole German infantry.