"So, have you decided yet?"

Turning around to see Caje's penetrating gaze, Billy looked away. "What are you talking about? Decide what?"

Caje smile wryly at the younger man. He knew the choice Billy was going to have to make and didn't envy him. "You know what I'm talking about, Billy. The only way out of this is for you to go for help. You've already realized that and you're trying to come up with a way out of it. There isn't, you know. Those Germans aren't gonna leave. They know they have us outnumbered and, unless they're blind, they know at least one of us is wounded. You know it's the only way, Billy."

Meeting the other man's gaze, Billy felt a moment of despair. "I know, Caje. I just don't want to do it. I...I don't want to leave you guys behind."

"There's no other way. I couldn't make it fifty yards and Doc..." Caje trailed off when he realized the medic had slumped to the floor again. He sighed and gestured to the unconscious man. "Doc can't seem to stay awake for more than a few minutes."

Both men jumped as shots suddenly came through the window next to Caje. Breaking more glass, Caje fired off a few well-aimed shots, forcing the kraut to take cover again. "Well, you better find another way out of this place. You'll never get out the back, now. That kraut will be sure to see you."

Glancing back at the stairs, Billy nodded his agreement. "I'll go see what's upstairs after I'm sure they're gonna wait a while to try something again."

Caje felt a wave of tiredness wash over him, leaving him feeling weak. "Billy, talk to me for a while. I'm gettin' pretty sleepy and need to stay awake."

"Sure, Caje." What to talk about, Billy wondered. Well, maybe Caje could answer some of those questions he had earlier. "Why do you think Sarge picked me to escort you guys back? Do you think it's 'cause he doesn't trust me as a soldier as much as Kirby or Littlejohn?"

"Don't be silly. Sarge thinks you're just as capable as those two. He probably chose you because Powell volunteered to go."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, even though Powell was a total jerk...I think Sarge wanted the guy to actually make it to the aid station alive. If Kirby or Littlejohn had gone with him, that might not have happened." Caje smiled at the look on Billy's face. "What I mean is, Sarge knew you'd keep your temper with the guy. I guess he figured even Doc wouldn't have been able to keep one of the others from blowing their tops. Especially Kirby."

Billy chuckled sofly at the image of Kirby and Powell yelling at each other. "I never thought of that."

"Sarge may feel a little protective toward you, but it's because you're the youngest...not because he doubts your ability." Caje watched Billy's face as that information sank in. He could almost see the self-confidence building. Caje made a mental note to never call Billy "kid". He knew some of the others did and suddenly realized how damaging that must be to his confidence.

"Hey, Caje. Speaking of Sarge being protective, what's with him and Doc?"

Surprised at the sudden change in topic, Caje hesitated a few moments. "What about him and Doc?"

"Well, he's always tellin' Doc to stay behind when there's gonna be trouble. You can see it in Doc's face that he doesn't want to stay back. Most of the time he doesn't argue...but he's ignored Sarge more than once. You can tell he hates the waiting."

"Sarge just doesn't want Doc to get himself killed. So what?"

"So what? So that's Doc's job, Caje! He's supposed to take care of the wounded, even if we're in the middle of a fight."

Caje hadn't really thought about it before and couldn't seem to find the words to explain it. He thought back and remembered he'd done it himself...ordered Doc to stay behind, where it was safer. He smiled ruefully. "I can't seem to explain itBilly. I've even done it myself when the Sarge was hurt and I had to take over the squad. Lt. Hanley's done it, too."

They both watched in silence as the medic slept. After a few minutes, Billy broke the silence. "Well, I'm gonna go see if I can find another way out of this place. I guess I don't have much choice but to leave."

He checked the window one last time and, satisfied that all was quiet for now, went upstairs to look around. There were only two windows on the second floor. Luckily, they were on the sides of the building. The left-side window was just above the top of the water wheel. If Billy slipped out that window, he could easily climb down the huge wheel. From that angle the Germans shouldn't spot him. He'd cut across the stream, into the trees, and be gone without them knowing it. At least that's what Billy hoped.

In the back of the room was a ladder leading to a loft. He slipped his M-1 on his shoulder and climbed up carefully, testing each rung before putting his full weight on it. At the top, he lifted a trapdoor and looked around at what must have been a storage loft. A plan was forming in his head.

When he got back downstairs, he was happy to see that Doc was awake again. Maybe he'd manage to stay awake long enough for Billy to carry out his plan. He could tell by the worried frown Caje wore that Doc was still out of it. "Still doesn't remember what's goin' on?"

Caje gave a small shake of his head. "What did you find up there?"

"There's a window over the water wheel. I'll just climb down and cut through the woods on the other side of the stream. There's also a loft above the second floor. We're gonna get you two up there to hide out 'til I can get back with some help."

Smiling tiredly, Caje asked, "So you've finally made your decision, then?"

"Yeah. I don't really see any other choice. I could try to sneak around and take care of those Krauts, but they've spread themselves out. And, anyway, what if I got myself killed? You two would be in here by yourselves, with Sarge not knowing to come help." Billy sighed, frustrated with the whole lousy mess.

He walked over and held out a hand to Doc. "C'mon, Doc, let's see if we can get you on your feet."

With Billy's help Doc managed to stand, but as soon as Billy let go he staggered a few steps sideways and fell against the big stones.

Reaching out and grabbing Doc's right arm to steady him, Billy was startled by the yelp that act elicited. Propping the medic against the grindstone, Billy pushed back Doc's sleeve and winced. Halfway between his wrist and elbow, on the little finger side, was a large discolored area that was beginning to swell somewhat. "Well, Doc, looks like you might've broken your arm. I don't know what to do for it, though."

Taking an inordinate amount of time to form a response, Doc was finally able to pull his scattered wits together. "Sling. It, uh, needs a sling. Triangular bandage...in my bag."

Rifling through the medical bag, Billy managed to find what Doc was talking about. He unfolded the bandage until it made a triangle. He slid the makeshift sling under the fractured arm and tied the ends around Doc's neck. He slipped the strap to the bag over Doc's left shoulder and took him by his good arm. "C'mon, lets get you upstairs. Caje, I'll come back down to help you as soon as I get him up there."

Getting the dizzy medic up the stairs proved to be a difficult task. By the time they made it to the second floor, Billy was swearing...something he almost never did. When Doc tried to sit down, Billy pulled him back to his feet. "Oh, no. If you sit down you're liable to fall asleep again. Just lean up against this ladder. I'll be right back." He wrapped the medic's hands around a rung and waited a second to make sure he wouldn't fall over. Satisfied, he trotted down the stairs as quickly as he could.

Draping Caje's arm over his shoulders, Billy was relieved that this trip was proving much easier than the first. When they reached the second floor, Billy almost laughed. Doc had his eyes squeezed shut and he was clinging to the rung like his life depended on it. The desire to laugh fled as quickly as it came, however, when he realized how hard it was going to be to get Doc up that ladder.

Easing Caje to the floor, Billy straightened and sighed. Might as well get this over with, he thought to himself resignedly.

"Better you than me." The look on Billy's face had Caje chuckling quietly.

"Thanks a lot, Caje."

It proved to be much easier than he'd anticipated. After one or two false starts, Doc figured out that it was easier if he just closed his eyes and felt for the rungs. Billy released a huge sigh of relief when they were both safely in the loft. Helping Doc to the floor, he climbed back down and repeated the process with Caje. Pulling one of the clips from his pocket, he handed it to his friend.

Holding out a hand in protest, Caje shook his head. "No, you might need it."

"Caje, if I run into a German patrol out there, alone, it won't matter how much ammo I have. Take it, you may need it before I get back."

Reluctantly, Caje accepted the clip and dropped in his jacket pocket. He snagged Billy's sleeve as he started down the ladder. "Billy! Be careful, huh?"

Giving Caje a shaky smile, Billy nodded and descended the ladder, pulling the trapdoor shut. He pried open the window and made his way down the water wheel. He had to be careful where he placed his hands and feet; the moss growing on the unmoving wheel was extremely slippery. Dropping the last few feet, he landed in the icy stream and sucked in a surprised breath. He hadn't realized the water would be so cold.

He waited a few minutes, then waded across and scrambled up the other side. Keeping low, he ran for the trees and kept going. He'd made it.

Knowing that time was of the essence, Billy tried to keep as fast a pace as possible. He'd jog then walk, jog then walk...his thoughts straying to the two friends he'd left behind. He kept doubting himself. Had he made the right choice? Would Caje and Doc still be there when he returned? He had no answers.

He lost track of time. Kicking himself for not looking at his watch before he left the gristmill, he tried to estimate how much time had past. He should be getting close, he reasoned, they hadn't gotten all that far from the village before getting ambushed. He struggled up yet another hill and felt renewed vigor. In the valley below him stood the village. The most beautiful sight he'd ever seen.

As Billy made his way through the maze of streets trying to find anyone from his squad, he noticed more damage than there had been when he'd left. He figured they must've had another barrage. He hoped everyone in his squad made it through okay.

He broke into a run as he caught sight of Sgt. Saunders entering the building being used as temporary headquarters. He burst through the door, panting for breath, startling Saunders and Lt. Hanley. "Sarge! We...we were ambushed. Powell...Powell's dead. I hid...Caje and Doc...in a loft...in a mill."

Lt. Hanley exchanged glances with Saunders, motioning for Billy to sit in the chair by the table he was using as a desk. "Nelson slow down and catch your breath. I can hardly understand you."

Dropping into the chair, Billy took several deep breaths and tried again. "We were ambushed, Lieutenant. A small German patrol; maybe four or five of 'em. One of them threw a grenade. Powell was killed and Doc hit his head. I think maybe it's pretty bad. When he wakes up, he can't ever remember what happened. I left them in a loft at this old gristmill we found." He twisted in the chair to look at Saunders, his eyes pleading for reassurance. "I didn't know what else to do, Sarge. Honest, I tried to think of something else, but I had to leave them to come get help."

Billy watched as Saunders and Hanley exchanged looks. Hanley shook his head and a worried frown settled across Saunders' face. Billy couldn't understand why they weren't talking about going to get the trapped men. "Sarge?"

Sitting down and leaning his elbows on the rickety table, Hanley fixed Billy with a penetrating stare. "We can't send anyone out until the platoon from Baker arrives. As soon as they get here, we'll go get Caje and Doc. For now, Saunders will tell you where you need to help out."

Jumping to his feet, Billy shot the lieutenant an incredulous look. "What?! Lieutenant, you don't understand. I left them! Alone! I left them to come here to get help and you're telling me we can't go get them?"

When the lieutenant stood and looked down at the angry private, Saunders stepped forward and placed a restraining hand on Billy's shoulder. "Nelson! You..."

Reining in his anger, Hanley took a calming breath and waved at Saunders to indicate that he'd handle it himself. "Private, you have your orders. I understand your frustration, but we have a job to do here. Now, go with Saunders and do as you are told."

Worried about his friends' plight, and in desperation, Billy threw caution to the winds. "No sir."

Placing his knuckles on the desk and leaning forward, Hanley glared at the nervous private. "I beg your pardon?"

Swallowing his fear, Billy looked his lieutenant in the eye. "I said no, sir. I came to get help. If you can't send anyone, okay...I'll go back, myself. I'm not gonna just leave them there, sir. I'll just...figure something else out."

"You will do as you were ordered, private." Hanley couldn't believe it was Nelson standing before him so defiantly.

Feeling the weight of Hanley's angry gaze, Billy almost faltered. The image of the two wounded men, alone in the dark loft, drifted into his head and strengthened his resolve. "I'm sorry, sir, really. I have to go back for them. And with all due respect sir, I bet it wouldn't take but a minute to talk Kirby into going with me."

Clinching and unclinching his jaw, Hanley stared down the young private for moment. The tension that hung in the air was almost palpable. "Step outside, private. That's an order!"

Knowing he had pushed it as far as he safely could, Billy gave a salute and left to stand outside. He felt like passing out. He couldn't believe he'd just done that. Kirby, yeah. Himself, no.

Inside, Hanley turned his angry glare to Saunders. The sergeant took the seat vacated by Billy and removed his helmet. "Don't look at me like that, Lieutenant. I didn't say a word." He rested the helmet on his knee and smiled; he couldn't believe Nelson had stood up to Lt. Hanley like that.

"You can just wipe that smug smile off your face, Saunders." Hanley sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Sometimes he really hated being an officer. "You agree with him, don't you?"

Saunders looked his lieutenant in the eye and frowned thoughtfully. "About his disobeying an order, no. About going back for the others, yes. If Nelson hadn't come back, he wouldn't be here to help if we're attacked. So, his being here or not being here doesn't make any difference."

"He's right about Kirby, isn't he?"

"Yes, Lieutenant, he is. Kirby may be a complainer, but he's also fiercely loyal. As soon as he finds out that Caje and Doc are in trouble and nobody's going back for them...he'll be AWOL."

Rubbing a hand over his eyes, Hanley sighed. If there was one thing he could always count on from Sgt. Saunders, it was logic. He got on the phone and exchanged a few words with Baker Company. When he was finished he leaned back in his chair and stared at his sergeant for a moment. "Alright. If I'm going to lose two, I might as well lose four. You and Nelson take Kirby and Littlejohn. Baker is only a few miles away and will be here soon. Oh, and Saunders? You make sure you have a little discussion with Nelson about obeying orders. This better be a one-time deal. Got it?"

Slipping his helmet back on as he stood, Saunders smiled. "Thanks Lieutenant, and I'll make sure I talk to him. Although, it was kinda nice to see this side of Billy. I'll radio back and let you know what happens."

Stepping outside, Saunders feigned anger. Although he was inwardly elated at the results, it wouldn't do to let Nelson think he could get away with talking to an officer like that. "Let's go, Nelson. We're getting Kirby and Littlejohn, then going to that mill of yours. Oh, when this is all over...we'll be discussing your little outburst."

Even though his stomach fell at that remark, he couldn't help the overwhelming relief he felt. He'd gotten the help he came for. He only hoped and prayed that Doc and Caje would still be there when that help arrived.

____________________________________________________________________________________


After Billy left, Caje opened the trapdoor to let in some light. It would also help in hearing for sounds from the ground floor when those Germans came inside. He knew it was only a matter of time before that happened.

A short while later, Caje leaned over to peer at the nails holding the ladder in place. They were old and rusted. If he could get the ladder loose, he could pull it up into the loft. That way, when the Germans came in, maybe they'd think the loft was empty. If nothing else, the Krauts wouldn't have a way of getting up there to check it out.

He spent a fruitless twenty minutes tugging on the ladder, but couldn't get it loose enough. If he could find something to wedge under the nailhead, maybe he could pry the nails loose.

His tired mind finally kicked into gear and he pulled his bayonet from its sheath. He wedged the blade's edge under the nail and worked it back and forth. It was slow, painstaking work, but he finally managed to get both nails loose. He returned the bayonet and tried to lift the ladder. He couldn't do it; he'd need help. "Doc! C'mere and help me with this."

The medic had been in and out twice since Billy's departure and, both times, had been confused by his surroundings. He still didn't remember anything after that morning. Doc crawled over to Caje and leaned over to grab one side of the ladder. He nearly fell through the hole.

Pushing Doc's shoulder, Caje kept him from taking the tumble. "Still dizzy? Listen Doc, just lay down on your stomach. That way you won't fall over."

Doc complied and the second time the two were able to pull the ladder into the loft and push it aside. Both lay on their backs next to the trapdoor, thouroughly exhausted by the effort. By the time Caje stirred himself to move away from the hole in the floor, Doc was out again. He pulled the medic a few feet away from the trapdoor so Doc wouldn't fall through.

Time passed in its slow, torturous way.

Torture was right, because every time Doc woke up he asked the same questions. "Where are we? How did we get here? Where's Sarge and the others?" Caje felt like he was back home having a conversation with his Great-Aunt Willie. She was ninety-five and couldn't remember anything. You'd hear the same questions twenty times in a ten-minute conversation.

Almost as if he sensed Caje thinking about him, Doc stirred and looked around in the dim light. "Caje? Where are we?"

Sighing, Caje anticipated the questions this time and explained the whole thing. He waited while Doc assimilated the information and smiled when the medic started talking. During the periods when he was awake, Doc talked constantly. Caje found it highly amusing. Normally, days could pass without a word from the quiet medic and now...Caje couldn't shut him up.

"You ever wonder why Laurel just lets Hardy slap him around like that? I could never understand that. Hey, Caje, why do you suppose they spell corpsman c-o-r-p-s-m-a-n? Makes me think of a corpse. You know, a dead body. I mean, I'm supposed to save people. Don't you think calling us corpsmen is kinda morbid?"

Caje smiled when Doc started repeating a Bob Hope and Jerry Colonna routine they'd heard on Armed Forces Radio last week. Every few minutes, Doc would crack himself up and start laughing. Caje shook his head. "You know, nobody's gonna believe a word I say when I tell them what you've been doing."

It wasn't long before Doc was out again, and silence descended on them once more. Caje hadn't realized he'd drifted off as well until he heard his name being whispered.

"Caje. Caje, wake up."

His eyes snapped open and he found Doc sitting in front of him. "What is it, Doc?"

"Where's Billy?"

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Caje sighed. Here we go again, he thought. He started to explain the whole thing once more, but Doc interrupted.

"I know where we are, Caje, but I seem to remember Billy being with us. Where is he?"

"He left to go get some help. Wait a minute! You said you remember where we are?"

Frowning, Doc gently touched the large bump on his head. "Well, things are kinda fuzzy, but I remember being in a room with millstones. I remember something about a ladder, which is how we got up here I guess."

Caje smiled with relief. "Thank goodness!" Seeing Doc's look of puzzlement, Caje chuckled. "Sorry, Doc, but you've been a little off the beam for a while. What else do you remember?"

"Um...shooting and explosions? Powell...he's dead isn't he?"

"Yeah. Sorry, Doc, but he was killed by a grenade. That's how you got hurt, too. You've been a little...confused since then."

Something in the amused look on Caje's face convinced Doc that he was better off not asking. Instead, he moved around so he wasn't blocking the meager light filtering into the room. "Let me check those bandages, Caje."

Doc was somewhat surprised to see that the wounds hadn't bled much since their ordeal began. "Looks good, Caje. I'm actually kinda surprised."

They both jumped at a loud thump from downstairs. Caje put a finger to his lips and quietly slid over to close the trapdoor. He lay on his stomach next to the little door and held the M-1 ready. Doc crawled over beside him. They lay there practically holding their breaths. Would they be found?

They listened to the muted sounds from the ground floor, then they heard the thud of boots as several people walked up the stairs. They could make out muffled German as the soldiers walked around the second floor. Suddenly the sound of footsteps stopped directly below Doc and Caje. They exchanged worried glances.

The voices got louder as the soldiers apparently had an argument of some sort. Shots rang out, and Doc's eyes widened in surprise when a hole suddenly appeared two inches in front of his face. The Germans were shooting randomly at the ceiling, in case anyone was hiding above them. It was only a matter of time before one of the krauts got lucky.

There was a sudden burst of noise from the ground floor that sounded like muffled shots. The boots thudded back down the stairs and more shots were heard. In the sudden silence, Caje shared a puzzled look with Doc. They both listened for more noise.

More thumping of boots was heard as several people ran up the stairs to the floor below. Huge smiles spread over the faces of the two soldiers hiding in the loft when they heard a familiar voice. "I don't understand, Sarge. There was a ladder here when I left."

Caje sat up and threw open the trapdoor. "Sarge, we're up here. Hold on while I send the ladder down."

With Doc's help, the ladder was dropped back in place. Caje handed down the M-1 and swung his legs through the hole. He noticed a worried look on Doc's face. "What's the matter, Doc?"

"I'm still kinda dizzy, Caje. What if I fall off?"

"Don't worry. I see Littlejohn down there and he'll catch you if you fall. Just go down the same way you came up. Close your eyes and go very slowly."

Deciding it would be better to let Doc go first, Caje leaned over and shouted to the guys below. "Hey, Sarge! I'm sending Doc down first. He's still dizzy so make sure you guys catch him if he falls off the ladder."

Closing his eyes like Caje suggested, Doc climbed down slowly. With only one good arm, he had to be extra careful. He felt hands on his back and legs, guiding him down. Once he was on solid ground again, he took a few steps on rubbery legs. He smiled his thanks when Kirby helped him to sit against the wall. It only took a moment for Caje to join the others.

Slapping Littlejohn on the back, Caje shook his head. "Sarge, your timing couldn't have been better. Those Germans were about to put a few holes us that we didn't need."

Squatting down to check on Doc, Sarge looked over his shoulder. "You can thank Billy. Lt. Hanley wasn't going to let us come until Baker Company showed up, but Nelson told him he'd come back no matter what and that he would get Kirby to go with him. Hanley checked on Baker's status and changed his mind to let us come."

Looking at him with a whole new respect, Caje rested a hand on Billy's shoulder. "You did good, Billy. You made the hard choice...but the right one. Thanks."

Blushing, Billy looked over to see Doc nodding his agreement. Looking back at Caje, he jerked his thumb in Doc's direction. "Is he okay? I mean, does he remember anything?"

"Don't worry, he's doing much better. He started remembering things a little while ago." Caje rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't believe the conversations we've had since you left."

Helping Doc to his feet, Saunders waved Billy over. "Come give me hand with Doc. Let's get these guys out of here, shall we?"

Looking up at the holes in the ceiling, Kirby whistled softly. "Hey Billy! Caje was right. Ya did good, kid."

His arm draped over Billy's shoulder, Doc felt him stiffen at the nickname. Doc shared a knowing look with Caje, who nudged Kirby with his elbow.

"Hey Kirby. Don't call him "kid" anymore. He's not a kid, but a soldier. Same as the rest of us."

He was about to protest, but Kirby saw something when he looked at Billy. Something had changed. Caje was right; Billy was a soldier, just like the others. Instead of protesting, Kirby apologized. "Sorry, Billy."

Billy smiled, thankful for the apology. "That's okay, Kirby. Forget it."

As they made their way down the stairs, Kirby trailed behind the others. They'd regained Caje and Doc, but Billy was missing something. That subtle hint of innocence was gone. He sighed. Another casualty. Kirby felt the loss...not just for Billy, but for himself.

END