AN: Okay Y'all, we're getting into the episode now. Rest assured we're not done yet! I wanted to do post episode too because despite his tough exterior Sam Troy is a Dad to his men and I think Mark needs some TLC after the crazy ride he's been through. For the uninitiated Hitch and Tully could metaphorically order a buck Private around since they're both the rank of Private First Class. And when Mark calls our buddy Frank a cold fish he's saying Meekin is aloof and unemotional, albeit in 40's slang

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Hitch bristled when he felt Meekin's gaze bore into him once again. Just keep your eye on the road, Mark. You don't have to deal with this cold fish for long, Mark thought to himself. As if he heard Hitch's thoughts, the feeling of Meekin's glare disappeared and Hitch inwardly sighed in relief. Meekin's ice blue glare could've easily been the Drill Sergeant that always seemed to have a grudge with every man at Fort Benning.

It was when the convoy came upon the large sandstone formation that marked Atlas Wadi that Mark started to relax. That lump of rotten stone meant his journey was halfway over. And he no longer had to deal with Corporal Frank Meekin.

"Where do you think the Krauts are hiding?" Meekin asked, breaking the tense silence. Mark only shrugged and prayed the Corporal didn't speak again. But, luck wasn't on Mark Hitchcock's side when Meekin said "Do ya think they're out in the Wadi? Or hiding on that sandstone?" Again, Mark felt the prickle of Meekin's gaze on him once again. "Or, are they standing down because you're in the convoy?"

Hitch wrinkled his nose. But he still kept his mouth shut and hands on the wheel. "What on Earth do you mean by that, Corporal?" he asked, although the moment the question left his lips Mark really wished he kept his mouth shut. "What I mean is you look like one of them. Like one of old Adolph's poster boys. Are you really one of our guys and not some kraut's whelp? Is your name really Hitchcock?"

Instead of falling into Meekin's trap, Mark decided not to grace the irritating Corporal or his snide remarks with an answer. He decided instead to finish off his bottle of Ale8 and of course Frank had a comment for that too. "That tonic is from your hillbilly friend, right? Ale81? Never heard of it, must be some hick stuff."

Instead of stopping the car and walloping Meekin or chucking his Ale8 bottle at his irritating companion, Mark rolled his eyes and muttered "Lord give me strength…" He was not going to risk a court martial for some annoying Corporal.

Meekin thankfully wasn't given the chance to harrass Mark further. Because the radio between them came awake and started to chatter. "Blue Fox calling Red Robin, come in, Red Robin. Meekin quickly picked up the handset to answer. "Red Robin here, what is it, Blue Fox?" He said in a firm sharp tone, releasing the button on the handset.

"10-4 Red Robin. Reports of jerries in your location. Before Blue Fox could get another word out, Meekin nearly smashed the handset's button he had pressed it that quickly. Mark could swear he saw a slight tremor in the Corporal's hand.

"Jerries? Our convoy could handle a couple of krauts, Blue Fox." Hitch rolled his eyes, never a good idea to underestimate a foe. He was proven right when Blue Fox replied: "Red Robin, they have Land Ships and tommies. Just be careful, over and out."

Hitch's young heart leaped in his ribcage with fear. He'd been around Moffitt long enough to recognize the old code word for tanks. Meekin seemed unphased and responded calmly as ever "10-4 Blue Fox."

"We can take 'em." Meekin declared afterward, although Hitch noticed a slight waver in his voice. Where was that cocky bravado from earlier? Had it all been a show so Blue Fox or Hitch didn't call him a chicken?

Whether it was in Hitch's imagination or not, he didn't have time to find out. Because the radio started chattering with hissing static once again. Only this time it wasn't Blue Fox. It was one of the guys ahead of them at the front of the convoy.

"Hitchcock! Meekin! Pull over, we need defensive positions, there's a whole gang of jerries firin' at us! Without second thought, Hitch pulled over behind the truck in front of them. He reached over Meekin to open the passenger door. Meekin was unceremoniously pushed out the door when he remained frozen. "C'mon! Move it! Get the ammo, I'll get the gun!" Hitchcock ordered over the buzz of the gunfire and occasional BOOM of the tank artillery.

Mark ran immediately to the back of the truck, reaching under the canvas for his gun and it's stand. He looked around for Meekin who thankfully had gotten out of his stupor and was scurrying over with an ammo box. "Right, let's shake it!" Mark declared, feeling a bit of Troy in his heart when he used his Sarge's motto.

With everything set and Meekin holding the ammo belt, Hitch opened fire and added the characteristic pop pop pop pop of his own machine gun to the fray. Somebody better call up some help and fast! Mark could barely hear his own thoughts over the roar in his ears and as a shell soared overhead. Meekin jerked his head to the side, indicating to move behind their truck for better cover. Hitch nodded and they both picked up the gun and ran for cover.

Every so often a German would peak his head over the outcrop and fall behind it once again. Or one would be brave enough to climb over it only to crumple to the ground in a heap. The same was happening to the guys in Hitch's convoy. He'd flinch every time he heard a shrill yelp over the din and his prayers for help grew more desperate.

Meekin tugged on his sleeve and pointed to a Jeep abandoned on the road in front of them. Hitch shook his head and only pressed the gun's trigger down harder. It was then he realized the belt of ammo was halfway spent.

"Corporal!" Hitched yelled, not caring about going out of line and commanding a CO, "get that box of ammo outta that truck!" Meekin shook his head "I say we run over to that Jeep and get out of here!" Hitch cursed when he noticed the belt was almost empty.

"I say get that box of ammo!" Hitch ordered again, hoping Troy wouldn't report him for bossing a Corporal around like a buck Private. All worries of being demoted disappeared when Meekin shouted back "You fool! The Major isn't sending any help, he doesn't even know what's happening here!" Hitch's eyes blazed and he roared "Move!"

Meekin bolted when the word left Hitch's mouth. He was heading right toward the Jeep and in his anger Mark shot up. "Meekin! Get away from that Jeep!" He yelled. Meekin turned around and Hitch saw a glint of silver before a wave of agony hit his head. He was scarcely aware of himself rolling down the sand dune he'd been perched on.

Despite being blinded by pain, Hitch somehow managed to remain conscious. He attempted to grip the sand to give himself leverage. And with a pitiful groan, the boy managed to flip himself over onto his back before falling into darkness.