Two Weeks Later (September 24, 1914)
German Prison Camp, Berlin, East Germany
(Est. 350 miles from Tannenberg – Great Britain and Russian Territory)
The German soldier pushed him into the cell. His dark skin was now burnt black because of the huge explosion that had caused the ship to explode. He had blood dried blood everywhere.
"Well, well, Felix, Felix King, I never thought we'd meet again."
"Shannon? Shannon McNeil?"
"In the flesh."
"What are you doing here?"
"What am I dong here what do you think, Felix, boy; we're in a German prison camp. I never thought I'd see you here."
"Neither did I."
"You know Felix, you still have those letters from your girlfriend?"
"Probably not they were in my winter jacket pocket…wait a sec I put them in my pants. Yeah so what; she's not my girl friend she engaged to some guy."
"So she was never your girlfriend."
"She was my best friend."
"Oh."
"So do we just sit here all day?"
"We do."
"Great." After that comment he lapsed into unconsciousness.
Two Months Later (November 24th 1914)
Even through Shannon had recently fixed up his hair the best he could and fixed his long beard into a go-tee. The dirt or the blood could never be clean through. He was glad that the burnt skin had slowly fallen off, like a sun burn even through it hurt terribly. He thought as if it hadn't it had been long two months and he was glad when the belligerent had brought them some new company. He was just tired of the ants, and spiders. In the cold cell with one widow and a small lantern with no beds just bedding he looked around. He figured that by now Izzy had probably married that guy and now is away in Boston or traveling the world. But then what if the war wasn't over yet? What if people were still giving their lives for their country? The infantrymen still giving blood or the battleships still firing cannons. What was it like at home? Did he have a nephew or a niece? He or she would never get to see its uncle because he died in war. Was he going to die and Izzy would not know if he really meant what he wrote. All the time he was worrying about the other men he had forgot about himself. Had he really been that foolish? Was he going that crazy? Or was he just maturing; was he out growing his bratty self?
Their new cellmate was an American, by the name of Jon Gauss. He had wood brown hair and eyes that match his skin perfectly. The boy was fifteen and didn't talk too much, but well…we really didn't need anyone to talk with. He was young compared to Shannon, twenty, and Jon eighteen. But Felix had just turn eighteen two months ago. The good thing was he had a map of the area, which was how we started to organize our escape plan.
But unfortunately they didn't get to use it until after the Germans made them work, work until they dropped.
One Week Later (October 1, 1914)
0100 Hours – German Prison camp
Shannon Joshua McNeil pushed the heavy cart of gunpowder from the processor as the German guard again hit him with the barrel of his gun on his bare back. Felix watched as he and his friend were being tortured and forced away from war to be slaves for these German belligerents. He quickly moves the guns from one place to another when he heard Shannon cruse. Felix didn't really like cursing he usually say a verse, a Psalm or a Proverb. He thought and the verse that came to mind was a different one then he expected. "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed the Lord. Proverbs 21:30 and Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23." He repeated those verse everyday and every hour while he slaved away for the Germans. He didn't get it, he risks his life and he survives and then gets a kind of dear John letter, feels like there's nothing to live for and then his ship explodes and he still doesn't die. He didn't get it; he already had nothing coming to him with Izzy engaged. Why did he have to live?
Unfortunately Shannon wasn't as well brought up like Felix was. His parents both died in a fire when he was ten. After that he went to live with this nice family well…after three days they "returned" him to the foster agency and that's where he has been living for the past ten years of his life. With no one to love him or to love back. With no company, any real places to call home. With no money, no job. No true feelings. But deep inside he knew he had family, but he promised himself that he wouldn't let anyone know. Because they weren't family, they didn't act like it.
Avonlea
Izzy Pettibone didn't hide herself away from the crowd, she mostly looked after Daniel. She thought to herself, * if Felix hadn't left then Daniel would have been your brother-in-law and so would have Cecily been your sister. * She often told herself, "Face it Izzy Pettibone, you were in love with Felix." Now through it all it had been two months and the war was still going on, none of them were giving up that Felix was dead because they all wanted to believe he was alive; but especially Izzy, really needed him; especially now. He was one of the few people who truly understood her. His mother was drastically sadden, she couldn't think about the war without thinking of Felix. His father, heartbroken, only hoping his boy would return. Felicity, saddened, yes, but she hoped endlessly that Felix was still alive. Cecily, she had not a smite of pity for others, only of her family, briskly she brush off the papers from the war office when it was her turn to severe at the telegraph office, the names of missing in action, of the dead. She had no sympathy for them unless they had a little pity on her war-worn family.
Two Months Later (December 1, 1914)
He fell face forward into the dirt as the belligerent hit him with the barrel of his gun. He thought it hurt so much it probably left a mark, a nasty one for sure. Felix knelt down as the sweat dripped off him during his one-minute break before he got back to move forty-five pounds of soil. It was hard work and now he was glad that tonight they were going to break free because they were so sick and tired of the Germans. He was still grieving for Jon who had had a heart attack just two days ago while working out on the bloody field. So many men were dying, so many people were risking their lives, so many lives loss, yet there was so much they were fighting for. Fighting for freedom, for power, not for judgement, but for the love of God and the country.
2200 Hours
The lights were out as he took the gun and made himself clear of the scout tower. Silently, he felt his heart beating heavier and heavier, louder and louder, only hoping no one could hear it beat. He then awaited the arrival of his buddy Shannon McNeil, who quickly and quietly followed. Once they made it to the barracks and quickly removed the other nights work. They had been up all night digging a hole that would fit them both and once they did they hid it with a potato sack bag covered with dirt to look like the ground. They then made there way under the barracks and started to run because that was when the Germans could catch them. They only had to run for twenty miles, before the Germans would not be able to see them any more as they ran, Felix heading the front Shannon in the back. Shannon was hit with two bullets.
"Shannon!" Felix cried seeing the blood flow our like a raging river.
"Go on, I can't continue!"
"I'm not leaving you!"
"Go now King that's an order!" No. No. He couldn't leave Shannon.
So Felix took off tears flying down his face he had just lost another one of his best friends. He took the gun a fired at the German building, but the Germans had already given up on killing Felix King; again he was saved.
Three Weeks Later (December 19, 1914)
Felix King made it to Tannenberg, Russian territory and then requested a transport to see his brother-in-law. He had to wait at least a week before the next transport. He didn't have money for a shirt or shoes or even a hair cut. Since he had made it this far there's no turning back he had to make it to the Black Sea; he had too. The belligerent had wiped him out of everything; including his own life. His life would never be the same.
5:30 PM
King Family Home
The now one-year-old Alexander Pike was walking and Felicity only wished that Gus could be there to witness. Just then the doorbell rang and admitted Izzy Pettibone and her one-year-old brother Kevin. Kevin and Alex ran off while Felicity got ready to go out and Izzy was going to watch them. Izzy made herself at home when Cecily came over down and explained she probably wanted company. Izzy nodded her head and looked around on the mantle were two pictures one of Gus in uniform and the other one of Felix. Then she told Cecily about her new boyfriend James Douglas Riley.
"Do you think you brother's still alive?" asked an impatient Izzy.
"You know after four and a half months people probably would get to the point and say that they probably died, but I know that somewhere deep inside Felix is still alive trying to escape the German camps; I know for a fact because I feel it. Sometime when I cry over him something tells me he's alive." Izzy nodded in agreement because they knew somewhere in the hearts of Europe Lt. Com. Felix King was still alive.
Five Days later (December 24)
Capt. Gus Pike's Quarters – 2359 Hrs
As he talked to his son on the phone he didn't notice his crew go in and out on Christmas Eve. Alex was disappointed that his dad wasn't coming home, but his father told him there was a surprise coming to him in the morning. But no one knew about the really big surprise that God was giving Felix back to his family. His son often asked why his mother cried during Christmas and it was just too hard for Gus to explain to the kid.
He stepped off the boat and into the pier he looked around the small town, which at the time was being used by the navy as an outpost. Gus was stationed somewhere here he recalled. His feet burned on the asphalt if only he could had afforded some shoes. He walked around and then he noticed on of the signs, but he couldn't really read them in the dark, but he noticed the name, "Capt. Gus Pike". Felix slowly opened the door and saw that the lights were on.
"Hickery, is that ya?"
"No, Gus, it's me; Felix." Gus turned around and inspected the sight before him; he got up and circled the boy. "Felix, is…is…that really you?"
"Merry Christmas, Gus." Gus leaped at the boy and gave the man a hug.
"Didn't recognize you with the go-tee, and the over grown hair."
"Yeah, well here I am."
"I think I better cross you off the MIAs."
"Thanks, Gus, oh…um… Shannon McNeil, he died when we were trying to escape."
"I'm, sorry Felix, but now we're going to have to wire Avonlea."
"Gus let me call them tomorrow morning; you know Christmas gift."
"Sure Lad; now let's go make you decent." They both led out a chuckle as they excited the building.
Felix looked at the entire list of the men who had died Voyager, he felt so sad that these men had died. He saw Jeff's name was he froze; the man was engaged. He couldn't believe he saved the man and then he died nine days later, but wait he had receive the letter saying the engagement the day he was in surgery. But he still thought it was a waste of gut. At that time Felix didn't realized that he had saved the man's life and made him the happiest man alive. But little did he know then that he saved a man, his best friend was truly in love with.
Christmas (December 25, 1914)
8:00 AM King Family Home
She fixed breakfast for her children. Her eldest sat in the chair with her Grandson waiting for her husband to call to wish everyone a merry Christmas, but she figured he wouldn't get through because her youngest daughter was talking with her close friend. Who was having a tough time because of her fiancé had died only five and a half months ago. Her eldest son was somewhere in the heart of Europe and her son-in-law was searching for him. She knew he had to be determined to rescuing his brother-in-law. She just hoped he had succeeded; or at least he was close to finding him. She and many other family friends and relatives wanted to know he was all right. Hearing his name made her cringed and become scared; it was hard for her this Christmas, she figured she'd do better knowing he was sailing on a ship then dead or in prison.
Cecily listen to Izzy cry on the phone when Sally Potts cut in and asked her to except a long distance phone call from Gus Pike. She told Izzy she'd call her back and gave the phone to Felicity who excepted the call.
"Hello, Merry Christmas."
"Same to you Gus, but our surprise hasn't came yet."
"That one's kind of delayed, but I have another one."
"Where is I?."
"Right here Felicity." Felix's voice came into the receiver.
"Felix King is that really you!" she yelled into the receiver and the whole King house froze. "Believe it or not it!"
"Felix!" his mother voice came other, "Are you safe and –"
"Don't worry mother I'm find."
"Where were you?" asked Cecily.
"How'd you escape, son?" Alec asked.
"Fe-lix." cried Alex and all Felix could help, but chuckle.
"I'll tell you a friend of mine and I we escaped the German Prison camp about six weeks ago. I had to run to Tannenberg then catch a transport to the Black Sea. But that friend was gun down by the Germans."
"You're brave Felix." announced Daniel.
"Thanks."
"Are you going to come home?" asked his mother.
"Probably not, mother, we're still at war and why would they send one man home across the world just to go home when they could use him?"
"You're right, but your going to call Izzy right?"
"Sure, I guess."
"We'll write you okay?"
"Yes, please." He sighed, to his displease of calling the woman he had once courted. His childhood sweetheart-his past beau.
8:30 AM the Pettibone Home
After working enough courage he told Sally Potts the Pettibone home and while they were waiting they talked a little and finally someone picked up the phone, but it wasn't a voice that he expected.
"Pettibone's."
"Yes, can I talk to Izzy Pettibone."
"Who's this?"
"Felix King." She froze at the name; "I'll...I'll get her…. Izzy; phone!" she came in a Muriel gave the phone to her. "Hello?"
"Hey, Iz. Merry Christmas."
"Felix?"
"Yeah, Iz, its me." His tone was dull and the way she sounded it wasn't any different.
"Are you in Avonlea?"
"No."
"Oh."
"Iz?"
"You scared me half to death pretending you were missing!"
"Izzy I was; I escaped … six weeks ago with my buddy who was gun down during the escape. You have to believe me! Why would I pretend to be in prison for seven months and three weeks? Why would I lie to you; I love you!"
"Goodbye Felix."
"What I'd do; don't you believe me? Ask Cecily if you want. I'm your best friend. Come on!"
"Merry Christmas."
"Same to you; I miss you." She hung up * That's been it huh? * He asked. * Your relationship is over. * "Bloody War!" he spat. He had never imagined so much to change, yet so much to stay the same. Izzy must have just been having a bad day, rather that or she had never really known what war really was.
Two Months Later (February 14, 1915)
Felix King was assigned to another battleship, the Rapturous; even through ever since his phone call with Izzy he hadn't had much joy. He felt as if she had ripped his heart in two. Again. She had done it before, but more and more she had begun to repair it, yet only to break it again. He took the letters from her he had had in his pocket and looked at the moving ocean. He opened it up and inside he felt her touch his heart, his soul, his mind, but most of all re-reading the letters helped him gather himself up; or at least gather what was left of Felix King. His career though was good now; he had just been promoted for all his bravery. Now Commander Felix King was on his way with the Captain to help negotiate with the Americans. The British needed help. They needed help. People were dying and they were running out of recruits. They needed help; and soon.
A Year and a Half Later (August 1917)
2400
He dove as the bomb went off and then he could feel a burning sensation on his back he knew it had to be burnt, but he didn't have time to check he ran hard and fast as the German chased after him. He looked around he could see the Americans waving for the young Commander. He looked behind him and saw the German with the knife. * Why did they have to send me for this undercover job? * He thought. He saw the German really close on the trail he slipped again and this time he felt the pain run up and down his back; now he knew that he had stabbed him. He slowed down trying not to let him gain any ground; he felt the pain now as he jumped for the ship as it pulled away from the harbor. He caught hold of the side and he could feel his body give out on his legs and his feet now dragged in the ocean his greeted his teeth as he held on for dear life. As the doughboys lifted him on the boat and he knew they were examining his back. One of them said something, but he couldn't hear. He could feel the blood goosing out right before he again lapsed in unconsciousness, on the first American boat in France.
0300 Hours
American Hospital
The doctors worked feverishly to repair the torn ligaments, cartilage, bone or tissue. The medicine for the pain eased him a little when he got out of surgery, but he couldn't recall what had really happen. He just rested his head against his pillow and stared at the ceiling, he didn't know if he was ever going to get back in the sea. Because the doctors explained that his injuries were repairable this time but if it would happen a third time they didn't know what could be punctured or torn. He looked around and waited for the British officer who was supposes to tell him his next assignment. Just then a nurse walked over to check on him. He was amazed at her beautiful features. Her dark hair and deep brown eyes amazed everyone; he tried not to stare as she made her way to him.
As she made her way Christine saw the handsome young navy seaman on the bed. He looked quite find without his shirt on and all those bandages wrapped around his back. His eyes and his hair amazed her. When she reached the bed she took a quick look at the tag.
"How's it going …Mr. King?"
"Please call me, Felix."
"Okay, so?"
"My shoulders are stiff."
"Here then let me massage them." He turned over and she started it rub his shoulders.
"Oh that feels so good…what's you name?"
"Christine. Christine Baurns."
"American?"
"Yeah." He sighed heavily, to please Aunt Hetty and for the sacred honor of his name, Felix could not disgrace his Canadian blood, besides he had yearned for one person in the past years. He had vowed to save himself for her, this woman in front of him was only the perfect illusion of her, of Izzy.
One Month Later (September 16, 1917)
His stress was building in September as he again lay there was staring at the ceiling. He couldn't get out of bed it was against the rules of the American hospital; the best thing though was Christine. Oh Christine, he usually graveled at her name. But today he couldn't; Izzy was probably married to some vet or rich Canadian; he couldn't get her out of his mind for some reason, he just couldn't. He couldn't marry Christine; she was American. That's when she came over.
"I don't get this!"
"Get what?"
"I'm still sitting here while other men are still giving their lives out there in Europe."
"Well, your last assignment left yesterday and I have some bad news."
"What?"
"It was destroyed; all hands were lost," she sighed, changing the subject, "You could go home to Avonlea."
"I'll miss you though."
"So well I but-" he cut her short with a kiss.
"Go."
"I can't. A commander has to finish his job."
"You're very stubborn Felix King." He smiled and kissed her again.
Two Months Later (November 16, 1917)
He re-read Christine's letter, she told him about all the things happening in her life. He was still sad that he had had that affair. It had caused him heartbreak; he had a lot of heartbreaks. His assignment, the Exstutior, it was an ocean liner, the navy had explained to him they didn't want him in a battle scene any more, he was too precious. He then read Cecily's letter and then the others; he missed his letters from Izzy. He couldn't believe she had thought he faked the whole thing. His life was a total bore. Nothing exciting ever happen, he only goes close to death. He found this year of war to be a sullen mind killer. Often he sat pensive, yet his dim mood was overshadowed by the war cries from distant battles, the screams of his buddies, the resentful giggle of Izzy Pettibone. Again and again, voices came back all at once, come back, Felix. Now son, you sure this is what you want to do, then I'll sign it, don't tell you mother just yet. So that's what's on your mind…the navy. What about our future? Didn't we have a future together? I love you, Felix.
End of WW1 (One Bloody year later)
November 11, 1918
(None of the historical values in these parts are actually true- I had no inside source to how the negotiations had really gone.)
He stood in the briefing room surrounded by the French, German, Russians, Americans and many more nation leaders. He held on to his gun fasten safely on his belt as the Germans talked. Ever since the Austrian-Hungarian sign the armistice they hadn't lost as many men as before. The Allies pulled out a paper and a pen; he then knew it was a treaty; it was the armistice. The war would be over soon! They talked some more and Felix though was a bit more relaxed. But still he had a dense feeling, his mind peeved, the feelings of anxiety to be home was getting to him. So much he was waiting for yet so much had happened. The war had brought so much to gain, power and maturity, yet it had had so much too loose.
January 18, 1919
(None of the historical values in these parts are actually true- I had no inside source to how the negotiations had really gone.)
He stood in Paris and awaited his next orders as the French, Germans, British and Russians yelled all the while he had his hand on his gun ready for an attack. His heart was jumping and beating very harshly as the meeting went on. He thought about how in August he would be home and chasing Daniel around the house, arguing with Cecily and Felicity. He thought how Gus is home with his nephew. His mother finishing up the plans for Gus' welcome home party, how Izzy was probably in Boston with her husband and Elbert the assistant manager. When the yelling stopped and they seemed to have settled the agreement he was please because he wanted to leave.
"Commander King, take these gentlemen to their car." order General Salakey.
"Yes Sir; follow me gentlemen."
"You're Canadian?"
"Yes Sir."
"Too many young Canadians serving in this War. You're twenty-one aren't you?"
"Yes Sir."
"My…adopted, son was serving in the navy maybe you know him, Shannon…McNeil." Felix stopped walking and turned to the general.
"Yes Sir, I served in prison with him; where he died."
"I know, Commander King."
"He died when we were escaping."
"Here, Son, the German general gave these to me; I think you should have them."
"Sir? I thought Shannon didn't have any family."
"We weren't really close."
"Yes Sir; thank you Sir." He took Shannon's dog tags and continued escorting the Americans to their car. Shannon had lied to him, Shannon, of all people! He had never let the thought cross his mind, Shannon; well taken-care of Shannon had lied about his family. Suppose it was hard to live up to the expectations of a foster general father, always wanting you to be a certain way, to live a certain life. But he'd always keep the dog tags, always; he'd always remember Shannon, the man who risked his life for his freedom. A man so noteworthy of praise, he'd never forget. Shannon, he'd always be Felix's hero, his best friend, his brother, and even a martyr, cause Shannon died for freedom. Something many times he had felt like doing.
June 28, 1919
(None of the historical values in these parts are actually true- I had no inside source to how the negotiations had really gone.)
He stood outside as the Germans signed the agreement that would end this terrible war. He was to announce it to all the ships, soldiers and citizens across the English world on worldwide radio. The excitement was building up in him; he could wait for it to be over. Seven long miserable years of bloody war, sailing and agreements he was so glad to be among the survivors. Except he could help, by think about Shannon and Jeff. The Allies lost at least 5 million men; 3 million were French and Russian. The central power had lost at least 3.5 million; 3 million were German and Austro-Hungarian. Then some 21 million combats were wounded. It was some terrible years, except Commander Felix King didn't know that the worst was yet to come.
Present…
Go on to Part 1.
