Dawn
By Monnie
I didn't expect you all to respond so accurately to that question. Oopsie. *passes out all her tin foil stars* score one for you guys.
This one's probably disappointing for some – but at least it's an update, right? Mostly dialogue this chapter. I've had a little bit of inspiration after watching Schindler's List (yes, for the first time. If you criticize me, I'll hunt you down. I mean it. I've tried for AGES to find the damn movie, and now I have. So booyah.) but I guess this is as far as it's gonna go today. Updates coming as soon as they come. Helpful, aren't I?
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Chapter Nine – Something's Gotta Give
"The Germans sound like they're going to surrender – don't you think so?"
"Nah – we've still a while to go before Hitler gives up – the Germans are a fighting type."
Monica nodded in agreement.
"Shhh!" called Phoebe out of the darkness, weak but wise.
"What is it?" Rachel had passed new information on that she'd heard from around the camp, but Phoebe's voice stopped her.
"Don't speak so loudly about the Germans when they're so nearby."
"Why not?" Monica asked, rolling over to meet her friend's eyes.
"They'll kill you!"
"Pah! Codswallop."
"Rachel – I'm serious. These people are vicious."
Rachel frowned. "They talk about US all the time!"
"I know," Phoebe agreed, "but they can kill us easily just for the hell of it."
"I don't understand how people can just do that, though," said Monica, thoughtfully. She sighed and rolled back over to the warm spot she'd made on the bed a moment ago.
"I don't get it either," Rachel responded, "Phoebe?" she looked inquiringly at the woman across and above her.
"I suppose I don't – but I think the Nazis and the SS have somehow convinced themselves that what they're doing is for the good of the people."
"That's just suck."
"Phoebe – I don't think they're all like that." Monica stared at the wood above her dazedly.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I'll bet a bunch of them are here and not killing anyone – just trying to help end the war as quickly as possible. Even more – I'll bet you they were forced to come here."
Phoebe sighed. "I hope you're right, Mon. For the sake of human morality, I really hope you're right."
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"I've been what?!" Ross asked, his face lighting up.
"You've been chosen to be transferred to a new location – they want you to work in a steel mill nearby – according to the man who sent for you – you are to be taken care of."
"Really? Wow. You sure it's me?"
"Do you not want to go, reb Geller?"
"Oh, I'll go! I'll go! Don't get me wrong; I was just making sure."
"Good then. You have twenty minutes before the train leaves, reb Geller – please make haste."
"Yes sir!"
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"BUFFAY, PHOEBE!"
"Yavol!" Phoebe put her hand up, and the SS officer scanner her quickly. The roll call was shorter than usual, and it made the workers uneasy. Several minutes went by, and Monica shifter her weight so she could whisper inconspicuously in Rachel's ear.
"Psst – Rach – you feeling all right?"
"Um – not really," she replied, "- I've cramps and my eyelids feel so heavy. This is so awful – standing out here in the cold."
"I know – I just have a feeling that something awful is going to happen."
"Why do you say that?"
"Just a gut feeling, I guess. Something like what Phoebe would say. But listen to how quickly the roll call is moving – they're practically twice as far as they are normally."
"Hush, children!" Phoebe touched Monica's arm, looking at her sternly.
Rachel frowned. "Phoebe, why do you always insist on –"
"GELLER, MONICA!"
"Yavol!"
"—all of us being quiet all the time?"
"Because, I'm careful, unlike some people."
Rachel was taken aback. "Hey! You can't go blaming me!"
"She's right, you know," Monica admitted, gloomily, "our chatter will be the end of us."
"GREEN, RACHEL!"
"Yavol! I'm here!" She lowered her voice back down to say, "I suppose. Why must there always be quiet, though? You don't see anyone else being quiet."
"That's true," Monica agreed.
Phoebe shook her head. "Something will shut them up soon. I can feel it."
"ATTENTION, ATTENTION! ANYONE WHO IS ALIVE, REMOVE ALL CLOTHING IMMEDIATELY AND FORM A CIRCLE IN THE CENTER AREA! I REPEAT: ATTENTION, ATTENTION! ANYONE WHO IS ALIVE, REMOVE ALL CLOTHING IMMEDIATELY AND FORM A CIRCLE IN THE CENTER AREA!"
Phoebe never had to take back her words.
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