"We accept, it will be an honor to help ensure the continuation and future of the Polish people"
000 September 5th, 1939
Consciousness was slow to return to her after using up all of her energy reservoir and all of the reserves causing her to pass out. The first sign was a dull ache in her head from her gem, this was good as it meant she was still alive and in one peace. The second was stiff limbs and sore body from the sudden exertion to rip the heavy steel door off the burning car. The third was the soft rumble of an engine and light bumps as tires rolled along an uneven road.
Slowly opening her eyes she found herself staring at what looked like a tent roof; but the continued sensation of movement told her it was not. "Nnnnhhhh my aching head, where am I?" she asked to no one in particular, her throat was scratchy and moving air through herself to speak made her sore.
"Ah, look who's awake at last, rise and shine little sister!" said the familiar voice of Darren off to her side. "Oy James, wake up, Pearl's awake!.
Looking around she found herself laying on the floor of some kind of cargo truck and the not-tent was a canvas cover over its top to provide shade and cover for the truck's occupants. She started to sit up but her joints stiffened and she decided to lay back down until her gem's energy flow finished warming up to normal.
"Easy there P, don't get up too quick, whatever happened to you hit you hard. We tried waking you up but you were in some kind of coma, your whole body had gone stiff like a board." said James from somewhere to her right side. A moment later his face with his brown eyes full of worry and fear appeared in her view as he kneeled down beside her.
"You should have seen James" snickered Frank from somewhere down near her feet. "He was worrying and clucking over you the whole time, made sure they got you blankets, comfortable stretcher, chased away a meddling doctor to help keep your secret. He's been watching over you like a mother bird the whole time"
A sudden wave of self consciousness overcame her as she felt her cheeks warm up in what was probably a blush, she tried to snuggle under the blankets to hide but it was futile. "I take it Frank and George are okay? I saw them revive but passed out before I could see what happened." queried Pearl as she desperately tried to change the subject.
George's voice was heard from the same direction as Frank's by what must be the truck's rear gate. "Yeah, we're alright, the doctors helped us get work the smoke out of our lungs, a bit sore from some burns and cuts but I'd wager we're about ninety percent operational."
"You were out for about a day, it's heading towards evening about now. That landmine that blew up the scout car was Polish, it was meant for the German's but they got us instead. Turns out it was Sgt Aurek's unit so we've decided to travel with them for now; our original route north is blocked. This group we're with now is Army Poznan" explained James as he continued kneel next to Pearl. He had begun to relax a little now that he had seen for himself that she was okay.
Nodding her understanding she tried again to lift herself and found that her Gem's energy output had normalized enough that the aches and stiffness she felt earlier had subsided. Sitting up she noted what Frank and George were indeed keeping a lookout for trouble from the back of a truck and beyond them she could see the cab of another truck following close behind. Checking herself over she noted that she was still wearing the German uniform from earlier.
"Don't suppose our rug-sacks were salvaged from the wreckage? I'd like to get changed out of this awful thing. Whatever happened to the tank we stole anyway?" smiling to herself she could feel her throat was feeling better as well and pulled the blankets up to cover the uniform.
"Sorta, we were able to salvage our uniform-jackets so we'll look at least a little bit like proper British Commando's but everything else was lost. We're wearing a mix of Polish uniform and the civilian clothes we got earlier." explained Darren as he hefted a large almost empty canvas bag containing the clothing within and placed it next to Pearl.
"The Polish soldiers were concerned about the uniforms so we made sure to swap as soon as we were able to avoid a mistake. We left you in yours as didn't seem right to …. you know.. um." explained James but began to trip over his words.
"James you're adorable when you're flustered, thank you for taking care of and watching over me while I was out." teased as grinning Pearl as she reached over and patted James on the shoulder.
Jame's cheeks immediately turned a rosy red as he tried to suppress a grin. "Oh, um, you're welcome, just seemed the proper thing to do. Right then, you'd best get changed."
With that James and Darren moved to the rear of the truck and together held up a blanket to give Pearl a measure of privacy to change. A minute later Pearl signaled she'd finished changing and the squad went back to their original positions, this time Pearl was on the bench seated next to James as she finished checking herself over.
"Feel better?" asked Darren as he leaned against the truck wall smirking at the still flustered James.
"Yes, much better, this outfit looks silly but I guess it was all they could pull together in my size" confirmed Pearl. She was wearing a tan blouse with Polish army pants that were the smallest available but still a bit baggy and her British uniform jacket.
"Great, well, given we've not much to do at the moment why don't you explain Gem physiology to us like you promised" suggested Frank as he and George moved to sit closer to the others.
"Ah! Yes, I'd nearly forgotten, you are indeed due an explanation and medical summary." confirmed Pearl. Soon she was explaining the details of holographic bodies, Gem energy production and management and after an hour or so went onto the tangent of Gem culture.
"So, all Gem's are female and, with the exception of myself and the other Crystal Gems, serve the great Diamond Authority much like worker bees support their queens here on Earth" concluded Pearl happily, somehow it always boosted her spirits when acting the role of teacher.
"Wait, so there are billions of other beings like you and they're all women?" inquired George with some bit of awe in his voice. "Like athletic and attractive women?... Do they like boys?"
"Um, well, hard to say… most have no real concept of 'men' and relationships are generally kept out of the public view, private and not flaunted or openly displayed." reasoned Pearl thoughtfully.
"Oy James, you hear that! Millions of women, never seen a man, why imagine how exotic us fine examples of masculinity would seem to such curious women!" laughed Frank
James just grinned and shook his head at the terrible joke. "You can have your groupies, I'm happy with just the one".
Pearl felt herself blush again "Okay, now where was I, oh yes, so Gem energy output…."
000 September 7th, 1939
Daybreak broke over the horizon bathing the camp in a warm glow, groggily soldiers arose from their sleep to prepare for the day and relieve the previous night's watch. All across the camp men moved about but always careful of their activities to help preserve the camp's location from any prying eyes in reconnaissance aircraft. Tents were camouflaged to match the earth or trees, all cooking was to a minimum and precautions taken to reduce or smoke, a constant watch was kept on nearby hills to observe all aircraft and signal the camp to hide if any approached.
In one of the mess tents across the sprawling camp a squad of British Commando's sat at a long makeshift table, munching on a cold breakfast of oats, stale bread, and tinned meat.
"So what should we do boss? Its obvious we won't be returning to England as reports say the northern German army group has taken over Danzig and the coastal access roads." queried Frank as he took a bite from one of the stale breads and washed it down with hopefully clean water.
Next to him George just nodded as he bit into his own distasteful meal. "Bleh, what I wouldn't give for one of those sandwiches we got before all this started."
"Well, we may as well continue with what we've been doing and see what we can do to support the Pols, they've been generous hosts these last few days." answered Darren as he sipped from a cup of very black cold coffee. Grimacing he set the cup down "gah! Much too strong! … I wonder if we can raid another German supply dump, maybe steal some tea or something better"
Setting down her own tea Pearl looked across the camp to observe the hulking steel beast that was the stolen Panzer, now painted in Polish Army colors. "I could go for some sweet desserts and herbal tea myself… Hhmm, doubt we could pull that stunt a second time, the tank parks are bound to be more guarded and even more sentries."
Finishing up his sandwich George stood up to look around "Anyone see where James went, ah, never-mind here he comes. Hey James! Over here!"
Spotting his comrades James jogged up to them and saluted before grabbing one of the cups of coffee and downing the awful liquid in one long gulp. "Ah, that's terrible, okay, we're wanted at the command tent, seems General Bortkowski and Sgt Aurek have some mission for us."
~{0}~
A few minutes of winding their way through the camp's narrow pathways the squad found themselves outside a large camouflaged tent with wires leading to temporary antenna towers coming out of it. A guard by the entrance saluted the squad then signaled for them to enter the tent where the squad found themselves standing on a dirty rug and the strong scent of herbal tea.
A large man in an officer's uniform was standing at a map table surrounded by various aids and support staff. All around the table little colored figures were being moved around by men with radio headsets as they did the best they could to estimate where the various units were located. After a few moments the officer looked up from the map to observe the squad who immediately snapped to attention and saluted. "British Commando squad reporting sir! barked Darren in crisp clear words"
"Ah! Corporal Williams, at ease, thank you for joining us, I'd been looking forwards to meeting and personally thank you and your team for destroying that supply depot. I believe the lack of forward supplies is why we were able to evade the main invasion force." greeted General Bortkowski warmly. "Sgt Aurek has also relayed to me your helpfulness at the Poznan battle."
At the at-ease order the squad relaxed to parade rest as a show of respect befitting the presence of a high ranking General. Especially as they were currently the only semi-official representatives of the British Crown present at the Polish army camp. Speaking for the squad Darren stepped forwards to the chart table to examine it before turning to Bortkowski.
"General Bortkowski, your very welcome, I hope the tank we captured yields useful intelligence and can be of use in the coming battles. I'm happy to hear that the little adventure the other day had such a beneficial result to the Polish Army." returned Darren, his smile and eyes full of pride in his unit. "What can we do for you to support the next round of operations?"
"Yes, of course, I'm glad you asked. Corporal, we are planning something big, something that should push back the German's and buy our country more breathing room for our allies, your nation, to come to our aid." Turning to the chart table Bortkowski picked up a ruler and began to point to various German and Polish unit markers as he continued his presentation.
"As you can see elements of the German 4th army are thinly arranged along the North bank of the Bzura river and the 8th army group is thought to be along the South bank. We have joined armies Poznan and Pomorze to form what we believe is a large enough force to achieve our goal and link up with army group Lodz outside of Warsaw. The river water is low right now so building bridges sufficient to support our light tanks, infantry, and cavalry will be easy." concluded Bortkowski as he returned to facing the squad who were now had a look of confusion. "Any questions?"
Several in the squad made to speak but where waved quiet by Darren before asking his own. "General sir, that seems a fine plan sir, what would you have us do?"
"I need you to scout ahead of the main counter-attack, you will be provided with a portable radio with which to radio back to this command post. Let us know of any units spotted but do not engage the enemy directly unless needed, let the main army formations do the heavy lifting" answered Bortkowski, "Your squad has great talent, I'm certain you can do this"
For a little while the tent fell into silence as Darren considered the request, technically they were not bound to obey the General, but then these people were fighting for their nation, their families, there way of life, how could he say no? "Squad, are you up for it?"
Grinning to each other they replied as one "Sir yes Sir! Commandos lead the way!"
000 Evening September 9th, 1939
The bright moonlight shone down from a clear cloudless sky providing ample light to navigate and observe the positions of enemy units. Taking full advantage of the natural light five shadowy figures moved between points of over in a steady advance towards the German lines. Already they had marked and radioed back the positions of enemy artillery batteries, encampments, and one of what they thought was a command position owing to the number of antennas around the central tents.
One hour before the Polish attack was to begin the squad was taking a rest on a small knoll overlooking a distant town in German occupied territory.
"See anything in the town down there? I see lights on but no sign of movement." asked Frank while looking through a small set of binoculars. "Pearl, do those eyes of yours see anything?"
Picking up her own binoculars Pearl scanned the town with her keen eyesight picking out details her human colleague couldn't see. "I see some German vehicles, but that's expected, you're right, I don't see any movement … wait a sec, I see something out by those sheds. East side."
Shifting his view Frank re-focused on the indicated buildings, "you're right, I count about thirty people and an armored car, looks to be mostly men and soldiers moving around the sheds. What do you think they're up to?"
"Let me see" commanded Darren as he took over the binoculars from Frank. "Looks like they're lining up the farmers against…. Oh gods, Pearl look away, look away now." hissed Darren as he reached over and slapped the binoculars away from Pearl's face.
"Hey, why did you do that…" but her protests were cut off as the unmistakable sound of automatic weapons fire echoed across the fields. "No, they didn't, they couldn't have." whispered Pearl quietly as she looked through the binoculars to confirm her fears.
Sure enough instead of thirty people standing there were now only ten standing and a number of dark shapes lying still on the ground, the barn wall behind peppered with dark stains.
A cold anger filled her as she watched as the soldiers began to check the bodies, soon a few more shots echoed across the field. Next to the barn another group of civilians was being brought out to the killing area, their hands tied behind their backs and eyes covered.
Wordlessly Pearl readied her rifle, attached the scope, and got into a prone sleeping position, the rifle lying against the earth for support as she stopped her breathing for a steadier shot. "Darren, how long until the attack starts?"
Nodding his understanding Darren signaled the rest of the squad. "Everyone, attach scopes, and assume sniper positions, don't fire until Pearl does. George, take a moment, get on the radio to report what we've seen before joining us."
"We're with you P, on your mark." whispered James as he took up position next to her and set up his own rifle. "Range is estimated at 600 yards, call your target please"
Looking down her scope she sighted in on someone who appeared to be an officer and adjusted the sights on his center mass. "Confirmed 600 yards, grass indicates wind from the north-east, my target is the Jerry with the big hat and shoulder pads."
James shivered at her response, he'd never heard her voice sound so cold before, so seemingly empty of emotion and yet so full of raw anger. "Acknowledged, ready here too"
~{0}~ Piątek village
Down in the village of Piątek private Gerhard was having a much better day than the one he had had a few days ago when he was knocked out by that woman and then the camp destroyed. Now we was sitting comfortably inside his armored car munching on some sausages monitoring the radio while his platoon mates cleaned the filth out of the village.
Looking out the porthole of his armored car he smiled to himself as the latest batch of these sub-human polish villagers were executed against the barn. "Good riddance, once cleared we can resettle this village with proper Aryan's and make the land prosper as never before"
Seeing the next batch of prisoners being brought around he nodded his approval before going back to his meal and radio.
~{0}~
"News from command, they are starting the assault, the water is low and the temporary bridges are holding up, estimated 30 minutes till they get to our position" whispered Frank from the radio.
A moment later the squad was in position and had each selected targets. "Ready, wait till the soldiers are lined up and backs turned, fire when ready Pearl" whispered Darren.
Still holding the rifle almost as if she was a statue, Pearl re-checked her target, then gently squeezed the trigger. The rifle jerked back and a bright flash lit the ground in front of them followed by the rifles signature crack as the projectile was sent on its way to the target. A fraction of a second later the rest of the squad's rifles fired in unison.
A second later the German's were who were just lining up jerked and collapsed to the ground as the long range shots found their targets. Confusion reigned for only a moment as the surviving troops looked around for what had happened, a moment was all that was needed as they too suddenly cried out in pain before falling to the ground and lay still. As quickly as it had started the shooting was over leaving ten more cooling bodies on the ground and a few confused farmers standing against the barn wall.
~{0}~
Gerhard was worried, the machine gun wasn't firing. Looking back out the portal he noticed what the problem was, there on the ground his platoon was motionless on the ground and the villagers were still standing. Realizing what had happened his wiggled his way from the driver's seat up to the gunner's position and peered out the view-port hoping for a chance at revenge.
~{0}~
"Good shooting team, wait for a few minutes then lets move towards the village and see about freeing those prisoners." commanded Daren grinning a little at the easy victory and revenge.
"What about that scout car? It's going to report what happened" asked James as he continued to scan the village through the riffles scope. "Thank god for that moon light" he mumbled.
"Don't worry about it, if it was manned it would have opened fire already" replied Darren confidently. "We'll toss some grenades under it first chance we get to be sure."
Ten minutes later after seeing no further movement the squad advanced to the village to free the prisoners and continue their mission. Arriving at the village the squad set about securing freeing the villagers as Pearl readied a couple grenades to throw at the armored car.
~{0}~
Gerhard was ready at the turret controls as soon as the enemy soldiers came into view he readied the machine gun and was about to swing it into position when she came into view. It was the same woman from the depot, the same one who'd bested him. Revenge would be his.
Engaging the turret motor controls with his feet; he swung the barrel around to point at the squad. Grinning to himself he pulled the trigger and the rapid fire gun began to spit fire.
~{0}~
Pearl's keen hearing heard it first, the unmistakable sound of a turret motor. "GET DOWN! EVERYONE DOWN!" before turning and sprinting towards the machine gun. A moment later it was if a thousand camera flashes began firing at once as a sound like a buzz saw ripped through the air.
Whoever was in the turret must have seen her charge as the gunner tried to traverse the gun to track the target but she was too fast. Reaching the car just as the gun stopped, probably for reload, she ripped open a hatch and threw in the grenades. Her task finished she lept of the tank as her keen ears heard loud cursing in German from within the car as the grenades time delay ticked down.
A brief double flash of light was seen from the openings in the cars armor followed by a muffled KRUMF! as the two grenades exploded. Stillness returned to the night as the scout car began to burn as if it was a bonfire bathing the area in a dull yellow glow.
Glancing around and a quick count, Pearl breathed a sigh of relief and thanked whatever powers existed in the universe; for the gunner had had terrible aim and no one had been hit.
Thirty minutes later, right on schedule, the first units of the Polish army's counter attack reached the village, secured, it, then continued on-to the next.
000 German camp - September 9th 1939
General der Infanterie Kurt von Briesen, was in deep sleep dreaming of his lady love back in Berlin and how he would ravish her with gifts and trophies from war on his triumphant return. He was just getting to the best part of the romantic dream when he felt himself shaking and a loud voice filled his dream. "Kommandant zum Aufwachen! Kommandant zum Aufwachen!"
Opening his eyes Briesen looked up to see one of his young staff lieutenant standing over his bed. "Was ist es" he grumbled now fully irritated at being woken so late in the evening.
"Komm mit mir angegriffen" replied the young man, his voice filled with worry and fear.
Fully alert now Briesen nearly leaped off his bed and quickly wrapped a thick warm coat around his sleep clothes, pulled on his boots, and hurried to the command tent. "Bericht!" he barked on arriving at the table and taking position over a large table map with various unit indicators being moved about by the junior command staff.
On closer examination he noticed a number of red-units indicating polish infantry, cavalry, and light-tanks were suddenly much closer to his own units than they had been a few days before. "Attacke zurück Alle Einheiten!". Immediately the staff got on the radios to begin relaying orders, soon all around the camp men were leaving their tents and grabbing equipment.
Somewhere off in the distance a horse's whinny was heard by a camp look-out followed by someone shouting in Polish. "atak kawalerii! atak kawalerii!" followed by a dull thunder of thousands of feet and hooves pounding the earth growing louder by the moment.
"Was ist das?" muttered the lookout as he peered out over the moonlit grassy fields towards the a row of trees a few hundred yards from the command camp.
His answer appeared a moment later as hundreds of horse cavalry burst from the treeline and rapidly closed the distance to the camp before any defense could be mounted. Rifles fired and swords slashed as the Polish Cavalry units crashed through the German encampment sowing destruction and confusion among their enemies. Once a safe clearing was secured other horses pulling small anti-tank guns and supply boxes arrived, the Polish soldiers quickly dismounting to setup the heavier guns and began blasting any target worthy of the bigger guns.
Back at the command tent Briesen tried to organize a defense but soon realized it was hopeless as the camp was being quickly overrun. Grudgingly his issued the retreat commands to his troops and within minutes the command tents important contents was packed up, loaded into specially prepared and positioned trucks, then driven away to safety.
Looking back at the burning camp now fading into the distance Briesen loosed a series of curses. Tonight he had been forced to leave behind most of his heavy artillery guns, supplies, and probably a number of his soldiers to the mercy of angry Polish soldiers.
September 10th
It was several hours since the events of the village and the sun was now shining high in the sky, a few clouds drifted about and one would almost say that it was a quiet, peaceful day. But that couldn't be further from the truth, for down on the earth an army was on the march. Men sang battle songs as they marched, light-tanks flew flags proudly, and all around the Polish army was in high spirits from the earlier victories as they advanced towards the next objective.
After a long night of scouting and sniping anyone who looked like an officer the squad was now riding on the back of the captured Panzer as it rumbled along. Now painted in Polish colors and flying the flag of the Wielkopolska Cavalry Brigade it was flanked by the light-tanks. Having no proper experience operating a tank it had been taken over by a professional crew who were now gleefully driving it against their enemies. Much to the envy of their fellow tank drivers.
Resting with his head on his arms James stirred from his sleep after the tank shook a bit after crushing a large log that been in its path. Faint laughter could be heard from within as the crew toyed with the armored beast. "Hey Darren, whatever happened to the 29th and Oziewicz?"
On hearing no reply James looked over to find Darren leaning over the tank drivers hatch talking to someone inside; probably didn't hear the question.
"Oziewicz and the 29th are down south of Skierniewice, they are supposed to be making a push west towards Warsaw and the river but no one's heard from them since the offensive began." replied Pearl. She was sitting on the back of the turret looking out towards a line of trees.
"If you glare at those trees any harder little sister, they might catch fire" teased Frank from the opposite side of the turret. "Polish recon already cleared em, saw them out there earlier"
Pearl sighed relief as she leaned back to look at the sky and examine the clouds. Idly she waved her hands a bit and soon a cloud briefly took on the appearance of the temple back home. "Surely they must have gotten news of the war by now, I wonder what they are thinking now" she whispered to herself. Returning to her brooding she looked forwards towards the next objective in the Wielkopolska Brigades list of objectives. Another village was gradually coming into view as they crested a small knoll and began the advance down the other side.
"I think this town is empty, they would have opened fire on us by now" commented George as he got out his rifle and began to scan the buildings through the scope.
In an instant everything changed as from between buildings and behind bushes multiple German anti-tank guns opened fire. The blasts from the guns shattering window glass and flattening nearby foliage to the ground. Most of the initial volley missed but inevitably a few of the big 37mm shells found targets as a few tanks along the Polish line of advance light tanks blossomed into fire and shrapnel. The armor of a light tank was simply too thin to protect it.
Leaping off the Panzer and taking position behind it; the squad ducked down and covered their ears as the huge tank began to fire its main gun in reply.
"Time to go to work squad; that tank doesn't have much ammo left. We need to locate compatible ammo and failing that help them conserve shots. Ready?"
The squad nodded their readiness and began their own careful advance forwards.
September 11th
General Walther von Reichenau was not happy as he surveyed the battle map laid out on the planning table. His units had been pushed back several miles and already they had been forced to surrender several key towns and road crossings. If this kept up the entire 8th and its supporting divisions would be destroyed, an unacceptable embarrassment to the 3rd Reich.
Grumbling to himself as he surveyed the map and the troop concentrations a plan began to take root as he realized what he was looking at. This had to be the full might of the Polish army, or what was left of it as elsewhere in the country invasion units were reporting a significant drop in hardened resistance. This was his chance, to crush them once and for all.
Sending for his field commanders Reichenau relayed orders and soon the might of the German military began to shift its bulk in a new direction. New target, Polish units along Bzura River.
September 13th
The change was gradual, a few more aircraft patrolling the sky, a few more artillery guns firing from long range, a few more soldiers, and finally heavier tanks. The Polish advance had ground to a halt and was now being pushed back under increasing feroce opposition. Casualties began to mount as infantry regiments, devoid of heavy anti-tank weapons, encountered increasingly frequent heavy armored groups. The skies above where now filled with fighters and bombers radioing positions to distant German guns bringing swift death to any formation large enough to be worth the trouble. Down in the forests and in the streets of villages and towns the German's had stopped retreating; now they were advancing in strength.
September 14th
Dirt, exhaustion, pain, and finally defeat; these were the emotions on display across the defensive line as soldiers prepared for battle. All around the makeshift fortifications men toiled to dig trenches just a little bit deeper, erect one more barrier to snare a tank's tracks, or one more protected firing point. But deep down everyone knew that the period of glory was drawing to a close and soon the battle would be ending soon one way or another.
Movement during the day had become impossible as dive-bombers bombed and strafed anything caught in the open. The only movement between supply points or strong points was done in small groups under camouflage, slowly, and using whatever natural cover was available. Communications was beginning to break down between the field commanders and headquarters; the added confusion and lack of direction furthering the downward spiral of moral.
Out in one foxhole on the edge of the battlefield; the British Commando's waited for the battle to resume. An ancient oak tree provided cover from any prowling eyes in the sky and all around the once green grass was now flattened and crushed into the earth. The sun was just setting below the horizon and soon the battlefield was bathed in a rich purplish glow as the sun dipped behind a cloud layer. Out in the distance a quartet of Polish tanks smoldered, some still glowed from small fires still burning from something within; among them was the once mighty Panzer.
"Soldiers, I do believe it is time to plan our escape; I believe all of us would rather stay and fight but it's plain to see that the battle is lost." remarked Darren as he sat at the side of the foxhole, taking a long drag from a cigarette he leaned back and began to blow smoke rings towards the sky.
"I hate to say it but he's right" grumbled George. "All the heavy anti-aircraft is destroyed, our tanks are being popped like soda can's by the heavier German guns, and yesterday I saw some new soldiers with sharp uniforms running around in one of the town's we passed."
Pearl didn't respond and instead just nodded and took a drag from her own cigarette and moved to the other side of the foxhole lay down next to James who was also resting on the ground. she was exhausted having once again run her energy reserves down towards dangerous levels. she hated the things but she had found that the occasional cigarette helped to calm her nerves and allow for easier rest; besides, she had no lungs to pollute. "James, how you holding up?" she whispered quietly as she snuggled a little closer to him and got comfortable.
"Been better love, been better. I agree, we need to think of how we're going to get out of this mess" he whispered quietly back from his look out point on the side of the shallow firing point.
"Hush, all of you, someone's coming" hissed James as he raised his rifle and peered out into the dimming light; this time there would be no moonlight to spot danger from a long way away.
At first there was no sound, just the faint crackle of the burning tanks and the occasional pop of a distant rifle firing on an unseen target. Almost at once the squad spotted the intruder, a young man in a Polish army uniform was carefully approaching their position; a few minutes later he arrived. The young man's face carried with it heavy exhaustion and his uniform was filthy with dirt and the blood of his fellow soldiers.
Offering a crisp salute, he delivered his message in broken English "British Soldiers, go to command tent, follow myself". Before turning and beginning the long slow trip back to main camp. After checking for confirmation from Darren, the squad followed after the soldier
~{0}~
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE'RE BEING ORDERED AWAY!" shouted Darren as he paced back and forth across the command tent's floor. Off to the side the other members of his squad stood in quiet shock at the outburst but kept their opinions to themselves as they waited a decision.
"I'm sorry Corporal Williams, but this is the best course of action. We are surrounded on all sides and the Luftwaffe with heavy artillery pound our positions relentlessly. There is little more you and your squad can do here, it's time for you to take your skills and services where they can be most effective." said General Bortkowski quietly, his voice holding back the emotions he was feeling.
"But there must be something we can contribute! We can target and snipe commanders, capture or destroy communications, sabotage supplies!" pleaded Darren.
Bortkowski smiled warmly at Darren before reaching over to draw the smaller man close and rest a heavy hand on Darren's shoulder. "I'm sorry lad, but you must escape with the others, we will fight a holding action here to buy time for our Government's leaders and as many people as possible to escape. Already Warsaw is under siege and is being hammered by the enemy."
Nodding defeat Darren stepped back from the General and turned his attention to the battle map. Quietly he surveyed the map and the numerous enemy unit markers surrounding a now much reduced number of friendly units. Dozens of enemy units now surrounded the major cities.
"What would you have us do? We were discussing exit strategies earlier before coming here but I'd hoped we could still contribute something on the way out." said Darren as he continued to evaluate the map, now looking for possible breaks in the enemy lines he could exploit.
Bortkowski picked up a long marking stick and began to draw chalk lines on the paper-map as he began to issue orders. "We have captured a German freight train during the course of the offensive; it's a couple miles from here being prepared for a journey West towards France. We need you and your squad to help with getting the train through by doing what your group does best; reconnaissance, infiltration, and making sure the tracks ahead are clear of obstacles."
"So you want us to help ensure safe passage of a cargo train, what's the cargo?"
"A mix of Government officials, civilians, and some soldiers who are willing to leave and form a new army to carry on our nation and traditions in exile." answered Bortkowski, his voice was now cracking and threatened to betray the deep sorrow he felt for his nation and troops.
After a long pause to consider his options Darren snapped to attention and offered a crisp, sharp salute to Bortkowski. Behind him his squad also stood to attention and saluted as each offered their own show of respect to the leader of a broken but not yet defeated army. "We accept, it will be an honor to help ensure the continuation and future of the Polish people"
~{0}~
A couple of hours later, under the cover of darkness, a lone locomotive pulling a small train of freight cars engaged its traction wheels and eased its way out onto the main rail lines. At the front of the engine the Nazi flag flapped in the breeze as the train built up momentum. In the cab stood a watch of Polish soldiers fluent in German and English wearing captured uniforms operated the engine. Back in the cars exhausted soldiers, politicians, and one commando squad settled in for a long and probably perilous trip through hopefully neutral nations.
Somewhere a radio played soft music, a familiar song began to play and soon the sorrowful group began to sing along in time with the music as the train carried them further from home.
We'll meet again,
Don't know where, don't know when,
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
Keep smiling through,
Just like you always do,
Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds, far away.
So will you please say hello,
To the folks that I know,
Tell them I won't be long,
They'll be happy to know that as you saw me go
I was singing this song.
We'll meet again,
Don't know where, don't know when,
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day.
000 End Chapter 14
000 Author's Notes
Hello Readers
This concludes the Poland Arc as Pearl heads towards France with what remains of the Polish government and a mix of civilians and soldiers. At present I can't find any information on exactly HOW the Polish Government escaped or how thousands of the nation's troops managed to make it to France; look at a map, it's a difficult journey. The result is the next chapter will be taking allot of creative liberties with history as I cook up a plausible story for the journey.
This chapter was a beast to write because is allot of information about the battle of Bzura. So much that it became a choir to figure out what to put in, leave out, and how much to just make up for the sake of moving the story forwards and conveying the battle to you.
000 History
There is just too much history to cover from this time period; here are some key points.
Battle of the Bzura - Real Battle - It was the last major Polish counter-attack and the last major resistance against the invasion. The Polish army fought on and even had a few more successes but when the Soviets invaded on a second front from the East it was over. The Polish forces were too badly depleted in supplies, troops, equipment, everything. I would strongly suggest you to go at least read the Wikipedia article on this one for more info.
Piątek, Łódź Voivodeship - Site of a mass murder of Polish civilians at the hands of German soldiers around September 13th, 1939. I've changed the date and the ending to a happier one.
General Bortkowski - Real Person - Combined leader of the combined Polish armies
General der Infanterie Kurt von Briesen - Real Person - Led the 30th Infantry Division in the invasion of Poland in 1939; his was one of the units the Polish army attacked in force
Johannes Blaskowitz - Real Person - Leader of the German 8th army in 1939 invasion of Poland
Walther von Reichenau - Real Person - commanded the 10th Army during the German invasion of Poland. When the German's realized how strong the Polish counter-attack was they mobilized multiple heavy units including the 10th armored division's tanks to attack.
TKS / TK-3 light tanks - small mini-tanks armed only with light machine-guns and sometimes small 3.7cm bofors guns. These stood zero chance against even the light Panzer II and III tanks the German's invaded with.
Polish Cavalry - Contrary to myths, the Polish Cavalry DID NOT charge uselessly into the waiting guns of German tanks. That was a myth put out by the German's to portray the Polish as being primitive and unfit to govern themselves. The truth is that the Cavalry was very smartly deployed in hit-and-run tactics, rapid movement of light artillery guns, rapid movement of infantry to attack in areas where they were not expected (surprise!) and traverse terrain that was unsuitable for vehicles or anything other than foot soldiers.
We'll Meet Again - Popular 1939 British song made famous by singer Vera Lynn with music and lyrics composed and written by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles. I don't know exactly when it was written but it seemed to meet the period and requirements for the story ending.