Chapter 10: An Upward Struggle
6th July, 1943. 0730 hours.
The entire area lit up with blinding flashes, bullets flying everywhere, anti-tank shells whizzing past at supersonic speeds. Every so often a Panzer III or Panzer IV would get hit, and spit out flames, or simply just grind to a halt; every crewmember inside killed within it's steel hull. However, thanks to it's strong armour, the shell would just ricochet off the Tiger's frontal armour. But it's relatively thin side armour was within penetrating range of the 76mm Zis-3 Soviet anti-tank gun. The storm continued to thunder above them; dazzling flashes of lightning and deafening thunder rumbled around them.
"Engage anything you see! We need to break through their defences!" Erwin shouted into the mic, as several shells slammed into her Tiger's frontal armour and turret; sparks erupting as metal scraped against metal. Another shell smashed into the turret, the impact throwing her off balance. But the sturdy turret armour made the shell simply deflected off.
An explosion caused Maho to look to her right. One of the Tiger's on her right had struck a land mine and the track slowly fell off. The tank slowly ground to a halt. Seconds later two shells smashed into the side armour. One shell ricocheted off the hull, but one penetrated the armour. A few seconds later, flames erupted from the engine, and the commander's hatch opened as the surviving crew bailed out. One had a bloody face, the other fell down to the ground and began crawling to safety.
"We've lost a Tiger!" Maho shouted into the mic. "The 76mm anti-tank gun went through the side armour. Two survivors." She stated as another Tiger rolled over another mine and was immobilised. As they continued to advance, the anti-tank fire became even more ferocious. Shells flew overhead relentlessly, and the artillery and Katyusha rockets zeroed in onto their position. Shells whistled overhead, and exploded all around them; each explosion throwing mounds of muddy earth and rocks all over the place. The sounds of gunfire, explosions and shells grinding against armour was indescribable. She ducked down as several Katyusha rockets howled overhead. She felt a slight chill in her spine. 'Am I going to die here...?' She thought. But now wasn't the time to dwell on such a thing. She saw a silhouette of a tank on the top of the hill. "Erika. T-34 on the top of the hill! 2 o'clock! Distance, around 500m.
"Target sighted!" She replied.
Maho ducked down as another shell smashed into the frontal armour of her Tiger, the impact throwing her backwards. "Fire." She stated.
The cannon fired and through the smoke, Maho could see the evident sign of an ammunition explosion.
"Target destroyed." Erika stated.
"Shit! We've got some infantry rushing down the hill!" Erwin shouted into the radio. "Everyone, cut them down!"
"I can't see them!" Karla replied. "The smoke is too thick! I can't see anything!"
"Trust me! I saw them coming down the hill!" Erwin shouted.
Maho strained her eyes, looking for any shape that resembled a human. But as they continued advancing, she started to see figures coming out of the hazy smoke, their rifles raised, screaming at the top of their voices. As they got closer, she could see that many of them were holding bottles of liquid. A rag was stuffed into the neck of the bottle, with flames protruding from the neck of the bottle. Once close enough, they would drop down into the long grass, and crawl up to the closest tank, and throw the bottle. The bottle shattered on the tank, and fire would spread all along the hull of the tank. Some bottles smashed on the engine block, the flames setting the engine on fire. Several bottles sailed into the tank, through the commander's hatch. A few moments later, she could see the crew members struggle frantically out of the tank; all of them covered in flames. The collapsed onto the ground, trying to put out the flames, whilst screaming in agony as the fire licked at their skin, slowly burning them alive. Maho's eyes widened in horror and instantly ducked down and closed the commander's hatch. "Cut the infantry down! Now!" She screamed into the radio "All units! Cut down the infantry with the Molotov cocktails! We can't let them get close!"
"Uraa!"
Maho looked in her viewing optics, and she could see several men running towards her Tiger; all donned with Molotov cocktails. As they got closer, several were gunned down by the coaxial machine gun that Christian was operating, but one survived and managed to throw the flaming bottle just as his body was torn in half by a storm of machine gun bullets. Time slowed as Maho watched the bottle sail overhead and shatter on top of the turret. Flames instantly erupted on the turret, and the flaming gasoline dripped into the engine block as well as obscuring her optics with smoke. She fell back onto her chair, and sighed. In her eyes, she could see fire spreading into the tank. She looked at her hands. They were blackened and burnt, almost down to the bone. The putrid smell of burnt flesh hit her nostrils. Everything had slowed down. Her hearing was distorted. She looked down at her hands again. This time, they were perfectly normal. Something else caught her attention. Erika was shaking her, mouthing something desperately at her, but she couldn't hear what Erika was saying. Her mind had dominated her sense of reality.
'This is it, Maho. Time to die...'
"No..." She whispered to herself in dread. "N-No... This can't happen... not yet." Tears began falling down her cheeks. "N-N-No...-I'm sorry... Miho. But it looks like I can't keep that pro-"
"Maho! Snap out of it!" Erika's voice rang through her head suddenly like an alarm bell. She suddenly snapped out of her trance like state. Her hearing came back instantly and the sounds of explosions, gunfire and screaming flooded back. She blinked and looked and looked at Erika.
"Hm?" She asked innocently. Erika and Felix breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness. We thought we wouldn't be able to make you sna-" Felix began.
"Everyone, We've got a problem!" Ernst shouted suddenly. "Our oil pressure and water temperatures are going through the roof! Something must be wrong with the engine!" At the same time, Karla's voice broke through on the radio. Her voice was frantic.
"Leutnant! There are flames coming from your engine block! I repeat! There are flames coming from the engine block!"
Maho looked aghast. "Y-You sure...?"She whispered.
"Positive!" Erwin replied desperately. "The fire is spreading across your engine! Bail out! Quickly!"
Maho looked at her crew, before opening the commander's hatch. She looked at the engine. It was smoking, with flames leaping from the radiator grilles. She sighed and closed it again. "The engine is on fire. Ernst. Shut off the engine. We're staying and fighting." She forced a smile. "If we are to die, I want us to die fighting." On hearing this, Christian frowned.
"Leutnant. We are not going to die here. You hear me?" He stated forcefully.
"He's right, Maho." Erika joined in. "We won't die. We can't. Not yet." She spoke softly, turning round and putting an arm on Maho's shoulder gently. "We'll go back to Soborwka, and get that engine repaired as best as we can. I mean, I don't want our tank to go down like this. It is our second home." She smiled.
"Leutnant Ketler! Recovery vehicles are on their way! They should be here very soon!" Erwin shouted through the radio. "Keep fighting!" But Maho was unsure about it. They had taken very heavy losses and had lost a lot of tanks and infantry trying to assault this position.
"Hauptmann. I think we should pull back to Soborwka and regroup. We've taken very heavy casualties." She spoke into the radio. "We've lost one Tiger, and have some immobilised. The panzer regiment has taken significant losses as well. We won't be able to press on with the attack right now." The tank shook as several more shells smashed against there frontal armour and turret. "But, you're the Battalion Commander. It's your choice."
Erwin sighed, thinking hard. "But HQ has told us that we had to take the hills, no matter what." She answered.
"I know, Hauptmann, I know." Maho replied, nodding in agreement. "But think about it. We've lost the element of surprise, as well as taking heavy casualties. If we continue trying to fight our way through this, we're only going to lose more men. Is it worth it?" She asked.
"But we can still achieve a breakthrough!" One other commander chirped in. "If we just hit them on masse, we can-"
"Leutnant Ketler's right." Karla spoke firmly. "We've taken too many losses to continue this attack." Her attention then fell on Erwin. "Hauptmann. I think our best chances are to withdraw, regroup, resupply then renew the attack later on today or tomorrow. With your permission, I and the rest of B Company will lead them back. Some Tigers are to cover the recovery and withdrawal of the immoblised Tigers."
Erwin thought hard for a few moments, before deciding what to do. "Alright. All units, listen up! We're falling back to our positions in Soborwka. Let's get back now! I repeat! All units are to fall back to Soborwka! We've taken too many losses to continue the attack! I and Feldwebel Brun will stay and cover the recovery of the immobilised Tigers. Everyone just get back. I will see you all back at Soborwka." She ordered.
"Aye, Hauptmann." They all replied, and soon enough, the remaining Panzer IIIs and IVs were retreating, followed by the infantry and Tiger Tanks. As the recovery vehicles arrived and began towing back the immobilised Tigers back to Soborwka, they were continually pummelled by artillery and Katyusha rockets. The explosions landed close to their retreating convoy, piling mounds of earth onto their tanks. Inside their Tiger, Maho and her crew couldn't do anything, but wait till they had arrived back at Soborwka.
6th July, 1943. 1030 hours.
"That is all, gentlemen. Thank you for your time. Get some rest and get any repairs done."
Maho was inside an abandoned house, which was turned into a makeshift frontline HQ for their sector. She, Erwin and other officers were standing around a table with a large map placed upon it. Hearing Erwin dismiss the other officers, she finally turned to look at Erwin.
"That's a bold plan." She stated, as Erwin walked over and out of the house, prompting Maho to follow her. "On paper, it should work. But we'll see when we put it into action tonight."
Erwin forced a smile, leaning against the wall of the house and taking out a cigarette and lighter. Seeing Maho look at her cigarette, she smirked and handed her one. "Haven't you got any?" She asked innocently. Maho shook her head.
"I ran out yesterday." She simply stated, lighting it and taking a deep breath before exhaling. "And what I've been through just then, I deserve one." She joked lightly.
"You were lucky, Maho. It could of ended a lot worse." Erwin replied, her light and happy demeanour changed into one of seriousness and concern. "You were lucky that you closed your hatch in time."
"I know Erwin..." Maho sighed, her eyes replaying the moment several burning crew members from a Panzer III bailed out of their burning tank; their screams of agony. They way they writhed around in pain. She was certainly lucky... But she snapped out of it before her mind had the possibility to take over her again. "On that note, I hope they can fix up the engine... it seemed to be damaged pretty bad, and I doubt that HQ can send a replacement engine in a few quick hours." She muttered, throwing her cigarette down onto the muddy ground and stubbing it out, before looking up at the sky. The thunderstorm was clearing, but a steady drizzle still rained down on them, forming puddles on the ground.
"Maho? Can I ask for your opinion on something?" Erwin suddenly asked, turning to look at her. She nodded quickly.
"Go ahead."
Erwin thought for a moment, then spoke. "I was thinking if Karla would be eligible for a battlefield commission. The Tiger that was destroyed contained our other 2nd in command. Yes. You were not the only second in command." Erwin smirked, seeing her raise a brow. "So, since he was killed, we naturally have a gap in the chain of command. And from my observation, Karla seems the most... suitable replacement." She stated. "She's a good and talented leader, like you."
Maho raised a brow. "You know it's really hard to persuade HQ to give out a battlefield commission?" She asked. Erwin nodded.
"I know. But I'll try my best. She deserves it, you know?" She spoke, as Maho nodded in agreement. "She's been through this much, and shows potential. She deserves the rank of Leutnant... Anyway. I'll radio in HQ to see if she can be eligible for a promotion. And I'll look into her personal files to see what she's been up to in the past. I'll see you later." Erwin smiled, and saluted, before walking back inside the house.
Maho returned the salute slowly and began walking back towards her Tiger, which was stopped next to Karla's Tiger. As she got closer, she could see her crew working hard on the engine. She climbed on top of the turret. "How are the repairs going?" She asked. Erika and Ernst shook their heads.
"Not very well..." Erika began.
"...We've been trying our best, but the best chances would be to get a replacement engine. This engine can function, but it will not last long." Ernst added slowly. Maho sighed in slight frustration.
"Okay. Just try and get repairs done if possible. If it really isn't working, radio in for a replacement engine." She stated. "Also." She added. "Check our supplies. Restock our ammunition and shells if needs be. We'll be launching a night attack at midnight. Everyone clear? I will join you later. I need to find Hauptmann Brandt."
"Aye, Leutnant." They responded. Maho nodded and walked back towards the house which acted as their frontline HQ. Once inside, she could see Erwin sat down on a desk, with Karla's personal file in her hand.
"Care if I join you, Erwin?" She asked. Erwin nodded.
"Sure. It'll be good for you to help." She spoke slowly. Maho smiled and sat down next to her.
"Here." Erwin passed some papers to Maho. "These papers have her combat records, and any significant events that has included her is also written down." Maho nodded and quickly began reading them.
"Oberfeldwebel Karla Brun. Enlisted into the Panzerwaffe on 5th January 1940. Completed basic training on 5th April 1940. Completed training to operate Panzer IVC's in November 1940. Promoted to the rank Unteroffizer after taking part in the invasion of France. Stationed in France till June 1941. She was transferred to the Eastern Front with the 1st Panzer Division and took part in the Battle of Moscow. Was promoted to Unterfeldwebel on the 5th December 1941, after participating into the encirclement and destruction of Soviet forces in Vyazma. Was transferred to fight at Stalingrad with the 56th Panzer Division, where she was injured when her tank was destroyed by a T-34 in December 1942. Therefore, she received the Wound Badge in Black and was promoted to Feldwebel for her actions in the battle. She, along with several other commanders destroyed 24 enemy tanks. She was then taken back to Germany for retraining on the new Tiger Tanks, and whilst afterwards was transferred to the 503rd Heavy Tank battalion to take part in the 3rd Battle of Kharkov. She was promoted to the rank of Oberfeldwebel after the battle due to her outstanding contribution in that battle. She single handedly destroyed 12 T-34 tanks and different assortments of anti-tank guns. However, the very next day of being promoted, she was wounded again and sent back to Germany for treatment. She was then retransferred back to the Eastern Front and transferred to the 505th Heavy tank Battalion, to participate in Operation Citadel."
Erwin raised a brow. "She sure has seen a lot of action..." Seeing Maho nod in agreement, she continued. "I guess I can use this to argue for her field commission."
"She's got plenty of battlefield experience and expertise. I don't see why HQ wouldn't want someone as experienced as her not to be promoted." Maho stated. "She's got almost more combat experience than me."
"Okay. I'll radio in HQ for their opinion, and if they approve it, I'll make my final decision." Erwin replied.
Maho nodded in response and walked out towards the door. "I'll see you later, then." She spoke softly, before walking back out of the house and towards her Tiger. Erika quickly ran over.
"Leutnant! We've got some good news!" She spoke quickly. Maho tilted her head.
"Hm?"
Erika grabbed Maho's sleeves and dragged her to the engine, where Felix and Ernst were sitting on the turret; looking pleased with themselves.
"We fixed up the engine with some spare parts! It works pretty well right now, but as long as we don't push the engine too hard, it should manage reasonably well." Felix spoke smugly, as Ernst nodded in agreement.
"The engine wasn't as badly damaged as we thought." Ernst explained. "We've managed to fix it up... well mostly." He smiled.
"Good, Good." Maho replied, nodding. She jumped into the Tiger, and slid down into Christians' seat; checking the machine gun ammunition. 'Hmm. We nearly don't have enough ammunition left.' She thought to herself, before climbing back up, jumping down and walking away. "The coaxial machine gun needs more ammunition." She spoke as she walked. "And, I'll get it. Get some rest. You worked hard on that engine."
"Aye, Leutnant." They replied.
Meanwhile, Erwin was still inside the HQ, pouring over Karla's service record. She frowned. High Command had given her the all clear to promote Karla, but she had the difficult choice of whether to promote her or not. 'She's been through a lot, and has gained a lot of experience through all of it.' She thought. "But... is she ready to become an officer?" She spoke to herself softly. She reached out and took the new pair of shoulder-boards depicting the rank of Leutnant from the table top into her hand. It was silvery grey in colour, due to the fact it was made out of aluminium-thread double piping. She closed her eyes and thought hard about it. Hours passed as she continued thinking about it.
'Am I making the right choice...?' She thought. Another voice answered in her head.
'You know Karla well enough, don't you? She's a good NCO, she has plenty of experience in leading small groups of men. She is also trustworthy, and will not question orders. Aren't those qualities fit for an officer?' It replied. 'You know full well she will do well as an officer.'
'But is she ready for it?' Yet another conflicting voice popped into her head. 'Yes, she may have experience in leading troops, but does she have enough? Also, are you sure about this decision? Is Karla really the only suitable one for the job?'
'Erwin.' The first voice came back. 'Trust your instincts. If you think she is ready, then she is ready. If not, don't promote her. It's simple. It's your choice...'
A few minutes later, she opened her eyes. She had made her decision.
6th July, 1943. 1900 hours.
The time spent repairing and rearming seemed to pass almost instantly. Maho walked back to her Tiger after enjoying a cigarette with Karla, only to see Erika sitting there, with her back to her. There seemed to be a melancholy mood hanging around her. She seemed to be staring at the sky, watching the gentle orangey red sunset; the clouds drifting past peacefully. Maho climbed up onto the turret and slowly sat down to Erika, who took some time before noticing her presence.
"Oh. Hey, Maho." She whispered slowly.
"Hey..." Maho replied slowly. "Watching the sunset?" Seeing Erika nod she continued. "It's beautiful, isn't it..." She whispered.
"Mm..." Erika responded. A few seconds later, she rested her head on Maho's shoulder. A few moments later, Maho could feel her shaking slightly, and wet started soaking her shoulder. She instinctively put an arm round Erika, and pulled her closer; trying to comfort her in any way possible.
"What's up?" She whispered quietly. Erika shook her head, then nuzzled further into Maho's shoulder.
"I-I... miss her...Maho..." She cried into Maho's shoulder. "I m-miss her so much-h..."
Maho nodded slowly, and continued comforting her gently. "Shh... it's okay..." She whispered, attempting to calm her down. "I understand..."
Erika calmed down a little, but tears continued sliding down her cheeks and onto Maho's uniform. "J-Just ignore me, Maho..." She mumbled between half stifled sobs. "I'm being pathetic..." Maho smirked slightly at her remark.
"Crying isn't being pathetic, Erika. But. I can't let Christian, Felix or Ernst see you like this, otherwise they'll think you're the one who is pathetic." She replied cheekily. Erika lifted up her head and gave Maho a teary grin, before sitting back up and wiping her eyes with her sleeve before reaching into her inner pocket of her panzerjacke and taking out a tattered picture and showing it to Maho.
"Here she is." Erika said simply, smiling slightly. "Wasn't she beautiful...?"
Maho took the picture and looked at it. Erika and her younger sister was in the photo, both donned in their new panzerwaffe uniform. Erika was on the right, and her sister stood on her left. She was rather young, but was only a few inches smaller than Erika, thin and extremely beautiful. "Yes... She was beautiful." Maho responded, giving the picture back to Erika. "What was her name? You never told me."
Erika was about to respond, when she saw Erwin walk past them, then a few minutes later, all the other crew members were forming up on-masse next to the house. She quickly jumped down, and gestured Maho to follow.
When they got there, every crewmember in the Battalion was there, in three ranks of men; each rank containing members from the specific company. Erika quickly joined the front rank, and Maho walked to face them.
"Battalion! Atten-Tion!" She shouted. Every member immediately stood at attention, as Erwin walked out of the house, her left hand clutching the pair of shoulder-boards. She walked next to Maho, then stopped, facing the battalion.
"Men. Today is a special day." Erwin began. "Today, we see one of our commanders starting a new career as an commissioned officer, through a battlefield commission. Oberfeldwebel Brun, step forward." She spoke.
There was a distinct murmur as Karla stepped forward, her face evident with surprise and happiness. Erwin gave her a quick smile before reading out the verbiage for promotion.
"The Führer, has reposed special trust and confidence in the valour, bravery, experience and abilities of Karla Brun. In the view of these qualities, and her demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, I herby declare that Karla Brun is to be promoted from Oberfeldwebel to Leutnant. From now on, she is a commissioned officer." She then stepped forward and handed Karla her new shoulder-boards. She quickly took them and stood at attention.
"Congratulations, Leutnant Brun." Erwin spoke, before saluting and shaking her hand. Karla smiled, and returned the salute quickly.
"Thank you... Hauptmann." She whispered, smiling with a single tear sliding down of her cheek. Erwin smiled, and nodded again, before looking at the rest of the battalion.
"Leutnant Brun has gotten this rank because of her hard work, dedication and bravery in this war. If you work hard like her, there maybe a time you will be promoted, just like her. That is all. And remember, we shall resume our attack on the hills of Olochowatka at 0100 hours tonight. Battalion... Dismissed!" She ordered, and the battalion quickly dispersed and resumed doing what they were doing beforehand, leaving Karla, Maho and Erwin alone.
Once the men and women had gone back to their duties, Maho turned to Karla and smiled. "Congratulations Karla. I knew they would approve it." Karla beamed and nodded.
"Thank you, Leutnant. But I must excuse myself for now. I need to attach these onto my uniform." She showed Maho her new shoulder-boards.
"That's alright, Karla." She spoke calmly. Karla saluted before walking back to her Tiger. Maho smiled, and looked at her own shoulder-boards, remembering when she was promoted to Leutnant after completing officer training. Whilst she was remembering the past, Erwin sneaked behind her and grabbed both her shoulders.
"Boo!" She shouted playfully. Maho jumped and gasped, nearly falling over and tripping over her own legs.
"Erwin! Don't do that!" She shouted, as Erwin burst out laughing, her officer's cap falling off her head and onto the floor.
"Sorry. I just felt like it." She spoke cheekily. "And. I have a more important to tell you." Maho looked at her with a slight frown, but nodded.
"Tonight, we'll be flanking the defences." She began. "Or trying to." She added, seeing Maho raise her brow. "As I was saying, since it is a night attack, they shouldn't really realise what has hit them. So we still have the element of surprise. Anyway. What is our plan of attack?" Erwin grinned. "I want to see if you had been listening to what we had discussed earlier today."
Maho nodded. "The other Panzer regiment, along with the motorised infantry regiment are to attack on their left flank, supported by C Company from our Battalion. B and A Company, coupled with two motorcycle infantry companies will attack their right flank. So it is like a pincer movement. They rest of the forces will stay at Soborwka. Am I right?" She asked.
"You're right, Leutnant." Another voice emanated from behind her. Karla had joined them. Her uniform was different. Instead of having cloth shoulder-straps, she now had a pair of dull aluminium shoulder-boards showing that she was now a Leutnant was sown on, replacing her old Oberfeldwebel shoulder straps. Maho turned round, surprised.
"Oh, hey Karla." She spoke. Karla smiled.
"Hey, Leutnant." She replied, taking out her Luger and casually loading it before putting it back into her holster. "I don't know why..." She began. "But something about me feels different. Like, as if I have all the power in the world with these on." She tapped her shoulder-boards with her hand. Erwin and Maho started laughing.
"Yes, Karla. I understand what you mean." Erwin replied. "But, listen closely. Now you're an officer, you now have the responsibility to lead. Having this rank means you have to be more responsible. Clear?" Karla nodded.
"Yes, Hauptmann."
"Get some rest now, both of you." Erwin spoke to Maho and Karla. "We have a hill to take tonight."
"Aye, Hauptmann." They both replied, and began walking back to their Tigers. Karla walked back to hers, and Maho climbed into her Tiger, sitting down into her seat and closed her eyes; trying to get whatever rest should could before the attack. Once blackness had swallowed her vision, she began thinking.
'Will this attack work? It seems to be too easy on paper. But of course, things on the battlefield are totally different to what they are on paper.' She thought to herself. Maho sighed, and tilted her head back.
'Only time will tell, I guess.'
7th July, 1943. 0230 hours.
"Fall back! All units! Fall back immediately!"
Karla's voice rocked through Maho's headphones through the absolute chaos unfolding outside. Maho took a quick peek outside, only to be met with a scene of carnage. Muzzle flashes exploding everywhere, tracer bullets flying endlessly toward their targets. Some bullets whizzed past her, or bounced off the turret and armour of the tank, ricocheting everywhere. The anti-tank fire was unrelenting; shells screamed overhead or slammed into their armour. Ahead of them, she could see a Tiger that was burning out, the crew struggling to bail out due to the flames and the hail of bullets. Overhead, she could hear the howls of more Katyusha rockets. Her blood froze again with dread.
"Take cover! Katyushas!" She screamed into the radio as one exploded right beside her, the blast throwing her off balance and causing her to smash her head onto the side of the turret, before toppling back inside the tank, where she tried to regain her sense of awareness.
"Leutnant! Are you alright?!" Felix yelled as he rammed a fresh HEAT round into the cannon breech, and Erika pressed the trigger, causing another round to discharge downrange. Maho stood up shakily.
"I-I'm fine, Felix! Just carry on giving our forces covering fire as we retreat!" She shouted coldly at him. She took another look at the burning Tiger: there were two corpses lying on the turret, the other was crumpled on the floor, still burning from being enveloped in flames as he bailed out. On her left hand side, she saw Karla's tank take several hits from a few anti-tank guns; sparks flying everywhere as several impacted the armour. "Leutnant Brun, What's your status!"
"We just took a hit! Our turret is jammed! We can't move it! Our gunner is wounded! Some shrapnel managed to hit him in the shoulder!" She responded desperately. "He's losing a lot of blood!"
Through the radio, Maho could hear the screams of pain coming from the gunner. She sighed and looked outside again. It seemed as if the fires of hell had opened up; dead soldiers lying everywhere, or wounded men screaming in absolute agony. Katyusha rockets and artillery shells rained down upon them with no mercy, exploding and throwing up massive mounds of earth. She gasped as a machine gun opened up on her tank, tracer bullets flying and ricocheting around as they pulled back. Several bounced on top of the turret, and one closely missed her. She looked to her left; Karla had ducked down just in time as a shell screamed over and smashed into the top of the turret, bouncing off immediately but left a trail of sparks. Maho sighed with relief. Karla was so close. So close to dea-
A sudden explosion in front of them rocked the entire tank. Maho slammed into the back of the turret, and she felt a searing hot, blinding pain suddenly scrape through her forehead. She crumpled into her chair, everything slowing down as she saw and felt blood and tears drip down her face. She weakly felt her wound. The warmth of the blood dribbled down her hand. Through her blurry vision, she could see Erika turn round and grab the first aid kit.
"Don't worry, Leutnant! It's only a small cut!" Erika lied, grabbing a bandage and trying to apply pressure on it. "Felix, give me a hand here! Now!" She shouted, as Felix grabbed a sterilised dressing.
"Ernst! Keep pulling back! She needs medical attention, quickly!" He ordered. He then turned her attention to Maho. "Don't worry, Leutnant. We'll fix you up as best we can. Okay?"
Maho could barely hear what they were saying. The pain was too intense. She felt more blood run down her face as Erika pulled the blood soaked bandage away, and took another one out; her face contorted with worry and stress. Her vision became blurrier, and blackness began to fill her vision. She turned weakly to Erika. "A-Am I gonna die...?" She whispered. Erika shook her head, tears sliding down her cheek.
"Don't... say that Leutnant." She whispered, still attempting to stop the bleeding from her forehead. "You're not going to die... You promised her, Leutnant, remember?"
"You're going to survive."
Notes:
So here you go. Chapter 10 is up. I felt like adding a calm section within this chapter, as well as revealing Karla's history for you as a bit of contrast to the constant fighting. I'll be going back to the UK in a few days (29th to be exact.) I get two days of rest before school starts again. So, we shall see when I can write up chapter 11.
UPDATE: CHAPTER 11 IS LIVE!
As always, any reviews with constructive criticism would be welcome.
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