All the usual disclaimers apply.

Chapter 7

Amelia POV

Amelia was standing in-front of Winters, trying to shift her weight off of her sprained ankle without him noticing, waiting for him to look up from the map he was studying with Nixon, Harry and Buck. She and Derek had just returned from their latest patrol and he'd tasked her with reporting to him.

She had spent most of the previous day and night going on various patrols with Derek, either clearing areas of potential German snipers or acting as an Allied sniper in areas where they suspected enemy movement.

She had briefly returned to the town sometime before midnight to get something to eat and sleep for an hour or so. Based on the various scolding's she'd received from the men as soon as they laid eyes on her, the story of her day alone in France had been told and retold numerous times. All the comments had pretty much run along the lines of her being a crazy broad for going after two Germans on her own, with just a knife, but they understood her reasoning. She'd been so busy catching up with all the men that she hadn't been able to sleep one wink and barely had time to swallow a mouthful of disgusting stew before Derek called her to move out.

Having a Company of big brothers is going to be exhausting, she'd thought as they walked away.

Now, standing in-front of her Company Commander, she was trying her best not to fall asleep and hoping no one could hear her stomach growl.

Without looking up from the map Winters spoke, "Sit down Amelia, you've been on your feet for long enough."

He didn't have to ask her twice. She sat down on a discarded chair and closed her eyes, waiting for him to finish up.

She felt Nixon eyeing her and she was sure she could hear his mind working. She hadn't yet seen him since landing in Normandy, and as happy as she was that he was alive, she really didn't have the emotional patience for another lecture.

Let's just get this over with.

"Sir, with all due respect. Just say whatever it is you're thinking, because I can feel you staring," she said without opening her eyes.

Nixon must have looked surprised that she'd noticed anything because Buck and Harry snickered and Winters said, "That's women's intuition for you Nix."

She couldn't help but quirk a half smile at their reactions.

"I heard you arrived in town looking like the walking dead, scaring all of the war hardened soldiers." She could hear the smirk in his voice and decided it was safe to open her eyes.

"I don't know what you are talking about. I was the picture of composure and warzone glamour." She gave him a cheeky smile.

Harry almost choked on whatever it was he'd been drinking and Buck shot her a sideways glance saying, "Ummm….I feel like we have vastly different recollection of that evening. No offense doll, but you looked like hell."

Feigning shock and clutching her imaginary pearl necklace she responded in her best Southern Belle accent. "Well now Mr. Compton, I am offended."

They all burst out laughing, even Winters chuckled.

Nixon offered her his canteen with a sly wink and she took it gladly. Taking a rather large swig, she enjoyed the taste of the alcohol and the heat running down her throat. Handing it back she thanked him. He took a drink of his own before speaking. "Listen, we're all just glad you made it here in one piece. Just be careful ok."

Smiling innocently she replied, "Oh you know me Nix, Careful is my middle name."

"Oh OK, if you say so," Nixon replied sarcastically, pulling a face.

Standing, she smiled sincerely at her friend. "I'll be as careful as I can be."

He reached over and ruffled her hair before taking another drink from his canteen.

Winters cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention to him. "We need to take Carentan. It's the only place armour from Omaha and Utah can meet up. General Taylor's sending the whole division. Harry," he turned to look at the shorter man, "get the men ready. Easy will follow Fox."

Turning his attention to Amelia he continued speaking, "Amelia and Derek will stay with the main force for now. Once we get closer to the town we'll send you ahead to scout."

"Yes sir," they said. Harry turned to leave and Buck followed.

Amelia watched them go for a second before returning her attention to the two remaining officers.

"So, how did you and Derek do?" Nixon asked her.

"It went well. A German scouting party, four strong, approached our line at the Eastern edge around 03:00 this morning. We were able to kill all four of them. We stayed there until dawn, but it was quiet. We circled back around, but didn't see anything else."

Winters nodded and Nixon made some notes of the enemy movements in a pocket book.

This time it was Winters who spoke first. "Have you gotten any rest yet?"

"Um, I slept for an hour this morning early while Derek kept watch, but I'm fine."

"OK. Rest when you can. We'll need you ready for the assault in Carentan. We'll be moving out soon, where's Derek?"

"Oh, when we came back into town we ran into Lieutenant Speirs. They started talking so I volunteered to give the report. He should be with the other men."

"Right, well then, let's not keep anyone waiting," Dick said.

She picked up her helmet and rifle and headed for the door, both officers following close behind. As they entered the small square where Easy was assembling Amelia searched for Bill. She'd asked him to watch her pack when she'd left on patrol last night and wanted to get it from him before they moved out.

Spotting her friend she nodded to the officers and headed towards where he was sitting on some broken steps. "Hey Bill, thanks so much for looking after this for me."

He smiled up at her, holding his hand in-front of his eyes to shield them from the sun. "No worries beautiful. Someone has to stop these asses from going through it looking for your stash of smokes." He gestured to George, Joe and Toye who were all sprawled out, soaking up the sun.

Reaching into her pack she spoke, "I wouldn't recommend that. You never know what you will find in a woman's bag." Finding what she had been looking for she tossed Bill a full pack of smokes. "That's to say thank you for protecting my belongings from these three." She cocked her head in their direction.

All three men immediately started to profess their innocence. "Oh, come on Em. How can you ever mistrust this face?" George stood up and tried his best to look innocent, not quite pulling it off.

"Have you met you? We've had this conversation before handsome, you are many things, innocent ain't one of 'em."

George was practically pouting and her resolve crumbled. "Here you go. You can each have one." She held out her pack of smokes and each man happily took one.

Joe gave her a wink as he lit his and her stomach tightened up in anticipation and excitement.

Still trying to decide what on earth to make of the feeling the man elicited in her, she was only vaguely aware of Toye speaking. "I heard you and Derek killed four Krauts this morning."

Looking away, feeling a bit dazed. she finally registered that Toye had been speaking to her. "Oh yeah. We each got two."

Suddenly a commotion from the entrance of the square drew her attention. Standing on her tippy toes and using George for support she tried to see what was going on, but since she was a good few inches shorter than most of the men she failed and gave up.

"C'mon, let's go see what all the fuss is about," George said, already walking towards the group of men that had formed.

Joe followed him, walking so close past her their shoulders almost brushed.

Shaking her head Amelia reprimanded herself mentally for reading too much into his actions. He wasn't acting any different than he had before, so she had to get a grip.

"You boys go ahead. I'll just sit here and wait for the excitement to come to me." She sat down next to Toye and Bill, stretching out her legs and leaning her face back so she could soak up some sun.

"Here you go Em." Bill handed her a stale piece of bread and his canteen to wash it down. She grabbed for it like it was the last food left on Earth.

Talking with a mouth full of bread and water she mumbled her thanks. Her friends smiled and laid back down, waiting for their orders to move out.

Someone yelled, "Easy Company, on the road!" which was closely followed by Harry calling for 1st Platoon to get to their feet.

Bill held out his hand and pulled her upright in one quick movement. Brushing herself off out of habit, she grabbed her pack and followed the men.

Looking at the back of the soldier blocking her view of Harry she frowned, trying to place him. Then it hit her, it's Tab. He'd been missing for a few days now and she had started to really worry about him, she couldn't help but imagine one of her friends taking the place of the dead private in the woods.

Walking closer to him she touched his elbow, trying to discreetly get his attention. Her attempt at discretion failed when he spun around, nearly knocking her over in the process, and she had to grab onto him to steady herself.

Seeing who was holding onto him for dear life his face split into a huge smile and he quickly pulled her into a tight hug, almost knocking off her helmet. He let her go and pointed silently towards Smoky and Shifty. Both men waved and smiled at her, not wanting to speak while Harry was busy talking upfront.

She returned her attention to Harry just in time to hear George do his General Taylor impression. "Remember boys, give me three days and three nights of hard fighting, and you will be relieved."

She smiled and rolled her eyes. What a clown.

They started to move out and she fell in behind George, spotting Derek standing with Winters and Nixon.

Continuing his impression of the good General, Luz said, "Another thing to remember boys, flies spread disease. So keep yours closed."

All the men around them laughed and she joined in, lightly slapping her friend on his helmet for good measure. He turned around and shot her a crooked smile.

The war would be a hell of a lot more boring without him, she thought, smiling to herself.

XXXXXXX

"Amelia, Derek, you go in with the first wave, then each take a man and find a vantage point. Provide covering fire and take out any enemy soldiers you see." Crouching in a shallow ditch outside of Carentan Amelia was listening intently to Winters give his final orders.

Waiting for them to acknowledge his order before continuing he said, "OK, let's go."

Amelia followed him towards the front of the attack column, jogging in a half crouch. She stopped alongside Bill, waiting for the order to move out. Looking ahead she could make out the first few buildings leading into the town, but nothing more. It was far too quiet, when they'd scouted ahead they couldn't find a soul and now it was just eerie.

Something her farther used to say played inside her head. The calm before the storm.

"Go, go, go." She heard Winters say.

Jumping to her feet she sprinted forward, just a few steps behind George. Suddenly the ground around their feet shot up in dozens of mini-explosions as bullets hit the earth, the deathly silence now shattered by the sounds of bullets and screams. Seeing the man immediately in-front of her crumble to the ground she stepped sideways, trying to dodge the onslaught of bullets.

Feeling something hit her hard she braced herself for the pain to follow, when it didn't she looked up in surprise to find Don pinning her to the side of a ditch. Pushing him off and looking up she saw Winters standing out in the open, while bullets bouncing around him, trying to get the men moving.

Christ, he's going to get himself killed.

They had to move, they were sitting ducks out here. Pushing herself up and out of the ditch she started screaming at the men nearest to her, ordering them to move.

Grabbing a hold of a private's collar, pulling him to his feet she screamed, "Move now, that's an order!" He looked like a deer caught in the headlights, but his body responded to the direct order, starting to move towards the town.

Looking around she saw Winters had taken off his helmet, waving it at men to get them to move. She kicked at one man and shoved another.

"Let's go!" Derek grabbed her arm and pulled her forward.

Entering the town she saw Harry and George to her left, pinned behind a wall by an MG team shooting from an open window across the street. Pulling a grenade from her jacket she ran for the window, pulling the pin out and tossing it into the window she hit the ground covering her head, feeling the debris and ash fall around her.

"Fuck Amelia, you're crazy," George screamed, running towards her.

"No more than you!"

"Amelia, take Penkala and get to the roof of that building," Derek ordered, pointing towards a tall five storey hotel.

"C'mon on Penk. We need to get to that building."

Running at full tilt she heard Penkale swear in her ear before she felt the bullets whizzing past her head. Diving behind a wall she peered around it and saw an MG team shooting at them.

Tab, Joe and Tipper approached from the other side of the street and the gunner turned his attention to them. All three men pressed themselves against the wall trying to avoid the hell raining down on them.

They had to get to that building, and fast. Staying here was going to get someone killed.

Making up her mind she turned to shout in Penk's ear, "I'm going to draw their attention, you take them out."

Not waiting for a response she turned to make sure Tab was looking at her and gave him a thumbs up. Seeing him lift his gun she pushed herself off of the wall and sprinted across the street, feeling the earth erupt at her feet as the Germans turned their gun on her.

With all her momentum behind her she couldn't stop herself in time and almost tackled Tab to the ground. He stepped aside just in time and she slammed into Joe, momentarily knocking the wind from her lungs.

He scowled down at her and was about to say something when Penkala appeared beside her.

"You get 'em?" she asked, breathless.

"Ya, we got 'em," he shouted over the noise of the fight.

"Let's go."

They continued running towards the hotel, now only a few feet away, seeing Bill approach it from the other side.

She hit the wall beside the door, Penk next to her and Bill on the other side of the door.

"Go!" Bill yelled.

Stepping forward she kicked open the door, Bill threw in a grenade and a moment after the blast he entered the building, Amelia and Penkala following.

Inside she saw that even though the building was tall, it wasn't particularly large, she was grateful as it meant it should be easier to clear each floor.

As Bill and Penkala started to clear the ground floor she headed up the flight of stairs which stood to the left of the door.

Reaching the top of the first flight she slowed and peered around the corner cautiously. Not seeing anyone she moved onto the floor checking the few rooms, satisfied they were empty of enemy soldiers she started for the second floor.

Getting there she found Bill had already cleared it and was moving to the third floor.

She fell in behind him. When they reached the top he went to the right and her the left. Approaching the room at the end of the short hallway she kicked open the door and found two German's shooting out of a window.

Both men turned at the sound but they were too slow. She smoothly raised her weapon, letting of two quick shots. She was out of the room before the last man's body hit the floor.

Clearing the last floor they found the door to the roof. Penkala went through first, and she heard shots being fired. Stepping into the light she saw a German lying on the ground a few feet from where he stood.

Patting Penkala on the back, she walked towards the edge of the building, scanning the area for the best spot to set up.

"OK, I've got my spot. You boys can go."

"Nah, we ain't leaving you alone up here. Someone's gotta watch you back," Bill said.

"Fine, but only one needs to stay."

Resting her rifle on the ledge of the roof she instinctively scanned the scene below them, identifying landmarks and men, searching for the enemy.

Momentarily distracted by the man that came to stand beside her she smiled at Bill.

"Keep your eye on the door and let me know if you see anything," she said.

Turning her attention back to the fight, something caught her eye in the window of a building across the street and a few houses down from them. Lifting her rifle, so she could look through the specially attached scope, she saw a German moving from window to window, shooting and throwing grenades as he went at the soldiers below.

Planting her feet she steadied her breathing, blocking everything else out, and completely focused on her crosshairs. She aimed at the window she knew he would appear in next, waiting.

As he stepped in-front of the window she emptied her lungs and pulled the trigger, seeing the red mist appear behind the German's head. Bill slapped her hard on the back as the man fell.

A loud explosion made her look up. They both ran to the opposite side of the roof, in the direction of the sound.

Debris was flying everywhere and they saw men running for cover. A soldier being thrown in the air like a rag doll got her attention and she swore it was Lipton. There wasn't any time to see if he got up, they had to get rid of that gun.

"Can you see the bastards?" Bill said.

She didn't have the right angle, she needed to get higher.

"I need to climb onto the wall. Will you hold my legs?"

"OK."

She handed him her rifle and placed her hands on the wall. Pressing herself up she quickly swung her legs around and placed her feet on the narrow wall.

She straightened and held out her hand for her rifle. She felt Bill grab hold of her ankles as she tried to see into the alley the German's were occupying.

It wasn't a long shot but the angle was shit, she could only barely make out one German helmet.

One's better than nothing.

Pressing the rifle into her shoulder she aimed at the helmet. Breathe in, breathe out, pull.

The helmet disappeared. Looking away, she saw a group of soldiers approach the alley, ready to take out the gun. There was nothing more she could to for them so she turned and jumped off the wall.

Bill grabbed her arm fiercely. "Glad you're on our side doll."

She grabbed his arm with her free hand, returning the gesture. "Likewise Bill."

XXXXXXX

An hour later she and Bill emerged back into the street, satisfied that there was nothing more they could do from the roof.

Rounding a corner she nearly collided with Lieutenant Speirs. He held out his hand to steady her and she saw him give her a once over, checking for injuries.

"Lieutenant Smith was looking for you. He's over at the aid station." He pointed behind him, in what she assumed was the direction of the aid station.

"Is he," she paused, "is he wounded?"

"No, he's fine."

She closed her eyes, allowing the relief to wash over her. "Thank you sir."

Speirs stepped aside so she could pass and she heard Bill follow.

"I'm gonna go find the guys, you OK?" Bill asked her as they neared the aid station.

"I'm good. Thanks Bill." She shot him a grateful smile and continued on her way.

Entering the makeshift aid station she was nearly run over by Albert Blithe. The man had a startled, almost glazed over expression and he didn't even acknowledge her presence as he pushed past her.

She watched him leave for a moment, wondering what the hell had happened to him. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts she continued inside.

Seeing Gene working on Dick's leg she walked over to them, she hadn't realised how worried she'd been for their safety until she saw both men sitting there.

"You OK boss?"

Winters looked up and smiled at her. "Yeah, just a ricochet. Doc says I'm lucky."

Gene mumbled his agreement, but didn't look up from his work.

"That's good news." She shifted her weight, trying to alleviate the stiffness in her legs. "Have either of you seen Derek? Speirs said he's been looking for me."

"He just left with Buck, but he said he'll be back soon," Winters said, cringing slightly as Gene fastened the bandage firmly around his leg.

"I'll just sit down here then." She flopped herself down on the floor next to Gene and took out her pack of smokes. Now that the adrenaline had worn off her nerves felt jagged, and she hoped the cigarette would help to smooth them over.

Closing her eyes she allowed the sounds of the world around her to pass her by, dimly aware of Winters standing up and limping out. Someone lightly kicking her boot made her open one eye to find Gene staring down at her intently.

"How you feeling chéri?" Gene asked, looking at his hands, trying to peel off the flakes of dried blood.

"Fine Gene, just a bit tired. You?"

A sad, small smile crossed his lips and he finally looked away from his hands to meet here gaze. "I'm fine."

She returned his smile with one of her own and rested her head against the table. Gene turned his attention back to his hands, his eyebrows knitted together in thought.

With her cigarette finished she finally felt steady enough to ask, "Who did we lose?"

"Hmmm…couple guys. Lip got hit, but he'll be fine. Tipper was wounded badly, don't know if he'll make it. Liebgott brought him in."

She felt her throat tighten and her stomach drop. Taking out her canteen she took a long drink, trying to regain her composure before speaking. Clearing her throat all she could think of saying was, "Shit, poor Tip."

Reaching out she placed her hand on Gene's knee. "When you close your eyes, try to remember all the men you saved, not those who were beyond your help."

She had seen the toll treating wounded men had taken on her sister. She would always talk about those that she lost, always carrying their ghosts with her. Looking into her friend's eyes she saw that same haunted look start to take shape. She hoped her small gesture would provide him with some comfort, if just for a moment.

He gave her a feeble smile and placed his hand over hers, taking it he squeezed her fingers gently.

"Amelia, here you are." Looking up towards the door she saw Derek standing there.

Gene let go of her hand and stood up, walking towards a patient who had just come in. She started to stand when Derek held out his hand to her. Taking it she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet.

She looked him over closely, watching for any signs that he was wounded. Not finding any she finally met his eyes just as he met hers. They both let out an audible sigh now that they were assured the other one was unharmed.

"I heard what happened, with the MG team," he said, letting go of her hand and taking out his canteen.

"Ummm….you were there remember?" she said, a little confused at his statement.

Replacing his canteen he said, "Not that one. The one where you ran across an open street."

Amelia shrugged.

He shook his head. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Listen, we'll be moving out soon, so make sure you're ready."

"OK."

"I got to go find Dick, get our orders. I'll meet you out there."

Taking a deep breath and exhaling sharply she half nodded. "See you out there."

She turned to find Gene, but seeing that he was busy talking to Spina she waved and left the aid station.

Walking onto the street she saw Joe and George standing a few feet from her and quickly paced over to join them.

"Hey boys, glad to see you're both still in one piece." She joked, but she was genuinely happy to see both men.

Joe turned to look at her, running one hand repeatedly through his hair, his face set in a disapproving frown.

George threw his cigarette butt to the ground and rounded on her, the words coming out loud and fast. "You're glad to see we're still in one piece? What about you, after that god damn stunt you pulled with the MG and the grenade." She'd never heard George angry before, and to be honest she found the experience very unsettling.

Before she could say a word Joe cut her off. "What grenade? I didn't see one."

"That's because when you saw me I didn't have a grenade Joe. I was just running across a street." She was speaking in the calmest tone she could muster. Quite frankly she was far too tired for the speech she knew was coming, but seeing two of her closest friends mad at her was enough to make her count her words carefully.

Joe and George exchanged looks, both men realising that they were referring to separate incidents, and then realising that meant there was more than one.

Holding up her hand to stop them she said, "Joe, when I entered the town Luz and Harry were pinned down by an MG team. Their attention wasn't on me, so I approached them from a different angle and dropped a grenade into their window."

Turning her attention to George she continued, "George, I was pinned against a wall by another MG team with Penk. I made a run for it, drawing their fire so that Penk and Tab could take them out. Joe was there. I did my job, both of you would have done the same thing if the roles were reversed."

They stared at her for moment, mouths slightly agape, then decided against whatever it was they were going to say. George stepped forward and pulled her into a small hug, before walking to join Muck and Don where they were talking animatedly a few feet away.

Joe didn't say a word. She couldn't read his expression, which made her fidget with her dog tags and bite her lower lip. He took out another smoke and lit it, speaking with the cigarette still dangling from his lips, "Tip got hit."

"I heard, Doc told me. I'm real sorry Joe." She took a step towards him, but didn't dare to touch him.

"Fuck, if I had waited for him. Called him out with me when I left that building…" he trailed off, looking at the ground so she couldn't see his eyes.

Her heart broke for him. She knew how he felt, the 'what ifs' running through his head.

"Joe, don't do that to yourself. What happened to him wasn't your fault. You took good care of him and you were there when he needed you. You have to remember that."

"Fucking Krauts," he mumbled, still looking at the ground.

She hesitated for a moment before reaching out and touching him softly on the arm. He looked up and she saw the pain and doubt washing over his face.

"I know it doesn't feel like it now, but you have to remember that you did everything you could." She gave him a half smile before removing her hand."If you ever want to talk about it, I'm always here for you."

Flicking his half smoked cigarette to the ground and picking up his pack he reached out and touched her shoulder. "Thanks Em."

With that he walked towards the other men and she could visibly see him straighten out, burying the pain and the doubt, doing what he had to.

XXXXXXX

I hope everyone's having a good week! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Will hopefully be posting another one this weekend.