He was angry, angry about a lot of things the war, the way the weather was, and Little John, Little John had no business in treating him like kid he was as much as a man as anyone else on the squad Billy thought fuming as he kicked some bushes as he passed in the distance the booming of shells hitting the ground breaking the nights silence he stopped under some trees at the edge of camp listening to the chatter coming from various tents he shook his head in irritation and patted down his pockets finding what he wanted he pulled a cigarette pack out from his jacket pocket opened it and found it empty he flicked in away
"God damnit!" and kicked the dirt where the enpty packet fell he turned back solemly to the dulled lights of the camp maybe hed better go and try and sneak into bed and get some shuteye before the morning patrol or at very leaast find a cigarette.
He started to step back towards the canvas dwellings leaving the treeling at his back he got no more than two setps when simultaniously an arm wrapped around his chect and a hand went over his mouth in those miliseconds Billy felt his heart jump and rappidly beat he started to thrash when a cool steal blade pressed flat agaisnt his cheek and a barly audible hush was breathed into his ear "Kommen." a harsh voice whisperered
Billy raised his hands in surrender he couldnt stop the small tremor of fear in his hands his eyes looks pleadingly towards the buildings where his friends were then the arms holding him captive dragged him back pulling him past the perimeter fading into the dark of the night once they were at what the germans must have felt was a safe distance.
the one holding Billy released him but took his arms forcefully behind his back and began tying them.
Billy saw two other soldiers accompanying his main captor, the crescent moon giving off enough light for Billy to catch the distactive lightning bolt SS on the lapel of the uniforms.
That was the last thing Billy Nelson saw as one of the others cut off his vision with a long black cloth and blindfolded him and he was marched off into the night.
A new wave of fear washed over him at the realization his situation was even more dire. These weren't the regular Wehrmacht but Schutzstaffel, the worst Nazi Germany had to offer, Hitlers elite killers.
:
Sergeant Chip Saunders was awakened but a gentle shake of his shoulder he found Little John crouched beside him.
Saunders rubbed his eyes confused "what time is it?"
"0330 hours." John's voice was quite his eyes full of worry that was far from normal for the Private Saunders shot him a look "what's wrong?"
Little John shifted tensely "No ones seen Billy since last night… I looked everywhere and no ones seen hide nor hare of him Sarge."
Saunders furrowed his brows even their hushed speaking woke the other squad members sleeping nearby as Private First Class Paul "Caje" Lemay, the squads scout sat up he'd been listening to the conversation his dark eyes showed a similar worry hearing the news "he wouldn't 'ave wandered off by himself." the cajun stated addimently
"Of course he wouldn have!" John said raising his voice waking the others as Private WIlliam G. Kirby sat up and rose to join the group looking tired "whats with the party?" as he grabbed a cigarette from his jacket pocket and lit it up
Saunders stood "everyone just hold up. Why would Billy have gone off last night in the first place?"
Saunders caught all the men exchanging a glance something was up and and he knew it
Caje offered first "there were some words last night." he looked towards Little john who stood to his full height Kirby scoffed "Words?!
"Billy and John got into a shouting match is what happened." John turned and gave Kirby a black look "You just keep you big mouth shut!"
Kirby squared off towards the bigger man "Thats enough!" Saunders ordered
"If we're gonna figure out where he went we cant be fighting each other." he said cooling all present
:
Billy Nelson lost sense of time after the Germans had forced him to march blindfolded through the forest and trip over every rock and root, they eventually came to a halt and without warning shoved him into the back of a covered truck that seemed to drive forever and even as the truck drove along the pot holed road sleep eventually overcame the young private.
He was jolted awake by a painful hit to his ribs but what he surmised as the business end of a kruat rifle then hands grasped him by his ankles and dragged him out of the truck bed letting him fall heavily to the ground, he gasped in pain as the wind was knocked out of him disoriented by the blindfold and hitting his head on the ground brought nausea threatening to make him sick a sharp kick to his side rolled him onto his front as one of the soldier yelled orders at him in German growing inpatient two of the soldiers grabbed Billy by his still bound arms and hauled him to his feet and held him still
Billy's sense began to right themselves he realized they were no longer on a dirt road but a paved one the sounds around him echoed off of concrete walls the soldiers forced him forward before stopping again he sensed them stand at attention and the shape click of their boot heels hitting together then he heard the sound of another approaching the step was purposefully and slow and came to a stop in front of him Billy fought a shiver when a hand grabbed the blindfold and pulled it down to rest around his neck
Blinking to clear his blurred vision further offended by the early morning sun his eyes came to rest on the person in front of him an SS officer, a Captain, that stood several inches taller than him his hat sat off angle his dark eyes pierced into Billy's his cruel smile made more evil by a jagged scar that ran from his lower lip to his chin "good morning…." The captain reached towards Billy's neck making him tense as he gently pulled the chain of his dog tags from beneath his shirt and held them as he read "Private Nelson." he finished
Billy straightened "Nelson, Private, 12-345-678"
The officer smile widened "I think we need to have a little chat to get past these dramatic formalities yes." he smiled then nodded at his troops holding Billy who dragged him towards the main building he resisted instinctively digging his heels into the cobblestone as the brought him inside pausing at the top of a flight of stairs the Captain walked up behind them the soldiers released their grip on the young private and then the captain shoved him sending Billy tumbling down the stairs.
coming painfully to the bottom he lay gasping Billy could feel blood dripping down the side of his face out of a fresh gash at his hairline trying to catch his breath and breathe through the pain as the Captain flanked by his two men descended the stairs one step at a time his gazed down at the prone private with a dark amusement
:
Sgt Saunder returned to the group awaiting anxiously "ok Hanley gave permission to to a recon but were limited to searching the forest not cross over the lines."
Little John was first to protest "but sarge, were nearly on the line as it is if he got hurt and was stumbling around he might have crossed just over the line!"
Saunders eyed him steadily "I know but those are the orders and thats what well do undertsood."
He removed his helmet and ran his fingers through his blonde hair "Caje go grab Brockmeyer we might need his German just in case." Kirby shot the sergeant a odd look as Caje nodded and hurried off to his task Saunders left the remaining group to go light a cigarette Little John, Kirby, and Doc exchanged looks "what he is planning?" Kirby asked
Doc looked at him "whaddya mean?"
"Why does he need Brockmeyer if were not supposed to cross the lines."
"Just being cautious." Doc offered
Little John paced "He must be planning something he wouldnt leave Billy out there on his own!"
The trio glanced at their Seargeant who stood away back to them smoking as Caje retured with Brockmeyer "here Sarge!" the Cajun called Saunders took one last drag on his smoke before putting it out under his boot "Grab your gear we leave in ten."
:
The guards moved past their Captain and grabbed the Private and roughly hauled him upright and dragged him down the hallway finally to a cell they opened and shoved the Billy inside sending him to stone ground once again
He barely had a second to try and catch his breath when the Captain appeared in the doorway looming over the American fear and defiance swirled within the young private as the Captain slowly sat on his heels
"Now come, Private, I do believe we can be polite. Why don't you tell me where your base is located? You'd be saving lives if we don't have to just keep searching hmm."
Billy could feel his hands shaking behind him he did his bets to keep his voice from wavering "Nelson, Private-"
The Captain stood suddenly "enough of this. Lösen Sie seine Zunge (loosen his tongue)"
Billy didnt understand what the Captain said but it became clear as the two guards stepped forward and once again forced him to stand on holding him up and the other threw a punch to Billy's face then the assault continued as the German drove a fist into his gut the Private would have doubled over if not for the the other german holding him after the third his a punch across his jaw the beaten started to blur together for the private the only thing he knew was the pain being inflicted as time blurred together and his vision started to fade "Genug." (enough)
The guards let the American fall in a heap to the floor instinctively Billy drew his knees to his chest to try and ease the pain he was in he froze when a hand was placed on his shoulder looking to find the captain crouched beside him "please Private Nelson it really would be much easier." his voice full of false sympathy
Mustering all the stregth he could Billy looked evenly into the Schutzstaffel Officer's eyes "Get lost."
"Binde ihn los. (untie him)" the guard quickly removed the ropes from the privates wrists he was in too much pain to move
"seine Jacke (his jacket)" then the guards stripped Billy's jacket off
"Maybe a night to… how do the Americans say…. Sleep on it?" he said with a smirk, he heel turned and exited followed by the guards and the prison door shut with an evil click leaving Billy alone.
the chill from his cell cutting through the thin material of his shirt making him shiver and the pain flare he forced his aching arms around himself pain and exhaustion was all he had as his eyes started to shut his thoughts drifted to his squadmates guilt and anger of the last thing he said to them especially Little John he'd looked after him as a little brother since they got assigned together and now he was well and truly alone in the hands of the enemy I'm so sorry little John was his last thought as he fell asleep
:
The unlocking of the cell woke Billy with a start. It was impossible to tell the time of day without windows looking blurrily at the two guards and the captain stood
"Bring ihn mit. (bring him)"
the guards rushed Billy did his best to resist but in his condition against two SS guard it was futile as they each grabbed an arm and stood him in front of their Captain the Officer stepped aside as the guards pushed Billy through the prison door the Captain nodded at a door just down the hall Billy stood firm the guards gave him a shove and he slowly started down the hall his eyes looking for a way out but it seemed impossible only one door in and one out a hand grabbed the collar of his shirt stopping him in front of a door.
the Captain reached passed the Private and opened it letting it slowly swing revealing a room slightly bigger than his cell nearly as dark lite by several bare lightbulbs above and what looked like a stretched on a box level with a bathtub Billy put two and two together his heart rate skyrocketed and tried to run but it was in vain the guards seized him and forced him into the room.
The two lifted the Private onto the wooden platform struggling but the SS guards managed to tie each wrist the the frame then his ankles together and stood at the end Billy's chest was heaving in panic the Captain grabbed him by the chin forcing their eyes to meet "last chance Private Nelson the false sympathy he once had was nowhere to be found as a cruel smile played on his lips "You command location?"
"No." Billy whispered
The SS captain motioned to his men "beginnen (begin)"
His guards lifted the foot end of the board and dropped Billy's head and shoulders below the icy water The captain watched carefully as the American held his breath after a minute the young Private started to struggle against his bonds and the captain motioned to his men who raised the private out of the water he came up gasping for air "your post location?" he asked firmly
"Nelson, Private, 12-34-" he started to repeat when the Captain nodded at his men who dropped Billy again beneath the surface after a moment the American started struggling again fighting futility for air the Officer nodded and Billy was brought up this time coughing up water trying weakly to turn over the Captain grabbed the Privates chin roughly and turned to face him "You will tell me private its only a matter of time the wras over for you isnt it easier to admit that?"
Still gasping Billy looked into the dark eyes of the SS officer the dead soul in them told Billy one thing the Captain had no intention of letting him live after he heard enough about the SS reputation and had seen some of thor handy work in the villages thyd come thru setting his jaw the young American took a shaky breath "go to hell."
The Schutzstaffel officer snapped he went and grasped the foot end of the board pushing his guards out of the way and dropped the Private into the tub and watched with an evil smile he was so engrossed in his action he didnt notice one of the guards slip out of the room
Under the water Billy knew he was dying by drowning or a firing squad he knew the Captain was intent on killing him in the end his one fleeting solace thought was he didn't betray his country that would be the only apologies he could make to the squad as his lungs seized and burned desperate for air his body writhed fruitlessly then went still.
The Captain watched the American soldier stop moving wetting his lips with an animalistic satisfaction when the door flew open he turned to find the the Colonel of the base and the his guard that had left
"Bringt ihn raus (get him out)" the colonel ordered the Captain did not move only stood fuming at the guard who had brought his superior the guards rushed and raised the americans still form out of the water
The captain went to object when the Colonel held up a hand "entlassen (dismissed)"
The colonel stepped closer to the Private's body on platform as the guards untied the ropes his eyes scrutinized the Soldiers still form when suddenly the dark haired soldier shuttered and spit up a lungful of water then lay weak eyes fluttering
"Bring ihn in seine Zelle" (bring him to his cell) the guards took the weak private between them and returned him to the cell the SS guards dropped him unceremoniously onto the cold floor
Billy's mind was still reeling with what had happened the cold of the stone seeping thru his wet shirt making him shiver he slowly pulled his knees to his chest his eyes started stinging as a warm tear rolled down his cheek he'd felt alone at times even with the squad but never had he felt so helpless.
:
The squad moved through the woods quite as they could their eyes scanning for any signs of Billy Nelson under the dim light of the rising sun they had started from the north eastern side of the command post where a discarded cigarette pack was found.
when Caje who had been sent on point found something that made them all worry several boot tracks one american and three German, Caje lead them along the tracks he noted at the pace they had been nearly dragging the American with them they followed for about a quarter mile when they froze at the sound of a motor running Sanders held up a fist and dropped to a knee and they all followed suit.
He nodded at the Scout who quickly and carefully ran ahead of the group he ducked from tree to tree ears perked honing in on the source of the engine when he found it a German transport truck pulled over steam blowing out the engine two Wermachet soldiers stood looking annoyed and stressed
The Louisiana man didn't speak german but the few words he had picked up since his time here he knew there was something wrong.
Returning to the squad as fast as his legs would let him, he filled Saunders in on what was up ahead thinking over the best course of action Little John spoke "maybe they have Billy?!"
"They didnt get very far if they are the ones that snatched him." kirby stated
"Ok here's the plan." Saunders said "well take them it might be our luck if they have him.
Moving as a unit they closed the distance the Sergeant flicked his hand twice to one side sending Brockmeyer and Little John to the right and then again to the left Caje and Kirby took off flanking the Germans slowly.
They stepped out of the tree line eyes still on the lookout for reinforcements when they were were only a few yards one of the Wermachet turned to find himself looking down several barrels of American hardware he raised his arms and called to his fellow German "Henrich."
Who looked up from working on the tricks engine and then his eyes went side Little John came up and grabbed him by his belt and dropped him onto the ground Caje and Kirby came from behind the truck "He's not in there Sarge just a dead kraut."
Saunders eyed the germans steadily neither of them were fresh faced boys they were both veterans both of the Africa Corp and he could easily see the look of long serving soldiers in their eyes
"Brockmeyer, ask if they captured an American last night."
The fair haired radioman stepped forward "Hast du letzte Nacht einen Amerikaner gefangen genommen?"
It was subtle but the Seargent caught the flinch they knew something when one of them replied "Nein, nein Amerikaner "
Little Jonh took a threatening step towards the two germans "Thats enough Little John!"
"Theyre lying Sarge!"
"I know they are! Brockmeyer ask them what they know."
"Was weißt du über den Amerikaner?"
The two Wermacht soldiers were cool but exchanged glances the one called henrich spoke first "Klaus sagt ihnen, wir schulden ihm nichts nach dem, was er Dieter angetan hat (Klaus tell him we owe him nothing after what he did to Dieter)"
Henrich looked towards the back of the truck his face full of anger
"Theyre talking about the dead German Sarge" Brockmeyer offered
Saunders looked at them carefully "ask them what happened."
"Was ist passiert"
Henrich didnt look away from the truck "Er hat ihn erschossen, er hat ihn ohne Grund erschossen, er hat ihn einen Deserteur genannt, es war eine Lüge (He shot him, he shot him for no reason he called him a deserter it was a lie)
The squad sergeant looked to the radioman before Brockmeyer could translate Klaus finally spoke "Der Schutzstaffel Kapitän Er hat deinen Soldaten (the Schutzstaffel Captain he has your soldier"
All that Saunders caught was "Schutzstaffel " and his blood ran cold before Brockmeyer said anything "its the SS Sarge theyre saying the SS have him."
"Ask him where" Saunders ordered
"Wo, Wo ist er?"
"Fünf Kilometer auf der Nordweststraße machten sie dort ein kleines Depot(five kilometers on the northwest road they made a small depot there)
Brockmeyer turned to his Sergeant "they said the SS are hold up in a depot about five clicks northwest."
It was Kirby's turn to say something "why should we believe them Sarge they're just a bunch of krauts why would they sell out their own!"
Brockmeyer stepped in "they said the SS captain shot their friend as a deserter."
The deep betrayal was now obvious in their eyes as Saunders looked back at them
"What do you want us to do with them, Sarge?"
"Brockmeyer ask them where their base is."
"Wo ist dein Befehl"
Henrich offered this time "8 Kilometer nördlich (eight kilometers north.)
Furrowing his brow on what to do after a moment he decided "Caje Kirby take out the firing pins from their rifles" jumping to it Caje made short work of the rifles
Saunders addressed his men "let's move out."
Kirbyt looked on flabbergasted "Sarge you can't-"
"I gave an order! They're not going anywhere fast and we need to get to Billy unless you have a better idea."the squad stood silent then fell in and headed northwest as Sanuders started when Kluas called after him "Sergeant."
Saunders stopped and turned along with Brockmeyer
" töten Sie ihn, bitte tun Sie beiden Seiten einen Gefallen. (kill him please do both our sides a favor)
The squad leader looked towards Brockmeyer who translated "he is asking you to kill the Captain Sarge says do both our sides a favor."
Looking at the Wermacht solider he could see the pain and anger in German equals eyesand nodded then started off with the squad.
:
Private Billy Nelson drifted through dreams comforting visions of his family laughing the warm summer breezes blowing over his skin.
His mother's gentle laugh he laughed with her under the clear skies he looked towards his family's dog running happily through a yard then he noticed his mother's laugh stopped he looked to see her laying in a growing pool of blood and the SS Captain standing over her then he started to laugh a dark and evil laugh that seem to echo Billy screamed then a sharp metal creak sounded.
The young American jolted awake freezing cold his clothes barley dried from his time in the tub looking up to see the two familiar guards flanking a new face a Colonel Billy wrapped his arms around himslef to try and stop the visible shivering when the new Officer spoke in crisp English with barley a hint of an accent "Private I must appologize for the actions of my Captain he has a tendency to not be… very careful with his methods." the colonel smiled
"He tends to be overly enthusiastic and lacking a certain… refinmant." he chuckled then looked at the private "I have no wish to kill you I only require a little information then you can get some warm and dry clothes and some food hmmm."
Billy tried to bite his tongue but he could not "same song and dance." he whisperered the Colonel looked disappointed
"I suppose well have to ask again in less pleasant circumstances yes."
He nodded at his guards who walked towards Billy who tried and scramble into the corner away from the SS guards another futile move the only thing he could do they grabbed him roughly and dragged him out and down the hall entering a different room this one was better lit full of various medical equipment and a bed in the center
Billy tried to fight but the two easily hauled him up onto the bed and strapped his wrists to the top of the bed and ankles down the when a german doctor stepped from the shadows and took a stethoscope and opened the Private's shirt and listed to the rapid heartbeat and his lungs for a moment then took his wrist pulse waiting a moment then addressed the Colonel "ihm geht es gut"(he is fine)
The guards removed billy's boots and then took metal clasps wires and attached on to his toe, a second to one of his fingers, a third bit into the flesh at his belly the colonel stepped up taking the fifth and final wired clasp and attached it to one of the Americans ear.
Billy looked up towards the head of the bed where the colonel was standing the wires led to a large box with a dial
"Private, tell me where is your primary command post of operations located."
Billy bit his lower lip for a moment not trusting himself to speak shook his head the Colonel casually placed his hand on the large dial and turned it a distinctive whittling sounded then it hit the Private a burning pain running through his entire body he chocked down a whimper as the colonel turned it down the relief left the young american gasping unable to move
The colonel leaned next to him speaking into his ear "Private this is a useless defiance no one is coming to save you you think you side would care for the life of a meer private why protect them when they didnt protect you?"
Billy felt the survival want to tell them but his thoughts of the squad and all the good soldiers he met the ones that would suffer he could not do that to them
"No." it came in a whisperer the Colonel returned to dial and turned it the whirring came back stronger and the electricity coursed through felt like liquid fire, the intensity even worse than the first.
Billy couldn't hold back a scream as a tear rolled down his dirty cheek. After a moment it was turned down again he could do nothing but lay there struggling to draw breath as his vision blurred the Colonel leaned over him "this is a futile fight the war is not your fight anymore!"
In his mind Nelson could hear the hearty laugh of a joke he and Little Jonh shared Caje's gentle smile when teaching him some french, Doc's easy and soft accent showing him some first aid treatments his voice cracked
"No.."
Billy didnt notice the colonel leaving only the pain that burned through him he screamed unable to stop the colonel watched coldly as the American arched against the straps holding him the scream rose about the loud whirring and the colonel grabbed a wad of cloth and forced it between the Private teeth cutting the sound
He then grabbed the dial and cranked it higher he saw the American's eyes roll up only showing the white then he cut the power and the American's body collapsed limply to the bed the Doctor that was waiting in the shadows stepped up and took the soldiers wrist "er lebt nur bewusstlos (he is alive just unconscious)
"er ist überraschend widerstandsfähig (he is surprisingly resistant) the doctor comments casually as he lit a cigarette
"In der Tat (indeed) the colonel agreed
The doctor offered the colonel a cigarette which he took "wir konnten die neue mischung probieren, die aus berlin geschickt wurde, sie haben dort sehr gute ergebnisse erzielt (we could try the new concoction sent from berlin, they have had very good results there)
The colonel smirked at the doctor "Sie waren begierig darauf, es selbst zu testen (you have been eager to test it for yourself )
The doctor smiled and shrugged a yes
After Taking a long drag on the cigarette "mach ihn fertig" (get him ready)
:
The squad crept through the low bushes and little tree cover as clouds moved over and blotted out the morning sun
Sounders surveyed the small depot it was daily open with several stone buildings and the main one at the center that the Germans had turned into their base serval partols moved along the entry road checkpoint and some more walked in twos along the main house "theyre everywhere huh." Kirby whispered
Little John leaned towards Saunders "How do you wanna handle this Sarge?"
Running a hand over his day old scruff "it's a small unit but they're smart the patrols are paired off and there is only one road in if we take out the krauts on the bridge.
The patrol on the road to the house would see that they're missing Caje looked on "Hey sarge what about after the next pass they're around the corner so there is a blind spot."
Saunders craned his neck to see the spot Caje was talking about "ok heres what we do little john and Caje wait for the patrol to round the corner then take out the bridge guards well only have a couple seconds then Brockmeyer you're with me well go past them and when the patrol rounds the corner well take them Kirby your on our six cover us and Doc stick with him.
Kirby tiled back his helmet as he objected "but sarge what if thers a whole battalion standing right around the corner!"
Saunders looked at his B.A.R. man "then you better be there to cover us." he said plainly
The group set themselves ready to move as soon as the time was right watching the bridge guards turn and start away from them just as the road patrol disappeared around the corner the squad leader gave the signal and Caje and little john took off fats and silent closing the distance in record time
reaching the bridge guards just as they turned and each drove a bayonet into their throats killing them without a sound just as Saunders and Brockmeyer raced passed them getting to the corner of the building as they heard the sound of the germans boots on the road approaching on a count of three with their own bayonets drawn grabbed the surprised patrol dragging them back around the corner dead
:
Billy Nelson's sense started to return slowly he opened his eyes to find the SS Colonel and Doctor standing over him
The doctor came to stand next to him and reached for his arm Billy flinched and the colonel smiled "there is no need to be afraid Private this should help you and us."
The doctor undid the straps holding his arms above his head and maneuver them down to his side it and restrap them there he looked to a tray next to the doctor it contained swabs an antiseptic bottle and a hypodermic needle and vial of amber liquid the doctor overly gently prepped the soft area inside of Billy's elbow with the antiseptic soaked swab
Then the doctor wrapped an elastic cord around his bicep and took the needle and vial and measure off an amount and force any air bubbles out of the needle tip lined it up with the dark blue vein in his arm and pierced the exposed skin sinking the needle expertly into the vein and slowly depress the end of the hypodermic with one hand and undo the elastic band with the other
At first Billy felt nothing then the deep need for sleep started pulling him under his eyes fluttered partial shut then he jolted desperately trying to fight the chemical flowing through his veins but its was useless as it spread and overcame the American
:
The rets of the squad caough up as they peeked the condor finding two guards at their door posts of the larger building when they heard a shout behind them "Amerikaner! Amerikaner!"
Caje turned and shot off two rounds of his rifiling hitting the germa squard in the chect with both shots Kirby looked shocked "where the hell did he come from?!"
As the door guards started shouting !Alarm alarm Amerikaner Amerikaner!"
"Doenst matter know!" Saunders shouted as they peeked around the corner seeing the door guards raise their rifles and several more spill out of the house firing rifles at their position at a break the squad returned fire.
:
The colonel watched at the American succumbed to the drugs his head lolled weakly side to side as it overtook him
The colonel sat next to the private putting on his best American accent he addressed the private "Private Nelson can you hear me?"
After a moment the young soldier nodded slowly "I-I can hear you… wh-where-"
Smiling the SS officer leand closer "You are safe Private youre in a field hospital theyre gonna send you to Englad for recovery."
Billy's brow furrowed "The germans… h-how…"
Dont you remember private you were rescued and were going to take good care of you but you must tell us some things."
Casting an excited glance at the doctor "Private you must tell us where your unit command post is so we can tell them youre safe."
Billy struggled to form any thought the voice was familiar but no one he could name "K-king company… at-" before he could finish the sentence the alarm raising shouts of guards reached the colonels ears then the rapid firing popping of german rifles and then the destinctive sound of american replying
The SS captain broke into the room (Sire were under attack!)
The colonel rose and drew his side arm and raced with his subordinate out of the room leaving the doctor and Billy alone. As dreams of the squad entered the drugged privates mind "Little john? Little Jonh?" he called out weakly barley audible
:
Multiple german SS soldiers lay now dead on the steps of the house as the squad advanced to the next level of cover where little John saw a soldier appear from the lower steps he shot him where he stood then he saw the hat of an SS officer peer over and then duck back down tearing off from covor the tall Private sprinted across the square not hearing or ignoring the shouts of his squad he arrived at the large cement steps that led down into the dark underneth the building his rifle at the ready he started his descent
After a moment his eys adjusted to the dark passage it was lowly light but spare hanging bulbs the steps ended and then the passage turned little john was on the last couple steps when he placed his foot on ground level he started to scope the cornered rifle first when a hand wrapped around the barrel and with immense power matching his own flung the rifle out of the PFC's grasp he stood facing a a SS captain about his own height holding a luger on the American.
The Captain smirked evilly at the Private but he didn't anticipate Little Johns speed when the large man side stepped and grasped the captains own weapon and ripped it from his grasp leaving both men unarmed staring at the other for a split second then they made their move
The captain lunged with the ferocity of a wild animal and latched his hands onto the americans throat caught little john made a desperate grapple to break the Officer's grip then turned.
The Captain himself wrapping his large arms around the Private's neck and pressed against his windpipe with a crushing force little john managed to get a boot against the wall of the passage and shove both of them into the wall letting the captain take the brunt of the hit and the crushing force of the americans weight
Breaking apart they two readied themselves against the other both launching at the torah in a fury of swings John's massive fist connected with the SS man's jaw sending him to the ground in a flash the private flipped the German face down and wrapped his own arms around the officers neck after and moment a choked off gurgle emitted from the German follow by a sharp snap and then silence.
The sound of boots coming down the stairs made Little John jump for his rifle he drew it up to find his Sergeant on the other end breathing heavy he instantly lowered the rifle Saunders was ready to tear into his private when he saw the body of the SS captain laying on the floor before he had a chance to say a word the door flung open down the hall.
an SS major stood instantly drawing his side arm to shoot the intruders Saunders let a squeeze of his thompson and dropped the major where he stood the two silently made their way down the hall to where the Major now lay dead creeping carefully into the open door the sight before them near stopped them in their tracks the room was dim say for a light shining down on the form of Billy Nelson strapped crudely to a bed and a german in a doctor's coat standing hands raised as they entered aiming at the man
The man starts to sputter about the Geneva Convention but doesn't get much further than that when Little John drives a fist into his cheek sending to the ground both Little John and Saunders turn to Billy who lay with his button up open so they could see the mess of bruises over his torso
As they started to undo the straps imprisoning the young soldier he let out a whimper and tried to pull away forcing the sergeant and private to try and hold him still
"Please stop" came the weak cry from the younger of the squad. Saunders winced at how pained he sounded "Billy, Billy its me its little john" the larger private whispered Billy didn't seem to hear.
He continued pleading to stop Little john looked around the room seeing the various instruments the hypodermic laid out and a monstrous machine with wires hanging from it "Sarge what did they do to him?!" little johns voice cracked mixed pain and rage
"Lets get him outta here." was the only thing Saunders could say as they stood amongst the instruments of torture then Billy spoke again "j-John.. Little John ?" he called weakly
"He crouched to be level with Billy "Im here little buddy."
Billy started out happy then ended with crying "Little John. I-Im so sorry f-for what I said buddy."
"Hey thats enough of that lets get you outta here" the two americans jumped when Caje rounded the corner and stopped looking around the room in disgust "Sarge, they pulled back but looks like they have a checkpoint not far so we won't have much time." the Cajun informed him
Saunders nodded at Little John and Caje raced over to halp his comrade lift the youngest of the squad as gently as they could each taking one of Billys arms and draping it over thor shoulder holding him between the two
A clatter in the hall and a pair of SS soldiers started to round the corner walking right into the Saunders site and fell with a quick burst of his thompson machine gun "Lets go!" he commanded.
:
Kirby was tensly waiting at the corner of the squar with Brockmeyer on the opposite side of the street when they finally saw their squad leader exit the bulkhead door Kirby gave him a wave of all clear then he was quickly followed by Caje and Little john dragging Billy between them and he felt his stomach drop even at the distance Billy wasnt looking good shooting a nervous look at the Brockmeyer his face a mirror of his worry and distress
Saunders group reached them "how is he?!" Kirby asked "hes still breathing" Saunders commented Doc rose to check out billy but saunders stopped them "we need to pull back to the tree line the Krauts will be back and we don't wanna be here when they do."
The squad hot footed it to the distant tree line.
:
The squad took five once Suanders felt they had enough distance between them and the German and Doc examined the very still form of Billy as Little John watched anxiously "how is he?!"
Doc understood his worry it was the same he carried for Billy the treatment of the SS becoming more clear in the sun as the clouds burned off the deep bruising spattering all over him
"He needs some water but just a bit at a time." he instructed knowing helping would give him a moment to talk to Saunders rising to the Sargents level he spoke low "he's in rough shape Sarge but the bruising and scrapes are not what I'm worried about as much as-"
He didn't have a chance to finish his sentence as Billy jolted awake screaming as Little John tried to give him some water the whole squad tensed as and started watching for alerted enemy troops John dropped the canteen and covered Billys mouth with his hand and whispered to his best friend "Shhhh hey Billy its ok buddy it's me"
After a moment that seems like a lifetime Billy stopped struggling and little john released him "J-John?"
"Yeah kid its me" he ran comforting hand through Billys hair but brought it back to rest on the younger mans forehead feeling the heat he cast a worried look to Doc
Doc continued what he started "Hes got a fever starting and the hypodermic needle marks in his arms what ever it was is making him sick and confused"
Saunders looked to the sky the bright sun had an ominous dark cloud heading towards them
"Its going to rain" caje commented the sergeant noddewd in agreement "we only have a couple more miles to cover wed better move it fast.
Caje went to help little John carry Billy when he shook his head "I'll carry him" and the large man tucked his arms under billy and lifted him securely in his arms
:
After two miles the distinct deep rumble sounded across the sky and the scent of rain was heavy in the air they paused as little john carefully placed Billy on the ground to give him more water the the sky opened up and cold rain poured down on the soldiers the pelting on Billys bare skin caused his still drug addled mind to react panicing he called out weakly "please no not again!"
His cried broke all the squads hearts as he relived the torment he was put through quickly Caje removed his rain poncho from his pack and handed it to Doc who helped Little John wrap Billy in it keeping the rain off him once again gathering the younger man in his arms they set off as Billy fell asleep in Little Johns arms and the squad made the last leg of the journey home.
:
Lt Hanley stood under the canopy of the HQ tent when he heard from the sentry Saunders squad was heading in.
The group came walking up soaked to the skin and the site of a form wrapped in little johns arms gave the lieutenant a sense of dread
He walked out into the downpour as the command posts doctor came to meet them they took the form in little johns arms and and Doc accompanied them as they rushed off
"Were you…" Hanelyy staret but the light smile from his Seagent let a weight off his chest "No we think hes gonna be ok just in rough shape."
Hanely nodded he was relived "any other casualties?"
It was Saunders turn to feel dread knowing full well what was coming next
"G2 wants a scouting part into the eastern sector sounds like the Germans are prepping to mount an offensive through there and you're it."
Part of Saunders wanted to protest but he knew their personal mission was not on the official schedule "Well get provisions and be out in 2 hours."
He knew Hanely had no choice Hanley gave him a supportive clasp on the shoulder
The squad could read the situation a mile away Kirby was the first to speak "No come on Sarge!"
"Two hours." he said firmly as all the squad moved out only Little John remained looking deep in thought Saunders shot him a question look "Ya know sarge my ankle got pretty busted up in all that muddy terrain."
Saunders glanced at the medical tent then back at the private "I guess you better get it taken care of then." a huge grin then John quickly suppressed it "sure thing sarge! And he walked off to the med tent Saunders smiled to himself and took off his helmet and let the rain wahs away the dirt and grime knowing it was gonna be the closest thing he was getting to a shower for now and headed off to join the rest of his men in preparing for the next mission.