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Chapter 6: Getting into the Nameless

After getting back to Fort Amaranthine, Andrew went around looking to see if there were any armorer who could fix his rifle. He knew for a fact that the US sent M1 Garands to the Gallians for evaluation to either replace the Gallian rifle or supplement it. Approaching one of the hangars that populated the base, Andrew looked in and was a bit surprised to see a huge tank inside the hangar. From Andrew's experience, the only tanks that Andrew saw the Gallians use were either light or medium tanks with weak 30mm or short-barreled 75mm cannons, not enough firepower to penetrate the more heavy German tanks like the Panther or Tiger. However, the tank Andrew is looking at has a tank cannon that looks similar to the 88mm guns that he has seen on the Tigers. He approached the tank and studied it a bit more. The tank had frontal armor protection in the form of rounded glacis and sloped armor. It also looked like the tank also enjoyed all-around protection from the hardened protection. Andrew walked around and was impressed with the tank. It looked like a mixture of a King Tiger and Panther tank and with this tank, German tanks will have to think twice before freely engaging this tank. As he continued to observe the tank, there was a bang coming from inside the tank.

"Ow." A voice came out of the tank. Andrew, curious, climbed the tank and opened the hatch, and looked inside. Inside the tank, he saw a girl inside the tank. She was on the floor of the tank and rubbing her head. She wore a long-sleeved tunic and a skirt that had the colors of the Gallian militia and had a variety of tools around her waist but it was the Darcsen shawl and her dark blue hair was what caught his attention. From what Andrew has seen, Darcsens were still discriminated against in Europa and especially in Gallia so seeing a Darcsen working on a tank like this surprised him a bit.

"Hey there." Andrew greeted the girl. The girl looked up at him. She then furrowed her brows.

"Can I help you sir?" The girl asked.

"Well, I should be asking you that. I heard you bang your head from outside the tank." Andrew stated. The girl looked surprised a bit but recovered.

"Thank you for your concern sir but I am fine now. You may go now." The girl then got back up and went back to work.

"Whatchu working on here?"

"I am recalibrating the Edelweiss' main cannon so that it can fire more accurately." The name of the tank peaked Andrew's interest.

"Wait, you just said Edelweiss. Isn't that the tank that…." Andrew stopped his sentence then went wide-eyed. Right now, he was on top of the tank that General Gunther used to beat the Germans back in the Great War.

"Yes, this is the tank General Gunther used. The one my father created." The girl replied while continuing her work.

"Father?" Andrew began to think about the engineer who created the tank. Then it dawned on him.

"Wait, you're the daughter of Theimer. THE Theimer?" Andrew asked. The girl shook her head.

"Damn.I never thought I would meet the daughter of Theimer. You must be one hell of an engineer then if you are his daughter." The girl smiled a bit from that.

"Thank you for the comment. I'm sorry but I must go back to my work." Andrew observed her work for a bit before pushing her aside a bit, which shocked her.

"You need to tighten the screws here to hold the targeting scope in place. That way it won't wobble around as the tank is moving." Andrew said as he tightened the screw holding the targeting scope. Isara observed and was amazed that this man was able to know how to fix the targeting scope.

"Also, I recommend that you get a gyro-stabilizer. Your father created one for the U.S when we asked him to design one for us when we made the early version of our Shermans. Your father helped us a lot in advancing our military so it's nice to meet his daughter. So, you should look into getting the gyro-stabilizer." Andrew said, finally finished fixing the targeting scope. Isara nodded.

"Thank you. Also what is your name?" Isara asked.

"Andrew Walker Vandegrift." Andrew answered and extended his hand.

"Isara Gunther." Isara replied and took his hand. They shook and Andrew looked at his watch.

"Well, I love to stay and talk but I really need someone to take a look at my rifle. Do you happen to know any armorers nearby?" Isara thought about it and then replied.

"I'm sorry but I don't know where they are at the moment," Andrew pinched his nose.

"Oh goddamnit. That's ok, I will just go back to the embassy. Hopefully, they have some spares. Thanks anyway Isara," Andrew then began to climb out of the tank but before he left, he poked his head back into the tank.

"Also Isara, I don't know if you heard this yet, but just know that you are one talented mechanic and even though you are Darcsen don't let anyone tell you otherwise ok?" Isara smiled at that.

"I will, thank you." Andrew smiled and nodded and then got off the tank and then walked out of the hangar. The embassy is back in the city so he is going to need a jeep and thankfully, he has some liquor in his bag to bribe a nearby jeep driver for a ride.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the base, Kurt was walking through the halls of the main administration building. He was called to General Isler for a meeting with the general and now he was trying to find the general's office.

"Major General Isler's quarters is…. Here." Kurt said as he finally found the room. Just as he was about to open the door, a voice rang out.

"Out of my way!" Kurt turned around and then felt someone run into him. A man in civilian clothes ran into Kurt and was now on the ground.

"Tch." The man said as he got up and pushed back Kurt and ran out of the building.

"A civilian in a military facility? That's rare." Kurt thought to himself. He then noticed a letter on the ground. He bent down and picked it up.

"What's this? Did that person drop it?" Kurt then turned the envelope and saw a signature, "This signature…. It's from Major General Isler." Kurt then thought about it for a minute before deciding that he should give this back to Major General Isler. Kurt then knocked on the general's door.

"Come in." A voice replied. Kurt opened the door and saw that the general was at his desk, looking over some dispositions related to the war effort. Kurt approached his desk and saluted Isler.

"Second lieutenant Irving, reporting as ordered sir!" Kurt said.

"Thank you for coming. Welcome, Second Lieutenant Irving." Isler replied. Standing up from his desk, he offered his hand to Kurt and both men shook hands.

"Sir! I think I should return this to you first…" Kurt then pulled out the envelope and handed it to Isler. Isler saw the letter and began to become nervous.

"Oh… Tell me where did you find this?" Kurt noticed how Isler's voice was a bit shaky but Kurt didn't really pay attention to it.

"I bumped into a civilian on the way here and I think he dropped it. Once I saw your name was on it, I brought it here immediately." Isler then soon became relieved.

"Thank you. You did the right thing." Isler said as he put the envelope into his pocket.

"How can I help you today, Major General?" Kurt asked.

"I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement. Thanks to your outstanding talent, I'm certain there will be a day when you'll be known throughout keep this in mind from now on. Kurt smiled at the comment and the conversation was soon filled with questions about life and plans for the future.

When Kurt left the office, Isler began to ponder on what to do. Isler doesn't know if Kurt saw what was inside the letter or not and if he did then his career will be over.

'Hm… I wonder if he saw the contents of the letter? I can't rule out the possibility… I'll need to act quickly.' Isler thought. Then an idea popped into his head and Isler smirked. He then returned to his desk and began to write up new orders to send the young lieutenant to a new unit.

'What Isler was about to do, it will affect the war drastically. So much so that Isler would later come to regret it in the near future. As for me, well. Let's just say at that time, I too would be assigned to that same unit and change the course of this war." Andrew.W. Vandegrift.

The Next Day

Kurt approached his commanding officer's office and knocked on the door.

"Come in." A voice called out. Kurt opened the door and entered the office. He approached his CO's desk and saluted.

"You called me sir?" Kurt said. His CO saluted back and Kurt went at ease. Kurt noticed that his CO was frowning, uneasy about something.

"I have some regrettable news for you, Second Lieutenant Irving." Kurt stiffened for a bit, unsure how to react.

"What is it sir?" Kurt asked. His CO produced a sheet of paper from a drawer in his desk and handed it to Kurt.

"These orders are from command, please take a look." Kurt took the piece of paper and read it. As he read it, he slowly became more and more shocked until finally he saw his orders.

"These orders… Are they real? This must be a mistake!" Kurt exclaimed, not believing this was real. Unfortunately for him, his CO only nodded his head.

"These are official orders , you are hereby relieved of your current command and reassigned to the 422nd Squad." Kurt just couldn't believe what was happening to him.

"But the 422nd is made up of the Nameless, it's a penal battalion!" Kurt exclaimed, trying to reason with this CO. HIs co gave him an uneasy look before replying.

"That's correct, this transfer is your…" the commander hesitated a bit before replying.

"... penalty for treason." Kurt, upon hearing the reason, began to become angry about this accusation.

"Treason?! On what grounds?! I demand a better explanation!" Kurt just couldn't believe it. He was charged for treason, when he didn't do anything that would be considered treason. And yet he was being treated as a traitor to his own country.

"Honestly, I don't understand it myself. The higher ups didn't think I needed to know." His CO replied. Kurt just got more and more confused.

"How is that possible?" Kurt asked himself. His CO looked at him sympathetically but he had to do his job. He then continued with his orders.

"Starting today, your commanding officer is Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey Crowe from Intel HQ. Report to Lieutenant Colonel Crowe for your new orders. You are dismissed." Kurt just stood there for a few minutes before regaining his composure and saluted his former CO.

"Yes, sir…" Kurt said, dejectedly and then proceeded to exit the office.

"Thanks again for letting me stay the night Lt," Andrew said to his former CO as he took a sip of coffee from his cup.

"You are still a marine, albeit on loan, it's the least we can do. Also, I recommend you start using the Gallian rifle. They may have 30. Cal but best you stick with the rifle caliber they are using for better logistics. Add to the fact that you are an American and it will just make things more complicated," the lieutenant stated, causing Andrew to groan.

"You would think that since we are alliers, that we would actually help each other out," Andrew commented, causing the lieutenant to shrug.

"It is just how things are. The Gallians feel like this is their fight to win, having another country tell them how to do it hurts their pride."

"Pride means jack shit when you got planes and tanks rolling all over your ass," Andrew replied back.

"Be that as it may, it is just the way things are," Andrew grumbled as he took another sip. While there are those like Kurt and Isabella, the rest are just incomptent dumbasses who are more into the fight for the glory and are completely nationalistic.

"So, any news from our side about this war?" Andrew asked his lieutenant.

"From what I was able to get, the Navy transferred some destroyers from the Pacific Fleet to the Atlantic Fleet for convoy duties. U-boats have been hitting the supply convoys but they are taking losses. The Corp is expanding with adding two more divisions and another air wing. Looks like Congress finally got around and gave some more money to us."

"About damn time," Andrew muttered, taking another sip from his coffee.

"There are plans being drawn up for an invasion of Germany's Carribean Island colonies but first, the Army Air Corp and Navy have to secure some sort of air and naval superiority over them before sending the grunts in." Andrew nodded at this. It is bad enough to storm a beach with machine gun and artillery fire raining all over you, it's even worse if planes and subs just happen to be there and ruin your day.

Suddenly a corporal approached the pair, saluted and said, "Sir, we got a message from Gallian Command. It states that Gunnery Sergeant Vandegrift is to report to Colonel Crowe's office ASAP."

"Who?" Andrew asked, never having heard who this was.

"He is an officer with Gallian intelligence. The message really didn't say why, just that you are to report to him ASAP."

Andrew sighed and gulped down the rest of his coffee, "Alright fine. Might as well not keep the man waiting." He then looked at the lieutenant and shook his hand.

"Nice seeing you again lieutenant."

"Likewise. Try to stay out of trouble. Last thing I need is reporting to your dad that you got sent to a penal unit or something."

"Yeah, like that shit will ever happen."

15 minutes later

As Andrew was making his way to the colonel's office, people he ran into would often give him dirty looks or would just avoid his gaze. Andrew notices the looks and is really not surprised. Ever since he has been in this country, many Gallians, specifically the nobles and officers, have been looking down on him because he was a foreigner. Gallia has always been proud of the claim that they are able to repel any invasion by themselves like they had back in the Great War. Andrew, however, knew the truth. In reality, Gallia is lucky to have survived this long by itself. Germany's superior air power as well as it's blitzkrieg tactics have decimated Gallia's forces and it is due to sheer luck and heroism that Gallia is still alive. Andrew knew this but he kept his mouth shut most of the time. Nothing good would happen if he argued with a Gallian officer or civilian about it. Though, sometimes a punch or two usually shut them up as well.

Andrew climbed a flight of stairs and was surprised to see Kurt waiting outside of Crowe's office as well. He also wasn't wearing his Gallian uniform but instead he was wearing a black uniform with black with red lines here and there along the uniform. His jacket had two breast pockets along with the unit's logo on the left side of the jacket, a Doberman with a muzzle bounded around its mouth. He also had a pistol holster on his left side of the chest and on the right of the uniform there was a number 7 etched on. Andrew noticed that Kurt was frowning about something, and as Andrew approached him he looked up and offered him a small smile.

"Good to see you again Andrew." Kurt said, extending his hand. Andrew took it and shook it.

"Good to see you too. But I am curious, why are you here? Shouldn't you be with your unit?" Kurt frowned again.

"I got transferred here." Andrew recoiled a bit.

"Transferred? what , now that I look at it…." Andrew gave a closer look and then recognized where he had seen this uniform before.

"Wait, they transferred you to the penal unit? For what damn reason?!" Andrew exclaimed, not hiding his shock.

Kurt opened his mouth then closed it. He doesn't know if he should tell Andrew or not the reason.

Kurt decided not to tell Andrew. He doesn't know how Andrew would react if he knew that Kurt was sent to the 422 for treason.

"I don't want to talk about it." Kurt replied.

Andrew gave him a puzzled look and then frowned.

"Gallian military and their stupid fucking beuacracy I swear," Andrew muttered. Kurt then became curious as to why Andrew was here.

"By the way, why are you here?"

"A messenger told me to report to Colonel Crowe as soon as possible. But judging from what I am seeing so far…." Andrew then groaned and massaged his forehead.

"Well, let's get this over with," Andrew stated. Kurt nodded and Andrew opened the door.

Both men walked through the doors and saw who was supposed to be their boss taking a nap at his desk with his legs propped up on the desk. The two men approached Crowe's desk and Andrew banged his hand on the desk. Crowe stirred from his sleep and upon seeing the two men, stretched and addressed the two men.

"My gift?" Crowe asked. Kurt looked at him with a confused look.

"What?" Kurt asked.

"Dontcha usually bring a tribute or something? Ya know booze, women, that kind of thing?" Crowe asked. Kurt continued to look at him confused but Andrew sighed and then pulled out a small flask from his back pocket.

"Here you go old man." Andrew said, tossing the flask to Crowe. Crowe caught it and took a swig from the flask.

"Ahh, that hit the spot." Crowe said, tossing the flask back to Andrew who caught it and tucked it in his back pocket. Kurt just sighed and massaged his forehead.

"I was told to report here by command. I haven't prepared a gift. Kurt replied.

"Oh… I see. You must be number 7 then," Crowe then looked at Andrew, " and you are number 28."

"When you say those numbers you are referring to us?" Andrew asked, a bit confused by it.

"Starting today, both of you will be part of the 422nd. You both no longer have a name. You will be identified by your numbers." Crowe said, pointing at the numbers on both men's uniforms. Kurt pinched his nose while containing his anger while Andrew grit his teeth a bit but stopped, reminding himself that he was now part of a penal battalion and would have to accept it.

"There aren't any military records of your missions, so you guys don't need names." Crowe explained, noting that both men were a bit mad about being referred to as numbers.

"You're basically criminals, referred to only by your penal number. It's the reason your squad is called Nameless." Crowe said.

"Wait a minute, I didn't do jackshit to be called a criminal," Andrew complained.

"You are a foreigner. To many at headquarters, that is basically a crime in itself. Plus, since no other unit will take you in, this one should fit you perfectly if I have to go by your previous record," Crowe then reached into a drawer and flung a file on his desk. Andrew took a look at the folder and his eyes widened when he saw it was his record.

"You punching a superior officer isn't something that headquarters likes so here you are," Crowe stated. Andrew gritted his teeth but said nothing as Crowe continued.

"Now, for number 7 here. If you put your life on the line enough, there is a chance you might get pardoned, and returned to the regular army." Kurt beamed at this.

So if someone recognizes my achievements, I can be transferred?" Kurt asked. Crowe thought about it then nodded.

"To be honest, I had never seen that before. But it is possible." Crowe said.

"I will try to be the first then." Kurt said, determined to clear his name and get back to his unit. Andrew just shrugged.

"I don't really have much of a choice in this so I have to agree to everything."

"Good. Now, here are the orders from HQ for the Nameless' next mission. Deliver them for me." Crowe handed the set of orders to Kurt. Kurt looked them over and nodded.

"Before I leave, I would like to know the reason for my transfer." Kurt asked. Andrew gave the man a perplexed look.

'What does he mean about the reason? What the hell is wrong with this army?" Andrew thought.

"How the hell should I know? Get going, already!" Crowe stated as he waved both men away and leaned back into his chair.

'What the…? He has so little discipline… Is he really an officer?" Kurt thought to himself. Andrew meanwhile, was thinking about something else.

'This guy reminds me a lot like one of my old NCOs back in the Corp. Well, at least I know how to deal with them.' Andrew thought to himself. Both men then saluted Crowe and left the office. As both men were walking through the hallway, Andrew asked Kurt a question.

"So, what was that about asking for the reason for your transfer?" Kurt hesitated before answering.

"It was just something I wanted to know. That's all." Kurt replied. Andrew was a bit more confused but shrugged it off. It wasn't his problem so he will just move on.

"So this new unit, do you think they will be any good?" Andrew asked.

"They are a penal battalion. I am hoping they are but we just have to wait and see." Kurt replied. Andrew nodded and both men went to find a jeep to get into the encampment.

"So here we are. The 422nd encampment." Andrew said, stopping the jeep at the encampment. Kurt and Andrew got out and looked around. There were tents and trucks around the encampment. There was a truck that looked like a weapons truck as well as what looked like a makeshift shooting range. There was also a truck that appeared to carry a huge tank, the same one Andrew saw that one day. As both men looked around, they noticed a woman lifting some boxes.

"...and lift…" the girl said. Kurt saw her and approached her.

"You there…" Kurt began to say. The girl twirled around in surprise. Andrew recognized the girl from that one battle and was about to say hi but then he saw her face. Her face was what worried Andrew, because he saw she had a killing intent.

"Wha.." She then saw Kurt and Andrew and with a speed Andrew had rarely seen she went up to Kurt and pulled out a knife, pointing it at Kurt's throat.

A/N: Well, this came out quickly. Now that I have more spare time now, these chapters are going to come out a bit more quickly. How quickly depends but they will be quick. Hope you all enjoy and in the next chapter, Andrew and Kurt will formally meet the Nameless and let's just say it isn't going to be a welcome with open arms.