Troy waived away Moffitt's suggestion, he fought tooth and naile to avoid a medic for a real injury, he was not about to go begging for a simple headache.
The two German POW's had taken up casual positions in the shade of a half collasped hut, feining disinterest in the goings on of the three men.
Un-easily eyeing the observers once more Troy walked over to his 2IC and murmured softly, "Keep an eye on those two, there's something hinkey about them.", then turning bark to Thomas smiled at the concerned youth and reassured him "I'm fine, just an accident, let's get on with the lesson Professor."
++++++++++++++++++++++
In a make-shift bar Mark Hitchcock and Tully Pettigrew the two privates that rounded out LRDP commonly known as the "Rat Patrol" among both allied and German forces, were enjoying a quiet beer, a rare treat for the two men that spent more time behind enemy lines than they did their own. Hitchcock was lazily flirting with a young army nurse who was sitting at another table with a couple of friends.
"Aw come one Tully, throw me a bone here, at least smile at her friend." he said pleadingly to the taciturn Tennissean
Before the lean man whose youthful looks belied the age old weariness of war reflected in his eyes could reply all hell broke loose outside...
Joined: 30 Aug 2011 Posts: 94 Location: North Africa
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:14 pm Post subject:
"If you're sure," replied Thomas, still in German to Moffitt. He looked once more to Troy, realising that the American was in no way going to listen or follow his instruction. Frowning, Thomas remarked under his breath, "Idiotin..." before deciding to follow the ball.
That was when he noticed the two other German soldiers. At first he thought nothing of it. After all, this was just play and the war meant nothing to him. But then he caught their stares and started to feel a sense of resentment coming from them. Before Thomas could say anything, one of them yelled:
"Verräter!"
Thomas swallowed hard. Just what were they talking about? He gathered the ball and looked back at Troy, who had ventured over to two of his other soldiers, then back at Moffitt. Still he saw no reason for the others to be upset.
"Er ist ein Landsverräter!"
"Ja," replied the second. "Vaterslandverräter!"
Thomas looked down at himself and saw the khaki German insignia of the eagle clutching the swastika and swallowed hard. He risked a glance back at Moffitt. This was only football. A harmless little game meant to break the gruelling war. This wasn't politics; it was just football!
Slowly Thomas backed away from the two, watching with growing anxiety as they rose from their place and started towards him.
"Kein Vaterslandverräter," said Thomas nervously. "Dies ist nur Fußball... bitte..."
~ _________________ Characters: Hauptmann Dietrich, Pvt Thomas Hartmann, Hauptsturmführer Erich Wiesenland, Hauptmann Arnulf Rosenthal, and Rudy the lizard.
Joined: 29 Aug 2011 Posts: 57 Location: North Africa
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:36 pm Post subject:
Jack rolled his eyes and let it go. There was no point in urging Troy to get any thing for his head. It was a waste of energy. He nodded slightly that he understood. "I was already planning on it" he murmured.
"He's sure, but-" He stopped and frowned when he heard the soldiers yelling. It didn't take him long to figure out why they were saying that. All because of a plain old game.
Jack glanced over to Troy. He was certainly not liking how things were going. _________________ "Shall we spread a little alarm and despondency?" ~S2:E9
**just so you know 2IC is short for second in command which would be Moffitt **
At the shouts in German Troy spun around his hand dropping to the empty holster on his hip, his forty-five was safely locked in his footlocker in his tent at the far end of the camp. The only personnel that carried weapons in the compound, were the guards in the watch towers, armed with both M1 Garand, and a forty.five, while a big fifty was mounted on a tripod inside the tower.
"Damn it!" Troy swore softly, the kid was obviously distraught by whatever the other two Germans were now shouting at him as they advanced on the smaller soldier, who was backing away replying in a defensive tone.
Shooting a glance over at Moffitt, Troy grabbed the shoulder of the younger man and pushed him behind him, then looked up toward the closest tower and swore again. Whatever was gong down it had been timed well, the tower was empty as watch change was in progress, there would be no help from that quarter. Looking back over his shoulder he saw Hitch and Tully come running out of a amazingly intact building and shouted waving an arm their direction, then looked back at the approaching me once more. This was not going to be pretty, the two of the had a couple of inches and at least forty pounds between them on him.
Joined: 30 Aug 2011 Posts: 94 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:25 am Post subject:
"Kein Verräter," Thomas replied, his voice weakening as the soldiers gained on him. He then recognised them to be Corporals Sturm and Krähe and knew at once that they were Karlstrom's help, or worse, executioners.
"Bitte, hör auf!" Thomas pleaded as they neared. "Hör auf!"
Before meeting Moffitt, Thomas had been relaxed in the tent, ready to sleep the afternoon heat away, but when Karlstrom came in with Eckers and his lot, all hope of peace was washed away. Every so often Thomas was pulled out of sleep by what was spoken. He had tried to ignore it but then he just couldn't. He wanted no part in an escape. Dietrich had surrendered him to the Allies to survive the war, not come back into it.
It was for that reason that Thomas had sought refuge in the football. This small toy was the only thing connecting him to the life he once had. Now, he knew it would be the bringer of more pain. When Troy sheltered him, Thomas wanted to simply obey, but he couldn't.
"Nein, nein! Bitte! Hör auf!" He cried frantically, coming in front of Troy. In German he continued, "This is madness! Wouldn't you rather live than die in war?"
"I'd rather die in war than wallow in the shame of siding with them," replied Sturm as he stopped just in front of Thomas. "Besides... what makes you think you're going to get away with this?"
Thomas shook his head in confusion and replied, "Aber, ich verstehe nicht..."
Strum started chuckling and said in perfect English, "Nice work, Herr Hartmann, just as we planned." To Troy and Moffitt, Sturm continued, "You've played your part very well and now I can see that you managed to get these two all on their own and without anyone to help them..."
Thomas had no idea what was being said and looked to Moffitt for help. Dietrich had only taught him the basics and so he had no idea that he was being sold out as a double-agent. It was at that moment when more Germans appeared from their tents and any that were just congregating in quiet groups of two suddenly joined to form small mobs. Thomas remained where he was. He had chosen his side.
~ _________________ Characters: Hauptmann Dietrich, Pvt Thomas Hartmann, Hauptsturmführer Erich Wiesenland, Hauptmann Arnulf Rosenthal, and Rudy the lizard.
"Get behind me you fool, they're gonna tear you to pieces" Troy snarled as Thomas shoved his way in front of the American Sargent, and tried to pulled the young man back.
As the German POW's cameout of their tents, Troy felt a chill run down his spine, not of fear, he had no time to be afraid, besides the war had burned the flight portion the fight or flight instinct out of him. The word "run" had been replaced by "survive" a long time ago . . . a lifetime ago it seemed. Now it was his job to protect those that needed protection even if it meant surrendering his life, not that he intended it to happen here. He hadn't survived this long in the war to be taken down by a couple of thugs in a POW camp.
To throw the first punch would be a fools move, right now the men were simply gathered in small groups of five or six, if they came together, Troy, Moffitt and the boy would be torn to pieces.
In a low voice Troy said calmly "Moffitt get the kid back, tell him to walk toward the two American soldiers behind us, tell him not to run just walk."
He tried not to let the impact the words from the one German had said enter his voice, but only partially succeeded, although the other man had implied that the youngster was part of a ploy to pull Troy and Moffitt away from any help, Troy's gut instinct told him otherwise and he had learned to trust that instinct very well. . . it had kept him alive so far and he sincerely hoped it hadn't chosen this moment in time to fail him.
++++++++
Joined: 29 Aug 2011 Posts: 57 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:12 am Post subject:
His eyes shifted at what was being said in English. "What are you talking about?" Jack asked Strum. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that he'd been wrong and they were planing to break out. All he was trying to do was stall.
He turned to Thomas and quickly gave a brief translation in German. If he was staying with them that had to mean that he was on their side. When more POWs came he just blinked once, hiding the fact that he was uneasy.
Jack nodded to Troy and did as he said. He talked as quietly as he could so hopefully the others wouldn't hear. "Thomas, zwei meiner Freunde sind hinter uns. Ich frage, dass Sie zu ihnen gehen. Laufen Sie nicht." _________________ "Shall we spread a little alarm and despondency?" ~S2:E9
Last edited by JackMoffitt on Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:31 am; edited 1 time in total
Hitch and Tully burst out of the bar at the first shouts, and took a moment took a moment to try and locate Sarge, if they knew anything, they knew the tough dark-haired non-com would no doubtedly be in the middle of things.
The sight of a hundred German POW's slowly gathering, was unnerving, there was a hushed, barely restrained anger that permeated the air, you could almost taste it.
"There!" Tully suddenly exclaimed pointing off to their left. Hitched followed Tully's finger and located not only Troy but Moffitt as well, along with a slender younger german Pow holding what appeared to be a ball. Troy was standing nearly foot to nose with a burly German that topped the non-com by a good couple of inches. The two privates could hear the Germans shouting something but could not understand a word.
"Lets get over there!" Hitch said urgently, as he took a step foward, as he did so Troy turned in their direction and gestured for them to get over there.
"Take it easy,' Tully said laying an arm across the younger man's chest. 'We go running over there and this place will blow sky high. Just walk real nice and quiet."
Joined: 30 Aug 2011 Posts: 94 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 2:23 am Post subject:
If Thomas had said that he wasn't afraid, he would have been lying, for he was terrified. This wasn't just a match between a rival football team, this was life against death. If anything happened to Moffitt and Troy, and to any other Allies here, Thomas knew his life would be over. This was not at all how Thomas expected to spend the seventeenth year of his life.
Taking in a deep breath, Thomas spoke to Sturm and Krähe, "It is as you said, it is better to die than be a traitor to my country. What you want to do is murder, and the Germany I love and wish to represent in football is not that at all!"
Sturm snarled at Thomas and made to grab him as he snapped, "Tod dem Verräter!"
But now Troy was in his way and Sturm halted his attack. He glared at Troy, sizing him up and pressing even closer to the American whom he knew had no weapon. Next to him, Krähe repeated in German, "Death to the traitor! Death to the traitor!"
Thomas remained firm and looked at Moffitt and nodded his head. Then he slowly backed away from Troy's protective stance and started moving towards Hitch and Tully. Part of him was afraid that they, being so far away, wouldn't have realised that he was not part of the German prisoners that were about to break into a riot. He had to trust Moffitt though. Clutching his football, Thomas carefully walked towards the two Americans.
As he looked towards the tents, he saw that some of the prisoners were looking uneasy at the idea of a riot. In fact, one tent flap moved and Thomas briefly saw several German soldiers huddled together, trying to keep low and looking as nervous as Thomas felt. So not everyone wanted to riot. It was just a few trouble-makers and others looking for an opportunity to just get out.
"Help me," was all Thomas could say to Tully and Hitch as he neared them, watching as they looked at him. "Comrade... friend..."
It was at that moment that Sturm attacked Troy with Krähe quickly going after Moffitt. This alerted the others into action and they charged whatever Allied guards were left. Thomas stood frozen to the spot, clutching his football as he watched in horror as the nightmare suddenly became life. Instinct took over and Thomas ran right back towards Moffitt, thinking only of the friend he wanted to help protect.
~ _________________ Characters: Hauptmann Dietrich, Pvt Thomas Hartmann, Hauptsturmführer Erich Wiesenland, Hauptmann Arnulf Rosenthal, and Rudy the lizard.
Joined: 29 Aug 2011 Posts: 57 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:02 am Post subject:
You could have cut the tension with a knife it was that thick. The whole thing about death to the traitor made Jack's blood run cold. If this kept up there would be massive injuries and most likely death.
He watched from where he was as Thomas walked to Hitch and Tully. All the while he was praying that they'd know that he was with them. He turned back just a Krähe came at him.
Jack ducked and threw a few punches in Krähe's direction. It was more of a warning for the moment and hopefully it'd give him some space. If he'd known that Thomas was coming back he would have probably have told him to get back. _________________ "Shall we spread a little alarm and despondency?" ~S2:E9
if Troy had not been watching the big Germans eyes he would have missed the slight tightening around them that came just before the big man made his move. The blow wasn't just made to hurt it was meant to kill. Already on a hair-trigger Troy dodged under the blow and delivered a swift series of rabbit punches to the man's midsection be dancing out of the mans reach. A swift glance in Moffitt's direction showed him that his friend was for the moment holding his own.
The German took advantage of Troy's brief distraction and lunged toward the American, his size defying the speed at which he moved, catching the enemy soldier by surprise, the blow to Troy's ribs momentarily lifting the smaller man off his feet and moving him
two feet back.
The air left the Sergeants lungs with an audible whoosh, and Troy doubled over gasping, black comets of pain lined in gold shooting through his vision. Instinctively he brought his elbows in close to protect his now bruised ribs and did a shoulder roll to get himself out of harms reach until he could catch his breath. In the back ground the wailing sound of an alarm filled the air and someone, somewhere fired a forty-fire several times.
+++++++++++++++++
Hitch and Tully watched the young pow with what they now recognized as a soccer ball approached them and exchanged puzzled glances.
"Friend ... commrade.." the soldier stammered at them, his eyes wide with fear.
Before either man could react there was a muted roar and suddenly men were running and fighting, in a matter of moments both Troy and Moffitt were obscured from view and the young German had turned and run back toward the fray
The sound of men running, shouting in German and American filled the late afternoon air, and after a second of stunned immobility the two Privates dove into the madness determined to find their two Sergeants.
++++++
Last edited by AgilePawz on Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:21 am; edited 2 times in total
Joined: 30 Aug 2011 Posts: 94 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:14 am Post subject:
Sturm wasted no time in taking full advantage of Troy's direction and delievered a powerful blow to Troy's ribs, knowing how much this would hurt him. Now with Troy weakened, the big German knew exactly where to hit and moved in on his prey.
Krähe blocked one of the punches but took the other. Staggering back, Krähe quickly shook it off. This wasn't some pushing contest though. They meant business! Once more Krähe came at Moffitt, this time barrelling straight into the Englander, trying to knock him off his feet and get him on the ground. From his sleeve he produced a small metal knife that he had swiped from the medical tent and tried to keep it concealed as he attacked Moffitt.
"Nein!" Thomas shouted, completely unphased by the sudden roar of battle going on elsewhere. When he saw Sturm going after Troy for a second time, Thomas tossed the ball in front of him and kicked it as hard as he could.
The ball struck Sturm in the side of the head, harder than when it had earlier hit Troy. The force of the blow toppled Sturm and he crashed onto the ground. But Thomas wasn't done. He ran right for Krähe and tackled him. Being so small though, Thomas wasn't able to effectively knock the German over. Instead, he was jerked around by his arm where Krähe punched him hard across the jaw, sending the young German into the dirt.
In German he scolded Thomas and kicked him sharply in the ribs, but he couldn't concern himself with the boy soldier. They had a camp to take over! Krähe turned back to Moffitt.
~ _________________ Characters: Hauptmann Dietrich, Pvt Thomas Hartmann, Hauptsturmführer Erich Wiesenland, Hauptmann Arnulf Rosenthal, and Rudy the lizard.
His attacker scrambled to his feet and came in for a second try as Troy scrambled to his feet, the dust raised by the feet of rushing, fighting men choked lungs and caused eye's to tear. Troy feinted a punch to his opponents ribs and delivered a hammer of an upper cut to the man's face instead. His ribs ached with every breath but he didn't think any were broken. The German shook off the blow and put his head down using his greater bulk to bull his way through Troy's defenses, managing to wrap the American in a brutal bear hug. Troy gasped in pain as his ribs creaked under the pressure, and this time he felt a rib give. Desperately Troy slapped cupped hands over each of the other man's ears, following it up with a head-butt to the man's nose.
Joined: 29 Aug 2011 Posts: 57 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 4:01 am Post subject:
Jack didn't even know what happened to Troy. He didn't know where any of his patrol was and right then he was to busy to think. He gasped for a breath when he hit the ground on his back. Everything was spinning. Krähe wasn't giving up on him just because he was down. Jack spotted the knife and his gut tightened. All of a sudden Thomas came out of nowhere, which momentarily stunned him. He snapped out of it as the football player got knocked down and Jack went charging at the bigger German head first. He threw several obscure punches at him. _________________ "Shall we spread a little alarm and despondency?" ~S2:E9
Joined: 30 Aug 2011 Posts: 94 Location: North Africa
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 4:18 am Post subject:
The head-butt caused Sturm to lose his momentum and he staggered away from Troy, holding his head in his hands. He clearly hadn't expected the American to put up such a fight. Next to him, Krähe refused to be taken so easily and barreled into Moffitt once more.
With his buddy not willing to back down, Sturm knew that he had to keep fighting. Risking a look towards the other rioting Germans, he saw that a few had been wounded and most seemed in retreat. They weren't going to win this day, but even so, Sturm wanted these Allies to know that they weren't out of the fight yet.
Sturm came back at Troy, doubling his efforts despite his own aching head and bleeding nose. He tried to find that weakness in Troy's ribs, finding it and quickly exploiting the wound.
"Had enough?" he growled. "Surrender and I might make this easier on you!"
Krähe retreated from Moffitt and glanced down at Thomas and saw him stirring. There wasn't much that Thomas could affect against him, but being a distraction was bad. He made a move to kick Thomas in the head but stopped and changed course towards Moffitt. The kid would have to wait.
Neither Krähe or Sturm were aware of Hitch and Tully's approach. As Thomas pushed himself up, he could see them trying to find their way through the confusion.
"Here!" Thomas yelled. "Over here!"
Pushing himself up, Thomas tried to pounce on Sturm to help Troy but only succeeded in pulling the German's arms back, giving Troy momentary relief from the pummelling. But it was only a matter of seconds before Sturm would shake him free and extract his revenge on the youth.
~ _________________ Characters: Hauptmann Dietrich, Pvt Thomas Hartmann, Hauptsturmführer Erich Wiesenland, Hauptmann Arnulf Rosenthal, and Rudy the lizard.
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