NationStates Jolt Archive

Post all your Conversations in the Barracks here...

Sign up thread
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=527843

IC thread
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=528052

A poll
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=528507

"Well thats sad. I haven't met hitler myself. my dad was a big supporter of him though. My dad was always going on about how great he was. So your brothers head of the SS? Thats pretty impressive!" Domminique said.

OCC: Contiue chatting this place will also be made for the "training part as well."

Herman said "Yeah, Hitler signed a copy of Mein Kempf for me, and put in a little blurb, and I remember him saying "Hereman, your dedication to your country will go along way for you." I had guessed the meaning was that maybe that I would be a bit more noticeable, don't think me a stuffy high command person Dominnque, becuase I am not, I almost got a job with the SS, then my application was lost, likely stolen, and rewritten by someone else wanting a job, so I was sent here, but at least here, we're a bit more cheery. When my brother gave me a tour of the SS, well, they were kind of the sullen morbid fellows to me. I am excited I ended up with a MP-38 though, I expected a K-98 at least." He dug in his bag for the Mein Kempf, and turned to the inside front with Hitler's writing on it and showed it to Domminque Gloop.

"Wow," Domminique said amazed, "I'd sure like to meet him. He's the saviour of Germany. If it wasn't for him we'd still be the rear end of the world."

2 weeks later

"Alright I have seen you guys grown alot, today we will be doing a 24km Hike through the night, we allocated some time for you guys to sleep in the afternoon. However, Gen Riechnau will be visiting us when we are doing our weapons training, show him the best we have got!"

"Yes Sir we will Sir!"

OCC: im gonna stop until the night hike part for today, so the others like Osteia who live in the US can post.

Herman Karl said "Yeah, and my brother and I had a private dinner with him too, I am not trying to brag, only inform you that I've met him. I've gotten a few letter's from him, my father wasn't in Germany when WWI started, he was in the United State's getting an education, and oddly enough, I went to collage there too. While I like Hitler, I think we should be all fighting for Germany, Honor, and the Hitler, for while he's our leader, he's said himself, fight for Germany, so I think he agrees with this I am guessing. By no mean's is this an anti Hitler thing, I admire him myself a bit, but just saying he's told us to fight for Germany first and foremost."

OCC: im gonna stop until the night hike part for today, so the others like Osteia who live in the US can post.

ooc: I live in the U.S. and I'm posting. It's 12:00 pm here. Oh, I gotta go to work soon, but I'll be on later.


IC: "Of course. Thats what I'm fighting for. The Glory of Germany. The fact that i really have nothing to lose just makes it easier to fight. So what do you think of that night hike we gotta do later?"

OOC:I'm in the U.S and it's 10:20 here.

Herman Karl said smiling "I've hiked only in the daytime, this should be exciting, and a general will visit us for weapon's training, I think I have a decent marksmanship with a rife, but a SMG is new to me."

Lukas closed his eyes. Being forced to fight in the army was bad enough, but hearing them talk about Hitler the way they did was too much. He stood up and walked outside.

Herman Karl saw Lukas walk out, and he said to Domminque "I am going to find Lukas and ask him what's wrong." He walked out and saw Lukas sitting down and sat next to him and whispered "Lukas, I hate Hitler as much as you do, and when I met him, and shook his hand, I felt like washing my hands. I don't love by all means, I hate him, he was the one that ordered my father to be executed by firing squad, but I have to keep my hatred for him on the down low, don't you believe what I just told you? I lost my father to Hitler, and Hitler drove my mother out of this country."

Lukas kept staring ahead.
"I lost my entire family to him", he whispered. "My father, my brothers and my mother. They're all dead now. I'll fight and die along side everyone here and fight for Germany. But I still will never fight for Hitler."
He stood back up and dusted off his trousers.
"But still, we got firing practice soon. Better double check my gun."
He walked back into the room, sat on his bunk and polished his gun.

Gunther Strauss had just arrived from Munich only hours ago. He had been serving under his block commander in the Hitler Youth ever sence it had started but this was his first day in the wehrmacht, his father had pulled some strings to keep him out of the SS where most of Gunther's commrades had been placed due to their special training. Barron Von Strauss, Gunthers father was well aware of the things that the SS were doing these days to the Jewish race, although it was policy the Barron did not aprove and used his contacts to ensure his son did not end up in the Gestapo, Storm troopers or the allgemeine SS. Gunther wanted to acompany his friends into their trades but could not dare argue with his father, it was not a good idea as he was old fashioned and extremely strict...

After Gunther had reported in he headed to his barracks to meet his new squad members, he walked in the door with his kit and stood there for a moment and nodded to the others all sitting around....

Hermann said "Yeah, I'll check my MP-38." He walked back into the room, and dry-fired the MP-38 smiled at Dominque and Lukas, and said "It's ready, all I need is ammo, when's firing practice anyway?"

Hermann saw the newcomer and stood up and said "I'm Hermann Karl, I'm in the 1st squad with you, I'm guessing your Gunther Strauss correct? Firing practice is due soon, I'm glad to have you on the same squad as me." He clapped Gunther on the back and said "Get some rest, we're having a 24km hike tonight, and we can rest in the afternoon appearently." He was already taking a liking to Gunther Strauss.

Hermann saw the newcomer and stood up and said "I'm Hermann Karl, I'm in the 1st squad with you, I'm guessing your Gunther Strauss correct? Firing practice is due soon, I'm glad to have you on the same squad as me." He clapped Gunther on the back and said "Get some rest, we're having a 24km hike tonight, and we can rest in the afternoon appearently." He was already taking a liking to Gunther Strauss.

Gunther nodded, he felt welcome already after the pat on his back...

"Yes, nice to meet you Hermann! i have just arrived..late..from Munich today, i had to put in my paperwork with the clerks, see OLt. Henrich, and get my Wehrmacht kit from the supply depot...it's been quite busy"

"Im glad to be on this squad, second platoon first squad...sounds good.."

" And fire practice you say? i excelled during fire practice in the Hitler Youth.."

He frowned..

"As for the hikes...ahaha..terrible! but rest! i can do rest better fire practice and the hikes aha"

He grinned patting Hermann on the shoulder. Hermann seemed like a good guy to have at your side in a time of need, also he was open, helpful..he would probably prove to be a good friend

Hermann grinned and said "I got lucky with my weapon choice, a MP-38, I've only fired a rifle before never a SMG! Well, fire practice shall be intersting, incase you haven't heard Gunther, a general is coming to observe us in fire practice, very intersting, he must have a plan that involves our divison or something.., I have a feeling we'll get along fine, now, just to catch you up on event's, earlier we did PT, thew, never seen so many people sweat, one guy fainted. But luckily for me, I've done jogging before." He sat down on his bunk and said, "Appearently you're bunk is above mine, so you'll need to reach up and put you're stuff there."

Maximillian stood, hidden away, in a corner of the barracks. He was thinking about that night, when they would be hiking for hours. He couldn't wait for the meeting with General Reichenau, and was looking forward to impressing him, considering he was going to be the first General Adolphus had ever seen. He swung his Mauser over his shoulder, and gazed around at the others, making his own first impressions of them, amd wondering which ones made up the rest of his squad.

Hermann grinned and said "I got lucky with my weapon choice, a MP-38, I've only fired a rifle before never a SMG! Well, fire practice shall be intersting, incase you haven't heard Gunther, a general is coming to observe us in fire practice, very intersting, he must have a plan that involves our divison or something.., I have a feeling we'll get along fine, now, just to catch you up on event's, earlier we did PT, thew, never seen so many people sweat, one guy fainted. But luckily for me, I've done jogging before." He sat down on his bunk and said, "Appearently you're bunk is above mine, so you'll need to reach up and put you're stuff there."

Gunther had always wanted a MP-38 ever sence he first saw them on display in his HJ group. They were told that if they did well in their training to go off and continue their service to the fuhuer they would be rewarded with the most elite, state of the art weaponry and equipment because Germany was superior to all other nations...sub machine guns were new to the world and the MP-38 was quite impressive,

"A General...we must be our best then, my father is a Colonel ret. although the army has been trying to get him back for quite some time, he has received letter after letter..they are looking for experianced officers? but what for is the question?..our army is very large..and..a display of pure power, but why?...it makes you wonder..so i don't doubt that this General will have somthing in store for us Hermann..."

He tossed his kit up on the top bunk and leaned his rifle against the wall,

"I don't mind PT...they always had us running, weight lifting..doing push ups..boxing, sit ups in the HJ...ughh.."

He sat down on Hermann's bunk noticing another soldier standing at the far end of the barracks with his rifle slung over his shoulder, Gunther nodded to him aswell...they were family now, all eachother had on and off the field, brothers who would fight and die beside them if it ever came down to it.

Hermann said "Hello Maximillian, we Gunther and I, Hermann, are in your squad, we're just saying that tonight we'll have a 24km hike so we should get some rest and chit chat while we're waiting, and also we were talking about why the General want's to see our fire practice. You can look at the MP-38 if you want Gunther." He grinned, he liked the look of Maxilimillan already, and if the last member that had yet to show up was as friendly and nice as Gunther and Maximillan, he would be perfectly happy with being in the 1st Squad. "Gunther, when I walked into the barrack's it say's we're an assault squad, does that mean we're the first on offensive's or anything?"

Hermann said "Hello Maximillian, we Gunther and I, Hermann, are in your squad, we're just saying that tonight we'll have a 24km hike so we should get some rest and chit chat while we're waiting, and also we were talking about why the General want's to see our fire practice. You can look at the MP-38 if you want Gunther." He grinned, he liked the look of Maxilimillan already, and if the last member that had yet to show up was as friendly and nice as Gunther and Maximillan, he would be perfectly happy with being in the 1st Squad. "Gunther, when I walked into the barrack's it say's we're an assault squad, does that mean we're the first on offensive's or anything?"

Gunther nodded in agreement with what Hermann was saying to other guy now known as Maximillian. He picked up the MP-38 and inspected it, testing it's weight, then he cocked it and squeezed the trigger aiming it at the wall..

**Click**

He grinned then replyed to Hermann's question breifly taking his eyes away from the shiny black SMG,

"Yes, im pretty sure thats what it means..we as infantry will be leading the attacks our superiors plan, if we do goto war we will be first in..last out my friend....it sounds rather exciting, combat?"

He paused and looked off as if day dreaming,

"My father has told me some storys of the first world war..it sounds glorious and honorable!..although scary..to face ones foe..with bullets wizzing all around you, explosions in all directions.. never knowing when the enemy could end you or your commrades lives.."

His words trailed off then he said quickly,

"That is why we must end theirs first!"

He cocked the MP-38 again, aimed it at the wall quickly and squeezed the trigger..

**Click**

Gunther then set it on the bunk looknig back to Hermann,

"Let us make a deal Hermann..if we should ever go to war, we will watch each others backs at all times..if one of us is in trouble the other will come to his aid..what do you say?"

Hermann said solmenly "I think that would be a deal that I would uphold to my highest standards, in short I would like to make that deal." He offered his hand from Gunther to shake, for he did agree with that deal, becuase that would be protecting and helping a friend.

Hermann said solmenly "I think that would be a deal that I would uphold to my highest standards, in short I would like to make that deal." He offered his hand from Gunther to shake, for he did agree with that deal, becuase that would be protecting and helping a friend.

Gunther gripped Hermann's hand firmly in his own and looked right in the eyes of his commrade,

"It is sealed with this hand shake then...."

Strauss knew he gained a close friend here today. He would do his best to hold his end of the deal under any circumstances they would face in the future, Gunther was taught to be loyal and trustworthy..some traits of a good soldier but there were many more.

He reached over picking up his rifle, he pulled the bolt back and examined the inside..

"Even though it is new..i am in the routine of cleaning them ahaha, in the HJ you were not allowed to smoke either, they cheaked you...strange yes?"

He pulled a loose cigerette out of his breast pocket,

"Do you smoke Hermann?'

OOC: You know the 92nd, our regiment belongs to the 60th Infantry division...which was encircled and destroyed at Stalingrad? ...jeeesh..but that's not till 1943...

Hermann also knew something was kindeled in that handshake, and he would strive to uphold the deal, and said "Yes, I've been taking to the habit of smoking lately. I haven't cleaned my MP-38 because appearently field-stripping it to clean it is quite the process! I think there's a manual that describe's the process, ah here it is." He dug through his bag, and produced the field manual for the MP-38 and said "This contain's the instruction's how to clean the MP-38. I am excited about fire practice, I can't wait to fire this gun!"

OOC: Would we have to be realistic about that? I am not eager for Hermann to be executed by the Russians!

Hermann also knew something was kindeled in that handshake, and he would strive to uphold the deal, and said "Yes, I've been taking to the habit of smoking lately. I haven't cleaned my MP-38 because appearently field-stripping it to clean it is quite the process! I think there's a manual that describe's the process, ah here it is." He dug through his bag, and produced the field manual for the MP-38 and said "This contain's the instruction's how to clean the MP-38. I am excited about fire practice, I can't wait to fire this gun!"

OOC: Would we have to be realistic about that? I am not eager for Hermann to be executed by the Russians!

OOC: I don't know? we still have many hardships to face... the Invasion of Poland, The unit also participated in the invasion of France, then finally Operation Barbarossa where..well..yeah..there are many possibilities..

Gunther passed him the cigerette and took another one out of his pocket before leaning his rifle back against the wall, the smoke was all bent up and he worked to straighten it out a bit before putting it in his mouth, Strauss withdrew a zippo lighter from his trousers,

"Let me see that manuel.."

He received it from Hermann and looked it over,

"Mein Gott...much more complicated than my mauser, so many peices! Ughh"

He passed it back quickly as if to say, 'Im slightly glad i don't have to deal with that',

"Are we allowed to smoke in here? or do we just step outside?"

Hermann said "Better go outside, I don't want to get into major trouble on my first day, when we come back in, we can attempt to clean my MP-38, or ask someone to help us." He and Gunther walked outside, and Hermann lit his cigerette, and smoked a puff.

Hermann said "Better go outside, I don't want to get into major trouble on my first day, when we come back in, we can attempt to clean my MP-38, or ask someone to help us." He and Gunther walked outside, and Hermann lit his cigerette, and smoked a puff.

Gunther nodded and followed Hermann outside the barracks into the sunlight, he lit his own cigerette and took a drag, the roar of low plane engines over head made him look up to see five BF-109's fly over in a tight formation above the camp,

"Ahaha! free as a bird..no limit to what they can do Hermann, at first i wanted to be a pilot!"

He stood there amased at the sight before his eyes,

"But then i thought long and hard realizing that i would rather keep my feet on the ground"

He chuckled and a large grin crossed his face and slowly he brought the smoke back to his mouth not taking his eyes from the clear blue sky...

Hermann nodded and said "I wonder when fire practice start's, I haven't heard anyone issuing order's lately, kinda weird, let's go back in and see if we can clean my MP-38, it's more complicated then a Mauser K-98 that's for sure." He and Gunther went back to the room, He grabbed some tool's and the manuel and sat down and tried to figure it out.

Hermann nodded and said "I wonder when fire practice start's, I haven't heard anyone issuing order's lately, kinda weird, let's go back in and see if we can clean my MP-38, it's more complicated then a Mauser K-98 that's for sure." He and Gunther went back to the room, He grabbed some tool's and the manuel and sat down and tried to figure it out.

Gunther dropped the smoke on the ground, crushed it with his boot then followed Herman back inside to try and figure out the SMG. They sat there with the manuel and tools disasembeling the weapon together,

"Have you seen any American gangster flicks Hermann? their Thompson sub machine gun is like this, yes?"

He carefully examined the MP-38 as it sat before them, he then reached up to his bunk digging in his kit removing his Hitler Youth knife..he took it from it's sheath and read the writting on the blade...

Blut und Ehre! (Blood and Honor!)

"Seen one of these before? i had to pass certian exams to earn this.."

http://nsm88records.com/theshop/images/hitler_youth_knife.jpg

Hermann nodded and said "Very cool knife, must have been hard exams. While I was in America, I acquired this and they let me bring it in, for the German goverment was interested in it, and studied it and then gave it back to me." He pulled out of his holster a Colt 1911A1 black, with rosewood grip's. "Here you go, take a look at it, it uses the same cartridge as the Thompson Sub Machine Gun, and it's said to be a powerful one, infact if we do end up fighting the U.S, that mean's I'll have loads of free .45 ammo. After you look at it, and I put it in my holster, we can figure out how to clean the MP-38, because I would like to clean it before the fire practice." He had earlier outside, put out the ciggarette, and smashed it beneath his boot heel.

Hermann nodded and said "Very cool knife, must have been hard exams. While I was in America, I acquired this and they let me bring it in, for the German goverment was interested in it, and studied it and then gave it back to me." He pulled out of his holster a Colt 1911A1 black, with rosewood grip's. "Here you go, take a look at it, it uses the same cartridge as the Thompson Sub Machine Gun, and it's said to be a powerful one, infact if we do end up fighting the U.S, that mean's I'll have loads of free .45 ammo. After you look at it, and I put it in my holster, we can figure out how to clean the MP-38, because I would like to clean it before the fire practice." He had earlier outside, put out the ciggarette, and smashed it beneath his boot heel.

Gunthers eyes widened as he seen the pistol, as he examined it closely then looked at Hermann,

"It is beautiful...i have never seen one before like this, my father has a Lugar 9mm.."

Strauss removed the clip examining the bullet inside, then he slid it back in and pulled the top of the weapon back, pointed it at the wall and put the saftey on passing it back to Hermann handle first...

"You think we would fight the Americans...? they are so far away and have no interest over here in Europe..that i can think of..but if we did fight them we would win without doubt! we are the German war machine!!"

He grinned looking back at the MP-38,

"Lets get to it commrade.."

Hermann nodded, and while they worked to strip the MP-38 and clean it he said "I've heard of tale's of how the Japanese treat their prisoners, not a pretty story, heck we treat prisoners far better then the Jap's, and I would think if we were to fight the American's, even if they did come into Europe and all, I would be glad the Marine Corp didn't come in, if they did.. Remember the story's of the Devil Dog's at Belleau Wood? Those were Marines. I am impressed with the Marine's, I think I would rather fight the American Army before the Marines, heck Hitler admire's them a bit. I think that the MP-38's going to be my friend in the upcoming battles, I went to college in America, since, I would've preferred Germany of course, but there was all that struggle between Hitler and the old weak goverment of course."

Hermann said "Hello Maximillian, we Gunther and I, Hermann, are in your squad, we're just saying that tonight we'll have a 24km hike so we should get some rest and chit chat while we're waiting, and also we were talking about why the General want's to see our fire practice..."

"Ah, so you are the others in my squad. Well, sounds like a plan," Maximillian muttered, while he nodded his head in agreement. "I myself have no clue why the General wants to see us, but I'm open to speculation."

Once the conversation turned to America and the Japanese, Adolphus brightened up a bit, in a sick, twisted way, and cooly stated, "We should treat our prisoners more like the Japanese do. It can only strengthen Hitler's power!" After a pause, Maximillian continued. "I hope we do fight the Americans, they are the catalyst that brought down upon us the fall of our great nation in the War, and I intend to raise the swastika over the District of Columbia!" Both times, Adolphus' eyes widened as he spoke, and he began to shout and salivate as he spoke the last few words.

Herman spoke suddenly "Maximillian, I spoke to this United States Marine member, when I was in Washington D.C and asked him what he would do if we (speaking of the German Army, us) landed and tried to take America, and he simply stated *Here Herman boomed in his finest American voice, he was a bit salivating) "We'll give them hell, we'll fight to the last to defend our country, and we won't let a lunatic destroy our proud nation." I am sorry Maximillian, but that Marine, just happened to be one of my relitives in America, I am actuall not critizing or admiring Hitler, I am just trying to get by in this army without the S.S calling, and you do realize that the American's would treat you nicer then you'd treat them? Remember the Golden Rue, Do unto others as you'd want them to do unto you. I have nothing against you guy's personally, I'd go into battle anyday, and if we have to fight the American's I'll fight them. But I will feel bad if I end up killing one of my relative though you do underestand, Max, can you help us clean my MP-38? I am sorry if my speech offended either of you guys."

"Who is this man who would raise the flag above DC! For he will have to beat me to it! Sieg Heil!"

Herman spoke suddenly "Maximillian, I spoke to this United States Marine member, when I was in Washington D.C and asked him what he would do if we (speaking of the German Army, us) landed and tried to take America, and he simply stated *Here Herman boomed in his finest American voice, he was a bit salivating) "We'll give them hell, we'll fight to the last to defend our country, and we won't let a lunatic destroy our proud nation." I am sorry Maximillian, but that Marine, just happened to be one of my relitives in America, I am actuall not critizing or admiring Hitler, I am just trying to get by in this army without the S.S calling, and you do realize that the American's would treat you nicer then you'd treat them? Remember the Golden Rue, Do unto others as you'd want them to do unto you. I have nothing against you guy's personally, I'd go into battle anyday, and if we have to fight the American's I'll fight them. But I will feel bad if I end up killing one of my relative though you do underestand, Max, can you help us clean my MP-38? I am sorry if my speech offended either of you guys."

Maximillian grudingly began to help clean the gun, and replied, "Anyone will say that about their homeland, good sir, but it is quite another matter actually doing it. I completely agree that they would treat our prisoners better, but that is their weakness. I understand how you feel about shooting your relatives, but it is your allies that killed my father, so I'm afraid I don't harbor any positive feeling for any American or America."

Turning to the last man to talk, he joking responded, "Well then, may the best man win."

"Ha ha, You'll see me standing under the flag, my good man. Warren Dreisand, at your service, and at our great Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler!"

Hermann nodded, and while they worked to strip the MP-38 and clean it he said "I've heard of tale's of how the Japanese treat their prisoners, not a pretty story, heck we treat prisoners far better then the Jap's, and I would think if we were to fight the American's, even if they did come into Europe and all, I would be glad the Marine Corp didn't come in, if they did.. Remember the story's of the Devil Dog's at Belleau Wood? Those were Marines. I am impressed with the Marine's, I think I would rather fight the American Army before the Marines, heck Hitler admire's them a bit. I think that the MP-38's going to be my friend in the upcoming battles, I went to college in America, since, I would've preferred Germany of course, but there was all that struggle between Hitler and the old weak goverment of course."

Gunther listened closely while inspecting pieces of the MP-38 layed out in front of them,

"Our goverment was indeed weak, and now we are strong...but.."

"Even we do not follow the rules Hermann, when i was with my HJ unit our block commander encouraged us to attack Jewish civilians in the streets...we arrested many people who wern't even doing anything wrong..just people..we vandalized their shops and took their homes? we were taught they were lower than us, the downfall of our society..partly the reason for our defeat in the first war..i told my father but he does not comment.."

He looked at his commrade with a confused look on his face,

"That is not soldiering..it's..it's..i don't know what to call it?"

Strauss looked back down at the weapon then to Max,

"Im Gunther Strauss, nice to meet you Max..i believe in the geneva rules but the anger of men while under the stress of war changes people, no matter how you want to look at it all sides are guilty of crimes in one way or another..i cannot hate my enemy who ever it may be..but respect them, for they do what they have to do, and we will do what we have to do..and if they are real men, soldiers, they will see it that way too..but i personally do not like the Japanese or understand them..i hear they are violent, evil beings..

He paused..

"If war comes, so be it..we will be ready but do not wish it my friends.."

He looked at them both shifting his eyes from one to the other, then a third soldier approached,

"I am Gunther Strauss, nice to meet you Warren Dreisand"

"So Hermann you speak English??"

"Ha ha, You'll see me standing under the flag, my good man. Warren Dreisand, at your service, and at our great Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler!"


"I am Maximillian Adolphus, a pleasure to meet you."

Fixing his gaze on Gunther, he spoke, "Hello, sir, and I cannot agree with you more. No side in a war is clean, and thus there is no point in restraining ourselves. I respect opponents, but that doesn't stop one from hating them, and I still must wish for war with them. I would not speak ill of our allies, if the Fuhrer sees it fit to be friendly with them, then they most not be all bad."

Hermann nodded "I speak English, German, Polish, and Arabic, useful languages for me, I learned all of them at Harvard. I understan Comrade Max's feelings, but still, I understand that war change's men, and I, like you, don't care for the Japanese, and if we should ever partner with them, think about what it would be like after we won the war. I am happy to have you Gunther, and you Max on my squad. Ah I think we've stripped it." He picked up the magazine and started to clean it, and handed Gunther a rag, and some oil to clean the various parts and said "This gun, is a genuis design, I have a feeling that before the end of the month, I'll use it. I've been not only to America, but to Canada and the UK also, while I was in England, I fired one of those Thompson SMG Gunther was talking about, I haven't fired this yet, but the Thompson felt well built to me, and I also shot the 1911 at a practice range, and it make's good groups, well built, and the best action of any pistol I've yet seen. If we do fight the American's, I'll at least get free ammo! It's a pistol I hope to carry throughout a war, I'd trust it with my life."

Hermann nodded "I speak English, German, Polish, and Arabic, useful languages for me, I learned all of them at Harvard. I understan Comrade Max's feelings, but still, I understand that war change's men, and I, like you, don't care for the Japanese, and if we should ever partner with them, think about what it would be like after we won the war. I am happy to have you Gunther, and you Max on my squad. Ah I think we've stripped it." He picked up the magazine and started to clean it, and handed Gunther a rag, and some oil to clean the various parts and said "This gun, is a genuis design, I have a feeling that before the end of the month, I'll use it. I've been not only to America, but to Canada and the UK also, while I was in England, I fired one of those Thompson SMG Gunther was talking about, I haven't fired this yet, but the Thompson felt well built to me, and I also shot the 1911 at a practice range, and it make's good groups, well built, and the best action of any pistol I've yet seen. If we do fight the American's, I'll at least get free ammo! It's a pistol I hope to carry throughout a war, I'd trust it with my life."

"I'm sure though, that the MP-38 is superior to any American-made gun. However, I must say that I am pleased with having you as my squad mates so far. Wheras I disagree with all of you on some points, you have at least the tolerance to respect other points of view. I personally don't see why we would have a problem with the Japanese, they're on the other side of the world."

Corbournne;12699088']"I am Maximillian Adolphus, a pleasure to meet you."

Fixing his gaze on Gunther, he spoke, "Hello, sir, and I cannot agree with you more. No side in a war is clean, and thus there is no point in restraining ourselves. I respect opponents, but that doesn't stop one from hating them, and I still must wish for war with them. I would not speak ill of our allies, if the Fuhrer sees it fit to be friendly with them, then they most not be all bad."

Gunther nodded looking at Max,

"Ahh yes, i can understand what you are saying..and you say the fuhrer is friendly with these allies of ours, yes it is true, the fuhrer knows best..look where he has brought us, but if he was planning a war..who better to be allied with then the mighty Japanese and their brutal tactics which appear to be very effective.."

Gunther received the oil and rag and started to greese the weapon where it instructed to do so on the manuel,

"You have done alot in your life Hermann...some day i wish to do all these things you have done, and all these things you have seen..after the army of course! or during service...and when we get to where ever we are going if we are going anywhere i shall like to try this Colt .45! i have fired my fathers Lugar many times..and his rifles.."

Strauss glanced at Max,

"It's our veiwpoints that make us different now, thats the only difference because we are all in the same uniform now doing the same thing...we are soldiers for the Reich!...and there will be no unit better than ours anywhere else in Germany..ja? SEIG HEIL!"

"When this General comes to see us he will remember who we are and think to put us right into the battle where ever it may be if the time comes, JA?

Weapons training

"ALRIGHT MEN! FALL IN!!!"

Every soldier rushed out of the Barracks

"Alright you guys shall be doing your weapons pratice today, this training is highly dangerous as you guys will be using real bullets and grenades. Already yesterday 2. Company had to be taken to the Field Hospital after unpinning the Grenade and throwing the pin instead of the Grenade."

Entire Company laughs

"yea, yea its funny, but the guy went home without legs."

*Everyone Stops laughing*

"So listen to your trainiers, and you will be fine, Squad dismissed!"

Strauss glanced at Max,

"It's our veiwpoints that make us different now, thats the only difference because we are all in the same uniform now doing the same thing...we are soldiers for the Reich!...and there will be no unit better than ours anywhere else in Germany..ja? SEIG HEIL!"

"Yes! As long as we both serve the Reich, nothing can come between us and our uni- NO our NATION'S glory!"

Weapons training

"ALRIGHT MEN! FALL IN!!!"

Every soldier rushed out of the Barracks

"Alright you guys shall be doing your weapons pratice today, this training is highly dangerous as you guys will be using real bullets and grenades. Already yesterday 2. Company had to be taken to the Field Hospital after unpinning the Grenade and throwing the pin instead of the Grenade."

Entire Company laughs

"yea, yea its funny, but the guy went home without legs."

*Everyone Stops laughing*

"So listen to your trainiers, and you will be fine, Squad dismissed!"

"Aye Commandant! Come, my comrades, for we show today what we shall do to our enemies in the future!"

Weapons training

"ALRIGHT MEN! FALL IN!!!"

Every soldier rushed out of the Barracks

"Alright you guys shall be doing your weapons pratice today, this training is highly dangerous as you guys will be using real bullets and grenades. Already yesterday 2. Company had to be taken to the Field Hospital after unpinning the Grenade and throwing the pin instead of the Grenade."

Entire Company laughs

"yea, yea its funny, but the guy went home without legs."

*Everyone Stops laughing*

"So listen to your trainiers, and you will be fine, Squad dismissed!"

Gunther stood up quickly comming to attention clicking his heels as an instructor entered the barracks, once given the order to retreive their weapons and get outside he ran out strapping on his helmet following the other squad members, passing by Hermann he said..

"This is what you have been waiting for commrade!" he smiled..

Once outside the instructor spoke and Strauss listened to the terrible story he had to tell and laughed when he thought it was a joke, then realized it was true.. unless it was a scare tactic to make them more careful when on the ranges...

He waited patiently for instructions...

"Alright men, im Maj Shultz, your weapons instructor. Do not try to be a hero and act smart, as you might lose your legs. Alright you will be assigned to other instructors, but i will be in charge of the use of the mauser 792..."

Others proceed on to their section.

Assault squads took turns for nade pratices, while others fired their 1st shots with their weapons.

"Alright men, im Maj Shultz, your weapons instructor. Do not try to be a hero and act smart, as you might lose your legs. Alright you will be assigned to other instructors, but i will be in charge of the use of the mauser 792..."

Others proceed on to their section.

Assault squads took turns for nade pratices, while others fired their 1st shots with their weapons.

Gunther stood at attention in front of the Major and replyed with the others once he had given them the information on how things would work...

"Jawohl Heer Major!"

Strauss held his Kar98 firmly in his hand...

Dreisand made his way to the firing range with Kahl, having shouldered the MG34.

"Damn, this thing is heavier than it looks."

They set up in a lying-up position, Kahl on the ammunition belt, Dreisand at the trigger. They awaited orders from their trainer.

"FIRE!" the Entire Company opened fire at the same time, reloading and firing again.

'Cept me. Got 200 rounds to play with

Dreisand had been taught the art of Support fire, which, whilst inaccurate, allowed for excellent supressive fire. Firing in short bursts of 5-7 bullets, he was able to hit the target on most occasions.

Gunther layed down and took aim, he zoned all else out but heard the order to fire

**KA POW!**

He rebolted quickly and fired again, he had this practice down packed now and was quite good with the Karbiner 98, he shots were accurate and his speed was also good. Gunther was in the top three in his Hitler Youth unit, being number three marksman for the rifle team..

When the rifle was emty Gunther ceased fire, pulled back his bolt and waited for futher instruction...

"ALL OUT!" he shouted..

He heard others firing along with him, automatic gunfire echoed through the air...

Is this what combat sounds like.. He wondered..

"Alright men, im Maj Shultz, your weapons instructor. Do not try to be a hero and act smart, as you might lose your legs. Alright you will be assigned to other instructors, but i will be in charge of the use of the mauser 792..."

Others proceed on to their section.

Assault squads took turns for nade pratices, while others fired their 1st shots with their weapons.

Maximillian though, Finally, thank god.

He prepared for his turn to throw the grenade, and, when it came, he hurled the projectile at the target, landing it a mere three feet away, more than enough to blow the dummy to pieces.

" FIRE!"

This process went on for about an hour. The SOldiers had to fire from diffrent angles and positions. admist of the firing range pratice, a highly decorated Officer inspected the troops.

" FIRE!"

This process went on for about an hour. The SOldiers had to fire from diffrent angles and positions. admist of the firing range pratice, a highly decorated Officer inspected the troops.

Gunther fired many rounds doing his best to impress his superiors, he wanted good reports so that he could send them home to his father who would be even more proud of his sons acheivements. Gunthers attention went from the range to a highly decorated officer behind them watching them fire at the targets,

It's time to step it up Gunther.. He thought..

He focused back to the range and opened fire once more, round after round he fired non stop...

Hermann raised his MP-38 and fired, amazed at the differnce from the old hunting rifle he had fired, to this sub-machine gun, it was like a machine gun, but in a portable form, he fired several rounds, and aware that a highly decorated officer was watching them, reloaded with prescison, and fired this time crouching, and then prone, and then standing up firing again, concetrating on accuracy, for he knew accurate aim was critcal to taking the enemy down the first time. He ran out of ammo in the first magazine, so he switched to his second and fired yet again, the barrel flaming from all the rounds flying out, and making a *ba-bop-ba-bop* noise, he fired prone, and then crouching and then standing, and finally ran out of ammo in his second magazine, stopped for instructions.

Domminique shot his gun, barely missing his target. He fired again, and missed. He fired several times before finally nailing the bulls eye.

Lukas brought his gun to bear on the target and fired off a clip. About half of it hit somewhere on the target, 2 hit the bullseye and the rest missed. He grinned and reloaded.

Karl marches up to where the company was and said "Karl Derc reporting for duty, Sir."

Not taking his eye of the target, he shouted over, "Good to meet you Karl, I'm Lukas. Now pick up your gun and get shootin'!"

Karl picks up his gun and amazes the instructor by firing it perfectly, his reply to their amazment in his Depressed way "I have used it before, that is all you need to know."

Domminique watches everyone else in amazement. Apparently he is worse than them all in just about everything.

Hermann notices he got 5 in the bullseye, 2 in the 9, 5 in the 7, and 3 in the 6. He was surprised at his accuracy, but attributed it to his aiming, and careful firing, and he was glad, he was worthy of the MP-38.

Domminique set down his gun. HE had fired so much already. When would this practice end?

"Overheat, overheat! Gimme the water!"

Kahl passed a bucket of water to Dreisand, who promptly poured it over the barrel. Steam hissed and blew in all directions.

"Overused it, huh. OUCH! Damn, that's hot! Give a minute, and we'll get back to it..."

"Are you ok?" Domminique asked Dreisand.

"Yeah, just caught the hot end of the barrel. Blasted thing. Well, that'll be a lesson - don't go overloading it in the middle of a firefight. So how's that rifle of yours?"

"Alright men! Cease fire! The Pratice is over. You guys have done well and shown lots of improvements. Genreral Riechnau who came just now was pleased with your performace, well done."

Everyone cheered.

"Now, back to serious matters. From the time now which is 2.32pm to 6pm is your free time. Use this time to take your lunch and rest. Fall in at the square with your full bag pack and lay out everything nicely, any one who misses an item would recieve a punishment of ten push-ups per missing item. at 6.30pm after your inspection check we will set off for the 26km hike, full gear. Trucks will escort us along the way, to pick up those who faint or are unable to continue. Those who fail this hike, will have to do the rehike 3 days later. Is that understood?"

"Yes Sir!"

"Company, dismissed!"

"It handles pretty well. Takes a little getting used to. has a bit of a kick, you know?" Domminique said examining his rifle.

"Yeah, sounds about right. Not so bad for this, working on the tripod, but I wouldn't suggest firing from the hip - it'll hurt." He examined his hand, which was turning an ever-brighter red by the second. Better get this thing away, and get some water and a dressing on here, lest it be the end of that hand. I'll see you in the mess tent, I guess. Kahl, do you have the ammunition?"

Lukas rushed a meal and then retired to his bunk. He sat on it and cleaned his gun and uniform. He took out his camera. He took a picture of his uniform, then his gun, then sat back down on the bunk.

Domminique put away his rifle and Headed twords the barracks, suddenly he didn't feel so good.

For some reason the thought of going out and killing people didn't quite appeal to him. He knew he'd have to suck it up and do it. It was his duty to Germany.

He let his thoughts wonder as he walked to the Barracks. As he eneterd his barracks he saw Lukas taking a picture.

"Hi," Domminique said "What are you up to?"

"I used to work for a paper. Taking pictures is a bit of a hobby of mine now. I've taken some good ones over the years. Wanna see one? "

"Interesting. I worked on some old Guys farm. I obviously didn't get anything outta that. But sure I'll take a look." Domminique said, sitting on his bunk.

"God. I can't even imagine how boring that would be. And quite smelly."
Lukas took a photo out of his pack and passed it to Domminique.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z107/Kain1235/1968249631.jpg

"When did you take this?" Domminique asked.

"A little while back. I was near a military camp so I decided to take a few pictures. I got some better ones than that, don't have them with me though."

"can you guys shutup? I want to get some sleep its gonna be a long night..." said Bauer.

"Sorry Bauer!"
Lukas looked back at Domminique and asked, "What do you think of the hike? I think its gonna be nasty."

"Really thats interesting. So you think we should shut up? I'm not feeling sleepy at all. I think I'd like to talk abit more actually." Domminique said to Lukas, then aside to Bauer he said, "Oh and by the way... Your Bauer right? Thanks for stopping with your snoring, It was interrupting our conversation. How'd you even get time to sleep? We've been firing our guns all day, only just got back."

"Shut up, and get some sleep" replied bauer as he slumped back down into his dreamland.

"Sorry Bauer!"
Lukas looked back at Domminique and asked, "What do you think of the hike? I think its gonna be nasty."

"I don't think it'll be too bad, it's just a hike after all. Not a Jog."

"I've never been good at hiking Jogging, don't mind, but hiking... Eh, never mind. I'm gonna go have a smoke, see you."
Lukas pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pack and walked out.

At that point, Dreisand and Kahl entered, clunking away with their heavy gear.

"Sorry folks, a necessary evil. Two men, large weaponry, lots of ammo...you know how it is. Anyone have another bucket of water? This hasn't really cooled down since I last poured one over it..."

"I'll get one from the mess tent." Kahl put down the ammunition by his bunk, and went out for the bucket.

Seeing Bauer glaring, he held up his hands and said "hey, can't help it. You lug that thing around when it's reaching 120 degrees on the barrel, and you'll make noise too."

"So... Bauer. What do you think of the upcomming Hike?" Domminique asked from across the barracks.

Lukas leaned back in and said to Dreisand "I feel sorry for you. That hike is full gear. And if that includes the guns, thats gonna be reeel bad for you."

"meh we must we metally prepared for it." said bauer

"Sure, sure. I'm going out. Not much too do in here. Not much to do out there. At least out there I don't have to hear your snoring." Domminique said passing Dreisand on his way out.

Lukas leaned back in and said to Dreisand "I feel sorry for you. That hike is full gear. And if that includes the guns, thats gonna be bad for you."

"You better believe it. Mind you, as the ammunition and the gun place strain on different parts, me and Kahl will be swapping at points across the march. We may fall a little behind, but we'll make it."

Kahl entered the tent, carrying a bucket of water which he promptly poured over the barrel of the MG34.

"Overheated it on training, and it takes ages to cool down. I'm Johannes Kahl, by the way, working with Dreisand on the MG34. We'll be making sure you bums don't get popped by making sure the enemy can't raise his head."

"We'll be making sure you bums don't get popped by making sure the enemy can't raise his head."
"Much appreciated." Lukas went outside again.

"Making friends then Kahl?"

"You'd better believe it...I'll get down to cleaning in time for tonight..."

"Good man, I'll join you in a second." He went outside.

"Sorry about him, Lukas...he's apparently a little excitable."

Off to the side by himself Domminique sat down. He began to mentally prepare himself for the hike.

6pm

"Company fall in!"

Many Soldiers already had their weapons nicely laid out.

Major Shultz gave the final inspection, to make sure everyone had their full gear.

At 6.34pm, the Company left the Campsite for a 13km road ahead.

"13km up, 13km down" Shultz said with a laugh, he was in a staff car.

"Well it's rather... I thought this was a hike? As far as i'm concerned a walk on a road is just that... a walk!" Domminique said.

"Hmm. This may not be as bad as we thought. Come Johannes, we should at least try to keep up, ha ha!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!"

The roads, were proper for 5km or so... around 3 hours into the walk, it started to rain. To make matters worst, the next 8km of the hike would be up hill, on a Narrow dirt track.

OCC: Im off to bed now.

Derc starts walking with ease eying the men around him trying to see which would collapse. Then he said "My name is Derc and your's is?"

Derc starts walking with ease eying the men around him trying to see which would collapse. Then he said "My name is Derc and your's is?"

Maximillian trudged along in the muddy mess of the former road and, between tiresome breaths, replied, "I am Maximillian Adolphus, humble and loyal servant of Hitler, Germany, and the Reich!"

"Adolphus, humble and loyal servant of Hitler, Germany, and the Reich! Heil Hitler and the Reich and all the other Shit. Cut it out their is no officers to impress here."

Lukas trudged along, a grin on his face. He loved the rain. Mind, the whole 'in full gear' thing had him sweating and panting, it wasn't as bad as he thought.

Once they finished up on the range and received their new instructions Gunther went back to the barracks and layed on his bunk taking a breif rest, he was half asleep as the other squad members strolled in then the two with the MG but the noise don't bother him, Gunther could sleep through anything....

Five minutes before six Gunther sat up still wearing his uniform, he put on his boots after climbing down from his bunk and got dressed in his full combat kit. After the inspection the group headed out for the 13Km walk, the full gear didn't make it much more difficult, even if it did they would have to get used to lots of walking with full kit, a staff car drove by with the Major inside...

After five kilometers up the road it began to rain heavily on the company as they strolled along,

Mein Gott..could it get any worse..

He nodded to Dreisand and Kahl with the MG...

Lightening streaked the sky, Gunther shook his head. As Strauss moved along he walked next to Max and Derc,

"Nice weather!!"

Gunther seen his friend Hermann up ahead and the rest of the company...

The rain was cool and refreshing after the long hot day. The walk hike got more difficult the farther they got, but it was easy enough. Domminique worked his way over to Lukas.

"How's it goin?"

The rain was cool and refreshing after the long hot day. The walk hike got more difficult the farther they got, but it was easy enough. Domminique worked his way over to Lukas.

"How's it goin?"

"It's going good. Not the most entertaining thing to do, but bloody lovely weather in my opinion. As for you?"

"I'm all right. Not much the matter really. It is great weather. I'd have to agree... There's just somthin about storms that make you feel good." Domminique said with a slight grin.

"I am not trying to impress anyone, Derc, simply stating my opinion. If you have a problem with it, I'd suggest you'd simply shut up. Stuff like that is not taken well around here."

"Oh, beautiful weather, Strauss!"

Strauss seen Domminique and Lukas talking and moved up to them,

"Hey boys, i don't think we have met, Gunther Strauss..2nd Platoon first squad!"

He gave them a nod,

"What a lovely evening for a walk!"

He chuckled...

"Yeah, I'm Lukas by the way. Lukas Goering, 3rd Squad. How many more miles to go? Around... 11, right? Not too bad, if we've walked this far we can walk the rest." He slightly quicked and began humming the Die Fahne hoch.

"Time to switch over Dreisand!"

"Right-oh. Herk- there we go. Right, pass us that ammunition...good man. And just sling that over your shoulder...good. Aww, crap, we gotta get going, they're way ahead..."

Strauss seen Domminique and Lukas talking and moved up to them,

"Hey boys, i don't think we have met, Gunther Strauss..2nd Platoon first squad!"

He gave them a nod,

"What a lovely evening for a walk!"

He chuckled...

"Hello, I'm Domminique Gloop.Second Squad."

Lukas looked over his shoulder and saw Dreisand and Kahl, barely visible in the rain.
"Come on, you two! Less you need me to come back and carry you the rest of the way!"

"I'd say they need some help. Nah they'll catch up." Domminique said looking back as well. "How much distance have we coverd so far? Anybody Know?"

"I think we've run 8 miles. Rough geuss."

"Hiked, I personally haven't done a whole lot of running. Just a bit of a fast paced walk." Domminique said looking at the hill ahead. "This hill looks a bit rough, it would seem the rain has washed away part of the road."

"Meh. A fair while to go yet. If it wasn't raining I'd have a ciggy."

"Those things'll kill ya you know that right?"

Gunther decided to sing a song that his father taught him, they used to sing it in the trenches in the first world war, if it brightened up the mood then it could do so now..he sung loudly as he marched along..

Underneath the lantern by the barrack gate
Darling I remember the way you used to wait,
'Twas there that you whispered tenderly
That you loved me, you'd always be
My Lilli of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene.

Time would come for roll call, time for us to part
Darling I'd caress you and press you to my heart
And there 'neath that far off lantern light,
I'd hold you tight, we'd kiss "good-night,"
My Lilli of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene

Orders came for sailing somewhere over there,
All confined to barracks was more than I cOuld bear;
I knew you were waiting in the street,
I heard your feet, But could not meet,
My Lilli of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene.

Resting in a billet just behind the line,
Even tho'we're parted your lips are close to mine;
You wait where that lantern softly gleams,
Your sweet face seems to haunt my dreams,
My Lilli of the lamplight,
My own Lilli Marlene!!

"Come on boys!!"

OOC: Lilli Marlene is an original war song i translated on a web site from German to English....

"It's either them or some enemy soldiers" he grinned.

Dreisand barely heard Lukas through the rain.

"We're a-comin'! Let's pick it up Kahn, the others are nearly out of sight!"

"It's either them or some enemy soldiers" he grinned.

"Thats nothing to look forward too. You gotta believe that you'll survive. If you think your going to die, what use are you? I very much want to stay alive. Now I don't like cigarets, but i'll never say no to some good alcohol." Domminique said.

"I don't expect to die. I just know the possibilty of it is frickin' high. If any enemy comes near me though, I'll gut him with a spoon. And as for the beer, no arguments there."

"Yeah chances are high, but hell, we may never see any action. You never know where they'll send us." Domminique said.

"...but i'll never say no to some good alcohol." Domminique said.

"Amen, and I will gladly give my life for the furtherment of the Reich!"

"True. Ah, screw it, I'm gonna go help out those two. I'll see you afterwards."
He walked back towards Kahl and Dreisand.
"For God's sake you guys, if you don't hurry up you'll have to do it again in a few days. Here, give me something to carry, that'll speed you up."

Gunther's song trailed off after awhile but other men in the squad could still be heard singing to themselves (*The NPC's, because some body or all them would have known that song lol*)

"I know i don't intend on dying, i am going home with medals!"

He chuckled,

"Our goal as soldiers is not to die in the service of the Reich..but to live to fight another day! what good are dead soldiers to the fuhuer!!"

Strauss laughed at his comment,

"And Domminique, you are right commrade..they could send us somwhere nice with lots of women!..we wouldn't have to worry about the enemy killing us, the cigerettes and beer would do that over time! no one will go to war with us sence Hitler came to power, we are strong in willpower and military might! who dare challage us? you see the propaganda films that are made, we are perhalps the strongest united nation in the world! SUPERIOR to all others!

"Well I'm going to hazard a guess somebody may want to fight back. They won't just let us waltz in and conquer them. And we will do some conquering, Why else would Hitler build up such a large army? But it would suck to get defense duty. If we get sent to Defend Berlin, I think I'd die of boredom!" Domminique said with a small chuckle.

"Well I'm going to hazard a guess somebody may want to fight back. They won't just let us waltz in and conquer them. And we will do some conquering, Why else would Hitler build up such a large army? But it would suck to get defense duty. If we get sent to Defend Berlin, I think I'd die of boredom!" Domminique said with a small chuckle.

Gunther laughed,

"They wouldn't have to let us waltz in..we would finish them off in a month..weeks even! our panzers and infantry divisions with the angels of the Luftwaffe over our shoulders watching over us! it sounds glorious does it not?"

"Our first defeat will be our last, we are now in a position of power more than ever...Hitler promised us a 1,000 year reich...i believe him.."

Strauss glanced at the others around him..

"My father spoke of the defeat few times to me in my life, it sounds painful..and disgraceful...to be robbed of ones pride for his country..it is our duty to ensure it does not happen again! right boys?"

"These are not the things they taught me in the Hitler Youth..but words of a patriot who has hope, i cannot imagine what those before us went through, and i never wish to find out for myself...it had to have been bad if nobody ever talks about it..."

Lukas muttered, "Not tho' the soldiers knew
Some one had blundered:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die,
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred."

"True. Ah, screw it, I'm gonna go help out those two. I'll see you afterwards."
He walked back towards Kahl and Dreisand.
"For God's sake you guys, if you don't hurry up you'll have to do it again in a few days. Here, give me something to carry, that'll speed you up."

"Thanks...here, you better take an ammunition case. We shouldn't really, but if it saves us having to do it again..."

"I don't think we are as invincible as it is said we are. I mean, it's a big world. If they all team up... we'll be pulverized." Domminique said thoughtfully.

"Thanks...here, you better take an ammunition case. We shouldn't really, but if it saves us having to do it again..."

"Ah, it's no problem. We're all brothers in arms, now eh? Anyways, come on."

"Our goal as soldiers is not to die in the service of the Reich..but to live to fight another day! what good are dead soldiers to the fuhuer!!"

"I never said dying was our goal, but we must be prepared to do so. You can get just as many medals from dying than from living."

"But those medals are hard to enjoy when your dead" Domminique pointed out.

"I don't think we are as invincible as it is said we are. I mean, it's a big world. If they all team up... we'll be pulverized." Domminique said thoughtfully.

"I don't think they would, i believe the fuhuer is just making sure that we are overly prepared....he does want what is best for us, he has proven it over the years..."

Gunther looked down at his boots covered in mud,

"Ughh...i just shined these damned boots and already the mud is caked on.." he wisped to himself...

He then spoke again on the comment about the medals,

"Agreed Domminique, but i see what he is saying aswell..what ever happens happens..all i know is that i can't wait to get back to barracks and get somthing to eat ahaha"

Hermann caught up with Gunther and smiled and said "This is going to be miserable in the rain, and with full ammo and guns. I will be happy when we know we're we'll be deployed too, my father was a Colonel in WWI in the German Army, so he course he insisted that I join when I was old enough. I believe the only way we'll survive the hike without falling asleep is talking to each other. So, I am glad to be in the 1st squad with you Gunther, you are a man that I'd have to watch my back in combat."

"Well, if you say so. Hitler's great, true, but he isn't perfect. Nobody is Perfect."

Hermann caught up with Gunther and smiled and said "This is going to be miserable in the rain, and with full ammo and guns. I will be happy when we know we're we'll be deployed too, my father was a Colonel in WWI in the German Army, so he course he insisted that I join when I was old enough. I believe the only way we'll survive the hike without falling asleep is talking to each other. So, I am glad to be in the 1st squad with you Gunther, you are a man that I'd have to watch my back in combat."


Gunther turned and seen Hermann comming up behind him, he grinned when he seen his commrade, he listened to what he had to say and replyed..

"We have much in common my friend! you know i have your back aswell!"

He nodded..

"I seen you firing your weapon on the range! it's quite impressive.."

"But those medals are hard to enjoy when your dead" Domminique pointed out.

"I will enjoy them in posterity, and Hitler is perfect, otherwise he couldn't have done what he has already done."

Hermann grinned and patted Gunther on the back "You did well too, and the instructor said that the General was impressed by our preformance at the range, that MP-38 was sure differnent from that old hunting rifle my dad had, it was a old rifle he brought back from WWI, and sporterized, I shot 3-4 deer with it, and we had it for dinner. I am quite excited to know where we will be going in a year or to, they'll send us off somewhere that's for sure."

Hermann grinned and patted Gunther on the back "You did well too, and the instructor said that the General was impressed by our preformance at the range, that MP-38 was sure differnent from that old hunting rifle my dad had, it was a old rifle he brought back from WWI, and sporterized, I shot 3-4 deer with it, and we had it for dinner. I am quite excited to know where we will be going in a year or to, they'll send us off somewhere that's for sure."

Gunther replyed,

"Im glad we impressed the General, i hope he will keep us in mind when the time comes to ship out"

He paused,

"It had a quite the fast firing rate, much different from my rifle or your fathers..back home i went hunting with my father sence i was young, he taught me many things which may prove useful on the battle field..i am anxious to find out where we are bound for..it's all i can think about, i even dream about it"

He grinned..

"I will enjoy them in posterity, and Hitler is perfect, otherwise he couldn't have done what he has already done."

He turned to his other squad member,

"The Fuhurer is truly a great man, and this is only the beginning"

He turned to his other squad member,

"The Fuhurer is truly a great man, and this is only the beginning"

"I couldn't agree more."

Hermann turned to his other squad member Maximillian and said "I think, as long as we're on the subject of the Fuhurer I have a fact that may interest you, my brother's the head of the SS, and I've had dinner with the Fuhurer, my brother, Hermann Goering, and Albert Speer, right after he came to power. The Fuhurer clapped me on the back and said to me "Your loyalty to Germany will go along way, and best of luck young man in joining the army, I might have a promotion for you later on. I'll write a letter to your father, stating my pleasure in you joining the glorious Wermacht." He gave me an autographed copy of Mein Kempf, I've read it, and I think that some of the idea's in there are outstanding, and the other's I don't understand that well, but I trust our leader does. That was fun firing the MP-38 at the range, it fired faster then I expected."

Hermann turned to his other squad member Maximillian and said "I think, as long as we're on the subject of the Fuhurer I have a fact that may interest you, my brother's the head of the SS, and I've had dinner with the Fuhurer, my brother, Hermann Goering, and Albert Speer, right after he came to power. The Fuhurer clapped me on the back and said to me "Your loyalty to Germany will go along way, and best of luck young man in joining the army, I might have a promotion for you later on. I'll write a letter to your father, stating my pleasure in you joining the glorious Wermacht." He gave me an autographed copy of Mein Kempf, I've read it, and I think that some of the idea's in there are outstanding, and the other's I don't understand that well, but I trust our leader does. That was fun firing the MP-38 at the range, it fired faster then I expected."

"Well I must say, Hermann, I greatly envy you, as I have never even spoken a word to the man. I have read the book, and, believe me, all the ideas in it are brilliant. Also, may I, ast some point, see the autograph, as I have never seen his signature before."

Hermann said "Yeah, I'll show you it at the barrack's, he wrote a message in it. His commercial idea's are brilliant, and the country ideals he set down are good, mind you probably all his idea's are brilliant, but some of them I don't understand, and I respect your viewpoint, even if it's a bit differnt from mine, and I am also glad to have you on the squad. (the rest is direct towar'ds Gunther Strauss) Gunther, I bet you'll be glad to be in your bunk tonight, and I will too, I can't wait to see what town will be the first to have us attack it. I hope to use my Colt 1911, as far as I can see, I've handeled the P-1 and the Colt, and mind you, while Germany has some good idea's and gun's, I think the Colt 1911 is a better shooting gun, and I've decided to carry the 1911 instead of my P-1 I was issued, using the P-1 as a backup gun instead. I hope to pickup a captured BAR from the Polish Army, that would be a sweet gun."

Hermann said "Yeah, I'll show you it at the barrack's, he wrote a message in it. His commercial idea's are brilliant, and the country ideals he set down are good, mind you probably all his idea's are brilliant, but some of them I don't understand, and I respect your viewpoint, even if it's a bit differnt from mine, and I am also glad to have you on the squad."

"Thank you, sir, and I may say the same." After Hermann finished, Maximillian continued, "Ah yes, the BAR, one of the few non-German guns that I actually appreciate."

Hermann nodded "Ja, I've actually got the chance to shoot one in America, a very nice gun, my uncle live's in America, and is a colonel in the United States Marine Corps, thus when I was there for collage at Harvard, he gave me that 1911 as a gift, it has the U.S.M.C ingraved, with a golden trigger, and trigger guard on it. I'll show you the Mein Kempf autograph when we get back to the barracks."

Gunther strolled along singing to himself. He heard the voices of the other soldiers in the company behind him, he sung 'A mighty fortress is out god'

Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott,
Ein gute Wehr und Waffen;
Er hilft uns frei aus aller Not,
Die uns itzt hat betroffen.

He moved along happily singing the words to himself, the rain wasn't even bothering him anymore he had become rather used to being wet by now...

Hermann said to Gunther "Have you heard the hymn Amazing Grace? If not here it is?" "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind but now I see." He was out of breath from singing Amazing Grace but he found that the other solider's were enthralled with the song and he said to Gunther "A powerful song eh? Half of the company was enthralled with the song, I learned it when I was 3, from my grandfather..." He looked dreamily, and the rain didn't bother him, for he knew grace was upon him, that saving grace, that saved John Newton in a worse time then Hermann.

Hermann said to Gunther "Have you heard the hymn Amazing Grace? If not here it is?" "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind but now I see." He was out of breath from singing Amazing Grace but he found that the other solider's were enthralled with the song and he said to Gunther "A powerful song eh? Half of the company was enthralled with the song, I learned it when I was 3, from my grandfather..." He looked dreamily, and the rain didn't bother him, for he knew grace was upon him, that saving grace, that saved John Newton in a worse time then Hermann.

Gunther listened to the words carefully and replyed to Hermann,

"It is a beautiful song my friend..i have never heard it before? American yes?"

He trudged on,

"Do you believe in god Hermann?"

Domminique listend in on their conversation, closely, from behind.

Hermann said "It's not an american song, it's a British song, and it's by a guy named John Newton, who was a slave trader, but one day he woke up and realized "Hey, slavery's wrong, once I get out of it I'll tell everyone" so he wrote this song thanking God for waking his eye's to the horrifying act of slavery. I believe in God, even if by some chance we're on the wrong side, God will forgive us, I am an Anglican, which is to say of the Church of England, but I am not an English born person you, but I believe the Anglican version of Christianity, and the Catholic's are similar to Anglican's, I belive that if we're involved in any fighing, I have faith in God, that he will pull us through the most tight of times." He felt spirtually dunked in spirit water, he felt like he didn't have a worry in the world for even if they went off to fight, and they were somehow on the wrong side, God would forgive him.

Hermann said "It's not an american song, it's a British song, and it's by a guy named John Newton, who was a slave trader, but one day he woke up and realized "Hey, slavery's wrong, once I get out of it I'll tell everyone" so he wrote this song thanking God for waking his eye's to the horrifying act of slavery. I believe in God, even if by some chance we're on the wrong side, God will forgive us, I am an Anglican, which is to say of the Church of England, but I am not an English born person you, but I believe the Anglican version of Christianity, and the Catholic's are similar to Anglican's, I belive that if we're involved in any fighing, I have faith in God, that he will pull us through the most tight of times." He felt spirtually dunked in spirit water, he felt like he didn't have a worry in the world for even if they went off to fight, and they were somehow on the wrong side, God would forgive him.

"I know we are on the right side, but I'm not religious, nor do I believe in God. I only believe in Nazism and the greater glory of Germany!"

"Thats right!" Domminique murmerd under his breath.

He looked ahead, this hike had to be reaching the halfway mark by now....

Hermann said "It's not an american song, it's a British song, and it's by a guy named John Newton, who was a slave trader, but one day he woke up and realized "Hey, slavery's wrong, once I get out of it I'll tell everyone" so he wrote this song thanking God for waking his eye's to the horrifying act of slavery. I believe in God, even if by some chance we're on the wrong side, God will forgive us, I am an Anglican, which is to say of the Church of England, but I am not an English born person you, but I believe the Anglican version of Christianity, and the Catholic's are similar to Anglican's, I belive that if we're involved in any fighing, I have faith in God, that he will pull us through the most tight of times." He felt spirtually dunked in spirit water, he felt like he didn't have a worry in the world for even if they went off to fight, and they were somehow on the wrong side, God would forgive him.

Gunther listened to every word Hermann was telling him. He had never heard of these things before and it was interesting, he wasn't sure what the whole slavery bit was about or what John Newton was doing with slaves but he was attentive...

"I believe in god aswell, as it says on our belt buckles...Gott Mit Uns (God With Us)....if he is with us, who could be against us"

He turned to see Domminique,

"Commrade! how are you doing so far?"

Strauss grinned,

"I can't wait to get back and put somthing dry on, we won't be able to do that in combat ahaha"

Gunther looked at max all of a sudden,

"You remind me of my HJ block commander, not that it is a bad thing..just..you two would have got along just fine, before i was sent here i was bound for the SS or the Gestapo...my father wouldn't have it though.."

Hermann sighed and said to Maximillan "I tolerate you, and I still like you a little bit, but you being an atheist doesn't help my mind any, for relation's between you and God are nill, and I predict that if you die, you won't be going to heaven, but to the Devil's land. Not that I am too sad, there's a chance you'll see the light, but nothing's worse then going into battle with an athiest let me tell you. I still care for you, but I hope that you might re-consider when artillery fire nearly nails you in a battle. Please don't be mad at me, it's just I am worried for you, Gunther, can you see why being an atheist in a war is a dangerous thing really, if there is a God, like in a bible, there's no why an atheist can get to heaven."

Hermann sighed and said to Maximillan "I tolerate you, and I still like you a little bit, but you being an atheist doesn't help my mind any, for relation's between you and God are nill, and I predict that if you die, you won't be going to heaven, but to the Devil's land. Not that I am too sad, there's a chance you'll see the light, but nothing's worse then going into battle with an athiest let me tell you. I still care for you, but I hope that you might re-consider when artillery fire nearly nails you in a battle. Please don't be mad at me, it's just I am worried for you,

"Oh, believe me, sir, even if there is a hell, I'm sure it's better than lying and rotting in your grave, which is what I believe one does when they die. Why should you be preturbed by going into battle with me just because I'm an athiest? If it's simply because you fear for my afterlife, please don't worry yourself, my friend, as I couldn't care less what happens to me after I die."

Hermann said "I guess if you don't care, then I am not going to worry, simple, I am sorry Maximillian if my religous talk with Gunther offended you, but I was speaking to him about it, and not you, so no hard feeling's, I am still glad you're on the same squad as me, even if we are different, but we can get along I am confident.This hike's fun so far, but I am really tired of being wet so far, I can't wait to get back to the barrack's, and change into dry clothes."

Strauss continued to move looking at the two arguing beside him, he glanced at Domminique and shook his head..

"Commrades, commrades...why the quarrel between us, we all wear the same uniform and have sworn an oath to fight alongside eachother and for the same cause...no matter our veiws..we are on the same side!"

He grinned nudging Hermann,

"Ja?"

"Let's just drop it, im wet, cold and don't need to hear you two bickering like some old women!"

He chuckled...

Hermann said "I guess if you don't care, then I am not going to worry, simple, I am sorry Maximillian if my religous talk with Gunther offended you, but I was speaking to him about it, and not you, so no hard feeling's, I am still glad you're on the same squad as me, even if we are different, but we can get along I am confident.This hike's fun so far, but I am really tired of being wet so far, I can't wait to get back to the barrack's, and change into dry clothes."

"Good, sir, I'm afraid you must not make any emotional attachment here, as they can only end in sorrow. I learned that the hard way. I understand you weren't talking to me, I was just putting in my own two cents." Brightening up a bit, Adolphus continued, "As long as you can fight well, I'm glad you're on my squad." He laughed. "Yeah, I don't mind a little exercise, but I must admit that I, too, need to chage."

"We're not quarelling, good sir, just debating. We're all cold and wet, why not all complain about it!" Again, he laughed.

Gunther nodded, he knew that they were all new to one another and had yet to make good friends..it took time. At first it would be difficult but later they would become very loyal and close to one another, he grinned..

"They knew the weather would be like this today, just to make it harder on us...on the subject of god, he is obviously against us today!...my opinion of that will change if there is somthnig good to eat in the mess hall"

He started to laugh..

Hermann grinned as Gunther nudged him and clapped both Max and Gunther on their backs and said "I know I can fight, and I would sure hope you guys did too (he laughed), you guy's are like brother's to me, considering I only have two. I am glad to be fighting alongside you guy's, and I'll be glad to be back in the barrack's, heck if we're miserable about the rain, why not let it out, in good feelings, I have a feeling, even though we might argue, and quarrell, we'll be good friends to each other." He was smiling as they marched along the trail, not thinking about any negative stuff as they trudged along.

THe Company reached the end of the muddy track, and were ordered to turn back, everyone was relieved. The time was already 10.45 pm, and they were half-way through the hike.

THe Company reached the end of the muddy track, and were ordered to turn back, everyone was relieved. The time was already 10.45 pm, and they were half-way through the hike.

Gunther, Hermann and the others chatted about other random things till they reached the end of the muddy road where they were then ordered to turn around and head back towards the base, all Gunther could think about was lunch and they were finally heading back down the road.....

"I have been listening to the rubish everyone has been talking about Hitler, he is are leader but what has he done to make you worship him so?"

"I have been listening to the rubish everyone has been talking about Hitler, he is are leader but what has he done to make you worship him so?"

Lukas walked over to Derc and muttered, "Look, I agree with you, but you oughta keep opinions like that to yourself unless you should end up missing. Ok?"

"I am not afraid of Hitler's Minions, also it is good to see someone with a brain."

Lukas held up his free hand.
"Its your funeral."

wispering "Their funeral if they come for me, also I did not catch your name

"My name's Lukas Goering, I'm in 3rd squad, same as you, I think."

Hermann smiled and said to both Max, and Gunther, "Thank goodness we're heading back, I am sick and tired of being in the rain, and will be happy to have lunch. I have a younger brother who's applied to join the army, so it's possible that on one of our campaigns, we might run into him, although he's not going into the company that we're in. Say, I am awfully glad I was born long enough, that before I joined, I married this beautfiul girl, named Hilda, and I think she's going to have a son! Now, even if I do die in battle, I'll still continue the Karl bloodline." He smiled as they trudged back down the trail, and thought it would be wonderful to eat some food.

Back at the Campsite

"Well done men! Its 6am in the morning, the good news is you guys are confirmed that this division will be assigned to the Tenth Division and will be an Active Infantry Division. This also means in three months time, 1 week before Christmas, you guys will be getting your ranks. Traning will resume as normal tommrow, though. Congrats to all!"

Everyone cheered.

Hermann let out a cheer when he heard that for that meant to him, that like his father, he'd serve in a war, if it came to that. He grinned at Gunther and Max, and clapped them on thier backs and said "Well done gang, we've almost made it through training, and regardless of our differnce's we shall fight alongside eachother." He grinned and thought how proud his father would be of him.

Lukas cheered half-heartedly. Sure, he would be fighting for Germany, but would that not mean also fighting for the glorification of the Nazi's? He wedged a cigarette in his mouth and lit it.

Derc did not cheer and when asked why he replied "A rank does not make someone a soldier, war does."

Bumpage!

Gunther talked with Hermann about his wife, and his brother that was in the army on the way back to camp. When they arrived back and got the good news about the ranks and active duty everyone cheered loudly, it was wonderful news that they were going to be an active infantry unit for the reich, Gunther wrote home to his father informing him that he was doing really well in his training and that they would receive ranks soon and Gunther hoped to be placed decently due to his Hitler Youth experiance and how well he was doing during his current training. He also mentioned that they had impresed a highly decorated general on the firing range...

everyone sat around as he wrote, most excited due to the news, and derc spoke,

"Derc you speak ill of the fuhurer in front of the other soldiers...you are not happy you will receive a rank after training?...why are you here commrade...?"

"You cannot speak low of the fuhurer for your own saftey..we arrested people for saying less than you have in the Hitler Youth, the Storm troopers, gestapo and the Allgemeine would go into their homes at night..we would see them take the people acused but we did not know where...be careful what you say because people can dissapear..."

Hermann smiled at the thought of being in a active front line unit, and started writing a letter to his father, about being in a front line infantry divison, and how they would get rank's in a few month's, and a letter to his wife, stating the same thing, and some love talk. He said to Maximillan "I am sure darn glad that I have a wife and son, for if I die, the Karl bloodline will still survive, and I'll have an heir."

3 Months later, Ceremony Day
"Today, is the day where the 60th Infantry Division is formed and attached to the Tenth Army. Gefreiter, is the rank every untrained soldier will become and you will meet your squad leaders and Company Commanders. Spend the week off with your Family for Christmas, now your squad leaders shall give out the ranks."

The Hauptgefreiters gave out the ranks to their squad members and tapped their back and said "well done Comrade."

"After your week off meet at Lehrter Train Station in Berlin and we will set off from there to the German-Polish Border, the new location of our Division HQ."

"SQUAD DISSMISSED!"

Hermann said "Goodbye Gunther and Max, see ya in a week!" as he got on the train back to Hamburg, wondering what the future would hold for him, he waved goodbye out of the train window as it left the station.

OOC Sorry, but i'm not sure how I should enter into this.

OCC: are you the medic guy? Stop logging in via diffrent accounts.

OOC No, I was the guy who was supposed to enter the company the morning after the hike.

OCC: yup you did request to be a medic, come after the Christmas week off the meeting at the train Station, i will change the story line to fit you in.

OOC I don't remember requesting to be a Medic, but alright.

After three more months of intense training Ceremony Day day came. It was a grand occurance, marching on parade, being observed by high ranking officers, Gunther was proud of his acheivements here at basic training and didn't really want to go home but right to his posting.

During the speech Gefreiter Gunther Strauss of the 60th Infantry division attached to the 10th Army listened to his commanders speech standing tall when he received his shoulder boards, the C.O told him well done, Gunther clicked his heels and the man moved on to the next soldier.

After the Ceremony Gunther bid farewell to his squad members,

"It has been a pleasure meeting you all, i can hardly wait to meet back up at our new posting..we can return home with our heads held high for we have done it!"

He grinned,

"Be safe friends, see you in one week!"

Strauss crossed the boarding platform and boarded the train headed for Munich, the train station was filled with soldiers and civilans making it hard to move through, from the train window Gunther watched his squad mates depart or dissapear into the crowd.....

OOC: When does this continue now?

OCC:In about an hour or so when everyone is aware of this event

OCC:In about an hour or so when everyone is aware of this event

OOC: Ok cool, sounds good...by the way, it will be Jan.? correct? 1939?

OCC: yea btw can u TG me your MSN better to chat via MSN.

OCC: yea btw can u TG me your MSN better to chat via MSN.

OOC: Doing so now...cheak TG's...

(I'm gonna be gone for a few hours, don't go too far without me. ;))

When Gunther arrived home in Munich he waited at the train station for his father and mother to pick him up. The snow drifted down from the night sky that was lit up by a bright full moon as he stood outside having a cigerette, Munich had not changed and still looked the same as it had before he left for basic..

His thoughts were interupted when his fathers car pulled up, he smiled and moved foward but a German sergent got out and opened the back door for him..he was puzzled..

"Sergent..where is my father?""

The Sergent looked at him and replyed,

"Colonel Von Strauss had matters to attend to this evening, he has sent me to pick you up here..please..i will fetch your luggage.."

He gestured towards the open door, for some reason it seemed strange to have a man higher in rank doing these things for him and not yelling...

The question in Gunther's mind was, why would a army NCO pick him up if his father was still retired. The drive back to the Von Strauss residence was quiet, they pulled up the long driveway to the mansion stopping in front of the main entrance and when Gunther got out to see a very large Nazi flag hung over the doorway. When he entered the house his whole family waited for him with smiles on their faces, his father walked foward in a Colonel's uniform..Gunther clicked his heels to impress him,

"Welcome home son!" He said with a smile admiring his uniform..

His mother rushed forward pulling him close along with his younger brothers and sisters. Later that night the Col. explained that the Nazi's had stopped requesting he re-join the military and told him if he didn't that he would be arrested and charged, the SS had came and put the flag up over the door when he was not at home. Other than that all had been going well, Gunther was glad to be home and spend some time with his family before he headed off to the border. He told them about all his new friends, his superiors, the training and how it was much differnet from Hitler Youth.

The week went fast and on the final day of Gunthers visit his father gave him his Lugar pistol from his very first command as a gift,

"Remember what i have taught you my son, i have faith in you..you are strong, your mother and i will take you to the station ourselves where you will be off to Berlin!"

He shook his hand and that was that.

Suddenly..

Gunther snapped out of his day dreaming when the sound of a train wistle blew pulling into the busy train station in Berlin, he stood there thinking about the wonderful week he had with his family back home..now it was time to get back into the habit of soldiering.....he looked around for his other squad members...

After a good week at home, Hermann was dropped off at the station by his father, they exchanged good-byes, and then Hermann saw Gunther, he ran up to him, and patted him on the shoulder and said "How was your Christmas? What did you get? I got a box of .45 ammo for my Colt pistol, and a swiss army knife, and some candy. I am glad to see you again."

Lehrter Station, Berlin

http://www.anesi.com/east/lehrter.jpg

Lehrter Station a grand Station 20 minutes walk away from the Reichstag. It was winter in Berlin temperature was 3 degrees. 1. Company were getting onboard the train bound to the Border.

"We hope you guys have a nice time with your family during the week, but now its back to serious matters."

The Company boarded the train, most of them already prepared war was coming. Each of them knew they could get killed in Combat, each of them knew that their weekend with their family could be their last.

The train ride took about 4 hours through the beautiful countryside of Eastern Germany, unknown to many Soldiers. They Stopped at Breslau where they alighted. There they were attached to their Squad leaders and some squads have new members who are trained in the medical sector.

"These are your fellow comrades who would go with you in war." Gen Riechnau adressed to the whole division, " Trust them with your life, there *pointing at the polish defenses* is the enemy, trust in Germany and yourself that they can be beaten!"

After the speech, the troops went back to their tents. They had free time for the rest of the day. Many went to the Near-by Church tower to pray, while most of them went up to the bell tower, and saw the Polish Concrete Defenses...

OCC: Mr Medic you may come in

OCC: germans used Lugers not Colts

Hermann, went to the Church to pray, then walked up to the bell-tower with Gunther and pointed at the nearest Polish defense building and said "As I understand thing's, the Polish have outdated weapon's and an air-force. They will put up a fight, but we'll beat them easily."

OOC: I know that, but my guy's father obtained one from an American he killed during WWI, and my guy does have his Luger.

Johanne fiddled nervously with his handgun, taking out the ammo and replacing it again. Despite his fidgeting, he treated the Luger with the utmost care. It was given to him by his father, the only memento he had of the Somme. It had been polished and cleaned of course, but Johanne found a gun which had actually seen action to be much more comforting than some new off-the-line model. He eyed the other members of his company dubiously. Every single last one of them was older than him, being only 17.
Still better that than a company of children, he guessed. Making his way to the top of the tower, he looked over at the looming Poland. He hoped that this wouldn't be his only battle.

Hermann also fingered the Luger he had, that was given to him by his Father, who barely survived the battle of Belleau Wood in WWI, and he hoped that he could learn how to shoot two pistol's in both hands. He looked over the defenses of Poland, and saw the medic next to him and introduced himself "I am Herman Karl, part of the 1st assault squad."

"Johanne Willhelm," He replied, not looking up at the soldier who had addressed him. "But my friends call me Kaiser."

Hermann nodded and said "Hello Johanne, you aren't related to the Kaiser by any chance are you? I am kind of anxious to see what war will transpire in a few week's, for I am in the 1st assault sqaud, and probably the first into any battle."

Gunther turned and smiled glad to see Hermann,

"Ahh! good to see you Hermann, i had a wonderful time with my family back in Munich..my mother knit me some extra socks, i have some chocolate and my father gave me his Lugar P08 from his first command! i was so excited to see my brothers and sisters aswell..they have gotten slightly bigger..and my father is back in service as a full Colonel.."

While they talked one of their officals approached and gave them their directions, the company boarded the train headed for the German/Polish border. Gunther spoke with other squad members and his best friend Hermann during the ride which took four hours, he would often look out the window at the beautiful countryside covered in a white blanket of snow.

Arrival in Breslau:

The company disembarked off the train and were placed with their squad leaders. The entire division was addressed by the same General who was watching them on the firing range, it seemed to be so long ago..when the General was finished they were dismissed to set up camp and have some free time...somthing was brewing and it most deffinatly had to do with Poland.

Gunther and Hermann stood in the bell tower over looking the border, it was a breathtaking sight..

"They do not scare me.." he said quietly..

Yet.. he said in his head...

He turned to see a medic had joined them,

"Hello! Gunther Strauss! nice to meet you..doc?"

He grinned,

"it's a pleasure to meet you Kaiser! welcome to Poland!"

Hermann nodded and said "My father also gave me his Luger P08 from WWI, he was nearly killed at the Battle of Belleau Wood, oddly enough my father's brother was there, just as part of the American side, on the Marine Corps. I am glad to have a medic on our division Gunther, that's good news."

Johanne shook his head.
"Nein, but my father fought in World War I. He gave me the nickname, which his company had given him." He spoke in fluent German, but with a more Russian accent. A painful reminder of his mother. He turned to face the newcomer, and slowly inclined his head.
"Coincidentally, this Luger was my father's also. Except he took it from a dead Officer during the third battle of the Somme. Hope this antique still works."

Hermann nodded and said "I know my Luger works, but my father's brother survived WWI, and made up with my father, but he live's in America, so when I was over there, he gave me this Colt 1911." He pulled his Colt out of his holster, and handed it grip first to Johann.

Johanne handled it carefully, aiming it at the wall.
"Pretty, but German guns are better manufactured. Less problems." He gently handed it back.

Gunther looked out over the countryside then back at the two men with him,

"I wonder what they have waiting over there, ive been listening to the radio..things are heating up between our two nations...many disagreements, things are going to explode and soon!"

He leaned his Kar98 against the wall and took a package of ciggerettes out of his breast pocket and put one to his mouth, once he replaced the package he withdrew a zippo and lit it...

Hermann took it back and holstered it and said "I respect your opinon, but I've fired both gun's, and surprising myself, I prefered the Colt, I like it's action far better, and I hope to capture a BAR from the Pole's, so I can use it instead of the MP-38. I think John Browning is a genius, he's an American designer of course, but he has supurb idea's, the quality would be more of Colt's fault then Brownings. I sure wonder when we'll get orders to move out against the Poles." He was wondering why they were attacking the Poles anyway.

Lukas sat down resting his head on his right hand.His break hadn't consisted of much apart from visiting a brothel in Magdeburg and drinking heavily. So, Poland was the going to be the first to fall to Germany. Not really a fight, more of a test of the new guns. He wasn't looking towards the battle. He looked up. He. They sent us a medic. Not as though we'll need him...

Dreisand, who had been quiet this far, spoke out.

"I wouldn't place too much hope on capturing a BAR, Hermann. The sound of you firing it is liable to get you shot by the younger, more fragile greenhorns in another company."

Gunther grinned then nodded to Hermann, Kaiser and Dreisand..

"He is right Hermann..i would not use an enemy weapon, ours have sounds we recognize...is not worth the risk Ja?..well im going to clean my rifle, i will see you around.."

He went down from the church bell tower and seen Lukas sitting on the ground,

"Hello Lukas!..how was your break commrade?"

He sat down beside him resting the Kar98 on his lap...

Gunther nodded to Hermann and Kaiser after he threw his but from the tower..

"Im going down to clean my rifle, see you downstairs.."

He went down from the church bell tower and seen Lukas sitting on the ground,

"Hello Lukas!..how was your break commrade?"

He sat down beside him resting the Kar98 on his lap...

"Terrible.Spent most of it hung over. Yours?"

"Terrible. Yours?"

"I returned to our estate in Munich to learn the party forced my father back into service...other than that it was good, christmas dinner..time with my younger brothers and sisters, my mother,..there is no other place i would have rather been..."

He smiled,

" i don't understand why some people drink so much, but you have your reasons..im sure, but! look at where we are now! and where we are going....that is terrible!..a hangover? no..war..yes.."

"Well, I don't have anywhere to go, really. My whole familys dead, see? As for it getting worse, I can't imagine the Poles putting up that much of a fight."

"Well, I don't have anywhere to go, really. My whole familys dead, see? As for it getting worse, I can't imagine the Poles putting up that much of a fight."

Gunther lowered his head,

"Oh..i..im sorry..Lukas, i didn't mean to..to bring it up."

He quickly changed the subject with a more cheerful tone,

"We will crush them, their army is terrible...it will be a push over, an easy victory...but i have heard the English are friendly with them?...i am not scared of the English either even though they are friends with the Americans and Canadians..but i think they will stay out of it once we show them what we are made of..."

"And Lukas..you do have family...us..we are one big family..don't forget that"

Gunther lowered his head,

"Oh..i..im sorry..Lukas, i didn't mean to..to bring it up."

He quickly changed the subject with a more cheerful tone,

"We will crush them, their army is terrible...it will be a push over, an easy victory...but i have heard the English are friendly with them?...i am not scared of the English either though, they are friends with the Americans and Canadians though..but i think they will stay out of it once we show them what we are made of..."

"And Lukas..you do have family...us..we are one big family..don't forget that"

"Aye. You have to admit though, the Brit's have some good weapons of war. Bren guns and those Supermarine Spitfires. They could be annoying. The American's are definatly a threat to Germany, though."

"Aye. You have to admit though, the Brit's have some good weapons of war. Bren guns and those Supermarine Spitfires. They could be annoying. The American's are definatly a threat to Germany, though."

Gunther sighed,

"Just because im not scared of them don't mean i am egar to be at war with them, those Brens are decent...our MG-34 is good too, as for Spitfires..i have never seen one but i imagine a Bf-109 could beat them in a dogfight..."

He paused..

"As for the Pole's airforce..it is a joke, they would be better off not even to try and defend against us in the air...on the ground they may try but i believe it to be true that we can't be stopped"

Gunther grinned,

"Let us make a wager....i say we will take over Poland in..2 weeks!..we could even get the whole company in on this and make some money, what do you say?"

He laughed..

Gunther sighed,

"Just because im not scared of them don't mean i am egar to be at war with them, those Brens are decent...our MG-34 is good too, as for Spitfires..i have never seen one but i imagine a Bf-109 could beat them in a dogfight..."

He paused..

"As for the Pole's airforce..it is a joke, they would be better off not even to try and defend against us in the air...on the ground they may try but i believe it to be true that we can't be stopped"

Gunther grinned,

"Let us make a wager....i say we will take over Poland in..2 weeks!..we could even get the whole company in on this and make some money, what do you say?"

He laughed..

Lukas grinned. "I'll take that bet!"
He stood up. "I'm gonna go have a smoke. I'll see you later."

Hermann said "I know, but, I can put a silencer on it though!, I probably won't use it, but I will use it if I have to Gunther, I will use my Luger though that my father gave me. I believe that if the American's, Canadian's and the Russian's attack us, if we attack the Russian's it will be folly, for they have far more troop's then we do, we would be best off fighting the American's, to concertrate. My uncle is in the American Marine Corps, I wouldn't want to fight him no. I am willing to fight for Germany, but fight my relitive's, I would have to think. I was somewhat hungover during my break as well." He grinned, and clapped Lukas, and Gunther on the shoulder's and said "I am ready for any fight now." He pulled out of his pocket a little wine flash, drank a sip, and offered it to Gunther and Max, and the rest of the gang.

Lukas grinned. "I'll take that bet!"
He stood up. "I'm gonna go have a smoke. I'll see you later."

Gunther laughed,

"Ok! four Reichmarks gets you in! i will make the list and take it around to others in the company and see how many people want to make this bet!"

He took a pencil and a note pad from his breast pocket and wrote down Lukas's name and his own,

"Ok commrade! i will see you later"

Gunther grinned thinking about the money that he could possibly win if they did infact take poland in two weeks. Strauss then turned his attention to Hermann who had came down from the bell tower and stood behind them,

"Hello Hermann, four Reichmarks gets you into this bet that we take Poland in two weeks? im taking around to the whole company and seeing how many people want to place bets.."

Gunther slung his Kar98 and stood up,

"I will have a drink! here commrade.."

He reached out to take the flask..

Hermann grinned and gave the flask to Gunther, and said "I'll take a bet, although the real people doing the harm are the Polish leadership, don't you agree that the Polish people are somewhat innocent in this matter? I say 2 week's sounds good, although there's a lot of ground to cover. I say, that wine's rather good, I snuck it out of my house, and I have 4 more flask's in my bag." He grinned, and said "These are good times, Gunther, good time's, good luck getting the rest of the company to bet." He slung his MP-38 back over his shoulder, and he felt official.

"Ha, 2 weeks is too few a week. Despite the glorious industrial capability of Germany, I will put 10 Reichmarks on a month. What do you say Kahl?"

"A month is too long Warren, for the might of the German army! 3 weeks, at the most, and 10 Reichmarks on it."

"I believe Poland will fall within the month. I can't say I like this move, I'd much prefer invading France, but, alas, one does not always get what they want. As for the British, Americans, and Soviets, none of them pose a threat to us, except the Russian winter."

Lukaa crushed the cigarette beneath his boot and walked back over to everyone, seeing that they were taking Gunther's bet. He chuckled.

"Ha, 2 weeks is too few a week. Despite the glorious industrial capability of Germany, I will put 10 Reichmarks on a month. What do you say Kahl?"

"A month is too long Warren, for the might of the German army! 3 weeks, at the most, and 10 Reichmarks on it."

Gunther took a swing then quickly wrote down Hermann, Warren and Kahls names on his note pad then turned his attention back to Hermann,

"When we go in there the Polish people will be glad to see us taking control of their petty nation, if i lived there i know i would be, and these are good times..the bond of soldiers during a posting or even wartime..i find it interesting, i bet that wine in your pack would make it even more interesting ahaha"

He paused adding up the numbers that his fellow company men had bet,

"32 Reichmarks so far!..and afew different veiws, this is comming along well"

He scribbled some more information on the bets down on the pad,

"And thank you Hermann! good luck to you all, and try and stay alive to collect aha"

Gunther asked afew passing soldiers to make bets after he explained it, two went in and one walked away,

"Hey! common..a chance to make some cash here!!"

The soldier turned around and laughed,

"Not interested!"

"Aww.."

Strauss chuckled,

"it feels good ja? we are real soldiers now! and this is our first company bet..thats how i will get more people to put in..by saying that.."

He laughed loudly and seen Lukas come back, he nodded and tryed to get some more soldiers passing to chuck in and afew did...most were interested to see what they could get out of this,

"There are benifits to war time...i have just figured one out!"

Strauss had afew ideas on how to make money in the army and placing bets was only one of them.

OOC: Im gonna have Gunther turn into one of those guys like on WW2 movies, that go around and gets stuff that people will buy and sell it to them..hehe..

Hermann sat down on the nearest bench, and grabbed his notebook, and started to write a novel called "The Reich's 10th Legion", a book about a company similar to their's who were sent to attack an enemy country, and were a highly succesfull and elite unit, he drank a sip of his wine before contiuning his writing.

"I'd go for a month." Johanne said, checking his medical pouch. "Do keep in mind, the glorious Soviet Union is attacking Poland aswell."

Hermann said "I think I'd serve Hitler before I serve Stalin, the way he treat's his so called "Enemies" is horrible, I shouldn't mind fighting them to teach them a lesson. I have heard rumors of comissars that if a troop retreat's to find a good spot for cover, the commisars shoot him, so that's way troop's often shoot the commissars, when they can, for they are tired of them."

Lukas saw Hermann writing something in his notepad and walked over.
"Hey. What you doing?"

Hermann smiled and showed him the writings in the notebook "I am making a book about what if we were Roman Legion's in older times, but the current countries, like Poland, and Germany, and all those other countries existed in goverment and in land too. It's interesting, I've spent my week at home writing this, and I am now adding more."

"Sounds good. If you ever want constructive critisim..."

Hermann nodded and said "I'll let you know, I am planning on writing more sequels to this book, and I'll then send it back for publishing, it's a way to make more money, in addition to army pay."

"Yes, but, last time I checked, Stalin never ordered the destruction of those he thought were 'unfit for life'!" Johanne snapped, before restraining himself.
Theres a time and a place for political discussion, he thought, and thats not in the army when surrounded by Hitler youths. He checked his newly-given medical pouch, making sure it was fully equipped with sulfa and morphine and an adequate supply of dressings.

Derc sitting in the corner cleaning his gun asked the medic "Hello i am Derc and you are." then under his breath "I agree with if you ever want to talk true politics i will oblige

Johanne looked up slightly, before returning to his preperation.
"Johanne Willhelm, but everyone calls me Kaiser."

"Kaiser good to met you."

4 Months later, debreif about the Invasion
Major Shultz announced that the Division's objective in two weeks of the Invasion was the City of Lodz. "The Polish Pillboxes you see there are their 1st line of defenese, these are lighly armed pillboxes whould be overrunned in a matter of hours. The main threat to our attack would be the Infantry Guns behind,Hidden in the woods, the Polish forces haved dugged in lightly, but the guns could pose a serious threat when charging across the Field into the Polish Border. Stuka Dive Bomber planes would be supporting us in our job, but they won't be doing all of the job for us. The polish Army are well trained and armed in this area, so good luck, expect the invasion to be in 3-4 weeks time."

Hermann walked over to Gunther and said "Did ya here that, we'll be in a invasion in 3-4 week's, I'll get to see how the MP-38 does in combat at last!." He grinned, it felt good to know at least what town they were striking.

Domminique suddenly felt odd. He was excited at the prospect of an invasion, but also scared. He was really hoping he'd make it through this alive.

Hermann also wondered if he would make it out alive, but then he dismissed the thought with thinking "I doubt the Poles have SMG's, so that's good there, and anyway, I'd bet there's very few Polish solider's that carry BAR's, but if they do, I'll capture one."

OOC: Hermann is thinking this in his head.

For 1st Squad, their Squad Leader, HG. Gruass started reminding about their basic traning. "Remeber, clear the pillboxes with nades before you enter them, never to stand infromt of your Comrade's line of fire... so on and so forth." He expected the battle to be the tough one and could lose at least half of his squad.

OOC: Is this before the invasion? Or when is it?

OCC: Before, after the brefing.

ooc when is the invasion

Yes Derc thought to himself battle finally and finally a chance some of Hitler lick ups would be amongst the first to die

Johanne barely shrugged at the news. He had mentally been preparing himself for the battle for weeks, suspecting the news would come soon. The team needed a calm Medic, not too gunho yet not too scared.
"Well comrades, time to take back whats ours." He joked casually.

Hermann thought to himself "If he's breifing the 1st sqaud first, we must me the first squad going in, *gulp*, ah well, I don't want to live forever anyway."

OOC Also, what about the Polish artillery?

Lukas was nervous. They would be fighting a real battle in a few weeks. Real bullets, real guns, real enemies. He lit a cigarette, took a puff and pulled out his camera. There might be something worth taking a picture of.

Hermann said aloud to Lukas, "We might die, but we all die sometime, do you want to live forever? I would think a death in battle is a glorious one."

"I'm not afraid of dying, I'm just afraid of dying slowly. A death in battle would be honourable,however."