13 | Death Factory

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Running the pencil against the thin-lined paper I couldn't help but smile. I haven't seen my parents in so long that it was time due I remembered their features. I missed them a whole bunch and I would give anything to see them again.

"If it's over, we're here for you, pal," Zussman walked into the tent.

"I tried to warn ya," Stiles piped up.

"College, let the man speak," Aiello pointed his drumsticks at him.

"She's pregnant," Daniels spoke. I let out a gasp and a smile found its way to my face.

"Oh my gosh, Daniels." I lightly squealed. "Congratulations!"

"Whoa!" Zussman smiled brightly. "Hey, that's huge!" He patted Daniels on his shoulder.

"All right! Daniels is gonna be a daddy!"

"She was tryin' to let me know but... I wasn't ready to hear it." Daniels explained lightly.

"All right. I could use another cup of Joe. Come on you mooks, let's give him some space." Zussman ushered us out. I got up and put away my journal and joined him and Aiello as Stiles sat back.

"But I don't want coffee." Stiles looked at us confused, clearly not getting the hint.

"Sure you do." Zussman continued to push. Stiles then got up and walked out to join us.

"He didn't seem... so stoked?" Aiello said confused.

"Well, he just found out his wife was pregnant. After you guys put into his head that he was getting broken up with." I pointed out to them as we walked away from the tent.

"Nice going, college, you broke him." Aiello slapped Stiles on the back of his head.

"Alright guys, come on, it's Daniels we're talking 'bout." Zussman pointed out.

"Guys, just put yourself in his shoes. Finding out your lover is pregnant... It changes a person's life." I explained lightly.

"Yeah... That's true." Everyone agreed with me.

˗ ˏ ˋ ˎ ˊ ˗

"Everyone gather around!" Turner announced to everyone.

"Where's Daniels?" Stiles looked around.

"I'll get him," Zussman said and walked towards the tent.

"The Hurtgen is dark and nearly impenetrable," Davis started to speak. "Our mission is to take Hill Four-Ninety-Three. Whoever holds the hill dominates the valley. For lesser men, this take might seem insurmountable. But our division boasts a proud history of firsts."

"In World War I, we were first to hold off a German attack, first to hold a woman, first to launch a counteroffensive, first to cross the Rhine. Nothing has ever stopped us, nothing ever will! Lieutenant, tell 'em what we're all about."

"No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty first." Turner spoke.

"I can't hear you!" Davis looked at Turner, hands on his hips.

"No mission too difficult! No sacrifice too great! Duty first!" Turner said with a louder tone.

"That's right. Now get ready to move out!" Davis called out.

"Duty first. Back to the ol' meat grinder." Zussman said.

"Amen, Brother," Daniels said back.

"We move out in five!" Turner called out to us. I let out a breath and walked with Aiello.

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