The Way Back

- 2 -

The small tent was bustling with men moving in and out. It seemed to quiet immensely as the two women clad in army uniforms crossed under the flaps of the tent. Lia paid no mind to their stares as she followed behind Winters. 

"Sir, these are the officers from Vitale Company. Lieutenant Raith and Sargeant Rivers." Winters turned to face the women. 

"Major Strayer." He introduced himself, "It's good to see you ladies are hanging in there." He smiled briefly before shifting back into action, not even giving them time to salute. Lia nodded her head. He was a man with priorities, ones that lied with the war. She liked that. 

Lia moved into place behind Winters, taking in the points that were laid out on the map. The mission seemed simple. She had done it ten times over. Get in, destroy the guns, and get out. The men at Utah beach would be able to make their push through. 

"Think Easy can handle it?" Strayer asked, looking to Winters. 

Winters nodded. "Yes, sir." 

As the Major exited the tent, Lieutenant Compton replaced his spot with ten men in tow. They surrounded the small table around Winters and paid no mind to the women at the back of the tent. They listened in, but kept to themselves until after the mission was explained. Captain Bailey joined them shortly after, and filled them in on the Vitale men already making new friends. Lia smiled briefly. It fell under their characteristic. They sure loved to talk. 

Her attention was dragged to the entrance of the tent and cocked her head to the side as she watched the Lieutenant they met before stalked into the space, smoke pouring from his mouth. Speirs. He edged his way around the table as Winters spoke, peeking through a few of the soldiers at the map Winters laid out. He was up to something. 

As Lieutenant Winters finished giving out placement orders, he glanced up at the two women and their captain, motioning for them to come over.

"One last thing before we head out. I have some people you all should meet." Winters said, eyeing the three new officers. The men of Easy Company followed his gaze. 

"These are the officers that will be joining command of Easy." 

Lia swore she could've heard a pin drop at their silence. She watched them with a careful eye, waiting for anyone to say something that will tick her off. Piper beside her just smiled at the men in front of them, looking at each in the eye.

Winters stepped around the men. "This is Captain William Bailey. He will be placed with regiment. Lieutenant Lia Raith and Sergeant Piper Rivers", he pointed to each respectively as he spoke, "Will be joining Easy Company." 

A short laugh erupted from one of the men. Her eyes dragged to one of the soldiers in front. He sported an incredulous look as he eyed the women before him. "Two broads leading Easy Company? Sure this ain't a joke, Lieutenant." 

"Guarnere." Winters warned. 

"No way in hell I'm following them into combat." The Sargeant named Gaurnere spoke, shaking his head slightly. 

Winters gave the women an apologetic look but Lia didn't even glance over at him. Her hardened gaze latched onto Gaurnere. Piper turned to look at her friend, anticipating the outburst. But none came. 

The silence was deafening. Winters was at a loss for words. "Let's just get it done." 

The small group of soldiers picked up their belongings still laid out on the table and headed towards the exit of the tent. Lia watched as Gaurnere spoke lowly to the man next to him. As they both turned to look at them and shared a laugh, Lia's anger spiked.