The War Down Stricken Lane

Chapter 17: Desperate Takeover

Note: This chapter is mainly German, but will be read in English for ease of reader.
She sat within her office silently as stress tore through her heart and soul... the Americans were this close to the capitol building using their smaller forces, and tanks to make the line... the force from earlier had managed to get away from the front line for sure... but the panic was setting in for the military, and the civilian population. There was almost nothing she could do. Today could be Elizabetha's last day. She looked back through the window covered with a little light coming through... she got up and pulled the curtains aside taking one last look at the dreadful flags lining the street. A line of German men with tied hands and signs hung from them were shoved, and pushed down the road by soldiers, and officers alike. The door behind her creaked open a familiar voice rang out, "Elizabetha... you're time is up." She turned around to see a twisted smiling mask looking at her... 2 guards enter with him. She walked around her desk in front of him. "Do you have any final words?" She looked up seeing two guns pointed at her... "Rot in hell." Suddenly two gunshots ring out... not toward her, but from outside the room. Henry turned around jumping from the unexpected noise, "Aim your guns at the door!" Suddenly two more gunshots ring and both guards fall... someone walks in... it was Ted he was aiming a Luger at Henry. He began to back up hands leaving his back before he bumps into Elizabetha who pushes him straight into Ted. "Gah!" The Luger flies out of Ted's hand as a fistfight begins between them... Ted was pinned down taking a hit before he pushed Henry up, and pinned him to a bookshelf... he throws his punch, but Henry caught it with his hand. He twirled Ted around slamming him onto the bookshelf and landing many punches causing Ted's nose to bleed. In a panic he grabs a candle stick and swings it into Henry's face "Agh! You bastard!" His mask was cracked in the corner where he was hit. It filled him with much more anger as he grabbed Ted and threw him into the nearby desk he continued to punch him before taking him by the throat and tightening his grip... Ted tried his best to pry his hands away from his neck, but he couldn't overpower him... he felt his life fading away bit by bit. Suddenly something hits Henry causing him to drop to the floor, Elizabetha hit him across the face with the Luger which had then flown out of her hands... Henry was on the ground trying to reach his mask before looking back. "Come on let's go!" They ran toward the doorway before looking back to see Henry with his mask on... yet his mouth was exposed a scar covering most of it, his teeth grit. The mask had broken, and he was pissed. "Go!!!" They both ran out of the room determined to escape.

It smelled like medical supplies... the Infirmary was filled with injured soldiers, and civilians all in which were clinging to life... there laid Klaus his shoulder bandaged up. Someone approached him which he assumed was one of the medics, but they weren't dressed the same... they were in a dark uniform. It was a field marshal! They walked to his bedside making him look up at them. "Good morning Klaus... I've heard of your bravery." Klaus stared for a bit... he wasn't the only brave one in that tank... "No sir... my crew are the brave ones." The Marshal stared at him, and spoke with reason. "So it is you that shows cowardice in the face of the enemy? That lets your fear take control? I believe you are mistaken Klaus... you lead these men to victory, you look to quell their fears, and insure their bravery. It is you who protects their will to fight... what bravery would that cost? I believe it is all that you spare... you are the Tiger leading the hunt." Klaus was surprised and wide eyed by the remarks. The marshal began to speak once more. "I am Friedrich. You're one of the few that had the chance to escape, and you didn't let your crew back down... right now though the Reich needs you! So if you can walk... you must fight!" Klaus held his soldier as he stood up... he reached his hand out to shake Friedrich's "I'll fight then." Friedrich shook his hand and spoke, "Glad to hear it... now you may return to your tank... orders will come soon."

Erin looked upon the German lines... at least where they were... whatever operation they pulled it was a success, and he himself was angered. "I need a squad!" He was gonna go in on his own side, with men to support his endeavors. He was gonna fight alongside them. Soon a large group gathered, he chose 4 tank crews and 50 troops to join him before marching into town. "You boys need to keep your eyes out! Our mission is to seize the German Capitol building! Those of you that were not chosen for this will confine to March through the city and engage enemy forces in attempt to push them out of Cologne! The men who are chosen will be led through the enemy lines, and if we can sabotage the many infrastructures they have! Keep in mind the Air Corps have a bombing raid scheduled against Cologne tonight so don't lose your shit! Remember what we are fighting for!!" He finishes his final speech before slapping the tanks to get them moving... the Yanks were moving into town now, and it's unlikely anyone would stop them.