A Brand New Hope (Band of Brothers)

-*Operation Market Garden*-

Currently, Ricky sat among the large group of Easy Company men as Winters went over the next move.

"As you can see," Winters said, walking up to the board, "this is called Operation Market Garden. In terms of Airborne Divisions, this one is even bigger than Normandy."

Ricky gulped when he said that. She remembered being lost in Normandy for hours without anyone.

"We're dropping deep into occupied Holland." Winters spoke. "The allied objective is to take this road here," Winters said, pointing to the detailed map of Holland that was on the board, "between Eindhoven and Arnhem, so that two British Armored divisons can move up towards Arnhem. Our job is going to be to liberate Eindhove. Stay there, wait for the tanks."

Ricky shot a nervous glance to Johnny, who was sitting next to her. He gave her a reassuring smile in return, and a pat on the shoulder.

"This entire European advance has been put on hold to allocate resources for this operation." Nixon stepped up to the board to address the men. "It's Montgomery's personal plan and we'll be under British Command."

A few groans rolled out, one coming from Oliver, who was sitting on Ricky's other side.

"The good news is that if this works, the tanks will be over the Rhine and into Germany. That could get us home by Christmas." Nixon said.

"Christmas?" Ricky said, looking over at Oliver.

"Christmas indeed, Ginger." Oliver said with a smile.

"It'll be a day time jump, intelligence doesn't expect much oppostion. They think the Krauts are mostly kids and old men." Nixon said, making eye contact with Ricky.

They were kids. They all were just kids.

"And we should take them by surprise. In any case, say goodbye to England. I don't think their gonna call this one off."

Ricky sighed. She knew that this was war, and you could never stay in the same place for long.

She had gotten a letter from Frances McKay, one of the members of the family she had stayed with before. Ricky had wondered why she was placed in a billet instead of with the McKay's, and the letter she had gotten a few days ago explained everything.

Dear Ricky,

It's Frances. You're probably wondering why we aren't in Aldbourne anymore, and that's because we moved.

Mom was too worried that we would get bombed there, so we moved back to Alberta, where we were before. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you this earlier, and I wish I could've said goodbye to you again. But me and mom are so happy here, it's safe, the people are wonderful, and it feels like home again. I miss Aldbourne dearly, but I know this is for my own safety.

Me and mom miss you more than anything. It was lovely having you stay in our house, and it was even more wonderful to get to know you and be able to call you a friend.

Stay strong out there. We believe in you and the rest of the men. You're in our prayers every night, and in our hearts every hour.

Until we meet again,

Frances G. McKay

P.S, my address is on the back of the page if you ever want to visit once this is over.

Planes flew overhead as the paratroopers prepared for their next course of action. Ricky was cleaning her rifle, Judas was sharpening a knife, Oliver was doing God knows what, and Brice was with Eugene Roe, sorting through medical equipment.