A Fight for Survival

Home Sweet Home

As Easy Company prepares to depart Fort Des Moines. The platform bustles with activity as soldiers load their gear onto the waiting train. Amidst the organized chaos, Colonel Nelson pulls Dick Winters aside, his weathered face etched with concern. "Lieutenant Winters," the Colonel begins, his voice low, "I've been observing you and my granddaughter, Molly. I hope I can trust you to keep her safe out there." Dick straightens, meeting the Colonel's gaze. "Sir, I give you my word. Molly - Lieutenant Nelson - is an invaluable member of our company. I'll do everything in my power to protect her." The Colonel nods, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "See that you do, son. She's stubborn as a mule, but she's got a good head on her shoulders."

As the train lurches into motion, the compartments settle into a drowsy quiet. Dick finds himself seated across from Molly, who's fast asleep, her head resting in LB's lap. David catches Dick's gaze, his expression serious. "Listen up, Dick," David whispers, careful not to wake Molly. 'I've known Ginger here since we were kids in college. Promise me you'll never leave her side, no matter what happens out there." Dick nods solemnly. "You have my word, David. We look after our own." The journey passes in a blur of rolling landscapes and quiet conversations. Dick finds his gaze repeatedly drawn to Molly's peaceful form, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior he's come to know.

Upon arrival at Camp Toccoa, the rest of Easy Company eagerly awaits to meet the famed Hunters. Luz's voice carries over the crowd, "So these are the dames who've been whipping you boys into shape, huh?" Guarnere chimes in, "Watch it, Luz. I heard one of 'em can shoot the wings off a fly at 500 yards." As the Alexis and Molly step out they are greeted by the rest of the men from Easy. The man didn't hesitate, sweeping Molly up in a hug that lifted her off her feet. "George!" a voice protested, sharp and amused. "You're going to crush the poor girl!"

A hand landed on the man's shoulder, pulling him back. "Sorry, I got excited," the hugger grinned, revealing a gap-toothed smile. "Well, I suspect you two deserve hugs as well." He turned, his eyes twinkling, and before Alexis could react, she found herself enveloped in a warm embrace. "Quite the welcome," Alexis commented, her initial surprise giving way to amusement as the man stepped back, chuckling. "Only the best for the Easy Company Hunters," he declared. "George—?" Alexis began, a question forming on her lips. "The one and only George Luz, from Rhode Island," he announced, beaming. "Or the annoying asshole, whichever you prefer," the shorter man beside him chimed in, earning a round of laughter from the assembled soldiers. 

"Besides those two," a new voice cut in, drawing their attention to a tall, lanky man with a smirk on his face, "these are some of the best men in the Airborne. Some of the finest. But just wait until you have to start living with them, it's a shit show." He extended a hand towards the women. "I'm Joe Toye." "Like you're any better," George scoffed, playfully shoving Toye's shoulder. Toye just rolled his eyes. "Welcome to Easy," he said, his tone softening. He gestured towards the group of NCOs who were beginning to gather around, some leaning against posts, others settling onto bunks. "You all want to close your jaws and actually introduce yourselves?"

Introductions flew fast and furious, a flurry of names and handshakes, laughter and good-natured ribbing. "This is the sniper, Shifty," a voice called out. Molly turned to see a soldier with kind eyes and a mischievous grin gently propelling a reluctant figure forward. "Don't be shy, Darrel." "I have two feet, Tab," the man, Shifty, muttered, his Southern drawl thick as molasses. "Darrell Powers, ma'am," Shifty said, extending a hand. "But they call me Shifty around here." Molly shook his hand, her cheeks warming at the "ma'am.""She doesn't seem to like being called that, Shifty, c'mon," the soldier who'd introduced them as Shifty said, nudging him playfully. Shifty's own face turned a shade of pink. "You don't need to call me ma'am," Molly pointed out, coming to Shifty's defense. Shifty shot the other soldier a look of mock indignation. "Fine, you caught me." He turned back to Molly, a twinkle in his eye. "What can I say? You deserve the title."