A Fight for Survival

Talk of an Invasion

May 31, 1944 Aldbourne, England

As the sun began to set over the English countryside, Easy Company bustled with activity, packing up their gear for yet another move. The past couple of months under Lieutenant Meehan's leadership had brought a sense of stability to the company, with Dick, Molly, and Nixon providing invaluable support.

Nixon and Meehan approached a jeep they had managed to secure for the officers. Nixon called out to Dick and Molly, who were overseeing the men's preparations, "Hey, you two! Want a ride?" Dick and Molly exchanged a quick glance before nodding in agreement. It wasn't that they didn't want to ride with the men, but the opportunity for a moment of respite from their leadership duties was too tempting to pass up. As they settled into the jeep, Meehan behind the wheel and Nixon riding shotgun, with Dick and Molly in the back, the convoy began to move out. The rumble of engines and the crunch of gravel under tires filled the air as they hit the road.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Molly leaned forward, her voice low but excited. "So, have you guys heard the latest scuttlebutt about the invasion?" Nixon turned in his seat, a sly grin on his face. "You mean besides the fact that it's been 'just around the corner' for the past year?" Meehan chuckled, keeping his eyes on the road. "What've you heard, Nelson?" Molly's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Well, I overheard some of the higher-ups talking. They mentioned something about Operation Overlord. Sounds big." Dick raised an eyebrow. "Overlord? That's a new one. Any idea what it entails?" Nixon shook his head. "Details are scarce, but from what I've gathered, it's going to be massive. Multiple beach landings, airborne drops... the works." Meehan whistled low. "Sounds like this might be the real deal, folks. The invasion we've all been waiting for." "Question is," Dick mused, "where and when?" 

Molly leaned back, her shoulder brushing against Dick's. "My money's on the French coast. It makes the most strategic sense." Nixon nodded in agreement. "Smart money says you're right, Ginger. But the when? That's anyone's guess." "Soon," Meehan said firmly. "It has to be soon. You can feel it in the air. The tension, the anticipation. Something big is coming."

The jeep fell silent for a moment as each officer contemplated the implications of what was to come. The weight of their responsibilities, the lives of the men under their command, and the enormity of the task ahead settled over them like a heavy blanket. Dick broke the silence, his voice steady and reassuring. "Whatever comes, Easy Company will be ready. We've trained hard for this." Molly nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Damn right we will be. Those Krauts won't know what hit them." Nixon chuckled, reaching into his jacket to pull out his ever-present flask. "Here's to Easy Company and Operation Overlord, whatever it may be." As the jeep continued down the road, the four officers shared a moment of camaraderie, their conversation a mix of excitement, apprehension, and determination. The invasion might be shrouded in secrecy, but one thing was certain – Easy Company would face it head-on, together. 

May 31, 1944 Upottery, England-Air Strip 

The bustling activity of the Army camp at Upottery, England, was a stark contrast to the quiet tension that had been building among the officers. As Winters and Meehan pored over maps in Meehan's tent, piecing together the puzzle of their upcoming mission, a knock on the tent flap interrupted their concentration. "Enter," Meehan called out. The flap opened, revealing Molly and Alexis, their red, dark brown hairs tucked neatly under their caps. "Lieutenants," she greeted, her eyes quickly taking in the scattered maps. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything crucial." Winters looked up, a small smile playing on his lips. "Not at all, Alex. In fact, your timing is perfect. We could use another pair of eyes on this." The two Hunters stepped inside, letting the flap close behind her. "What are we looking at?" she asked, moving closer to the makeshift table.