Pitschen ma en gamba - Small, but powerful [A Band of Brothers Story]

June

A/N: Shout-out to my lovely friend paradise1963, who writes the nicest and most helpful comments. I hope you're having a good day :)

The anniversary of D-Day was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the entire company was buzzing with excitement as they donned their dress greens. For the ceremony, they assembled in the courtyard. Some of the locals even turned up to watch.

Ella stood in her place as ranking medic, her colleagues in neat rows behind her. She listened to the CO's orders, following with the precision that had been drilled into them from the start. While the men executed the rifle drill, moving as one, she stayed at attention, her eyes fixed on a point in the middle distance. A light breeze brushed over her face, the sunlight tickling her skin.

"At ease", Speirs commanded, his growl fading.

They obeyed, falling into position while he addressed them.

"General Taylor is aware that many veterans, including Normandy veterans, still do not have the eighty-five points required to be discharged." His voice easily carried over the square and he continued: "On this, the anniversary of D-Day, he has authorised a lottery" – the brunette noticed the knowing look that flickered over Welsh's face for a split-second – "to send one man home in each company, effective immediately."

Talbert walked forward, a helmet in his hands and presented it to Captain Welsh. The Irishman dug around in the helmet for a long moment before fishing out a piece of paper and passing it over to Speirs.

"For Easy Company, the winner is:", the CO announced, pausing to increase the suspense. The ranking medic bit her lip to hold back the grin that was threatening to break out.

"Serial number 13066266, Sergeant Darrell C. Powers!"

Cheers went up among the guys, some whistles and catcalls sprinkled in between. It was impossible not to like Shifty.

"That's how it's done, Shifty!", Luz called, smiling.

The shy Virginian blushed, shaking his head in disbelief while a big smile spread on his face. Ella caught his gaze and winked, giving him a congratulatory nod and mouthing "Lucky bastard." He grinned like a loon where he stood with the Colour Guard.

***

They settled down again as Speirs raised his voice once more: "Sergeant Grant will see to it that 2nd Platoon takes over at the crossroads checkpoint, beginning tonight at 2200 hours."

Grant's face fell and Christenson murmured something to him, to which he replied with a quiet mutter. The young girl made a mental note to stop by for a chat when they were on duty. Even the dullest guard duty passed quicker when you had someone to shoot the breeze with.

"General Taylor has also announced that the 101st Airborne Division will definitely be redeployed to the Pacific", Speirs said, regaining her attention.

Every smile that had been on a face vanished upon hearing those news. Verdammt.

"So", the Captain continued, "beginning tomorrow at 0600 hours, we will begin training to go to war."

Again, she added in her mind.

Before he dismissed them, however, Speirs found a way to restore the good mood of his company, at least to some extent. "One last announcement for today", he called. All eyes swivelled back to him, frowns of confusion and curiosity creasing the men's foreheads.