Rivalry

Mission one: Schwerpunkt

Just as Maria thought that she couldn't stand up any longer-

CRASH! Another tank burst into the clearing and swerved to a stop. Niall poked his head out of the radio hatch and shouted

"Miss us lieutenant?" The barrel of the English tank shifted until it was aimed at Rommel's tank. Maria was still thanking the lord that her crew had turned up. They were probably the only ones left.

"Okay, germans! You can give us our lieutenant and this doesn't have to get ugly."

"Or vhat?" Replied Rommel after klaus had translated for the other german crew members.

"Or we'll blow you to smithereens and use your entrails to make liverwurst!" Niall glared at Erwin.

" during which time your lieutenant will die anyvay? How about this. Ve vill not attack each other for ten minutes. Zhen her vounds can be treated, and you vill be allowed to retreat."

Maria was surprised, and suspicious.
"No! Blow him up get the hell out of here! My own life is irrelevant!"

"You can't be serious!"

"I don't-"

"Lieutenant." Rommel calmly interrupted. "Your soldiers are asking zhis of you because zhey respect and care for you. It is your duty to remain healthy, so you can lead them properly."

Maria flushed, embarrassed that she was being lectured by the enemy. "I..."

"We have a deal then." Said Niall reluctantly, looking between his injured superior to Rommel, who nodded in understanding.

"Ten minutes." He said, walking away from the English and back to his own men. Maria dropped her gun and staggered, clutching her stomach in pain.

"Sir!" Niall cried, him and the rest of the crew jumping out of the tank and rushing over, to stop Maria from falling all together. Erwin looked back as they helped her over to a tree, and sat her down with her back against it. The soldier who had called her sir was looking helplessly at her prone body, clearly did not know what to do.

" don't sir. We've been lenient enough as it is." Muttered klaus under his breath as he saw Erwin's uncomfortable expression. The german soldiers had on the whole relaxed, but were still wary of the british.

"She's a woman, klaus. It's the right thing to do."

"She is british!" He retorted. "That's reason enough not to help. This is war, sir. People will get hurt." Erwin ignored him and ordered his men to get the medical supplies.

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Sergeant Macavoy grunted as he shoved another shell into its chamber. The gunner, one of the best in the platoon, fired the shot, taking out one of their pursuers. The body of the previous loader lay slumped against the wall of the tank, a gaping hole in his torso from where a round had passed straight through the tank's armour. The men were busy trying to repair the engine, but he knew it was already too late.

At least it hadn't been in vain. He knew that Clifford and Murray would guide the remaining three tanks, badly damaged though they might be, to the aid of lieutenant crosse. I don't want to die, he thought, and loaded another shell. But she did her best, and I can't be angry because she was honouring the orders she was given by Maybury. She actively engaged in a suicide mission! Why? Why would they....

BOOM. The british tank exploded in a ball of fire as another round struck the engine, and the Wehrmacht drove on towards Dinant.

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Kneeling on the carpet of pine needles at the base of the tree, Erwin placed the medical kit down and turned towards Niall weston.