Women of War - A Band of Brothers Story

Back to Battle

A/N: Hello everybody! I know I said that the next chapter would be up on Sunday, but since I'll get home pretty late in the evening (and most likely be dog tired), I figured you probably won't mind if I update two days early. :)

I have written ahead a little, but I am still slogging through episode 6. If you have an idea or suggestion as to what could / should happen to one or several of the characters, let me know!

And as always, thank you all so much for reading and for your kind and interesting comments. They never fail to cheer me up!

The SHAEF reserve camp at Mourmelon-le-Grand near Reims in France was teeming with frantic activity. With elements of the 1st and 6th Panzer Division having broken through the overstretched lines in the Ardennes forest, the two airborne divisions were preparing to move out post-haste.

Transport had, for whatever reason - Jessica theorised that it had been a mix-up or simple incompetence on the part of HQ – not been assigned, so the paratroopers were left to find that themselves.

The 82nd Division, owing to the fact that they had been in reserve longer and were thus better re-equipped, moved out in a parade of rumbling engines while the 101st was still in the midst of gathering supplies, locating equipment and organising its troops.

The camp resembled a giant anthill that had been kicked by an equally giant boot. Officers, after being briefed on the situation at their respective HQs, were overseeing preparations. The NCOs, with their platoon leaders' orders, delegated tasks to their men before joining the hunt for supplies.

Anything that isn't nailed down is up for grabs, was the general consensus. The camp could be resupplied. The paratroopers heading into battle, soon to be surrounded by the enemy, couldn't count on supply lines remaining intact.

Therefore, Maxine – with Winters' approval – had summarily authorised the soldiers to raid the supply dumps for everything necessary.

***

Catherine's head spun from the enormous list of things that needed to be done. The 24 hours they had to get ready were ticking away mercilessly and she had yet to find a way to compensate for the distinct lack of medical supplies.

Gene had already checked the inventory and taken as much as he could, but it wasn't enough. Spina had gone with the group that was headed to the supply dumps, his delegated task being to collect any and all aid kits and whatever else he deemed useful.

Quietly mourning Mampre's reassignment to HQ company after Market Garden, the ranking medic finished up packing what little they already had. Wiping her hands on her trousers, she straightened, grimacing when her joints popped in protest. God I'm getting old.

Seeing Captain Winters by an oil drum fire pit with Buck and Peacock, she headed over to them, the flickering flames beckoning her to step closer and take a breather.

The officers greeted her with nods, Buck adding a friendly "Mom", shuffling to the side so she could squeeze in and warm herself a little.

"How is it looking?", Winters inquired, taking in the Hawaiian's pinched expression and overall strained state.

Catherine heaved a sigh, licked her lips. "Supplies are low all around, sir. Food, ammunition, winter clothes, medical supplies..." She shook her head. "We're gonna have to be creative."

"How are your guys?", Buck wanted to know.

She shrugged. "They're okay. Tense and busy like everybody else."