A Soldier of No Importance [ Band of Brothers ] 1

FIFTY FOUR

August 15, 1944

Aldbourne, Wiltshire, England

As soon as they'd landed back in Aldbourne, Alice had gone straight for Millie's. It hadn't taken long for them to plan a trip into London to see Maggie and enjoy the inner city, and in early August they'd set off. For well over a week they'd pub-hopped and spent time together. Although leaving France had been a sad affair, being able to see the Bratt family again had made it worth it.

When she got back to Aldbourne, the mission they'd been recalled for was cancelled. Alice thanked God because she was not ready to jump again, and had only gotten back an hour before they'd cancelled it. She'd yet to see anyone but the officers, and decided to make the rounds to see who was back.

As she walked down the main street of Aldbourne, the sun setting behind her, Alice caught sight of a group she'd been looking for. Talbert, Lipton, and Smokey strolled side by side. She jogged up to them.

"You three look a whole lot better," Alice said.

They looked over at her, all smiles. Lipton's wound across his face had begun to scar. Smokey didn't look worse for wear, and Talbert seemed fine as well. She noted a purple heart over his chest.

"Courtesy of Smokey," Talbert explained.

With a grin, Smokey winked. "Alice missed the Night of the Bayonet!"

Lipton and Talbert both groaned. But as they continued down the road, Smokey didn't hesitate before reciting his epic poem. At each stanza, Alice just laughed more. When Smokey finally finished, she clapped.

"That's fantastic," she said. "Did you do that by yourself?"

Smokey nodded. "A master poet doesn't need help."

"Master poet?" Talbert scoffed.

As they started arguing, Alice just rolled her eyes with a smile. It didn't take them long to explain they were heading to a pub to meet up with some of the other men of Easy. She tagged along.

Talbert turned to her "You just got back today, right? So you've not met the replacements."

At the word, her breathing caught for a moment. Memories of Lieutenant Meehan and the other men killed flashed through her mind. She shook her head at Talbert.

"They're not too bad," Smokey said. "A bit green."

"A bit?" Talbert laughed. He shook his head. "They definitely aren't Toccoa men."

Lipton sighed. "They're going to have to learn what it's like to be in combat, but let them try. I'm sure they'll be fine."

"Bull's squad is all replacements now," Talbert added. "And then Ol Gonorrhea adopted one."

Alice didn't even try to hide her shock. "Bill? Hanging with a replacement? I was only gone for three weeks!"

"Oh, Malark's a sergeant, now," Talbert added, grinning. "You sure did miss a lot."

They reached the pub. Alice still stood surprised, shaking her head at the news. It made sense though. Malarkey was well liked by everyone, and had a fantastic knack for leadership. She made a promise to herself to track him down before going to bed.

They opened the door. Alcohol, smoke, and laughter hit them as soon as they stepped forward. Most of the patrons inside were soldiers of the 506th. Other than the paratroopers, a handful of men and about half a dozen young women meandered about. At the far side of the room, Alice saw George, Buck, Joe Toye, and a young red-haired man playing darts. Between the door and the dart game, Bill Guarnere sat chatting up three men she'd never seen.