Women of War - A Band of Brothers Story

More Suffering

A/N: Hey guys! I can't believe I am actually updating already! I got a big part done during the last two weeks, so I can start working on episode 8 now. And the next update will finally see Easy going into Foy. But first: more suffering for our poor favourite company.

Maxine settled into her role as platoon leader of 2nd platoon as quickly and seamlessly as Winters had known she would. She led her guys with integrity, tactical skill and clear instructions, her trust in her platoon members apparent in her ability and willingness to step back and let the platoon sergeant and squad leaders select the best people for a task.

Along with her fellow officers, Lieutenants Shames and Foley in particular, and their ever dependable First Sergeant Lipton, she compensated much of their CO's lack of strategic planning or even orders that were thought through.

Together with the steadfast backing of the NCOs, which was about as good an endorsement as one could get, her confidence and stubbornly positive realism soothed some of the latent unease and anxiousness prevailing in the company.

In the grand scheme of things, however, Maxine's tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to her men didn't change their orders from higher up the food chain. And while she hated it and a boulder-heavy knot of regret, worry and dread sat in the pit of her stomach every time until they returned, she sent her guys on patrols and scouting missions, a prayer for their safety in her mind.

***

I have never been colder.

Never in my entire life have I felt this cold.

Louise clenched her jaw to stop her teeth from chattering.

This is the coldest I have ever been.

I feel like a walking icicle.

Her hands were probably frozen to her rifle.

I AM FUCKING FREEZING!

A Private whose name she didn't know and didn't care for nearly pissed his pants when she stalked past, face drawn in a deep scowl that could have stopped a raging bull in its tracks. He stuttered something, which she ignored. All she cared about was getting back to Easy.

Another pointless scouting mission, ordered by some wet napkin whose biggest battles are against his own zipper.

Well, maybe not pointless, she allowed as she shook with another bout of violent shivers. Between Nixon's intel and hers, they'd have a pretty good idea of what they were up against when they continued clearing the forest west of Foy tomorrow.

Doesn't change the fact that my uniform could stand on its own. Her clothes were soaked with melted snow and sweat that had quickly re-frozen in the frigid air.

Blowing out a tired sigh, Louise nodded to Guth as she passed his foxhole.

Their unofficial armourer offered a greeting in return, more focused on the weapon he was tinkering with. "Alright?", he asked.

She just gave a vague grunt. "Same shit as always." Her chest hurt. Her cough hadn't had the time to clear entirely and now, she could already feel illness setting in again.

He snorted in agreement.

By the time she reached the CP, her teeth were chattering up a storm and all she wanted to do was collapse on the spot and sleep for the next ten years or so. She gave her report to a worn-looking Captain Winters, who commended her valuable insights and told her to try and warm up and get some rest.