| Challenge number 8499 Doc is pinned down and hurt. He is still, however, trying to reach the wounded man that caused him to be found in this predicament. Challenge is two-fold, should you accept: How did he get here? or What happens next? Oh, and where is the squad? They are well back from Doc, part of a company ordered retreat. Kirby has just noticed that Doc is missing. Jester Disclaimer: They ain’t mine but I sure do enjoy playin’ with ‘em. This is my response to Jester’s challenge. ~ KT Games The little village was too quiet for Saunders liking. “Doc you stay here.” Sarge ordered. Doc nodded his understanding. “Caje, you and Kirby hit the left side of town. Billy and Littlejohn hit the right side. Thomas and I will go up the middle. Check every building you pass.” There were silent nods from his team. “Let’s go.” The six men crept out of the little storefront two at a time and disappeared down the deserted streets. Doc sat down against the wall and leaned his head back. Waiting was the worst part of his job. He closed his eyes and thought of home. <“Help me.”> Doc’s head snapped forward at the call. Maybe it was his imagination playing tricks on him again. He listened carefully, hoping to hear the call again. <”Help me.”> This time he was sure he’d heard it. He crawled deeper into the store, following his ears. <”Someone, help me.”> Away from the windows, he stood and stepped carefully over parts of the roof and debris that lay scattered around. He stopped and listened for the call again, but got nothing. The silence that returned was almost deafening. He waited, stock still as past history had taught him. **White Rook** “Hande hock!” A voice ordered. Saunders and Thomas froze. “Don’t shoot, we’re American’s.” Saunders shouted. “Stand and be recognized.” Saunders and Thomas stood and stepped forward out of the shadows of the building. “Dorothy.” “Toto,” Saunders replied. A dirty soldier approached from a house doorway. Saunders and Thomas moved over to the grimy private. ”We were told this place was empty, private. What are you doing here?” Saunders demanded. “Our sergeant got hit after the orders came through to evacuate the area. We were heading back to the CP when we spotted this little place.” He indicated the small village. “The corporal wanted to check the buildings to make sure that no American’s where in here and pass the word along.” “What outfit are you with, private?” “Item Company, first squad,” was the response. “Where is your corporal?” “I’m right here, Sergeant with the rest of your squad.” The corporal looked down at his watch. Saunders turned to see his four men standing with four other soldiers. “We have to evacuate immediately. They’re sending a barrage in three.” “What about Doc?” Kirby asked. **White Rook** <”Is anyone still there?”> The voice was much closer. Doc hesitated as he thought things through. Is this guy really hurt or is he playing games to get another notch in his gun butt? <”Please, help me.”> The voice sounded genuine. Doc took a step and something crunched under his foot. He looked down and saw a liquid spreading out in the dust beneath his foot. A sickly, sweet odor floated up causing his mind to ask, medicine or perfume? It’s too strong to be medicine, but then again this was France and anything was possible. <”Help me.”> Doc stepped as quietly as the debris would let him and put his back against the wall beside an open door. He slowly peeked around the jam to check out the room. He saw nothing. Damn, where is he? He waited. Something he found he was getting really good at. Patience is a virtue, his gramma always told him. He didn’t know how right she was until this very moment. He slowly moved into the doorway and pushed the door against the wall giving him total access to the entire room. There were shadows everywhere giving him the ‘heebee jeebees’. His skin crawled under his shirt. His hearing jumped up a notch and he heard the dirt falling behind and in front of him. There was a distinctive metallic click and he immediately dropped to the floor. I knew it! His body froze and his breathing stopped. I wonder what notch I am. “Get up, Medic.” The German ordered. Doc stood with his hands in the air. “You can put your hands down. I’m not going to shoot you,” he smiled an evil smile, “yet.” “What do you want with me?” Doc asked as he lowered his hands. “I need a way out of this village and you, as I’ve heard you American’s put it, will be my ticket.” The German came up to Doc and poked him in the ribs with his Lugar. “Move.” The characteristic sound of an incoming barrage brought both men’s attention to the ceiling of the little shop. “Doc,” a voice shouted at him from the street, “come on we gotta get out of here!” Kirby screamed over the noise. Doc listened closely as the explosions walked their way down the small street. He lifted his foot to begin running when the building collapsed around him. The noise was uncontrolled and the room went black. **White Rook** The first thing to register was voices as he came out of the blackness. Kirby was all he could think at the moment. Of all the voices, in all the squads, why did it have to be his that I heard last? He listened carefully before opening his eyes. “It isn’t my fault,” Kirby’s voice raised in anger. “It most certainly is,” Littlejohn countered. “Why is it my fault? Sarge was the one who told him to stay put.” “Sarge sent you after him, Kirby. What were you doing looking for wine?” “What?” “That’s what you always do, so why should today be any different?” “Okay, you two knock it off. You both have sentry duty tonight.” Saunders told them. “What?” “Is that the only word you know, Kirby?” “That’s enough! Both of you! I don’t want to hear another word from either of you and that’s an order!” Saunders said. Continued in DII’s challenge… Feedback |