UPDATED 05/06/2022

* * * * *

After working a long shift, Roe had forced Madison to take a break and go outside.

"You've been working long and hard before and after the battle, go take a rest," Roe had ordered Madison. He really didn't give her a choice. That was Roe for you, alright. He was stubborn, a trait that the two friends both shared. Come to think of it, a lot of the men in Easy were stubborn, which could make things either successful or burn to the ground. There was no inbetween with Easy, Madison had learned that early on.

Madison didn't really feel like arguing with her fellow medic. If she had to be honest, she was exhausted. Carentan had worn her out. So, all she did was nod and left Roe and the others who were helping the wounded.

Madison had found Skip, Penkala, Malarkey, and More. As she came closer, she noticed a man laying on his back, right in between Malarkey and More. She didn't realize it was Albert Blithe until she had sat down next to Penkala, waiting for the boys to notice her. It took Skip a few seconds before he realized that she was there.

"Maddie, hey! How have you been?" Skip's cheerful voice rang out. Penkala looked to see that she was right beside him and he jumped in his skin. Truth be told, she looked like hell.

"I'm doing fine, thanks for asking," Madison replied. "I've been busy."

"We kept seeing you running everywhere," Malarkey piped up. "You gotta be exhausted. You hungry? Are you up for some Kraut rations?"

Madison scrunched her nose at the derogatory name for the Germans. She couldn't help that she took it personally, alright? Her paternal grandparents are first generation immigrants. Her father and his siblings were the first generation to be born in the United States, and Madison and her siblings were the second generation. So yeah, she was kind of sensitive about it. However, she understood why so many in the military referred to Germans as Krauts—however, that didn't mean that she would use the term.

"Nah, I'm alright." Madison said, as she leaned onto Penkala. She needed to lay on something, just for a little bit, and Penkala's shoulder and arm seemed to be the best solutions to her problem.

"Okay, but back to what I was saying," More continued their previous conversation. "We're gonna be in Berlin by Christmas."

"Oh, God!" Skip cried out in disgust. By the sound of it, it sounded like Skip had something in his mouth. "This Kraut cheese tastes like...it stinks!"

"The bread's stale too," Penkala added.

"Gimme that," Skip demanded. Madison couldn't help but roll her eyes under her closed eyelids. Madison lifted herself away from Penkala. She studied both him and Skip.

"You know what, you're both—" Madison started, but she didn't get to finish.

"Enjoy it while it lasts. We'll be moving out soon."

Everyone looked up to see Lieutenant Speirs hovering over them.

"Out of town already, Lieutenant?" More asked.

"That's right," Speirs replied, looking down at every single one of them. Madison could feel the tension over everyone. All eyes were glued to the lieutenant as he went down the steps they were sitting on.

"Don't they know that we're just getting settled here?" More couldn't keep his mouth shut. Madison gave him a look, while Speirs did the same. He said nothing and continued to stalk off.

"Great job, More," Madison broke the ice.

"Good job, Grouch-o," Skip joined in.

"What?" More asked the both of them.

"Real smart," Skip continued. "Taking your life in your own hands. Ain't that right?" He directed his last sentence to Malarkey. Madison looked over to him, wondering what Skip had meant.

"I told you, I didn't actually see it," Malarkey old his best friend.

"Seen what?" Madison asked.

"Are you talking about Speirs shooting the prisoners or the sergeant in his own platoon?"

This time everybody was wondering what was going on.

"Sergeant?" More couldn't believe what he had just heard.

"What? I didn't hear about that one," Skip added.

"He shot one of his own guys?" Malarkey repeated the idea in his own words.

"Seriously, what the hell are you guys talking about?" Madison asked, beginning to get frustrated.

"Well, with the sergeant, he was apparently drunk and refused to go on patrol. Who knows if that's true," Alex shrugged off, before looking at Madison. "You seriously haven't heard about the prisoners?"

"If I had, I wouldn't be asking," Madison pointed out, feeling both perplexed and vexed at once.

"Well, I know a guy," Skip drawled out, throwing a piece of stale bread at Malarkey, who flinched and yelled out "hey!" when it had hit him, "who said that an eye witness told him that Speirs hosed those prisoners."

"Why?" someone asked. Madison had forgotten that Blithe was on the other side of More, so for a moment she thought that a ghost was over there or something. "What for?"

"On D-Day," Skip began, pausing for possibly his dramatic storytelling. "Speirs comes across this group of Kraut prisoners. Digging a hole, or some such. Under guard and all, he breaks out a pack of smokes, passes them out; even gives them a light. Then all of a sudden, he swings up his Thompson, and," Skip begins to imitate a Thompson going off, shot after shot. "He hoses them."

The group became silent for a moment. Madison looked down at the ground, suddenly feeling guilty. She had a feeling that that German POW she talked to was a part of that group. Skip continued on before anyone could say anything.

"I mean, goddamn. He gives them smokes first?" Madison was about to snap at him, but he spoke up again before she could. "You see, that's why I don't believe it."

"Oh, you don't believe it?" Malarkey challenged.

"I heard that he didn't do it," Penkala chimed in.

"Then who would have done it?" Madison asked him. She'll admit, she didn't know much about Speirs or how much truth the rumors held but if she had to voice an opinion: Speirs is a likely culprit based on the little information that she had.

"Oh, no, it was him alright," More agreed that it was Speirs who had done it. "But it wasn't eight guys. More like twenty."

"There's no way that he could have murdered twenty people," Madison denied More's tale.

"Hell of one shot," Skip commented, before putting his cigarette back in his mouth.

More laid back, closing his eyes and taking in the sun. "All except one guy, who he left alone."

"Well all I know, from what I've heard, he took that last one-oh-five on D-Day, practically by himself," Penkala said. "Running through MG fire like a maniac."

"Now that I did see," Malarkey confirmed.

"On his own?" More asked.

"Yep."

"I don't care if any of the other stuff is true," Penkala said.

"Well, I do," Madison commented.

"We all know you do, Maddie," Skip smiled. She always tried to believe in the truth and good of people. That's one of the things he liked about her. "Hey, Albert!"

"What do you think?" More asked Blithe.

"I don't know," Blithe answered. "I'm gonna have to take everybody's word for it. I didn't see it."

Madison could hear someone and Welsh yelling for everyone to start packing up and moving out. The boys and Madison, minus Blithe, all started to pick their gear up.

"That means you, Private Blithe!"

"Come on, Blithe, get up," More told the private.

During their march, fire by the enemies was sprayed upon them. Madison would love to blame Perconte's big mouth, but she knew that that was childish. So she kept her mouth shut, and was paired up with Shifty when they had to use the trenches. She hadn't seen him in awhile, so it was good to know that he was okay.

Madison was supposed to be sleeping while Shifty kept watch. She couldn't fall asleep however, so right now she was staying up while Shifty could take rest. She knew that he deserved it, because she had seen some of the hard work that he had done. Right now, Madison was staring out into the void when she heard someone screaming.

"Medic! Medic!"

Madison didn't register the call for a moment before her eyes widened. She swiftly hopped up and out of her foxhole (which she would admit, it was difficult) and started to move quickly to where she heard the call.

As she got to the scene at the same time as Roe, they both saw that Liebgott over Talbert. Madison then looked over to Tab's foxhole buddy (she couldn't remember his name at the time), who had his hands covering his mouth, looking upset. He kept apologizing about how he didn't know it was Tab, and Madison had to hold in her groan. God damn it.

Madison and Doc both looked at each other for a split second before they went to Tab's side, swiftly assessing his wounds.

"Multiple stab wounds," Roe mumbled, before looking at the men who were at the scene before him and Madison. "How'd it happen?"

"I-I was sleeping and Tab came to tell me to wake up," Smith started to explain. He was getting more upset with himself as he continued. "I-I didn't know it was him, honest! He was wearing a Kraut—"

Madison sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "God damn it, Floyd," she breathed out. She had warned him, and see what happens when you don't heed a warning? This. This is what happens.

* * * * *

They were still on the outskirts of Carentan. Tab was evacuated out, but he was going to be okay. He'll have a few scars, but who wouldn't have some coming out of the battle? Madison certainly had a few. She had a long, thin scar on her right hand, with small cuts scattered everywhere on her hands. That's where most of hers were located, anyway.

Since Tab was evacuated, Smith was left with no foxhole partner. Madison had offered to stay with him that night, completely oblivious to the fact that Shifty had had no clue as to what had happened. So the next morning, she had gotten an earful from him.

"I had no idea where you were! I thought that the worse had happened to you!" Shifty had explained. Madison had glanced down at the ground guiltily, before looking back up to her friend.

"I'm sorry, Shift. Smith accidentally stabbed Tab last night, so—"

Shifty's eyes widened. "Tab got stabbed? Is he alright?"

"Yeah, he'll be alright. We evacuated him but he'll be okay," Madison informed. "Anyway, Smith was left with no one, so I offered to stay with him. That's it. I'm sorry I didn't come back, I didn't think about you."

"It's alright, you were just trying to help Smithy. But please don't forget in the future."

"I won't."

That was a few hours ago. Madison was talking to Smith and Shifty when the first arterially hit. Smith and Shifty got into position immediately. Madison did too. She had to be ready to move. When she had finally heard the cry, she moved immediately.

* * * * *

So far Madison was only getting bullet wounds, which was probably a good thing. But how the hell did this soldier get out in the open? She had no idea, and no idea on how she hasn't gotten hit yet. Christmas must have come early this year. As she was prepping up the soldier, hurriedly wrapping his wound. She felt a weak tap on her shoulder. She looked up to see the private staring at something. She turned her head towards his direction, and—

"Oh, Scheiße."

Now she knew why the private was staring, wide-eyed. There were fucking tanks! Holy shit, how did that happen? Madison shook her head to get rid of the thoughts. It didn't matter now because right now her job was to get this man to safety. Quickly, her arms went under the man's shoulders. She locked them into her arms and began dragging him into a foxhole. After she had to redress his wounds, she asked him if he needed anything else. After he said no, she apologized and said that she had to leave. She ran off to someone else that needed help.

Madison stopped in a trench where a man's finger had broken off. No, really, part of his middle finger was snapped right off, dangling from the skin. He was screaming and Madison had to cut off the rest of his finger and bandage the stump good so he wouldn't continue to bleed and/or get infected. As she did this, dirt was rising up from the ground as arterially hit the surface. Madison was getting a little fed up with the dirt getting in her eyes, making them water and temporarily blinding her.

As Madison was running from soldier to soldier, she could hear the loud explosions and even saw the two tanks explode in progress.

That was really when the yells for the medics came.

Madison was running everywhere, trying to get to the men as fast as she could. She had to pull out shrapnel, stop the bleeding, and she was still getting the bullet injuries coming in. Her hands were caked and soaked with dirt and blood. Run, stop, help. Those three words were her life.

Madison had found Smokey and his partner. Madison could tell that her friend had been wounded, but he was still firing away. She laid next to him as he fired. She saw that blood was practically oozing from his forehead and shoulder.

"What happened to you, Walter?" Madison asked.

"Got hit by tank shrapnel!" Smokey yelled, as he continued to fire. Jesus Christ, this man was crazy. But Madison had to admire it. Even if he was hurting, he was still firing away. She couldn't help but smile as she got to work with him. She definitely started to laugh, in a satisfactory relief as Sherman tanks rolled in.

"Thank the fucking Lord."

* * * * *

After almost a month, Easy was finally pulled off the line. They were able to receive hot blissful showers with equally delicious food (as delicious as the military can make it).

Madison would admit, even after all these years with Easy, she was afraid to hit the showers. No, she didn't shower with the men back in training, but one of the men would usually offer to stay near while she was in it. Thank God that they were still doing this. She couldn't bear the thought of being alone while getting in the shower. It was a girl's worst nightmare when there's a bunch of not-so-nice men lurking around. She couldn't help but shudder at that thought.

Even if she was so grateful for that shower she took (she looked like a hot mess. Blood and dirt stained everywhere.), she was even more grateful for her new set of clothes. Her dress uniform was clean, crisp, and very much welcomed.

She was also thankful for getting meals. Those rations could never fill her up and it hurts her to have to not eat it all at once. But now, even if only for a few days, she was getting as full as someone could get in the army. She would have to thank the cooks later.

Right now, though, Madison was sitting with her friends. Everyone had finished their meals. They were all now listening to Smokey, who had finally come back, along with Tab. Madison couldn't help but scoff as she saw that Smokey had three Purple Hearts.

Anyway, everyone was being hushed, because Smokey had apparently created a poem about what had happened to Smokey. All eyes and ears were turned to Smokey, as he started.

"The Night of the Bayonet," Smokey stated the title of the poem, before he officially began.

"The night was filled with dark and cold,

When Sergeant Talbert the story's told," that line had gained laughter.

"Pulled out his poncho and headed out,

To check the lines dressed like a Kraut." The men had started to laugh again.

"Upon a trooper our hero came,

Fast asleep; he called his name.

"Smith, oh Smith, get up, it's time

To take your turn out on the line."

"Private Smith, so very weary,

Cracked an eye, all red and bleary,

Grabbed his rifle and did not tarry,

Hearing Floyd, but seeing Gerry." Laughter erupted once more, as Madison cried out, "We love you, Smith!"

""It's me!" cried Tab. "Don't do it!" and yet,

Smith charged toute de suite with bayonet.

He lunged, he thrust, both high and low,

And skeweth the boy from Kokomo." That line had earned clapping. Smokey could do poetry well.

Madison heard the scuff of a chair behind her. She turned around to see that one of the replacements, a young man with bright red hair, stood up. He had started to walk away, but Bill, who Madison was sitting next to, turned and stopped him, putting his hand on his chest. Madison had to admit, she was worried for the replacement for a moment.

"You Heffron?" Bill asked. Madison, Skip, Luz, and Martin all looked at each other. Skip had silently ordered them to not do anything, so they could all watch the scene unfold. They all wanted to see what would happen.

"Yeah," the man answered. "Who's asking?"

"Philadelphia?" Bill ignored Heffron's question.

"South Philly, yeah," Heffron answered. That's when the light bulb went off in Madison's head. Bill must recognize him, somehow.

"I could tell," Bill told him, as he took his hand off Heffron's chest. "17th Street." Everyone at the table ignored the cheers of the other men.

"Front Street. Hey!" Heffron began grinning, and so did Bill, as the two shook hands.

"Come here, sit down."

Heffron did as he was told as Madison and Johnny shared a look.

"I could have shot the kid a dozen times," Madison heard Tab talking. "I just didn't think we could spare a man."

"Yeah right," she heard Liebgott's voice. Madison couldn't help but laugh.

"I call bullshit on that, Tab," Madison called out to him.

"I'm still sad that you didn't give me a 'get well, kiss'," Tab spotted her in the back. Madison just gave him a pouty look in response.

"Aw, I'm sorry, would you like it now?" Madison wondered. "I'm still not giving you one! I told you you were going to get stabbed with that damn poncho!" The men around laughed at that. But that all changed when Lipton stood up.

"A couple of announcements, men," Lipton's voice rang out.

"And woman!" someone called out. "Don't forget about Klein!"

"And woman," Lipton looked at Madison. Madison waved it off. She didn't care.

"First, listen up, I said first, the exercise scheduled for twenty-two hundred has been canceled," cheers erupted for that. "Secondly, all passes are hereby revoked. We're heading back to France. So pack up all your gear. We will not be returning to England. Lastly, anyone who has not made a will: go to the supply office. Trucks will part at zero-seven-hundred." Everyone was quiet, taking in the information. "As you were," Lipton finally dismissed.

The talking went up again, Madison and Heffron were now starting to converse.

"Heffron, this is Klein," Bill slung an arm around the young girl's shoulders. "She's one of our medics in Easy and she's been doing one hell of a job."

Madison couldn't help but blush as she pulled his large arm off of her. "Stop it, Bill. I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do." She finally looked at Heffron. He seemed somewhat fazed to see that she was there, but she could tell that he'll ease into having her around. He was a newbie, after all. They were always stunned to see or meet her for the first time.

"I'm Madison, it's nice to meet you," Madison stuck her hand out for him to shake. "Don't get used to me looking this pretty because once we're out in the field, I am going to look bad."

Heffron shook her hand. "I'm Edward Heffron, but everyone calls me Babe."

"Hey, now, don't start flirting with our girl here," Luz piped up. The others at the table