Chapter IV

“Lieutenant, report.”

“We suffered minimum casualties; three Mark IVs, four Mark IIIs, six dead and twelve wounded from the 153rd and no casualties from the artillery battalions. Of the 150 new recruits however, we lost more than eighty men, twenty-four missing and sixteen wounded.”

“How’s Wagner’s 57th doing?”

“Most of the Mark IIIs were knocked out from the frontal assault against the 51st Army, about fifty KIA and two MIA. Ammunition is not a problem with the supply convoy.”

“Very well. Bosch, stay here and check on the recruits’ status. We need all the soldiers we can get.”

“Yes sir.”

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It was dark, very dark; I would’ve thought that I lost it for a moment. As I start to open my eyes, I saw a blurry wall. It looked like a wall, but apparently a ceiling actually. There were footsteps nearing; it was only then I realize that I’m in the medical center. I tried to move and sit up, but I was held down by the nurse who was nearing me.

“You’re awake! You shouldn’t be moving too much, your ribs aren’t fully intact.” (Nurse)

“I figured,” I replied as if I knew better, “Is Anna alright?”

“Why yes, she is. Is something wrong?” (Nurse)

“No, no. I was worried if she is hurt. She did save us after all before the bomb fell upon us.” I explained.

“It must’ve been harsh back there...” She turns her head. “Anna!” (Nurse)

Anna rushes to the nurse “What’s wrong Isabel?” (Anna)

“I think you might want to talk with him. He’s been looking for you.” (Isabel)

Confused, Anna nears me. “Robert?” (Anna)

“Anna, I...are you alright?” I asked.

“Why yes, it should be I who should be asking. How are you feeling?” (Anna)

“My chest is still giving me hard time, but I think I’m fine.” I replied.

“You should get some rest. The Lieutenant said that he needs all available soldiers to join the forces. I should go on to check how the others are doing.” (Anna)

And so she was on her way to the other wounded recruits. I guess I should put my lights out before I get called back in.

By the time my lights were on again, it was the next day. The others who were wounded are still here; it seems like they don’t need us to get out there yet. As I continued to sit there for another minute, I suddenly remembered my sister. It’s been quite a while since I last written to her; I wonder how she’s doing...... I thought I’d take a walk outside to grab a piece of paper and pen and get some fresh air. However, when I walked out, the division was gone; a unit of about a regiment was left stationed here. On the other side, I had no luck finding paper or a pen as I was pushed straight back onto my bed by the nurses.

“Anna, do you know what happened to the division?” I asked.

“No idea, I’ve been troubling with the wounded all day; however they do seem to be still fighting with the withdrawing 51st Army.” (Anna)

“The Russians are stubborn aren’t they?” I commented. An explosion breaks out outside of the tent

“What was that?!” I asked worriedly.

“I don’t —“ (Anna)

“We’re under attack! Get the wounded out of there!” (Anavel)

“Leanner, Kimpfer, give me a hand.” (Tinroy)

“Anna, Isabel, take the ones that can move. We’ll take care of the others.” (Anavel)

“Come on, let’s go!” (Anna)

More explosions were heard as I followed Anna who was bringing one of the wounded out of the tent. As we rushed out, on the right were the advancing Russians. The outpost was engulfed by flames; many of the ammunition crates were hit along with the few vehicles there was. We had no choice but to head southwest into a large forest outside of Sachson with the wounded. As we got close to the forest, I looked back for the last time; the outpost was overrun by the Russians.

As we got far enough away from the Russians, we settled down. There were about eight of us left; of the eight, two were wounded.

A deep breath. “We barely made it.” (Tinroy)

“The road leads straight to the 8th and 57th Division. We have to let them know.” (Anavel)

“The radio equipment is at the outpost, there’s no way we can get it.” (Leanner)

“We’ll have to head into Sachson and access the radio station.” (Anavel)

“We’re gonna have to make it quick, the Russians will reach the divisions in no time.” (Tinroy)

“Kimpfer and I will head into Sachson. The rest of you stay put and stay out of the Russians’ sight.

We’ll be back the next day.” (Anavel)

Anavel and Kimpfer soon left and headed northwest towards Sachson. The day began to slow down after the two of them left. Every now and then however, there was gunfire. I hope it’s not what I think it is. As the sun rose to its peak, we planned to search the forest for any supplies, food or water. I headed further south into the forest; it was an endless path of trees, many pests as well. I managed to find some edible plants after some rigorous searching. It wasn’t easy to take it from its roots with all the insects around it. They took a few bites off me while I was grabbing the plant. As the sun was setting, I started to make way back; I happened to stumble upon some fallen wood. I’d figured we can use some fire or the least make some use from the wood. However I did forget how heavy the wood was especially with my partially broken ribs. I made it back a little while after the sun set.

“What did you find?” (Tinroy)

“I found some fruits hanging around, but I’m not sure if it’s edible.” (Leanner)

I picked up one of the fruits and examined it.

“It’s fine. They’re one of those pear-looking fruits with a rather sour taste.” I said.

“Plants?” (Tinroy)

“It’s one of those good recipes you can make with the proper ingredients. It’s a little minty, but with the fruits it’ll be just fine.” I explained.

“Who knew we had a chef here.” (Leanner)

“You think we’re far enough to set up a fire?” I asked Tinroy.

“There’s enough trees around here, hopefully the Russians won’t notice anything.” (Tinroy)

Picking up the wood I brought, we set up a pile and lit it up. Seeing the fire, Anna and Isabel came over from their posts.

“How was the search?” (Isabel)

“We managed to find some food.” Hands over a pear to Isabel. “Here.” (Tinroy)

“Thank you.” Takes the pear. “It’s been quite a long day, I could use some refreshment.” (Isabel)

As we sat near the fire resting, I suddenly heard an engine; it was a plane.

“Did you here that?” (Tinroy)

“Yeah, it’s definitely a plane. You think it’s one of ours?” (Leanner)

“I doubt it. The Russians probably radioed in air support on the counterattack against the divisions.” (Tinroy)

“Let me take a look.” (Leanner)

Leanner got up and walked away, looking at the sky the entire time. After about nine minutes, more planes flew by.

“They look like Sturmoviks, it’s definitely the Russians.” (Leanner)

“Alright lights out, lights out.” (Tinroy)

At his command, we put out the fire.

“We should get some rest; Anavel and Kimpfer are coming back tomorrow. We don’t want to have any delay when we regroup.” (Leanner)

That marks the end of our day. Good night.

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“Hey Robert wake up. Robert!” (Tinroy)

I opened my eyes as I was startled, but then I was fully awake when I saw the morning light.

“Sorry. Anavel’s back?” I asked.

“She’s not.” (Tinroy)

“What? I thought —“

“I know what she said, but she’s not back now. We need to do something.” (Tinroy)

“What are we gonna do?” I asked worriedly.

“Hang tight. Leanner’s on recon, let’s see what he’s got then we’ll formulate a plan. For now, get yourself fed up and be ready to mobilize. Your wound alright?” (Tinroy)

“It’s been better these few days, I’m not sure if I run too smoothly yet.” I said.

Under the morning sky, we waited for Leanner’s return along with Anavel. It’s been almost about thirty minutes and the sky was getting brighter; soon, Leanner is back.

“How is it?” (Tinroy)

“It doesn’t look good. The outpost’s almost empty.” (Leanner)

“What does that mean?” (Isabel)

“That means the Russians are counterattacking. They must’ve been able to regroup with the main force and flanked the 57th and 8th Division. Now I’m worried about Anavel and Kimpfer; the Russians may have already pushed the Divisions back to Sachson within these two days.” (Tinroy)

“In two days? Is the 51st Tank Army really that powerful?” I asked.

“You have no idea what you’re up against. The last joint attack was only against one of the tank corps of the 51st Army. With the whole army counterattacking, we’re outnumbered five hundred to one. We lost many of our tanks too during the last battle; that makes us even weaker without armored support.” (Leanner)

“......then, what can we do?” I asked without much of hope.

“Tin?” (Leanner)

“We can’t really do anything. We have no choice but to head back to the outpost and try to establish radio contact with the Divisions or Division HQ. How many Russians are left at the outpost?” (Tinroy)

“There isn’t that many; I count about seven or eight that’s left.” (Leanner)

“That shouldn’t be a problem; we’ll just have to take them out one by one. We’re going to need everyone in this. Ana, Isabel, I want you to the take the wounded with you when we go back to the outpost. Grab any medical supplies you need when the outpost is clear. Robert, you’re coming with the rest of us to assault the outpost. There’s only about eight of them, but they outnumber us two to one. We’ll have to do it quietly.” (Tinroy)

“When are we moving?” (Leanner)

“We’re moving in five; we can’t waste any more time. Get yourselves equipped.” (Tinroy)

“Hold on tight to this. You don’t wanna lose it.” Hands us a knife. “I also sharpened a few of these in case anything goes wrong.” (Leanner)

He handed to us each three sharpened wooden sticks in a shape of an arrow. I slid them into the pencil-sized pockets I had on my vest and my knife into the knife pocket on my pants.

“Tin, we’re set.” (Leanner)

“Alright, give me second.” To Isabel and Anna. “Wait for our signal before you bring the wounded in. Got it?” They nod their heads. “Good. Remember, the signal.” Turns to us. “Let’s move.” (Tinroy)