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The problem with the Rats, Hans reflected to himself, was that they were so often loud. Loud guns, loud jeeps. Explosions of various shapes and sizes. It was easy to forget, even when he should have known better, that they could be shadows in the night. In and out with no one the wiser until it was too late.
“Merry Christmas Captain.”
Troy’s gun was not aimed directly at him. But Dietrich was not fooled. He knew the other Rats were hidden nearby, even if he could not see them. One wrong move and it would be all over. Pointedly he shifted his gaze to the other’s weapon. “I must admit Sergeant Troy. Thus far my day has been far from merry.” If not for a series of unfortunate events, culminating with a bent rim and a pair of flat tires he might have made it back to base in time for the holiday festivities.
Troy just grinned. A more cheerful expression than he usually showed the Captain. “That just means there is room for improvement."
“Oh,” one of Hans’ eyebrows quirked up in question. “How so?”
“I would prefer not to have blood on my hands tonight,” Troy admitted openly. “But we need shelter, that is a heck of a storm rolling in. So what do you say to our very own Christmas truce?”
Dietrich was silent for a moment. He was sure Troy spoke the truth, but he was equally sure the Rats would kill if they had too. “We share the shelter and go our separate ways after the storm clears,” he clarified.
“Exactly, easy terms.”
After a moment of thought, Dietrich decided not to question his good fortune at the Rats choosing not to take advantage of their favorable position. One night's truce was a far better deal than dead or captured. “Agreed Sergeant Troy. Just let me inform my men.” Not that he had many. Just his driver and his aide as he was sure the other was aware.
Holstering his pistol, Troy raised his voice slightly. “Moffitt.” As the lanky Englishman emerged from the rocks he jerked his head towards Dietrich, indicating without words his second in command should accompany the other.
By the time the sun set, the storm was in full swing. The wind howled outside with a force that could tear a man’s flesh from his bones. However, the Rats found themselves to be in fine spirits. The strong rocks gave them shelter, they had found enough wood for a true fire, and had carefully removed their Christmas bounty from the jeeps. A stew bubbling merrily away with Hitch standing careful watch to make sure it did not scorch. Smoked venison, dried wild mushrooms and assorted other vegetables. Real potatoes. Blackberry Moonshine from Tully’s family. Baklava from Troy’s. Christmas pudding from England and canned cranberries from New York. By the standards of tired hungry soldiers, it was a feast.
Troy was wiping off their mess kits and spreading out a blanket when Moffit crouched down next to him. He glanced at the other. “What’s up?”
“I heard Dietrich speaking to his aide,” Moffit said lowly. “They were discussing rations.” He doubted Dietrich had known he was close enough to hear. But caves could be odd that way.
Tully looked over sharply as Troy’s lips tightened. Rations had always been a problem with the German troops. One that had only worsened as the war had gone on.
Tapping his fingers along his leg, Troy shifted his gaze to Hitch. “I am not going to order any of you,” he said slowly.
But Hitch was already shaking his head. “You don’t have to Sarge,” he said emphatically. “It, it wouldn’t be right.”
Tully nodded his head in agreement.
“Moffit?”
“It’s Christmas Troy.”
Taking the ladle, Troy eyed the contents of the pot before spooning out four portions. Then, taking the plate Tully had quickly portioned out and prepared, he headed for the German side of the cave.
“Captain Dietrich.” Wordlessly he held out the pot.
For a moment, Troy could see pride warring in the Captain’s dark eyes before he glanced over to where his men were sitting. Reaching out, Dietrich took the pot. “Thank you Sergeant Troy,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.
“There is no need to thank me,” Troy smiled softly. “Just bring the pot back when you’re done.” He took a few steps away, and then paused. “And Captain, Frohe Weihnachten.”