Episode 11: Regrets' Funeral - Part 2

By Leigh Barker

Soldiers - Season 1: Episode 11: Regret's Funeral – Part 2. A Bitesize 1-hour read.

The entire German 54th Reserve Division is coming down the Menin Road and all that stands between them and the sea is Sergeant Major Needles company of 279 men.

And Regret’s 7-man squad

When Alan asks if he thinks they have a chance, Regret answers truthfully.
“Not a snowball’s chance in hell.”

And Hauptmann Heinrich Schiller has one more hand to play.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leigh Barker
• Release date: May 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311725509

Leigh Barker

Leigh was born in Dudley in the middle of England. He has been a merchant seaman, a (useless) electronics salesman, a programmer, and a business analyst. And now he is a full-time writer, but that doesn't make him a bad person.He is presently writing 4 series:Clan, following the adventures of Calum Maclean as he tries to avoid the Bonnie Prince but still protect his beloved Highlands.The Hellfire Legacy Series follows US Marine Master Sergeant Ethan Gill and his team as they take on the jobs too hot for other special forces. They go where they're sent; South America, Middle East, Korea, but their most dangerous missions are on US soil.Volume #1: A Whisper of ArmageddonVolume #2: The Hellfire LegacyVolume #3: The Orpheus DirectiveEden, a three-volume series -Trinity is at war with Lucid, the son of Lucifer, and he will do whatever it takes to win. The Archangel Gabriel has an army but he needs more. He needs heroes, but they are few and far between. Which is why he gets Dylan and co. Not too much luck in Heaven then.Volume #1: Eden's Last HeroVolume #2: WinterwoodVolume #3: Requiem for Eden.Soldiers is set in 1914 and follows John Regret and his 12-man squad on their suicidal mission to find and destroy the German howitzer nicknamed Big Bertha. Find it before it drops it's thousand-pound shells on the allied army retreating across France. A seemingly hopeless mission that just cannot fail.Other occasional series include:Anarchy, the 'completely true' stories of men doing what men do when there's nobody to keep them in check. Create mayhem and behave like monkeys on speed.Coffee Break Reads - each issue has 5 stories short enough to read while taking a break from life. A mix of adventure, love, disaster, and fun. All with one thing in common; for a moment they transport the reader to another world.Episode 1 of each Season is free and can be picked up with other free books at:https://leighwbarker.com/my-library/Just copy the link above and paste it into your browser and you're there...

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Soldiers

(Episode 11)

Regret's Funeral Part 2

Copyright Leigh Barker

Published by Leigh Barker at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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ISBN: 9781311725509

Regret’s Funeral

What’s the plan, Sar’nt Major? Regret said, and for once knew how it felt to pass that burden onto someone else. But the relief was clipped by a sharp edge of guilt. He knew how heavy that burden was.

We will find the enemy, Sergeant Major Needle said, without looking at him. We will engage the enemy. Now he glanced at Regret. We will—

—make them cry for their mothers, Regret said. And smiled. He couldn’t help it, it was like Christmas at home, everybody back together.

Aren’t we supposed to attack at dawn, Sar’nt Major? Alan said, walking at Regret’s side. It’s traditional.

Needle strode on for a moment, then gave him a long look. Why, Sergeant? Do you like getting up early? He narrowed his eyes. Because if you do, I have just the job for you tonight.

No, Sar’nt Major, Alan said quickly. I like my beauty sleep, Sar’nt Major. Thank you for thinking of me, Sar’nt Major.

I’ll be thinking of you, Sergeant, Needle said, returning to his easy march that left the others almost at the double to keep up. When I’m looking for night sentries.

Alan grimaced at Regret, who showed his sympathy with a grin.

With your brother, Needle said. Wouldn’t want you to be lonely.

Regret gave Alan a hard look, but the sound of an approaching motorcycle rolled down the road before he could tell him what he was thinking. They almost stopped, before they realised Sergeant Major Needle hadn’t.

The motorcycle rattled past them and stopped a few yards ahead. The rider waited for them to get closer, then unfastened a brown leather message case.

Needle stopped and watched him with the indifference of an owl watching a mouse enjoying an evening stroll.

The messenger extended the folded paper towards the sergeant major, then jiggled it up and down when it wasn’t taken.

Corporal, Needle said, why are you sitting on your contraption?

The messenger frowned heavily and glanced at Regret, but there was no help coming from there.

I’ve got a message for you, Sar’nt Major. He jiggled the paper again. If you’re Sergeant Major Needle.

I am, Needle said.

Regret and Alan stepped away towards the side of the road.

Then this message is for you.

Stand to attention when you address me, you ’orrible little…corporal!

The messenger recoiled as if he’d been hit by a flat fish. The motorcycle rocked and leaned precariously with the messenger struggling to keep it upright. When his ride was stabilized, he got off, pushed the stand down, turned, stood to attention and saluted.

Sergeant Major Needle looked around as if he’d lost something. Can you see an officer here, Corporal?

The messenger shook his head. No, sir, I can’t.

Then don’t salute and don’t call me sir. I’m not an officer, I work for a living.

No, Sar’nt Major. Yes…Sar’nt Major.

He was going to say sir, everybody heard it not being said.

Needle put out his hand and the messenger stared at it as if it held a gun.

The message?

Yes, Sar’nt Major.

Can I have it? There’s a good lad.

The messenger stared at the folded paper in his hand, then at Needle. His brain kicked in and he quickly handed over the message and saluted. Shook his head and snatched his hand down. Looked at his motorcycle for a moment, then kicked the stand back and jumped back as the contraption crashed onto the road.

Needle sighed and