The night before boarding, Parks, having nothing to do, went to the company quarters, where he saw Welsh, Nixon, and Compton sitting around a table with wine glasses and a bottle of wine.
Winters was shaving at the side of the table; he was very particular about his appearance and wanted to look clean and presentable, not like a refugee, before returning home.
"Woah—finally, I see you, Parks!" Compton whistled and waved at him, "Just now, Dick said we should give up, that you wouldn't join our game, but you actually came!"
"Playing what? Blackjack?" Parks smiled and sat down at the table.
"I also told you that you absolutely can't win Reese's money, do you choose to believe it or not?" Winters, while shaving, twitched the corner of his mouth, wanting to smile but afraid of moving his facial muscles.
"I was wondering if Parks brought enough money!" Nixon chuckled, "Come on, play with us, we're idle anyway, and tomorrow we're going to England.
Why not win all your money and enjoy yourselves in London?"
"London?" Welsh shook his head, "If I had leave, I'd be eager to see Betty.
Goodness, I don't know how excited she'll be when she sees me."
"Do you want to play?" Welsh asked Parks, "We're one person short; Dick is already a Captain, and he's decided not to deal with these things anymore.
He's changed his habits."
Winters had finished shaving and was wiping his face with a towel when he heard Welsh's words, and he couldn't help but smile at him, "Yes, I've already made changes."
"No more blackjack?" Nixon asked in surprise.
"No, I've changed the way I play," Winters smiled, "I'm already a Captain.
I should learn some new ways to play; these old-fashioned things don't attract me anymore!" He shrugged as he spoke.
"Oh—" Welsh groaned, "I hate bureaucracy!"
"Are you going to deal?" Parks asked, "I've already decided to win a fortune before returning to England, and then have a grand time in London.
Hurry up, I can't wait!" Parks settled down, took a sip of wine, and then began to urge them.
"Let's see who fleeces whom!" Compton mumbled, not to be outdone.
Just as they were about to start, they heard a knock at the door.
Winters walked over and saw Moore standing at the entrance; he glanced inside and then said to Winters, "Sir, I don't want to disturb you, but… there's something I'd like your permission for!"
Winters motioned for him to wait outside, then put on his military cap and walked out with him, looking at him with a smile and saying, "All right, soldier, can you tell me what it is now?"
At this moment, Moore suddenly gestured to the side, and to Winters' surprise, Malarkey emerged from behind a tent, carrying a large cardboard box, and walked towards Winters' tent, placing it at the entrance of the camp.
Then he and Moore stood together in front of Winters and saluted him.
Winters returned the salute, frowning and saying, "What on earth are you two up to?"
Moore looked a bit embarrassed, but he still mustered the courage to say, "It's like this, we've prepared some fruit for you.
You know, for the next few days, we'll be out at sea, and without these fresh things, life will be difficult.
Fortunately, we found some, so we brought them to you!"
Winters nodded and smiled, "Hmm, thank you.
But is there anything else? Tell me quickly!" Winters knew these two guys weren't quiet types, so he directly pointed out their purpose.
Malarkey nodded, "Yes, Sir, we found a motorcycle with a sidecar at the field camp, and no one claimed it, so we thought, if possible, we'd take it to England.
Is that alright, Sir?"
Winters looked at the two of them, then glanced at the box of fruit placed at the entrance of the barracks, and said, "I don't know whose car that is, you can do as you see fit.
Also, thank you for the fruit." Then he walked towards the entrance of the tent, picked up the box of fruit, and went inside.
"Alright, looks like he agreed!" Moore watched Winters carry the fruit inside, and couldn't help but excitedly pat Malarkey's shoulder, laughing, "Looks like we need to prepare the final course.
Malarkey, tomorrow bring your good wine and your spoils, wait on the ramp of the landing craft, and then we'll take that treasure to England together!"
"Goodness, thinking about this, I'm getting a bit excited!" Malarkey and Moore walked arm-in-arm towards the camp.
As Winters entered the barracks, he placed the fruit on a box with a loud thud; this box of fruit was indeed heavy.
He clapped his hands and then opened the box.
"Hey, Dick, what's that?" Nixon smelled the fruit and shouted at Winters, "Whose bribe did you just take?
I want pineapple!"
Compton also whistled.
Ignoring Parks' urging, he said, "I'm out, I fold!" Then he shouted loudly, "I want pineapple too, I absolutely love that taste."
"Is it Moore and Malarkey?" Parks flipped a card, then cried out in delighted surprise, "Oh, my God, I've cleaned up again.
This is double stakes, God truly favors me!" Then he watched as the others reluctantly threw their money onto the table.
Parks unceremoniously scooped all the banknotes into his pocket.
"Damn it!" The three people around the table cursed in frustration.
Early on July 11th, the brothers of Easy Company began to line up, then they arrived in front of a huge landing craft and started boarding the vessel via the ramp.
"This is truly a giant fellow!" White exclaimed.
Patrick Christenson nodded, "This big fellow will carry us to England.
I can't wait to see London; I heard from Luz that the girls there are very enthusiastic.
He's been there before, which is good news."
"Let's hope so; right now, we're the heroes of the British, maybe there will even be an entry ceremony, just imagine the flowers flying towards us, and the kisses from the girls, God, I guess that's what a beautiful dream come true is like!" White said as he stepped onto the ramp and walked towards the warship.
The brothers of Easy Company entered the warship, but staying inside was not as comfortable as they had imagined; except for a few officers who received preferential treatment, the other soldiers had to crowd together.
It was noisy and suffocating.
"Hey, brother, how are you?" Malarkey walked up to a Navy Sergeant on duty at the ramp, "Tough work?"
"Not as tough as you guys! I heard you guys beat the Germans senseless at Carrington, truly impressive, brother." The Sergeant said enviously, "You know, the Navy can't get involved in this kind of thing, I probably won't find a suitable souvenir here before the war ends."
"Hmm, what's your name? Where are you from?" Malarkey continued to try to get closer.
"Bane Rick!" The Sergeant nodded and smiled, "From Philadelphia."
"Oh, God, Philadelphia? Philadelphia is a great place! I once passed through there by train! It was absolutely beautiful." Malarkey acted exaggeratedly, "I never thought you were actually from there."
"Yes, I also think it's a great place!" Sergeant Rick nodded, "But, I still feel a bit regretful, after all, I haven't done anything here, and the war is almost over, God, what will I tell them when I go home?"
"For the sake of me having passed through Philadelphia, what kind of souvenir do you want? Buddy, I have a lot here." As he spoke, Malarkey pulled a watch from his satchel, "Worn by a German, but it doesn't keep time as well as when I wear it."
He then pulled a dagger from his bag and said to Sergeant Rick, "A German Sixth Parachute Regiment paratrooper knife, look at the 'swastika' symbol on it; not just any German soldier could own this." As he spoke, he magically pulled out a bottle of wine from his pocket, "Authentic French wine, collected during the Battle of Brecourt Manor."
Sergeant Rick stared at him, dumbfounded, then swallowed hard, forcing a smile and saying, "Brother, you're truly amazing, to have such a good opportunity." His eyes scanned these items, then he said with a full smile, "Hey, buddy, how about I make you a deal? I'll buy these things from you, name your price! For the sake of you having passed through my hometown!"
"Buy these things?" Malarkey looked at him in surprise, then smiled, "Why would you come up with such an idea?"
"You're unwilling?" Sergeant Rick looked a bit embarrassed, mumbling, "You know, I just want to take these things back to show the people in my hometown, after all, I also participated in the great war."
"No, no, you misunderstood." Malarkey shook his head, "Buddy, I don't want to sell these things to you; although they seem quite valuable, getting these things isn't difficult for us paratroopers.
For the sake of me having passed through your hometown, I'll give all these things to you!" As he spoke, he placed the items in his hand into Sergeant Rick's arms.
Rick was clearly very surprised; he awkwardly took them, then smiled, "Thank you, truly thank you, you are so generous, tell me, buddy, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Actually, I don't need your help with anything!" Malarkey shook his head.
"No, no, I have to do something for you, otherwise I'll feel a bit uneasy!" Sergeant Rick said hurriedly.
Malarkey looked at him, then nodded, "Since that's the case, then do me a small favor.
It's like this, I have a friend who has a motorcycle and wants to take it back to England, and he wants to board the ship from here."
"No problem!" Rick patted his chest, "That's just a small issue.
Alright, buddy, where's your friend?"
Malarkey nodded, "He's waiting right here!" As he spoke, he whistled towards a dune not far away, and then saw Moore appear from behind the dune, riding the motorcycle.
Malarkey gestured for him to come forward.
Moore cheered, then accelerated, rushed down from the dune, and then roared over the ramp into the warship's hold.
"Thank you, buddy!" Malarkey smiled at Sergeant Rick, "I must take my leave!"
Malarkey excitedly returned to the warship; accomplishing this matter made him particularly thrilled.
And the yearning for a good life in England also filled everyone with anticipation.
At exactly 9:00 AM on July 11, 1944, the 101st Airborne Division returned to England from Normandy.
The warship swayed on the sea, and Parks lay by the ship's gangway, watching Utah Beach recede into the distance, a sudden surge of emotions welling up within him. In the two years he had been in this world, he had experienced arduous training and brutal warfare, and the camaraderie with his brothers, as well as the sadness of losing them, constantly resurfaced in his mind.
"What are you thinking, Lieutenant?" A voice came from beside him.
Parks turned his head and couldn't help but smile, "White, why don't you call me Parks?"
"Would you mind if I didn't call you Lieutenant?" White chuckled, "But I still prefer to call you Parks. Only then can I feel that you are not a Lieutenant."
Parks laughed heartily, then looked at the receding beach: "Finally, we can leave this place."
"Yes, finally we can leave!" White also said, then fell silent. They just watched, listening to the roaring engines of the landing craft and the sound of waves crashing against the hull…
Many of the brothers from Easy Company stood by the gangway, all like Parks, watching the beach recede. They had fought there, their comrades had bled there, and some now lay there in eternal sleep.
"Lieutenant!" Just as Parks was leaving the gangway to go to his room, he met the captain, a very kind-looking middle-aged man, who smiled at Parks and said, "Do your soldiers need something to eat?"
"What?" Parks looked at him in confusion.
"Chicken or steak? Ice cream? Eggs?" The captain nodded and smiled, "We still have a lot of such food on board. If you don't mind, I can arrange some for you."
"Sir, this…"
Just as Parks was about to speak, the captain seemed to know what he was going to say and smiled, "Lieutenant, this is just my way of expressing my respect for your heroic performance. Do you need me to arrange it now? It's almost lunchtime!"
Parks then understood, nodded, and smiled, "Thank you very much! Prepare a bit of everything. I think those guys will definitely be delighted to enjoy the food you provide for them. For them, it will undoubtedly be a delicious feast!"
This was a special privilege, not just on this ship. In fact, all the ships brought out what they considered their best to entertain the officers and soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. In everyone's eyes, entertaining them with the best things was what they deserved. This also allowed the officers and soldiers of the entire Airborne Division to enjoy several grand meals.
The next day, the convoy of landing craft arrived at the port of Southampton, England. Here, the 101st Airborne Division received a grand welcome. From the port all the way to the temporary barracks arranged for them, they were welcomed by cheering crowds lining the streets.
As soon as Cobb stepped out of the landing craft, he was stunned by the sight before him. Flowers, streamers, and a colorful crowd filled the streets, with cheers and horns echoing throughout Southampton. The streets felt very narrow as they walked, and bold young women even rushed into the marching Team to give the soldiers enthusiastic hugs.
The victory of the Normandy landings had completely ignited their passion. And the heroic performance of the 101st Airborne Division was also the talk of all of England.
"I'm almost lost!" Patrick Christenson was tightly embraced by a girl against her chest. He felt like he was suffocating. He struggled free and then said to Luz, who was beside him, "Why do they always like to press my head against their chests? You know, that hurts me a lot."
"Come on, Patrick Christenson," Luz had just been kissed by a girl, and there was still a bright red lipstick mark on his face. He wiped it with his hand. "That's not murder. Even if it were, you'd surely enjoy it."
Soon, they found themselves almost unable to move. People constantly rushed into the ranks from the crowd, men, women, old, and young alike. They embraced the officers and soldiers, then kissed their cheeks, expressing their affection for these soldiers in various ways. As a result, every step took a long time.
"Should we hurry?" Welsh had just passionately kissed a girl, then squeezed over to look at Winters, noticing several red lipstick marks on his face. He laughed, "These guys barely want to move; they're really enjoying it here."
"I don't think it's necessary, Welsh. We're not on a forced march now; we're victorious heroes. This is an honor our brothers fought for with their lives. Let them enjoy it a bit longer!" Parks said to Welsh, "And I also like scenes like this. To be honest, to receive such a welcome a few times in one's life is worth it."
Winters also nodded at this point: "Reese is right, let the brothers enjoy themselves, just remind them not to get carried away, we still have to camp here tonight."
"I hope so!" Welsh chuckled, "Actually, I'm enjoying it quite a bit too."
The grand welcome ceremony on the street was still ongoing. Although the marching speed of each unit was as slow as a snail, no one wanted to walk faster. They were all enjoying their victory.
"Why are the girls here so enthusiastic?" Talbert grabbed a few fruits from a basket offered by an old English man, stuffed them into his arms, and started biting into one. His actions delighted the old man, who warmly kissed his face, causing him to involuntarily murmur to Landers, "Look at the crazy behavior just now. This is all inherited from their fathers. Don't be surprised if a girl hugs and kisses you."
Landers was carrying quite a few "trophies" in his arms: fruits, candies, and various chocolates, which forced him to walk carefully, trying to avoid bumping into people.
"Talbert, what's so strange about that? But I'm not interested in girls; I care more about this!" He gestured with his mouth towards the things in his arms. "These are the most practical, you know? Later, I'm going to make those guys who only burrow into women's arms drool."
"Hmm, but I want these too, and I want a girl's kiss too!" Talbert chuckled, then pressed his face against a girl who ran over with open arms and kissed her cheek.
General Taylor entered the city standing on a jeep. He was clearly the focus of the public's attention. They raised colorful flags and sang in unison their anthems symbolizing harvest and victory, expressing their overwhelming respect to General Taylor.
General Taylor thoroughly enjoyed such a scene. He simply stood on the seat, waving to the crowd and shouting loudly, "Victory, victory!"
His voice was quickly drowned out by the even louder voices of the public. The shouts of "Victory" echoed through the streets, making the enthusiasm of both the crowd and the entering army surge higher and higher.
"This is truly insane!" Parks shook his head, pushing his way through the crowd, constantly having to deal with sudden passionate kisses and hugs. He himself couldn't remember how many girls' cheeks and lips he had kissed, or how many elderly people, children, men, and girls he had embraced.
"It seems we underestimated the enthusiasm of the British people!" Winters also felt deeply. His face was already covered in red marks, making him look somewhat embarrassed. However, Nixon, who was struggling to push forward beside him, was not much better.
"I don't want to die here!" When Parks pulled Welsh's head from a woman's chest, Welsh let out a long sigh, "But, dying this way is far better than being killed by the Germans!"
The Mayor of Southampton also appeared in the welcoming party. He and some municipal government officials were waiting to greet General Taylor, an honor Winters and his group did not receive. General Taylor, who was waving to the crowd from his car, was then escorted into the City Hall by the Mayor and his entourage. There, they held a high-level welcome banquet for the senior officers of the 101st Division.
"There must be a lavish banquet there!" Nixon's eyes showed envy.
"I don't think you'd like it there!" Winters smiled, "Or have you changed, and now you like to tell lies with a bunch of politicians at a grand banquet? That's not what you want."
Nixon laughed loudly, "You know me best! Worth a drink!" With that, he unscrewed the cap of his canteen and took a big gulp. His canteen could never contain water. It was whiskey.
"Alright, I don't want to stay here any longer. Although I like it, I still want to breathe some fresh air!" Parks said, then started walking forward again. Winters, Nixon, and Welsh followed closely behind him. Their thoughts were similar to Parks's; while enjoyable, it was also a form of torture.
Easy Company took over two hours to walk the less than one-mile street. All the way to the camp, all the brothers of Easy Company looked disheveled, their faces colorful, as if they had escaped from a refugee camp. But their gains were generally abundant. Everyone returned fully loaded.
Although they had arrived in England, for safety reasons, Division HQ still decided that each company must dispatch its own sentries.
Gradually, night enveloped the entire Southampton port. The sound of waves crashing could be heard even in the camp. After a full day of sailing and the commotion of the daytime welcome ceremony, many people were very tired and fell asleep peacefully. All around was silent. Occasionally, a sentry walked past the barracks.
Parks wasn't sleepy; he couldn't stay in the barracks and walked out.
"Lieutenant!" A sentry saw him and greeted him. Parks nodded, then sat down on a chair near the camp. He needed to sort out his feelings from these past few days.
During the battles of these past few days, he and his brothers had forged a friendship as close as life and death, which brought him great comfort. Yet, he also felt a hint of worry about the uncertain future. Although he knew the entire course and outcome of the war, what he could change was very limited, practically insignificant. Sometimes, he didn't even know if, in future battles, he too would be struck by Germans, like many of his brothers, and die in agony. While he dared to face death, he felt a surge of fear about the unknown manner of his death.
"Can't sleep?" A voice came from beside him. It was Winters. He smiled, "Me too!"
Early the next morning, the bugle call woke up all the tired Easy Company officers and soldiers who were still dreaming.
The temporary Camp Aldbourne was a scene of bustling activity, with soldiers busy packing their luggage and the rewards they had received from the welcoming crowd the day before.
"Why are we still getting up so early when we're already in England?" Cobb looked around at the busy soldiers. "Can anyone tell me why?"
Luz neatly packed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder, then looked at Cobb and couldn't help but laugh, "Why can't you get up so early just because you're in England? Can you tell me why? If you can, I'll give you a chocolate bar!"
But no one complained except Cobb; the brothers were all busy with their own tasks, then lined up outside.
Commands and whistles echoed and intertwined throughout the camp.
This scene easily reminded one of the training days of the past: hearing the bugle, waking up, morning exercises, and then the daily training.
"This reminds me of Taccoa," White said, grinning in the ranks, "It feels like two years ago."
"Are you missing Sobel?" Guarnere shook his head at him. "Honestly, aside from his poor character, I now see that Sobel still had some strengths, such as making you run ragged between hills, and making you march at night with a dry throat without being able to drink a single drop of water.
Hmm, that's why I like him!"
"What?" White turned to Landers beside him and laughed, "Mr. Gonorrhea says he likes Sobel.
"Big" Bill Guarnere, I think you should hit him; who among us doesn't know that Sobel's most hated person was Landers of First Platoon, Easy Company."
"Column, forward march!" Parks shouted loudly at the front of the line, "Easy Company brothers, let's go, First Platoon follow me!" He slung his rifle over his shoulder and led the way forward.
They were heading to a train station in Southampton, about two miles from the camp.
From there, the Easy Company brothers would take a train to Camp Aldbourne.
"Lieutenant!" Someone rushed to the front of the line and called out to Parks.
Parks turned his head, nodded, and said, "Malarkey, is there something you need?"
"It's like this!" Malarkey said with a smile, "We found a motorcycle on Utah Beach, and it's obviously not very convenient to get it onto the train now, so what I want to say is, can I ride the motorcycle to Aldbourne?"
Parks stopped and stood aside, letting the column continue forward, while he looked at Malarkey and said, "Are you sure? This is not a game.
If you can't arrive on time, I think there will be a regulation suitable for dealing with you!"
Malarkey was overjoyed, "Yes, I can be on time, thank you, Lieutenant!" Then he stood there smiling at Parks.
"Anything else?" Parks looked at him with amusement.
"Yes…" Malarkey was a bit embarrassed, but he still opened his mouth, "Moore intends to come with me."
"I knew it, how could Moore be missing from something like this?" Parks shook his head and chuckled.
"Alright, I can't control this, but remember my words, be on time.
Colonel Sink doesn't like late soldiers."
"Thank you, Lieutenant, you're a good man!" Malarkey saluted Parks, then turned to leave.
"Malarkey!" Parks called out.
Malarkey stopped, turned around, and looked at Parks with some nervousness, fearing that Parks might suddenly change his mind.
"Be careful on the road!" Parks nodded at him, then continued walking forward with the column.
Malarkey paused, then a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He made a gesture to Moore, who was waiting in the distance, and then shouted, "Buddy, we made it.
We can go for a ride with that beautiful baby."
By the time the Easy Company brothers arrived at the train station, it was already bright daylight.
Although the soldiers were a bit tired, they still tried to make themselves look relatively clean, and many had shaved.
Parks's seat was next to Welsh's, while Winters, Nixon, and others had swapped places so the four of them could sit together on facing benches.
Parks's seat was by the window, from which he could see the clear sky outside.
"We came out of Aldbourne by car back then.
Now we're going back to Aldbourne by train.
I really don't know how to describe how I feel right now!" Welsh looked out the window; he was facing Parks and also leaning against the window.
"You have a gambler's mentality!" Nixon, sitting next to Welsh, pulled out a liquor bottle, took a swig, and handed it to Welsh.
"Someone once said that only gamblers constantly compare the past and the present, and draw conclusions that benefit themselves."
"Bullshit gambler's mentality." Welsh also took a swig of the liquor and handed it to Parks across from him.
"If I were to gamble, I'd rather bet on whether I can live until the end of the war."
"Then you'll never lose!" Parks laughed.
"If you win the bet, then you live.
If you lose the bet, then you die.
Do dead people care about winning or losing? So if you bet this way, you're always a winner.
But you get nothing!"
"Why?" Welsh looked at Parks.
"Because if you live, that's what you were supposed to get; your life is your own.
So if you get what's yours, haven't you still gotten nothing?" Parks nodded, saying earnestly to Welsh, "If you die, then you lose what belongs to you.
You certainly shouldn't have gained anything."
Welsh shook his head and said, "You've confused me."
"This is philosophy!" Nixon laughed.
"Does Parks want to become a philosopher after the war?"
At this moment, Winters laughed, looking at the three of them with amusement, "We came all the way from America to England, then crossed the Atlantic, braving gunfire and German artillery, just to become philosophers after the war.
That's excellent.
I like it, but I know I can't be a philosopher; it's too mentally exhausting!"
Nixon was startled, then nodded and laughed, "Yes, we're not fighting to become philosophers."
Then he changed the subject, looking at Winters with a smile, "But why are we fighting? And running all the way to France."
"To liberate Europe; we are here as liberators and invaders." Parks raised the liquor bottle, took a large swig, and then handed it to Winters, who was sitting next to him.
"No, no, don't give it to him, he doesn't drink, have you forgotten?" Nixon quickly tried to take the bottle back.
Unexpectedly, Winters took the bottle, then looked at Nixon and Welsh across from him and smiled, "Everything has a first time.
This should count as my first experience too!" With that, he raised the bottle, took a swig, and then, holding his breath, forced the mouthful of liquor down.
"Is that how it's done?" He raised the bottle and smiled at Nixon.
"Of course," Nixon took the bottle, took a swig, and laughed, "Do you know what I looked like the first time I drank? Even worse than Dick just now after he drank." With that, all three burst into laughter.
Parks laughed, then turned to look out the window, his mood gradually calming.
The train made a monotonous "clack-clack" sound as it moved, and the scenery outside continuously stretched and flashed by.
Looking into the distance, the train, having already left the city, was now traveling through fields, with green trees, wheat fields, and farmers driving oxcarts, constantly changing as the train sped by.
Parks looked up at the sky; only the sky remained clear, with clouds floating above.
The sky is eternal and unchanging; the wind whistles past the ears; the roadside trees constantly fly backward; everything is so beautiful, making one nostalgic and even more excited.
"Ah—God, I love this feeling!" Malarkey sat in the sidecar, holding the liquor bottle in his hand, taking swig after swig, then raising his head, feeling the fresh, embracing scent as the wind blew past.
"I think this is the most correct and best thing we've done; if possible, I'd even ride it to London."
"Good idea, Malarkey!" Moore, while driving the speeding motorcycle, turned his head and shouted to Malarkey with a laugh, "This will definitely make those guys green with envy."
"And we can use this baby to pick up girls!" Malarkey added.
The motorcycle continuously weaved between the trucks and cars speeding along the road.
The road wasn't very wide, but it was enough for this little guy to navigate with ease.
"Want a drink, Moore!" Malarkey handed over the liquor bottle.
"Of course, I prefer the feeling of driving with good wine!" Moore took it, tilted his head back, and took a swig.
"Watch out, damn it! Car ahead!" Malarkey suddenly yelled, almost half-crouching in the sidecar, ready to jump off.
Moore snapped back to attention; a military truck was speeding towards them head-on.
He quickly threw away the bottle and desperately twisted the handlebars.
The motorcycle scraped past the truck's body.
"Go to hell!" Malarkey turned around and flipped the middle finger at the truck behind them.
"Damn it, a good bottle of wine wasted!" Moore was also a bit annoyed, but this brief annoyance didn't affect their excited and thrilled mood; Malarkey even waved his arms and yelled loudly for quite a while along the way.
"Camp Aldbourne, we've arrived!" Malarkey pointed ahead.
The motorcycle roared, speeding through the checkpoint at the camp entrance, making the guarding sentry yell at them.
"What lunatics!" The sentry shook his head and cursed at them.
The Easy Company brothers had already arrived at the camp before Malarkey and Moore.
They were settled in their original barracks.
Although the conditions were still good, some of the barracks seemed empty.
Parks stood in front of the First Platoon barracks, looking around; half of the brothers who lived there from September 1943 to May 1944 were no longer there.
He couldn't help but feel a little sad.
Guarnere, who was next to him, suddenly said, "Lieutenant, now we only have half a barracks of brothers left.
We lost half of our forces in this damned small operation in Normandy.
How are we going to survive the entire war? Perhaps we'll never go home again."
"We'll get through it, Bill!" Parks nodded at Guarnere.
But he himself had no confidence at all; could they really get through it?
The brothers of Easy Company had a pretty good time at Camp Aldbourne.
"Look at my new uniform. I think the eagle patch on my arm will make those British girls swoon," Luz said, admiring himself in the mirror for a long time. He received two sets of uniforms, a special privilege for the officers and soldiers of Easy Company. They also received back pay, with Luz receiving at least one hundred and fifty dollars. This was a considerable income, especially in England, where the dollar was still a hard currency and very popular.
"Luz, how many condoms are you planning to take to London? Not two hundred, are you!" Heffron brought up the inspection incident when Sobel was the company commander, which made Luz's two hundred condoms a laughingstock.
"soldier Heffron, we are going to fight the Germans with the rifles in our hands, not for you to hold a pornographic magazine in one hand and your reproductive organ in the other, ejaculating at the krauts!" At this moment, Luz suddenly imitated Sobel's tone and shouted loudly. This was clearly what Sobel had said after a surprise inspection when he found Heffron's pornographic magazine.
This made the surrounding brothers burst into laughter. Heffron shook his head and pointed at Luz, saying, "Alright, alright, if we get to London, don't expect me to take you to the good places. I'm very familiar with the places where you can have fun there."
"Oh, come on, Heffron, I've been there too!" Luz didn't care at all. What he cared about was how to spend the money in his pocket as quickly as possible in London.
In fact, all the brothers in Easy Company thought the same way. They only hoped to spend their money. After all, no one cared about anything now. Who knew if a bullet would take them out later, and then even if they had money, they wouldn't be able to spend it. They had to enjoy the most comfortable life before their unknown fate.
The next morning after Camp Aldbourne, the bugle call sounded as usual.
"Damn it, I can't find my pants," Guarnere said, putting on his uniform while searching for his pants. "Why can't they let us get some rest? God, I only went to sleep at one in the morning yesterday. How long has it been? Five-thirty, damn it!"
"Are these your pants?" Patrick Christenson threw a pair of pants over. "Please, next time you take off your pants, look at where you put them. I'm not waiting for you, you drunkard. You slept in my bed last night!"
When the brothers of Easy Company assembled, everyone had messy hair and sleepy eyes, looking dispirited. They had partied too wildly last night. Although Aldbourne was just a small village, it didn't stop them from having fun. Many lost all the salary they received yesterday overnight, while others got completely drunk.
"Brothers of Easy Company!" Winters stood at the front of the line, looking refreshed. Without gunshots, without the Germans who could appear at any time, and without the noisy clamor, he slept soundly.
The brothers of Easy Company all looked at him, full of anticipation.
Winters did not disappoint them. He brought good news: "Starting today, we will begin a seven-day leave."
As soon as his voice fell, cheers erupted in the ranks. Everyone was overjoyed. Guarnere even gave Toy a warm hug and then shook his hand vigorously.
"The girls in London are definitely going to love me!" A voice suddenly emerged from the ranks, and everyone looked at the overly excited Cobb, bursting into laughter.
"Cobb, didn't you lose your pants yesterday?" White said with a mischievous smile from the side. "The girls in London don't like a pauper."
Another burst of laughter made Cobb shrink his head in embarrassment and then dared not speak so presumptuously again.
"Alright, soldiers. During these seven days of leave, I don't care what you do, but there's one thing you must remember: we must return to camp on time. That's the rule!" Winters said somewhat sternly. "Alright, I have nothing more to say. I wish you a pleasant holiday!"
"Great!" All the brothers said. They were a bit impatient. London was their destination, and many wanted to go there. And judging by how they were treated in Southampton, at least the Londoners should welcome them as heroes, right? With this in mind, many didn't even bother to pack up and immediately set off for London after being dismissed.
"Harry, are you going to London?" Parks met Welsh in the company office. He was packing his things and then saw him put the reserve parachute he always carried into his backpack.
"No, I have to go to Ireland. I'm going to meet Betty and then have this made into a wedding dress. God, I can't wait to see Betty wearing it, it must be beautiful!" Welsh chuckled, then looked at Parks and said, "What about you? Going to London with those rascals? And then finding a girl there or something?"
"I haven't decided yet!" Parks shook his head and smiled. "So I came to ask you guys if there are any activities you want to go to together."
"Don't look at me, Reese, I'm not going anywhere. I plan to stay here." Winters looked at Parks looking over and couldn't help but shake his head and smile. "I plan to use these few days to write something!"
"Write something?" Parks looked at him in confusion. "Dick, are you planning to write your memoirs now?"
Nixon chuckled, "Pretty much. Dick plans to write letters to the parents of the fallen and wounded brothers these days. It's not an easy task; it will be painstaking. But despite that, I still plan to accompany him. After all, he's not a civilian officer, and I'm best at this. I need to help him keep an eye on things."
"Are you sure you haven't thought about it?" Winters looked at Parks and smiled. "Don't tell me you're also planning to stay here. Go to London with the brothers, maybe you can keep an eye on them."
Parks shrugged and smiled, "Alright, luckily I won a lot of money a few days ago, which is just enough for a wonderful holiday in London. That's what I'll do!" Then he nodded at Winters and was about to leave.
"Reese!" Winters called out to him again.
"What?" Parks stopped. Then he saw Winters walk over.
"Piper and Christenson have returned to the company office from the hospital to report. I told them to find you in First Platoon. You arrange it." Winters said, "They are not new recruits; they will retain their original ranks."
Parks nodded and then took his leave. But Parks couldn't find Piper and Christenson. He was about to give up and set off for London. But then he saw a familiar figure in the camp, White.
"Hey, what are you doing here? Not going to London to have fun?" Parks shouted to him from afar.
"No, I'm waiting for you, Parks!" White walked over to him, then looked at him and smiled. "You know, those guys are the most likely to cause trouble, and I don't want to go looking for trouble with them. How about you? Do you have any plans?"
"Hmm, not for now, but I think I'll still go to London. Those guys, someone needs to keep an eye on them so they don't get out of hand." Parks looked at White and said, "Together? We'll go to London together. Anyway, you don't have anything to do!"
"That's exactly what I was thinking, Parks! I'm actually here waiting for you to say that!" White suddenly laughed happily. "You know, I still prefer to be with you."
Parks smiled. He knew what White meant, and he knew White was specifically waiting for him here. In fact, besides maintaining a good relationship with officers like Winters, his relationship with White was the best among the soldiers.
"Alright, pack up. We're ready to go!" Parks patted White's shoulder. "Let's go experience life in London, and the girls there, and of course, London's fine wine!"
Even during the war, life in London was vibrant, especially now. Since the Normandy landings, the aerial threat from the German military had largely been eliminated, and people's lives had returned to normal.
The 101st Airborne Division was the first army to return to England since the Normandy landings. Especially since they had performed exceptionally well in Normandy, London newspapers were publishing their heroic deeds. Winters and those who received the Cross Medal were even praised by the media as the most outstanding soldiers.
Of course, Parks and his commando unit became media darlings. Although they did not receive the Cross Medal, their deeds spread quickly and became idols for many young people in London.
Such praise made the brothers of Easy Company enjoy it very much, and they were indeed treated favorably by the Londoners.
Guarnere was in a bar, holding a glass and bragging profusely to Toy about the preferential treatment he received. He carefully straightened Toy's collar and said, "You have to wear your uniform smartly, so the English can tell you're from the 101st Airborne Division, you know? When I first arrived in London, as soon as I got off the car, a girl hugged and kissed me. She even invited me to her house."
"Don't say that, Guarnere, I don't care about any of that. You know it's been like this basically every day, being hugged by girls, then invited for drinks and stuff. There's nothing to brag about." Toy chuckled, then snapped his fingers at the waiter. "Two more beers!"
At this moment, a voice came from nearby: "Young men, are you warriors of the 101st Airborne Division?"
The two turned around and saw a middle-aged British man, who was smiling at them.
"Yes, how did you know?" Toy chuckled.
"Well, I saw the eagle," the man said with a smile. "Everyone in London is talking about you now. You are truly remarkable, and we are very grateful for your bravery and skill in battle."
"Thank you!" Guarnere nodded. "Actually, there's nothing to show off about. We are indeed from the 101st Airborne Division, Easy Company."
"Easy Company?" The man suddenly looked very happy, then extended his hand and shook hands with both of them, saying, "I've heard about your deeds, they're truly amazing. You single-handedly held the Carrington defense line and made a great contribution."
"Yes, yes! We fought very hard against the Germans!" Someone praising their company like this made Guarnere and Toy very happy. They kept agreeing with the middle-aged man, and just as they were about to extensively publicize their company's heroic deeds, they heard the middle-aged man say again: "I heard that your company has a commando unit that successfully rescued hundreds of prisoners of war and even killed a German colonel. I really hope to meet them!"
Guarnere and Toy exchanged glances, then smiled, "Sir, we are two of those commandos! We are very pleased by your praise!"
"Oh, I'm so glad to see you all!" The middle-aged man smiled and said, "My name is McCullum, a reporter for The Washington Star. To be honest, I've been following you all. Especially Easy Company, which has left a very deep impression on me. And the achievements of your commando unit can definitely make you heroes of America."
"Really?" Guarnere laughed, "That's great. To be honest, the commandos really did unimaginable work. Thinking back to those days, it was truly unbearable yet unforgettable."
McCullum smiled at the two of them and said, "May I sit down? Since we're talking about your commando unit, do you mind if I ask a few questions? You know, I can write about your deeds in the newspaper for all of America to read. In fact, your deeds are already known throughout America, I just want to write in more detail, so that the public's impression of you will be deeper."
"That's a good idea!" Guarnere nodded quickly, then pulled out an empty chair beside him and said, "Please sit down, Mr. McCullum. I hope I haven't taken up your valuable time. All right, what do you want to know?"
McCullum sat down and then ordered three more beers: "Please drink, it's on me, this is my respect for you! Please don't refuse me, otherwise I will regret this encounter!"
"No, no, of course, we'd love to!" Guarnere nodded quickly.
At this moment, Toy, who had been sitting silently beside Guarnere, gently touched Guarnere with his hand and whispered in his ear, "Do you think this guy is trustworthy? Don't fall into his trap. I don't have a good impression of reporters. I heard Parks lost the opportunity to get the Cross Medal because of a reporter." In fact, they had no idea that the reporter who caused Parks to lose the medal was the very guy sitting in front of them.
Guarnere quickly whispered, "It's okay, this guy seems friendly. Besides, it's an interview about our commandos' deeds, what could be more honorable than that? Don't worry, Joe!"
Toy had no choice but to shrug his shoulders, then decided to remain silent and let Guarnere speak freely.
"Hmm, can I start asking questions now?" McCullum had been smiling as he watched the two of them whispering. He took out his notebook and pen, then said to the two, "If you don't mind, I hope both of you can accept my interview!"
"No, no, just ask him, what I know, he also knows!" Toy didn't want to get involved at all.
"All right! What do you want to ask, Mr. McCullum!" Guarnere said seriously to McCullum.
McCullum nodded and said, "First, a question about your commando leader, Private Perks."
"It's Lieutenant, sir!" Guarnere corrected him, "He has already been promoted to Lieutenant."
McCullum nodded and smiled, "Lieutenant? Congratulations on his promotion. So, as the commando leader who commanded that rescue operation, what is your evaluation of him? Or, were there any problems with his command?"
Guarnere frowned slightly upon hearing this. He looked at McCullum and then said, "Sir, are you trying to find fault with Lieutenant Parks? Problems with his command? I really don't know what kind of stupid questions you're asking. He is our leader, and I'm telling you, we are very satisfied with Parks's command and are very willing to follow his orders. If there's another similar operation, I wouldn't even think twice about following him, no matter how dangerous it is."
"Really?" McCullum paused, as if thinking, then nodded and said, "It seems he is a popular commander, very good, really very good. Second question!"
"Hurry up, Mr. McCullum!" Guarnere was clearly losing his patience, "We're planning to find some other fun."
McCullum seemed to notice his impatience, so he quickly nodded and said, "All right, the second question is, is Lieutenant Parks strict with his subordinates normally? I mean regarding military discipline."
"Do you really want to know?" Guarnere was fuming.
"Yes, I want to know, it's very important!" McCullum nodded, "You can tell the truth, don't worry, I'll keep it a secret, and I'll definitely not let Lieutenant Parks know that you said it."
"All right, I'll tell you, Lieutenant Parks is excellent, and the brothers all love him, there are no problems with him at all!" Guarnere then picked up his glass and stood up, "Before I lose my temper, you'd better disappear from my sight, otherwise this drink will be splashed on your face, you choose!"
McCullum's face turned beet red. He stood up angrily and said to Guarnere, "Good, very good. Although you are heroes now, I will keep an eye on you!" With that, he left the bar somewhat awkwardly.
"Get lost, you scum!" Guarnere shouted loudly at his retreating back, then laughed and downed a full glass of beer in his hand, "Thanks for the beer, you bastard!"
"You've gotten yourself into trouble!" Toy shook his head from the side, "It's obvious this guy was looking for trouble, and specifically looking for trouble with the leader. Now you've angered him, I don't know how he'll portray the leader in the newspaper!"
Guarnere, upon hearing this, annoyedly patted his head and then laughed, "I hope the leader won't blame me when he finds out!"
"Forget it, it's nothing big, just like a fly, just shoo it away!" Toy patted Guarnere's shoulder, "We didn't come all the way to London to get angry with this guy. Look at the girls here in London! Now it's time for us to relax."
"You're right, now it's time to relax!" Guarnere looked around, then he saw a single, elegant girl sitting in a corner drinking. "I think I'll have to excuse myself for a moment!"
"All right, all right! I still need another drink!" Toy let Guarnere pass by him, then raised his hand and shouted loudly, "Beer, another beer!" Then he winked at Guarnere.
Foamy beer was brought to Toy again. He had only taken a few sips when he heard a loud noise from the bar, followed by the sound of breaking glasses and bottles.
"Guarnere!" It came from the corner where Guarnere had just gone. Toy shouted, and saw Guarnere stumbling backward, then falling onto the ground. Two big men rushed out from the corner, their fists swinging at Guarnere again.
"Damn it!" Toy yelled, then grabbed the glass from the table and threw it at one of the big men, hitting him on the head. Immediately after, he lunged towards them.
"Don't move, don't move, Toy!" Guarnere reached out to stop Toy, then shouted at the big man, "It has nothing to do with my friend, come on, let's fight again!"
With a "bang," he took another punch to the face, sending him staggering again.
"Bastard!" Toy couldn't hold back and kicked the guy who had just thrown the punch in the groin. The guy howled and squatted on the ground, unconscious.
"Guys, don't let these two soldiers get away." Someone shouted at this time, and more and more people gathered on the big man's side.
"Run, buddy!" Guarnere grabbed Toy and ran out of the bar, flipping over several tables near the door to try and block the guys.
"Hurry, hurry, Guarnere!" Toy saw a group of guys with wooden sticks and chains chasing after them, and quickly ran with Guarnere towards the street corner.
But they didn't know the way. After a few turns, they ran into a dead end of the street, then looked at the gradually approaching group of big men. The leader had a triumphant smile on his face, holding a thick wooden stick.
"Joe, it looks like we're going to be killed by the British, this is so f***ing frustrating." Guarnere shook his head with a bitter smile.
"What the hell did you do in there?" Toy said to Guarnere, "Did you rape that woman? They're trying to kill you!"
"No, I just said I wanted to sleep with her, and I even paid her 50 dollars. God knows, these bastards just grabbed me and wanted to beat me up!" Guarnere said helplessly.
Toy shrugged his shoulders. He took two steps forward and faced the group, saying, "Hey, guys, this might be a misunderstanding. As you can see, we are soldiers of the America Airborne Division, heroes who saved the British. For that, let's just let it go." As he spoke, he showed his arm patch embroidered with an eagle.
"No, not even if your General Taylor came!" The leader didn't buy it. He snorted, "There's no rule that says Americans are exempt from punishment for harassing decent women. You can even report it to Churchill, it won't matter! Unless one of you lets me break a leg, I'll let you go."
Toy's face was grim. He stepped back and said to Guarnere with a bitter smile, "Do you think we can fight five of them? They have ten people now."
Guarnere shook his head, smiling bitterly, "No."
The leading big man said, "All right, no more nonsense, buddy, I respect you as American soldiers, this is my minimum. If it were locals, I'd leave them dead in the street."
"It's over!" Guarnere and Toy had this thought simultaneously.
"That won't do, we're also American soldiers, do we also have to break a leg?" At this moment, a voice came from behind the group of big men, speaking slowly but powerfully.
"Lieutenant!" Guarnere exclaimed with delight.
Behind him were Parks and White. The group of big men turned around, glaring at these two uninvited guests.
"I advise you to mind your own business, otherwise you'll be crippled too!" The leader shouted again.
White watched them with a grin. He knew Parks's capabilities; when it came to fighting, Parks had easily taken down several big men in a bar in Taccoa.
"Don't provoke our Lieutenant, or you'll regret it!" White chuckled, "I advise you to leave quickly."
"Shut your stinking mouth!" The leading big man waved his hand, and four guys immediately swung their wooden sticks and fiercely rushed towards Parks and the others.
Parks had no good feelings for such guys, and he showed no mercy.
As the first big man in front raised his wooden stick high, Parks's fist had already struck his ribs.
Then a slight "crack" sound was heard, and the big man painfully clutched his chest and fell to the ground; his ribs were broken.
Another big man's stick brushed past Parks's hair, creating a gust of wind, as Parks lowered his head.
But Parks's foot had already kicked his shinbone, also making a "crack" sound, and the guy fell sideways to the ground, howling while clutching his leg.
There was no need to be polite to such guys.
The third one, as Parks turned, flashed behind him and brought his stick down hard on Parks's head, which made Guarnere and the others, who were standing not far away and had just reacted, cry out in alarm.
Parks's sidestep was very fast, and the stick almost brushed his arm as it swung down.
Parks spun around, locked the man's neck with a reverse grip, and threw him headfirst to the ground, his head making a dull thud against the concrete, leaving him with a bloody scalp and unconscious.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, the fourth guy tried to retreat.
Parks couldn't let him go; he picked up the wooden stick the previous man had dropped and threw it with all his might at the retreating man's back.
"Bang--" With a sound, the guy didn't even utter a sound, falling headfirst to the ground, unconscious.
The wooden stick had hit his head.
Then he passed out.
Close-quarters combat, which Parks was most skilled at, was child's play against these few hooligans.
The entire process took only a few seconds, but the shocking effect achieved was truly unparalleled.
The leader of the big men was already feeling guilty.
His opponent was too terrifying, so much so that he lost the courage to fight back.
Although his side still had six people and the other side only four, seeing how easily and gracefully this guy dealt with four people, he estimated it wouldn't take him long to deal with all six of them, not to mention the other three hadn't even moved yet.
"Who instigated you to do this?" Parks smiled as he looked at these guys, then said to the leading big man, "Don't try to hide it from me; I know you're deliberately looking for trouble.
Now, all of England regards us paratroopers as heroes; besides those with malicious intent, no one would want to pick a fight with us.
Speak up, lest you suffer physical pain."
"I knew they were doing it on purpose!" Guarnere said to Toy beside him, "See, it wasn't me looking for trouble."
Toy shrugged at him, looking indifferent.
"No one instigated us!" The leading big man, seeing Parks approaching, quickly explained, "Hey, let's talk, buddy, there are no problems like you're saying; we just had a little misunderstanding.
Honestly, I truly admire you guys, from the bottom of my heart!"
Parks shook his head and suddenly smiled, "No, no, you're lying.
People who lie usually look flustered, their faces turn red, and they become flustered.
Look at you, you have all of these symptoms now.
Speak up, don't force me to get rough; we are all civilized people!"
"Alright, alright, I know it's not worth fighting for that!" But I only know what he looks like, not who he is.
" The leading big man spread his hands, "A middle-aged man, dressed impeccably like a rich person, and he looked like an Englishman, but he spoke with an American accent, so perhaps he was an American, I don't know.
Brother, that's all I know."
"How much money did he give you?" Parks nodded, staring at the big man.
"One hundred dollars!" The leading big man pulled ten ten-dollar bills from his pocket, "It's all here; take it if you want it.
That guy said to teach those two arrogant kids a lesson, no, no, the Airborne Division brothers!"
"Keep the money; use it to treat your brothers' injuries.
I hit a bit hard; that wasn't my intention.
Take your money and get out of here quickly! Before I change my mind."
Parks spoke casually, but it made those guys lose any thought of resistance.
They quickly carried the big man, who was still groaning in pain on the ground, and scurried away.
"Oh--that was brilliant, Boss, I had no idea you had such amazing skills, God, it was just like Jay Garrick (the first-generation Flash, a famous American comic book hero).
Your movements were so fast, I barely had time to breathe!" Guarnere looked at Parks in surprise, then shook his head and said, "The only difference between him and Flash is a shiny winged helmet."
"I can't believe it!" Toy shook his head, looking at Parks strangely, then asked, "Boss, how did you show up here?"
"It was just a coincidence; Aldbourne and I were also planning to have a drink, but I heard a lot of noise, and then I knew something had happened.
It's also luck!" Parks chuckled, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Guarnere then said fiercely, "It must be that reporter.
What was his name again?"
"McCullum!" Toy added from the side.
"Yes, that guy.
He looked very respectable, but it turns out he's a sinister character."
Guarnere said, then told Parks everything that had happened in the bar.
He said indignantly, "It looks like those bastards were bribed by him, Boss, do you have some grudge with him?
This is outrageous; I bet that guy was behind your medal issue too!"
"Yes, he did it!" Parks nodded, then chuckled, "Alright, guys, what are your plans for today?
Where are we going?
You know, this is my first time in London; are there any new fun things to do?"
"Of course, I'm good at this!" Guarnere chuckled, "Boss, this time you have to listen to me to find the fun."
He then nodded to them and said, "Follow me, guys!"
Guarnere was indeed an expert in this area, and soon they found several beautiful girls in a new bar, and after hearing that Parks and his companions were Airborne Division heroes and commandos, they each booked rooms in the hotel.
After a night of revelry, the sun shone into the small hotel room.
When Parks woke up, the beautiful woman was nestled in his arm.
Seeing her in daylight and at night offered a different kind of charm.
Despite it being a performance for pleasure, Parks was still tempted by the woman's alluring figure, and he embraced her tightly once again.
The woman then let out a moaning sound like a dream, though she had actually been awake for a while.
"What's your name?" After a "tough battle," Parks looked at the extremely charming and satisfied woman, lit a cigarette, blew a puff of smoke onto her face, and chuckled.
"Jennifer." The woman's pale arms wrapped around Parks's body, and she added, "Jennifer Luz.
And you?
American warrior, your energy is truly abundant, no wonder the Germans collapsed before you."
"Parks!" Parks simply said.
One-night stands like this were happening in many hotels in London, England, last night.
The brothers of Easy Company were heroes in the eyes of Londoners, and heroes could easily win the favor of girls.
Parks left the woman, who was still somewhat reluctant to let him go, then got dressed and said to Luz, "Alright, Miss, I've already paid for the hotel, and I've also had them prepare a rich breakfast for you.
I have to go; last night was truly wonderful.
Goodbye, Miss!"
Watching Parks gentleman ly close the hotel door, Luz couldn't help but throw the pillow at the door and angrily muttered, "Damn American, heartless."
The Americans seeking pleasure in London were indeed heartless.
The next day, many newspapers were filled with reports of the scandalous affairs and brawls involving the heroic Americans in London.
Parks found Guarnere, Toy, and Aldbourne, and it was clear that all three of them had also had a very good night.
They gathered in the hotel restaurant, eating breakfast together.
"The girls in London are really enthusiastic!" Aldbourne seemed to be still savoring the experience, and his words clearly made the others laugh.
And for them, the wonderful holiday had only just begun.
"Hmm, I really don't want to spoil your fun, but I have to go back today." Parks smiled at them.
"What?" Aldbourne looked at Parks in surprise, "Oh, please, Parks, we've only just started.
Are you going to Aldbourne?
I'm fed up with the monotonous life in that military camp.
Look here, and last night's romantic encounter."
"No, Aldbourne, Guarnere is good at this kind of thing, don't worry about having fun; I believe Guarnere will arrange everything very well." Parks nodded, then stood up and smiled, "Alright, guys, it's time to say goodbye.
We'll see each other in Aldbourne."
"Alright, Boss, since you insist on leaving, then we'll stay here and enjoy this wonderful life for you!" Guarnere chuckled, "I'm a ladies' man!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Parks parted ways with Aldbourne and the others, strolled around the streets of London for a bit, and then sent a telegram to Virginia at the telegraph office, asking her to help investigate McCullum, the reporter who wouldn't leave him alone.
He wanted to see why he was giving him trouble.
Along the way, many Londoners cast respectful glances at Parks, regardless of gender or age.
Although the newspapers last night had exposed many reports of the American soldiers' various misdeeds, they believed that these young people, having just escaped the battlefield, needed to vent, and it was understandable.
If they had known that this situation would escalate in the following days, they probably wouldn't have thought that way.
Parks got on a tram, then watched the scenery outside the window moving backward.
He gradually fell into a hallucination: the whistling of shells, explosions, the sounds of various firearms, loud shouts, and helpless wails when people were hit.
The faces of the brothers who had sacrificed themselves on the battlefield appeared vaguely before him, as if they were normal, smiling at Parks, then shouting loudly at him: "Lieutenant Parks!" But in a trance, they turned into the faces of beautiful girls, and their naked, pale bodies.
"Sir, we've arrived at the station!" a voice sounded in his ear.
Parks woke up from his trance, then saw a girl's face smiling at him, "Where are you going?"
Parks quickly said, "I'm sorry, I missed my stop.
How far is it from here to the train station?"
"Is this your first time in London?" The girl smiled and said, "It's about two more stops.
Get off here, then walk back about two hundred meters, turn right, walk another hundred meters, turn again, and then go straight, and you'll be there! Would you like me to take you there?"
"No, no, thank you!" Parks smiled at the girl, then got off the tram.
He heard the girl say behind him, "I know about you guys; the newspapers reported it, sir, you are truly brave, you are heroes!"