Enter Stage Right, Exit Stage Left [Liam, Open]

[Sgt. John Walters]

0700 Hours

James had finally woken from the previous night's details. He was sore and was exhausted from the exercises that they had put him and his group through. It was worth it all, though, after all, he had gone through Dunkirk, hadn't he? Pulling himself out of the cold and lifeless mattress, James pulled a normal tan t-shirt over his naked muscular chest, tucked the shirt in, and then soon made up his bed. After inspecting everything around him, James headed out of the barracks and outside to where he pulled out his wallet to stare briefly at a picture of his family. His grandfather Dietrich looked happy in it, but knew back in London, he wasn't. His grandson was in the war and knew the costs of it all.

Putting the wallet back in his back pocket, James leaned up against the bricked wall and simply began to close his eyes. It seemed almost too quiet, even if he was back home -- sure, he hated to hear bullets whistling past and over his head, but to not hear anything, that was the worst punishment of all. Licking his lips, he began to wonder if breakfast was on its way.

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

Lieutenant ‘Commando’ Brentwood eagerly walked along the barrack hall, dressed in his usual uniform wear, the rough tumble gear he’d slope about in around his comrades - nothing fancy, yet it looked quite smart in it’s own. His Red Beret was tilted and adjusted to his scalp, holding together his thick stubborn skull, almost like it’d keep any hostile projectiles away, but sadly, everyone knew a beret wasn’t as good as a helmet. Although, the man wearing it was. The thought cheered Liam somewhat, knowing he was apart of a division mainly hand-selected and trained with survival experts; only thing was, he couldn’t remember how he even got into his predicament in the first place?

As Lieutenant Brentwood left the barrack hall - slowly gathering with rowdy and tired soldiers, Liam couldn’t help but notice someone lonesome lingering nearby? The posture looked somewhat familiar, compared to the face - ironically, but none the less, Liam made it his business to not pass off the offer of bumping into an ol’ chap, as his legs swerved into the general direction of the stationary male and his lips perked up, along with his eyes, almost trying to work out who the man was?

Upon closer inspection, Liam’s breath caught unnoticeably to himself, as a slight cough left his lungs to break way for a new breath of air. “Well I bloody never…!” the Lieutenant said outstandingly towards the chap standing before him, a bright brisk grin on Liam’s face as he stepped closer. “It’s… James, right?” Liam questioned some, before realising - what rank was the male before him!? Pronouncing a higher ranking officer by the first name was unforgivable, so Liam tried not to dwell on the thought too much, as he continued his polite and cheery talk towards the male.

“You don’t remember, do you?” he softly said, giving Lieutenant Lancaster a daring look, still trying to figure out what rank he was? The man didn’t seem to have any lapels or uniform on, just a standard musk shirt and trousers, casual as you’d say? “I’m sure we trained together, way back. Think we was in that… Third infantry division…” Liam said somewhat questioning himself more than the male before him, but it was a long time ago, perhaps before the war? Lieutenant Brentwood wasn’t in the commandos since the beginning of his army career, he too served in the good infantry division for quite sometime - but so much had happened since then, he just wasn’t sure what division it was called?

None the less, Liam nodded towards the male and hoped he could fill in the blank spots, that was until Liam realised he hadn’t introduced himself and suddenly spurt out “Ah, I’m Lieutenant Liam Brentwood, Royal Commandos -- sure you’d remember me better knowing my name”

[Sgt. John Walters]

James' eyes shot over when someone spoke to him. Looking, it was an all too familiar face. Liam Brentwood, or so it appeared to be. Keeping simply quiet, James listened to the soldier to confirm the fact whether or not this was indeed his old friend. As Liam continued speaking, he did confirm the fact of being in the 3rd Infantry with James and this made James chuckle as he stuck out his hand to pat Liam's shoulder roughly.

"God, mate. It is me, James. Boy, are you a sight for sore eyes, Liam. I just got transported here late last night after drills in Lancashire. I'm still a Lieutenant, but if all goes as planned and I survive the next attack, I'm aiming up for the Captain position." James was glad at least he recognized Liam -- majority of these lads James didn't know or they were already with his little company detail.

"I suppose you have likely overheard about one of those last battles in France? I was there with my company that I'm heading now. All of our higher ranking officers got killed with about four others lower ranks in our detail. We were lucky to get out, Liam. God, I hate having to be with my boys sometimes. They're still too cocky, fantasizing about the glories of war. None of them were at Dunkirk and I thank God for that."

Staring away briefly from Liam, James gazed off into the distance. Dunkirk was far away, but still so close, wasn't it? Sighing, he looked back to Liam. "So, what's your story? I'm interested to know all about your journeys, old friend."

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

Liam knew it was James, but he was more worried the old soul didn’t know him. It had been quite a while and Liam wouldn’t blame the male before him for not recognizing him - too many incidents had occurred between now and well, when they were last acquainted. The Royal Commandos division had Liam ploughing all over the Earth, he was strictly under single mission orders, a solo act for now, until higher command saw he was best fit to enlist men of his own, to be a commanding officer of the division himself.

Smiling a little and nodding in gesture to James’s surprised look, the Lieutenant broke his lips to speak “Aye, I see mate. So you’re still in that third division eh? Poor Bugger” he entailed jokingly, giving a discrete wink, that was until Lieutenant Lancaster mentioned one of his last battles in France, how the Battalion lost so many higher ranking Officers and NCOs - Indeed, Liam did hear rumours from the lads about it, but not in detail. “Yeah… I’m pretty sure I heard about that incident. I blame the bloody frogs mate, they’re the bastards that caused Dunkirk” Liam said with hatred towards their neighbouring country, perhaps James didn’t realise, but Liam was in Dunkirk himself.

Giving a slight shrug and grumble to himself, Lieutenant Brentwood gazed back towards the corresponding officer before him, smiling a little at the question. “Ah, not much mate. I’ve been all over the bloody place, I’m apart of the Royal Commandos now, soon enough I’ll be able to establish the thirty AU division of the Royal Commandos. A nice little company of my own - higher command seem impressed with my, solo acts” he said with a grin throughout his boastings speech, giving James a slight Nudge. “If you’re lucky, maybe I’ll put in a good word for ya’” he said cheekily, straightening up his karki shirt a little.

“Oh..!” Lieutenant Brentwood suddenly slipped out, as he remembered something “I forgot to ask ya’ - did you know a Richard? Think he served with you at one point, Lieutenant, short-arse but stubbon” Liam said in a quick sketch of the male he was talking about, wondering if James knew him, as Lieutenant Brentwood stood idle for a moment, awaiting some sort of answer.

[Sgt. John Walters]

"I'm getting out of the 3rd Division soon, Liam. My job is done there with him, or so HQ said. Apparently the plan is to bring replacements to take my place, so I have not a single idea where the devil they want to put me. I'll take my chances elsewhere, that is, if I have to," James replied as Liam teased him slightly about the division. He really did look forward on moving onward away from that infantry troupe, mainly that the boys were getting younger and the older ones kept on dying.

"Yeah, the Frogs really screwed us over in Dunkirk, not to mention that you know, they did it again a few weeks ago. If I could, I'd blast a couple of them and not care if a court marital was presented to me. They deserve to learn what being a Benedict Arnold is all about. AU Division, you said? Congratulations on that and thanks for the charity, but I refuse to be serving under you, Liam. I'd rather serve alongside if I really had to."

When the name Richard came up, James' eyes glimmered slightly, almost as if he was going to cry, but it was more anger than anything. "Yeah, I know him well, Liam, but you know, I haven't seen or heard from the man since our groups got separated after the battle. Reports were saying he went down, but I know Richard. He's hiding to keep himself safe. He'll be back soon enough. He had better be," James replied icily as he stared at Liam. "What do you say to a walk? I need one badly -- my legs are stiff, my head swimming with thoughts and memories, but most of all, my stomach crying out for a cup of tea and maybe a bacon sandwich," James said with a wink as he pulled himself off the wall and began to walk.

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

Lieutenant Lancaster didn’t seem to be as jokingly cheery as he used to be? But what did Liam expect? It’d most likely been a couple of years since their last run into one another, but at least the fellow Lieutenant agreed on the whole French Scenario. More so, Liam was surprised to hear that Lieutenant Lancaster didn’t get any promotions since either - when Liam knew Lieutenant Lancaster, he was a second Lieutenant himself. Perhaps the boys up top had high hopes for James? Liam hoped so, he deserved it.

“It’s not charity I’m offering dear friend, it’s a truce” Liam said a little bitterly, giving a slight smirk, before shrugging and nodding a little towards James. “Anyhow, think you could do with a breath of fresh air. New line of work” the Lieutenant said briskly, knowing the infantry division did get somewhat brutal, seeing as they were the poor souls sent head first into the bloodshed when someone wanted to pick a fight. Alternatively, the Commandos done their business differently.

As Lieutenant Lancaster gave his word on Lieutenant Hunt, Liam deemed to be a little quiet for a brief moment, merely giving a slight nod and “Ah”, knowing the subject was perhaps a little thin-iced to be walking on? “I’m sure he’s… Okay” Liam said softly, as if he was holding something back, but brushed the thoughts off to stand straight himself and buck his feet up beside James who began to take a brisk walk for something to drink and eat perhaps. “Aye, I could do with a cuppa’” Lieutenant Brentwood said happily, licking his lips somewhat subconsciously at the thought of a drink.

“So - Lancaster… What sort of plans do they have for you then? If you say they’re moving you?” Lieutenant Brentwood said curiously, trying to make small talk as they walked along the concrete parade. “Another Infantry division?” he questioned a little further, before grinning to himself and chirping a slight laugh “Let’s hope they don’t stick you out as a supply officer” he said jokingly and teasingly.

[Sgt. John Walters]

"So you would be more than willing to let me be a commander for your troupe? That would be quite interesting, one I'm sure I'll keep in mind, Liam. Sadly, I haven't really heard anything from anyone, especially back form the 130th or 214th Infantry. I suppose if they don't need me there either, I have no bloody idea where I'll be sent," James said rather bitterly as they continued their little walk. James really was waiting to hear from the Royal Scots, mainly the Lancashire Fusiliers most of all. Apparently they needed some new members after the slaughter at Le Paradis. God rest their souls, James thought silently.

"You know, Liam, you could leave the AU's and join up with me along with the Lancashire Fusiliers, that is, if you really wanted to. They are in the 4th Infantry Brigade with the 2nd Infantry Division with the Royal Scots. You heard what happened at Le Paradis, right? Slaughtered our boys like cattle up against a barn."

So, Liam thought that a supply officer would be somewhat worthy of James' time? Scoffing and snickering about it, James shook his head. "No, sire, no. I'll make you be with me if I have to go into that d---ned position. I refuse to be subjected to that sort of treatment," James said, his snicker turning into a hearty laugh. "Coo, Liam, you're one in a million."

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

Giving Lieutenant Lancaster a slight glance, Liam nodded a little, with a vague shrug. “Well, depending whether I get my boys or not just yet, I can’t see why I couldn’t do without a good Officer like yourself to be with” Liam said with a half witted smile, before hearing out James’s words - leaving the Royal Commandos, AU Division. Lieutenant Brentwood couldn’t muster up a smile or smirk for the thought of it, as he beckoned a slight shrug and murmur to say “I’ve worked too hard for this”.

He wasn’t a rifleman, nor an regular infantry man. He lived on the thrills of being someone different within the war? The Commandos had plenty of training for their duties, mustering up the enemy a little with their short skirmishes and carrying out well regulated orders - no other infantry squad would barely be able to accomplish. No, Liam was firm on the thought of staying away from infantry squads, like Lieutenant Lancaster said - the poor boys in Le Paradis got slaughtered, along with many other’s. “Aye, I did hear about that incident, sorry mate, I love my job” he soon entailed after a slight thought.

Breaking a smile from Lancaster’s laugh about his supply officer poke, Liam brushed his hands down his karki uniformed shirt and glanced around vaguely. “Well, soon as you know what they have planned for you - make sure you let me know” Liam firmly said with a slight stern look, before taking the brisk lead and opening door to the main dining hall, where just bouts all the young lads had already gathered for their lunches. “Ladie’s first” Liam said wittily with a grin, holding the door for him.

[Sgt. John Walters]

Was Liam hinting that he could take him in with the AU's? Hmm, that would have to be decided soon enough, James figured. The Lancashire Fusiliers would need him, but if Liam really needed James, he'd try and help him out. "Liam, are you needing me to join your troupe? I mean, the Lancashire Fusiliers do need me somewhat, but if you truly wish for me to be with the AU's, I suppose I could help you out for a few months," James said, scratching the top of his head. God, how he needed a shower. . .

The joking continued as Liam opened the door for him and called James a lady. "One d**n fine lady at that, Li, you remember that," he responded, wagging his finger at the soldier. As they entered, it seemed that a large group of men stared at James. "What is with the glares, mate? Did I do something to them? What is it?" James inquired rather irritably.

He hated to be stared at like this -- it caused goosebumps to appear on his skin and made his personality become bearlike. Wasn't it already bad enough that he'd had blood within him that made his fellow soldiers cringe? God, he hated war.

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

OOC: Sorry it’s short, we can always start a combat thread if you’d find it more amusing to play?

IC:
Grinning a little to himself as James waltzed on by him, into the large commandeering room full of rowdy soldiers eating their morning grub, Lieutenant Brentwood slowly followed suit, watching as James felt the eerie feeling of the men inside the confines of the room glare at him. “I think they’re admiring the damn fine lady - you proclaim to be” Liam said jokingly, patting James on the back with a smirk of good gesture to lighten his mood. “C’mon, let’s grab a seat” Liam soon entailed after his joke, as he slowly made his way over to a somewhat empty table.

“I’d love for to be in the AU James - but just think about it, I’d hate to take such a good officer away from a troupe that needs you” Liam said over his shoulder a little, as he made his way briskly around the table to jitter back a wooden chair, turning the back of it against the table, before planting his bottom down against it and resting his elbows against the back of the chair, almost like a cheeky schoolboy. “Anyway, there’s not much of us in the AU at the moment, it’s more a hand-picked division, invite only” he said boastfully, grinning some whilst he done so.

[Sgt. John Walters]

OOC: Works for me. He needs a battle anyway.

IC: James did smile as Liam attempted the comfort factor towards him. "A lady with a superb taste of grace, if that's what you're getting at, Liam. Nice try, lad," he responded as he chuckled. James followed Liam over to an area where the two quickly sat down to enjoy their meal, whatever it would consist of. Reaching into this pocket to pull out his wallet. Pulling out a small leaflet, James handed it over to Liam.

"You see this? I found it. Not by luck, more like chance. Some dumb Jerry dropped it. If I could, I'd go undercover and find out what's going on. The AU's probably would not be interested in that, would they? More importantly, would they be interested in this document? If so, you know it's going to cost you boys something. My hide was on the line," he stated, his eyes glimmering slightly as if he was going nuts.

James had a plan up his sleeve and knew first hand that if he played his cards right, he'd have himself a new chance at this war. One where sure, he would be in battle, but with a little more. . .initiative.

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

OOC: Okay, well. We can start a combat thread soon. =]

IC:

Liam didn’t dare reply to Lieutenant Lancaster’s verdict on being a graceful lady - sure, the lads dressed up in drag when it came Christmas time or something, for a mere laugh, but James sort of began to over-step the mark a little in Liam’s mind, arousing questions that begged to differ answers. Watching as the Lieutenant pulled out his wallet and handed Liam some sort of Leaflet? Lieutenant Brentwood grasped it eagerly, turning it over somewhat within his grasp to look dumb-found at it.

“Looks like a ticket to the opera?” Liam said beneath his breath, glancing towards James as he mentioned finding it on a Jerry, asking a price for it? “You need your cobbles warming mate, why on Earth would I pay for Kraut Intelligence? This is a war, not the black market” Liam said a little distastefully as he tossed the leaflet back over to James, beginning to wonder whether the Lieutenant’s German blood was getting the better of him? But bit his tongue in asking.

Sighing a little beneath his breath, Liam leaned forwards on his chair a little, running his thumb along his chin slightly. “The AU isn’t a spy division, Lieutenant Lancaster. We’re an Assault Unit, specialists in surviving and being surrounded by Krauts -- if you’re trying to bargain with me, over this, Opera ticket, I’m not your man, Sir” Liam said a little bluntly, giving James a firm stare, not entirely understanding what he was trying to get-at, what he wanted? Nor did Liam understand the meaning of the leaflet, document?

[Sgt. John Walters]

James looked at the leaflet again as it was chucked back at him. So, the AU's were a military ops, not secret, eh? That was understandable, but was it not that everyone was trying to survive in this war? Shaking his head, James read the material again and soon began to laugh silently about it.

Der Ring des Nibelungen was obviously a Wagner opera, James knew that much. After all, word of Hitler adoring the music composer was well known, especially to James' grandfather. What not many people knew (unlike James) was that he had connections and with these connections, he knew things that many did not.

Looking back up to Liam, James smiled. "All right. You win on the AU's matter, but I've got one up on you," he whispered faintly. Looking around the room, James made sure that no one was really listening before he continued. "Sure, this looks like an old opera ticket, leaflet even, but you are quite wrong. Der Ring des Nibelungen is a Wagner opera -- Hitler adores the man. What you all do not get is that Der Ring des Nibelungen is a code name for an operation. Translate the title and you get is 'The Ring Cycle.'"

James felt pleased with himself. "The Jerrys think no one understands German, so they use what they think will not give them away. My grandfather said they did that in the Great War and it worked. Don'cha see, Liam? They are trying to blind side us all. You may think I am losing it. Guess again, mate."

[♔ Liam J. Brentwood]

As Lieutenant Lancaster twisted and churned the leaflet over, seemingly somewhat caught up in his own thoughts about the scrawny piece of paper, Opera ticket, which in actual fact - Liam said sarcastically, not realising it was actually to do with Opera in all honesty, he sat motionless and quiet, watching the fellow Lieutenant become somewhat stewed in his own menace of thought.

Sighing slowly, Liam leant forwards on the chair slightly to slowly nod his head, listening to James intently and curiously for a moment, wondering whether the fellow lieutenant had more behind closed doors than he let on? “Alright, what if Hitler did devise a plan using this… Opera’s title… You know ‘Nought about the operation, who’s running it even - Blimey James, you’re beginning to worry me” Liam said a little concerned, watching the fellow lieutenant quietly, wondering whether the whole Dunkirk Incident affected him more than it did other soldiers - alike himself at the time.

“Lieutenant… I’m beginning to wonder who’s side you’re on, how on Earth would you know all this?” Liam questioned further, giving James a firm stare, knowing the fellow Lieutenant had German blood in him, but didn’t question the side he fought for, until now.

[PuNk! ™]

Moderation Post:

You have both been awarded the following CP; 8CP
This CP has been awarded for displaying a means of understanding to the Word War Two Period.

~Danny