Ch1:

Mark tossed over in his bed. The room was stuffy as the fire had burned longer than
intended. He looked over at Emily sleeping next to him. Sitting up in his bed without waking her
was hard, but getting out was even harder. However, he managed to do it. He had always been
quiet and quick and it still payed off after many years of escaping the local bullies. Walking over
to the window he reached out and opened it. There was a slight wind outside and he raised his
head and opened his mouth. The air was so beautiful. His thoughts were disturbed as something
rustled outside the ranches boundaries. His neighbour Nicholas had warned him to keep a
lookout for strangers and to not let anyone sneak up on his house through the side of Marks
ranch. He had acquiescence to shoot if unanswered in a challenge. Australia had sent five spies
into Germany to await the outcome of what was being called a diplomatic misunderstanding.
(This is a true fact. Australia did really send five spies into Germany just before the start of the
war and none were ever discovered until they were recalled after the war). One of them was
Nicholas brother and as he had told Nick Knowing Germany there will be several visits to your
ranch before Im home. Reaching for his gun, Mark calculated the distance. He could shoot the
eye out of a bandicoot 200 metres away and this was well within his range. He lowered his gun
so that it rested just beneath his shoulder and was about to open his mouth when Nicholas
tumbled out of the bushes on one of the setup trip-wires.
Nick, what has happened?
Bad news Mark. Really bad. Its war!
Mark almost dropped his rifle. What about your brother?
I was expecting him tonight and he told me that he was to stay put until further orders.
Same for all the rest. This was his last message to me. There was a break in Nicks voice.
IIm sorry.
No, its them thatll be sorry, every last one of them!
Thats no way to talk.
Im gonna enlist for my brother and kill kill KILL!
No, you are not. A good soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but
because he loves what is behind him. Now you go home and get some sleep. When you feel
better come over again and well talk.
Nick had calmed down a little. O.K. and he staggered off into lifting fog.
Mark sank back down into his bed and covered his face in his hands. Is this world going
insane or is this what they call progress? he asked himself. Then he turned around. Emily Im
sorry I forgot you were there. He looked at her more closely. Why are you were you um
Emily? Oh no. She leant over and buried her head.
W Will you go away? she sobbed lifting her head.
A tearing ripped across his heart. I dont know, he managed to say. But they both knew
what he really meant.


Ch2:
I think a good breakfast was just what you needed Nick, laughed Mark with a carefree
attitude he suddenly felt really far from.
My mind is still made up though.
Bout what?
His expression hardened, Now dont try to talk me out of it. Ive thought it out and its
what I want to do to avenge...
Mark cut him short, Avenge someone who hasnt died yet. Wheres the sense in that? I
think you mean to enlist to fight that which would endanger and possibly kill your brother.
Nicks head slowly sank down to his hands and after several minutes it emerged and
asked the question Mark had been dreading. Will you come with me?
Mark looked over at his wife. She looked straight back and he could feel the emotional
struggle inside her. He held his breath. She nodded. He let his breath out and she disappeared
into the kitchen her face in her hands. Yes.
I You will?
Yes.
I thank you and I already enquired about enlisting. It is on now that the war has been
declared but unless we wait several months we wont be written on an Australian battalion.
Mark, I dont intend to wait. The British are grabbing every man they can get their hands on and
are looking for men like myself for the special ops.
Mark rose from his chair. You know what the special operations will be; assassinations,
spying, suicide missions, and bombing.
Nevertheless I still intend to enlist so now I ask again. Will you come with me?
This time it was Marks turn to sink his face into his hands.
Nick stood there for a long time but still no answer would come from Mark. He turned to
go.
Yes.
Whats that?
You heard and I hope youre happy now Nicholas. Mark rushed upstairs to his
bedroom and Nicholas left the house quenched and feeling ashamed.


Ch3:
Emily dried her eyes with her apron and walked back into the dining room ready to face
her husband again. Neither men were there. She saw Nicholas walking back over to his ranch
and wondered where Mark was. Ill try the bedroom, she thought. As she walked the steps she
knew what she had done was the right thing and that she should be proud of her husband who
was willing to possibly sacrifice his life for the people and the country he loved. She knocked on
the door hesitantly. It didnt open. She turned the knob and walked in. Mark was standing at the
window with his hands behind his back and although she couldnt see his face, she immediately
guessed a negative expression. She opened her mouth to ask a question but he cut her short.
He asked me to follow him.
Is that an accusation?
He asked me to follow him to the special ops corps?
Is that a question?
He turned round, his face streaked with tears and set wretchedly hard. Yes, and I await
your answer. Em, tell me what Im meant to do. I cant tell myself because Im not yet fully part
of you.
What?
Two months is hardly enough time to know you, to be married, or to love someone
before going to war. Two months, Emily, two months. One more and Ill be killing men, saving
others, and wreaking havoc and destruction. I think of you and what would you do without me.
Then I think of the men Im bound to kill. What would their wives do? How will they survive?
How could I live with myself? And then what would you do if I were killed? War is a terrible
thing as are the men who create and delight in it.
Oh Mark, she cried, sobbing out her words, dont go there. Dont ever go there.
Its like if I go, I will die for when I come back I may or never will be the same man to
you or anyone else. After two months you will never know me again. Two months Emily.
Then Im glad I lived these two months with the best person in the world and then let
him go and save the world.
Im not saving the world, Em. Im one of millions fighting a battle against millions of
other men like myself.
It is men like that that win the war, not the generals in all their high and mightiness. Its
you and the millions of others that make the choice to do right. Not to do it because its your job,
not to do it because you feel a thrill in slaughtering men, but because you made the choice to
give yourself up to a righteous cause and to not forsake the people you loved. If you did stay you
would be dead in my eyes as the man I married would do the right thing and go and fight. Go and
fight, Mark, and you will have died better than anyone could. You and those millions.
Ch4:
You get put where youre told Mr. Gregson and thats that.
But I want to enter the special branch, not be a common grounds man. I want to offer
my life in the services of England and her allies, Nick blurted out.
Y know mate I never heard such a load of rubbish in my time. Your battalion is one o
seven and you just go to the stall over there with the number 107. See? Next!
Excuse me sir I know you arent meant to ask for certain positions.
Thats right.
But could it be possible that I be put in the one o seventh?
Glory almighty mate! Didnt we just both say that we werent meant to ask for certain
positions? Yes we did and the R.A.F.s in need of a couple of simple minded people like you to
fill up seats an all. Youll do. Heres your card with instructions on it. Next!
Wait a second.
The attendant rolled his eyes.
Just what is the R.A.F. anyway?
Royal Air Force, now if you will excuse me.
Mark stared first at the card in his hand then at the attendant who was attending to the
next in line.
I say sir, could you jolly please put me in the rank of a major?
Cant be done sir, said the attendant trying to sound serious.
But I jolly well asked and very nicely too.
Asking doesnt get you everything, mate.
Tut tut it should. Here it says in the Bible ask and you shall receive and you wouldnt
want to disobey that now would you?
The attendant turned pale and started rummaging in his draws after muttering something
unintelligible.



R.A.F. headquarters, please, said Mark to the taxi driver, hoping he knew where it was.
He apparently did as he drove off without question. Ever since they had arrived in London
together Mark and Nick had been sent from desk to desk and everything had been a whirlwind of
clerks, attendants, and grumpy army captains. Not so in the R.A.F. h.q. There sitting at perfectly
polished desk was a sprightly looking middle aged man who was beckoning to him and actually
seemed rather pleased to meet him.
Hello ol chap. R.A.F. card? Let me see. He pored over the card while Mark waited
patiently. Id say squadron 56 over near the lines.
Well you see the problem is I dont even know how to fly.
Neither could any of the other chaps who have been coming in here for Bertie and me
through these past several hours. Dont worry old chap, theyll soon teach you. At least I think
they do before you get airborne anyway.
Mark began to feel sick and turned away after muttering a thank you.
Bye the bye, began the desk clerk putting on his monocle and inspecting his chain
watch. Im off duty just about now and heres Bertie come to take over for me. So why dont you
and me go down to the mess and down a few. In the process Ill teach you how to fly as much as
I can in bar room. Deal?
Deal, answered Mark. Lead on.
In the mess, they ordered a drink each and then sat down at a table polished exactly like
the desk. After he sipped his glass his new friend ventured to introduce himself. Now then old
boy, where were we? Ah yes. My name is Lance Sincrome and I fill in for Bertie the desk clerk
at his lunch break for a little extra money.
Whats your normal job?
Mechanics at the local airdrome, but I get an hour off for my lunch and I come down
here and fill in for Bertie. When the fighting actually starts Ill be assigned to an airdrome most
likely. He finished his drink and wiped his mouth. Now I better be going old bean, but will I
see you around?
Probly not, as I leave tomorrow.
Where to?
Airdrome 56.
Hmm.
You thinking of following?
Maybe. I know how to tweak the circles a little. It just might happen. He rose from his
chair and walked out of the room.
Mark finished his drink and asked directions to a cheap but accommodation worthy hotel.
He walked several blocks before he found it, booked a room, and then began writing a letter to
Emily. His mixed emotions didnt help with that and when he finished it was a tear-stained letter
that he posted.


Ch5:
Two weeks an youll be fighting, sir. The Germans are on the march and have occupied
Holland. The brass hats have put several battalions there to keep em off. That includes fighter
jets. Your lessons start now. Throughout the next week and a half, Mark was kept busy with
learning how to flip, roll, and spin throughout the air while keeping the joystick level. Firing the
tracer bullets in his guns while keeping the plane level proved rather difficult, but he managed.
There was so much to learn with such little time. One thing that really scared him was that
German guns fired faster and more accurately than his spitfires peppers.
After all that, a battalion of men were shipped across in three different carriers, one of
them an aircraft carrier. Halfway through their journey, Mark saw a strange black stick slowly
rise above the water. Then, to his horror, it kept emerging until it almost looked wait, yes it
was a periscope. Uboat! He called out. Immediately the ship went into an ordered chaos. His
flight leader Mac snapped at him and another to follow him to the planes. They took off in a
hurry and scanned the sky. Mark saw a continuing streak of water. He yelled into his mike then
dropped a bomb. The timing was perfect and a loud explosion sounded throughout the air.
Idiot! That was a torpedo, was the response he got.
At least I saved the ship, he thought and then went back to searching the water. There
was no sign of it and so they descended back to the aircraft carrier where Mac came out over to
Mark and told him what a waste it was to drop that bomb.
Tell that to the 750 men on the carrier, was Marks curt reply. Then he turned over his
heel and walked into the mess. Life on a ship was hard, but life in a fighter squadron was going
to be even harder than Marks wildest dreams.



Early rising was one thing Mark had had all his life, unlike some people, but there were
still many things he wasnt used to.
Morning patrol suit up, came Macs sharp order. I know its first day but we dont
want to look sloppy. He produced a map and spread it over the table. Heres where we will be
patrolling, he announced while drawing a long half oval across the middle third of the map.
Look out for the Germans boys. Thats what we are here to do, not to go gallivanting off after
the first enemy plane across the lines. We stay on our side they stay on theirs and no one gets
hurt. Sticking together is the most important. If you see an enemy plane rock your wings instead
of firing. To not let your guns jam fire occasional and youll be O.K. Mark and Anthony you
come with me. Well be back in three hours, boys.
That was the last one of them saw of the rooms and the people in them.
Thick fog coming in, Mac verbalized into his com. Thatll give the boys a bit to chew
on, he thought.
As the fog closed in he looked to see where the other two were. Anthony was near him on
his left. Perhaps a little too near for their own good if a rookie pilot was in a fog. Mark was a
little higher up and further forward on his right. Then he saw it. A green wing with the swastika
on it emerged from its own private cloud of fog and before Mac had completed his turn, the
plane had put a string of black lead into the plane and pilot. The plane went down in flames
leaving Mac and Mark against a force of Huns. They knew not where they were or how high
either. Better run for it, he assumed and looked to find Mark. To his horror he wasnt there
either. Suddenly a burst of tracer went right by him. He caught a glimpse of a silver flash. Its
Mark, he thought joyfully. He threw his plane into a spin and started climbing. Just in time as a
green plane which definitely wasnt Marks screamed down in flames just where he had been.
Counting the spins he timed it and threw himself into the fray. A line of black bullets notched his
wing and he winced with the plane as the shock ran through it. Looking wildly around, he took in
the situation quickly. Seven Huns left and only two to fight them. Alright then, hitting a certain
one of eight is very unlikely so here I go. Holding down the trigger and keeping it down, he
fired in all directions. Mark screamed past him with two on his tail. Mac fired at one of them, but
missed, then turned to meet several Huns that were regrouping. Still holding the trigger down he
faced them with his plane. For thirty seconds they remained where they were. Then one exploded
from a lucky shot and the two next to burst into flames and began plummeting down. If Mark
can handle his two and I mine, we can do this now, he thought but it was one without much
hope. Two against four was worse than two against the recently halved eight. He fired at one but
missed and immediately after the three planes entangled themselves each hoping for lucky
manoeuvre.
To Mark, a short burst of gunnery could have been either of the other two warming their
guns, but he still shifted in his Spitfire just to make sure. Im gonna get a crick in the neck Im
doing this so often, he thought. Then he saw something that would remain in his mind for all
time like it did for all pilots who witnessed their first killing. The last he could remember before
finding himself in the middle of an air battle was a rage so great he recoiled at the person within
him in complete and utter terror. Awaking to find yourself in front of two hounding Huns wasnt
the best thing to wake up to but pure instinct and training took over. Never go down when a
plane is on your tail. Youll be a sitting duck, his mentor had told him. A short burst erupted
above him. Theyre trying to force you into a panic dive, he thought. He thrust down the
joystick then suddenly pulled it up into his chest. The plane nearly stalled but held after several
sputters and he turned as quickly as he could. They lined up in his sights and he timed the action
perfectly. One burst into flames but the other dodged after taking several bullets that did no
harm. In one swift movement the pilot wept under him, back up and started a steep ascent. Not
good, Mark thought. What do I do? The brainwave came in half a precious second.
Mac had managed to shoot down the two opposing planes and turned to see Mark with a
Hun climbing up behind him. Mark look out! He yelled not realising or caring that he couldnt
hear. But Mark seemed to have thought everything out. He banked the plane up as high as he
could. This time as he intended it to it stalled and began to fall backwards. The climbing German
came into his sights just after the plane stalled. A glittering stream of tracer buried itself into the
plane and it became a fiery inferno as it plunged toward the earth. Mac watched in horror as
Marks plane followed it.
Towards the lower ground the fog was clearing and Mark gasped as he saw the
countryside. It was like emerging from the water and noticing things for the first time. Then he
realised he was still falling with a stalled engine. He hit every button and lever he could see and
the plane began levelling out. Then he hit the ground. The impact was tremendous but not
devastating at least not to the plane he hoped as ten to twenty soldiers began running towards
him. The leading one had a swastika armband! He needed to get out. He started up the plane and
immediately stopped it. A lone figure was stumbling ahead of the soldiers. Dodging in and out of
the trees to avoid bullets and calling to him at the same time. Must have been blown behind the
lines, he thought. The figure reached the clearing and Mark opened the cockpit overtop. On the
wing! he called and started the plane. Reaching the plane before it picked up speed was it
seemed all the man could do to save himself. He appeared exhausted as he grabbed the wing.
Seconds later they took off and Mark saw the man heave a great sigh of relief which quickly
turned into a look of alarm. Mark knew what it was before he saw the mans frightened face.
Three sudden flashes and three shadows along the ground had told him the bad news.
Furthermore the shadows were moving much faster than he was. He looked at the fugitive,
nodded, and handed him his very pistol. The man grinned, turned around on the wing, and fired.
The three pilots had a huge shock as a coloured bullet raced towards them. It went through the
top of one of the planes and found the pilot right between the eyes. His plane plunged down to
the fields below. Mark gave the man the thumbs up and in return the man grinned again and
exaggeratingly cocked the very pistol for another discharge. But the pilots were ready this time
and it missed them. Not so for the glittering stream of tracer that poured itself into the second
plane. Good old Mac, thought Mark. The third immediately turned around and headed for
home as they had just crossed the lines.
A large crowd gathered around the two very overdue planes and the celebration was
stupendous. But most surprising of all was the mechanic. I say old boy. Bad show what. Looks
like you ran into a spot of bother. Shes a complete write off.
Lance!
In the flesh, old bean. I came down early. A life of tea and crumpets was to slow for me.
And who is this delightful chap?
The man Mark had rescued had just walked up. Its Tom and Im from the states, he
answered as he shook their hands.
O the states. Impartial arent they.
Yes sir, but I couldnt wait so I joined. And um?
Mark.
Mark, I would like to thank you for saving my life. I escaped from a prison after my
regiment was captured. I wouldnt have made it to the lines cept for you.
Ah well, alls well that ends well. Now old chaps how bout a drink to celebrate?


Ch6:
Bout my life? Not much t tell. I was born in America, raised in America, and my father
is a tradesman in America. Yourself?
Same ceptin my Father was a ranch owner and I come from Australia not America.
They were interrupted by another pilot rapping their table.
But zis is a merry gathering no? May I join and teach you all how to play whist?
Mark replied, Sure you can teach them. I already know how.
But zis is terrific, is it not? And so for the next hour and a bit they played. The contest
very even as there were two experienced and two inexperienced until What number airdrome
is this?
Whoa Tom, whats the matter?
Answer my question, Tom snapped.
56, old boy.
Thought so. Do you have a commander general thingy in here?
Major Cromwell.
Where would he be?
In his office.
Take me to him. Now!
Alright, alright. Calm down.



The major got up and walked to the map hanging on the wall and studied it for a moment.
If what you said is true and Im not going to disbelieve you as I dont want this airdrome blown
to bits. The Germans are going to bomb this one and will therefore split us down the middle.
Cunning actually, as were are in the middle. Quite cunning. How many planes?
Fifteen sir.
And just how again did you hear of this?
I overheard it sir on my way out of the barracks.
Right. Well then, lets get started.



High in the air, twenty planes noiselessly gilded about in a large circle. Suddenly the
Frenchman who had introduced himself to them at the mess rocked his wings. The motion was
picked up by all twenty planes as everyone waited for the right moment. It came and suddenly
fifteen Germans found themselves surrounded. There wasnt one attempt at a fight. Their leader
fired a very pistol to show his surrender and fifteen planes with fifteen men were sent to the
Generals quarters several miles further inland.
The next morning the General came to the airdrome to commend the Major who
modestly protested that it was the American who had found the information behind enemy lines
while it was the Australian who had rescued him from the behinds. The General found them
seated in the mess playing whist after the morning patrol. Pulling a chair out from an
unoccupied table he sat down and introduced himself. After the round of hands to shake the
major praised them all especially Mark and Tom. He told them one more special act like this and
hed upgrade them. He then ordered five drinks, drank a toast to England and her allies, then left
to attend to whatever a General has to do.


Ch7:



Youve read it several times already, Tom.
Yeah but I was thinkin.
Mark cocked an eyebrow.
They dont make the attempt on my life that you stopped big enough. It needs more
mentioning.
Nah its O.K. how it is.
It takes a lot of courage to jump in front of a bullet Mark. Id like to thank you again.
Anyone would have done it, besides I griped all the way back over.
You cant be blamed for that though. The doctors pronounced you lucky enough to
escape infection as it was.
Mark and Tom turned their heads together as Montgyremy (Monty) Listolio, the
Frenchman, rushed up on deck. Boyz the General isss on now and requests your prezence.
Both of them rushed down the hatchway with Monty. Ah Mark. Thats you isnt it
coming down the hatchway?
Yessir.
Good. I cant waste much time on this call as Id like. Its encoded though so say
anything you like. Now are we all here?
Yessir.
Good show. Now first of all, Mark I am placing you in charge of this mission that Tom
threw on us. The Germans are going to mass produce U-boats covered with a thin ice substance
which unnerves, distracts, and escapes radars. If we destroy their trial run, the investor will drop
out and it will be lost on Hitler. The trial run is now activated in these waters and will be on the
prowl. You must destroy it. Any questions?
Yessir. If the submarine is destroyed what happens then for the investor?
Probably Russia.
I take it you dont want that to happen either?
We wouldnt prefer it.
Is permission granted then to follow any likely leads that will enable us to put a
complete stop to this whole scenario?
Permission granted but I dont think you will find anything. I must dismiss you now.
Goodbye and good luck.



The soldier stared at the radar not believing his eyes. He rubbed them and forced himself
to accept the truth. Dashing out to the deck of the aircraft carrier he looked wildly around and
found Mark. Mark sir, the radar screen shows the exact readings that Monty, begging your
pardon sir, estimated. The readings are perfect.
This is the moment we have been waiting for. Here Mark raised his voice for all to
hear. All know their duty and are expected to do their duty. Boson, call all hands. We are
ready.
I must congratulate you Monty. The estimations were the perfection of perfect. You
have been exceedingly helpful.
Tom over the other side was scanning the cast expanse of ocean. Mark, I think this is it.
All four rushed over to the edge where Tom was. Mark snatched the telescope and trained
it on the faint object. A white stick was slightly above the water and below it and the water Mark
thought the bulky object could be a periscope. He handed the periscope to Lance. See what you
think, and to the boson, run down the hatchway to the control rooms and see whether it is
moving or not.
Aye aye sir. Half a minute later he came back. Only shifting slightly, which is
probably the waves sir.
Very well boson. Sign the officer of the watch to keep his eyes on it until we reach it in
several hours.
Very good sir.

Ch8:
170 miles off the Baltic coast. Will investigate luminous object, wrote Mark at dusk. The
white stick had started glowing just like the fishermen he had questioned said it would. All men
were at their action stations with no lights to the outside so the ship was completely visible to the
naked eye or a periscope for that matter. If I were captain of so valuable a ship I would never
leave it lying above water unless unless I wanted to attract something. But why? A destroyer
or aircraft carrier could outdo a submarine. Of course, a single torpedo could sink the ship but
this certain ship was rather hard to hit from a vertical angle. A vertical? Oh no, not good. To their
left and right there was a vast expanse of ocean with plenty of room for a submarine. Weve
walked right into their trap. That object were investigating is probably just a stick coated in the
stuff used on the U-boat. Weve walked right into their trap so we better activate it! He jumped
out of his chair and dashed out of his door which caused him to immediately be shushed by the
captain. Captain Welters, Ive been a fool. That is a stupid stick, while the submarine is on one
of our broadsides waiting to blow us to kingdom come.
The Captain nodded. Let them know where we are. Turn on all lights and have a bit of
gunnery practice on that cursed stick and in the meantime find me Monty and two other pilots.
Very good, sir. I suppose in the commotion you four will take off find the submarine
and bomb it?
Its not so simple as that. The two pilots will take off with us in-between. They will fly
to the stick drop several bombs and wait for me or Monty to fire a light. Whichever side we fire a
light on will be where it is and it will probably mean several torpedoes coming your way. You
are of course to dodge them and send all available pilots to where we are. Is all this perfectly
clear?
Yessir.
Very well, commander, lets go!
All ands turn on lights and fire away at our target. Then to a man, Get me John David
and Monty.



Several minutes later all the ships gunnery was concentrated on the stick while the ship
itself was travelling rather faster without the weight of four extra planes. Mark looked over
where he was noiselessly gliding. Abruptly a small spark came from underwater. He turned on
his searchlight. There it was just rising from the water. Firing his very pistol he turned his ship in
the direction and let loose three bombs. All three missed and he circled to get a better shot.
Several men climbed out to the tower and started shooting at him so he had to circle again. By
the time he had done so the other three were there and together all four made their way over the
submarine. They let loose all of their bombs and watched as a huge explosion ripped through the
sky. Mark stared there was a ship. A destroyer watching it all. Must be hostile, he thought.
Then firing a round in its direction to let the other three know where he was going he flew in that
direction. In his belt there were two guns and a machine gun lay in the back. His parachute was
as usual strapped to him and he knew the others had all this equipment as well. They glided
noiselessly above the destroyer then together they activated their ejector seats. Four white
parachutes showed plainly but they landed before a gun was setup and positioned themselves
behind some boxes. David took a grenade from his belt and chucked it towards the door. It
exploded and several men popped out. Unsure of where to shoot. Then one man saw them and let
loose a volley of bullets and curses. They all fired back. But with their pistols not their machine
guns.
Five bullets for five men was good. Now to investigate the ship, Mark whispered. All
four crept silently towards the door. A round of bullets met them and they found cover at the
doorway.
Vaiting for us instead of vice versa, Monty whispered as he took a grenade out of his
belt pulled the pin and threw it down the hatchway. John dashed from one side of the doorway to
the other. Not a single bullet greeted him. He nodded at Mark who nodded back and proceeded
down the stairs. They came to three doors. One of them undoubtedly the Captains room. All of a
sudden the door handle wobbled and turned. The Captain stormed out into the four nozzles of
death. None shot but Monty addressed him in German. You must be wondering what has
happened to your ship Capitan? We are now in command.
Since when? The Captain growled.
Since we pointed these guns at your head, Captain. Now if you will be kind enough to
give your parole, call all hands, and explain the situation to them, you will be well treated. After
that we want a talk with you. That is all.
The Captain quivered and nodded and the other four heaved a great sigh of relief.
After all that was done and the crew locked away Mark and the Captain sat down
together. Now Captain, he said in acceptable German, tell me why were you here, who sent
you, and where are they?
The Captain answered him with just what he wanted including an ammunition question
concerning delayed explosives. He went out and told the others. We can pull it off if we all do
our duty, he told them and they nodded. John and David would be entrusted with the boat and
its prisoners while Mark and Monty went sabotaging a certain and unique shed that contained all
blueprints and constructed parts and quite possibly the constructor himself.
In the morning, two shadowy figures left the newly docked destroyer and made their way
several miles inland. Looking about to make sure no one was watching a bulky object was placed
in a wrapped taup and the same happened on the other side. Five minutes later to shadowy
figures were seen running ocean ward when a huge explosion happened. They ran all the faster
as if something had renewed their energy. When they made it to the boat several men on horses
werent far behind and several bullets were fired. None hit their mark and the destroyer sailed off
into the rising sun.


Ch9:
Theyll come after us Mark you know that, reminded John.
Well face that when it comes, returned Mark.
How about now? was the reply as three planes were spotted on the horizon.
Mark dashed over to the large machine gun that was designed to bring down planes. He
turned to John and snapped, Getting home was optional. We completed our mission with bonus
points but I still want to get home as much as you do.
John nodded but he knew the outcome in his heart just as the others did.
Mark took aim and fired a long burst. One of the planes flamed up and fell down. The
other two flew over but their bombs missed. They circled and came again but Mark hit one
which spoiled its aim although it righted itself after the pass. The other aimed badly again and
missed. Then Monty called out, Two more planez coming the other vay! So there was no way
out. They were going to die but like he had promised Emily he would die before the war killed
him.



As daylight approached, Captain Welters telescope trained a lone destroyer. The planes
are nowhere in sight. Our only lead is this here which doesnt happen to be here but rather far
away and making for Germany but we had better chase her all the same, he told Tom and Lance
who had just returned from an air search. In the meantime you can continue searching the
waters for any sign while using this as a moving base.
A whole day later Captain Welters had given them the command to turn around when the
lookout called that a destroyer had been spotted on the larboard side. Tom whipped his telescope
out and trained it on the destroyer. Shes full steam ahead and trying to outrun those three
planes there with the Swastika on their wings and wait. Thats Mark hes manning the gun. Hold
on Mark were coming!
He and Lance dived into their planes and took off after the submarine. One plane went down and
they were nearly there. The Germans circled as they realised that these were enemies. Lance took
one down and shot it to bits and Toms outran them and headed for safety.


Ch10:
Mark and Monty were soon on board the carrier and told their story which was
immediately sent to London. When they returned they were given even more honours than last
time and by the end of the war, Mark was a Major, Tom a sergeant, Monty a flight commander,
and Lance was doing what he loved best: being a mechanic at airdrome 56, of which Monty was
now in command.



Emily dried her hands on her apron and went upstairs to get ready for bed. She was just
about to close the window on the setting sun when she heard a whistle. There was someone
rushing down the hill towards the house. Could it be? After all these years? It was! She would
still know him one hundred years from now. Rushing down the stairs of the house, she smoothed
her hair, took a deep breath, opened the door and rushed out to him. The man in front of her
sprinted faster if that was even possible and rushed towards her. He picked her up and swung her
round then put her down and kissed her.
Oh Mark, I missed you these past years. Are you still the same? Are you still the same
Mark that left me several years ago?
Yes Em, the same one. Ive dreamt about this moment for so long, waiting and praying
for this day. Ive been praying to God for you and me so that we will be the same again. We
were victorious in more than a war. We checked the threats that came to threaten civilisation as
we know it. We in Australia, although so few, are now the best soldiers in the world. We came to
the Isles around Japan and finished what the Americans couldnt. We have more decorated
soldiers than any other nation and we are now a solid nation in the arms of England who has
balanced this world and acceptably kept the world in order. When all else failed in an assault the
commanders would send in Australians and we would complete our orders or die. When I left
you I promised I wouldnt get myself killed. I also promised to not let the person you know die
within me before I myself was physically killed. I had to keep both promises no matter how hard.
So here I am as I was before.
Nicholas is back.
Mark paled and stepped back. I must see him.
He came back on an honourable discharge as his leg was amputated after a shell
exploded near him. He is different as I feared you would be.
Mark nodded and walked away to see his neighbour. I dont even know whether I like
him or hate him, Mark thought to himself. He knocked on the door. A voice told him to come
in. As he came in he saw Nick. But what a different Nick. His face was old and wrinkled, he had
one leg, and was lowering a rifle.
Hallo Mark. Havent heard anything from you for years.
Same and Im sorry about your leg.
Couldnt be helped. Sides, better me than someone else. What do I have to lose?
The door opened and a tall, strong man came in. What about your brother Gerard,
Nick?
Nicks mouth fell open and he stifled a sob. Mark left them, knowing that they would be
too occupied for him. He went back to Emily, to the life he now had to build. He thanked God
that he was more alive inside and outside of himself than he had ever been before. And he prayed
for those less fortunate than him. For those who had died in belief of a safe and free world. For
what they believed was right. Lest we forget.