Friday June 16th

I sit in the passenger's seat of the Kubelwagen and pray to God that I will live through this experience. Kurtz sits in the driver's seat and examines the many dials of the dashboard. He jitters barely able to contain his excitement. It is early afternoon and the earth glistens from the rainfall this morning. The sun is set high in the sky and it is extremely humid. The earth works and the roads are still slick. I really didn't want to do this today but the Lieutenant was insistent. He even threatened to make me run laps until I passed out if I didn't comply. I just finished explaining the mechanics of operating the vehicle. This includes: the accelerator, the breaks, the gear shift, the steering wheel and the clutch. I especially emphasized the importance of the brakes. For the love of God, I hope he listened. Obrenski watches on from the relative safety of the gun pit. He chuckles every once in a while at my misfortune, he smiles madly. The Lieutenant pays no attention to my misery as he mans the radio while holding and stroking Otto the cat. He really has become fond of that cat, even letting it stay in his shack with him. Kurtz excitedly interrupts my thoughts,"Franz, can I drive now." "Not yet, remember what I said about the accelerator." Kurtz thinks for a moment, which scares me, before saying almost uncertainly, "Press on it gently?" Oh I am doomed. "Yes, and don't floor it." I say. Kurtz processes that and then asks impatiently,"Can I start it up now?" I swallow hard, is it too late to write my will. "Start it up Kurtz." I say reluctantly. He turns the key in the ignition and the vehicle grumbles to life.

I say nervously,"Alright uh put your foot on the brake." He eagerly steps on the brake pedal. I reluctantly say,"Put it into drive." He fumbles with the gearshift until it groans into gear. The vehicle shudders in response like a horse awaiting commands. I feel so tense, every creak and sound has me on edge. "Ok now take your foot off the brake and gently press on the accelerator." I close my eyes and brace myself as he steps on the gas, the vehicle slowly bumbles forth. I am surprised as I open my eyes, we are barely moving. He took me seriously which is good, but we barely moving. "Uh Kurtz." I say,"You can press a little harder." He seems so concentrated that he did not hear me, he sticks his tongue out of the corner of his mouth. "Kurtz!" I shout. He jumps and slams on the brake and we lurch abruptly forward as the vehicle suddenly stops. The force is enough to make me almost hit the dashboard. I snap," Pay attention!" He whimpers,"Sorry Franz." I straighten myself up and say, "Try it again but this time listen." He sulks, replying,"Ok." I brace myself again but this time he steps on the gas pedal again. This time however he floors it. Oh no. I slam into the seat as we venture forth at high speed faster and faster. We rumble off of the dirt road and onto the grass accelerating at higher and higher speeds. "KURTZ! HIT THE BRAKES!" I shout above the cool wind rushing around us. Instead of doing what was ordered he panics and cuts hard on the steering wheel. I slosh in my seat. We are now racing toward the gun pit. "KURTZ!" I scream,"THE BRAKES! THE BRAKES!" It finally registers and he slams on the brakes. I stop myself from hitting the dashboard. It's too late! We won't stop in time! I'm going to die! Oh God I don't want to die! We slide into the gun pit and crash. Obrenski utters vulgarities as he dives out of the way. The front half of the vehicle is nose down in the trench. The rear half of the vehicle is still up on the earthen rampart out of the trench. I am raised out of my seat and my face slams into the windscreen. My face aches with pain. I see Kurtz rubbing his head from where he must have hit the steering wheel. He looks at me wearily and utters,"Franz, driving hurts."

An angry looking disheveled Obrenski stomps toward us. “Dammit Franz, what the hell are you trying to teach him!” I attempt to defend myself,” Me? He did it.” The Lieutenant approaches and asks in his usual calm demeanor,” Franz, Kurtz, are you two all right?” Kurtz’s whiplash must of subsided because he exclaims,” That was fun, can we do it again?!” Obrenski covers his face and the Lieutenant replies, “You will have more lessons later but for now we need to right the Kubel.” Me and Kurtz are currently sitting at a near forty five degree angle and the front of our tan kubelwagen is embedded in the earth. The rear half of the vehicle rests atop the trench rampart. I carefully open the door but it flings open. I have to clamor to get out of my seat to where I am nearly standing on the dashboard. I jump down and the vehicle rocks violently. Next it is Kurtz’s turn. Before he has time to exit, our newly installed phone from a week ago rings. The Lieutenant says, “Well if you will excuse me gentlemen. Obrenski get him down.” Obrenski grumbles, “Why do I always have to babysit?”

Lieutenant Sprieg walks off to the shack and leaves the door open. I hear him pick up the phone and I eavesdrop. He listens and answers, “Yes this is Sprieg……Yes sir, I am aware……Sir my outfit is not equipped for patrol duties…..Yes sir I understand….What are the last coordinantes sir?……We will report when we find them.” I hear him set down the phone and he stays in the shack awhile. Obrenski has already helped Kurtz down to the ground when the Lieutenant emerges. “Well Spreig, what did they want?” asks an impatient Obrenski. The Lieutenant looks at a map that he has spread out on the table and begins to mark on it with a pen. He says while he pinpoints a location on the map, “Franz, Obrenski, grab a rifle.” “What?” Obenski exclaims. Lieutenant Spreig turns to us and says, “That was from the General, a patrol that was searching for the bomber that got shot down on the sixth…” Obrenski interrupts him, “They still haven’t found it?” The Lieutenant glares at him before continuing,” The patrol hasn’t reported back in a couple of days and they want us to go find out why.” Obrenski utters, “Na uh, not me, I didn’t sign up to get lost in the woods.” I ask, “How will we find them?”

The Lieutenant replies, “They had a radio, I have marked their last transmission on the map.” Obrenski butts in, “You can’t be serious Spreig. You know that forest goes on for miles, we will never find them.” The Lieutenant replies, “They would do the same for us, Obrenski. Besides this isn’t up to me, this is from command.” Obrenski replies, “Na uh, I am not going in there.” the Lieutenant replies slyly, “Would you rather face a firing squad?” Obrenski pauses to think and then huffs, “Fine, but I’m going to bitch the entire time.” The Lieutenant replies with a slight smirk, “ I wouldn't expect anything less from you Obrenski.” I ask, "Lieutenant, why are we taking rifles?” Obrenski speaks up, “You think the bomber crew is still alive don’t you?” Lieutenant Sprieg responds, “I don’t know but what I do know is that a patrol of men just doesn’t suddenly go up and missing. Whatever happened to them, I want to be sure doesn't happen to us.” Kurtz ask innocently, “ Where are we going?" "We are going on a mission.” replies Lieutenant Sprieg. Kurtz grows excited, “Oh boy, I love missions.” The Lieutenant orders, “Now all of you, gather your things and bring plenty of water.” We all disperse to pack for the hike ahead of us.

We managed to bring the Kubelwagen back on level ground and it is now parked back up the earth ramp.

I attach my metal water canteen to my belt outside as Obrenski walks out with multiple canteens tied in bandoliers across his chest. He has four of the water containers that hang to his sides. I hear the water sloshing around as he walks. He has in his hands two Kar 98K rifles and presents one to me. “Franz.” he says, “Do you know how to shoot this?” We had rifle training when I first joined the army, but I haven’t touched a rifle since. I reluctantly take it from him. The rifle is of a metal barrel on top of a hard wooden stock. The barrel must be three feet long. As I take it, I examine the action and the bolt. I take the bolt which is a little knob off to the side and raise it up and pull it back. The action slides back to revel a small space where the cartridges are loaded into the rifle. It is currently empty. Obreski hands me two ammunition pouches. I take them and tie them to my belt. “You do know how to shoot right?” he asks. “Uh well kinda.” I say. “ That's not good enough, come with me.”

he says.

Obrenski takes me to the western side of the trench and he climbs out and walks a small distance before stopping and setting down a canteen. He returns as I stand in the trench. The earthen trench rampart is about waist high.

“Obrenski, what are you doing?” asks the Lieutenant as he looks up from the map on the table. “They sent us boys who can’t shoot.” Obrenski replies. “ We don’t have time for this.” says Lieutenant Sprieg. “Obrenski replies, “I am not going in there until he can hit that canteen.” Shooting the canteen should be easy enough. Obrenski holds the butt of his rifle to his hip and says, “Ok Franz, this is how you load it.” He pulls back the bolt of the rifle revealing the empty chamber. He takes from a pouch, a cartridge of five brass bullets of the rifle's ammunition that are bound together by a stripper clip. He places the cartridge in the ammunition chamber and pushes the bolt back loading a bullet, ready to fire, into the barrel. “Now you do it.” He commands. I start by flipping up the bolt and pulling it back, I take from my pouch one of the cartridges and place it in the rifle’s cartridge chamber. I push the bolt forward as it loads a bullet into the barrel. Obrenski then says, “Watch me.” He stands with his back to me, his body parallel to mine and raises the rifle butt to his right shoulder, he rests his left arm on his side and the rifle resting on his left palm. He spreads his feet apart to about shoulder length. He cradles his cheek on the rifle stock. I hear him draw a deep breath and in a short moment, the rifle sounds a loud bang. I watch the canteen that is about ten feet away, get blown away with a metal clank to land among the grass. Water pours from the gravely injured canteen, I look at Obrenski as he sharply exhales. I am astonished, its like he didn’t even try.

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“Now you try.” he says. I try to follow his example by lining up my body facing my side to the target in a stance to fire. I spread my legs shoulder length apart and press the weapon’s stock firmly into my shoulder. I hold my grip on the rifle with my left hand. As I get ready to fire, Obrenski stops me, “Firmer, and spread your legs further apart.” I take his instructions and try to keep myself steady. Shouldn’t be that hard. I try to line up the sights, but the rifle sways in my hands to where I can't quite keep it on my target. Fustrately, I draw a breath and squeeze the trigger. Bang! The rifle sounds but to my disappointment it ends in a puff of dust. Obrenski looks at me and says, “Focus, hold your breath when you fire.” I rechamber the rifle and take aim once more. My sights fall upon the gray metal canteen, though the sights still sway. I pull the trigger and the rifle flashes and cracks forth another projectile to land short and end in another puff of dirt. I find myself growing frustrated as it is obviously more difficult than he made it seem. The Lieutenant utters, “You can do this Franz, try again.” I rechamber the rifle and prepare myself to fire again. I line my sights on the distant canteen that mocks me from its grass cover. I draw a deep breath and I feel my body steadying, the rifle sways less and is easier to control. I line my sights on the target and gently press the trigger, the rifle cracks the silence. Klunk! The canteen is launched skyward as the bullet hits its metal surface. It pours its remaining liquid into the earth.

The Lieutenant says jubillent, “Excellent work Franz.” Obresnki says, “Don’t get too cocky, you missed two out of three.” Kurtz asks excitedly from his observation, “Can I try?!” Lieutenant Sprieg says fatherly,” No, Kurtz.” Obrenski snaps about at the same time, ”Hell no.”

The Lieutenant ushers us, "Alright, it is time that we left, I want to be back before nightfall.” Obrenski replies, “We should have him train more.” The Lieutenant responds, “He will do fine.” Obrenski snaps, “Well I am worried about that bomber crew, what if they are still out there?” “We will handle that when we come across it, for now we need to find them before dark.” The Lieutenant replies. “I don’t like this Sprieg.” Obrenski says. “ I know you don’t.” the Lieutenant remarks.

We all pile into the open top Kubelwagen and after a long rumbly ride, we come to the forest's edge. As we disembark the vehicle, I peer into the dark woods which seems to stretch for miles. It's thick canopy shades entire stretches of forest to where there are only patches of light that pass through. The rest of the forest however seems dark and uninviting. I feel intimidated and really wish we don't have to venture there. But the Lieutenant has already confidently entered the woods and pays no attention to the ominous aura this area provides. The Lieutenant turns back to us and that's when I realized we are all standing there. Me and Obrenski clutching our rifles, and Kurtz stands uncertain what to do. But I am sure they feel an unwelcoming presence because even Obrenski seems reluctant. "Come on, let's go." orders the Lieutenant. God I feel so uneasy.

As we venture into the woods, we have a thick canopy of leaves that form our ceiling. Only a few rays of light can crack our dark green ceiling. It is far darker here and even though it is a hot mid day, this place feels cold. Tall dark evergreens go on for infinity, the strong dark brown trunks are covered with vines and moss and look as though they are relics of a bygone era. Their thick roots are hard not to trip over. The trees themselves could be at least fifteen feet in height and maybe higher and the many spindly branches form a canvas of dark rich green above us. The ground is covered with green and brown moss and many stones. These woods feel ancient and preferred to be left that way. Something about this place is unnerving and I am not certain why.

The Lieutenant leads our pack and closely studies a map with a compass.

Obrenski follows closely behind clutching his rifle tightly. I follow behind him and weiled my instrument of war close to me. I hold on to it as though my tight grip is the only means of keeping the malicious forces at bay. Kurtz follows behind me though he seems more amazed then frightened. His wandering eyes observe everything in amazement. I have to slow down frequently to check on him and make sure he doesn't get separated.

After a short venture, Obrenski speaks up and says, “ Hey Sprieg, aren't these wood supposed to be haunted.” Haunted?! We are in a haunted forest? Kurtz speaks up, “ I like ghosts.” “Its an old legend.” the Lieutenant says trying to reassure us, “This has been the site of many ancient battles.” Obrenski adds, “ I have heard that if you spend too long here, you will start hearing men screaming and you will go mad.” Men screaming? I don’t like this. “Obrenski enough of this.” the Lieutenant snaps. He continues, “Oh yeah, I heard strange things happen at night.” I find myself growing frightened, anticipating behind every evergreen tree is a spirit that wishes to do me harm. Obrenski continues again, “ If you spend too long here you will go missing and never be heard of again.” He chucks abit. “Obrenski!” snaps the Lieutenant, “I don’t need you filling their heads with campfire stories.” Kurtz tugs on my garbs and I turn back. He says,” We aren’t going to go missing are we Franz?” I try to keep myself from stuttering, “No we should be just fine.” He is obviously frightened and so am I. This place has an evil air to it, like the forest does not want us here. I just noticed how silent it is, no birds chirping, no sound of insects. It is unnervingly quiet. Kurtz looks around some more before saying, “Franz, have you ever seen a ghost?” As a matter a fact I haven’t but I don’t want to find one today. “No Kurtz, I haven’t.” I say. He replies, “ My house had a ghost but he was really nice. Do you think there are nice ghost Franz?” I hadn’t thought of It, I try to reassure him, “ Yes I am sure there are nice ghosts.” “Keep up you two, I don't want have to look for you too.” Obrenski shouts back at us from up ahead. We rush to join him. Kurtz stays close on my heels.

After a longer trek, we come to a pause in our mission. We stop at a small stream that runs through the forest. It ebbs and flows through the small rocks and stones. It produces the small comforting sounds of flowing water breaking up the unerveing silence. Obrenski stretches, while the Lieutenant attempts to orientate our location. I unscrew the cap of my canteen and take a swig of water. I don’t know how the Lieutenant is able to navigate these woods while essentially everything looks the same. I feel as though we have made very little progress. I just realized that I haven't heard from Kurtz. I look around but I don’t see him. I find myself growing nervous, Obrenski and the Lieutenant haven’t seemed to notice. “Kurtz!” I cry out, no response. They both stop their tasks and the Lieutenant asks me sternly, “Where is he?” I stammer, I…I don't know.” Obrenski utters, “God dammit.” The Lieutenant orders, “ Fan out and find him, He couldn’t have gone far.” As we are about to begin our search, we hear rustling ahead of us. It grows louder as though it dashes toward us. Obrenski hears it and aims his rifle at the source. I am becoming increasingly unervered, is it a person, a wild animal. I raise my rifle the same. It grows nearer, and I feel a sense of fear in the back of my mind. A voice shouts, “You gotta come see this!” Then the figure appears from among the trees, Its Kurtz. Me and Obrenski lower our rifles. Obrenski snarls, “Where the hell have you been?” Kurtz shouts with excitement as he approaches us, “ I found something!” Me and Obrenski look to the Lieutenant who nods in approval that we may follow him. Just what exactly has him so excited.

We follow Kurtz a short ways, before something catches my eye. The ruins of a large tower sits beside the stream that stands like a relic of the past. One of its moss covered gray brick stone walls has crumbled and it looks so out of place here. It must be at least twenty feet high. Why is it here in the middle of the woods? As I approach it, I notice a small cross painted in red on its side. "What is it Franz?" asks Kurtz curiously. I'm not entirely certain of its purpose or why it is here. The Lieutenant answers for me,"It is a watchtower, like I said before, this has been the site of many battles." The tower looks medieval in its design. I decide to look around it and as I circle around the tower's circumference, I see something that shocks me to my core. There on pikes that jut out of the ground are human skulls. Three pikes total, each one holds an ancient looking skull. Shivers run down my spine. I knew I didn't like this place, now I know why. "Franz, we are leaving." barks Lieutenant Sprieg. I rush to join them. Those skulls have thoroughly creeped me out. Just what happened here?

As our trek through these mysterious woods continue, Kurtz keeps lagging behind. I turn back to see him listening intently. He notices me looking at him, and he says, “Franz, why are there people shouting?” Shouting? I listen but I am unable to hear the commotion he speaks of. The Lieutenant approaches and asks, “ Is there something wrong?” “Sir, he says he hears people shouting.” He tries to listen. “Where? That could be our lost patrol." the Lieutenant says. Kurtz points out to the right side of our column. The Lieutenant checks his map and compass. After reckoning our position he commands, “Kurtz you lead, Obrenski follow him.” Obrenski grumbles, “Why do I have to follow the hound.” The Lieutenant replies, “Do you want to get back or not?” “ Fine dammit, I don’t like this place.” Obrenski replies. Kurtz moves to the front of our pack and we follow his lead.

The sun's lights begin to fade as we travel. Only small rays of light that crack the forest ceiling light our way now. None of us can hear the shouting that Kurtz describes but he guides us as though it were clear to him. Kurtz leads, winding us through the maze of trees, Obrenski follows close behind. The Lieutenant keeps checking his map, and I stay close to him. Something sends shivers up my spine, I keep hearing whispering sounds even though the forest is completely quiet. They sound in my ear faintly like annoying mosquitoes but the whisper is present. Surely my mind plays tricks on me. But the whispers are many near and far, and speak so quietly to where I can't understand them. They have me throughly spooked and I clutch my rifle tightly, my finger ready on the trigger. A test of my resolve, surely I can't be hearing things but they are there. No one else seems to notice anything as we trek but Obrenski is on edge too. I can tell because he listens to the forest like a hunter tracking prey. The Lieutenant seems completely unfazed by any of the spooky elements that surround us. He must have nerves of steel. Kurtz continues ahead of us, still following the shouts of men that we cannot hear. I don't like this place.