The Dawn Patrol

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

I hear the door to the tavern open and see another woman walk through the door. I offer her a quick smile, but her eyes are haunted. I've seen that look before, hell, I've probably given it to others myself. She's seen death, the death brought on by this war. Few women should have that kind of look, and most of those serve as nurses in field hospitals or abbeys that may be turned into hospitals. I turn away quickly before I let that look get to me. I've lost too many friends already and I've only been with the squadron since November. Too many dogfights and too many long hours in the air. I've killed and I've had the Hun try to kill me. No, can't let it bring me down, it'll just send me back to the aerodrome to moan about this hell we must go through.

Nanette is lovely, her face doesn't seem haunted. Perhaps she is,
but she hides it from me. Perhaps it's a defense against getting to know me, getting to know another life that may be taken away by this cruel war. I don't care why she doesn't look haunted, she helps me to forget this war if only for a while.

 

[ariosto]

Gerd Brenner

Just before dusk on his second patrol that day Gerd Brenner burned number 65. An Ami observation plane who's gunner must have been asleep.
He's slipped behind and beneath the slow bulky crate, coming out of a darkening eastern sky. The Ami was on his way home, no doubt looking forward to a good supper and a warm bed.
He closed to fifty yards, pulled back on the stick
and raked him with machine gun bullets. Gerd watched the tracers spin into the target, slashing through fabric wood and wire, finding the volatile fuel tanks and the stricken plane began to trail a long sheet of flame. He stayed with the kill, watching the pilots hopeless attempts to fishtail, bank and roll his way out of it. Something on fire tumbled away and Gerd smiled realizing the observor had just left the plane.
Turning along side the blazing DH4, he watched as the pilot began to burn, he could not see his face but imagined he could hear the screams inside his head. The American was now just so much burning junk falling out of the sky. Gerd watched it until it snuffed out in the darkness far below.
He hoped it was on the German side of the trenches or the kill would not be confirmed.
He was not at all surprized to see that he had an
erection...it happened every time.

That night as he lay with the whore Colette, he found he could not climax until he thought of the
flames and the screams in the sky.

 

[SexyChele]

Nanette

"So nice to meet you, Lt MacPherson."

As he talked of the possibility of exploring the bookshop or the countryside, the door opened once again. This time one of the women who volunteered their time to the war entered. She looked strained, hollow. She was a young woman, and pretty, but she had already seen too much.

Her presence was not common here. Most of the girls lived very frugally, their money coming from home. Unusual that she should stop here.

"I shall be right back, monsieur. Let me see what the lady wishes."

As I walk to her table, I see the tired strain around her eyes, the lips set with grief.

"Bonjour, mademoiselle. What may I get for you?"

She lifted her eyes to mine, and I saw the pain of grief in them. Yes, so many young men have died already, so many more will die in the months to come. At first I grieved for each one, and then I decided that a cheerful smile and happy company would help them get through the battles with some slight comfort. Yet, in my heart, I ached for those gone, those whose loved ones would never return.

She ordered a sausage, egg, and roll, and when I went to go to the kitchen, I caught sight of her counting the change in her pocket. Sighing, I wondered why a country would ask for volunteers and then have no way to fund them so they could eat properly.

Bringing her food out, she smiled hesitantly, before picking up the fork. As I stepped away, I noticed she ate as though she hadn't for days. My heart ached when I returned to the handsome pilot, just finishing his breakfast.

Flashing him a bright smile, I look pointedly at the plate.

"Was it good, monsieur? I certainly hope so!"

Smiling as he used his napkin, he sat back in his chair.

"You mentioned that you would like some company, monsieur? I would love a quick walk in the meadow on such a wonderful day!"

As I looked over at the woman, I saw that she was looking at the Lieutenant, almost as if she recognized him from somewhere.

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

"Yes, it was quite delicious," I say, giving Nanette a smile. Then I motion to the woman who had entered a little earlier. Against my better judgement I had paid her a certain amount of attention. That haunted look of hers greatly depressed me, but I did what I could to hide it. But I couldn't hide my concern at her counting the pittence of money she is counting out. "Nanette, do you know if she is a volunteer with the VAD?"

"Oui," she answers.

My mind flashes back to a letter I got last week from my mother. One of her friends had a daughter who volunteered her here in France. The young lady is back home now, but my mother explained to me that her friend and her husband were always having to send the volunteers money with which to live by. Seeing this woman count her coins hurts a bit.

"Nanette, please tell her that there's no need to pay. I'll pay for the both of us. And then I'd very much like for you to show me around the country side. Yes, I'd very much like that."

 

[SexyChele]

Nanette

I looked down as he placed the coins in my hand, and when I looked back up at him I could feel the tears in my eyes. I walked over the the woman at the table, and whispered to her that the cheque had been paid - she owed nothing. I saw the question in her eyes, but only squeezed her shoulder.

Coming back to the Lieutenant, I give him a big smile as I link my arm through his.

Walking out into the bright spring sunshine, I lead us down a path behind the tavern that opens onto a meadow.

"I sometimes come out here when, you know, things become too rough. I listen to the birds, smell the flowers. At night, I lay on my back and look at the sky. Silly, no?"

Looking up at him, I realize just how handsome he is. As my mind wanders, I try to bring it back, focus on conversation, not feelings. But looking into those eyes...

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

"No, not silly in the least," I reply as I give Nanette a bright, knowing smile. "I should have done so before now. It truely is lovely here. And beauty helps to remind us we're human, we're alive I think I've been trying to get away from that since I joined the squadron.

"Maybe I felt that if I was something else, some kind of machine, that this war wouldn't get to me. But machines have no hearts, no feelings of what's happening to them. They break down, you repair them or get rid of them. Their not friends, you don't mourn their loss. Maybe that's why I wanted to be a machine, so I didn't have to mourn for lost friends.

"Ah, but you don't want to hear this. This is a day to enjoy beauty, not to mourn. We can save the mourning for another day, today we shall enjoy the beauty before us. A day to forget there's a war going on."

I gently take Nanette's hand and kiss it. True, it is a sign of affection, yet I reason that I can give it to her. She has been so gracious to me, and she doesn't need to be here with me showing me around the country side. But she has chosen to do so, surely I can show some appreciation for that.

 

[SexyChele]

Nanette

"I can understand your words, for there are many here who have turned themselves into machines. But one must live, feel, to know that they are alive."

At the feel of his lips on my fingers, I feel a shiver run through my spine. Reaching up, I brush the back of my fingers against his cheek, before catching my actions.

"Oh! I am so sorry, monsieur!"

Blushing furiously, I happen to catch sight of the old twisted tree at the end of the meadow.

"Here, over here. This is where I sit, and watch, and listen. Won't you join me?"

I sit down at the base of the tree, my legs curled beneath me, my body turned to face him.

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

OCC: Can someone tell me how the HTML codes work exactly. Are they like standard webpage codes or are they bracket, [], types? Kinda trying to find out for my signature.

IC: I sit down beside Nanette, furious with myself for so obviously having upset her. She has been so gracious, and it had been a gentleman's action. I fear what the act of kissing her lips would have done. But at least she is not so terrbily upset that she does not want me in her sight.

"It's lovely here, Nanette." I then hear the sound of engines in the sky, finding myself searching the skys for the planes their attached to. Inside I wonder how true it is that machines can't be viewed as friends. I've been flying the same Camel since I joined the squadron and the old girl has yet to let me down. Then I spot them, Spads. I quickly point to them. "Looks like the Yanks are back from this mornings patrol, Nanette."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Major Thor

OOC: Since Brenner has already landed (and is in bed with a prostitute) and I am just finishing the LAST patrol of the day at DUSK, I will just hang out circling (amazing what you can do with a plot) until the meadow walkers catch up in time. (hurry up, these WW I crates are really uncomfortable and noisy)! LOL. Have a nice Thanksgiving, all.

 

[melusine]

Mary Montrose

When the tavern girl sets before me the steaming plate of food, I stare at it for a long moment. When was the last time I had the luxury of sitting alone like this? Of a real china cup instead of the ubiquitous tin mug in which everything from coffee to stew is served at our mess?

The sausage is huge and shiny with grease, smelling of spices. It is probably delicious, but my stomach turns at its richness, and I lay down my fork to recover myself.

There is a small boy in the corner of the room, next to the fireplace. He is scraping a pair of tall military boots with a knife, throwing the slivers of mud into the flames. Beside him are brushes and pots of blacking. They must let rooms upstairs, and apparently to soldiers. He must feel my eyes upon him, because suddenly he lifts his eyes to mine. A slow but irresistible smile breaks out on his thin, rosy face. I smile back, and beckon him over.

"Qu'est-ce-que tu t'appelles?" I murmur when he is close enough to hear me.
"Je m'appelle Claude, Mademoiselle," he says, and again flashes me that smile that seems to know no trouble in the world.

For the next few moments I question him in my schoolgirl French, and learn that he was found on the street by the tavern owner a few weeks ago. His mother, Sophie, was raped by German soldiers until she died. It was Claude who found her body, hidden in the wood. This all happened a year ago, and he spent a whole winter alone before being taken in by this establishment.

I notice the furtive way in which he keeps looking over his shoulder as we talk. I imagine he is afraid of being caught by the tavernkeeper, neglecting his duties as bootblack. It is unfair of me to keep him longer.

So, with a whisper and a smile, I wrap up the sausage with one of the fresh breadrolls in my handkerchief, and smuggle it to him under cover of the table. He blushes, and bobs his head, and smiles, and is instantly back by the fire, his treasure safely tucked into the capacious castoff man's jumper that he wears.

The eggs, when I venture the courage to try them, settle well in my stomach, accompanied by a second breadroll and the sublime French coffee served with cream that must have come this morning from the cow.

I am just finishing up when it hits me, with the force of a blow. Claude is so much like Paul was at that age. The same dark hair, the same blue eyes. The same way of blushing all the way to his ears.

When the tavernmaid comes to whisper to me that the young soldier across the room has paid for my meal, I am afraid that I do not offer a hearty enough response. I want to. I want to tell him how much his kindness means to me. But I am like someone muffled in cotton wool. Nothing can get through to me somehow.

Nothing but the child who has the face of Paul. The child who shared with me the feast for the dead.

I should leave now. I am not fit for anything but sleep.

 

[ariosto]

OOC...Thor I think we should have our legendary dogfight in the virtual dawn. It's getting cold on this side of the trenchlines and that tavern sounds awfully cozy even for a despicable Hun.
Remember, I'm the jetblack DVII with an attitude.

But...A day of peace...Thanksgiving. Have a good one.

(I will fly again tonight.)

 

[SexyChele]

OOC: Claymore, not sure if anyone answered your question yet, but the commands are the same, and yes, you do include brackets [] around the commands. If you have something specific in mind, just PM me and I'll see if I can help you.

IC: His demeanor has changed. I suppose all are a little more sensitive to others feelings right now.

Drawing my attention to the skies, I hold up my hand as the planes roar overhead. The Americans coming back. I can only hope they have all come back.

Once the planes pass from sight, I boldly take Colin's hand and press it gently as I smile up at him.

"It's been a long war, and I think we have both seen losses, no? But today, today should be a day of warmth and beauty and of leaving the war far behind us."

I find my heart skips a beat as his hand returns my squeeze. I lean back against the tree, feeling its roughness, and close my eyes against the sun. I feel his eyes upon me, can almost feel the tension in the air of his desire to kiss me. I smile gently at the thought.

Suddenly, I feel the gentleness of his lips on mine.

 

[curi]

Arvid Hintze

OOC: you got room up in the sky for one more? if not ignore me, im just thinking you need a target up top for the furball...

Arvid: dark brown hair, blue eye's, and a 'Chute!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

as Arvid climed into the pilots seat of his aged, but still trusty Roland C11, he turned to his shivering gunner, and in his soft voice.
"come Hanz, a nights harresment of the tommy's is just what herr doktor ordered for your fever!"

"Ya wholl" was the only reply. Truth be told Arvid would have preferd for Hanz to be in the hospitol, but they where getting mighty short of trained flyer's.

after bumping the engine to full power, and trembling along the rutted grass feild, Arvid turned the "whale" towards the slowly sinking orb of the sun.

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

I hear what Nanette says about today being a day of beauty and leave the war behind, but only just barely. I'm too caught up in her eyes. So lovely those eyes, her face. I find my will to hold back breaking.

I gently squeeze her hand, trying to enforce my will again without her seeing it. But no, there is no regaining the will to resist the urge to kiss those full lips. Such lovely lips

I find myself leaning in, gently kissing her lips. My arms dropp to her waist, pulling her closer as we kiss.

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

OCC: Sorry SexyChele for rushing things here. Wanna get Thor out of the plane so he doesn't have to keep circling.

IC: I pull back from the kiss and give Nanette a smile. It's been so long since I've kissed a woman, but none of them compare to her. Well, maybe that because none of them were women at the time, and were just learning about such things like I was. No, I have to take that back, there was one, right before I left for training. But kissing her just didn't feel right. Kissing Nanette does. And that kinda scares me.

Still, I spend the rest of the afternoon close to her, lenchanted by her tales of the local country side and her experinces here. I watch as a little bunny goes by in front of her, and just have to laugh. It's so innocent of the world around it, and yet it seems to know whats going on at the same time. But what does it care.

Nanette points out so many things to me, but I pay them little attention. Mine is focused on her. The smell of her hair, her gentle motions, the sound of her voice. Just being with her I loose track of all time.

Before either of us know it, the day has passed away. Nanette shivers as a chill takes the air and I wrap my coat around her. Unwillingly, we have to abandon the meadow and return to the world around us. I make certain to escort her back to the tavern where she works, standing close beside her. Already we can see men from the aerodrome making their way to the tavern, many Yanks among them. Their weary faces are too familar to me. And appearantly to Nanette as well.

 

[SexyChele]

OOC: Curi, Welcome aboard! Seems as though you and Ariosto are one the same side. Could prove to be very interesting to possibly have 4 pilots in air at some some point!

Claymore, great minds do think alike! No offense taken, you were simply reading my mind. Thank you for taking the initiative!

To the rest: I know it appears things may have gotten off to a slow start, but now we are all on the same page, so let the action begin. As well, men, don't fear! I have received a couple of PMs from some very talented ladies who are more than ready to help you all forget the rigors of war!

IC:
The kiss was sweet and tender and passionate. It seemed to speak of not only desire, but also of a time where war is a far away thought.

As we sat beneath the tree, and spoke of things from our homes, I relished the feeling of that kiss, the warmth that flooded my body. Even absorbing all the sights and sounds around us, gave the feeling of being in our own world, a world where there was no war, only beauty and hope.

As the day wore on, the chill in the air spoke the lateness of the hour. His coat around me made me feel protected and warm, and we spoke easily to each other on the walk back to the tavern. I knew that I might be in trouble for having neglected my duties, but I could out talk the tavernkeeper.

As we approached in the dimming light, I could see the soldiers already making their way to the tiny tavern. Although haggard and tired, many were laughing the laugh soldiers make when they are trying hard to put aside the horrors they have seen, and to not think about wives and sweethearts at home waiting for them or their hearts would break.

Just before entering the tavern, I stop and look up at Colin. Taking his hand in mine, I give it a gentle sqeeze.

"Merci, monsieur, for this day. I do not know when I have enjoyed such a beautiful day in the company of one so handsome and gallant. Perhaps we may have such an opportunity again?"

As he lifts my fingers to his lips, I see the fire in his eyes as he looks at me. As my heart skips a beat, I try to breathe normally. Slipping his coat from my shoulders as I enter the tavern, I hand it to him with a smile. I see him head off towards a group of men he obviously knows.

I slip behind the counter and receive a growl from the owner.

"Nanette, who do you think cleaned this place up when you left?"

"Ah, Pierre, isn't just as much our duty to make these men feel the war is far away at times? I promise, I shall make it up tomorrow!"

Laughing gaily, I put on my apron and begin to make the rounds between tables, taking orders, receiving outlandish compliments, and brushing aside curious hands. My glance occasionally slips across the room the handsome Scotsman, seemingly lost in conversation with his comrades. Every once in a while our eyes meet, and a smile floats across the room.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Major Thor

I thought I saw an enemy plane in the distance, but my fuel was low....and my wingman had never landed at night. Reluctantly, I banked and turned my ship to 'home.' I saw our humble strip in the distance and retarded the throttle. I was very tired....I wanted nothing more than a drink and a bit of sleep before the next day began.

With the last of the light, I landed and taxied my beloved Spad to the parking area........

 

[curi]

awwww all the evil englanders went away...

spying in the evening light, a flash of another plane, Arvid dove slightly hoping to merge his dark blue C11 with the ground clutter. scaning the sky for further signs of the enemy.

searching....

searching....

THERE! just in the distance a tommy SPAD, turning for home, and an airfeilds a good target for a couple of bombs...

Arvid pushed the throttle full forward, trying to wring out every ounce of speed to keep pace with the nimble fighter.

OOC: (again... ) your call Mr Thor, you want an aireil dogfight or a nice kip.

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

OOC: Forget the rigors of war huh? Hope Colin can remain gentleman enough. Just kidding, he's first and foremost a gentleman.

IC: As we reach the door to the, Nanette turns to me and smiles. "Merci, monsieur, for this day," she says. "I do not know when I have enjoyed such a beautiful day in the company of one so handsome and gallant. Perhaps we may have such an opportunity again?"

I really want to say something, to thank her for all that she has done for me, but I can't find the words. Damn it, I've always been able to find something to say, even if it's unwarranted. But not now.

Furious with my inability to think of what to say, I fall back on who I am. Gently I raise her hand to my lips and kiss it as I stare deeply into her eyes. I can only hope she understands what I'm trying to say.

She begins to turn away, to enter the tavern, but she quickly turns back. With a smile that warms my heart more than she may ever know, she hands me my coat before slipping inside. I feel my age for the first time since arriving in France as I turn away to greet my fellow soldiers. They are excited by what has happened today, and remorseful. We've hurt the Hun, but many a boy died to do so.

I soon find myself once more in the tavern, this time in company less lovely than that which I've spent all day with. Mostly, I find myself spending time with the Yanks. We talk of their patrols today, and of how much closer the end must be. How managed to survive some of our bwest dogfights. And friends who will never get the chance to go home again.

As we talk, I continuously search out Nanette. These stories threaten to bring me down. But the mere sight of her is enough to raises my spirits. Everytime our gazes meet I can't help but smile. No, no more will I be fighting this damn war just to see to it that it ends. Now I'll be fighting to see to it that beauty such as Nanette will not be taken by it.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Colette

OOC:
Colette is a prostitute living in a small cottage near the French boarder. Her past is unknown, but her speech and bearing suggest that she once knew a life of money and comfort. Because of her intelligence and beauty she is a favorite with the German aviators who find her a welcome change from the camp followers they are used to.

Her face and body of are those of a woman of experience. Rounded breasts sit high on her chest; full hips frame a lush bottom and lead the eye to long shapely legs. Long honey-blonde hair frames a face set with high cheekbones, a full sensuous mouth and deep blue eyes.

IC:
I rise and move away from bed. I am quiet, more from habit than real need. The pilot, Gerd, only pretends to sleep. I pretend to believe that he does. He has been coming to me for weeks now, saying little, simply taking what pleasure he wants without pleasantries. It is the same each time, fierce powerful sex that leaves me aching and tender. Having finished with me he usually leaves quickly. Will today be any different?

 

[SuthrnKit10]

Simone

OOC: Simone is a young maid from the outskirts of the village, her father a poor dirt farmer who's only means of supporting them is the gracious villagers who faithfully buy his vegetables. Small and skittish, the blonde fair skinned girl is in turn fascinated and petrified by the pilots who frequent her village. Her mother takes in laundry and mending from the soldiers, but consistently reminds her of the horrors a few of the village maidens have endured. It is nonetheless, not enough to keep her from lingering behind the tavern, hoping for a glance inside.

IC: Skirting around the back of the tavern, the sounds coming from within teased and tempted me mercilessly. When the barmaid slid out the heavy wooden door, I slid a small rock between the frame so I could watch from a distance. Pulling up a small stool, I settled in to watch the merriment inside.

 

[Claymore]

Colin MacPherson

I'm busy talking with one of the Yanks when my chief mechanic bursts into the tavern and comes running over to me. I always find the man a bit percuilar. Cockney accent, short and stocky, with dirty blond hair that refuses to ever be tamed and grey eyes that seem unable to see anything and yet take in everything set before him, Miles Pallthorp always seems to have his head in the clouds. He always seems so shocked by whats going on around him, so unknowing and naive. Yet you set him infront of any aircraft and he can not only fix it, but he seems to be able to enhance their preformance.

Miles threads his way through the crowded tavern, refuseing to stop and speak with anyone else. Except for me, he never talks to anyone but other mechanics. Well, maybe the occasional Yank pilot. But his inability to talk to folks has garnered him few friends back at the aerodrome.

"What is it, Miles?" I ask as he reaches me.

"Ricthofen," he whispers so only I can hear.

The name feels like a lead weight in my stomach. Baron Manfred von Ricthofen, more commonly known to our pilots as the Red Baron. Germany's leading ace. I've lost to many of my friends to his "tender" mercies.

"What about him?" I ask, trying not to let the fear I'm suddenly feeling show.

"He's gone. Died two days ago. A Canadian shot him down."

The Baron gone. The words are hard to believe. But Miles wouldn't have come in like that just to pull a joke on me. And suddenly this war seems a little less cruel. Suddenly it seems more likely I might get through it.

"Hey everyone!" I shout, unable to keep the news to myself. "Ricthofen's dead! We no longer have to worry about that damn Red Baron. This rounds on me!"

 

[SexyChele]

Nanette

At Colin's words that the Red Baron has met his death, a roar descends on the tavern. Indeed, my own voice joins the chorus of cheers! Ah, the man most feared by all pilots, yet also the greatest prize to be brought down. Dead. Shot down - a feat most thought impossible. Can this be interpreted as a sign? Oh, yes, a very good sign indeed.

At the call for drinks, a second roar goes up, and men, both American and British, clap Colin on the back and begin to sing the diddies that soldiers sing when happiness takes hold.

It is times like this that I wish the tavernkeeper would hire another girl to help out. Serving drinks to this roomful soon has me out of breath. But happy, oh, so very happy. I wait until the last to serve Colin his drink, and when I do, I wait for his hand to take hold of the glass before allowing my fingers to slip away. My eyes meeting his, my lips crossed with a smile. I wish to tell him more, but the din of the men in the room makes conversation below a yell impossible. The smile is returned before I must slip away to attend to the requests of other men.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Major Thor

OOC: dogfight during the morning patrol (I want a piece of Brenner..)

IC: After clearing up a few pieces of the inevitable paperwork, I decided that I wanted more than our piloyts for company. I walked by our small club, listening to the sounds of merriment. 'Tomorrow some of them might die.....' I pushed the dark thoughts back into a recess of my brain and fired up my small 'cycle and headed down the rutted road toward the little village tavern. The mutter and growl of war was in the background....always...

 

[ariosto]

Gerd Brenner

Gerd Brenner watches her with half closed eyes.
The kerosene lamp is turned low and she seems made from deep amber and black shadows. Her hair tumbles down her back and she picks up an ivory comb and begins to brush it out slowly.
She reminds him of Heidi Kristian back home. The girl whose wealthy father said she was to good for him. He wondered how the fat pig would feel now that everyone saw him as Richtoften's successor. A hero...he laughed...a hero!

She looked up and saw him in the mirror.
" You are amused at something my Hauptman?"

Low...sultry voice. He felt himself stirring once again.

"Oh yes! Very amusing indeed. Gerd Brenner bastard son of the town drunk a Hero of The Empire!"

He stopped laughing and she saw the cold gleam in his eye.

Come here little Colette, we are not finished.