This is probably only the second time it's ever rained while I've been here. When we look to Tobruk, the Germans are hard at work in the mud and rain trying to fix the damage to the city. Knock a building down, they'll rebuild it. Like ants. There's something admirable in that. Well, admirable if they didn't just hit El Alamein. Our job is going to be hard. We attach the spare tire. Hopefully it holds out. Wonder why Rommel's still in the city. Seems to me he should be with his men. Maybe he's sick?
I look out the binoculars again. Jerry's getting a convoy together. Probably the worst kind of day to do so. Probably the worst kind of day for a victory. But a general needs to be with his men. If Monty's any example... god dammit Monty. Why did you have to be with us that day?
We can't get out of here right now. Not with that convoy. They'd undoubtedly see us trying to leave. Maybe in an hour.
I check on Meyers. It hadn't occurred to me whether to salute him or not. So... I ask him what his rank is.
“Technically” he starts “It's First Lieutenant. But you got me out, and I'm still wounded, so... I'll leave command to you for now. I'm putting you in for one, by the way. That was top notch improvisation. We need men like you.”
It's nice to know I can keep command of my unit. But I wonder how long until I can't...
“They're leaving.” Pyre yells at us. There's no dust. But it looks like one of their Kuebelwagens has gotten stuck. That's what happens if you take too long to leave. Good thing our truck's still in the cave. I'm guessing they figure it isn't worth finding one truck. Or maybe they just didn't see us do this. But, hopefully we'll be fine. I'm going in Walid's car. It's a Jeep. Good suspension, at least. Yanks know how to make a decent car. We're going to Siwa, then directly to Cairo, if the plan holds. At least, that's the hope. Hopefully, no axis patrols. There should be a contact there. Tell us if we're needed elsewhere... and hopefully, a sit-rep.
We wait another half hour. We keep ourselves busy. By the time they've gotten the Kuebelwagen out, we've covered up most of the axis markings. When they're well off, we start the truck and Jeep. Thank god that truck had gas. Navittas might have been able to power the APC for a couple clicks, but he can't do that for too long. Needs to eat a lot to do his magic.
We're making good time. The desert all looks the same. The roads aren't good though, when there even are roads. Off-roading isn't comfortable. At least this thing's suspension is doing its job.
“How long have you been in North Africa, Arnold?” Meyers asks. He's behind me. I turn to him. (Navittas, Pyre, and Jennings are in the truck.)
“About ten months thus far. Been a pain in Jerry's arse, I guarantee you.” I say. He smiles.
“It's a pity we never met. A damn shame about Petersen, too. I could have got you places. Intelligence has its perks.”
“Tell me, Meyers, what do we do if we lose North Africa?”
“There are a few options. None of them good. We need the oil here. Without that... things get much more difficult. Furthermore, India and Australia get cut off. Churchill has plans in case of such an emergency, but I surely don't know them.”
“An honest assessment. Have we lost north Africa yet?”
“Yes.”
I stare at him for a moment. Then I lean my head back a bit. I didn't think things were so bad. I hate it when I'm right. What the hell was all this for?!
“I'm going to ask you a question. Strictly off the record.” Meyers says. Walid looks at him briefly, then back on the road.
“Would you be against the idea of getting out of here?”
“you mean... deserting?”
“Precisely. We wouldn't be throwing our lives away meaninglessly. We wouldn't be captured by the Germans. We wouldn't be shot, except by our own men.”
“You know what we'd be doing right. We could never go back.”
“We'll see about that. I have my ideas. For that matter, it's not like they'd be surprised if we were all dead. Being missing has its advantages.”
I pause for a moment. “Let me think about this. There are a number of things we need to think about here. And I have unfinished business near El Alamein. And we've got the perfect way in.”
“Righto. Just... don't breathe a word of this to anybody else.”
We get to Siwa. Walid knows the place. “It's my hometown, my friend. Here, you are my guest. Please, Enjoy our hospitality, but be careful. The Axis have eyes and ears everywhere. I will bring you to the contacts' house, then I will have to leave you. He will point you in the right direction, and give you some supplies.”
It's an oasis town. Interesting place. More ubiquitous mud-brick housing. Eventually, we get to something kind of like a garage. It's not much, but it will do. There are a bunch of women clad in veils, and a few men with white robes eating at a small cafe table. One of them waves at us. Or more accurately, at Walid. Walid and him start speaking back and forth in Arabic. I get back to the squad.
Navittas is powering a radio. More specifically, the Radio Walid had. I suppose Walid didn't need it anymore.
“Gents, we'll be here a short while. Don't stray too far. Need to get rest while we can. Also, feel free to take in the local cuisine... though I might suggest you make them eat it first. Make sure it isn't poisoned. We don't know anyone.” I say.
“Roger. Anything's better than field rations, at least.” Jennings pipes up.
“Get what you can. Just try to get it from people Walid recommends.”
“Anything else we should know about?” Pyre asks.
“We won't have enough time to get to Cairo today, or even tomorrow. Pack food.”
Walid comes back to me. The men wander off.
“If I may speak freely, sir.”
I tell him to go ahead.
“If I were in your position, I would not desert until absolutely necessary, and with knowledge your men are on your side. I understand its appeal. I will not oppose you in your endeavour. But... be sure it is a wise decision first. It's about five right now. I would not advise going to Cairo in the dark. Plenty of time for rest. Plenty of time to talk to the men about it.”
“Thanks for the advice, Walid. I will do as you say.”
Then I spoke to the men about it. The next day, we made our way to the coast of Northern Egypt.
