No Turning Back

Chapter Thirty Seven: Another Close Call!

The field of strewn wreckage served as places of cover to get us there. I was the first to weave myself through the metal frame of the staircase before Primis closely followed behind. As we continued onwards; we made our way out of the area. From my recollection of the game; we were now technically outside the map. 

There was a mid high concrete barrier which sat amongst some dying shrubbery. Some of the foliage still managed to retain most of its leaves although they had already begun to decay from their stems. We quickly dove in as the sound of the men's voices grew louder. Once we were in position we turned to watch the scene unfold. 

"Uh, doc. Why have we gotta be here?" Dempsey asked anxiously.

"Yes, Richtofen. There is nothing of value here besides the lander", Takeo added.

It was clear from their tone that both men had been trying their best to talk Richtofen out of coming to this part of the facility. They knew Primis and I were hiding out here but thankfully their loud voices alerted us in time. Both men's faces were awash with relief when they looked around to find no trace of us. 

"Nein! Be quiet!" Richtofen snapped.
The doctor stopped in his tracks and lifted a gloved finger to the air. He silently scanned the surrounding area with predatory accuracy as his brow furrowed.

"C'mon doc, there's nothin there. Don't tell me you're hearin things!" Dempsey interrupted which annoyed Richtofen. 

"Shut up!" Richtofen hissed as he stepped forward towards our hiding place before stopping at the metal fence beside the staircase. 

His dangerous glare scanned the horizon as his eye sifted through the littered debris. The others nervously followed behind as they tried to conceal their concern. Richtofen payed them no mind as he continued on his mysterious quest. The German's eyes then locked onto an aircraft turbine which sat within a large crater near to where Primis and I were hiding. Richtofen glared at the structure with pursed lips before he jolted to attention. 

"Bah! Zhat vould never vork!" Richtofen grumbled to himself. 

The doctor then marched off chastising himself with his brow still wrinkled in deep thought. Takeo and Dempsey both let out a sigh of relief as they quickly chased after Richtofen. Nikolai had taken a seat on a broken electrical box whilst he rested and watched the others fumble their way through the area. 

"Ayyy, can Nikolai go back to sleep now?" The Russian slurred groggily.

"Oh, mein precious Nikolai! Please do try to shtay avake a liiiiiittle vhile longer", Richtofen cooed.

"I am just looking for zhe right parts to build meinshelf a shiny new generator!" Richtofen announced happily.

"Um, Richtofen..." Dempsey began.
"VHAT IS IT, SHTUPID AMERICAN?! I AM SICK UND TIRED OF JOUR INTERRUPTIONS!" Richtofen growled as his demeanour suddenly changed. 

"THERE'S A FUCKIN GENERATOR OVER WHERE YOU ARRIVED! DUMBASS!" Dempsey screamed back.
Richtofen paused for a minute as he recalled his arrival. And, of course, outside the map in the distance there lay a semi-working generator which sparked and whirred away - just waiting to be recalibrated and repaired.

"Hm, I vas looking forward to building vone from scratch..." Richtofen murmured defiantly as he avoided Dempsey's glare.

"Yeah, well you kinda DON'T NEED TO on this fuckin occasion" Dempsey growled condescendingly which sent Richtofen marching towards him with a murderous glare.

"Please, let us proceed to the generator!" Takeo intervened as he bravely maneuvered himself between the men.

"Ja, jou are right, Takeo. Ve vouldn't vant to vaste energy on a shtupid American now vould ve?" Richtofen hissed whilst glaring at Dempsey.
"Da! The sooner we find generator the sooner Nikolai can take his nap!" Nikolai proclaimed joyfully.

The four men then made their way back with Richtofen leading the way. Dempsey trailed behind deliberately dragging his feet as he nonchalantly tried to look around for Primis and I. When Richtofen was safely out of view; I stuck a hand out of the bushes to reassure him that we were fine. The marine immediately perked up upon seeing my signal and confidently jogged on to join the others.

"Never a dull moment with them is there?" I whispered to Primis with a smile.

"Ja, zhat is for sure!" Primis smiled nervously.

"Let's follow them and get a good view of the action. It should be interesting to see how they get that generator fixed and sent over to Dr Gersch!" I smiled as Primis agreed.

End of part thirty-seven...