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she-wolf09231982 · 7 months

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Chapter 1-Dynamite

Summary: Growing up in Chicago, you haven’t seen much outside the city limits, except maybe Wisconsin or Indiana. After the Pearl Harbor attacks, WWII was announced across the country. Not long after you find yourself with your brothers resisting temptations after you stumble upon two military recruiters encouraging you to join the Army or Marines to make a difference.

A/N: Mature audience, BillHoosierSmithx!FemMedic, WW2, OCIntroduction/Kate Danaher, Female Pronouns, Cursing/Swearing, Derogatory Slurs, Womanizing Comments, Military and Medical Terminology, Inappropriate Nicknames, HBO The Pacific References, Mentions of Weaponry, Smoking.

Story takes begins Episode 1/Chapters 1-4 Guadalcanal/Leckie

*These stories may not fall entirely in accordance with the TV series timeline. I do not know the real Marines the actors portray in this series, so please understand I show no disrespect. Some or most of historical events and character interactions in my fanfics are fabricated purely for the sake of the enjoyment of fiction*

~~~~~~~

December 7th, 1941

Chicago, IL

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, I am speaking to you tonight at a very serious moment in our history. The Cabinet is convening and the leaders in Congress are meeting with the President-”

Kate listens intensely to the radio one evening with her family in the parlor.

“-In fact, the Japanese ambassador was talking to the president at the very time that Japan's airships were bombing our citizens in Hawaii and the Philippines and sinking one of our transports loaded with lumber on its way to Hawaii.”

Kate's mother obviously in shock sitting next to her father on the loveseat, reached for his hand as her other hand slowly rests over her mouth.

“In the meantime, we the people are already prepared for action....Preparation to meet an enemy no matter where he struck. That is all over now and there is no more uncertainty. We know what we have to face and we know that we are ready to face it.”

When the announcement ended and the regular scheduled program continued, her father walked over to the radio and turned the volume dial down. Kate, her two brothers and mother waited for him to speak.

“Well, all we can do is wait.” he said with finality.

The following day, newspapers all over the U.S. had “WAR DECLARED!!” across every headline.

So, this was it. World War II has begun.

~~~~~~~

Kate and her two older brothers, Peter and Tommy, walk through Sears, Roebuck & Co retail store trying to find Christmas gift ideas for their mother.

“I heard they’re sending guys all over! Britian, Australia, Philippine's, Italy, Germany-” Tommy said excitedly.

“Yeah, that’s what I heard, too.” Peter confirmed.

Her brothers walking ahead gossiped about war details between them, not bothering to even look around for a gift.

Kate huffed irritably, “Why did you guys even come with me if you’re not going to help me find something for mom?”

They looked back and chuckled, “Ah come on, Ace, ma will love anything we get her.” Pete dissolved with a wave of his hand.

Kate rolled her eyes then continued to search for something worthwhile.

As her eyes scan the decorated windows of each shop, two uniformed men were standing in a storefront entrance each next to a military recruiting poster. One bearing “I WANT YOU FOR THE US ARMY” and another “WANT ACTION? JOIN THE U.S. MARINE CORPS!”

“Hey, get a load of this!” Pete nudged Tommy when he saw the two posters.

The uniformed men saw that your brothers’ interests were peaked.

“What do you think, gents, wanna do your part for your country?” The Marine asked.

Pete and Tommy shot eager glances at each other while walking closer to the two men.

“Your country needs you, boys, we’re always looking for good, strong men.” The soldier added.

“See the world and get paid for it!”

“-an extra $50 if you join the 101st Airborne!”

Kate's brothers’ eyes lit up, so she decided to intervene.

“Excuse me, gentlemen, I think these two-” she began.

Each recruiter redirected their attention to her as she approached.

“Ma’am, we’re looking for abled women as well.” the soldier interrupted.

All of Kate's thoughts dissipated at this statement, stopping her dead in her tracks.

“Ever thought about becoming a nurse?” the Marine asked.

“That’s actually what she’s always wanted to do!” Tommy verified for you.

“Shut up, Tommy!” she snapped.

“Well then-” the soldier began, “-sounds to me we have three new U.S. Army recruits!”

“More like three Marine Corps recruits.” the Marine countered with a sly grin.

~~~~~~~

Kate convinced her brothers to revisit the idea later when more was known about where the war was heading. It’s only been a week since the start of the war was announced, and they were already jumping into the snake pit feet first without looking.

But she had internally thought about it herself. Was it really such a hasty idea? The military would pay for all her training to become a nurse. And it’s not like she’d be on the front lines, right? So, she’d be safe.

Kate wasn’t sure who she would be trying to sell the idea to more: herself or her parents. They’d be more against the idea of her joining than Pete and Tommy. The more she considered it, the more she was inclined to join. But which branch?

Tommy and Pete were already dead set on becoming paratroopers for the Army. The idea of $50 more per check was more than enough to motivate them.

Kate discussed the idea with her best friend, Blanche.

“I mean, financially it makes sense.” Blanche agreed.

“They’d pay for me to become a nurse AND pay me while I go. Other than being away from my family, I can’t see why I shouldn’t do it.” Kate reasoned.

“Well, you would be without your best friend.” Blanche eluded.

Kate laughed, “That’s right.” she agreed with a slight look of disappointment.

“You know what, I’ll do it with you!”

A look of surprise appeared across Kate's face.

“Do what?” she queried.

“I’ll join with you and we’ll both become nurses in the military.”

She studied her best friend, “Really? You'd join because I’m going to?”

“Of course! We made a pact, remember?” Blanche reminded.

They each had promised eachother as children they’d always stick together and be best friends forever.

Kate smiled, “Ok! But let’s wait til after the holidays to go see a recruiter. I don’t want to ruin my parents’ Christmas and New Years.”

“Good call.” Blanche concurred.

~~~~~~~

The holidays came and went, and before Kate knew it, her, her brothers, and Blanche had enlisted as service members of the U.S. military. Tommy and Pete signed up as paratroopers for the Army, while Kate and Blanche decided on the U.S. Marine Corps. Needless to say, this news didn’t go over well with any of the parents. Especially for Kate and Blanche being women.

Kate and her brothers sat at the kitchen table across from their mother, Elaine, who was weeping, while their father, Mortimer, paced behind her.

“So,” Mortimer began, “-all three of you signed your lives away.”

They all remained silent with only the muffled bawls of their mother filling the room.

“You see what you’re doing to your mother!?” their father scolded, gesturing towards his wife.

“Pops, we just-” Pete began.

“Do you understand what you just did? The government owns you now. You’re just a number to them. They don’t care if you live or die over there. Who know what will happen to you!” their dad continued as he ran his hand through his disheveled hair.

Tommy, Pete, and Kate looked towards the floor with the weight of guilt weighing upon their backs.

Their mother finally straightened up and composed herself.

“Mortimer, what’s done is done. Shaming the children won’t do any good. Only thing we can do is support them now.” she defended.

Their children exchanged confused glances. Their father turned to her with a look of shock painted across his face.

“Elaine?” he questioned.

“Mortimer, they’re grown enough to make their own decisions. The least we can do is be there for them every step of the way.” she responded.

Their mother looked each of them over with a weak yet genuine smile.

“You will all be outstanding. I am proud of you all.” she added.

~~~~~~~

August 7th, 1942

After Kate and Blanche completed basic training, they surprisingly found themselves aboard a battle cruiser heading for Guadalcanal with well over 1,000 some male Marines. The Corps decided to assign two medics to each platoon, regardless of gender. When they ran out of men to assign, they resorted to placing females.

Kate was just thankful to be paired with Blanche, so she wasn't alone with all these unfamiliar faces. She wasn't one to enjoy too much attention in big crowds. Blanche, however, relished the spotlight. Especially when most of the attention were from men.

“Just look at them! So many handsome ones.” Blanche whispered as she nudged Kate.

“Mmhm.” Kate hummed unamused, looking around the mess hall below the main deck of the ship.

The kitchen prepared a special meal for the Marines today, so the men were buzzing, quite eager to eat something tasty for once. Kate and Blanche (being the only women within hundreds of miles) were usually allowed to get their meals beforehand to avoid unnecessary interactions with the males. Usually, they were able to finish their meals and leave before the guys would get there, but today seats filled up rather quickly upon hearing about the exclusive meal that was prepared.

The only encounters they usually had with the men were when they visited the aid station in one's and two's within the ship to receive medical attention as needed. So, to see them all at once in the chow hall was very overwhelming...specifically for Kate since most of them watched her and Blanche’s every move.

They were pushing through the crowd, trying to get back to their sleeping quarters when a Marine accidentally bumped into Kate with his arms cradling a bunch of oranges, causing him to drop a few.

“Oh! I’m sorry ma’am!” the boyish blonde Marine offered.

Kate crouched down and picked up the two oranges that fell to the ground.

“It’s ok, Private, no harm done.” she assured trying to place the two oranges strategically back on the pile in his arms.

“Oh no, please take them. A gift for two pretty ladies.” he added winking at Blanche.

“Why thank you, Private..?” Blanche began waiting for him to introduce himself.

“-Phillips. But call me Sid.” he insisted.

Blanche and Sid shared a brief moment of staring until it became too painful for Kate.

“Thank you again, Private Phillips. Try not to drop anymore, it would be a shame to waste those.” Kate said as she pulled Blanche in the opposite direction.

“See you around, Sid!” Blanche called out as she waved at him.

Sid made it to his table with the rest of the fruit unscathed.

“Dessert!” he announced to the guys seated as he distributed the oranges onto the table in front of them, “Make sure you save one of those for me!” he added.

“I just wanna get off this goddam rust bucket, I can’t hear myself think!” PFC Wilbur Runner complained.

“Yeah, at least they give you a good meal before your send-off" PFC Lew Chuckler justified.

“Yeah, like the electric chair.” PFC Bill ‘Hoosier’ Smith interjected sarcastically before continuing, “But you, Runner,” placing a hand on the seated man’s shoulder, “-you have won a trip to a tropical paradise called Guadal-Kenel...Guada...ken...I still can’t pronounce it.” He dismissed with a laugh.

The table laughed collectively.

“Hey Sid, who was that doll you were chattin’ up?” Chuckler asked.

“Her name is Blanche.” Sid replied.

“Weren’t there two of ‘em?” Runner questioned.

“Yeah, but I didn’t get the other one’s name. She was a looker, too. She didn’t seem interested, though.” Sid proclaimed.

“Maybe you ain’t her type, Phillips.” Hoosier teased.

“Oh yeah, and you think you are?” Sid shot back with a snicker.

“Guess we’ll see, won’t we?” Hoosier returned with a confident smile.

“Not if I get to her first!” Chuckler chimed in.

“Ok, you’re on.” Hoosier said shaking Chuckler’s hand officiating the bet.

~~~~~~~

Kate sat on her bunk trying to concentrate on reading her anatomy and physiology research journal while Blanche drummed on and on about Sid Phillips.

“Blanche, please. That was an hour ago.” Kate resounded.

Blanche rolled her eyes at her, “You’re such a book bug!”

“Excuse me?” Kate chuckled back at her.

“We’re surrounded by strapping handsome Marines and you got your nose stuck in that book.” Blanche teased as she snatched Kate's book from her hands.

“Blanche! Be careful with that! It’s old-”

“Please, quit being sucha crumb. You’re always reading or studying.”

“Well, my brothers don’t call me ‘Ace’ for nothin’.” Kate explained.

“Just live a little, ok!? Look beyond the hard covers and enjoy the boys.” Blanche insisted.

“I’d say you’re a little slack happy, Blanche. I’m here to make sure these boys make it through the war alive. Not to find a boyfriend.” Kate clarified.

Blanche laughed, “Well, some things are out of your control. Because let me tell you something, you may not have been noticing all the hot bodies on this ship, but they absolutely been noticing you.”

Kate flashed her a bored and surly glance then snapped the book back from Blanche's hands.

“I’m not the least bit interested.” Kate finalized, flipping back to the page she was previously on.

“Not yet,” Blanche purred, “but you will.”

Kate ignored her comment and continue reading.

~~~~~~~

“Wrap it up now! Get your gear! Everybody topside for the pre-landing briefing! Let’s move!”

Kate heard the officers calling out in the slim hallways of the ship.

Kate and Blanche began collecting their medical supplies and duffels.

“Don’t forget your brassard.” Kate reminded her best friend as she pinned her own white armband donning the red cross to her left arm of her own uniform.

Soon, they stood on the deck with the rest of the Marines as an officer projected his voice as far as he can to brief everyone.

“Forget all the horseshit you’ve heard about the Japs. They had their turn, now it’s our turn!”

Kate and Blanche side eye each other with wide eyes.

He proceeded, “They may have started this war, but I promise you, we will finish it!”

“YES SIR.” The men responded outloud in unison.

“Hit the beach. Keep moving to your rendevous and primary objectives. When you see the enemy, kill ‘em all!” he ended.

“YEAH!” the men collectively roared together.

“Go! Let’s go get ‘em!”

All the men started to stir, each either tightening their helmet straps or adjusting their web belts.

Kate looked to Blanche to ask her if she has everything but discovered she had wandered off somewhere leaving her alone. Kate tried to look over the swarm of Marines then saw her talking to Sid. Kate shook her head and started to push through the crowd to get to her.

It was like swimming against a current walking through the sea of men.

“Excuse me.” Kate called out to no avail.

She suddenly felt a shoulder deliberately check her, knocking the strap of her duffel off her own shoulder.

“Hey, asshole, watch it!” Kate snapped.

A rather tall and broad Marine turned around staring her down.

“What the fuck did you just say to me?” he dared.

“I said watch it.” She repeated emphasizing the last two words without flinching.

He started to approach her as a devilish grin started to stretch across his face.

“I like ‘em feisty.” he whispered inches from Kate's face.

She stood her ground, not giving him the satisfaction he can intimidate her.

“You’re not getting anyone with that breath.” she replied with a grimace.

The large man fisted the front of her uniform practically lifting her off the ground.

“Hey, Bennetti! That’s enough!” a voice barked out from the crowd.

He doesn’t let Kate go but does allow her feet to touch the ground again. She looked to the side and saw another Marine pushing past the others with a few members of his squad close behind him.

“What’s it to you, Hoosier?” Bennetti retaliated.

“Well, that there is our medic, so get your meat hooks off her. Do you not know how to treat a lady?” Hoosier asked smoothly.

“I can think of a few ways to treat her.” Bennetti stated winking at Kate. She strained to get out of his grip as anger started to boil over from within her.

“Let her go. Now.” Hoosier warned as Chuckler, Runner, Sid, and Private Bob Leckie line up ready to square off in case Bennetti decided not to comply.

Bennetti sized up his competition, then let her blouse top go with a bit of a shove, slightly projecting her into opposite direction. With her chest heaving, Kate spat at Bennetti’s boots, then turned on her heel to walk away.

Hoosier and the rest of the boys “oooo-ed” then laughed impressed by her gumption.

“She is feisty, isn’t she?” Leckie acknowledged.

“Yeah, like a firecracker.” Chuckler added.

“More like a stick of dynamite...I think I’m in love.” Hoosier confessed while his eyes were glued on Kate disappearing into the mass of men.

~~~~~~~

Kate and Blanche boarded a Higgins boat with H Company. Almost forty people were packed like sardines in the floating metal box, not allowing for much personal space. Blanche conveniently sat herself next to Sid for the ride to the island, once again leaving you to fend for yourself. Fortunately, Kate found herself in better company next to the Marine that defended her earlier from the brute, Bennetti.

She side-eyed him awkwardly, knowing she hadn’t properly thanked him for helping her yet. Hoosier sensed her apprehension to speak first so he took initiative.

“You alright?” Hoosier asked.

Kate's breath caught in her throat before she spoke, “Oh, uh, yes. I’m fine.”

He smiled, “That’s good.”

She looked down at her boots, swallowing hard before she spoke again, “Thank you. You know, for before.” she muttered.

Hoosier’s smile increased, “Don’t mention it.” he replied admiring her shyness.

Another moment of silence passed.

“I’m Bill Smith. But my friends call me Hoosier.” he said extending his right hand.

Kate coyly smiled at him then grab his hand to shake, “Mary Kate Danaher. Call me Kate.”

Hoosier raised his eyebrows, “Irish?”

“How did you know?” she asked mockingly.

He chuckled, “Just a hunch, I guess.”

They remained quiet for the rest of the journey to shore while explosions tore through the air, as hundreds of C47’s soared over them in flocks. The water was choppy and rough, causing a lot of the men seasickness and lose the meals they had just eaten. Kate wished she could help them, but they could only just push through until they all reached land.

She began to hear indistinct shouting.

“Standby!” The driver shouted.

“Hoof it up to the beach! Spread out! GO! GO! GO!”

The hatch of the boat drops and Marines hit the beach running forward each yelling profanities as they find themselves knee deep in water trudging to get through the sandbar. Many suddenly slow down to take in the scene before them.

“What took you so long?” a random Marine called from the beach, leaning against a palm tree relaxing in front of what can only be described as a campfire.

“Welcome to Guadalcanal.” another added sarcastically seeing the confused looks on the new arrival’s faces.

Leckie, Chuckler, Hoosier, Sid, and Runner collectively laugh, amused by the laid-back atmosphere that they weren’t expecting to experience.

~~~~~~~

Kate sat close to where H Company settled on the beach. Blanche checked in with her before rejoining Sid on a makeshift bench made from beached driftwood. Kate decided to make use of this time by reorganizing her medical supplies.

Kate was startled when she heard Chuckler repeatedly beating a coconut against a stone. She laughed to herself imagining him as a caveman. As he successfully breaks through the shell of the coconut, he becomes disgruntled to find there’s another solid layer.

He shows Leckie, “Hey, now what do I do?” he asked.

“I think the islanders us a machete or a rock.” Leckie responded with a smile.

“Try using your head, Chuckler, it’s big and rocklike.” Runner added.

Chuckler grabbed his machete.

“If you do get that open, you might not want to drink too much of the juice right away.” Kate advised Chuckler.

He looked over at her and smirked, “Oh yeah? Why's that?” he asked flirtatiously.

“Coconut water has mild laxative effects if you consume too much at once.” she clarified.

Chuckler tilted his head eyebrows drawn together confused.

“You’ll get the shits if you drink too much of the stuff inside.” Leckie simplified.

“Ah ok...” Chuckler comprehended while looking disappointedly at the fruit on his lap.

“But the coconut meat is very good for you, so you can eat that.” Kate expanded to cheer him up.

Chuckler smiled at her, “When I get in this son of a bitch, I’ll bring you some.” he offered with a wink.

She only smiled and return to packing her supplies.

Leckie walked over to Kate, “Yeah, you kinda have to dumb it down for him. He’s a great guy. Great Marine, just not that bright when it comes to big words.”

She looked at Leckie and snickered.

“Bob Leckie.” he offered his right hand.

“Kate Danaher.” she took his hand firmly.

“Strong Irish name! Good to meet you. So, you’re assigned to H Company?”

“I am. And I already have a good feeling about it.” she stated.

“Yeah? How’s that?”

“Well, you all came to my rescue when that bum had me dangling a foot from the ground. You guys didn’t even know me, and you stood up for me anyway. Speaks volumes about you guys.” she illustrated.

“Oh, we knew you long before that happened.” Leckie confessed.

Kate looked at him befuddled.

“Yeah! You and your friend, um, Blanche, is it? Yeah, you two have had these guys’ heads spinning since you boarded that carrier to get here. Of course, we all had to asked around about you.” he explained with a dismissive shrug.

Kate's eyes widened, “Weren’t there more important things to worry about?” she questioned.

“Uh, like?” Leckie returned.

“Oh, I don’t know. Battle plans perhaps? Maps of the beach and the rest of the areas we’re about to trek through?” she listed.

“I don’t know about the rest of these guys, but I write more than I read. Would’ve brought my typewriter if I could.”

“Leckie, you’re going to bore her to death.” Hoosier teased sitting on a fallen palm tree right next to Kate.

She beamed at Bill.

“Well, Bob Leckie, since I love to read, and you love to write, perhaps we can exchange some literature sometime. I’m always looking for new material to read.”

Leckie looked at Hoosier with a cocky, triumphant smile.

“Absolutely, Kate Danaher.” Leckie replied with a slight bow.

She nodded and occupied herself with the project at hand.

Leckie raised his eyebrows at Hoosier.

Bill presented Leckie his middle finger then waved him away mouthing, “Get lost.”

Leckie trotted off laughing to himself.

“So, what do you like to read?” Hoosier started.

“Mostly medical journals. Medicinal studies, anatomy and physiology, physician dissertations-” Kate glanced at Hoosier noticing his furrowed eyebrows, “-um, sorry, I’m what Blanche refers to as a ‘book bug.’”

She winced looking down at her medic satchel embarrassed.

Hoosier chuckled as he scooted closer to her, “No need to be sorry. Only thing I read is the newspaper or Dick Tracy comics. Not exactly a disser-uh-dissrat-”

“Dissertations.” Kate corrected him with a nervous giggle.

He laughed, “Yeah, that.” He started to rub the back of his neck.

Chuckler abruptly walked over to Kate handing her a half-gutted coconut filled with sliced coconut meat.

“As promised, doll.”

“Oh my, thanks Chuckler.” she praised as she accepted the coconut.

“Anything for you. And call me Lew.” he implored with a proud grin.

Hoosier rolled his eyes at Chuckler’s intrusion and sickening attempt to seduce her. The moment was short lived as the meek voice of Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Lewis chimed in.

“Hey, for what it’s worth, Col Dobson said the Japs might’ve poisoned the coconuts.” he announced nervously.

The group looked at him perplexed.

“They poisoned…a billion coconuts?” Runner asked him.

Lewis shrugged his shoulders, taking a second to think about how silly that sounded until he heard a man cry out in pain behind him.

“Excuse me!” Lewis pardoned himself from the conversation to run towards the injured man.

The group exchanged amused glances, enjoying a good laugh together.

Lieutenant Corrigan appeared, stomping through the camp.

“Intelligence has it the Japs moved back into the jungle. Clean the sand out of your weapons. We move in three minutes. Let’s go find some Japs.” he bellowed.

Hoosier stood up and walked past Kate to where his gear was.

“See you around, Bill.” she called after him.

Hoosier met Kate's gaze with a gleam of excitement behind his own.

“You bet you will.” he called back.

She smiled then redirect her attention to packing up.

Blanche came skipping over.

“See?? I told you!”

“Ugh! Told me what, Blanche?”

“You got yourself a beau!” she tittered poking Kate's ribs.

“Unlikely. I was just gettin’ to know the guys we’ll be taking care of, that’s it.”

“I saw how you looked at him. You can’t fool me.”

“Can we focus on getting our gear and supplies together before the LT snaps his cap?” Kate warned.