Disclaimer: I do not own the Band of Brothers mini-series or book, not do I intend any disrespect to the real men of Easy Company or their families. I only own the original characters.

This story is based on the mini-series and I have done some additional research to try and keep is as historically accurate as possible. However since this is a fiction there are some interpretations of and changes to actual events in order to make the story work.

Chapter 1:

Aldbourne; England

Amelia POV

Standing outside the small house they were staying in, the air felt cool against Amelia's skin and the sounds of soldiers doing PT intermingled with birds waking. Looking out at the serene countryside, watching the beautiful English sunrise, her thoughts drifted to the last sunrise she had seen on English soil. It felt like a lifetime ago and the girl who had watched the sun rise over London wasn't the same one who watched the sun rise over Aldbourne.

Hearing footsteps approach she knew who it was before he spoke. After all she could recognise his shadow even in the dark.

Lieutenant Derek Smith stopped beside her, taking a long drag of his cigarette before exhaling slowly, watching the smoke dance in front of his eyes. The sides of their arms touched slightly, making her quickly look his way from the corner of her eye. The change in the man Amelia had met in 1940 to the one that stood beside her now always caught her by surprise. Derek was handsome, probably always would be, with his strong jaw, steel grey eyes, full lips and tall muscular build. However the past few years had added lines to his face which made him look far older than his 25 years. His dark brown hair was worn short, but she knew there were some grey hairs on his head already, mostly because she'd teased him about them when they first appeared.

Stubbing out his cigarette he turned to look at her. "So, here we go again."

"Yip, here we go again," she replied without taking her eyes off the countryside and letting out a small sigh.

"I can't believe after working with the British for more than three years we now have to start all over with the Yanks."

"Derek darling, you're a Yank or have you forgotten?" she said with a small smirk. Truth be told she was half American as well, although after training and fighting alongside the British for the better part of three years she understood where he was coming from.

Derek just snorted. "Yeah yeah yeah, but they're going to be as green as the spring fields. Besides, I don't have the energy to listen to some private try his best pick-up lines on you."

"That's your worry, some private asking me on a date? Gosh, I'm more worried about having to explain to the private why a woman is here, fighting beside him, in the first place. Besides, those boys will have their pick of beautiful girls to choose from. Somehow, I don't think I'll even feature."

Derek dramatically rolled his eyes at her. He had the most dramatic eye roll she'd ever seen on a man. I suppose three years in my company hasn't helped him break the habit. The thought made a small smile play across her lips.

Amelia continued without missing a beat. "Listen, we get to choose who we work with and the US Airborne is considered some of best the Yanks have to offer. The 506th come highly recommended and we'll get to choose the company."

As she was talking Derek tugged on her sleeve, indicating that it was time for them to go. He held the door of the jeep for her while she hopped in and then he got into the driver's side. They spent the short drive to the Regimental HQ in silence, however Derek had a deep frown, like he was thinking long and hard about something. She knew he would tell her what was on his mind when he was ready to share and besides she was enjoying the feeling of the early morning sun on her face.

As they stopped outside the old manor house Derek jumped out and opened her door before she had a chance to move. "You know Em, I have your back?" He had an expression on his face that was a mixture of concern and awkwardness.

"Ummmm….ok. Of course I know that, if you hadn't I would have been sent home in a box a long time ago."

Derek gave her a look like she'd just missed the most obvious point in the world. "No, not like that. I mean, of course yes, when the bullets start flying I'll be there. I'm talking about in there and when we meet the Yanks."

She had to smile at his obvious concern. Over the years it had been the same story every time she was introduced to a new group of men. Some were confused, stunned and intrigued, others just avoided her like the plague and then there was always that one that went out of his way to make it clear a woman had no place at the front. She would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous to start all over again. The uniform she was wearing felt stifling and tight at the thought of what lay ahead. She tugged at it self-consciously before looking him in the eye and presenting her most reassuring smile. "Darling, I'll be fine. I always am. And you're right, I do know you'll have my back."

He patted her shoulder as he walked past her and they started for the steps leading into the building.

As they entered Derek asked an orderly to point them in the direction of Colonel Sink's office as they were set to meet with him. Approaching the Colonel's office she noted the door was firmly closed and you could hear voices coming from inside. An orderly indicated they should take a seat and wait until the Colonel was ready to see them. She sat down and crossed her legs at the ankles, making herself as comfortable as possible for what she knew could end up being a long wait.

Amelia looked out the window, admiring the beautiful morning and day dreaming about all the other things she could be doing besides waiting outside some office. She was snapped out of her train of thought when she heard her name being mentioned from behind the closed door. Looking up Derek met her eye. He must have heard it too she thought.

Whoever it was didn't sound too pleased. Derek just sighed, she could almost hear him thinking of ways this conversation could go south quickly. She gave him a small smile and shrugged slightly, hoping to reassure him. The last thing they needed today was for her "protective older brother" to walk in there ready for a fight.

XXXXXXX

Nixon POV

Nixon was trying his hardest not to lean against the wall behind him. He was standing in Colonel Sink's office with Richard "Dick" Winters and Herbert Sobel.

Sink had sent a runner last night to find Nixon requesting his presence in the morning. Of course this was after Nixon had already had a few healthy glasses of his beloved Vat 69 with Harry Welsh. So he was feeling a bit worse for wear this morning.

"Gentlemen, I've called you here this morning to discuss some guests who, I hope, will be joining Easy shortly." Sink paused, pacing in front of his desk before continuing. "As you know the Germans have had great success with integrating snipers into their military units and our British counterparts have also developed a strong program."

"Currently we do not have this capability within the Airborne. Of course we have our expert marksman, however these are not dedicated snipers. Our British allies have offered one of their best sniper teams to train with a company from our regiment, in the hope that they will choose to remain with us through the coming invasion."

Nixon shifted his weight slightly while refocusing on the Colonel. Yip, that fifth glass was not the best decision I've ever made.

"Based on your exemplary record I will be suggesting Easy Company to them. Now, they will be training with Easy for a few weeks and then they will make a decision as to whether they want to stay with the Company or feel their talents would be better spent elsewhere."

Sink stopped pacing and leaned against his desk, picking up a piece of paper and briefly scanning it before continuing. "I want Easy Company to be the very best and at the forefront of modern warfare. This sniper team has the ability to add to that reputation. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes sir," all three of them said in unison.

"Good, this piece of paper contains a short description on the team. Experience, qualifications and the like." Sink handed them each a piece of paper as he spoke.

Nixon scanned the paper and choked when he reached the mid-point. He tried to mask it as a cough and coincidently Dick coughed at the same time. Nixon allowed a small smirk to cross his face as he realised Dick must have reached the same point in the brief. Before either man could say anything Sobel spoke. "Sir, there's a mistake in the information. It says here than Sergeant Jones's full name is Amelia."

Sink frowned and paused for a beat before responding. "No Captain, there is no mistake. Sergeant Jones's name is Amelia. Will this be a problem?"

Sobel swallowed hard and Nixon could see him shift his weight uncomfortably. "Well sir, I do not see how a woman will be able to keep up with my men. I also don't want them to be distracted by her presence."

"Your concern has been noted Captain. If she cannot keep up with them, then we will part ways with the team. As for your men's focus, she has worked with the British in Africa and Italy. I'll be dammed if it's said the Brits could make it work and we could not. Any other questions?" Nixon realised this wasn't so much a question as an indication that the conversation was over. Sobel must have come to the same conclusion as he simply nodded.

"Good then, they will join Easy outside their barracks at 07:00 tomorrow for PT and the day's training exercises. I suggest you tell your men what I expect of them before then Captain."

"Yes sir," Sobel replied stiffly.

Sink nodded indicating the meeting was over. All three men quickly stood at attention and saluted before Sink waved them out of his office.

As they turned to leave, Sobel stormed out the door and down the corridor almost knocking over an orderly.

Nixon felt sorry for the boys, they were going to suffer the full wrath of Sobel's mood today.

He followed Dick out of Sink's office. Dick suddenly stopped half way out the door and Nixon almost walked smack-bang into him. He swore under his breath at his friend. As Dick composed himself and continued out the door he saw what had made him falter.

Standing to one side of the door were two soldiers. The Lieutenant was a tall man who, by the look in his eyes, wouldn't hesitate to kill a man if he was crossed. Truth be told, Nixon wasn't sure even that much would be required. He was as tall as Dick with various pins and ribbons attached to his uniform and a star on his jump wings.

The woman standing next to the Lieutenant was one of the most striking creatures Nixon had ever seen. She was of average height, with dark blonde hair and the tanned skin of someone who spent most of their life outdoors. She had fine freckles dusted over her nose and cheeks. Her eyes were big and such a dark green they almost appeared black in this light. Nixon was sure he could easily lose himself in them if he stared too long. Her uniform did nothing to hide her elegant lean curves. As he was looking her over his eye caught the star on her jumps wings and her rank, sergeant. Shit, this must be the sniper team Sink was referring to he realised.

The woman gave him a small smile and nodded her head in greeting. Before they could exchange formal introductions Dick motioned for Nixon to follow him outside and the team stepped into Sink's office, closing the door behind them. Huh, Dick looks almost as stunned as I feel.

As they stepped into the sun he let out a long whistle. "Well, that was unexpected." Dick quirked his eyebrow to indicate Nixon needed to elaborate exactly which part of that morning he was referring to.

"Did you see who was waiting outside that door? Jeez Dick, that guy looks like he'd shoot his own mother and the women is a goddamn walking pin-up."

Dick placed his cap back on his head before replying. "Well Nix, I don't think we'll have to worry about Sobel."

"How do you get to that conclusion? You heard him in Sink's office".

"Somehow I get the feeling that Sergeant can handle Sobel with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back."

Dick started to walk back towards the barracks without waiting for a response. Nixon took out his hip flask and took a deep swig. Hey, it's 12:00 somewhere. He would have to make a turn at Easy's first PT session with the sniper team tomorrow morning, just to see the men and Sobel's reactions to their new guests.

XXXXXXX

Amelia POV

She looked up as the door abruptly opened. A tall, dark haired officer strode out without looking left or right and he quickly disappeared out of sight. The orderly indicated they could go in now so she quickly stood and straightened out her skirt, trying to smooth out any creases.

An attractive red haired lieutenant exited the Colonel's office. He looked a bit surprised to see them standing there, although he recovered quickly and gave them a short nod as he continued on his way.

When the third man came into the hallway she had to suppress a giggle. He looked a bit worse for wear and did a terrible job of hiding is surprise. He stared at them for a few beats more than what would be considered socially acceptable. Glancing over her shoulder she saw Derek asses him the way men do when they encounter each other for the first time. She was trying not to roll her eyes, this probably wasn't the best time to be a smart ass. Instead she turned her attention back to the officer and held his gaze. He was attractive enough with dark hair and mischievous eyes which she was sure had broken many a heart. When the redhead motioned for him to get a move on he smiled briefly and left down the corridor.

Derek placed a hand protectively on her lower back, as was his habit, and guided her into Colonel Sink's office.

As they stood at attention and saluted she quickly took in her surroundings and the man in front of her. Light streamed in from the large window behind the Colonel's desk, which was stacked high with papers. The Colonel was an imposing man with neatly combed hair and a moustache. His eyes felt like they were sizing you up, however it wasn't an entirely uncomfortable experience. Her gut told her this was a man who would be firm but fair. She let out a breath when she realised this wouldn't be the worst encounter they've ever had with a superior.

The Colonel returned their salute, shook their hands warmly and indicated they should take a seat. They sat down and waited for him to take his seat and start the conversation. In this instance, they'd learned it was best to allow the other party to make the first move.

"Well, I've read your files and I'm sure you've read mine, so I think we can skip the polite introductions. When my British counterparts said they were sending us one of their finest sniper teams on loan I was a bit surprised. I didn't think they would want to let you go, even to an ally".

She knew Derek would reply to the unasked question so Amelia simply nodded politely at the Colonel. Derek shifted slightly in his chair before speaking up. "Well sir, it wasn't so much them letting us go, as us requesting the transfer. As you know we both have American parentage and we felt this would be the opportune time to make the move as the coming invasion of Europe draws closer."

Sink nodded and quirked his head slightly to the right. "I see, well I'm glad you decided to make the move then. You both come highly recommended and I could tell the Brits were sorry to see you go."

"Thank you sir," they both said in unison.

"Considering your track record I felt it only appropriate to pair you with one of our best companies. Here is their information." Sink's orderly appeared out to thin air and gave them each a piece of information.

She quickly looked it over. Easy Company, Airborne and their record looks pretty damn perfect. This could work. She kept her face neutral but gave an approving nod.

"Now, Miss Jones, I must say your presence in the company will most likely cause some raised eyebrows. I've made it clear to their commanding officer that I expect his men to be on their best behaviour. You let me know if they cause trouble."

She gave him an appreciative smile. "Thank you sir, however I'm sure we won't have any problems."

"Good-good, now if we don't talk before then we'll meet in a couple of weeks once you've made up your mind as to who you want to work with going forward." Sink stood up as he spoke and they both followed suit knowing this was his way of indicating that the meeting had come to a close.

"Yes sir," Derek and she said as they saluted. The Colonel returned their salute before they turned and left the office.

Once outside and in their jeep she let out a nervous giggle. Derek shot her a look like she was half mad. To be honest, after everything she had been through, she would be surprised if she wasn't.

"So, I booked the live ammunitions training area for us this afternoon. We can quickly grab some breakfast before heading out." Derek had to raise his voice to be heard over the noise of the engine and wind.

"You read my mind, I'm starving!" She gave him an appreciative smile and turned her face upwards to face the sun. Maybe working with Easy wouldn't be so bad after all.

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I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Please let me know what you think. I'll be posting the second one in the next few days.