February 22, 1942

Hello all,

Carlo again. Bringing once again the ever-exciting news of a war some of you have already fought. Singapore fell last week, on the 15th. The Japanese have made great advances, and I think they will push the last Americans out of the Philippines soon. Maybe then there might be peace, but I don't think so. The Americans will be furious after what the Japanese did at Pearl Harbor and they won't stop anytime soon. Maybe they will send all their men to fight the Japanese and leave Europe alone? One can hope, I suppose.

Take care, no matter where or when you are.

In happier news, Antonio is flirting constantly with the poor doctor's daughter. The poor woman most hate having the enemy giving her so much attention. I find it rather amusing, in a sad sort of way. He has to know that she hates all of us. I don't blame her, really. Ah well. Again, take care!

Carlo.

The Japanese have captured Manila, we've heard. I'm not sure what's going to happen...Hitler and Mussolini have declared war on the Americans, the Japanese are moving fast in the Pacific. The Germans haven't captured Moscow yet. I pray that this year will be better.

Happy Christmas, everyone. Even though it is darkened by war, I hope everyone can put aside such thoughts today to celebrate the birth of Christ and pray for an end to strife, suffering and violence in the world. Today is a celebration of brotherhood, goodwill and love.

Peace on earth, God willing.

your friend,
Carlo

[The man's voice is shocked, unbelieving as if what he's saying can't quite be real.]

My God. Oh God.

[A pause as he draws in a breath, then exhales sharply.]

It just came over the radio. The Japanese have bombed the Americans at Pearl Harbor. This war...[A mumbled prayer] Holy Mary, mother of God pray for us...

The war is just getting bigger. I just pray that Mussolini isn't so stupid as to declare war on them. Or Hitler. Hitler can't! He's already balls deep in Russia...Oh God, protect us from madmen and their delusions.

[A faint click as the microphone shuts off]

Nov. 20, 1941

The Germans are driving on Moscow. It should all be over within a week or two, God willing. Then maybe this war will be over.

I have to say, it's been a while since I've posted here. Been a bit busy with my duties and that sort of thing (Antonio is making us practice our singing more. We're to have a concert). Cephallonia is still pretty and sunny as ever. The war is still going as badly as one can expect with Mussolini in charge. Last I heard, even Rommel was getting trounced over in Tunisia.

Pelagia and Antonio think they're very subtle and sneaky, but I think just about everyone knows that they sneak off to watch dolphins and kiss and all that sort of thing that lovers do. I hope this war ends soon...I would love to see them happy and with children. I get the feeling that it's going to get worse before it gets better, though.

Madre di Dio! Che idiota! Antonio nearly blew himself up today! Lemoni found a sea mine from the Great War that washed up on the beach and so Antonio decided that we should blow it up. Like the fools we are, we all agreed. Dug him a slit trench in the sand, planted dynamite around the thing, piled up the sand...the loudest damn thing I've ever heard, even louder then the artillery in Albania. Thing blew sky high and buried the stupid man. I was so terrified that I'd lost him he'd gone and got himself killed with his stupid bravado. I had to dig him out of the sand and haul him off to the doctor's.

And poor Pelagia, she felt the same as I did was so worried, poor woman. Antonio is deaf now, serves him right if it's permanent. Foolish man brought half the garrison down because they thought the Allies were invading. Che sciocco dannati! What would we have done if he had died, eh?

_{[[Strikes typed, then deleted.]]}

[There's a clatter and a soft curse, followed by bumping and clattering noises, some shuffling and a few other noises before there's a creaking, as if someone is sitting on a bed. Then someone starts humming, a few faint sounds of a brsh being run over leather managing to get through before the person on the other end launches into a loud baritone, singing loudly in Italian. He launches into a rendition of Rigoletto's 'La Dona e mobile,' a capella.]

_{[[The song he's singing for anyone interested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A3zetSuYRg ]]}

This is very strange. Like a typewriter with some sort of electronic screen, I suppose. As it is, what you people write is extremely interesting, and is at least a distraction from the drudgery of garrison duty here Kephalonia.

In fact I'm more then happy that I have others to talk to, even if I've no idea how exactly this thing works.

Anyways, greetings to all of you!

regards,
Carlo

_{[[OOC: Obscure fandom is obscure! Say hello to Carlo Guercio from the book Captain Corelli's Mandolin!]]}