Disclaimer: The Rat Patrol is not my property. They come out to play sometimes, then I send them home.

Who is She?

By Suzie2b

Tully whistled softly as he took the stairs up to the apartment two at a time. On the landing he went into the hallway and stopped when he heard what sounded like a soft mewling. He stopped and looked down the hall and saw a basket on the floor in front of the apartment's door. He approached it cautiously until he could see inside. The only thing Tully saw was a brightly colored woven blanket. He squatted down and reached for it, but it moved. Startled, he tried to get away from it and ended up sitting on the floor. Staring at it, he watched it move again. What was it? A kitten or maybe a puppy? Or maybe it was a snake.

Tully stood up, unlocked the door, and went inside. He quickly crossed the room to the closet and got the broom. Turning it upside-down, he used the handle to push the blanket aside to reveal a … baby girl.

Surprised, Tully said softly, "What the…" The baby looked up at him and started to cry. He set the broom aside and picked up the basket. Tully started to rock the baby and basket in his arms. "Shh. Shh. There's no reason to cry." The baby calmed down and began chewing on her fist. "You must be hungry. What am I gonna do with you?"

A familiar voice came from behind him, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Tully turned to see Charley standing in the still open doorway with a smile. "I just got home and found her in the hallway."

"Huh." Charley put her satchel on the table before stepping over to her husband and questioned, "Who would leave a baby at our door? Was there a note or anything?"

"I haven't seen one, but then I haven't really looked for one."

Charley scooped the naked baby up out of the basket. "It doesn't look like she's had an accident yet so I'm guessing she hadn't been out there too long." She laid the baby on the bed and said, "Watch her while I get a couple of things."

Tully sat next to the baby and smiled as she cooed while still chewing her fist. He put the basket on his lap and when he removed the blanket a small square of parchment fell to the floor. He picked it up and saw Arabic writing. "Hey, I found something."

Charley came out of the closet with a clean kerchief and a large safety pin. She took the parchment, then said, "I speak Arabic better then I read it, but I believe it's telling us her name is Keya." Charley handed the note back to Tully and quickly folded the kerchief into a triangle, then tucked it under the baby's bottom. She then pulled the corners together snuggly and pinned it together in front. "There now. Much better."

Tully watched as Charley took the blanket and wrapped Keya in it before picking her up. He asked, "What're we gonna do?"

"We're going to take her to medical. Better bring the basket along."

People stared as Charley and Tully walked through the Arab quarter to the on base hospital, but no one questioned them about the baby the young couple had with them. Nurses quickly gathered around to see the baby as soon as they arrived. Charley asked someone to get Head Nurse Vicky, then set Keya on a nearby gurney so the women could fawn over the dark eyed baby with jet-black hair.

When Vicky arrived, she shooed the other nurses back to work. Then she turned to Charley and Tully and said, "I thought Nancy was joking, but this is definitely a baby." She smiled. "I'm guessing he or she isn't yours."

Tully said, "I found her in this basket outside our door when I got home."

Charley said, "There was note of sorts. Close as I can figure out is her name is Keya."

Vicky picked up baby Keya as she said, "She looks in good shape. About a month old would be my guess. I'll have a doctor look her over. Why don't you two go to the mess hall for a can or two of powdered milk?"

"Okay, we'll be back shortly."

#################

At the mess hall Charley and Tully went into the kitchen. After greeting some of the men working there, Charley opened a cupboard to look for the powered milk when Sergeant Alexander walked in from a back room.

He set his face in his usual frown and asked, "What do you two want?"

Charley smiled and replied, "Hi, Cookie. I'd like a couple of cans of your powdered milk, please."

"What for?"

"It's for the baby."

Cookie looked up and down Charley's slim torso, then asked, "And when did this happen?"

Charley giggled as Tully rolled his eyes and said, "She's not 'our' baby. I found here outside the door at our apartment."

Charley said, "Nurse Vicky wants powdered milk to feed baby Keya."

Cookie growled, "So we're taking in foundlings now. What's this army coming to?"

"It's just until someone's found who's willing to take her in."

"All right, that's enough small talk." Cookie went to a different cupboard and retrieved two cans of powdered milk. He handed them to Tully as he said, "Take these. There's more if you need it. Now get out of my kitchen so I can get back to work."

Charley said, "Thank you, Cookie."

As they walked out of the kitchen, Sergeant Alexander shook his head with a rare smile.

#################

Back at medical Tully busied himself finding what he needed to make a baby bottle while Charley mixed some of the milk powder with water.

By the time Nurse Vicky came out with Keya, they had filled an empty and clean medicine bottle with milk. A finger cut from a rubber glove with pin holes poked in the end was used as a teat.

Vicky smiled. "Very ingenious. Dr. Baker wants to talk to you two." She took the bottle and said, "I'll warm this up a bit and feed her while you talk to the doctor."

Tully followed Charley back to Dr. Baker's office. They went in and Tully said, "Hi, doc. You wanted to see us?"

Baker said, "Yes. Where exactly did the baby come from?"

"When I got home she was in a basket out in the hallway."

"How did you come up with the name 'Keya'?"

Charley said, "We didn't. There was note written in Arabic saying her name is Keya."

"Well, that doesn't explain much, but I do know why she was left on your doorstep." Baker set his pen on the desk and leaned back in the chair as he said, "She's a half-breed."

"A half-breed?"

"Yes, and judging by the look of things, the father is most likely American or British."

Charley said, "That would mean Keya's a throwaway baby."

Tully frowned. "I've heard of that. It's not right. A person can't just throw a baby out like a piece of trash."

Dr. Baker said, "It happens in more places than you'd think. The culture frowns on the mixing of races and both sides refuse to claim the child. Keya's a lucky one though. Out here, many times an unwanted baby is just taken out into the desert and left to die." He picked up his pen. "Now, I'm going to have to make out a report on this. Don't be surprised if you get called into headquarters."

Charley nodded. "I have to leave with a convoy tomorrow morning. I'll be gone two or three days. I'll check in when I get back. Who's going to take care of Keya?"

"Don't worry about that. She'll stay here." Baker smiled and said, "There's plenty of nurses to give her all the attention she wants and needs."

#################

Bright and early the next morning Charley and Tully walked to headquarters after breakfast. Inside the couriers' office, Charley opened the safe to get the package she was to deliver. After closing the safe up, she turned to see Troy and Moffitt in the doorway while Hitch waited just outside the door. Charley grinned and said, "Hi, guys!"

Moffitt smiled. "Good morning, Charley."

Tully asked, "What's up, sarge?"

Troy replied, "Got a message that Captain Boggs wants to see us ASAP."

"Oh, okay." Tully turned to Charley and said, "I guess I won't be walking you to the motor pool after all."

Charley said, "That's all right." She and Tully gave each other a quick kiss. "I love you. Stay safe."

Tully nodded. "I love you too. Be careful."

As she walked out the door, Charley said, "See you all in a few days."

#################

In Captain Boggs' office, the officer got straight to the point. "I received a report from medical about an orphaned baby." He looked at Tully and said, "Apparently she was left on your doorstep, private."

Troy, Moffitt, and Hitch's jaws dropped as they turned to look at their friend. Troy said, "Why didn't you mention this to me?"

Tully shrugged innocently. "Haven't had a chance, sarge."

Boggs said, "I read the report from Dr. Baker, but I want to hear your side."

"Well, sir, we just got back after spending the day on patrol. I went home to clean up and get Charley for dinner. The baby was in a basket at the apartment door when I got there. Charley got there a few minutes later and we took her to medical to have her checked out."

"Dr. Baker says she's in decent health and is eating well. Anything else?"

Tully suddenly remembered, "There was a note, sir." He found the parchment piece in his jacket pocket and handed it to the captain. "Charley got the name Keya from that, so that's what we're callin' her."

Boggs looked at the scrawled Arabic writing and handed it to Moffitt, who read it before saying, "Charley's right, captain. This says the baby's name is Keya."

Boggs questioned, "Nothing else?"

"No, sir."

Tully ventured, "Does the doc's report say that Keya's a half-breed, captain?"

Boggs nodded. "Yes, it does. Major Gleason saw the report before I did and contacted High Command. They say this type of thing is happening too often among the Allies and they want it to stop."

Troy said, "Sir, what does High Command suggest we do about it? They can't ban relationships. There's too much opportunity in the towns where bases are located. Even here in Ras Tanura, which is relatively small, it's easy to find prostitutes."

Moffitt said, "Technically, they already have … at least when it comes to relationships with the locals. It's considered a national-security threat. Not to mention the threat of sexually transmitted diseases."

Troy scowled. "But there's no way to enforce it. If a man, or a woman for that matter, is feeling lonely…"

Boggs said, "We all understand that, sergeant. However, the couple must be caught in the act … and I for one refuse to go looking for it."

Hitch asked, "So what are we supposed to do, captain?"

"Major Gleason is having a directive drafted about this matter reminding and warning about the consequences of having relations with the local population. As soon as hesigns it, it'll be posted to as many bases as possible. In the meantime, Major Gleason wants you to find the father of this baby so he can be held as an example to show that we mean business."

Troy kept his voice even as he said, "That's a tall order, captain."

Boggs sighed with frustration. "Yes it is. Just … do your best."

There was a knock on the office door and the captain's aide Corporal Green opened it. "Sorry for the interruption, captain. A message from medical was just delivered. I was told it's important."

Boggs put his hand out and the corporal quickly moved to give the message to the captain. When Green left and closed the door, the captain opened the envelope and took the folded paper out. He read it to himself first, then said, "It's from Dr. Baker." Boggs slid an object out of the envelope into his palm. "One of the nurses found this sewn into a corner of the baby's blanket."

Moffitt's eyebrows went up in surprise. "A German Iron Cross. Given for bravery before the enemy or excellence in commanding troops."

Troy said, "It looks like Keya's father may be German."

#################

After they left Captain Boggs' office, they walked towards the mess hall. Though Tully had eaten breakfast with Charley earlier, Troy, Moffitt, and Hitch had yet to eat that morning.

While the others ate, Tully snacked on a sweet roll with coffee and asked, "Are we still gonna try to find Keya's father?"

Moffitt replied, "It would seem we don't have a choice."

Hitch swallowed some scrambled eggs before he asked, "But if her father is German, how're we going to find him?"

Troy said, "I've been thinking about that. Doesn't Captain Dietrich owe us a favor?"

Tully smiled. "He owes us more than one I'd say."

Moffitt said, "You're thinking of getting the captain to help us, aren't you."

Troy nodded. "If we can get a message to him, maybe he'd be able to locate the father. It might be that he'd be willing to do the right thing."

"It's a long shot."

"But it's the only shot we've got."

#################

After breakfast, Troy went to inform Captain Boggs of their plan while Moffitt composed a short letter to Captain Dietrich and Hitch and Tully made sure the jeeps were ready.

They made the two hour drive to the small village of Ram Allah, where there was someone who might help them.

The jeeps pulled up to the front of a small house. Six children suddenly came from every direction to greet the four Allies. Troy asked one of the boys to go get his father. The boy nodded and ran towards one of the outbuildings.

Lahan walked out and smiled when he saw who it was. As he approached, he said, "Welcome my friends! It is good to see you again!"

Troy grinned. "It's good to see you too, Lahan."

The sergeants shook hands with their friend and Lahan gave a wave to Hitch and Tully, who were being occupied by the children. "What can I do for you?"

"Do you know a German captain by the name of Hans Dietrich?"

Lahan said, "Yes, I know him, but do not ask why or how."

Troy said, "We need to get a message to him."

"That should be easy. It is said the captain has been in the area lately."

Moffitt took a sealed envelope out of a pocket and said, "This is the message we need to get to him." He produced several coins. "It's self-explanatory and he shouldn't need to give you a reply for us."

As the coins were dropped into Lahan's outstretched hand, he said, "Give me two days."

Troy gave a nod. "You've got them. Thanks, Lahan."

"I am always happy to assist my friends." Then he called his children and they followed their father into the house.

Moffitt said, "He's happy to help his friends no matter what side they're on."

Troy said, "Yeah, but he hasn't steered us wrong yet."

Hitch and Tully joined the sergeants and Hitch asked, "Is he going to do it?"

"We're to give him two days."

Tully said, "So now we head for Qabis Oasis."

Troy nodded. "Yep. Let's go."

#################

The Rat Patrol drove out to Qabis Oasis to wait and see if Dietrich would show up.

It was the night of the second day. Troy was beginning to doubt that the captain was coming, but just after midnight Tully woke the sergeant and whispered, "He's here, sarge."

Troy pushed himself up to his feet and said, "Wake up Moffitt and Hitch." He walked out to where the shadowy form of Captain Dietrich waited. "Thanks for coming, captain." Troy looked around, but didn't see a vehicle other than the jeeps. "What'd you do, walk?"

Dietrich smiled slightly. "I left my car a short distance away. I wished to make sure there was no one other than you and your men here first."

Moffitt joined Troy as Hitch and Tully stayed back a few yards. Moffitt said, "Good of you to come, captain."

"Your message was rather cryptic. Let us say, gentlemen, I am curious."

Troy said, "Like the note said, a baby was found on base. According to one of our doctors she's a half-breed."

Dietrich asked, "Why would you think the baby is part German?"

Troy took the Iron Cross out of his shirt pocket. "This was found with her." He gave it to the captain and said, "At first we were going to look for the father on our base, but then that showed up."

Dietrich turned the medal over in his hand. "Interesting. And the mother?"

Moffitt replied, "Unknown. A piece of parchment was left with the baby stating her name, but that's it."

Troy asked, "Do you know of anyone who's maybe mentioned 'losing' an Iron Cross?"

Dietrich said, "No, I know of no one. A medal such as this is coveted and an honor to receive. The owner would never be so careless as to lose it to begin with, but if he did, he would not speak of it unless it was stolen."

"Captain, we only want to find this baby's father and give him a chance to take her to raise. There's too many orphans out here already."

"Yes, I agree. I will see what I can do, sergeant. I will contact you when I have news. I will send our friend Lahan to your base."

Troy nodded. "All right, captain. That's fair enough. Have Lahan take the message to headquarters and someone will find us." Dietrich tried to hand the medal back to him, and Troy said, "Keep it. The owner might want it back."

Dietrich said, "No, sergeant. If I am unsuccessful in this search, I'd like the baby to grow up with this one memento of her heritage." Then as an afterthought, he asked, "What is this baby's age?"

Troy took the medal and dropped it back into his shirt pocket. "The doctor guessed she's about a month old."

Then Dietrich bowed slightly, turned, and walked off into the darkness.

#################

Captain Dietrich took the entire next day to think about what he was going to do to try to find this baby's father. He went over it in his mind, remembering where he'd been, who he'd spoken to, and if anything was said to hint at a baby or lost medal. He could think of nothing.

However, while he was eating his evening meal in his tent, he thought of something. Captain Dietrich had been at Division Headquarters when he'd run into a friend and fellow captain. They had taken some time to talk like old friends do at times and this friend casually mentioned he had recently become a father. Dietrich remembered saying, "I did not know you had married, Georg." George had smiled at him and said, "I am not married, Hans. And I probably never will be."

Dietrich hadn't pressed for details. After all, it wasn't his business what his fellow officer did. He couldn't help but wonder if the baby Georg was talking about was the one the Allies had found. How long had it been since that conversation? Perhaps a month?

The next morning, the captain sent a coded message to Division Headquarters asking the whereabouts of Captain Georg Schreiber.

When the reply finally came, Dietrich found out that his friend was stationed at the base in Kawm. It was close enough for him to detour to the next day with the excuse of maintenance.

The next afternoon Dietrich left his men to deal with the vehicles and went to headquarters to find Captain Schreiber. He was directed to his friend's office, but was told by an aide that Schreiber was away for a few days to handle some things in the field.

Dietrich wrote out a short note and asked the aide to leave it for the captain. Then he watched as the aide went into the office and left the note on the desk.

Four days later Captain Dietrich was summoned to Captain Schreiber's office.

When Dietrich arrived and was shown into the office, Schreiber held up the note and stated amiably, "You have been waiting for my return."

Dietrich nodded. "Yes, Georg. I need to speak to you."

"It must be important."

"I believe it could be." Dietrich hesitated, then said, "About a month ago when we last saw one another you mentioned that you had become a father."

Schreiber indicated the chair behind his fellow captain and sat down at his desk. "I vaguely have memory of it. Why?"

"When did you last see the baby and mother?"

"I was sent to another post and had to leave before the baby was born. When I got word that Layla had given birth to a girl, I took a few days to go see them. When I arrived at the village, Layla's parents told me she did not wish to see me. Or perhaps the parents did not wish me to see her. Apparently, when they discovered the baby was a half-breed, they felt they had been shamed. Not only by the baby being biracial, but by the short affair Layla and I had. They told me things would be handled their way."

Things were beginning to add up and Dietrich asked, "You received a medal the year before you came to North Africa, did you not?"

Schreiber frowned, but replied, "Yes, I received an Iron Cross for my leadership under fire. Before this goes any further, Hans, I would like to know why I am being questioned."

Dietrich said, "Because, my dear friend, I believe your baby has wound up being with the Allies."

Schreiber looked bewildered. "How can that be? Layla's village is in German occupied territory … nowhere near any Allied installations."

"Nevertheless, a baby girl of about one month of age was left on an Allied base. An Iron Cross was found with her. Where is your medal, Georg?"

Schreiber shook his head in disbelief. "Before I left the village that last time I gave my Iron Cross to Layla's parents to give to her. I've wondered on occasion if they did. This is unbelievable, Hans, how did you find this information?"

Dietrich said, "I was sent a note to meet some Allies under a flag of truce. When we met, they told me about a half-breed baby and showed me the medal that had been found with her. They are willing to give the girl to her father if he can be located … and if he is willing to take her."

"Yes! Yes, of course I am willing to take in my daughter!"

"Before you say any more, consider what you are going to do when you get the baby. It is not like you can take her with you on the battlefield."

"This is true." Schreiber thought about the situation, then said, "I can leave her with the base hospital, where I can spend a little time with her, until I can contact my mother and father. Someone in my family will be able to take care of her until I can get out of this war."

Dietrich gave a nod. "All right, Georg, we'll leave for Ram Allah tomorrow. From there I will make contact with the Allies. Under no circumstances do you tell anyone where we are going. Understand?"

"Yes, Hans, I will tell no one."

#################

The next day Dietrich drove him and Schreiber to Ram Allah. He gave the envelope for Troy and a few coins to Lahan with instructions to give the message to no one other than the sergeant. Then Lahan hurried out to the larger outbuilding and less than a minute later drove out in a rust bucket of a pickup truck from the mid-1930s.

As the two German captains watched as the wheezing rattling vehicle was driven off into the desert, Schreiber asked, "Will he make it in that rattletrap?"

Dietrich smiled. "Somehow he continues to keep it running."

"Where exactly is he going?"

"Unfortunately, I cannot tell you that. You will just have to trust me. Now we must go to the meeting place."

Schreiber asked, "Where is that?"

Dietrich started around the car to get behind the wheel as he said, "Qabis Oasis."

#################

When Lahan reached Ras Tanura, he parked his truck in front of headquarters and went inside. He looked around for a familiar face, but managed to attract Daisy's attention instead.

She went over to Lahan and asked, "Can I help you with something?"

Lahan said, "I have something to give Sergeant Troy."

Daisy said, "He and his men aren't back from patrol yet. Would you like me to give it to him when he reports in?"

"No, I have been instructed to give it to no one else."

Daisy looked at her watch and said, "They're not expected back for another two or three hours."

Lahan asked, "Where can I wait?"

"Well, if it's so important that you want to wait, you can have a seat in one of the chairs over against the wall."

"Thank you."

The time passed slowly as Lahan sat quietly waiting, but finally Troy and Moffitt made an appearance.

Daisy caught them as they walked towards the stairs. "Sam, Jack, I'm so glad to see you."

Troy asked, "What's up?"

Daisy indicated the Arab man across the room. "He's been here waiting for you for hours. He says he has something to give you and can't give it to anyone else."

Troy and Moffitt looked at Lahan, then at each other. Troy said, "Thanks, Daisy. We'll go talk to him."

When Lahan saw the sergeants talking to Daisy, he stood up and waited for them.

When Troy and Moffitt reached him, Troy asked, "I thought I recognized that old truck out front. What have you got for me, Lahan?"

The Arab took an envelope out of his robe. "A mutual friend wanted me to deliver this to your hands only."

Troy took the envelope and carefully tore it open. He unfolded the paper he took out and read the note. Then he looked at Lahan and said, "Thanks. There's no return message."

Lahan said, "I am again happy to have been of service, my friend."

As they watched the Arab leave, Moffitt asked in a low voice, "Does our 'mutual friend' happen to be German?"

Troy nodded. "He says he's found the baby's father and wants to meet at Qabis Oasis." He folded the note and put it in his pocket as he said, "Go tell Hitch and Tully what's going on and pick up the baby."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to report to Captain Boggs. We'll meet in the motor pool."

#################

When Troy got to the motor pool Moffitt wasn't there. He joined Hitch and Tully at the jeeps and asked, "Has Moffitt been here?"

Tully said, "Yeah, he went to pick up Keya."

Hitch added, "Jeeps are ready to go."

Minutes later Moffitt appeared carrying the basket with a sleeping Keya wrapped warm and snug in her blanket. "Sorry it took so long, but the nurses had to make sure she had everything she needed for the trip. I'm afraid Charley was a bit reluctant to give Keya up, as it was her turn to babysit."

Tully said, "I can imagine."

Troy said, "Okay, let's shake it. It's going to be dark by the time we get there."

#################

At Qabis Oasis Captains Dietrich and Schreiber waited – one more impatiently than the other. The only time Schreiber sat down was when they ate some of the meat, cheese, and bread Dietrich had thought to bring along.

They were sitting in the car watching the sun get lower in the sky, when Schreiber asked, "Do you think they will come?"

Dietrich said, "If there is a way, I believe they will."

"How long can we wait?"

"We can stay here for a day or two more, Georg. Try to be patient."

Schreiber sighed. "It is not your child we are waiting for."

The moonlight shimmered on the water of the oasis' pool, when Dietrich saw a shadowy figure approach. He put his hand on the pistol at his hip as he asked, "Sergeant Troy?"

As he got closer, Troy said, "Yes, it's me, captain."

"You are alone?"

"No, the jeeps are sitting out a ways. I just wanted to make sure you and your friend were alone."

Dietrich smiled slightly. "I'll awaken Captain Schreiber."

Troy gave a nod as he turned and used his flashlight to signal the others to come on in.

The two Germans were waiting as the jeeps rolled up. Tully got out and hurried around to take the basket from Moffitt. They and Hitch joined Troy.

Schreiber stepped forward and looked into the basket as the moon lit the small face he saw. "She is beautiful."

Tully said, "Her name's Keya."

"Who named her?"

"We found a note with her telling us her name, so I would guess her mama gave it to her."

Moffitt added, "Her name means 'a monsoon flower' in Arabic."

Schreiber smiled. "A fitting name. May I hold her?"

Tully grinned. "She's your baby, captain, but keep her wrapped up. It's chilly out here."

Schreiber scooped Keya and the blanket into his arms. She yawned and opened her eyes to look up the stranger above her. The captain was awestruck with the small person he held. "You know nothing of her mother or whoever left her?"

Troy said, "No one saw or heard anything. The nurses were taking care of her while we tried to find the father." He retrieved the medal from his pocket. Luckily, Captain Dietrich was willing to help us out after we found this with her."

Schreiber looked at the object in the sergeant's hand. "My Iron Cross."

"It was sewn into a corner of the blanket."

Schreiber put Keya, who was again asleep, back in the basket Tully still held. He took the medal and said, "This really does prove she is my daughter. Thank you, sergeant. And give my thanks to everyone who helped to make this happen."

Troy said, "We're all glad it lead to a good outcome, captain."

Schreiber took the basket, cradling it carefully, as he said, "We should be on our way now, Hans." Then he turned and went to the car. He settled the basket in the middle of the front seat before he got in next to it.

Dietrich looked at the four Allies. "I, too, want to thank you. You did not have to do this."

Troy said, "Like I said before, there's too many orphans. I'm just glad Keya won't be one of them."

Dietrich bowed slightly, then turned and walked to the car.

Troy and his men watched as Dietrich drove out into the desert.

Hitch said, "It feels good to know that Keya will be with family now."

Moffitt said, "It feels good that a short truce could be called so this could happen."

Tully nodded. "Maybe there's hope for mankind after all."

Troy sighed. "Let's head home. We should be able to get a little sleep before our next patrol."