Sit… Stay
By desertpat51
It's a Monday and five minutes before, the Rat Patrol began their attack on Captain Hans Dietrich's convoy. Everything was going as planned. There are already several injured and two of the five supply trucks are on fire, the munitions inside continue to explode. One of the two halftracks has stopped due to an injured driver and the tank turret can't keep up with the zig zagging movements of the Jeeps.
What the drivers of the Jeeps, Tully and Hitch, have failed to see are the two other tanks which have just pulled out from behind a nearby dune and are approaching fast. The first tank targets Hitch and Troy's Jeep. The shell hits just in front, the concussion tossing the Jeep onto its side, throwing the two men onto the sand. At the same moment, the second tank targets Tully and Moffitt's Jeep. The machine guns on the halftracks are still firing and a bullet catches Moffitt in the shoulder. Tully turns sharply to head away from the tanks and halftrack, and towards the first downed Jeep to pick up their friends. But a tank shell explodes just in back pushing the back end of the Jeep into the air and throwing Moffitt out and on to the sand. The Jeep falls back onto all four tires and the engine dies. Dazed, Tully climbs out.
Troy helps Hitch to his feet as Tully runs to a stunned and injured Moffitt, puts his arm around his shoulders and helps him sit up. The German vehicles close in and surround the four. Dietrich's halftrack stops and he steps down, signaling for his men to draw their guns on the four Rats.
Troy and Hitch stand and face the German captain. Tully kneels between Dietrich and Moffitt, appearing to protect his sergeant. Dietrich surveys the four with hands clasped behind his back and almost smiles. He motions to his men to close in, then turns and heads back to his halftrack. The four Rats are patted down, their weapons removed, then unceremoniously man-handled into the captain's halftrack. Dietrich barks orders and his men attach a rope between Hitch and Troy's Jeep and the second halftrack which pulls it back onto its wheels. Several soldiers gather the contents of both Jeeps that were thrown onto the sand and dump them back into the Jeeps. Then one German soldier gets into each Jeep, they start the engines and signal they are ready to go.
Dietrich gives an arm pump. The second halftrack along with the three surviving supply trucks and two of the tanks continue in their original direction. Dietrich's halftrack, one tank and the two Jeeps head in the opposite direction. As the vehicles roll, the three Rats turn their attention to Moffitt who is now visibly bleeding through his shirt from his left shoulder. Troy is searching the other's faces to mount an attack but Moffitt puts a calm hand on his arm and shakes his head, "Troy… Do whatever is necessary to keep us alive. That's all that matters now." Troy takes a deep breath, looks to his team then smiles at Moffitt and nods. Tully takes a hanky, wads it up and stuffs it under Moffitt's shirt then presses down.
A while later the halftrack, the Allied Jeeps and the tank, pull into the German field camp. Dietrich climbs down and signals for the Rats to be lined up next to the vehicle. The tank continues on to its parking area while the Jeeps pull in next to the halftrack. There is a square area next to the vehicles eight meters on each side that is delineated by a single strand of wire strung about 30 centimeters off the ground. At the far end is a canvas shelter with open sides, four cots, a bucket and a shovel.
Troy frowns, "What is this?" Dietrich indicates the area, "This, gentlemen, is your home for the next five days." Troy says, "Our home?" Hitch notes, "Not much privacy." Tully nods, "I think that's the point."
Dietrich explains, "You see, gentlemen, over the past several months, I have found that when I capture one or all of you, even when you are under heavy guard or locked in cells, you manage to escape. And in so doing, you usually injure or kill many or all of my men and destroy everything in sight…" He looks at Troy… "Even when you are asking for my help." They all remember the time there was a need for B-Negative blood. Dietrich continues, "To avoid a repeat of said destruction, I am prepared to make a bargain with you." The Rats are skeptical. Troy asks, "What kind of a bargain?"
Dietrich explains, "You will spend the next five days in this compound. You will not set so much as a boot toe beyond that wire." He points to the wire encircling the area. "You will receive three meals a day, water, medical attention… and whatever else you need. I emphasize, need. And at the end of that time, I will escort you and your Jeeps back to the Allied lines."
Troy looks at the others then back to Dietrich, "You'd let us go?" Dietrich nods, "As long as you have followed the rules that I've laid out." Troy shakes his head, "So, we're just supposed to sit here for five days, and do what, twiddle our thumbs?" Dietrich smiles wryly, "You may do whatever you like, as long as you stay within the wire." Troy tries a counter, "And if we refuse?" Dietrich counters back, "You will be shot… immediately." Hitch reacts, "You can't shoot us. We're your prisoners. And according to the Geneva…" Dietrich interrupts, "You would be shot as escaping prisoners." That shuts Hitch up.
Troy is angry and about to lash out at Dietrich but Moffitt speaks calmly, "Troy." Troy looks at him. Moffitt takes a long moment, shakes his head, and communicates through a look – 'as long as we're still alive'. Troy understands, relaxes and turns to Dietrich, "Alright, Captain. We'll agree to this bargain of yours. It sounds like we don't have much of a choice." Dietrich nods, "Precisely. Gentlemen…" and he motions for them to enter the enclosure. They all step over the wire, Moffitt with a little help from Tully. But Hitch can't believe what's happening. He shakes his head, turns to Troy, "Sarge… What are you doing?" Troy turns to his driver and calmly says, "Keeping us alive." But Hitch is defiant, challenges Dietrich and sticks his boot toe under the single wire, "We can't even do this?" Dietrich pulls his Luger, points and is about to shoot but Troy pushes Hitch back and to the ground, "No! Captain, don't." He moves directly into Dietrich's line of fire, "Captain." Dietrich hesitates, controls his anger, holsters his gun then points a steady finger at Troy, "Consider this your first and only warning, all of you." He curls his hand into a fist, makes it a point to look at each man, turns and is about to walk away when Troy calls after him, "Captain…" Dietrich stops and turns slightly… "Captain, Moffitt needs medical attention." Dietrich turns, "There will be a medical orderly along shortly." Troy nods. As Dietrich heads towards his command tent, Troy turns back to Hitch, "You pull a stunt like that again and I'll shoot you myself… Do you understand?" Hitch doesn't answer. Troy demands, "Understand?" Hitch picks himself off the ground, takes a deep breath and reluctantly nods, "Yeah Sarge. I understand."
Tully helps Moffitt over to the canvas shelter and to one of the cots where the Brit gratefully sits and nods a thanks to his driver. Tully is about to check Moffitt's wound but he stops him, "Tully. I'll be fine. Go help the others." Tully says, "Doc, we'll get out of here." Moffitt smiles, "One step at a time."
Dietrich's men are unloading the Jerry cans containing water onto the ground just inside the wire. Troy nods to Hitch and Tully who transport the cans to the covered area. The soldiers are looking through the rest of the items in the Jeeps but not pulling anything else out. Troy notes they are hesitating, "If we're going to be here a while…" One of the soldiers looks at him. Troy asks, "Do you speak English?" The soldier nods, "Yes." Troy continues, "Okay. Well, we're going to need those bags, that metal bowl, the bedrolls, the blankets…" The soldier grabs one of the bags, "Are these personal items?" Troy sighs, "Yes." The soldier opens the bag and starts pawing through the contents. Troy is not happy. The soldier hesitates and pulls out a straight edge razor, "You can't keep this. It could be used as a weapon." Troy counters, "What are we supposed to shave with?" The soldier tosses the razor onto the front seat, "You will have to get permission from Herr Hauptmann." Troy shakes his head, "Great." The soldiers continue going through the Rats' possessions and pile what they can have on the sand just inside the wire. Tully, Hitch and Troy carry what's allowed to their temporary accommodations.
The medic arrives an hour later, treats the shoulder wound and administers a shot of morphine. Moffitt finally is able to get some rest. Another hour passes and dinner is delivered. It's not exactly their usual fare, but it's edible and fills the void. Moffitt brews up, "Anyone for tea?" But there are no takers.
As the Rats are finishing the meal Troy talks quietly to keep the guards from hearing, "We're going to stay put, but that doesn't mean we can't listen and watch." They are all in agreement. Troy continues, "We're also going to set up a schedule. It will keep us from going stir crazy in this place." They nod.
The Rats are wrapped in their bed rolls and blankets sitting on the cots. The problem is the cold wind that is blowing through the open sided shelter and over and under the cots. Hitch comments, "This is ridiculous. We're not going to get a wink of sleep. And this is no good for the Doc." He stands up but Troy motions for him to stay. Troy then goes to the closest guard, "We need some more blankets." The guard shakes his head and points to the shelter, "Go back." When Troy hesitates, the guard points his rifle at him, "Go back, now." Troy is exasperated but backs off, turns and goes back to the shelter.
Troy looks at the others and shakes his head, "No go." Hitch thinks for a moment then has an idea and says, "Why don't we use the cots as wind breaks?" The others look at one another… A while later the four cots are set on their sides in a square. The men are bunked down inside the square in their bedrolls with the blankets, usually kept in the Jeeps, laid over all of them, finally warm and able to fall asleep.
It's Tuesday. Their first full day of incarceration starts early for the Rats but also for the Germans. They set the cots back up and help Moffitt off the ground. They have tidied their area by the time breakfast arrives. But they are all showing the proverbial five-o'clock shadow from the day before since they haven't been able to shave. Troy moves to the wire closest to where Dietrich is walking toward his halftrack, "Captain." Dietrich stops, "Good morning, Sergeant." Troy hesitates, "We need to shave." Dietrich takes a good look at Troy and the others, "Yes, you do." Troy sighs, "Captain, your guys took our razors when we first got here… and my cigarettes and lighter." Dietrich considers his request, "Alright." He turns to one of his men, "Return their personal items." The gefreiter doesn't think it wise but will not say a word to his Hauptmann and takes off, disappearing around the side of the command tent. Troy watches and wonders if perhaps the guard is heading to where the Jeeps are parked.
Dietrich then looks beyond Troy to the others and, while they are waiting, asks "How is Sergeant Moffitt?" Troy answers, "He's doing better." Dietrich nods, "Good. Please inform him that I have given instructions for the medic to check on him twice a day, if needed." Troy nods, "I'll let him know."
The gefreiter returns with the items requested but, instead of handing them to Troy, he puts them down on the sand just inside the wire and about two meters from the Sergeant. Troy sighs, walks over to and retrieves the items, then watches as Dietrich walks away and climbs aboard his halftrack. The captain signals for the small convoy, two halftracks and a tank, to head out. He then turns briefly to watch as Troy walks back to the shelter. Dietrich smiles then turns his attention to the day's mission.
The other Rats are amazed that Troy was able to get the razors back and take the time to shave and freshen up. Troy then pulls out a cigarette, lights up and inhales deeply. His body has been craving the nicotine since yesterday. Breakfast arrives and they sit down to eat and talk about splitting their efforts. Moffitt's task, since he's still recuperating, is to stay put and monitor any German conversations for relevant information. Hitch, Tully and Troy spend the morning getting in some exercise, walking their area to see how much of the compound they can see, and watching the movements of the Germans.
They regroup at noon, when lunch arrives, to eat and compare notes. It seems that the guards were careful not to speak German near Moffitt, knowing that he could understand. The other Rats did make note of the German's schedules but Tully says, "We can't see but more 'n half the compound. Heck, we can't even see our Jeeps. They could be right behind that command tent, and we'd never know it." Troy agrees, "Actually, I think you might be right. That's where the guard went to get the razors. Well, we'll just have to work with what we've got." Hitch chimes in, "Which isn't much."
After lunch, the medic, along with an armed guard, arrives to change the dressing on Moffitt's shoulder. The guard herds the three others to the far end of the shelter and makes them sit on the sand, backs towards Moffitt. The shoulder is mending well. The medic offers morphine, but Moffitt declines.
With the heat of the afternoon, Moffitt rests while the others break out a deck of cards and start up a game of Go Fish. After all win at least once, they move on to Hearts. Card games, Hitch's bubble gum, Tully's match sticks and Troy's smokes help the time fly by. They also keep track of the German soldiers.
Right on the nose, 1700 hours, the rumbling engine sounds of two German halftracks and a tank announce the return of Dietrich's vehicles. All four Rats watch as Dietrich passes by. He notes the Rats then tells the driver to halt momentarily in front of his command tent. He climbs down and speaks quickly with one of his soldiers as the halftrack moves off, glances at the Rats, then goes into his tent.
Dinner is uninspired, though Hitch joins Moffitt for some tea. The medic and guard make another visit. Dietrich watches as the Rats arrange the cots and settle down for another night on the sand.
It's now Wednesday, and day two begins as did day one: up early, shave, freshen up, breakfast, etc. The Rats watch as Dietrich pulls out with the two halftracks and a tank. The captain glances over at the Rats, noting their uniforms are showing rumpling, dust, and wear. Then he concentrates on the day's mission.
The four have a seat on the cots and Moffitt says, "Our capture and this compound were no accident. Troy nods, "Yeah… Yeah. And every day he goes out with only the two halftracks and a tank." Moffitt adds, "Which means, there must be a cache somewhere out there with trucks and supplies." Tully thinks, "But where is the cache?" Hitch asks, "And what are the supplies being used for?" Tully adds, "Whatever he's doing out there, he doesn't want us around." Troy looks at the others, "Maybe we should ask him." The others smile, shake their heads and sit on blankets to start another game of cards.
The medic shows up with lunch and checks Moffitt's shoulder, which is doing much better. He changes the dressing and the guard is more casual this time, waiting just inside the shelter. With the afternoon heat, the men get out the metal bowl, fill it with water and proceed to rinse out their uniform shirts and socks. After all, it's now the third day, in the same clothes, in the heat of the desert… it's time. The shirts and socks are hung off the edge of the canvas shelter and dry quickly in the mid-day heat.
The men sit shirtless, in their bare feet on blankets, not really wanting to start another card game. Hitch complains, "This is really getting boring and we've still got two days after this." Moffitt digs into his personal bag and pulls out a book, "How about a story?" He holds up a care-worn copy of The Tales of the Arabian Nights. They all smile and Troy almost laughs, "Why not… Read on Macduff!" Moffitt smiles at the mis-quote from Macbeth. Fabulous stories of lamps and flying carpets, of love and betrayal fill the air and even the German guards start to gravitate to the shelter-end of the compound to listen in.
Shortly after 1700 hours the sounds of the halftracks and tank again announce Dietrich's return to camp. The second halftrack and the tank continue on to the parking zone while the captain's halftrack stops momentarily in front of the command tent. Dietrich climbs out, glances at the Rats then talks to one of the guards, "How are they?" The guard says, "I think they are getting… restless. But they are behaving themselves." Dietrich nods, glances again at the Rats and heads into his tent.
Another dinner with tea for all, but Troy. The cots are set up to block the wind. Troy relaxes with a smoke, then the Rats retire for a third night on the sand... but with thoughts of lovers and magic lamps.
It's Thursday and day three behind the wire and the guys have freshened up and had breakfast. Dietrich heads for his halftrack but Troy catches his attention, "Captain, how's the war going?" Dietrich turns, "Very well, without the four of you wreaking havoc." Troy smiles, "Don't you miss the challenge?" Dietrich smiles back, "Not at all, Sergeant. Not at all." He mounts the halftrack, gives the signal and both men exchange glances as the three vehicles head out.
Moffitt is feeling better and approaches. Troy is miffed, "He's really enjoying this. And we still have no idea what he's doing out there." Moffitt nods, "Patience, Troy. I suspect we'll find out soon enough. Besides, I'm sure the Allies can fight a reasonable war without us for a few days." Troy smiles and nods. Then they head back to the shelter for some exercise, watching, listening. It's becoming monotonous.
After a meager lunch, the highlight of the day, so far, is Moffitt's continued reading of the Arabian Nights. Again the German guards move close to enjoy the stories, and the afternoon speeds by.
It is 1700 hours and Dietrich has just returned, as he has every day, with only the vehicles he left with. But this time he's smiling as he converses with his lieutenant. Tully comments, "I've never seen him so happy… not since he was keeping us out of that fortress." Hitch smiles, "Yeah. And the only way we were able to get in and blow the place up was to steal a German tank." They all remember, then Hitch asks the question they're all wanting the answer to, "I wonder what happened to that little brown and white dog?" Troy says, "It looked like she found a home with the captain." Tully quips, "Well, there's no accounting for taste." They smile then Moffitt notes Dietrich walking by, "Maybe we should ask him."
Hitch stands and, followed by the others, walks to, but just short of, the wire, "Captain." Dietrich turns to face his prisoners. Hitch asks, "Captain, we were wondering, what happened to the dog." Dietrich asks, "What dog?" Hitch tries to explain, "You know. The little brown and white dog that came in with the German tank… that blew up all those munitions at that fortress." Dietrich smiles and shakes his head, "A Trojan Horse filled with desert rats, I take it… I thought as much. Who was driving?" Moffitt smiles, "That would be me, Captain. I served with the Scots Greys for a time." Dietrich understands.
Hitch again asks, "Captain, the dog?" Dietrich hesitates a moment then smiles, "Ah yes. The dog." He turns and whistles… loudly. A yippee bark fills the air. He whistles again and a brown and white blur rockets out of the command tent. He taps his thigh twice. "Herkommen!" And the exuberant puppy leaps off the ground and into the captain's arms. The dog is so happy to see him, licking his face and squirming as if to get even more attention. The captain smiles, calms the dog and puts her down on the ground. The four are noticeably surprised and he motions for her to go to the four Rats, "Gehen. Es ist in Ordnung." She hesitates but he repeats, "Gehen." She jumps over the wire and runs from man to man, sniffing, and jumping around their legs. Moffitt smiles, "She knows German." Dietrich nods, "What did you expect?" Hitch and Tully kneel down, smiling and roughhousing with the dog as she bounces from one to the other. Troy is trying to stay aloof but can't help himself as the dog runs to him, jumps up against his thigh and nuzzles his hand. He kneels down and holds the little face in his hands, "Do you remember me?" The dog stands on her hind legs and licks his face. He smiles, "I guess you do." Dietrich watches the four men, their demeanor completely changed, "We named her Schatzie." Moffitt translates, "Little sweetheart." Hitch calls, "Schatzie." She hears her name, turns and runs to him.
Dietrich pulls a small tin out of his pocket, opens it and it contains dried meat chunks, like jerky. He hands it to Moffitt who is closest, "She likes dried goat meat. I'll return after dinner." Moffitt is curious at the captain's change of heart but says nothing. Dietrich turns to walk away but Schatzie sees him leaving, barks and runs after him. He turns, kneels down, "Nein… Nein. Sitzen… Bleiben." She immediately sits and is watching him carefully with her tail wagging. He looks at Moffitt, "Call her and hold out some meat." The others watch as Moffitt extends his hand with a piece ready, "Schatzie… Schatzie… Herkommen." The dog turns to Moffitt then back to the captain who smiles, "Gehen." She turns back, jumps the wire, runs to Moffitt, gobbles down the piece then begins playing again with the Rats. The captain hesitates a moment more, smiles slightly, then heads wearily for his command tent.
Schatzie spends the rest of the evening with the Rats, begging scraps, though she seems to be getting fed the best pieces. As dinner is taken away, Dietrich approaches. The Rats sigh, stand and escort Schatzie part way across the compound… then stop. Tully says, "Go on." But she's bounding back and forth, looking at them, not quite sure why they don't play. Then Dietrich speaks in a soft and gentle tone, "Schatzie… Herkommen." Tully kneels down and pets her, "Go on." They all back away and Dietrich calls to her again, "Schatzie… Herkommen." She turns. Dietrich taps his thigh. She runs and jumps again into his arms. Dietrich nods, "Gentlemen." The Rats watch as Dietrich puts Schatzie down. She prances beside him all the way back to his tent. The four men smile then head to the shelter.
The Rats build their wind break and settle in for another night on the sand. However, this time they have thoughts of a playful little brown and white dog to add to their visions of lamps and magic carpets.
Friday, and day four arrives as the first three had done before it. The Rats reorganize the cots, shave and freshen up, eat another uninspired breakfast and have a visit from the medic, who again changes the dressing on Moffitt's shoulder wound. Dietrich heads out with the two halftracks and tank as before. As the vehicles go by, one of Dietrich's soldiers walks over from the command tent with two bowls and with Schatzie at his heels, following the bowls more than the man. The Rats approach the wire. Schatzie barks and hops back and forth over the wire. The soldier puts the two bowls down just inside, one with water, the other with food. He addresses the Rats, "Hauptmann Dietrich asks that you look after her today." Troy nods, "We could do that." He thinks a moment, "We could also use a Jerry can of water. We need to wash our shirts and socks again. The soldier hesitates then nods.
Hitch carries the food and water bowls while Tully takes the water can delivered by the soldier, back to the shelter. As Schatzie gobbles up the food, Hitch asks, "Why didn't Dietrich ask us himself?" Moffitt smiles, "I believe that might be too menial a task for the good captain." Hitch asks, "What about last night?" Tully smiles, "We were the ones playing with the dog. And, if you remember, he didn't stay."
Troy relaxes with another cigarette and watches, along with Moffitt, as Hitch and Tully play with Schatzie. Earlier the two had asked one of the guards to find a stick so they could play fetch. Schatzie bounds in and out of the compound, to the delight of Allies and Germans alike. She's finally tuckered out and lays down for a nap. The guys use the down time to get some exercise, with Moffitt joining in at a reduced level. They then wash shirts and socks while continuing to watch the guards. But guard watching has yet to yield any relevant information. Lunch comes and goes and Schatzie decides to nap on the sand. Moffitt continues to read, and sip his tea, as the afternoon floats by.
Again, Dietrich arrives back with his two halftracks and one tank just after 1700 hours. At the sound of the engines, Schatzie's ears perk up and she runs out to meet the returning vehicles. The Rats follow her out and stand near the shelter. Tully calls out, "Schatzie, hair comen… ah… come here, girl." He kneels down and she runs to him. He pets her, "Good girl. Don't want you to get run over."
Dietrich walks to the wire and Tully tells Schatzie, "Go on. Go to the Captain." She looks at Tully then trots over to Dietrich. He takes a moment to nod at the private then he and Schatzie head for the command tent. Tully walks back to the others, shaking his head, "Not even a thanks." Dinner, the windbreak and hopefully their last night on the sand. All fall asleep with fun memories of a playful dog.
Saturday arrives. The fifth and hopefully last day in the compound. The Rats freshen up, have breakfast, then another visit from the medic. Dietrich heads out as usual and the guard brings Schatzie and her bowls again. The men get in some exercise, then Hitch and Tully play fetch with Schatzie.
After lunch everyone is listening to Moffitt read. Troy sits, enjoying another smoke. Schatzie is curled up on a blanket between Tully with his matchstick and Hitch blowing bubbles. Schatzie stirs. Her ears perk up. Hitch has been petting her and notes the difference, "Hey…" Moffitt stops in mid-sentence and Schatzie stands with her tail wagging. The guys finally hear the approaching engines but it's only 1400 hours, earlier than usual. They move out from under the shelter and watch, but something is wrong. Only one halftrack and the tank have returned, both with battle damage. The vehicles pull up to the medical tent. Several soldiers are quickly offloaded. Some can walk on their own, while others need help. All are injured and are moved into the tent or set outside for triage.
Dietrich slowly, painfully climbs down from the front of the halftrack. He is obviously angry and his left arm is bloody and bandaged. Schatzie spots the captain, bounds across the compound, hops the wire and runs to Dietrich. She jumps on his leg. The intrusion is unexpected and jolting and, without thinking, he swipes at her with his cap and yells in German. The dog yelps and cowers. Hitch is stunned, runs and shouts, "Captain! Stop!" The other rats run to the wire and Troy yells, "Hitch!" Dietrich spins around. His men raise their guns. Hitch realizes he's now outside the wire and stops cold. He raises his hands, "Captain! Don't hurt her!" Dietrich frowns. He hadn't even realized what he'd done, then hears whimpering, and looks down. The dog is cowering next to his boot with her tail between her legs. His anger drains and he signals for his men not to fire. He winces and slowly kneels down, "Schatzie." He almost smiles and pets her. She licks his face. He painfully stands, looks over at Hitch, "You are outside the wire, Private." Hitch takes a deep breath, "Captain… I...," Dietrich sighs, "Don't even try."
Dietrich signals for Hitch to follow. They walk to where the others are nervously waiting and Hitch steps back over the wire. Dietrich, noticeably tired and hurting, addresses the four, "Gentlemen, except for one notable transgression…" he looks at Hitch then down at Schatzie… then back at the group, "which I have decided to overlook, you did keep your part of the bargain. Now it's time for me to keep mine. Get your things together. We leave in an hour." But considering Dietrich's condition, Troy says, "Captain, take care of that arm first. We can wait a little longer." Dietrich considers, "Rather generous of you." But Troy smiles, "As long as we're home for dinner." Dietrich sighs, "Alright. I'll be back." But Moffitt says, "Captain… if you don't mind my saying, it doesn't look as though you chaps fared too well today." Dietrich doesn't want to discuss it, but Moffitt continues, "And though we might call Monday a draw, you do seem to have won Tuesday through Friday. As they say, four out of five is not too bad." Dietrich almost laughs then winces at the pain, and shakes his head, "Do you always look on the bright side, Sergeant?" Moffitt smiles, "Sometimes that's all you can do, Captain." Dietrich now looks from man to man, then glances at his arm and nods, "I'll be back," and he heads to the medical tent with Schatzie following behind. As the Rats watch him leave, Hitch turns to Troy, "Sarge, I…" Troy feigns anger, "You came that close." Then he sighs and smiles, "Come on. Let's get our gear packed up."
It's almost 1530 hours before Dietrich finally parts the flaps of his command tent and walks across to the Rat's holding area, with a clean uniform and Schatzie in tow. A pile, with Jerry cans, blankets and personal belongings, is sitting next to the wire. The Rats have been waiting on the cots, Troy enjoying a smoke. When they see the captain they stand and walk out to meet him. He signals for the Jeeps to be brought out from behind the command tent. What appears are Jeeps, yes, but no .50's on their mounts and no Thompson's in their holsters. As the Jeeps stop, the Rats also see the radios are missing. Troy looks at Dietrich and asks, "You took everything?" Dietrich responds, "You didn't think I'd allow you to leave here with fully armed Jeeps, did you? And I didn't take everything. I am allowing you your side arms, unloaded of course, and knives, which have been placed in the back. As we travel, you will stay seated in the front and I will escort you to within a few kilometers of your lines. Now, load your gear."
Dietrich watches as the men finally cross the wire and put their gear in the Jeeps. But Tully is searching for something. Dietrich asks, "What are you looking for?" Tully finally sees it and pulls out his 'long knife', "This. My uncle Eddy gave it to me. It was his bayonet from World War One. I just wanted to make sure it was still here." He puts it back with the other weapons and the guys mount up.
Out on the desert, Dietrich's halftrack stops and the Jeeps pull up alongside. Dietrich's soldiers continue to aim their weapons at the Rats, as they have done during the entire journey. Both Schatzie and Dietrich stand on the passenger seat, the dog with her paws on the open window frame. The captain looks down at the Rats, "Continue on for another ten kilometers or so and you'll be home, gentlemen." Troy hesitates, "You mind telling us what you've been doing the past five days?" Dietrich smiles, "As you have said before, not a chance." Troy smiles and salutes for the group. Dietrich returns it. Then the Jeeps take off. Troy watches over his shoulder but sees Dietrich is not headed back the same way they came. The Jeeps pull in close and Troy shouts, "He's probably already having his camp moved."
The two Jeeps pull up to Allied Headquarters. Inside, the Rats are escorted into Captain Boggs office. He looks up from his work, "Where the blazes have you four been?" Troy sighs, "It's a long story, Sir." Boggs continues, "Well, the Germans mounted a major offensive this past week. They had a lot more firepower than we had expected." The Rats trade glances and Troy sighs, "How did the fighting go, Sir?" Boggs says, "Most of the week was tough. But we pushed them back today." Troy nods, "That's good news, Sir." Boggs wrinkles his nose, "You look, and smell, like you've been out in the desert for a week." Troy sighs again, "That's about right, Sir… With the Captain's permission?" Boggs nods, "Hit the showers and get cleaned up. We'll talk over dinner." Troy smiles and salutes for the group, "Thank you, Sir."
The four come down the steps of the headquarters building, pile back into their Jeeps and head off to their quarters. They are all looking forward to hot showers, clean uniforms and a familiar meal.