Violent Truce: What happens after Major Bracken tells Dietrich not to leave without his plasma?
By desertpat51
Background: Moffitt and Tully had found Lieutenant George T. West alone and out of gas but needing to find a convoy carrying, among other things, contaminated plasma. German artillery wounded West so Tully took him back to their camp and Moffitt headed out in West's Jeep to find the convoy. He was intercepted by Germans and taken to Dietrich's camp where an epidemic was raging. Dietrich took Moffitt on the search for the convoy. And when they found it, he set up a trade with Major Bracken: Moffitt for medical supplies, including some plasma. Moffitt told them both that the plasma was contaminated. But, without an official report, no one believed him. Dietrich was about to take the box of plasma against Moffitt's protestations, so our good Sergeant grabbed a handy .50 and destroyed the box! Dietrich retaliated, blowing up a munitions truck and stealing the medical truck. Bracken arrested Moffitt, and held him for court martial. Later he called and talked to Troy, who was furious to learn that Moffitt was being held for court martial. But Troy does learn that Dietrich took all the medical supplies, including the contaminated plasma. With West now dead, the Rats headed to Dietrich's camp and Troy convinced him to speak for Moffitt, since three of the Captain's own men had already died on account of the contaminated plasma. In exchange, Troy promised Dietrich a case of good plasma and a safe return to his camp. After a fast and wild Jeep ride to Major Bracken's camp, the Major accepted Dietrich's claim and released Moffitt. But, unexpectedly, Bracken negated Troy's deal and arrested Dietrich. Before he could be taken, Dietrich leapt into Troy's Jeep, manned the .50 caliber machine gun and demanded that the Major drive him away. As they pulled out Troy started firing. Dietrich returned fire and got close to Troy but Troy hit one of the tires. The Jeep swerved and came to an abrupt halt throwing the Captain onto the ground. The others ran, while Hitch and Tully brought up the second Jeep… all guns on Dietrich. But then the Major realized he may have made a mistake and told the Captain not to leave without his plasma. Dietrich, a bit disheveled, dusty and hair in disarray, stood at attention and saluted. Major Bracken returned it and headed back to his camp with his aide, Johnson…
Dietrich takes an imperceptible breath of relief, then Troy approaches, "Are you alright, Captain?" Dietrich nods, "I'm fine." Troy then holds out his hand, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to take your side arm." Hitch emphasizes the request with his hand on the .50. Dietrich reluctantly brings out his Walther P-38 and hands it, grip first, to Troy. Troy shoves it into his belt.
Troy now turns to his Privates, "Hitch, Tully, get busy on that tire… and check for any other damage to the Jeep. I'm going to go find some plasma. Moffitt, why don't you take the good Captain here back to that shady area by the Major's tent. Maybe you can even get him some tea and crumpets." Troy turns to Dietrich, "Captain, I'm sorry about all this. We should be ready to go in about a half hour." Dietrich nods. Then Moffitt says, "Captain?" and motions for him to head back toward the Major's tent.
As they walk, Dietrich slaps his cap against his thigh and dust flies from both cap and britches. He sighs and halts for a moment, to dust off his cap. Moffitt has been watching, "Captain, I too am sorry about what happened. But I am very grateful that you chose to speak on my behalf." Dietrich glances over at him, "I didn't do it for you. My men need that plasma." Moffitt smiles, "Just the same, thank you."
Dietrich takes another step and winces at a pain in his leg. Moffitt notices, "Are you alright, Captain?" Dietrich sighs, "Yes. I'm fine." Moffitt watches as they take a few more steps, "You know, I've been tossed from those Jeeps a time or two, myself. One time those two Privates jumped a sand dune… Troy was almost thrown out and we came down so hard, I landed, face first, onto the .50. I nearly broke my nose." The Captain looks over at Moffitt as an infectious grin begins to form on the Sergeant's face. Once the smile takes full shape, Dietrich can't help himself, and almost laughs at the thought. He takes a deep breath, smiles again and nods at Moffitt then pats down the rest of his uniform. He tries running his fingers through his hair but it doesn't help much. He sighs and just puts his cap back on.
As they start walking again, Dietrich thinks about the man walking next to him. He's an enemy, yes, and at least as dangerous an opponent as Troy. But of all the Rats, this man is different. Perhaps it is his education or the fact he can speak many languages, including his own… Though, as he has noted many times, not as well as he can speak English. Or maybe it is just that they have more in common with each other than he has with any of the Americans, being from the right side of the pond, at least on a map. If circumstances were different, he might even call this man friend.
They approach the Major's command tent where an aide sits outside at a small desk. He watches warily as the two approach. Moffitt motions for Dietrich to wait outside. He nods and slowly moves to the far side of the shaded area, with hands clasped behind his back and the aide now eyeing his every move. As Moffitt enters the tent, Dietrich stands patiently as several of the Allied soldiers pass by as part of their regular duties. The Captain begins to feel like a fish in a bowl surrounded by hungry cats.
Inside the tent, Moffitt gets a somewhat cold reception, "Sergeant, why haven't you left yet?" Moffitt, a bit contrite, says, "I'm sorry to bother you, Major, but it will take about a half hour or so to replace the tire and check for any other damage. So, I was wondering if I might borrow two chairs and have some tea for the Captain and me while we wait?" The Major takes a confrontational stance, "A bit presumptuous aren't you? That Captain almost killed me and could have shot up the entire camp." Moffitt puts on his best conciliatory voice, "But he didn't, Sir. And, if you could just consider the situation from his point of view..." The Major hesitates a long moment, then sighs, "Very well, Sergeant. Two chairs, two cups of Earl Grey tea… and milk." He hesitates again, "I suppose you could also include two crumpets, one for each of you. But no more!" Moffitt smiles, "Thank you very much, Sir."
Moffitt gathers up two camp chairs sitting near the tent wall and takes them outside. He smiles at the Captain as he puts them down, "I'll be right back with some refreshments." He goes back into the tent and pours two cups of tea from a pot on the table and puts them, with a spoon, on a small tray, along with a small cup of powdered milk in water. After all, Earl Grey, a dark tea, must be served with milk. The Major motions to a tin on the table and Moffitt opens it to find several crumpets. He only takes two and drizzles on some honey from a jar, making sure to replace the lid. He again turns to the Major and nods, "Thank you, Sir." Bracken absently nods and dismisses Moffitt with a brusque wave.
Dietrich has been sitting quietly outside, trying not to attract any attention. But that has been difficult, being the only German in an Allied camp. He is a bit sore from his fall and shifts slightly. He has tried running a comb through his hair with only partial success. But the result is satisfactory. Then he waits.
Moffitt parts the tent flap, walks to the edge of shade and holds the tray so the Captain can take a cup, "I hope you like Earl Grey, Captain… and I'm afraid the milk is powdered." Dietrich smiles, "I appreciate the effort, Sergeant. Thank you." Moffitt has rarely heard the Captain thank anyone, especially his enemies, for anything. So he takes the moment and responds, "You're quite welcome, Captain."
Moffitt puts the tray down on the sand and picks up his cup. Dietrich pours some white substance into his tea then hands the cup to Moffitt who adds some white to his own cup. They blow gently at the steam then take a sip and the Captain gives a nod of approval. Dietrich then picks up a crumpet, "I do prefer German sweat breads." He takes a taste and smiles, "But even English crumpets are delicious with honey. Considering recent events, I certainly wasn't expecting all this. I'm impressed, Sergeant."
As they enjoy their repast, Moffitt comments, "You took an awful chance going for the .50." Dietrich nods, "Was there any other choice?" Moffitt thinks a moment then smiles slightly, "I suppose not." He hesitates, then, "However, I was quite impressed by your leap into the Jeep." Dietrich takes another sip, "You are easily impressed, Sergeant. As I said, I didn't see any other choice… and I was highly motivated." Moffitt agrees, "It was a difficult situation. I'm just glad no one was hurt." He thinks a moment, "Of course, Tully won't agree with me on that point. Those Jeeps are… well… his babies."
While Moffitt and Dietrich have been talking, Hitch has checked the Jeep for damage and Tully has put the spare wheel on. Tully is tightening the lug nuts when Troy walks up, followed by two of the Major's men who are carrying a white box with PLASMA stenciled on the side. He directs them to put the box on the ground, "Thanks. Appreciate it." They nod and head back to the medical supply tent.
Tully ratchets the jack, lowering the Jeep back down onto its new wheel. Hitch puts the jack away while Tully tightens the lug nuts further. He smiles, pats the tire on the top as if patting a boy on the head after he has performed a good deed. He places the lug wrench in the back, "Ready to go, Sarge."
They load the plasma into the Jeep. It's been a long day and all would like to be heading back to their field camp. But there's one last thing to do. Troy sighs, "Good work, guys. Okay. Let's go get 'em."
Troy and Hitch get into their Jeep, with a replacement wheel, a clean bill of health otherwise, and the plasma in the back, while Tully gets into his Jeep. They drive back to the Major's tent. Perfect timing, as Moffitt and Dietrich are just finishing their tea, the crumpets having already been consumed.
They both put their cups back on the tray and Moffitt carries it into the tent. The Major is working at his desk and looks up as Moffitt enters. Moffitt puts the tray on the table, smiles slightly and nods, "Thank you, again, Major." He's a bit gruff, "Yes… Yes. Carry on." Moffitt nods, "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." Moffitt salutes and the Major absently returns it, glad for the entire affair to be over, "Good day, Sergeant." Moffitt nods, "Major." Then he exits the tent, also happy to be leaving.
Outside, Dietrich is standing next to the chairs awaiting instructions. After all, he is still Troy's prisoner, of sorts, and doesn't want to push the Sergeant too much. It has been a trying day for all.
As Moffitt exits the tent, he and Troy share an almost imperceptibly look. Moffitt nods slightly and turns to Dietrich, "Captain, I believe you're with me." Dietrich nods and climbs back in next to Tully, who drove him there not that long ago. Moffitt climbs into the back and sits on the supply locker just behind the Captain. He leans forward slightly and whispers, "No leaping for me." Dietrich almost smiles. Troy turns to Dietrich, "Are you ready, Captain?" Dietrich nods, then Troy looks to the others, "Move out."
The trip to Bracken's camp had reminded Dietrich of the wild Rutschebanen 'Roller Coaster' ride he had taken at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark while on a family holiday in the mid-1920's. And at speeds up to 50 kph, his ten-year-old self had felt like he was flying. Like that ride, the Rats had never slowed down, not for turns or hills. At least they hadn't encountered any sand dunes… over which they typically fly as they start their attacks. However now, on the way back, they were driving at a much more reasonable speed and he only occasionally had to grab the machine gun post to stay seated.
Finally, the Jeeps are slowing but Dietrich frowns. Troy guaranteed safe passage back to his camp. This is definitely not his camp. He maintains a straight face as the Jeeps stop on the flat, open desert.
Troy gets out of his Jeep and walks around to Dietrich, who has decided to remain seated until given permission to dismount. Good thing. As Troy approaches he pulls the Captain's Walther P-38 from his belt and points it at Dietrich, who is a bit unnerved by the action. But then Troy flips the gun and hands it, grip first, to the Captain. Dietrich hesitates, then slowly takes the gun as well as a deep sigh of relief. Troy says, "Your camp is over those dunes, Captain."
Dietrich gets out of the Jeep and takes a few steps forward, slipping the gun into its holster. Troy stands behind Dietrich as Moffitt hops off the supply locker and down onto the ground. He and Hitch then retrieve the plasma box out of Troy's Jeep. They carry it to where Dietrich is standing, with hands on his hips, and set it down in front of him. He takes a couple slow steps toward the box. Troy and Hitch walk back to their Jeep and Moffitt gets in the seat that the Captain has just vacated. He speaks softly to Tully, "Tomorrow we'll be killing each other." Tully smiles slightly. The Jeep engines start up. Hitch pulls out first as Troy salutes for the group and Dietrich returns it. Then Tully and Moffitt follow.
Dietrich is left, with hands on hips, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. He then realizes he has no water. He watches as the Jeeps disappear into the distance. At least he's free of the Rats. But is his camp really over those dunes? He shakes his head and starts mumbling to himself, "I should have known. But Troy gave me his word. He said he'd return me to my camp… not the open desert!"
He shakes his head again. He can't carry the box himself. It took two of the Rats to move it from the Jeep to the sand. So he leaves it and starts walking toward the dunes that Troy had indicated. He reaches the bottom, claws his way up then sighs in relief. There are the familiar tents and vehicles of his camp. Some of his men spot him and they come running as he partly walks, partly slides down the other side of the dune. One soldier is carrying a canteen and Dietrich gladly accepts it, even though it's only been a couple of hours since he was enjoying tea in the shade at the Allied camp with his enemy.
He instructs his men to take one of the Kubelwagens and to retrieve the box of plasma that he was able to secure from the Allies… at great personal peril.
Later, the Captain's doctor is grateful for the 'uncontaminated' plasma that is now providing relief to his patients. Dietrich walks from man to man, chatting and checking on their progress.
Miles away, at the Rat's camp, the four are pulling out rations for dinner. Troy, Hitch and Tully exchange glances and Troy ask, "So, Moffitt, how was tea and crumpets with Dietrich?" Moffitt smiles, "Quite pleasant, actually." But then he turns serious, "Troy, he took a big risk." Troy nods, "Yes he did. But, he had an obligation to his men." He looks at all of them, then turns to Moffitt… "And I had an obligation to mine." Moffitt smiles, "Thanks." Troy nods then they settle down for a field meal under the stars.
Author's note: Violent Truce and Decoy, both seem to deal with a Typhus epidemic in North Africa, etc., 1942-3. However, Typhus, caused by a flea-borne bacterium is treated by antibiotics, not a vaccine. Whereas, Typhoid Fever, a disease caused by a food-borne bacterium, is preventable with a vaccine.
Roller coasters were in Germany in the 1920's but I couldn't find a reference. So the Dietrich family took a holiday, from Kiel north to Denmark where young Hans had a wild ride! Note: In the 1950's, Walt Disney's inspiration for Disneyland and the Matterhorn ride was Tivoli Gardens and the Rutschebanen!
