Change of Ways

by The Ravenwolf

Set directly after the the events of the Rat Patrol's final episode, the story follows Dietrich's path into an unsteady future.

20. Vultures and Jackals

Two hours after leaving the camp, Hans Dietrich spots something that makes his blood run cold. Shouting "Stop!" at Tully while signaling the same intent for Hitch in the Jeep behind them, the German squints to see more clearly. As soon as they have stopped, the Captain takes off his protective goggles, while Tully asks: "What is it, Cap?" Dietrich points at the sky, as Pettigrew and Gottschlich try to spot what he is trying to show them, making out some movement in the shimmering desert sky. "What is that, Captain?", Corporal Gottschlich asks with concern. "It could likely be vultures. The style of flight would fit", Dietrich answers with a grim tone matching his expression. "Are you a hobby biologist now? You're almost as bad as Moffit", Troy comments with good-natured humor, as he steps closer after he has handed guard duty over to Hitch who points a tommy gun at their German prisoner. "Apparently you have never bothered to look back at the bodies left in your wake, Sergeant. Otherwise you should be able to recognize scavengers closing in on their next meal", Dietrich shoots back sarcastically suppressing through an effort of willpower an uneasy feeling and the unbidden memories of countless destroyed convoys and killed soldiers under his command with the vultures circling above him as he remains as the last man standing. "We need binoculars to better discern how many of them there are and how far away", the German growls tersely. Troy realizes his intent which could have been one of Moffit's ingenious ideas, as he hands the irritated German officer his binoculars biting down the sarcastic reply of his own in the light of the Captain's recent behaviour. Dietrich has been left with the bodies of the fallen often enough and would have had more than enough time to observe vultures closing in on their next meal he reflects, as he eyes the German's tense posture and lines in his face clearly speaking of strain.

Finally, the lean officer lowers the optical device and hands it back to the American. "I can count five. Whatever is out there is at least the size of a human, possibly more than one." Troy checks for himself to verify the statement unsurprisingly to Dietrich. "Four or five of those vultures. Do you want us to check it out?" The Captain scowls briefly as he weighs the options of checking out the scavengers' target or not against each other. "If that is a human being out there, helping him or at least putting him out of his misery or burying him would be the decent thing to do. It will cost us time though which we require for our meeting with the Bedouins to hand over the prisoner." The German struggles with his conscience and curiosity which are clearly calling for checking it out. "We'd better check it out", Dietrich's compassionate side finally wins out over his cool rational one. Troy stops himself from actually patting the tall German on the shoulder as he notices the Captain's wary scowl observing his raised hand. Waving his hand in an incentivizing gesture, the American Sergeant shouts: "Let's shake it!" Dietrich tenses visibly, yet turns around to sit in the Jeep next to Tully who has never left the driver's seat.

"That guy has eyes like a hawk", Troy comments dryly, as he returns to Hitch and takes over guarding their prisoner with his Colt raised once he is back in the Jeep. "Spotting vultures during full speed drive with goggles on is not normal." "Captain's always been better at spotting us than any other Jerry", Hitch replies with a grin, as he starts the engine. "Two weeks ago I wouldn't have thought I'd ever appreciate that skill of his", Troy answers with a shout, before the engine's roar becomes too loud to continue the conversation.

Twenty minutes later they have closed in on their intended destination. "Stop!", Dietrich shouts and signals, as he can make out several moving creatures ahead of them. A pack of several jackals is howling and fighting over their meal. "Shoot with the tommy gun to drive them off!", the Captain commands. Both Tully Pettigrew and Riku Gottschlich obey that order, while Hitch halts his Jeep close behind them to not get into the line of fire. For several seconds the noise of the machine guns and the pained howling of some wounded jackals is the only thing audible, before both soldiers lower their guns at Dietrich's signal once the scavengers flee from the scene. Getting out of the Jeep, Dietrich exchanges a brief glance with Troy indicating him to come along with him, while he commands sternly: "The rest of you stay here. Private Pettigrew, you may perform a quick maintenance of the vehicles and get the worst sand out from the axes." Tully smiles at the order. Finally he gets to meet an officer who knows the ins and outs of desert maintenance of vehicles. "Private Hitchcock, keep watch on the prisoner at all times!" Hitch nods with grim determination as he keeps his tommy gun trained at the German commando soldier. "I sure will, Capt'n!" "Corporal Gottschlich, you keep watch on the surroundings from the top of the dune behind us!" "Yes, Sir!" Gottschlich salutes properly and runs off toward the dune with determination written in his posture and expression.

"You want to entrust our safety to the kid?", Troy asks slightly doubtfully. "How often have you trusted the others to be on the lookout rather than having done it yourself?", Dietrich shoots back with a question of his own. "Okay, Captain. You win", Troy sounds exasperated at the German's smug expression. Both have drawn their hand guns, as they approach two heaps lying close by each other. The Captain's stomach turns and he gulps drawing in a deep breath through his teeth, as Troy beside him turns equally pale upon the sight before them. "Oh my God!", the American Sergeant mutters in shock, as the German beside him nods agreeing with the sentiment. Only years of serving under the Nazis have taught Dietrich to not speak the word 'god' loudly, if he likes to keep his head. The two human bodies in front of them have already served as meal to the jackals and been out in the sun for approximately a day. The faces are beyond recognition, half chewed off by the scavengers, as are their clothes torn and their bowels have been ripped out resulting in a bloody stinking mess. Concentrating on breathing as shallowly as possible through his mouth, Dietrich takes a step closer, as something has caught his eye. A yellow piece of cloth stained with grime and blood hangs from a torn piece of clothing. Troy is more irritated by the bodies' obviously bound wrists and ankles which are still fixated to a stone pillar and a pole which has been dug deep into the sand.

"Who'd do that?", the American Sergeant growls with righteous anger. "Germans almost surely. My guess would be von Stolberg's men or his commando unit", Dietrich answers with a truly dejected tone. That Germans are responsible for such a barbaric act feels like a pierce through the heart for him. "How can you tell?", Sam Troy wants to know. The German Captain points at the yellow piece of cloth. "At least one of them has been marked as a Jew with the star of David. They were bound, either held captives, tortured or left to die here", Dietrich explains with a hollow voice. Then he straightens his back and turns towards the Jeep with a grim expression intent on questioning the commando soldier to find out the truth. "Hold your horses, Captain", Troy steps in his way and this time actually does put his hand on the taller man's shoulder who tenses immediately upon the touch. "You bear that same look as you had when you tried to bash my head in with a chain." With barely restrained anger Hans Dietrich snarls at him: "I don't intend to kill him. But I will find out the truth." "Why is that so important for you?", Troy demands to know. "If this would have been done by Americans wouldn't you be intent on learning the truth about what has happened?", the German replies with a pained expression. "True enough. I'd like to learn that", Troy concedes. "Talk to that commando trooper, but I'll come with you and call Gottschlich and Hitch to take care of burying the bodies meanwhile." "Thank you, Sergeant", Dietrich surprises Troy with the honest expression of gratitude, before the Captain turns toward the Jeeps.

Once Hitch and Gottschlich have been informed on their gruesome duty and go to pick up shovels from their Jeeps' equipment, Troy stands ready with the machine gun trained at the commando trooper, while Dietrich steps up to him with a murderous expression. "Soldat", the German officer addresses him and the man's head snaps up in surprise at the Captain's harsh irate tone. "Ich möchte, dass Sie mir einige Fragen wahrheitsgemäß beantworten. Wagen Sie es nicht, mich zu belügen!", the tall lean officer states with an icy tone that he wishes the man to answer some of his questions truthfully and better not dare to lie to him. There is a dangerous gleam in his eyes speaking of barely suppressed fury. "Waren Sie in den letzten Tagen an diesem Ort hier mit Ihren Kameraden oder in Begleitung des Majors von Stolberg?" The soldier hesitates to answer whether he has been at this location in the past few days with his comrades or Major von Stolberg, before he finally decides not to provoke the obviously furious officer, as he answers: "Wir waren gestern hier." Dietrich nods upon hearing that they have been here yesterday.

"Wer waren die Männer, die dort gestorben sind?", Dietrich asks who the men killed over there have been noting that one has borne a star of David. "Einer hat einen Judenstern getragen." "Die Drecksjuden hat Hauptmann Gebsattel gefangen genommen und neben unserer Kolonne hergetrieben, bis der Abschaum nicht mehr weiterkonnte. Dann hat er sie hier anbinden lassen, damit sie sterben können wie die räudigen Schakale, die sie zerfetzt haben und jetzt ihre Eingeweide fressen. Gestern waren sie noch gerade so am Leben, haben um Wasser gebettelt. Aber wer würde schon Wasser an einen Saujuden verschwenden? Und die Pisse hat dem undankbaren Gesindel nicht geschmeckt", the German commando spits out his contemptuous answer and Dietrich briefly struggles with the urge to physically strike out against the man.

The memory of jogging along the black SS staff car chained to the car mirror and barely able to stay on his feet comes unbidden to the Captain when he hears that this is more or less what has happened to the men before their deaths, having been driven along von Stolberg's Panzer column. Troy notes that Hans Dietrich's face bears an expression of loathing and raw emotion he has hardly ever seen upon him. "What did he say?", the American Sergeant asks with a stern tone and honest curiosity that seems to draw the truly distraught young officer to a certain degree out of his memories and the emotions connected with them as well as his anger at the German soldier's needless contempt for human life. With a sneer the German officer answers: "It is about time you start learning German, Sergeant. Constantly having to translate for you is unnerving. I am starting to feel compassion for Sergeant Moffit." "Jack will be delighted to hear that you share his ordeal and offered to help ", Troy replies sarcastically. "Would you mind translating for me now what that guy said that has you upset enough to look like you would like to tear his head off with your bare hands?"

Dietrich snorts slightly at the apt assessment, but finally wrangles his temper under control and replies with a more neutral tone although Troy considers he still looks slightly pale: "He said that Hauptmann Gebsattel, von Stolberg's Captain you shot two nights ago, has taken the Jews prisoners and dragged them along with their column until they could not continue to run any more. Then he has ordered to bind them here to leave them to die like the ruddy jackals that have torn them apart and feast on their entrails. When the commandos arrived here yesterday, they were still barely alive and begging for water." Dietrich's expression and tone turns full of loathing, as he translates the final part: "They wouldn't waste water on Jews and called them ungrateful to not appreciate the piss they got." Troy looks at least as furious as the German Captain upon hearing the translation and remembering the contemptuous tone, as he growls: "A few quick bullets were far too merciful a death for that goddamned bastard. And whatever the Arabs will do to this one, he definitely deserves it and probably much worse." Captain Dietrich scowls, but nods in affirmation. "I could not agree more with you, Sergeant. I had my doubts and felt rather guilty to assault soldier of the Afrikakorps and hand one over to certain death. But after what we have seen here, there is nothing to regret when handing him over especially when it helps to save the whole camp."

Hitch supports a rather ill looking Corporal Gottschlich back to the Jeeps and hands the young man a canteen to rinse his mouth and drink something afterwards. Both Troy and Dietrich eye him with sympathy, as the Captain steps towards the young soldier and speaks calmly: "I won't lie to you. Mutilated, rotting corpses will never be a sight you get used to, Corporal Gottschlich. At least I never have. However, I recommend you use it as a reminder of what you are fighting against just as who and what you are fighting for to gain strength from such experiences and not just be haunted by the memories." Troy eyes the German with a curious expression considering how much this statement tells him about the Captain himself who has struggled more with moral conflicts in this war than anybody else he knows.

Gottschlich stares at Dietrich for a few moments contemplating the officer's advice, before he asks with a choked voice: "Who could ever do something like this?" Dietrich's expression looks truly tormented upon the knowledge that his own countrymen and not the SS fanatics, but officers and soldiers of the Afrikakorps as he has been until recently with full conviction have been responsible for the vile deed, as he answers with a slightly strangled voice: "Major von Stolberg and his Hauptmann Gebsattel were responsible, their soldiers executed the order. Some even approved of it." His dark glare focuses on the commando soldier who shrinks back in his seat as much as he can. Hitch and Troy bear equally grim expressions, as they stare at the man with open contempt and hatred, while Gottschlich looks shocked at the realization that one of the people responsible is sitting right in front of him.

Then, Hitch switches from cold-blooded to jovial within split seconds, as he addresses Dietrich: "Captain. When we took the bodies away, I could see some signs on that pillar they were bound against. I know you're not the Doc, but..." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in surprise, but like the proverbial cat curiosity will likely be the death of him, as he turns and briefly orders: "Show me that, Private!" The cut ropes with dried blood on them still lie near the pillar and pole where more dried blood stains the sand and stone. Without the sight of the bodies taking his attention away from the pillar, Dietrich can actually make out several carved symbols in the stone. "It's some ancient stylized form of Arabic", he analyses after crouching in front of the pillar and squinting to discern the symbols. "I assume these are either verses from Quran or they might be Libyan poetry, but I am by far not fluent enough to provide you with a literal translation." The German sighs wearily and a sad haunted expression appears in his gaze. "It's about the beauty of nature and the peace it brings to humans. Rather the opposite of a place where two men have found their slow tormented death." "It's not your fault, Cap", Hitch tries to console him actually feeling compassion upon seeing the young officer's stooped shoulder's and hanging head. "You did the right thing by bringing us here to bury them." Dietrich takes a deep breath almost choking on the smell of rotting flesh and blood, before he manages to school his face into his usual stern mask for command and asks in a carefully kept neutral tone: "Where did you bury them, Private?"

"Over here", Hitchcock leads the way to the place where only the freshly disturbed sand marks the new graves which will be swallowed by the desert within mere hours. Picking up two fist-sized stones along the way, the Captain places one on each of the two burial sites. Neither do they know their names nor have they been able to provide any of the Jewish burial rites unbeknownst to them in the first place and impossible to put through here anyways Dietrich contemplates with a pained expression. But he can at least show the dead a last sign of respect by doing what Jakob has shown him upon visiting Silberblatt's grandmother's grave, when they have still been boys back in Kiel.

Hitch observes the German officer curiously, until he finally cannot stay silent any longer. "What are you doing, Cap?" After a deep sigh, Dietrich explains briefly: "Putting stones on a grave is a way to show the dead respect in Jewish tradition." "How do you know that?", Hitch asks before thinking. The German eyes him as if he is a total idiot for even asking such a question, before he drawls sarcastically: "You seem to forget that my best friend since childhood days is a Jew, Private Hitchcock." Hitch blushes slightly upon realizing his own folly. "Sorry, Cap." Dietrich sighs, still ill at at ease with the shortened rank titles, especially when they are uttered that often in a row. Troy at least tries to use the full rank as often as possible, but the privates are truly hopeless, especially since he feels guilty reprimanding them after the explanation they have provided him with. Mark Hitchcock meanwhile has followed the German's example and picked up two stones which he has placed on each of the two graves smiling quite contently.

As Dietrich gets up from his crouched position and turns back toward the Jeeps, Mark finally comes to a decision which he has been thinking about during the whole drive here. "Captain." The German immediately tenses and turns around warily. Even though their abbreviation of rank title annoys him, the conscious usage of the title makes him suspicious. Raising his eyebrows in an unspoken question, Dietrich puts his hands on his hips in silent expectation. Mark Hitchcock gulps visibly and grins insecurely, as he struggles for words: "I ... wanted to ... apologize for Andy's ... Corporal Newman's behaviour." The German officer narrows his eyes, as he puts the private under scrutiny trying to discern the intention behind his words. "I was under the impression, Private Hitchcock, that you and your friends are not exactly on friendly terms with Corporal Newman. Why do you feel responsible to apologize on his behalf? What exactly is the nature of your conflict with him?" Hitch struggles how to answer these questions deciding that the second one is far safer for him. "Newman replaced Tully after he was injured on a mission. However, he tried really intensely to win us all as his new friends, flattering us, especially the Sergeants in order to permanently stay instead of Tully." Dietrich smiles wryly. "Let me guess. Sergeant Troy saw right through it and kicked him out as soon as possible." Now Hitch actually smiles. "You're really good, Cap!" The German officer suppresses the urge to give the unworthy display of rolling his eyes, instead continuing to speak with a voice dripping of sarcasm: "It was not that hard to guess knowing Troy. I fail to see what this has to do with what happened today though. Please enlighten me, Private!"

Now, the young American private looks a bit more nervous, as he bites down on his chewing gum not daring to chew too obviously in front of the overly correct German Captain. "Well. Ever since then, Andy is teasing us, pulling pranks, telling rumors like the one you heard today." Dietrich grits his teeth in obvious anger, as he snaps: "That still does not explain how creating such rumors about me is connected to his quarrel with you. Don't try my patience, Hitchcock!" Sweat is running down Hitch' face from under the rim of his kepi, as he looks into the German Captain's furious eyes. "Well. He tried to provoke me and make me jealous", Hitch hesitates how to put this and briefly curses himself for not having chosen to have this conversation in Troy's presence who would come to his aid. "He told me that Lisa - you know her - she's the nurse...", he stammers but pulls himself together as he sees Dietrich's eyes narrowing in annoyance over his incoherent recount. "...that Lisa said she considers the Captain, well you and not Boggs, a handsome man." The German blinks in surprise, as the private falls silent with a slight blush coloring his face.

"All this", Dietrich takes a deep breath, but his tone of voice is still speaking of his incredulity, "hassle happened because you are jealous over your girl friend?" Shaking his head in slight disbelief, he states tersely: "So you want to assure me that Newman's accusations are not directed against me, but rather against you? Why involve me at all? I am the least known officer in your whole camp for sure." Hitch blushes slightly, as he answers: "Well, unlike you most of our other brass are rather old and not exactly what you call handsome or charming." The German is briefly speechless after the statement before he focuses his stern gaze on the young American Private. "Private Hitchcock. I will only say this once, so you'd better pay attention." As Dietrich speaks with a terse tone, Hitch listens to him intently. "Having a relationship with a woman under my command, as any of the nurses currently is, is utterly unbecoming for an officer and would never occur to me, as it violates all my principles of decency and honor. Any such or other type of insinuation is as wrong as it is inappropriate. Should you ever hear something like that again, you are to report to me. And if you ever come up with moronic notions like that, you will find that there are worse punitive measures than cleaning latrines, as would Corporal Newman. Did I make myself clear, Private?" Mark Hitchcock squirms under the Captain's scrutinizing gaze, until Hans Dietrich is satisfied that his message has been received, as Hitch clearly states with barely quivering voice: "Yes, Sir!"

As the German turns around to continue his way toward the Jeeps, the young private breathes a sigh of relief he has not realized to have been holding. Not only does he feel relieved that Lisa would not betray him with the young Captain, but also does Dietrich believe him enough to not hold him responsible for the whole matter. The German has even entrusted him with some revelation about his own character and behaviour that Hitch would never have expected from the guarded officer, at least not toward him. Dietrich truly seems to heed the peace treaty and vow for honesty. "What did the Captain want?", Troy demands to know, as soon as Hitch reaches the Jeep. "I told him the truth about Andy Newman and what has happened today", Hitch answers sheepishly in a whisper looking cautiously in the direction of the tall Captain who is speaking quietly with Gottschlich bearing an expression of calm professionalism. Troy grins now in honest amusement, as he teases his driver: "Did you tell him you were discussing whether he is handsome while standing naked under the shower?" Hitch blushes immediately. "Of course not. He would have torn my head off or something worse. But he basically said that any relationship with a woman in his unit and under his command would be against his sense of honor. So I need not worry about Lisa anymore, even if she considers him handsome." Troy sighs in slight exasperation about Hitch' previous youthful irrationality which at least is resolved now. "Didn't I tell you so?! Then this idiotic topic is finally settled and you can leave the Captain in peace."

The Captain has enough worries of his own to not bother sparing a second thought on Hitch and his absurd spike of jealousy. Corporal Gottschlich's shocked appearance is more worrying for him, as he tries to calm the young man through rational arguments. Then, an alternative thought occurs to him. "Would it calm you, Corporal, to pay your respect to the dead in the way of their own culture?" Riku Gottschlich blinks at him, considers his suggestion and then gives a brief pained smile. "That could help me, Captain." "Follow me then", Dietrich orders sternly. Troy who notices the duo walking away from the Jeep hands the tommy gun to Hitch, orders him to guard the prisoner, as he jogs after Dietrich who throws a slightly unnerved glare over his shoulder, when he notices his pursuer. As they draw nearer to the graves, Gottschlich pales further and tenses increasingly. Aware of the necessity to provide an anchor to reality for soldiers who suffer from shock, the German puts his hand on the younger man's shoulder and turns to look him directly in the eyes. "Do you feel able to go through with this, Corporal Gottschlich? Confronting your trauma could help you against the fear it might otherwise instill in you on the long run. But I cannot promise you that this will not haunt you in your nightmares still." Riku Gottschlich gulps visibly before an expression of grim determination settles on his face. Willing himself to not disappoint the only officer who has ever been willing to give him a fair chance and shown him honest compassion as the German does now, he forces his voice to sound more steady than he actually feels: "I will do this, Captain." Dietrich studies his face for a few more moments, before withdrawing his hand and continuing to lead the way to the graves.

Along the way, the German picks up four stones of appropriate size. As they stand in front of the graves, Troy has finally caught up with them after keeping his distance during the exchange between the German Captain and the traumatized young soldier. Dietrich holds one stone out to Gottschlich and a second one to a slightly surprised Troy who both take it with baffled expressions. "You place the stone on the grave to pay your respect to the deceased. Put them next to mine and Hitchcock's. This is the traditional way of honoring the dead, as far as Jakob Silberblatt has taught me", the German explains calmly. Troy is the first to step forward and follow the instruction, but Riku Gottschlich follows after a few seconds of hesitation. Then they both repeat the ritual with the second grave, until four stones lie on each of the dead men's burial sites. "That was the good and right thing to do, Captain", Troy remarks feeling some relief himself after observing the gruesome scene. "Thank you, Captain!", Corporal Gottschlich speaks with such heart-felt emotion that both Dietrich and Troy have to struggle to keep a neutral expression. "We should leave now", the German officer states with finality and leads them back toward their vehicles.

Troy catches up with the briskly walking Captain, as they reach Tully's Jeep, while Gottschlich lingers slightly behind. "That was really well done, Captain. You might make a proper soldier out of that kid yet. And you handled Hitch really well." Dietrich raises his eyebrows at the American. "Any further insights, Sergeant?" Troy is briefly unsure whether the German intends to mock him or get rid of him, but decides to not play along. "That's everything for now. I'll let you know, when there's more to report." Both appear content believing to have won in outsmarting the other to keep this conversation brief and civil, as they turn to their respective Jeeps. Gottschlich climbs onto the back platform briefly after their exchange and Tully takes off immediately once the Corporal has taken his seat between the crates, as Dietrich signals to 'go'.

Two hours later the oasis town comes into view. As they close in, movement can already be spotted at the rim of the town and the walls of the fort over which a green flag with an Arabic saber is flying. Several Arabs armed with machine guns taken from the dead SS men point their weapons in the direction of the soldiers approaching town. At sufficient distance to stay out of range of the machine guns and rifles, Dietrich commands to stop to get an overview of the opposing forces. "Give me the white flag!", he orders, while counting the number of guards. As Troy steps to him with the telescope rod and the white cloth attached to it, the German looks grim. "13 guards with machine guns on the walls of the fort and another 7 with rifles. At the rim of the town at least six riders have gathered. I don't want to escalate this in your usual manner." Troy glares at him indignantly. "What is that supposed to mean?" "Driving down there and shooting them with machine guns is the last resort, not Plan A", Dietrich replies calmly never taking down the binoculars or directing his gaze away from the town.

"Has someone told you lately that you're an insolent, arrogant Jerry!", Troy snaps furiously. "You should beat me up properly... We've already been there, Sergeant", the German sounds utterly unperturbed and unwilling to be provoked in the current situation. "When you're done sulking, keep an eye on their guards, while I approach the town to start negotiations. Whether they will respect a white flag is not clear to me, but they might grant me personally the benefit of the doubt and not kill me outright which is more than they'd do for any of you." The American Sergeant's expression changes from anger to incredulity upon the words and when the German starts unbuckling his belt wincing and hissing in pain as the shoulder strap presses on his injured shoulder. "You're going there without a weapon? Are you insane, Dietrich?" The Captain smiles wryly. "You're not the first subordinate to ask me that question. You're well advised to at least keep up appearances by using a proper rank title. Carrying a gun would not save my life, if those gunners decide to shoot at me, but not wearing any weapon communicates my willingness to negotiate and not fight them. It is a calculated risk, Sergeant, and nobody here has higher chances of surviving this than I do. Stay ready in case something goes wrong and particularly keep watch that our 'friend' here does nothing to escalate the situation!" With that order Dietrich hands Troy his belt and the binoculars, as he straightens his back to stand at attention and salutes sharply. "Sergeant, you take over command until my return." Recognizing the behaviour immediately from previous meetings with the German Captain, Troy sighs and returns the salute sloppily, as he takes the proffered items.

After Dietrich has taken the first steps toward the fort and town, Troy shouts after him: "Take care! And good luck, Captain." The German briefly tenses, then nods curtly without turning back. "He'll need it", Tully mutters silently beside Troy, while Gottschlich bears an expression of worry and concern. "He'll negotiate with them and come back, won't he?" "Sure as hell he will. Otherwise we'll go in there and get him out. I promise you that", Troy responds in what he believes to be a reassuring way.

Once the German officer has crossed the first 50 meters distance to the fort with his white flag held high, three riders start galloping in his direction from the town entrance. Every gun on the fort wall is trained on him, but none of the Bedouins is firing a shot. Once the riders are at ten meters distance they halt their horses. While two stay in the saddle and train their rifles at the European soldier, the third dismounts and draws his saber. The Captain raises his hands defensively showing that he comes unarmed. "As-salamu 'alaikum", Hans Dietrich greets the Arab politely. "Wa-'alaikumu s-salam", the man returns the greeting and recognition is visible from his posture, as he asks: "*Faris alsahra. What do you want here?*" "*I bring you the murderer of Sheikh Sulaiman's wife who also tried to kill the Sheikh according to his confession*", Dietrich replies and the Arab tenses immediately, as his eyes widen in disbelief. "*If what you say is true, Prince Hassan ibn Sulaiman will wish to speak with you immediately.*" "*Please bring me to him then. I have come unarmed respecting your Sheikh and his family and trusting in their hospitality not to harm a guest of the Sheikh*", the German answers with a serious expression and sly undertone the Arab does not notice. "*You are protected by the laws of hospitality. Follow me!*", the Bedouin answers before leading him into the town and to the caravanserai.

Hassan ibn Sulaiman is pacing the tent where his father's advisers sit in a quietly whispered conference. The young Arab prince is looking up in surprise and shock upon seeing the German officer who he has ridden to battle with only two days ago, two days in which his life has changed utterly. His father has been attacked and almost killed in the same night, his father's younger third wife has been murdered by the European assassins, Allah curse them all. When the young commander of the enemies of his enemies is brought to him, he briefly cannot believe his eyes, before he greets him according to tradition and offers hospitality. "*I thank you for your hospitality, Hassan ibn Sulaiman*", Hans Dietrich speaks calmly after bowing politely along with his greeting. "*I have come to you with a clear sign that we are your friends and not your enemies. Out in the vehicle is one of the assassins who have tried to kill Sheikh Sulaiman, but have not succeeded according to his words, and who have killed his wife. You may put him on trial according to the laws of your lands, as is appropriate for a murderer and assassin. We arrested him, when he and his fellow assassins attacked our camp to free their leader, Major von Stolberg.*" Hassan and the Sheikh's advisers appear briefly speechless, before the young Arab demands: "*Bring him here along with your men, faris alsahra! I want him put on trial immediately.*" "*Prince Hassan. There are traditions and waiting times to be respected*", one of the advisers admonishes. "*I don't care about waiting. I want that honorless mutt put on trial for the crimes against my family as soon as possible. Call the Judge!*", Hassan growls furiously.

"*May I inquire about your father's state of health, Prince Hassan? If you call for a judge instead of letting him be the judge himself, I assume that he is still suffering from the injuries*", the German officer speaks with a serious expression that communicates his concern. "*You are right that my father is still very weak and now suffering from fever after those vile jackals have attacked him with unclean blades*", Hassan snarls lividly. Dietrich can imagine that whatever dark color they might have used to hide the glittering of the blades could have caused an infection, as he offers diplomatically: "*Your father has often supported me, lent me Khalil, one of his finest warhorses, and allowed my to save the lives of my men. I would not want to let him suffer or die. We can offer medical assistance according to our abilities, although none of us is a trained doctor we have medication which helps against the infection and fever. I will call my men and their vehicles immediately, as soon as you can guarantee your hospitality to be extended to my men and that we all may leave safely afterwards*", Dietrich speaks sternly. "*I don't want to fight your men, faris alsahra. They are protected by our hospitality and you all may leave with your vehicles as soon as you have provided your official statement in the trial to the Judge*", Hassan replies equally seriously. Dietrich agrees to these terms gladly and turns to leave the town to call in the Rats.

"Hey look, it's Dietrich!", Troy exclaims, as he spots the German walk out of the town unguarded and unhindered. "He's got his 'cat got the cream' look." Hitch starts grinning immediately and Tully moves the matchstick from the left to the right side before smiling as well. "So you think he was successful, Sergeant Troy?", Gottschlich asks cautiously. "I told you, just Sarge or Troy is sufficient, Corporal. Only Dietrich's all into ranks and titles and that's 'cause he's basically been raised for German military. You can't get any more proper than him in that regard", Troy replies with a grin. "He's been really lenient with us though, since we explained the rank abbreviation thing to him", Hitch pipes in and Tully nods in agreement. "He'll start to like us, before he knows it himself", Troy throws back with a wide smile.

"You're looking far too smug to not have been successful. It would do you good to smile more often", Troy comments with a grin, as the Captain approaches the Jeeps. Dietrich scowls at the remark, before replying dryly: "We can't all be related to the Cheshire cat like you, Sergeant." Hitch is bursting out laughter and barely able to keep the gun trained on the commando who uses the moment of inattention to try and wrestle the gun from the American. Faster than the others and with the advantage of having an elevated position, Riku Gottschlich reacts by jumping from the back of the second Jeep onto the commando soldier knocking him out with a quick blow against the already injured man's head. "That was fast", Troy mutters looking torn between bafflement and awe. "Well done, Corporal!", Dietrich comments outwardly unperturbed while throwing a slightly worried glance at Hitch who looks surprised that his struggle has ended without bloodshed before it has even truly begun.

"I hope you did not kill him though", the German adds with a more serious tone. "Still breathing, Cap", Hitch assesses after checking the pulse at the neck. "You need an arm's licence for your type of humor, Captain. It's obviously dangerous", Troy finally comments sarcastically which earns him an actually amused smile from the tall Captain. "I was under the impression that an arms licence is included in being an army officer", Dietrich replies dryly. Troy and Hitch grin widely, while Tully smiles well-hidden behind his matchstick and Gottschlich looks too surprised by the continued verbal banters between Troy and Dietrich which are slightly unsettling for him. "Speaking of arms licences you should put that back on", Troy comments, as he hands the lean officer a belt with a few pouches and the holster with his side arm. "That is not the belt I have given you", Dietrich looks slightly baffled that Troy is wearing his belt and offering his own instead. "I know, but I thought that shoulder strap is not a smart thing to wear with your shoulder and arm injured at the moment. And the pouches are useful. I left you two and took the others with my stuff, also switched the guns and holsters", Troy replies with an honest smile. After a moment of hesitation, Dietrich finally accepts the offered belt with a curt nod of gratitude and a muttered "Thank you".

The lean German has to use the innermost belt hole to wear the belt and straightens with a stern looks once is is finally readjusted. "We drive into town to hand over the commando trooper, check on the Sheikh's health and make a statement before court", Dietrich returns to his matter-of-factual tone. Then he turns towards Hitch with slightly narrowed eyes. "You will behave yourself in front of the Sheikh's wives and daughters, Private Hitchcock!" "You wound me with your distrust. What ever do you mean, Captain?", Hitch plays innocent. "I still recall reports about you wreaking havoc in German field hospitals simply by turning the head of half the nurses around!", the German replies unperturbed but with slight sarcasm audible in his tone. "Language barriers don't seem to have stopped you either. So keep your interaction to a minimum and at an appropriate level or you might find yourself wishing that it would have been your head you have lost." At Hitchcock's baffled expression Dietrich adds dryly: "We are actually missing Sergeant Moffit at the most inopportune moment to explain to you the details of where eunuchs to guard the harems actually come from." As understanding is finally dawning on him, Hitch pales slightly, while Troy fights to contain his laughter. "That was probably the best tongue-lashing anyone has ever given him, Captain." Even Tully looks amused and like he is fighting not to laugh, while Gottschlich looks confused not knowing the bubble gum blowing private's reputation yet. "He's quite the ladies' man", Tully gives the young Corporal a quiet briefing with a wink before shifting his matchstick again and falling silent.

"Get into the Jeeps and moving, gentlemen!", Dietrich orders before Troy adds with a grin: "Let's shake it!" Both exchange glances, the German with narrowed eyes and clenched jaw, the American with a wide grin. "One would think that you've gotten used to it by now", Troy comments bemusedly. "After four days of serving on your side, compared to almost a year when you have come after my bases and convoys with that warcry of yours? Don't be ridiculous, Sergeant!", the Captain answers with a tone as dry as the desert sand surrounding them. "It feels much longer", Troy mutters. "That is actually true, Sergeant", Dietrich comments wearily.

Laying the unconscious German commando soldier in the back of the Jeep, tied to the bottom of the gun, Troy keeps his gun trained at the man, while Hitch is driving. Tully drives in front of them at a moderate speed following Dietrich's directions to the town entrance where several armed Bedouins are waiting. Repeating a maneuver they have seen him perform more often than Troy remembers to have counted, the German stands up during the slow drive toward the town and makes several hand signs barking something at the Arabs that gets them to move out of their way letting the Jeeps pass, as they eye the Westerners with grim and curious expressions.

Hassan and his cousin Murat await them surrounded by a dozen armed Arab guards in the courtyard before the caravanserai. The lean German is the first to jump out of the Jeep followed by Gottschlich. Tully briefly looks toward the Tommy guns, but lowers his hands at Dietrich's sharp command: "Leave the guns! We are guests here." Then he turns to Hassan and his men. "*Bring guards to arrest the man, Prince Hassan ibn Sulaiman.*" Four guards step forward and follow the tall Captain to Troy and Hitch' Jeep where the American Sergeant still keeps his gun pointing at the unconscious German commando. "They will take the prisoner, Sergeant", the German officer orders briefly and Troy lowers his gun stepping back from the man two of the Arabs pick up under his arms and drag along between them.

Hassan steps forward, as the German soldier is brought before him. "*This is the murderer of my father's wife?*", the proud Bedouin growls. "*Indeed. He has confessed to have committed the attack against Sheikh Sulaiman and his wife in coalition with others who have not survived the attack on our camp and resulting fights*", Dietrich explains with a neutral tone and carefully controlled expression. "*You have done well to bring him here*", Hassan notes with actual gratitude. "*My father will be grateful, as am I on behalf of my family and our tribe.*" "*Speaking of your father*", German intercedes. "*Please allow my men and me to help with his infection and injury.*" "*I do not want to let more than two of you into my father's room*", the Sheikh's son sounds skeptical. "*My men do not speak Arabic and neither understands your words nor your traditions. I would rather keep them close by*", the German officer argues. "*Murat's younger brother Fatjon can speak some English*", Hassan argues. "*He can stay with your men and talk to them. They can stay close to their vehicles until we have prepared lunch for you.*" "*That is not necessary*", the German argues. "*It is. My father was right to insist that we show that we are civilized people*", Hassan counters: "*I insist that as our guests you will be served lunch, before we start the trial. It does take some time to call in all the judges.*" "*I thank you even more for your hospitality, Prince Hassan*", the German speaks politely as he bows slightly before turning to his men.

"Sergeant Troy, you will remain with Private Hitchcock and Corporal Gottschlich out here with the Jeeps to meet with Fatjon the younger brother of Murat who speaks some English. Private Pettigrew, you will accompany me to provide medical aid to the Sheikh as best we can", Dietrich orders matter-of-factually with his hands folded behind his back in a very characteristic way the Rats all recognize from him. "Once they have prepared lunch for us they will guide us to the tent where they serve lunch for the family. Do not discuss their faith, their Sheikh's health or their relation with Westerners with them and do not provoke or ridicule them in any way!" "Wow. Even Jack was more lenient with us. We'll try our best, Captain", Troy agrees with a grin. "I hope that will be enough given how much I am unnerved by your lack of manners, Sergeant", the German replies sarcastically. Hitch snorts with laughter and Troy glares at him before focussing his glare on Dietrich again who continues with a more neutral tone: "Do try to behave yourselves! We need their good will for trade and not demanding more than the Major's life." "You know that you sound exactly like Moffit, when you think that we are all barbarians?", Troy growls slightly annoyed. "I have the justification of a vast experience of you behaving like Attila and his huns whenever you have entered or left a camp of mine until recently", Dietrich counters dryly. "Let's go, Cap!", Tully intervenes chewing on his matchstick earning an approving nod from the German Captain for his calm pragmatism.

"We'll show Dietrich that we can behave better than the barbaric hordes he thinks we are", Troy growls to Hitch and Gottschlich who looks rather surprised by the discussion's wording and content. "And who is this Attila guy he was talking about?" "Attila is famous in some medieval European literature as the king of huns, barbarian riders who plundered central Europe", Hitch grins. "The king of huns?", Troy sounds baffled. "I don't think it was meant as a compliment, Sarge", Hitch comments. "Are you always behaving like this with Captain Dietrich?", Gottschlich finally manages to voice his incredulity. "You mean exchanging jibes and jokes? Kind of, kid", Troy smiles bemusedly. "To a certain degree we even have when he still was a loyal Jerry officer. But it's more of a good-natured banter nowadays. The Captain is quite a funny guy once you get to know him." "That's true", Hitch comes to Troy's support. "Cap even exchanged some jokes with me and I'm just a private. Tully is far too serious for joking though. So you see, he knows how to treat whom. You'll be fine with him. But you'll just do better, if you have a sense of humor." "I never was much of a joker", the young half-Japanese soldier admits. "I can teach you", Hitchcock offers with a wide smile.

"Are you the Americans?", a young man's voice with harsh Arabic accent interrupts them, as a lean young Bedouin with a thin beard and no taller than Gottschlich approaches them. "Yes. You must be Fatjon", Troy answers the young man with a wide smile. "Nice to meet you", Hitch pipes in, while Gottschlich only nods shyly and bows politely. "Murat said you have the interesting desert cars. I want to see them", the young man sounds enthusiastic, as his eyes move to the Jeeps with burning curiosity. "Let's start the show then!", Troy invites him with a grin. "Sure, Sarge", Hitch concedes with a grin, as they walk toward the Jeeps where Hitch opens the bonnet. "So this is our engine ..."

Meanwhile, Dietrich and Tully are led to the Sheikh's room by Hassan himself and two guards accompanying them. "*Father. Faris alsahra has brought Meryem's murderer so we can put him on trial*", Hassan tells his father enthusiastically, as they enter the room. Sheikh Sulaiman stirs from his sleep and stares at his son with feverish glassy eyes. "*Is this true, Hassan?*", the older Arab asks incredulously. "*It is, father. I have called the judge and committee for the trial. Faris alsahra has also offered to provide you with their medication to help you.*" The Sheikh's gaze shifts from his son to the tall officer and the soldier behind him. "*Hauptmann, you have helped us with medical treatment once before.*" Dietrich takes a step closer and bows politely without being subservient. "*I have helped your townspeople once, I am willing to offer you my aid again, if you are willing to take it.*" "*You have always been a fox like they call your general, faris alsahra. What do you want in return for your offered help?*", the Sheikh asks with enough of a sly tone of the practiced bazaar haggler to force a brief wry smile from the German. "*You know that my obligation before all else is to my men. I am in command of a camp with two-hundred soldiers, prisoners and wounded. My wish is to provide for my people as best I can and thus trade with you for food and water, as we have done, when my camp was still within this town.*" The Sheikh eyes him warily. "*Food and water is all you want, Hauptmann?*" "*Yes Sheikh Sulaiman. I do not wish to ask what I know you cannot provide and I will pay you fairly, as I always have.*", the tall lean German answers with a serious expression. "*We will see about this trade agreement tomorrow after the trial and verdict of my wife Meryem's murderer, when I send my son Hassan to negotiate with your Sheikh on my behalf*", Sulaiman states ceremoniously.

"*Allow us to see after your health first, Sheikh*", Dietrich reminds him politely. "*You suffer from fever after an infection of the wound.*" The Sheikh glares at his son, before nodding. "*Yes, Hauptmann. I suffer from fever.*" "*May we have a look at your wound?*", the Captain asks. "*You may, faris alsahra.*", the Sheikh concedes. "*Please have some fresh water brought for us to wash our hands before removing his bandages*", the German turns to Hassan who barks commands to his men immediately. Tully hides his surprise, as Dietrich turns to him and switches from the harsh Arabic to English with only a slight hint of an accent during the first few words. "We will check on the Sheikh's wound after cleaning our hands and then provide him with a tetanus shot and antibiotics against the infection. Prepare the medication, Private." "Yeah, Cap", the quiet Kentuckian mutters and starts rummaging through the first aid kit. An Arab teenage girl brings a bowl with water and hands it to the Captain who thanks her politely with a bow. The young woman briefly studies the European's face before turning away with a slightly flustered expression. "*Leave Fatima in peace, Hauptmann!*", Sheikh Sulaiman snaps indignantly. "*Forgive me, Sheikh. I had not intended to offend her or you*", Dietrich sounds honestly surprised and slightly unsure how his intention to stay polite has been misinterpreted like this.
Putting down the bowl, he washes his hands first then takes the medical equipment from Tully who washes his hands next. The German approaches the Arab leader under Hassan's watchful eyes and takes off the blanket covering the man once he has been given permission to do so. The Sheikh's stomach and waist are covered with a thick bandage. As the private steps to them with the medical equipment, the German Captain introduces him to the Sheikh and also explains that he himself is unable to perform any treatment due to his injured arm and shoulder. Once the Sheikh has acknowledged them and agrees, Dietrich directs Tully to cut through the bandages, as his own injuries keep him from reliably being able to handle surgeon's scissors. Both study the wound with clear red edges indicating infection. "*We will give you a tetanus shot which helps against infections*", Dietrich explains before ordering Tully to perform the shot. Meanwhile the German checks the Arab leader's pulse and temperature frowning slightly with worry. "A quick pulse and heightened temperature both indicate an infection. We give him also an antibiotic against it. Do we have anti-inflammatory medication?" Tully holds up a bottle with pills which the Captain picks up to read the name and substances before nodding in affirmation.

Once they are finished with the treatment and reapplying a bandage most of which is Tully's work with Dietrich mainly playing the role of moderator and interpreter, the Sheikh falls asleep from feverish exhaustion before they have even left the room. Hassan leads the duo to another tent where Troy, Hitch and Gottschlich are already sitting on pillows around a narrow round table talking with Fatjon, while Murat sits next to his brother and asks for translation every few sentences. Tully takes a seat next to Hitch leaving the place next to Troy as the only option for Dietrich who has remained standing speaking with Hassan. "*The trial will start after lunch, Faris alsahra. We require you to provide an official statement before court how you caught the murderer and what you learned from his interrogation. Afterwards you may leave with your warriors.*" The tall German nods in agreement. "*That is very reasonable. We need to leave within the next 3 hours to be able to return to our own camp before nightfall.*" "*Your statement will be the first in the trial. I also thank you for treating my father*", the young Arab bows in honest gratitude. "*Please. Take a seat, as you are our guest, since you explained that you are not fully well yourself, Faris alsahra.*"

"I see that no diplomatic catastrophes have arisen yet, Sergeant", the Captain states dryly with a slight relaxation of his posture, as he folds his long legs to take a seat on the pillow next to Troy. "Even if you don't believe it, we can be perfectly well-behaved, Captain ", the American smirks, as he adds with mock pathos: "Your lack of trust truly wounds me." "I am willing to extend you the benefit of the doubt from now on", Dietrich replies dryly. "Coming from you this is almost a declaration of trust", Troy grins. "Don't overdo it, Sergeant", comes the stern reply.

Their conversation is interrupted by the teenage girl Dietrich and Tully have seen before in the Sheikh's room and her slightly older sister. While one bows to Troy and hands him a small cup, the other crouches before the Captain now with a cup of tea in her hand. As he extends his right hand to take the cup, she grabs his hand in a desperate grip and whispers: "*Will my father become healthy again? Please tell me the truth, effendi!*" Hiding his surprise at the behaviour, the German answers cautiously: "*We are not doctors, but we gave him all the medication and treatment we could provide. Currently, I doubt that he will die.*" Tears run down the girl's face, as she smiles with honest relief. "*Thank you, effendi!*" Smiling back in an attempt to calm the desperate teenager, the Captain answers: "You are welcome. And thank you for the tea." This draws her out of her reverie and she finally hands him the tea cup with a shy smile.

"What did she want?", Troy is wondering. "Assurance that her father will not die." Hassan who has observed the exchange is turning toward the tall European. "*My sister Jasmina seems to like you. If my father recovers from his injury he would surely be willing to offer you her hand in marriage.*" Suppressing a flinch, but unable to hide a blush the German Captain averts his gaze and chokes out trying to sound as diplomatic as possible: "*Even though I am deeply honoured by such an offer, it would not be possible. I am hunted by the German army as a traitor and outlaw and would bring great danger to a wife and family.*" "*Wishing to keep others safe honors you, Faris Alsahra*", Hassan replies after studying the younger man thoughtfully. Dietrich breathes out a sigh of relief, as one of the Sheikh's advisers approaches them and leads the Bedouin prince away on an errand.

"What was that about?", Troy can barely contain his curiosity any longer. The German Captain hesitates how to answer but is aware of Fatjon being able to translate and decides to avoid further embarrassment by directly telling the nosy American the truth. "He offered me to marry his sister", Dietrich tries to answer with a dignified expression and neutral tone. On the other side of the table Hitch is choking on his tea and Tully starts patting Mark's back hiding his own grin behind his matchstick. Gottschlich looks totally stunned while Troy grins like the Cheshire Cat that he has been accused of being related to by the German. "If I were a Sheikh and had a daughter, I'd like to marry her to a young and handsome guy who saved my life as well. Do we call you Sheikh or still Captain after that?" "Why don't you shut up, Sergeant?", the Captain snaps totally unnerved glaring at the insolent American.

The Bedouin girls Jasmina and Fatima put an end to the discussion by placing a large ceramic pot on the table. Starting with Dietrich as the highest ranking of their guests they hand each a plate filled with a stew made of tomato, paprika and meat adding a piece of flatbread. "*Tagine, our traditional lamb stew. I hope you will like it, effendi*", Jasmina explains with a smile at her father's friendly helper. "*I am sure it tastes as excellent as it smells*", the Captain tries to compliment them as a good guest should to thank for the extended hospitality without causing any further embarrassing scenes. This intent fails rather spectacularly, as both girls smile widely at the compliment and Hitch starts whispering with Tully with indignation: "No womanizer, eh? And he actually told me off, only to flirt with them himself." Picking up on the last part of the sentence the German snaps with righteous indignation: "Don't extrapolate your own behaviour to my person, Hitchcock! None of them is older than 16. Seducing children is nothing that would ever occur to me." "The girls do look quite starry-eyed though, when they look at you, Captain", Sam Troy intercedes absolutely amused. He can barely wait to share this story with Jack Moffit.

Fatima also bows to Tully and hands him his meal with a friendly smile which causes Hitch to eye him with suspicion. "Et tu, Brute!", the former literature student quotes with a mock wounded tone putting the hand over his heart. "She wants to thank you as well for treating her father", Dietrich translates the girl's words for Tully glaring at Hitchcock's unnecessary melodramatics. "Really, Private? Julius Caesar?", he adds in a sarcastic tone in his direction, while Troy, Gottschlich and Tully just stare in surprise. "Do you read Shakespeare in Germany?", Hitch looks astounded. "I didn't, but it is a famous quote and also used in arts and culture as a motive", the German answers in a more moderate tone.

"*What are you saying, effendi?*", Jasmina asks curiously after hesitating whether to speak in front of the foreign men. "*Forgive us. They are talking a lot of nonsense and making jokes*", Dietrich struggles to keep his face neutral giving the half-true explanation. "*They are not laughing at us?*", Fatima asks with slightly narrowed eyes noticing Hitch' gaze resting on her. "*They are laughing more at each other's expense, but they would not dare to laugh at you*", the German tries to salvage the situation. "*They are making stupid jokes, but not at you, cousins*", Fatjon comes to his aid earning an appreciative nod from the German Captain. The two girls finally leave the table chattering among each other in a whisper glancing at the foreigners regularly. "*You have my gratitude*", Dietrich addresses the young Arab. "*I only spoke the truth*", the young man answers with a shy smile. "Please enjoy your meal as our guests", Fatjon adds in broken English with a heavy accent for the benefit of all the Westerners. Tully and Troy do not need to be told twice to dig in, while Hitch and Gottschlich eye the meat more cautiously. "It is lamb stew, one of their traditional dishes, according to what the girls told me", Dietrich informs them with a terse tone and a glare that dares the private to voice any accusations again. Once all are settled and can enjoy the meal, conversations die to be replaced by sounds of eating.

After lunch Hassan enters with a stern look informing them that the judge and the men involved in the trial have arrived and that they want the German Captain as the first witness to provide his statement of how he has arrested the murderer and learned about the assassins' actions. Troy, Tully, Hitch and Gottschlich follow him out into the courtyard where a large tent has been erected to host the trial with witnesses and the Sheikh's family. The judge is a bearded Arab in his fifties whom Dietrich recognizes from the Bisha'a, the trial by fire he has undergone to save his German unit from the threat of the irate Arabs. The German commando soldier guarded by four Arabs armed with sabers and rifles is led in front of the court and presented to everybody present. After summarizing the legal matter, the judge names several witnesses with Dietrich finding himself as the first of the list to be called forward. With his hands resting on his hips to reduce the strain on his injured arm and shoulder the German provides a detailed description of what he has learned from the interrogation protocols about the assassination attempt, the attack on his camp without providing any military details of their strength or weaknesses until he ends with the German commando's arrest and their drive here and their gruesome find out in the desert. After answering several questions from the judge and Hassan who has the right to put questions in the name of the Sheikh, representing the wronged party, also the tale of the joint attack on von Stolberg's camp and the find of the massacred caravan is explained in detail. The Rats and Corporal Gottschlich have long since sat down cross-legged listening to the trial in a language they do not understand. Sam Troy has not even realized how used he has become to Jack Moffit being around to translate for him, in particular since this is the first instance where he does not have Dietrich at his disposal as an apt replacement for the Brit's language skills.

When the German Captain is finally dismissed from court, his strain and exhaustion are visible from his tense posture and his jerky movements when one knows where to look, although he keeps his back straight and head held high unwilling to show any weakness in front of the Arabs. Murat and Fatjon accompany them all out of the tent to their Jeeps where Troy and Dietrich get into the front seats next to the drivers and only Gottschlich has to remain in the back seated between the supply boxes. Scowling as he sees the Captain wince at the arm signal to start, Troy growls: "We'd better keep an eye on that stubborn Jerry. He's too proud to admit any weakness, but considerin' he was put through the mill yesterday, well in the whole last week or two rather, it's a miracle that guy's still walking upright." Hitch scowls and mutters with clear worry: "Lisa told me that Doc Andrews said he has the constitution of an ox to survive what he has and still continue with barely any pause. You gotta be tough as shoe leather to walk right from sickbay to the next ordeal, right, Sarge?"

In the other Jeep, Dietrich is muttering to Tully: "Drive to your old camp site outside of town. We have to change my bandages on the arm and I will need some aspirin for my head, but we must not show such weakness in front of the Arabs." The Kentuckian driver merely nods with a grim expression barely shifting his matchstick surprised to be taken into the guarded Captain's confidence regarding medical issues after having treated more than one patient together. Nonetheless Tully follows the order diligently, as the German beside him uses the last of his current strength to stay inside the Jeep and not be thrown out of the seat with no door beside him to keep him in. Compared to this monstrum even the Kübelwagen has been comfortable.

By the time they stop at the formation of rocks, Dietrich squeezes his eyes shut to protect them against the onslaught of glaring sunlight, as the aftereffects of his concussion cause him a severe headache and dizziness. Possibly his head injury has been worse than he has assumed, when he has started out on this mission in the morning. A soft noise close by of sand crunching under boot soles warns Dietrich of someone's approach. Yet he can barely suppress a flinch as a canteen is pressed against his lips. "Easy, Captain ", Troy speaks calmly, as he grabs the German's left shoulder to keep him from further withdrawing. "You need to drink some water." Scowling at Dietrich's reaction he has already noticed on the day after his rescue, he inquires: "What's wrong with drinking water from canteens?" The lean German tenses under his grasp and pales slightly, but seizes his instinctive struggle. Memories of Metzlich awakening him from half-consciousness with his vile concoction of water mixed with salt or acid return unbidden. "Nothing is wrong with yours", Dietrich replies quickly not wishing to indulge the topic, although he currently possesses little ability to convince the already suspicious American Sergeant.

Troy is indeed not easily deterred and growls: "What did those SS bastards do?" The German is actually starting to struggle to free himself from the American's grip, as he snaps defensively: "Leave me in peace, Troy!" "I sure as hell won't until you give me some answer, Captain!", Troy insists stubbornly. "Sarge, leave him be!", Hitch intervenes on Dietrich's behalf to all of their surprise. "Lisa heard that the SS give water mixed with salt and acid to their victims. After that you wouldn't want to drink something of which you don't know if it's uncontaminated either." "I hope you are happy with your answer, Sergeant", the German Captain spits with venom and briefly glares at Troy before his splitting headache forces him to close his eyes again. "Those bastards got a far quicker and painless death than he deserved", Troy growls in righteous indignation. "My thirst for revenge is sufficiently quenched knowing that they are dead. Neither of us indulge in torture unlike them", Dietrich sounds accepting and resigned, as he tries to rein the American in who eyes him with an open look of compassion that the lean officer never notices due to squeezing his eyes tightly shut.

"You really have to take better care, Captain!", Troy scolds the lean German. "Are you really trying to tell me that you and those commandos wounded me or the SS tortured me, because I happened to be careless, Sergeant?", Dietrich is seething, wounded pride fueling his anger, as his patience is utterly used up after the previous argument. "No, I'm telling you that you're bound to get injured, when you are at the front of the fray and have noone to give you back-up reliably!", Troy snaps back. "That's why you need to trust someone to watch your back!" "Look how well this has turned out for me until now. Everyone who has watched my back has been injured or killed and I got stabbed in the back after all", the German counters furiously. "We're about to change that, if you're willing to trust us", the American Sergeant argues. "You should understand, Sergeant, that trust does not come easily to me, especially regarding men who have tried to kill me and my men for almost a year, succeeding on countless occasions", the Captain snaps back before realizing the full extent of the statement.

"We need to change the bandages, Capt'n", Tully finally interrupts the escalating discussion, as he reminds them of their original purpose which is putting an effective end to the hot dispute. The German tries to nod but stops the head movement almost immediately wincing from the brief explosion of pain in his head. "You need something for your head. In the worst case we have to knock you out with morphine to get you back to the camp", Troy assesses with cool logic. Grimacing with pain as much as from struggling against his stubborn pride, Captain Dietrich has to admit that this is likely the best option to get him back to camp without him suffering from severe vertigo and nausea which can only be expected when the Jeeps move at a higher speed in addition to the strain on his physical injuries of steadying himself inside the constantly rocking Jeep. After several seconds of internal struggle the German officer finally concedes. "However much I hate to agree with you, Sergeant, this will probably be the best option to transport me without further complications through side effects of my concussion, but it will be hard to transport me when unconscious, as I cannot hold onto anything to not be thrown out of the Jeep." "I'll stay with you in the back and take care of that", Troy offers without a moment of hesitation taking the younger man by surprise. "Tully and Hitch need to drive and the kid Gottschlich has enough to worry about on his first ride. I'll make sure you won't get too much bruised on the dune ride."

In his typical quiet and determined way, Tully prepares a morphine shot in addition to the fresh bandages, while Dietrich unbuttons his jacket and shirt to pull his left upper arm out of the sleeve without having to fully undress both. While changing the dressing on the fresh sutures, Tully also applies the morphine shot to the German's arm muscle before reapplying the bandages. By the time he is finished and has allowed the young officer to get redressed, the Captain starts to feel the effect of the narcotic. "If I should get to the back of the Jeep, ...", he starts, but the words fade out in a slur with a clear hint of his native accent, as darkness pulls him under. Troy who has never left his side catches the limp body and grabs him under both shoulders to pull the taller man out of the Jeep's front seat. Unbidden Hitch supports him by taking the Captain's left arm over his shoulder so that Troy can mimic the same with his right arm, as they carry the unconscious man to the back. There Corporal Gottschlich is eyeing them frantically, as he helps to pull Dietrich onto the back of the Jeep. During the treatment Hitch has gathered their blankets and handed them to Gottschlich to put a few on the floor for their Captain to lie on and put under his head. As Troy climbs into the back he checks on the German shifting the tall man to not hit against the boxes, the gun or the water and gasoline cans too often.

"Will the Captain be alright, Sergeant Troy?", the half-Japanese young man asks with concern obvious in his tone and expression. "He's survived much worse and still come out on his feet. Even a cat could envy him", Troy replies although with a worried smile. "There's probably a good reason why the medics typically don't let anyone with a concussion out of the sickbay for at least a day." "He'll be out for two to three hours and come 'round when we're getting close to the camp", Tully reports calmly. "I'll ride with you, Tully, to keep an eye on Dietrich. You can ride with Hitch in the front, Gottschlich", he struggles with the pronunciation of the German name. "That name's even worse than Dietrich. We need a nickname for you. Gotty sounds nice, doesn't it?" The young Corporal looks completely dumbfounded, as he stammers: "I ... have had a ." Troy grins encouragingly. "Don't worry, kid. You'll get used to it. Captain's a good judge of character. He's seen some potential in you and given you a chance. We'll help you along, if you're willing. That's what you have a team for." Hitch smiles encouragingly. "We'd sure keep you, if the Captain agrees. You don't compare to that snake Andy Newman." Tully pulls his face into a grimace of utter disgust at the name. "Don't remind me!" "Stop chatting and get moving, guys!", Troy commands until everyone gets into their proper seats in the Jeeps. "Let's shake it!", his motivational cry resounds and Tully takes off before Hitch follows him along.

---

'I've never thought he could drive so carefully', Troy considers almost three hours later after a surprisingly bumpfree ride which he has spent mainly with keeping watch on the unconscious German officer. Dietrich has not even stirred in the past hours and now Troy is actually starting to worry, as Tully mentioned that he should wake up after two to three hours. Shaking the younger man slightly at the shoulder finally extracts a reaction which is a groan of pain, before the tall lean officer tries to automatically fend off his perceived attacker. This time Troy is prepared for the reaction and deflecting the struggling attempts with ease. "Was soll das?", the German growls, as he opens his eyes to glare at whoever harasses him. "Please spare me the German, Captain", Troy comments with a grin. Recognizing the American, Dietrich seizes his physical struggle, but continues to scowl, although his voice holds a tinge of concern. "What is going on, Sergeant?" "We're getting close to the camp and I thought you'd like to be awake for that", Troy answers with a grin. "How surprisingly considerate of you", Dietrich comments with slight irony, as he is sitting up and breathing a sigh of relief, as neither a splitting headache nor acute vertigo strike him back down, only his bruises and wounds on arm and shoulder forcefully remind him of their existence through a wave of pain.

"Good to see you look better than a few hours ago", Troy comments honestly relieved, as the young officer merely nods in agreement. "My head feels a lot better than before", Dietrich states calmly, before he scowls trying to remember. "Did I say anything inappropriate? The last minutes before unconsciousness at the rock hide-out are rather blurry for me", the German finally admits. "Nothing that we wouldn't know how to handle, Captain." As Troy hands him a canteen with water he adds: "Some clear water, unfortunately not cold anymore and quite stale, but better than salt or acid." Dietrich's eyes narrow immediately, as he tenses involuntarily. "Where did you hear that?" "There's more people than you who have survived SS torture. Some even talk about it", Troy adds the last part with an accusatory voice, as the German glares back. "You're neither my confidant nor my friend to be bothered with that." "You did confide in me before", Troy reminds him indignantly angered at the young man's stubborn refusal. "Forgive my moment of weakness then, Sergeant." Only slight irony and actual regret sound in the German's voice.

Driving into the camp, takes their attention away from the argument, as the Captain straightens out his uniform in a subconscious movement and Troy looks around curiously, when he spots the additional Jeeps and the Australian flag extending the camp. "You really called the Aussies?", he asks with a wide smile. "I did. Captain Brown of the LRDG answered my call, as I believe to have told you", Dietrich replies matter-of-factually. "Must've been distracted. Wait. You say Browny is here? I have to chat with him", Troy yells enthusiastically to be heard in spite of the Jeeps' motor sounds. Dietrich merely shakes his head with a wry smile. "I shouldn't be surprised that you would know each other, should I, Sergeant?" "You shouldn't. Look, there he is!" Troy points at a sun-tanned scrawny Australian with almost leathery brown skin shouting orders to several men in British uniforms all wearing bush hats just like the American Sergeant.

Tully stops to let them get out of the Jeep where the German officer stubbornly refuses to accept Troy's outstretched arm to climb down by himself. "Privates, Corporal. Take care of the vehicles and equipment. Private Pettigrew, return the medical kit to sickbay to have it replenished", Captain Dietrich barks a sharp command to be heard by the soldiers on both Jeeps. Meanwhile, he and Troy are approached by the rather short Australian officer whose red-blond mustache twitches in silent laughter, as he approaches them. "Sammy, my lad. I see you're still holding my hat in esteem", the man in his mid-forties exclaims with heart-felt joy and embraces the American Sergeant who sports an even wider grin than usual. "Who do we have here?", the Australian Captain asks curiously and with a smile, as he eyes the tall lean officer with several fresh and older bruises marring his face who stands next to his former protege. "Captain Hans Dietrich", the German introduces himself taking a straight stance and giving a sharp salute. For a moment the Australian officer gapes at the younger man, before gathering his wits and addressing the lean German Captain: "You really are Captain Hans Dietrich? Well, Captain, you are quite infamous among my men as one of the most resilient and sliest Jerry officers they had the misfortune of confronting. I have lost count of how many of them you captured and sent to POW camps, but it must've been at least half a dozen." Dietrich blinks briefly in surprise before schooling his features into a neutral expression. "My apologies. I should have been aware that this animosity goes both ways, Captain Brown, when contacting you. My focus in battle prior to my defection was mainly on Sergeant Troy and his Rats though."

Captain Brown smiles broadly again. "Sammy's quite unique, isn't he? You should know, Captain, that Sam Troy and I go way back to before the war", Captain Brown explains, as he smiles and winks at the American Sergeant. "Browny is the reason why I'm here. He talked me into joining the Aussies to fight the Jerries here in North Africa", Troy adds with a grin. "I am not sure whether I should be more grateful than furious, Captain Brown", the German states dryly. With a hearty laugh, Troy hits him on the left shoulder causing the tall officer to wince and glare at the American, while Brown seems actually intrigued as well as amused by their way of interacting. "You know, Captain, I would have imagined you older and with more ... substance", Brown comments and Dietrich narrows his eyes in wounded pride. "You will find the fat, old officers of the German army mainly in Berlin, not in North Africa at the front, Captain Brown", he remarks icily. Brown looks briefly nonplussed, before breaking into a hearty laugh. "Forgive me for having offended you, Captain Dietrich. You're actually a fellow who's bled and starved with his men at the front of this war and not hidden in some officers' club or behind a desk. You have my total respect for that." Putting him under scrutiny with a suspicious look, the young German officer finally nods curtly in acceptance of the apology.

Captain Brown hits Dietrich on the left shoulder similarly to Troy causing the German to wince with pain and glare at the insolent Australian. No wonder Troy's mentor is just as badly behaved as him, if not worse. "You should join us for the evening after dinner, Captain. I suppose we do have some things to discuss. Please be our guest and bring Sam and the other lads along." "We're glad to come", Troy answers before Dietrich has even recovered from his initial surprise and shock at the unusual invitation and jovial treatment through the Australian officer. "Why would you invite me, Captain?", the German finally grits out warily. Brown smiles rather than being angry. "Cause you are one of the most interesting fellows around here and I'd like to get to know you better. You're a Jerry officer, according to all our reports smart and loyal to the bone, who suddenly gets arrested by his own side and sentenced to death only to be saved by the Yankees and actually defecting to them. People in this camp've told me for the past two hours that you're intelligent, honorable, steadfast, dedicated and brave, but I should beware your sense of humor." The German looks utterly surprised, as he inquires with narrowed eyes: "Who did you speak to?" "Those would be spoilers, my dear fellow. We can discuss this in the evening", Brown answers with a sly smile seeing that he has managed to trigger the German's curiosity and hoping to have intrigued him enough to join them in the evening. Huffing slightly at the annoying treatment, the German Captain finally concedes. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, Dietrich muses, as he accepts the invitation. Which category Captain Brown will fall into on the long run will remain to be seen. "You will excuse me, Captain Brown. I have to report back to my superiors and check on the state of the camp", the German remarks smoothly, as he gives a sharp salute and turns on his heels.

"Interesting fellow", Brown muses after Dietrich has left. "He sure as hell is, Browny", Sam agrees with a smile. "You like him", the Aussie assesses, not even considering it necessary to ask about what is obvious. "Dietrich's decent, honorable and a good man with a clear sense of justice. And he has a better sense of humor than most brass around the camp and surely better than all of the Brits", Troy provides his assessment as an answer. "I know you hate British humor. Which is why I was most intrigued to learn that you have started to get along with this British Sergeant of yours", Brown states with a grin. "Jack Moffit? He's a really good guy, courageous, noble, educated. He should be brass, but doesn't want to accept the promotion", Sam answers with a wry smile. "He's not the only one, isn't he?", Captain Brown counters with a knowing smile. "Maybe Dietrich will set an example for you lads." "Well, if anyone could, it would be him", Troy admits. "Don't get me wrong, Browny. But Dietrich's probably the best officer, I've ever served under." "You wound me, Sammy", Brown puts his hand over his heart in mock drama, before he starts laughing. "I never would have thought that you'd choose a young Jerry over me. It's the age, isn't it?" Troy grins. "Definitely the age. Dietrich's 20 years younger than you. He's even younger than my never-do-good little brother who actually had the gall to make it to Captain in the RAF." "You're surrounded by officers or those who should be", Brown remarks with a grin. Then his tone gets more sober. "Now I'm even more curious about Dietrich. I know better than most that it's not easy to convince you, Sam."

Since their arrival has not gone unnoticed, Hans Dietrich finds himself already intercepted on his way to the camp Captain's command tent. First Lieutenant Adams eyes him with a stern face and well-hidden worry at the bruised German's worn appearance. "Captain Brown and his Australian division of the LRDG have joined us three hours ago, Captain Dietrich. Air Commodore Harrington has confirmed that the first delivery of supplies should happen tomorrow, if the weather keeps to their predictions." Dietrich actually smiles at the good news. "Thank you, Lieutenant. That is finally some good news. Also I have just met Captain Brown." The German officer grimaces slightly already able to predict that the man will cause him at least as much of a headache as the American Sergeant who has been his protege.

Before they can continue their exchange of reports, Major Turner joins them with a stern expression. "Captain Dietrich. It's good to see you and your unit have returned unharmed. Have you been successful?" The German officer salutes then nods in confirmation. "Indeed, Major Turner. We have successfully handed over the German commando soldier to the Arabs and I have given my official statement in court to testify against him. Private Pettigrew and I have also treated the Sheikh's injuries. He is suffering from an infection and fever, but is not at the risk of dying. His son, Prince Hassan, will arrive tomorrow to negotiate on his behalf and he might be convinced to trade us direly needed supplies, given that he is rather sympathetic towards me, since we have ridden into battle together." Turner eyes the lean young officer cautiously at the last statement, but nothing indicates the German's usual irony. Dietrich is absolutely serious and his statement consistent with all reports of the raid against the German Major's column.

"We will require you to assist and translate tomorrow. Hopefully Sergeant Moffit can be released from sickbay for the time of the negotiations to provide us with a second interpreter." Dietrich nods in agreement. "His knowledge of their culture and customs would be even more valuable, as nobody could rival his skills in that regard." "I will relay your report to the general, Captain. Get some rest for the rest of the day." Both officers salute politely, before Turner turns to leave and Dietrich addresses Lieutenant Adams: "Lieutenant. I will leave the office in your hands and check with the sickbay. The Australians invited me to join them after dinner for some get-together. I will join them after the evening round. Should some emergency arise, you can always contact me." "Yes, Sir", Adams confirms diligently, before he adds: "You really should take some time to rest, Captain. I have the reports under control." The German smiles wryly. "Excellent. You can keep them under your control permanently as far as I am concerned. I have written enough damage and casualty reports to last me for a lifetime." Adams scowls at the statement, as he remembers that the Rats have taken the German officer's camp apart countless times, before saluting which the Captain returns properly as always, before they each turn to head their respective way.

As Dietrich walks into the direction of the sickbay, he finds himself intercepted by Sergeant Troy. "I thought I'd join you to visit Jack", he comments with a grin. "How do you like Browny?" "Would it kill you to at least try to keep up appearances of somewhat proper military behaviour, Sergeant?", the German Captain asks after giving a long-suffering sigh. "Maybe", Troy shrugs, "but since I've been friends with him for two years before the war, none of us would expect any formal behaviour anyway." "How did you come to know him? I was under the impression that you come from the West of the United States, Wyoming, wasn't it?", Dietrich asks with honest curiosity. "How did you learn that? I hadn't thought that German intelligence is that good in gathering information on a mere Sergeant." The German Captain blushes slightly and averts his gaze muttering something indiscernible under his breath, before he asks more audibly with a voice dripping sarcasm: "Do you doubt the competence of German Intelligence units so much, Sergeant?"

Then, Dietrich's tone turns from mocking to serious and more sober. "Leutnant Haberfeld once intercepted one of your couriers. He was beside himself with joy, until he learned that instead of secret documents he had managed to acquire his enemies' field post." Troy looks furious, as he strikes half-heartedly in the direction of the German who is smart enough to have considered such a reaction as a possibility and is swift enough to sidestep the strike aimed for his face without taking any damage. "Calm yourself, Sergeant. I did not voluntarily invade your privacy, but HQ didn't believe in the uselessness of those pieces of mail and ordered every single letter to be read and searched for secrets codes and information. They left the ones with the worst scrawl and slang for me to read which is how I ended up obtaining information I would never have expected or wanted. Your sister really has a terrible handwriting and grammar I have to add at this point." Troy still looks angry, as he snaps: "And what happened with Helen's letter in the end? Did you keep it as a souvenir?"

Dietrich actually looks offended and growls with wounded pride: "What do you take me for? I did my duty as ordered and never acted out of personal pleasure. It would have been my intention to return the letters to your side. But when we could find no secret information, we had to pass the whole mail on to HQ where they spent another 4 weeks searching for what we, the incompetent imbeciles at the front, had obviously missed. I am sorry to tell you that your sister Helen's letter describing the state of all your horses, her freshly hatched chickens and the pranks of your nephews and niece has ended up with whatever Nazi was searching that letter for secret information in the end." The German does sound apologetic, as he meets Troy's gaze.

"What kind of idiot would come up with the idea of searching soldiers' letters from their family for secret information?", the American looks still angry, but not enough to strike out against the Captain again realizing that this would be aimed at the wrong person. "The same idiots who thought that Operation Diamond was indeed a ruse and those Baseball schedules held the detailed movements of the Allied forces", Dietrich explains with a wry smile and obvious sarcasm present in his voice. "It's how I managed to keep my rank and position after that failure, by blaming the incompetent code breakers who could not crack the 'most deviously encoded maneuver schedule ever' as termed by General Schneider. He still believes it could be the new upgrade for Enigma, if only he would manage to crack it." In spite of his previous anger, Troy has to laugh at that statement, before his expression turns angry again. "It still didn't give you the right to read my letter!" "May I remind you, Sergeant, that you have at least equally if not more invaded my privacy by reading my SS file including all my family members' pictures and my cousin's interrogation protocol?", the German shoots back with rising anger and Troy actually bears a guilty expression. "You were my enemy back then", he tries his justification. "So were you, Sergeant, when I was ordered to read your letter!", Dietrich counters with force.

Troy struggles with the notion but finally arrives at the decision of coming to terms with the Captain's admission. "Well, maybe we both deserved what we got in the end", he admits. "How is your family and their farm back in Wyoming?", the German asks slyly although his eyes also hold some honest curiosity. "Helen's fine, as are the kids and Ma. I'll tell her you send your regards and said that she has a terrible scrawl. You may explain everything to her yourself when she invites you over to give you a piece of her mind. May god have mercy on your soul, Captain." The German Captain looks slightly baffled, as he counters dryly: "That is extremely unlikely given that I possess neither a valid passport nor visum to be allowed to enter the United States. There are advantages to being a stateless outlaw." Troy grins at the last statement spoken with a sarcastic smile. "Don't think that this will protect you from Helen's wrath! She'll find a way."

As they both enter sickbay after having agreed on keeping their peace treaty in action, they are greeted by a very upset Doctor Andrews and nurse Hartigan. "You just left sickbay without being discharged and went out on a mission, Captain!", the American medic speaks accusatorily, while Lisa Hartigan enforces his statement with arms crossed in front of her chest and an accusatory withering glare of her own. "I operated under the general's direct orders and the Swiss released me without complaints", the German Captain snaps with wounded pride to find himself unjustly accused of insubordination. "Your concussion likely didn't care about that", Andrews counters. "Did you suffer any adverse effects?" That the two soldiers in front of him exchange conspiratorial glances tips him off immediately. "How bad were your symptoms, Captain?" "Dizziness, vertigo and a splitting headache", the German admits without meeting his eyes. "I do feel a lot better now though." Both nurse and doctor put him under scrutiny. "You are aware that your state of long-term undernourishment puts you in a more vulnerable position than somebody of good health and nourishment", Andrews admonishes and the lean officer glares at him with gritted teeth.

"That your commandos have constantly blown up the supplies meant for my men and me is hardly my fault or do you think I chose starvation?", Dietrich growls in serious exasperation. "Considering that you chose to ride all alone through the desert on horseback for two weeks and your reported refusal of preferential treatment as an officer you did in a way, but I rather want to remind you that you have to actively rebuild some physical substance and muscle to aid your recovery and general state of health." The German looks ready to jump at his throat after the first part of the sentence, before his expression turns more guarded and wary. "We'll keep an eye on him", Troy promises on his Captain's behalf who briefly glares at him before giving a sigh. "Very well, Doctor Andrews. I will heed your advise. Taking more than the minimum is hard however, when knowing better than anybody else about supply problems." Andrews smiles, as he replies calmly: "You'd better take care of your own health nonetheless, Captain. Because I would like to keep you around on active duty rather than as my patient half of the time." "Speaking of soldiers to release to active duty. Major Turner told me that they have requested Sergeant Moffit to be present as an adviser and interpreter, if his health allows it", Dietrich switches the topic smoothly deflecting attention from his own person. "Sergeant Moffit's recovery is progressing well. Thus, we can release him for the duration of a few hours, but we will have to make the final decision based on his state tomorrow", Doctor Andrews answers with cool professionalism. "Thank you, Doctor."

A child's shout and repeated words draw their attention away and the German Captain followed by Sam Troy approaches the officers' ward where the noises come from. Finding Moffit on a cot with Ari sitting in the sand at his bedside, Dietrich raises his eyebrows and comments dryly: "Have you finally been promoted, Sergeant Moffit... from desert nuisance to elementary school teacher?" "Jolly good to see you too, Captain!", Jack replies with a wry smile, while Ari jumps to his feet and runs toward the German hugging him around the waist, before he looks up at the tall man's face and speaks with his brows creased with concentration: "Hello. I ... am Ari." After a moment of baffled silence, the German Captain offers a gentle smile. "Well done", Dietrich says with clear articulation, before repeating the same words in their Arab translation. "A-well done", Ari tries and finds himself immediately corrected by Moffit who stresses the proper pronunciation once more. "Seems like Jack has finally found his vocation", Troy whispers to the German after approaching silently. "And that in spite of telling me that you are not a kindergarten", Dietrich states dryly. "Well. We are not, Captain!", Moffit interrupts having picked up on the exchange. "This is Doctor Moffit's Language School after all." Troy and Dietrich exchange a baffled glance, before the German states dryly: "Good to know. I have four new students to register for German courses. I have to warn you though that they mostly lack the good behaviour of your current student, lacking basic manners and maturity, chewing gum and other things." By the end of the description Jack is biting down on his tongue not to laugh at the Captain's sarcastic description of the Rats, while Troy glares at Dietrich. "You're an arrogant Jerry smartass!" The German Captain raises his eyebrows in mock shock. "Weren't you the one to ask me for the opportunity of such language lessons, Sergeant?" Jack doesn't give the scowling Troy the chance to answer, as he intercedes: "This reminds me that our dear Captain Boggs in his wisdom has found that you two deserve each other." Dietrich actually grins widely at Troy's perplexed expression, exchanging a glance with Moffit who forms a wordless 'Thank you' with his mouth only.

"I concede defeat", Boggs groans behind them in mock exasperation although he feels utterly amused at their exchanges. "A truly devious maneuver to motivate me to return to my duty as soon as possible, Captain Dietrich, but worthy of one of the desert fox' proteges." "If I had known this would work, I would already have employed it earlier", the German states dryly. "I feel excellently entertained though", Major Bracken comments as he is holding a cup of tea in his hand that might have greatly helped to appease his sentiment. "When exactly has this camp turned from a scout camp into a circus?", Dietrich wonders muttering softly, as he finds himself again in the center of Ari's attention. The German officer is relieved that the boy appears in a much better state, as the child recites his newly learned phrases with great enthusiasm while refusing to let go of his protector of the last days for long, only running to Moffit's cot, when the Brit is correcting his pronunciation speaking quietly to protect his injured lung.

"I've asked myself the same question", Boggs answers Dietrich's question with a wry smile of his own, "I think it was at the moment you arrived with that trained dog of yours, Captain." "You can accuse Fritz of many things, but nobody has trained him for begging and stealing food. It's truly his own achievement and only skill", Dietrich states dryly. "Now you're being unfair, Captain", Troy protests. "He can sit, come and be quiet on command. The poor guy deserves at least half a sausage in recompense." "My apologies. He is good enough to get himself food granted when not even present to beg for it. That might make him the best diplomat in this camp, doesn't it, Jakob?", the German Captain states with a tone as dry as the desert surrounding the camp, while Silberblatt looks briefly startled at being addressed, before his haunted expression gives way to a smile. "Indeed, Hans. I'm wondering though. If we actually have a circus here, wouldn't this make you the ringmaster?" "I believe that honor goes to General Atkins ", the German replies in a similarly dry tone as before.

"Please don't take offense at this", Moffit states flatly, "but I start to understand why the German headquarters asked for your head, Captain." "I hate British humor as well", Troy growls, as he sees Dietrich's slightly offended expression. "Browny will have a field day with your sense of humor and not caring to offend the higher ranking brass though", Troy mutters only for Dietrich to hear who sighs exasperatedly. "Verify that I am not hallucinating and this conversation is actually happening, Sergeant", the German mutters back causing Troy to grin widely, as he places a hand on the younger man's left shoulder who tenses immediately. "I fear I have to confirm that you are still in command of the largest circus in North Africa, Captain, and you managed to offend the general... again." "I can always blame it on my concussion", Dietrich replies slyly. "After all that has been Captain Boggs' excuse for two days now. Why change a perfectly well working strategy?" "I won't give you away", the mentioned American Captain adds with a stage whisper. "As long as you keep my secret." "A balance of terror through mutual destruction? Hasn't this been the basis for our work relation for almost a year now?", the German replies dryly. "And look how well it has turned out", Troy replies with a grin. "You mean with my death sentence and torture at the hands of the SS? Your logic is hard to counter, Sergeant", Dietrich again argues with a dry tone. This dampens the mood of most people around considerably, as they are reminded of how serious the chain of events has turned for the German who still bears bruises and injuries before he has ended up in his current position. "I meant in charge of our wonderful and brave unit serving you loyally", Troy tries to salvage the situation. "Have you been drinking, while I was unconscious, Sergeant?", the German asks in exasperation at the absurdly exaggerated statement. "Browny, Captain Brown, will definitely like you, Capt'n", Troy grins back struggling with his honest effort of keeping up military appearances when talking loudly in front of Boggs and Bracken.

"Speaking of this 'wonderful' unit", Dietrich stresses the word to make it sound just as absurd and hilarious as he considers the expression to be in combination with the Rat Patrol. "Shouldn't we look after the privates, Sergeant? Leaving them unattended for so long makes me worry for the safety of my camp." "We didn't blow anything up, yesterday!", Troy protests. "En contraire, Sergeant. Pettigrew 'only' blew up a single vehicle, more grenades already at hand. This is more than the whole group of German commandos have managed. And we are supposed to be on the same side now!", the German holds against him. "You win, Captain! Let's go search for Hitch and Tully. We do have this Gottschlich guy to discuss also." "Why am I never involved in anything?!", Moffit protests from his cot. "Because you lack the observational data for a well-founded decision in this case, Doctor. Otherwise I would involve you", Dietrich puts an end to the discussion in a way that leaves even the British scholar unable to argue against, as he gapes at the Captain's eloquent counter open-mouthed. His father might have even accepted this as valid argument in their academic disputes in Cambridge. "I have to remember that. Could you write it down for me?", Troy whispers from behind Dietrich who smiles with amusement.

As they leave the tent after the German officer has saluted properly to everyone present, his far greater challenge stems from extracting himself from Ari's tight hug first around his waist, then around his neck, when the tall officer has made the mistake of crouching to speak with the boy on eye level. "*Why are you leaving so soon?*", Ari wants to know. Dietrich sighs wearily. "*Because I have a lot of things to take care of to help the people here. But I am relieved that you are better now*", the lean young man tries to explain. "*Why can't I come with you?*", Ari asks with tear-filled eyes, pressing against his perceived protector's chest.

The German visibly gulps and hesitates how to answer. "*After what happened last night and today, the doctor and nurses want to help you and Jakob. You are here together and you are not alone. Remember that! Jack Moffit is even teaching you. So there is always somebody you can trust and you don't have to worry or be afraid.*" Dietrich knows that both Jakob and Ari have to remain in sickbay for observation of their spikes of panic. Moffit taking care of distracting the boy through teaching him English is an unexpected turn of events, but most helpful for keeping Ari grounded at sickbay without bothering the personnel, because he is bored. "*When you come again, I will already know a lot of new words*", Ari promises with a smile the German Captain returns, as the boy lets go of the Captain to look him in the eyes. "*I'm really proud of you. You're doing very well.*" Troy smiles fondly, as he watches the exchange between Dietrich and the boy, exchanging a glance with Moffit who is the only one to fully understand what they are speaking and smiling as well. "*Come, Ari. We still have some words to practice, before you can live up to that promise!*", the British scholar calls the boy quietly to not aggravate his lung, effectively saving the German Captain from the boy's clutches, as Ari races to him enthusiastically and Dietrich takes his chance of an unhindered retreat after a nod of gratitude toward the Brit.