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, joining his ways with the Rats and even less expected individuals.

29. No rest for the Wicked

The trio settles in Silberblatt's and Dietrich's tent. Ari approaches his cot with slight apprehension, feeling glad to hold onto Hans, as the memories connected with the last time he has been here and the reasons for his panic attack threaten to overwhelm him. Although leaning on the American Sergeant for support, the German has placed his aching arm around the boy's shoulder in a gesture of reassurance. Trembling slightly, the child finally finds the courage to point Troy to put his clothes on the foot end of his field bed, while he himself spreads his toys underneath the cot.

Freed of the boy for the moment, Sam Troy helps the German Captain settle in. As their interior furniture is minimal, Troy assists him to sit down on the ground leaning against his field bed. Dietrich has given up resistance in a fatalistic notion that this whole episode is going to end in a catastrophe anyways. Occupying his time with reading is out of the question for several reasons. His personal books have been torn up by the SS. His head injury makes his vision blurred, even if he would have some book available. And he has Ari to take care of and Troy to watch out from. What a relaxing day this is going to be.

The German Captain focuses his eyes and attention on the boy who has finished building his sand stables under his field bed and wants to start haggling now. Deciding that this is a good opportunity to teach the boy about numbers, animal names and basic phrases in English, as well as simple addition and subtraction, the German officer takes his position as tutor up with the diligence and dedication which are part of his nature. Troy smiles observing the interaction between the unequal pair of caregiver and ward. Ari shows curiosity and an intense wish to make his brother proud and happy, while the Captain shows a good balance between demanding and letting the boy play and practice what he has learned through haggling with him.

"*Why don't you sell a few goats or camels to Troy?*", Dietrich suggests after a while to get himself some time off for relaxation. "*But don't forget that he only speaks English.*" Ari nods enthusiastically, then turns to the American Sergeant who has already become alert at hearing his name. "Hello, Troy", Ari starts the conversation with a greeting he knows well now. "Sam, my name is Sam", the American declares clearly. A little unsure Ari looks toward Hans who just nods in quiet confirmation. "And since you're not on duty. This goes for you as well", Troy adds in his direction. Dietrich catches himself, before snapping back at him that they are not friends to interact on a first name basis. Frowning, he instead settles with: "That would be inappropriate." Troy stares at him slightly incredulous. "You're no longer an officer of the German army. You don't have to be all stiff and formal." That notion in itself goes against anything the younger man's upbringing has instilled in him. "Just play with the boy, Sergeant!", comes the weary reply, as Dietrich is unwilling to start a quarrel with his already slight but growing headache, as this could potentially scare Ari and not help him to get his rest.

The lean German listens to the haggling in Ari's accented English with Troy's American drawl, closing his eyes and reclining against his field bed. A few minutes later he is woken from his halfsleep with a start, as Troy places his hand on the younger man's shoulder shaking it lightly and calls him gently: "Hey, Captain. Don't fall asleep! I know you're tired, but the Docs say you gotta stay awake for a while." Dietrich looks slightly embarrassed and mutters: "You're right, Sergeant." "Why don't you haggle along with the kid and me? I'm pretty sure he's ripping me off. There's nothing like a little good old competition", Troy suggests with a smile that his older ward returns hesitantly.

After having accumulated a debt of a hundred sacks of dates and lost all his virtual livestock, Troy reevaluates whether involving the German Captain in this haggling game for healthy competition has been a good idea, as it has turned out quite unhealthy for him or rather for his virtual funds. Ari appears greatly entertained by his most fun maths lesson ever, as Dietrich meticulously explains all calculations and offers to the boy, unfortunately only after ripping Sam off. 'You should have known better than to start haggling against a Jerry smartass who learned haggling at eleven on Egyptian bazaars and joined the artillery 'cause he enjoys maths so much, Sam', the American Sergeant can only blame himself for this disaster. But at least the kid is entertained and to a certain degree so is the Captain who appears not at risk of collapsing or falling asleep for now.

His growling stomach finally reminds Sam Troy that taking care of their lunch should be of importance as well. Keeping track of mealtimes is not the German's best feat, as the past days have shown, when he has regularly had to remind the younger man of the necessity to join them for food which is not unexpected given his stature and previous habit of constantly smoking to suppress hunger. Standing in the tent entrance, Troy spots exactly the guy he has been looking for within ten minutes on his lookout post.

"Hey, Tully. We need some lunch for the Captain, the kid and me. You think you can scraunge something up?", Troy calls out to the Kentucky soldier who comes jogging toward him immediately. "Sure, Sarge. How're you doin', Cap? You got us pretty worried", Tully addresses the German officer directly which astounds both Troy and Dietrich who looks up from the ground with a surprised expression. "I'm a lot better. Thank you, Private Pettigrew", the German Captain answers him with a calm tone. Tully merely shifts the matchstick he is chewing on, as a reaction, as he observes the young officer, then he mutters: "Good. I'll get your lunch then." Hans Dietrich feels obliged to answer this with another 'Thank you', before shifting his attention back to Ari.

"Hey, Cap. I brought you someone along", Tully announces, as he returns with their lunch. "Jakob!", Ari shouts and runs toward the young officer to hug him. Hans Dietrich struggles to his feet, leaning on his cot for support to be able to greet his friend, but only makes it to sitting on the field bef. "Hans!", Jakob Silberblatt exclaims with sorrow and shock upon the sight of his friend's bandaged head. The young Jewish officer crouches to greet Ari, then pulls his friend in an embrace to assure himself that he is still there and alive. After letting go he looks at Hans' angular, bruised and bandaged face. "I was shocked when I heard you almost died, Hans. Atkins sends his regards and wishes you to get well soon. I'm to tell you that he will postpone your punishment for the moment in light of your recent injury and selfless service to the camp, uncovering a German spy, although you should have gone to the sickbay right away." Lieutenant Silberblatt looks honestly worried and concerned for his friend.

Sam Troy meanwhile helps Tully to set up an eating round in the centre of the tent. Then he supports the injured Captain who has stubbornly refused his childhood friend's help by gripping the German rather nonchalantly under the shoulder, unceremoniously hauling him to his feet and providing a rest for the staggering officer to lean on. "Troy, my own mother was fussing less about me in my whole life than you are now", Dietrich snaps unnerved by the manhandling with dry sarcasm. "But only because your mother has never cared about you in the first place, as the plebeian born for a military career and without any chance to rise to nobility, unlike your sister", Jakob intercedes. Dietrich scowls at him, but concedes with a sigh. "True enough. That's why she didn't care to hand me to her sister in law along with her husband and their Jewish friends in spite of your 'detrimental influence on my character', as she used to call it. She only ever approved of you, when you befriended Otto, the Graf von Freiburg's son, and for the first time she could see an option for me to gain access to the ranks of German nobility in that way", the Captain grumbles with a dark, slightly resentful expression.

Troy looks dumbstruck. "What's got this all to do with nobility? I really don't get it." The young German sighs wearily. "It's truly nothing to feel sorry for being left out, Sergeant. You see, my mother Katherina was born a Freifrau von Aweyden. Through marrying my father, an officer, but plebeian nonetheless, she lost her status as noblewoman according to the century old logic of nobility. This is why my mother put her hope in my sister who had the chance of returning to the noble ranks and families through marriage with a nobleman. For this reason she invested almost all the money available to our household in my sister's private tutoring of the 'noble skills', like Arts, music, courtly behaviour or perfecting French, and was mostly happy to have me out of the house where I wouldn't even produce any costs for food." Troy looks incredulous. "What kind of mother wouldn't even wish to buy her own son food?" "Or clothes, Sergeant", Jakob. "I have never seen him in a set of clothes that fit him and had not been handed down from his older cousins or father." "Shut up, Jakob!", Dietrich snarls furiously, but both men notice the embarrassed look on his face.

"*What's wrong, Hans? Why are you angry?*", Ari asks his favourite brother with a quivering lip and tears shining in his eyes. The German's expression shifts to actual shame to have scared the boy. With a pained, but more quiet and moderate tone Hans Dietrich consoles Ari and asks for the child's forgiveness that the boy is only too willing to give to the young man he truly loves like a family member. Sitting down with the boy at their prepared lunch places, the German Captain looks after his ward and leaves the two gossipers to talk.

Sam Troy meanwhile exchanges some muttered questions with Jakob Silberblatt who answers: "Hans' family has never been rich. Particularly in his early childhood after the great war, officers were not really well paid. He used to be very impressed by the luxury of our flat, having food available at all time and our own clothes bought or made for us. You wouldn't believe it today, but until the beginning of our eleventh year of school, Hans used to be the smaller and much skinnier one of the two of us. I'm half a year older and you could tell that and that he didn't always get enough to eat at home. Sometimes, my father allowed to invite him for dinner which Hans used to marvel at." Jakob smiles in sad reminiscence, as his eyes wander to his friend. The tall German quietly speaks with the Jewish boy who nestles to the lean young man. Troy looks in the same direction and smiles at the sight of Ari whispering something into Dietrich's ear, as the German Captain listens intently.

Silberblatt continues his storytelling which he likes to indulge in, as Troy has noted, making the young Lieutenant a valuable source of information on his newly acquired friend: "Then, after one summer break Hans returned from his Africa camp and stood almost a hand's breadth taller than I, but still remained lean and lanky. I could hardly believe my eyes however. Well, ever since then, he's been the taller one." Troy smiles at the final words, but the previous explanation and recount saddens him somehow. Until now, he has thought that the Captain is from a much more educated, noble, socially higher standing and thus richer family than he, the rancher's son from Wyoming. It is slightly disconcerting for him that the first assumption does not imply the second or that parents would not care for their children's wellbeing foremost. A mother not even bothering to treat her son and daughter equally and fairly or being able to assure they get enough to eat is a shock for him. The more he has to admire the German officer for his empathetic treatment of the Jewish boy. Or maybe knowing shortage and suffering oneself only truly enables one to be perceptive and sensitive toward the suffering and needs of others.

"Tell me one thing, Lieutenant Silberblatt!", Troy asks the younger officer who regards him curiously. "Wouldn't you want to join our unit, your friend Captain Dietrich's unit I mean?", the American Sergeant intends to sate his curiosity. Silberblatt tenses and pales visibly, averting his eyes. "As you are most likely aware, Sergeant Troy, I am not a frontline soldier like you or Hans. Or to tell you the truth my friend is too noble and wellbred to speak outright, I'm a coward. I did indeed desert the Wehrmacht after a few months, only a week or two after my ways separated from Hans', when he finished his Grundwehrdienst as an ordinary soldier and continued with his specific officer's training which also transferred him from Kiel to Weimar. Without him as my protector, I was fair game for the antisemitic German junior soldiers who despised me for being weak, pacifistic and above all a Jew which made me cowardly in their eyes." Troy looks at him with actual sympathy. "I really wouldn't have liked to experience that. And you're no coward. It takes some guts to get out of Nazi Germany and then join the U.S. army to fight against them." Silberblatt shakes his head. "It takes guts to do what Hans did, to defect from the Wehrmacht and turn against the corrupted government abusing our homeland. But I'm just an interpreter and negotiator. I don't even have a service weapon, because neither could I fire one, nor do I want to. But if something would happen, no let's be honest, when something did happen, I was unable to act, too paralyzed by fear of the Nazis, the SS, the concentration camp I barely escaped. Hans almost died, because he tried to protect me above all and did not even bother about his own wellbeing. I don't want to risk my friend's life. It was hard enough to lose him once." The Jewish Lieutenant looks downcast and his tone sounds strangled. Especially today, Troy can feel with him what losing a close friend or family member feels like. "You know. You really sound like him. Each of you is worried more about his friend's life and wellbeing than himself", the American Sergeant assesses.

"We have grown up together and Hans has spent enough time with all my family to be considered a family member by my parents and my little sister Sara who always considered him the better older brother." "Considering how he treats the boy, Ari, he's really tough competition", Troy comments with a smile, observing the exchange between Ari and Hans Dietrich who seems to instruct the kid on something by providing an explanation that appears to be utterly fascinating to the boy who observes the German with curious wide eyes. Jakob smiles with a mixture of affection for his friend and the boy, as well as sad recollection of his own misgivings. "I was no competition at all for him, the dedicated, chivalrous junior officer standing up for his friends at all times, as I a self-absorbed, arrogant young upstart in my teenage years who definitely tried to prove himself in a society that rejected him for something he just never had a choice about. The rest of the time I was depressed and retreated into my world of philosophy, writing and poetry." Troy grins. "Hitch would love to talk to you about writing and poetry, if you tell him." Silberblatt seems sadly affected. "I know what you're trying to do, Sergeant, and I appreciate your efforts of motivating me and providing me with honest offers of friendship. Unlike Hans, I have no long-ingrained rules to overcome that forbid friendship between an officer and enlisted soldiers. I wonder therefore what you did to force him into the behaviour he is expressing toward you now." Troy smiles. "Hasn't he told you?"

"I haven't had the time to ask him yet, as he was usually occupied with other things or too tired and exhausted that I didn't want to bother him", Jakob Silberblatt answers honestly. "Fair enough. He offered me a probation of friendship to assess my reliability, character, I actually don't know what he wants to find out, as he basically knows me as good as you possibly can. But he's been fair as expected and held up his side of this probation in spite of his aversion against the very idea of forming a friendship with an enlisted man", Troy explains. "He must really value you to even agree to that." "Doesn't feel like that though, when he treats me like a barbarian or total idiot", the American complains. "That's a well-honed skill and attitude of his for protecting himself. You should know Hans is very cautious and introverted with extending his hand in friendship. He has been burnt or beaten too often." Silberblatt looks at his friend with an expression that holds sadness and sympathy. "Please don't even ask, Sergeant. I would never betray my friend's trust by revealing that. I have probably told you too much already."

As Troy steps toward Dietrich and meets the German's eyes, the Captain frowns almost immediately. "What's going on, Sergeant? Your look is ... slightly off." "You know how often we've told you already that you're too smart for your own good, Captain", Troy replies with a grin. "What are you up to this time, Troy?", the younger man snaps slightly irritated. "You could use a first name off duty", Troy suggests. "And if I do, you will insist on doing the same. I will not fall for that, Sergeant", the German officer counters dryly. "You're a real spoil sport, when you try this hard to sabotage me", Troy complains jokingly. "I'm really lenient already compared to my father's standards. He'd have beaten me black and blue in my youth for such inappropriate behaviour", Dietrich growls back. "You've got a real crappy family", Troy comments to which the German Captain responds automatically with being offended. "Don't you dare insult my family, Sergeant, or this ends your probation immediately with a clear result!" Troy briefly considers arguing with him, but then decides that those people are not worth losing a potentially good and loyal friend over. Swallowing his pride the American Sergeant grinds out: "Sorry, Captain. I didn't mean to offend you, just say that you got some ... load from your childhood." Dietrich looks slightly incredulous. "What is 'load' supposed to mean?" Then his eyes narrow and he focuses them on his longtime friend who bears a guilty expression. "What did Jakob tell you? And don't even think about answering with nonsense like 'nothing' or name, rank and serial number!"

Troy grins at the reference. "I explained to the Lieutenant our arrangement of probation." Dietrich raises his eyebrows. "Really? And just this took you so long? I almost finished lunch with Ari in the meantime." "It's not so hard to catch up on you, as you tend to take forever for a meal, when you start doing things aside, like instructing a boy on eating manners", Jakob comments with a smile. "I would have expected someone used to not getting enough food to wolf it down", Troy comments nonchalantly, as this gives nothing away, considering Dietrich has always openly admitted that he has been affected by hunger and starvation in the past months. "I'm not a savage", the German growls in righteous indignation, "staying polite and well-mannered in spite of burning hunger is a matter of willpower and control over one's mind and body." Troy looks slightly baffled by the lecture, but Jakob Silberblatt smiles wryly. "That's why Mama always liked you and pointed you out as a role model for me. You've always been the polite, well-behaved and circumspect one." Hans Dietrich looks baffled at what Jakob's mother has to do with their current topic, until realisation dawns on him that his friend has indulged in storytelling again. "What did you tell him?", the German Captain questions his friend directly now who has far less skill in avoiding and dodging his inquiry than Troy. "Just small stuff like you often visiting us for dinner and getting along with my sister", the shorter young man stammers. "I was pretty amused that you've been shorter than him for most of your lives and only grown in your later teenage years", Troy helps Silberblatt, looking at the duo with quiet amusement. Even though the German Captain looks more skinny than his well-nourished shorter friend at the moment, his broader shoulders and taller size indicate the more athletic, physically trained build in spite of wiry muscles and a sinewy stature. Dietrich scowls at both of them, unsure who of them he should be more annoyed with.

"Would you mind to look after Ari for a while, so that I can have a talk with our friend, Lieutenant?", Troy inquires and Jakob just smiles. "Not at all. Ari, I want to buy two sheep, do you have some?" "I want ... ten sacks of dates", the boy responds all businesslike, bringing a smile to the faces of all soldiers present. "A few more lessons from you, Captain, and he'll sell both me and the Lieutenant to slavery for our debts", Troy jokes, as he offers the German officer a hand to help him to his feet, seeing him struggle. "And I assume correctly that you both expect me to buy you out?", comes the dry humoured reply, before the Captain turns serious. "What do you really want from me, Sergeant?" "You want a list, Captain?", Troy asks with a wink, then turns more serious himself. "I'd settle for a little show of respect for now." Supporting the Captain, Troy can practically feel the younger man's whole body becoming rigid, as every muscle tenses.

"Do I give you the impression that I don't respect you, Sergeant?", the German inquires in such a carefully guarded tone that it almost makes Troy feel guilty to have brought this up. But now he has and brought every defence mechanism of the wary officer up along with it. So better go through with it. "Well, not when you treat me like a barbarian, illiterate or imbecile", Troy offers as an explanation. Dietrich grimaces, expressing a range of emotions, from self-consciousness and guilt to exasperation and annoyance. "Do you really expect me to suffer through your ridiculous and uncouth behaviour without a remark, Sergeant? Some of your escapades and comments I just cannot leave standing uncommented. If I have given you the impression that I don't respect you though, I wish to apologise." The last words are spoken with a slightly pained expression. "That wasn't so hard", the American comments, then his smile falls. "You're actually better at this than I am. Maybe you'd like to sit down, before we continue. I can feel you're already shaking from strain and I'm supposed to take care that no harm comes to you, not cause it."

Dietrich bites back the harsh comment 'since when', as that would render his previous apology obsolete. Instead he tries to explain to the American Sergeant what really unnerves him about the notion. "I don't appreciate being looked down on, when speaking to someone." "I prefer talking to people on eyelevel as well, though pretty hard with a tall proud guy such as you." Troy can feel the German Captain tense again and adds quickly: "But I can understand you have experience with being the small and skinny kid as well from what your friend Jakob told me." Dietrich grumbles about his friend's loose tongue, but does not argue against the assessment, as Troy continues with a compromise. "Let's just both sit down on your bed. Then we are on eyelevel and you cannot collapse or hurt yourself falling." "I'm not an invalid!", the German officer only protests against the last part, mainly out of stubborn pride. "No, but you have been gravely injured, Captain. Your head wound and concussion shouldn't be taken lightly. Besides, I haven't seen you even attempt to use your main arm since the incident", Troy argues seriously with worry and concern audible in his tone. "You're right, Sergeant", Dietrich concedes after his reason has won against his pride. "Good to see your smart side's back, Sherlock", Troy agrees with a smile, helping the swaying younger man to sit down. "I hope you don't mind that I eat my lunch during our talk." The German officer sounds actually apologetic, as he replies quickly: "Please don't let me keep you from your deserved lunch, Sergeant."

After munching down several mouthfuls, Troy sighs with appreciation: "That's much better. So back to our topics. I owe you not just one, but several apologies I suppose for putting you with your back against the wall and still continuing to push you, knowing fully well that you have no way out, but to leash back. And I provoked several of these comments at least partially on purpose, since I know what triggers Jack. I also really thought you're a rich kid with a noblewoman for a mother and a stiff, formal behaviour that fits in even with these British lords and brass. Your friend Jakob made me aware that I've really misjudged you and that I'd better never have said some of the things I have." Dietrich looks absolutely astounded by the unexpected behaviour. "Troy. Do you intend to get to the point before my ears fall off with all you have to say in your spike of self-reflectiveness?", the German asks with some dry humor trying to hide his own insecurity about how to deal with all this situation.

"Apologies are not my strong suit", Troy adds sheepishly. "I'd never have guessed", the Captain comments dryly. "But to save you the embarrassment of going through everything you have the impression to have wronged me with, I'm willing to accept your apology in the light of your honest repentance." Troy smiles and squeezes the younger man's shoulder who tenses slightly at the touch, but bears a thoughtful expression. Who else around here would know better what feeling guilty over past mistakes means. "You're a really good and noble guy, Captain. And you have to teach me that trick to sound all posh and fancy, even in a situation like this." "They call it education, I believe" the German offers dryly. "Moffit will likely confirm this." Troy grins. "Not that this would help me in any way. And it's not the same as growing up with the silver spoon in his mouth, as I've learned today." "No. That would be Hitchcock, but you could never guess that he has the money and the education from some of his behaviour", Dietrich replies sounding as incredulous as bemused.

Major Turner enters the tent without previous announcement of his presence and looks at the strange consortium in front of him, the General's interpreter playing on the ground with the native boy, while the German Captain and his rebellious Sergeant sit on one of the cots looking up with startled expressions. "Captain Dietrich. I'm sorry for disturbing your rest, although it seems you're not getting too much of that anyways", Turner addresses the younger officer directly. "I'm supposed not to fall asleep due to the concussion, so the commotion helps to ensure the Doctor's orders", Dietrich argues smoothly. "What can I do for you, Major? Have you found an infiltrator of the camp?" Turner shares the German Captain's concern and wariness regarding their camp's infiltration. "No, Captain. We have no news in this regard. But our patrols have reported that an Arab caravan is on the way and should reach us within the next fifteen minutes. I'm aware of your state of health and that you're not on duty, but I would ask you to accompany me to give directions and instructions to the Bedouins, if you feel up to that." Not wishing to risk having the efforts of the last days destroyed at the last minute, Hans Dietrich agrees to act as interpreter almost immediately. "I will come with you, Major, to give directions and instructions to the traders and then leave the rest to you and your assigned men. If you want my advice, only put men on duty who have already been checked to avoid sabotage."

The American Major regards the German Captain briefly, until he nods and confirms: "I will assure to heed this advice, Captain." "Don't think you'll go anywhere without me, Captain!", Sergeant Troy adds his rather harsh comment. "Doc Andrews put me in charge of your recovery. He and his nurses will have my head, if something happens to you." "You're of course welcome to accompany me in this case, Sergeant", Dietrich replies smoothly. After giving the younger officer and his companion some time to accommodate the Major's demands, Turner leads their way out of the tent, leaving the Lieutenant and the boy behind.

The caravan consists of several men guiding mules, donkeys and camels, some bound to each other, some led by another animal handler. The trader in the lead of the caravan is not the man Troy has met yesterday at the bazaar, but a younger Arab, dressed in their classic kaftan with a dagger at his belt. When the Bedouin halts at the rim of the camp, so do the animals and other traders and armed guards behind him. "As-salamu aleikum", Dietrich greets him politely with a slight bow of the head, while leaning on Troy for support. "Wa-aleikum Salam, faris alsahra", the man answers the classical greeting. "*Sheikh Suleiman and Prince Hassan send their greetings and I am honored to be their messenger. I see that you have been wounded and hope you will recover soon from your injuries. But now tell me where should I lead my men with the wares?*" The German Captain translates the request for the Major who answers: "Instruct the caravan to follow my man, Captain! He will lead them through camp on a predefined route." As Turner gives a sign to a soldier closeby, an older Sergeant in his mid thirties approaches them and salutes. "Sergeant Ryan, Captain Dietrich", Turner introduces the two men. While Ryan salutes, the German officer merely nods in greeting and affirmation, unable to move his right arm for the moment given the pain this causes.

Then, the Captain turns back to the Arab trader and relays the orders. Letting go of Troy's supporting shoulder and taking a few seconds to find his bearings, the German points at the American Sergeant with his good hand and a slow intentional movement of his head. While Ryan starts his guidance of the caravan, Tully Pettigrew followed by Gottschlich inconspicuously joins them, stepping close to Sarge and the young German officer. Although Dietrich currently stands on his own, Sam Troy remains within a single step range and watches the injured Captain like a hawk to support him, should he stumble or collapse.

"*Hans Dietrich, what a pleasure and honour to meet you again*", another Arab trader leading his brown horse packed with sacks by the reins greets the German in the traditional way an Arab would greet a good friend, embracing the younger and taller man and formally kissing him on both cheeks three alternating the sides. "*It is good to meet you again, effendi*", the man's teenage son barks his own enthusiastic greeting at the Captain with an honest smile and hugs the young officer around the midsection, as he reaches no higher than the tall European's chest. Major Turner bears an expression of amazement and bafflement, as he watches the scene, as does the young Corporal Gottschlich who is quite irritated by the intimacy between the officer and the Arabs. "What the heck is going on?", Troy mutters to Tully who merely shrugs, much more patient than his Sergeant to wait until the answer appears naturally, as it does a minute later after the Captain has explained that his injuries are not life-threatening to the worried Bedouins. "May I introduce you to Ali Baba and his father Ahmed", Dietrich introduces the two traders who bow before the officer, the Sergeant and the soldiers to show their respect. The German introduces the Major along with the Americans from his unit, before providing the traders with directions where to deliver the food in his harsh sounding Arabic, as they have fallen behind a little.

After instructing the Bedouins, Hans Dietrich turns back to the Major, Troy and the two soldiers and motions them to follow him to step outside of the trade caravan's way, while he gives his explanation: "I have met the son during my desert ride. As a goat herder of his father's herd, the boy was waylaid and almost killed by thugs. He was lucky, as I needed water from the same waterhole, overcame the last remaining brigand and helped him by binding his wound, bringing him back home on the robber's horse and left them the robbers' stolen goods as reparation, trading them against food and water for a few days."

Troy smiles now openly. "That's why the boy hugs you like a family friend. You saved his life." "Indeed, Sergeant. And I provided the family with a new basis for their existence, as has been my intention, since losing their herd meant losing their whole possession to support the family", the German explains sternly. "I would thus appreciate, if you would not alienate my acquaintances, especially since they are now part of the caravan of our main trade partners for supplying our camp from the Arab side for the next few days." "Sure, Cap", Tully assures him and Troy provides one of his best grins. "Have we ever disappointed you, Captain? Since serving on the same side I mean." Dietrich sighs wearily. "Don't make me recount the full list of how often you have and with what." "You can save yourself the German diligence, Captain", Troy growls in slight annoyance although his smirk shows that he takes the comment with some humor. "You should be more careful what questions you ask, or you might not like the answer, Sergeant", Dietrich counters coolly and unperturbed by the American's behaviour.

Major Turner observes the exchange quietly, still marveling at the natural way the American commando unit Sergeant and his former enemy, the German Captain, interact like old friends. The respect these men share for each other is obvious, even for him who does not know them personally. "Captain Dietrich", Turner addresses the young officer who immediately puts on a more guarded expression than when dealing with the men of his unit. "I thank you for your support as an interpreter and leave you now to your well-deserved rest as ordered by Doctor Andrews." Dietrich nods and answers calmly: "Thank you, Major. Don't hesitate to call on me, should some situation arise, when you find yourself in need of an interpreter." Turner salutes and replies "I will, Captain", before turning on his heels and heading in the direction where Sergeant Ryan has led the caravan.

As soon as he is out of earshot, which Tully Pettigrew confirms by looking after the man until he disappears behind a tent, the Private addresses his Captain with a nervous expression: "I gotta tell you something, Cap." Hans Dietrich has a premonition that he will not like what he will hear, but nods to Pettigrew nonetheless, indicating that he will listen to what the American has to say. "You know I filched Winters' whiskey depot yesterday", Tully starts and eyes the German expectantly. The Captain sighs wearily, pinches his nose and groans with sarcasm: "In spite of my head injury I have not forgotten how you made me your accomplice in crime, Private Pettigrew." Seeing the Private eye him nervously and the Corporal incredulously, Dietrich adds: "I suppose this is a minor problem now compared to the actual crime committed against First Lieutenant Winters which has cost him his life. Please share your thoughts, Private." Troy smiles at the words that serve to calm Tully enough to continue. "I tried a few bottles, before selecting the best one. After one of them, some weird homebrew bottle, I felt rather strange."

The German officer merely raises his eyebrows in a silent order to elaborate which the American soldier obeys after shifting his matchstick nervously to the other side. "You know my family's been distilling and running moonshine for decades. I've been used to all kinds of weird stuff since I was a kid. What was in that bottle, was ... something else." Hans Dietrich has furrowed his brows and looks seriously worried now. "Thank you for your honesty and bringing this to my attention, Private! Do you think you could inconspicuously obtain the bottle in question so that I can pass it on?" Troy stares at the German in as much bafflement as Tully for a few moments until his lips form a grin. "Looks like you've got the mindset of a rogue or rather of a commando officer after all, Captain Locksley." Dietrich scowls at the term rogue and even more at the nickname, then puts on one of his sly expressions. "Go, send out our merry men, Little John!"

Troy grins. "Have we decided yet with which nicknames to refer to those two, Captain?" Dietrich raises his eyebrows and comments with a wry smile: "Moffit's our expert for British folklore. That's what you keep an anthropologist around for after all." Troy grins. "That head injury really helped you to retain your sense of humor, Captain, and you're absolutely right. Which reminds me that we wanted to have a team meeting. We should hold that in sickbay." "But only once the checkup of soldiers in camp has finished, or Pettigrew has provided me with the evidence bottle which would give us a reasonable excuse to invade the field hospital", the German Captain replies. "I'll go get it for you right away, Cap. Gotty, you'll be my lookout!", Tully declares. "Good luck, Private", the young officer tells him. "You can count on me, Cap", the American soldier replies and sees the German's eye twitching at the last term. After too many repetitions, these abbreviations of rank titles are still wearing down Dietrich's nerves. "And me, Captain Dietrich", Gottschlich affirms in a manner that appeases the young officer again, although the poor Corporal looks uncomfortable to be drawn into this shady affair.

The two soldiers take off in the direction of Winters' tent with Tully leading the way. "First, target observation", Tully instructs calmly, as he takes cover behind a nearby tent and Gottschlich crouches next to him. "You stay here, when I go in and warn me with a whistle when someone's coming", Tully orders the shorter dark-haired soldier, after five minutes of reconnaissance of their target has revealed no guards or other investigators. "This is trespassing and thievery", Gotty argues meekly. "Better get used to it, kid. That's our job. Besides, Cap even ordered it", Tully argues, wishing Hitch were here to take care of the kid and watching his back. "I thought he ordered us to obtain evidence for a crime in an official investigation", the young American Corporal replies cautiously. "Cap knows more than you and why we can't do this officially", Tully argues, shifting his matchstick nervously, as he gazes around warily, checking that nobody catches attention of them. "You trust him, don't you?" The younger American soldier nods immediately.

Looking utterly unhappy about the situation he finds himself in, Riku Gottschlich stays behind in the cover provided by the tent, while Tully Pettigrew quickly makes his way to the Lieutenant's tent and sneaks in by the unguarded and unobserved front flap. If the task would not have become so morbid through the Volcano's recent death, Tully would have grinned at how easy it is to sneak into his tent at daytime. Without hesitation, he turns to the stash he has plundered only in the previous night and starts rummaging through it as silently as possible, searching for a specific bottle. Once, Tully holds the angular brown bottle in hand, he shifts his matchstick contently, when he hears a sharp whistle outside. Without hesitation he closes the alcohol stash and moves to the back of the tent to roll under the tent's backwall where he has already loosened a holding pin and escaped yesterday night. Once outside, the Kentucky soldier moves directly to the German Captain's personal tent shared with his friend. Gotty will hopefully be smart enough to follow him there on his own.

Sam Troy observes the tall German officer stalking slightly unsteadily next to him with constant attention. Dietrich looks and feels more awake and less on the brink of collapsing compared to before, but is painfully aware that the Doctors' assessment that he is not fit for active duty is unfortunately accurate. Yet, catching up with some sleep is not an option for several reasons apart from his concussion. The questions whether another German infiltrator threatens the camp and if Pettigrew's chance finding of the spiked booze is the reason for Winters' behaviour are both occupying his mind. How he could test the liquid without risking anybody is mainly bothering him at the moment.

Deciding that he will not enter the tent to not be drawn in by Ari's attention again at the moment, the German Captain stops outside the housing, as he hears Fritz' yelps mixing with Ari's squeaks of joy. "What's bothering you, Captain?", Troy cannot hide his curiosity any longer. "If Pettigrew's right about his finding I have to pass this bottle onward, ideally without having to reveal the source, and think of a way to test the content. I don't wish to risk the health of any soldier in camp, but I cannot just feed it to Fritz for animal testing, although that ever greedy mutt would gulp it down without hesitation." Troy grins at the comparison. "Asking for a German volunteer with experience with the actual substance of 'Pervitin' would be valuable, but risky as well", the younger officer shares in a matter-of-factual tone what is troubling him. "Tough choice, Captain. The idea of a German testing it isn't bad though", Troy comments with a scowl. "We must not force this upon a prisoner of war, as it violates the Geneva Convention to test drugs on them against their will. Also, even if one would volunteer and additionally has experience with the drug which he would have to have from private use or fighting in France, as the drug is not used by the Afrikakorps, his mind would be clouded by the substance and I'm not sure, if we could trust such an assessment at all", Dietrich argues what worries him.

"How about mixing that stuff into the drinks for the brass to test it?", Troy suggests jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. "Even if I were to ignore that I have ever heard this suggestion and my duty binds me to report some mischief like this which goes far beyond a harmless prank that you have sworn off, Sergeant, do you honestly believe that having Major Bracken and me as the only officers left in possession of their right mind in this camp is a good idea?", Dietrich asks dryly. Troy grins. "If you put it like this, it sounds like a brilliant idea." "Sergeant!", the German Captain snaps slightly unnerved. "Don't cost me what little sanity and nerves I have left!"

"Worrying about how to test the stuff and protect the camp is the General's problem, not yours, Captain", Troy tries to calm and reassure the young officer who is in the habit of constantly worrying about everything and everyone. "It is all our problem, unless we come up with a good idea to check food or drinks easily. That pill case was fairly empty after all and we don't know if there are more", the German officer counters. Troy scowls, but concedes: "You're right. You might want to combine forces with Jack though. He's the one I'd trust with coming up with good ideas for such problems." The German Captain nods thoughtfully. "We should do that."

"Sarge, Cap", Tully hisses, as he moves out of the shade of a nearby tent, startling the German officer slightly who tenses visibly. "Could you possibly quit sneaking up on me, Pettigrew?", Dietrich growls in obvious annoyance. "This brings back too many unhappy memories connected to commando attacks to sit well with me." "Sorry, Cap", Tully manages to sound at least slightly apologetic. "I just didn't want to be seen with this." Handing the German Captain the bottle, the American adds: "Someone came into the tent, when I was looking for this. Gotty can tell you who, as he warned me." Dietrich frowns now. "This is suspicious. Even if Atkins has finally caught up on our idea of searching the Lieutenant's tent, I'd expect him to entrust this job only to Major Turner. But he's still occupied with the Arab traders and wouldn't have disturbed you yet. Let's hope Corporal Gottschlich can shed some light on this. Where is he?" "I thought he'd catch up with me sooner or later and realise to come to you here." "Or to sickbay where we wanted to meet. We should go there immediately. Please inform Lieutenant Silberblatt that he should send the Corporal to the field hospital, should he arrive here, Private", Dietrich orders smoothly. Tully shifts his matchstick and nods curtly to communicate his compliance, then turns away to enter the tent.

Notably slower than his usual brisk walking speed, the German Captain makes his way to the sickbay meanwhile with Troy never moving from his side. When the younger man staggers for the third time, the American Sergeant decides to intervene, puts a hand on the German Captain's shoulder and gestures to him to hand him his good arm for support, taking the bottle out of it. That Dietrich hesitates only for a few seconds and then complies with the silent command worries Sam Troy slightly. Apparently the lean young officer is more heavily affected by his injuries than he wants to let show. "You know that staggering around the camp with a bottle of booze when you're off duty will be great for your reputation?", Troy tries to joke. Out of the corner of his eyes he sees the German's lips twitching into a brief ironic smile. "Ist der Ruf erst mal ruiniert, lebt es sich recht ungeniert", he mutters to himself. "Nice rhyme. You wanna translate it for me?" Dietrich focuses on him, before providing the translation of the famous proverb: "Once the reputation is ruined, you may live as you please." Troy laughs heartily and tries to repeat it a few times with corrections from his tutor.

"Have a few hours in Troy's care been enough to get you to start heavy drinking, Captain?", Moffit comments dryly, as he sees them enter the sickbay. "You have to understand, Doctor, that he has just been introduced to a new concept of living", the Captain argues. "Ist der Ruf erst mal ruiniert, lebt es sich recht ungeniert." "Moffit smiles. "Ah, dear old Wilhelm Busch. Just the man to educate our dear Troy in proper behaviour." While Dietrich smiles with clear amusement, Sam Troy glares at the Brit. "You know I hate this British humor, Jack!" "He does have a point though. You did suggest testing the content of this bottle on your own officers", the German comments with dry humor. "Not on you of all people!", Troy snaps back immediately. As the Swiss medical staff are still taking care of David Troy and the rest of their acute patients, the German Doctor Sommer is responsible for the post mortem examination of the German infiltrator and the American Lieutenant, while all the American medical staff is busy with the examinations of the camp's soldiers, the British Sergeant is their only welcome committee, supported now by Mark Hitchcock who has gotten up from bed and waves his bandaged right hand and arm at the new arrivals.

"Hey, Sarge. Whoa, Cap", Hitch calls out, looking the German officer over with a concerned expression that does not sit well with Hans Dietrich. "You look pretty beaten up. Lucky Tully got you a helmet and that .50 didn't hit you somewhere else." The lean young officer frowns and tenses involuntarily, as the American Private pats him on the good arm with which Sam Troy supports him to stay upright. "Kindly refrain from touching me, Hitchcock, unless you wish to prolong your stay in sickbay indefinitely", the German officer growls in annoyance. Hitch seems somewhat surprised by the reaction, but withdraws his hand nonetheless. "In a proper army, this shouldn't even be a matter of discussion that you don't just touch your officers", the Captain adds with a stern look, before sighing. "But as you're not the first one today to act like that, we'll leave it at the reprimand, Private." Hitch exchanges a glance with Troy who smiles and has not loosened his hold on the German Captain. "You gotta understand our poor Capt'n, Hitch. We've already met quite some people on our way here earlier today and now he's been staggering through camp with this bottle in his hand Tully gave him as evidence." Hitch exchanges a few glances with Troy and then starts grinning as well. "Folks just like you too much nowadays, Cap." At least the younger Private can still be cowered with a reprimanding glare that leaves Sam Troy completely unperturbed.

"Don't you have anything useful to do for me or maybe the Doc. Having classes all day feels like school or college. And it's boring compared to you who have the real action." Dietrich appears briefly incredulous at the statement, but then smirks. "I'm sure nothing could be more productive for your intellectual development than Doctor Moffit's classes." Hitch groans, while Troy comments with a grin: "Serves you right for this brainless stunt you've pulled, Hitch!" "Et tu mi fili Brute", Hitch intonates melodramatically, putting his bandaged right hand over his chest, as if he has been stabbed. "Julius Caesar again, Hitchcock? Maybe I should send you to get drama and singing lessons from Tenente Marcello. He's at least as motivated as Moffit, but it's even harder to get him to shut up", Dietrich argues with dry sarcasm. "I heard that and it deeply hurts me, Captain", Jack Moffit gives melodramatic exaggeration a try as well, while Troy pats the German Captain on the left shoulder, laughing heartily at all their expenses.

"Haven't you asked the Captain what he would usually occupy his time with, when off duty?", Moffit inquires with a smile that grows wider, when Troy actually looks crestfallen, as the notion of the strict German officer having a hobby hasn't even occurred to him. Hitch knows no such bounds or restraints and asks directly: "What do you do for a hobby, Cap?" Dietrich looks baffled by the question, especially being put forward by Hitchcock, but answers nonetheless: "As I believe to have told you already, I play Bridge, when I have three other skillful players available and Chess, when I have at least one partner." Troy looks from one to the other, as he comments: "I know neither of these fancy games, but getting 4 people to play cards should be simple." "I played Bridge in Public School. We had a Club", Jack Moffit declares with a professional tone. "Of course the British snobs had a club", Sam Troy mutters into Hans Dietrich's ear conspiratorially. "I didn't go to the Bridge Club", Hitch counters with a grin. "Went to poetry class instead to learn about love sonnets." Troy scowls. "You're all smartasses, the whole lot of you!" "Welcome to the college league, Captain", Moffit whispers to Dietrich, then adds more loudly: "So teaming the two competent players together as a pair is not reasonable, as the others never stand a chance then." The German Captain nods and declares immediately with sarcasm: "You're absolutely right. But under no circumstances will I team with Hitchcock. He's irresponsible, unreliable and those are only his redeemable qualities." Hitch grins. "You hurt me, Cap. I really thought we'd get along better now." "Has this snake poison affected your brain, not just your arm, Hitchcock? Maybe you should consider getting checked again." Troy grins at Dietrich. "Give the poor man a rest, Captain!"

"So why do you carry a bottle of unlabeled booze, Captain?", Moffit finally cannot control his curiosity any longer, since his question has not been answered adequately the first time around. "Because of a problem for which I would like to ask for your input and ideas, Doctor. And as long as they are reasonable and within the boundaries of propriety, you may provide your inputs as well, Private Hitchcock", the German Captain replies wearily and then guides them outside the tent, before he starts to explain in more detail: "Pettigrew has broken into Lieutenant Winters' personal supply depot of alcohol for reasons I am rather reluctant to elaborate on." Tully, who has joined them by now, is grinning almost as widely as Troy at the dry words and Moffit's and Hitch' incredulous faces. That is surely not the kind of introduction and explanation they would have expected from Hans Dietrich.

"The problem arises now that we suspect that the content of this bottle has been spiked with the German drug 'Pervitin' and in this way fed to Lieutenant Winters inconspicuously. Due to his eruptions of violent and aggressive behaviour, he was the perfect target for such an underhanded attack. We all know how this has ended after all", the young German officer continues his explanation with a worried scowl. "So now the question arises how and with whom we can test this whiskey or other potentially spiked food. Using Fritz or any other animal for testing purposes has the disadvantage that they would already be affected by the alcohol itself and the additional effect of the drug would be hard to distinguish. Risking our own soldiers is also not really an option and the Geneva Convention forbids the same for the POWs, unless someone would volunteer. Only a German soldier familiar with the effect of the drug would be in any way reasonable to use and then only someone whose assessment we can trust. But an Allied soldier could also be trusted to describe the immediate effects of the liquid." By now, Captain Dietrich looks as tormented and distressed, as he feels and not just Sam Troy, but also the others feel compassion for him in various intensity.

"I fear that you have already considered all possible options, Captain, and acted as the advocatus diaboli with amazing diligence that is of course not surprising for a man of your education and rank", Jack Moffit assesses coolly. "Hiring volunteers sounds like the best option, either among our own ranks or among your former men who still follow you with a degree of loyalty that is almost scary." "We'll follow you with no less loyalty", Sam Troy interrupts the British Sergeant almost angrily. "Yeah, Cap... tain", Hitchcock affirms and finishes the rank title, as he sees the German officer scowl in disbelief or annoyance, he is not sure which, possibly both. Tully shifts his matchstick in his mouth and nods in quiet agreement. Although surprised at the strong reaction from his peers, Jack adds: "I have never intended to imply that we would not stand loyally by your side, Captain. Few have earned this in so little time." Now, Dietrich does indeed look as surprised as he feels, not bothering to hide his emotion. "Moffit. You have no need to treat me like a raw egg!" The British Sergeant smiles at the utterly German phrase.

"Well. We've seen that you are not bulletproof quite clearly in the last few weeks, Captain. But we intend to keep you alive and with us, so looking after you will become relevant", Moffit argues, knowing already that the proud German officer will protest against such treatment. Troy beats him however. "Didn't I tell you so, Captain?! No arguing about that. When Jack says so, you can't just call it American sentimentality." Dietrich pinches his nose and is suffering from an increasing migraine, muttering in slight annoyance and pain: "Why don't you shut up, Sergeant?" Unclear which of the two he means, Troy and Moffit exchange bemused looks. The poor German officer has quite a hard life, when they combine forces against him, even though it is only intended for his well-being currently.

Corporal Gottschlich saves his Captain from further well-meaning comments which mainly serve to unnerve him. The young American soldier approaches them with apprehension clearly written on his face. Saluting properly which earns him an almost fond expression from the German officer, Gottschlich addresses him and his fellow unit members with a nervous stutter: "C..captain, S..sergeants. I h..have observed s..something v..very s..strange." The Japanese descended young soldier looks visibly shaken by what he has seen. "Calm down, Corporal! We will listen to you and protect you, if you feel unsafe because of what you have observed", Dietrich speaks in a calm and reassuring tone that Troy and Moffit would rather have expected to hear from him when talking to the boy, Ari.

But it serves its purpose of calming Gotty's shaken nerves, as the young man continues to speak in a more confident and controlled manner, never looking away from the German's face: "I saw someone approaching Lieutenant Winters' tent in a very suspicious way, always looking over his shoulder and around, like he has a guilty conscience. I warned Tully immediately with a whistle." "Thanks, buddy", the American Private mutters, then shifts his matchstick to announce that he is finished talking again. Gotty nods and smiles at him briefly. "I hid, when the man turned around at my whistle. I didn't dare to move until I could hear him moving again. But when he turned, I could see his face clearly. It was Sergeant Casey from Lieutenant Griffiths' unit." Now all of them look shocked and surprised that the man is not from the General's men, but Boggs' own unit.

"What did he do afterwards? Looking around suspiciously is hardly a sufficient and valid reason for arresting the man", Dietrich inquires a tad sharply. He does not add 'and for you to be so shaken', not wishing to unsettle the young soldier any further. Gottschlich catches himself and explains: "Yes, Captain. But he did go into the tent afterwards and returned after two minutes. I checked on the watch, Sir. He did not carry anything, but looked very angry. I decided to follow him, when he sneaked off, out of the camp. I saw that he met another man, Sergeant Claire from General Atkins' men, Sir. That's why I was so afraid. If there are men from two units involved, this is very big and dangerous." The German Captain can only agree with this assessment, as can the Rats.

"Thank you for your initiative and diligence, Corporal Gottschlich", Dietrich replies with honest appreciation of the young man's quick thinking. "You have hopefully helped us greatly in revealing the guilty party. I will personally relay all our available information to the General and try my best to keep you from receiving any punishment, even if some of you would deserve it for your impossible behaviour." Dietrich casts a reprimanding look in Tully's direction, then turns his head to also look at Sam Troy sternly. "You're a good and honorable guy, as I've always said, Captain, and I have to admit that I'm impressed. You'll make a good commando soldier of this kid yet, Dietrich", Troy comments with an openhearted smile. "Have you really doubted my qualification for choosing my men for their intended positions that much, Sergeant?", the German officer asks with dry sarcasm. "And please stay with Captain instead of butchering my name." Troy grins. "Sure, Captain Sherlock. You've infected the kid with your investigative streak after all." Dietrich sighs and gives up on the discussion about names, nicknames and rank titles for the sake of his increasing migraine. Troy feels the German officer lean on his shoulder more heavily for support and frowns with worry. If the Captain gives up so easily, he must be in a clearly weakened state. Jack Moffit seems to have realized the same, as he scrutinises the lean young officer.

However, the German seems to have summoned some source of strength, as he draws himself up to his full height, opens his eyes to regard all of them with his usual sharp gaze and addresses them with his clear voice in a matter-of-factual tone: "This information is vital to the camp and must be passed on to the General and Captain Boggs immediately. Pettigrew, Gottschlich, you inform Captain Boggs to meet us at the General's tent. Sergeant Troy, you will accompany me directly to Atkins." "Smart move to keep the two out of his reach, should he choose to arrest us both for all our acts of insubordination", Troy jokes with a grin, squeezing the German Captain's shoulder slightly. Dietrich grimaces at the reminder. "Let's hope we won't require that, Sergeant. One escape from jail and sentence to execution per month is enough for my taste." Hitch grins at the dry reply, as does Moffit. "Don't worry, Sir Robin. We'll spring you out of jail, should the need arise." "Which reminds me that we wanted to look for nicknames for the whole crew based on the theme", Troy comments. "Not now", Dietrich snaps, then adds with dry sarcasm: "But you can keep yourself and the literature fanatic, Hitchcock, occupied in this way, Sergeant. Now don't complain, Private Hitchcock, that I wouldn't grant your wishes!" Hitch smiles openly at that comment. "Never would it occur to me to complain about you, Cap." The German Captain eyes him doubtfully, then orders: "You two return to sickbay and keep an eye on things there, in case there are more surprises, Moffit, Hitchcock!" Both nod affirmatively. "We will do that, Captain", Jack assures their young CO. "You can count on us", Hitch supports the Brit. "Thank you, gentlemen." "Let's shake it then!", Troy declares, now that everyone has their orders. Dietrich tenses slightly and looks at him wearily, but appears to be too worn to comment.

As they walk rather slowly toward the General's tent, the American Sergeant addresses the German officer with rare hesitation. "Would you do me a favour, Captain?", Troy asks after obviously having led an internal fight against his own pride and stubbornness. Dietrich is so surprised that it shows on his face. "That will depend on the kind of favour whether I can be helpful at all", the German officer answers cautiously, as if dealing with a dangerous situation. "Would you talk with David that he should return home to Helen and Ma so that they can take care of him?", Troy asks. For a moment the younger man is stunned into silence. "Why do you think he doesn't want that? And what on earth do you think I could do to convince him? I barely know him and our relationship is best summarised as grudgingly tolerating the other's existence", the Captain voices his disbelief that this is even asked of him.

But it would not do for him to not at least try searching for an alternative option or solution. "The only thing I can do for you, Sergeant, is to share my own experience with suffering from a major injury without returning home from the front, as neither my aristocratic mother who has never cared for me in all my life, nor my pampered sister married to a SS officer were in any way better than the French nurses for taking care of me. I'm not sure whether this is helpful though." Troy carefully avoids looking at Dietrich, knowing that the German Captain would resent him for the compassion and pity he could easily read in his face. It has never occurred to him that receiving long-term treatment after a major wound should be done anywhere but at home. "Do you think it's better for him not to be sent home, Captain?", he finally asks, voicing his new doubts. "Troy. I know nothing about your family apart from what I've read in a single letter and you have told me yourself. And I know even less about your brother. But from your sister's and mother's perspective you should consider that they already have to take care of the ranch and your sister's children without any male support except for some hired hand from time to time, as her husband is serving in the army as well. Do you think they can handle the extra strain and would manage to find the time for medical training in addition? From your brother's perspective, I can imagine that being kicked out and alienated from your family is strange and embarrassing. I know for myself that it is not something to just shrug off, or even if he does, coming back and being confronted with all of it is more than a little awkward and not what he would like to struggle with, when he's already struggling with his own health." Dietrich looks thoughtful, having done his best to play the role of advocatus diaboli and providing all he could think of to take into account on both sides.

"You're really good at this, Captain. Now I'm not sure myself anymore whether I should advise Davey to go home", Troy comments grimly. "Take your time to think about it, Troy. And while you're at it, invest some time into considering how to come to terms with your brother in the first place! That is the best advice I can give I'm afraid", the German officer adds carefully. That should suffice to set his plan to motion without being too obvious about it. "Davey seems to like you and listen to you", Sam Troy starts and sees the Captain flinch, then look up to glare at him. "Don't even think about involving me in your brotherly discussion, Troy! With him rendered basically helpless and you willing to concede anyways, this should be easy enough, even for someone as stubborn as you and as deliberately provocative as him. If you kill him, you only have yourself to blame and you don't want to end up like Moffit. One man per unit suffering like this is already enough", the German growls in exasperation, but Sam Troy can hear the tinge of compassion underneath the harsh words. In his heart of hearts he is assured that the young officer is a warmhearted man.

Captain Boggs, Tully Pettigrew and Riku Gottschlich catch up with the duo, shortly before they reach the General's command tent. The American senior officer eyes the German Captain with some concern and annoyance, as he assesses the younger man's state. "I would have thought that taking you off duty would keep you from getting involved in the middle of the fray, Captain Dietrich." The German raises his eyebrows and replies dryly with mock innocence: "You have failed to interrogate my previous staff medic properly then, Captain Boggs." Troy grins at the older Captain's dumbstruck expression. "I can tell you from a year of experience that knocking him unconscious is the only way to effectively keep him from intervening with what is going on. Using restraints in addition is even more foolproof." Dietrich glares at him and snaps: "Don't you dare, Sergeant!" Then, in a much more ironic tone he adds: "Have you forgotten that you are responsible for my well-being nowadays?" "A truly devious maneuver of our medical officers", Boggs comments after recovering from his first shock. "Let's go inside, Captain, Sergeant." Turning around to the two young soldiers, Boggs orders: "You stay out here, gentlemen!"

General Atkins is more than a little surprised to find himself confronted by the two Captains and the Sergeant who has let go of Dietrich, but stays at the injured German's side with incredible diligence and dedication given the statements about Sam Troy's rebellious behaviour. "What is this all about?", Atkins demands to receive a report. "I have to report several worrisome findings of relevance for the camp and the safety of the men within which have been brought to my attention in the last hour", Hans Dietrich starts his explanation with dedication, drawing himself up into a straight and proud stance. With German diligence characteristic of the younger Captain, he provides a detailed description and explanation of the evidence and suspicions against the camp's Sergeants, uncovered by soldiers Dietrich carefully avoids to name, insisting on protecting their identity.

"You found out about all this, although you're injured and not even on duty. No wonder you were constantly keeping our best commando and other units on their toes", Atkins comments dryly at which the German Captain scowls visibly, seeing this as an accusation. Boggs and Troy scowl at the manner the American General treats the proud young officer who already distrusts him. "How did you learn all this without conducting an official investigation, Captain? You are off duty after all", General Atkins finally demands to know. "My men are commando soldiers and used to operating autonomously", the German officer replies smoothly, drawing himself up to his full height in spite of his aching shoulder and pounding headache to meet the American senior officer's gaze proudly.

"So you are aware of the identity of the thief of Lieutenant Winters' whiskey, Captain", Atkins states slyly. "It is your duty as an officer to report the culprit." Troy eyes the lean German Captain with a worried expression, but Dietrich does not budge. "It is my foremost duty and obligation to stay loyal to my men. I will not sacrifice my soldiers' trust, required for fulfilling my duties, over a minor incident such as this. Instead I offer you to take the man's sentence myself." Head proudly held high, the German officer looks Atkins straight in the eyes, as he provides his line of argumentation. "And if I take you up on that offer, even the last soldier in camp will volunteer for your unit, Captain Dietrich. I have to admit you are a sly fox, just like your former mentor, the desert fox. Furthermore you have not only met, but also exceeded all my expectations for fulfilling your duties in the position I have intended for you."

The American General smiles wryly, as the young German frowns obviously wary of the unexpected declaration, while Atkins continues with his self-induced speech: "Experience has taught us that the best commando unit soldiers and officers are the least compliant ones with official protocols and orders. I have doubted your friend Lieutenant Silberblatt's assessment that you will make a good commando unit officer in spite or rather because of stemming from a German military family and having been indoctrinated with military behaviour since childhood, but I have to admit that his recommendation has been accurate." Troy switches between observing Dietrich and Atkins. The former bears a guarded expression, as he cautiously eyes the latter who looks fairly smug and content.

"I congratulate you on your successful integration in our military corps and for hiring your first soldier who appears to operate more reliably under your command than ever before." Troy notices the sly expression on Dietrich's face that tells him he is about to spring one of his traps on the General. "Since you are addressing Corporal Gottschlich's successful integration into my unit", he starts out mirroring the General's own words carefully, "and given the fact that I find myself confronted with applications for this unit which you have just pointed out as a success, I would like to ask what size of unit you actually have intended for me to command and how I should treat these applicants and their officers to not keep them suspended in an unclear position of whether or not these soldiers are to be transferred." Atkins looks surprised by the question, while Boggs and Troy eye the German Captain respectfully for his bold move. Providing clear regulations for him as well as the soldiers in question is a relevant aspect and nobody but the General can decide this.

"This will not be my decision alone, Captain Dietrich. Thus, I cannot give you a satisfactory answer before meeting with the Allied senior officers corps", Atkins replies with a serious tone. As the German officer scowls visibly at the words, the American General scolds: "I understand meanwhile that you are used to operating with liberty out in the desert and resent the short leash of having your superior officers around which is the attitude most of our commandos share, but I have no liberty to decide your future obligations, Captain." Dietrich schools his face into a more neutral expression to stop antagonising the American officer so obviously.

Captain Boggs finally intervenes to draw their attention back to the revelations about potential threats for the camp. "General Atkins. With all due respect. The question remains how to react to Captain Dietrich's reported findings." Atkins scowls and Dietrich frowns at the question, both Captains eyeing the General expectantly. "Either arrest them or put them under surveillance, Captain Boggs", Atkins orders. "They have already started to eliminate evidence and might continue to do so or set further traps, if left unchecked. Surveillance would only help us, if we could have them unwittingly reveal further conspirators which we have been lucky to observe once. I would therefore plead for their arrest", the German argues coolly. "Arresting the two would still leave us in doubt about their potential plans and collaborators", Atkins counters. "Put them under surveillance, Captain Boggs! You should have more than enough competent men available for such operations." Boggs salutes to affirm the command. Dietrich has put on an unreadable expression and only nods once. "Excellent. Thank you for the good work and diligent report. I will speak with you about your punishment for, how did my German colleagues formulate this, 'routine insubordination' once you are back on duty, Captain Dietrich." The German Captain has tensed at the words and looks extremely wary. "Keep me informed, Captain Boggs. I will discuss this matter with Major Turner, once he has returned. Gentlemen, you are all dismissed." Boggs is the only one saluting according to military protocol, as his German colleague is unable to move his right shoulder, but at least provides a good salute with his left, while Sergeant Troy gives a sloppy salute that could almost be considered as an insult.

As they step outside the tent, Tully Pettigrew stands at attention and even provides a proper salute for the unruly soldier's standards that looks far better than the performance his Sergeant has just given the General. All three stare at the American Private with shared expressions of disbelief. Troy questioningly mutters: "Tully?", while Dietrich asks him dryly: "Remind me again, Private Pettigrew, who is suffering from a concussion, me or you?" The American soldier grins, shifting the matchstick in his mouth. "You, Cap. But you're fine and this has nothing to do with your concussion." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner. "Isn't this the real soldier thing to do, if you wanna say 'thank you' to an officer in your proper military manner. Gotty said so." The young Corporal beside him is blushing vividly and Dietrich is highly bemused by now. "I'm giving you credit for honestly trying 'the real soldier thing' for once and not being the hugging or touching type which is a relief, Pettigrew", Dietrich replies with his amusement clearly audible, then draws himself up to stand at attention and provides his own proper salute with his left. "I thank you both for your dedicated support in this investigation." Boggs next to him provides a similar salute with his right. "So do I. And I will abstain from punitive measures, as your Captain has insisted on taking them instead of you, Private Pettigrew."

Turning to his younger, taller colleague, Captain Boggs asks: "Can you at least guarantee that it won't happen again, Captain Dietrich?" The German Captain grimaces, then answers with a tone dripping with sarcasm: "Captain Boggs. Haven't you been commanding these men for long enough that you know that nobody can guarantee that? But they have sworn off making a habit of pranking the officer's corps which unfortunately does not cover single events, as I have already felt myself." Brown eyes bore into blue ones, as the young officer wordlessly dares Troy to contradict him or provide a comment. "Our Captain's right. We won't make a habit of it, but can't give you any guarantees it won't happen again." Boggs notes the choice of words 'our Captain' quite clearly. Although formally, he is all their Captain and highest ranking officer of their unit, the Rats will never follow him like they do the German officer, they never even have before Dietrich's arrival and defection. Considering that the lean young man has indeed offered to the General to take their punishment upon himself and Boggs is sure that it has not just been a show, but a well-calculated maneuver of the former Panzer Hauptmann, his men's loyalty to him is justified.

"What I still don't understand is why you not only cover for them, but go so far as to offer to receive their punishment", Boggs asks curiously and seems to have hit a nerve, as the German Captain averts his gaze. Carefully with a cautiously controlled tone, he formulates his answer and looks up again to proudly meet Boggs' eyes: "Because punishing somebody for honestly wishing to help me goes against my principles, Captain Boggs." Troy smiles widely and exchanges a long gaze with Pettigrew, while Gottschlich bears an expression of admiration. Even Boggs has to admit that he admires the younger man's steadfast character and attitude as well, given how dearly the German officer has paid for standing by his principles. "As your and your men's identity is above all doubt to not be infiltrators in the league with the German secret service, l will send Pettigrew and Gottschlich to perform surveillance of the two Sergeants. Since Pettigrew is better known to our men, he will observe the General's Sergeant, while you Corporal Gottschlich will observe the man from Carter's unit. He has only been transferred to us a little over a month ago. It is therefore possible that he is a spy sent to sabotage our unit."

Dietrich frowns. "I have not been serving for long enough in the Afrikakorps after his installment in your unit to be able to tell you whether he has passed on inside information to warn the German side of attacks." Only a few faded bruises in the German Captain's face remind of the truth behind this. Turning to his soldiers, Dietrich provides clear orders: "Put your respective targets under surveillance and take care not to be detected. As soon as this happens, we have to order their immediate arrest. Only intervene in case of an acute threat to the camp and its inhabitants or guests. Your job is to observe, not attack. Is this clear, gentlemen?" The last reminder is spoken sternly while looking at Tully directly. "Sure, Cap", the Private confirms, while Gottschlich salutes. The German then addresses Boggs with a wry smile, as the two leave on their mission. "I will return to my tent and try to find some of my well-earned rest finally, Captain Boggs."

James Boggs eyes the lean young man with sympathy. Although he has kept his proud stance in front of the General, his adrenaline seems to be wearing off and Dietrich appears much more haggard and worn than a few minutes ago. Troy also observes him like a hawk and puts his hand on the younger man's shoulder, when he starts swaying more heavily again. Taking the taller man's good arm over his shoulders, the American Sergeant speaks to him reassuringly: "You've done enough, Captain, and really deserve your rest now. Your kid Ari is waiting to finally get me bankrupt." Both share a smile thinking of the boy. "Sergeant Troy is right. You have earned your respite, Captain Dietrich!", Boggs comments in a friendly tone. "Take care!" Dietrich nods and his gaze appears slightly glazed and unfocused, as he slurs his expression of gratitude with an audible accent. After exchanging a worried look with Sam Troy, Captain Boggs returns to his duties, while the American Sergeant leads his German Captain to the officer's personal tent.

With joyful yelps, Fritz jumps up at the young German's leg, places his paws on his thigh and starts licking the Captain's hand, when he shows no sign of reacting right away. Ari is only slightly behind the enthusiastic dog in reaching his caregiver and hugs the lean officer around the waist as a greeting. Grounded in reality again by the physical expression of affection, Hans Dietrich mutters their names. Jakob Silberblatt joins them shortly after the two and observes his friend's lethargic behaviour with concern. "Hans, are you alright? Has something happened to him, Sergeant?" Troy is bearing the main weight of the German Captain by now, but less worried. "Just exhausted I'd say. It's been a pretty long and exciting day for our friend here. That's a damn tough life playing the hero." "Troy, why don't you shut up?", the German groans with a weary tone. "Because I gotta keep you awake, Sherlock. And that works best with annoying you." Dietrich manages to glare at him for a few seconds before his vision gets blurred again. "Should I call Doktor Sommer to check on you, Hans?", Jakob asks with clear concern for his friend.

The German Captain actually hesitates and evaluates the suggestion. "Maybe you should. My vision is blurred, I have a splitting headache and walking or standing is not an option." Troy snaps at the younger man with annoyance and worry: "You could have said something!" The absurdity annoys the German Captain in reverse. "Don't tell me that you haven't noticed that I could barely walk or see straight, since you have come to my support after all, Troy!" The American Sergeant has to admit to himself that the German does have a point, but he would never admit that to his face. Instead he starts fussing about him. "We'd better have you sit down on your bed then." "I'll help you take off these boots!" "Do you feel comfy on your field bed?" After two minutes of sincerely regretting having sent Jakob to summon a Doctor instead of Troy, the weary Captain groans: "Sergeant, please! Just leave me be!" Fritz senses something is wrong and starts whining softly with his snout on the German's knee. This causes Ari some distress, who rushes at his brother's side and refuses to let go of him. Too weary to protest or scold Troy for initiating this mayhem, Dietrich stoically waits for his rescue through a medic.

Meanwhile, Riku Gottschlich observes the Sergeant anxiously, as he has for the last half hour since receiving his mission. Determined to not disappoint the German Captain and prove Sergeant Troy's assessment right that he will become a proper commando soldier, the young man moves his fingers in a fidgety manner, going through origami folding patterns without having any actual paper available to calm his nerves. What makes the surveillance nerve-wracking is that he cannot actually see what exactly the man is doing, as he can only see his shadow projected on the tent wall. Either he is writing or working on something or even mixing the drug with something else, as the hand movements cannot be seen too clearly. Deciding to follow his Captain's example to not call an alarm before he knows for sure what is going on, Gotty keeps observing.

Tully meanwhile can enjoy some more action. Tracking down the man the Corporal has described to him takes its time and he only comes across him by mere chance, when the guy walks back into the camp in a really suspicious way, constantly looking around. He's no professional spy, the Kentucky soldier decides. Rule number one for infiltrating enemy camps independent of whether you understand the language is to always move, as if you belong there. Maybe he is a commando soldier who ended up far longer undercover than he has intended to be and now nerves and his guilty conscience catch up with him. The guy sneaks up to a tent and disappears inside. While looking for a good place to hide and observe, Tully spots Gotty who has chosen one of the hideouts he would have taken himself. Sarge is right that they can make something out of the shy kid. With practiced ease he moves toward the Corporal's position inconspicuously, pretending to be walking through camp minding his own business until he dives behind the tent and appears next to the startled Gotty who catches himself before attacking in self-defense. Tully merely signs wordlessly to keep watching, then takes position next to the younger soldier.

"No, Hitch. Offering it to the Aussies as 'free booze' is not a good idea and certainly not one the Captain will approve of, given that he is more of a moralist than the rest of us put together", Jack Moffit admonishes sternly. "But you gotta admit, it would be fun for them and us", Hitch counters. After almost an hour of such discussions, the British Sergeant wishes for an aspirin and to speak with Dietrich and Troy alone. The Captain's assessment of Hitchcock's lack of maturity is sometimes only too accurate to not be unnerving for the Cambridge scholar. War has made the younger German officer's mind age prematurely in comparison, although he is a few months younger than the American Private. "Although I have to admit it is indeed less entertaining, getting one of Dietrich's loyal Germans to volunteer is still the best option for testing this vile substance", Jack argues dryly.

Their discussion could have continued for another hour, if Jakob Silberblatt would not have entered the sickbay in search of a medic. As a quest involving more action immediately incites Hitch' interest, he elbows the taller Brit. "Hey, Doc. We should find out what's going on, when Cap's friend looks worried like this." Although not always on Hitchcock's side when he is up to some mischief, curiosity gets the better of Jack and he immediately approaches the Lieutenant who has already started to explain his friend's state to the German Doctor who currently assists the Swiss in keeping the sickbay running. "We should check on Troy and Dietrich. Something is not quite right with our dear Captain", he tells Hitch who counters with a slightly worried expression. "You gotta be not quite right after getting a bullet to the head with only the little metal of a helmet in between the bullet and your skull. Cap's one lucky bastard given how many bullets, explosions and attacks on him he's survived." Jack smiles wryly. "Don't let him hear you, Hitch." "You won't tell him, will you?", the younger man asks nervously, still remembering the last time the Captain has lectured him on proper conduct and behaviour. Jack Moffit grins in amusement. "Don't worry, I won't tell him. However I told Captain Boggs once that Dietrich has more lives than a whole clowder of cats. We should check him out at some point." "Let's sneak out now. Doc Andrews and the nurses are still occupied with the medical check-ups, the Swiss are busy taking care of everyone else including Sarge's brother and Silberblatt just took Sommer away. Nobody will notice. We're experts for this after all", Hitch argues, grinning at the prospect of adventure. When his own spirit of adventure wins over his rationality, Jack accompanies his fellow Rat to follow Silberblatt.

The Jewish Lieutenant leads the German Doctor directly to the tent he is residing in together with his childhood friend, Hans Dietrich. Doktor Sommer is immediately worried, when he finds the young Captain sitting on his bed with the annoying dog for which the Hauptmann has a soft spot laying its head on his knee and the Jewish boy Ari sitting nestled against the officer's side. Sergeant Troy behaves like a worried mother hen constantly rounding the nest with her chicks, as he walks around the cot casting worried glances on the Captain and the child. The fact that Dietrich looks up at the new-arrivals rather slowly and has to blink twice until he is able to focus on them, is slightly worrying for Ludwig Sommer. "Hauptmann Dietrich, wie geht es Ihnen?", he addresses the young officer in German in case his concussion is affecting him enough to struggle with English which is not his native tongue after all.

The Captain frowns slightly then answers with a slight slur: "Es ging mir schon besser." "Hey, what's he saying?", Troy elbows Silberblatt who observes the exchange between his friend and the medic with open concern. Smiling slightly and glad about the distraction, the Lieutenant answers: "Hans says that he's already been better." "No kidding", Troy comments then continues to observe the medic checking on the Captain. "Wie viele Finger halte ich gerade hoch?", Sommer asks, as he holds his index and middle finger at an appropriate distance in front of the Captain's face. "How many fingers am I holding up", Silberblatt whispers the translation to Troy. Squinting and struggling against the blurriness of his vision and his general dizziness, Dietrich finally answers in a slightly insecure tone: "Zwei." Sommer nods at the correct answer, but scowls at the insecurity laced in the young officer's tone. "Schauen Sie bitte ins Licht und halten dabei die Augen möglichst offen", he advises next, as he checks his former Hauptmann's pupil response with the pen light. "He asked Hans to look into the light and keep his eyes open", Jakob Silberblatt translates for Sam Troy who nods with a frown. That much he could have guessed, but having someone translate for him still feels reassuring.

Doktor Sommer is relieved to see that Dietrich's pupils react normally and his brain seems not to be damaged, but the lean young Captain likely suffers from the after effects of his light concussion which are aggravated by his exhaustion of having constantly pushed his limits in the past few days and his long-term lack of a sufficient and balanced nutrition from which his body has not recovered yet in spite of regular meals since having ended up among the Americans. When two more people enter the small tent, it feels actually crowded. As if the dog and the boy would not have been enough absurdity yet, the two members of the Rat Patrol who should be grounded in sickbay join them as well. Now there is only the silent one chewing on his matchstick missing to make them complete.

"Jack, Hitch. What are you doing here?", Troy greets them more enthusiastically than the wary German medic who has only looked up from his patient briefly to cast a wary gaze in their direction. "We thought we should check up on you and our Captain, when we saw Lieutenant Silberblatt summon Doctor Sommer for assistance", Jack Moffit explains in his cool and aloof British manner. "How is he, Doc?", Troy takes this as his prompt to interrogate the German medic. "A light concussion worsened by his general physical state of undernourishment and exhaustion", Sommer explains to the worried appearing Sergeant, Lieutenant and Private. Only the British Sergeant seems distant and rather uncaring, wrinkling his nose over the mutt that rubs his head against the German officer's shin in an affectionate way from a dog's perspective. "Fritz, my friend. Do you still remember me?", the younger soldier addresses the dog that comes trotting toward him, finally freeing the two Doctors of its unnerving presence at the patient who stirs now and blinks to focus on the new-arrivals.

"Am I hallucinating? What are Hitchcock and Moffit doing in my tent?", Dietrich finally asks with clear irony audible in his voice. "Checking on you, Captain", Troy answers immediately. "That's what good comrades do." The German officer looks briefly baffled by this answers and rubs his left temple with his good hand in a vain effort to lighten his headache. But as the images of Hitchcock rolling on the ground, while he plays with Fritz, and Moffit sharing bemused looks with Troy do not change to something the Captain would have considered closer to a believable reality, he takes Troy's word for this being real. It is the Rat Patrol after all and their actions have never been even close to any believably reality. A hand put on his shoulder startles him slightly and only Ari leaning against his chest keeps him from attacking the person. "I'll look after Ari", Jakob offers and indeed manages to persuade the boy after some reassurance that his brother is fine.

A short salve of gunshots and an explosion make the German Captain jump to his feet on instinct only to realize a moment later that he will not be able to remain in this position. Troy and Moffit react equally quickly to catch Dietrich, while Sommer and Silberblatt appear frozen in shock at the sounds. "Easy, Captain", Troy speaks calmly, supporting the taller younger man. "This was somewhere closeby, but definitely only a small explosion", Moffit assesses and releases the German officer's right arm, as the Brit becomes aware of his pain-filled expression and moan. "Hans! Jakob!", Ari cries in sheer panic and cowers pressed against his caregiver's leg and waist. Too weary himself to speak, Hans lets the boy hide his face in his tunic resting his injured arm on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture, until he has recovered from his own ordeal. "Thank you, Sergeants", Dietrich breathes out in spite of his shaken look, then addresses Ari in a forced calm tone: "*Don't worry, Ari! You are safe here with us.*" The German Captain has barely finished speaking, when another explosion resounds, then several shouts, but no further shots or sounds of combat.

Looking up from the crying child wracked by sobs, the young officer adds his own assessment: "You're right, Moffit. No arms or ammunition depot, neither any of the vehicles. Both sounded like a single grenade. The shots have stopped almost immediately." Then he pales even more under his desert tan and mutters: "Please don't let this be Pettigrew with the infiltrators." Troy grins, although he eyes the panicked Jewish boy with some worry. "We don't call you Captain Sherlock for nothing. Sending Tully out on a mission and telling him to attack at the sign of danger sounds like an explosive mixture to me." "Remind me not to do this again, when I'm within a radius of fifty miles, maybe make it a hundred to be safe!", Dietrich groans sarcastically. "You'll survive, Captain", Troy comments with a grin. Their joking tone and Hans' heartbeat returning to its normal pace serve better to calm Ari down than the words spoken to him and he finally only clings to the Captain without being wracked by sobs, as the young officer speaks to him gently in his mixture of Arabic and Hebrew. Jakob Silberblatt also seeks his friend's calming and reassuring presence, although Hans Dietrich is undoubtedly the least able person to physical fend for him in case of an attack. Troy never leaves his side to support the German Captain, although he slowly drags the staggering man, the boy clinging to him and the young Jewish officer along toward the tent entrance to get a better look outside and keeps his left hand on the gun in his opened holster. Hitch chews nervously on his gum and unnerves Moffit with theories of what could have happened, while the two follow Troy to cast curious looks outside.

Tully arrives at their tent a few minutes after the attack, chewing on his matchstick as if nothing have happened. "We just caught the two Jerries", he reports. "Please add a little bit more detail to this report, Private Pettigrew", Dietrich orders him with a tinge of sarcasm. The adrenaline has brought him back to full attention in spite of his state of health. "They went outside. Gotty followed his, when the guy notices him and started shooting. Kid disarmed him and I threw a grenade at my guy before he could shoot anyone. Then their tent exploded as well", Tully provides his report, then shifts his matchstick to indicate that he is finished talking. "Well done, Private. Where is Corporal Gottschlich? Has he been injured?", Dietrich inquires and Troy's hand unintentionally clasps as little tighter around the German's shoulder at the last question. "No. Gotty's fine. Knocked the guy out with a single punch. But Atkins ordered him to report and I sneaked off to report to you, Cap", Tully puts their minds at ease.

"Private, did you just report that you threw a grenade to stop the second infiltrator?", the German asks slightly incredulously for confirmation. "You never said nothin' 'bout not runnin' 'round with a grenade, Cap", Tully tells the baffled Dietrich. "The thought that one of my soldiers would run around with a hand grenade on him at any given time to be prepared for attacks against the camp or his unit has not even occurred to me before, Private Pettigrew", the German Captain finally manages to get out. "But in this case, I can only say well done. I would however be utterly grateful, Private, if you could manage to fulfill your missions without blowing up my camp every single time", he adds with a tinge of irony. "I'll try, Cap." "You'll have to try practicing your pretense of honest repentance as well, Pettigrew", the German admonishes sternly and Moffit grins widely now, exchanging bemused glances with Hitch and Troy at Dietrich's words as well as Tully's baffled expression shifting his matchstick.

"I'm assured now that you do not suffer from brain damage, Hauptmann Dietrich, only a minor concussion combined with exhaustion and long-term undernourishment", Doktor Sommer provides his medical assessment to the scowling Captain Dietrich. "As soon as you feel the adrenaline, you are back on your feet and your brain works perfectly after all." "Thank you, Doktor Sommer", his former Hauptmann answers in a tone that clearly says he is not sure whether he should be annoyed or relieved at the diagnosis. "If you want to heed my advise for once, Hans. Get some rest: have dinner and then go to bed", the German medic tells his former commanding officer with a gentle smile, knowing that the chronic workaholic Dietrich will have a hard time following his advice, although he direly needs the rest. "I'll try my best, Ludwig", the younger Captain replies with a weary smile.

Against the German medic's expectations, Dietrich indeed heeds his advice, as best he can. Sam Troy insists on him having dinner, but concedes that they do so in the privacy of the tent together with Ari and Jakob Silberblatt. As this already pushes the small tent to its limits, Jack Moffit and Mark Hitchcock leave along with Tully Pettigrew to have their dinners in the sickbay or the canteen respectively. Too exhausted for dinner conversations, they all finish their food rather quickly and Jakob helps his friend to get out of his boots and jacket before going to sleep. Finally allowed to sleep, the young man is out a few minutes after his head has touched the rolled up blanket serving a his pillow. Ari lets Fritz sleep in his bed with him, after insisting that he feels safer to sleep huddled against a living creature and otherwise would want to sleep next to one of the two officers to feel safe enough during the night. Jakob Silberblatt shares the boy's assessement that he feels a lot safer sleeping in the presence of his friend than he would in the tent all alone.

Tully returns after his dinner and sharing some drinks with the Aussies who celebrate him as the camp hero for blowing up the Jerry infiltrator, inviting him to a few drinks. Their decision to also choose him as their main source of information for their applications to Dietrich's unit, turns out rather disappointing, as his curt and minimalistic manner of communication has contained hardly any news for them. "I'll stand guard at the Captain's tent. Doc charged me with his well-being after all", Sam Troy states vehemently, as he takes up his position in front of the tent entrance. "Cap's sleeping in his own tent. We caught the krauts. What should happen to him?", the American Private wonders. "There might still be some Jerry assassin left on the loose in this camp. And who would you attack, if you were this guy? The Jerry defector, who's fighting for your enemies and is responsible for the investigation that got your buddies caught and killed! So we gotta watch Dietrich at all times." Tully chews on his matchstick, looking thoughtful. " 'kay, Sarge. I'll take over nightwatch in 3 hours and put the kid Gotty on guard afterwards." "Thanks, Tully." Seeing that some things have not changed since taking in the German Captain, is a relieving feeling also for Sam Troy, though he would never admit that openly to any of them, least of all Dietrich himself.