Hans awakens with a soft groan to the feeling of a small warm creature huddled against his side. "Fritz!", he mutters groggily and reaches out to pet his dog mascot, only to be jerked wide awake, when he realizes that it is no animal but a small human wrapped into a blanket pressing against his bruised ribs. "Düvel ok", the German uncharacteristically mutters a soft curse, as he wrecks his brain to help him remember how exactly he has ended up in this situation with a small Bedouin girl of Ari's age wrapped into a blanket sleeping pressed against him. Painfully, the memories of the previous day return, of their accident, being captured by the Arabs along with Hitchcock, meeting Marisha and Kiri. He inhales sharply, when the memory of promising the desperately pleading Bedouin woman to protect her daughter returns to him, as do the memories of their escape plan and the rescue attempt by Troy and Brown which has cost the girl's unfortunate mother her life as collateral damage in their attack. Also the interactions with Gefreiter Meier and Private Young come back to him. But what has happened between these horrible events and waking up next to the sleeping Kiri remains a gaping black hole in his memory.
A hand gently clasping on his uninjured shoulder makes him wince slightly, as he jerks his head around to find himself face to face with Private Lakatos who eyes him with worry and sympathy. "Good to see you're awake again, Captain. We were pretty scared, when Sergeant Troy carried you back to camp unconscious and we heard what's happened to you", Michael Lakatos whispers quietly to not wake the girl who is sleeping peacefully at Dietrich's side. The German Captain is actually relieved that the Australian is filling the gaps in his memory so willingly. So he must have passed out at some point and Troy has carried him back. Still another piece of the puzzle is missing. "What about her?", he asks with a quiet whisper, not intending to wake the girl. "She was all scared, when she came back to camp with Troy and Browny. She didn't say a thing, while we checked on you, just stared blankly at you and down at the sand. She just ignored it, when the Brit, Moffit, tried to talk to her. But she screamed like the devil was gonna take her, when Browny put his hand on her shoulder to console her. She just ran and hid behind you. We left a blanket for her and otherwise decided that we'd leave her be, since you're better qualified for talking to her than us. Kev and Danny reported that she's been sleeping like that since midnight, curled up at your side. Since you were out cold, we thought you wouldn't mind keeping the kid warm like this." Dietrich nods in understanding. So she is still traumatised by the news about her mother's death, but at least seems to trust him enough to huddle against him seeking warmth. Hopefully, talking to her and learning about her relatives to leave her with might work better than yesterday.
Michael Lakatos stands up to wake the other soldiers who start their morning with a rustling and bustling that finally wakes the Bedouin girl up as well. Kiri looks around with confusion, before her eyes become wide and fearful and she presses closer against her young German protector who cannot completely suppress a groan of pain as she unintentionally kicks her knee into one of the bruises along his ribcage. "*Please stay calm, Kiri. We won't hurt you. I swear this to you*", the Captain mutters in a calm and reassuring tone that indeed helps to calm the frantic girl enough to stop her from pressing painfully against his injuries.
Tully who is one of the quickest to rise comes over to kneel beside his young commanding officer. With a fearful expression Kiri tries to move away as far as possible from the unknown man she does not trust at all, without losing contact to the only person she has some trust in, the protector her mother has chosen for her. "Hey, Cap", Tully addresses the young German officer, ignoring the girl's reaction. "You sound like something hurts." Dietrich frowns, but nods, as denying the obvious would be unreasonable. "Just some bruises from the accident", he replies quietly, trying to not scare the girl in any way. "Hitch said that Arab bastard kicked you pretty badly several times, when you were out cold. Better let me have a look." This is the first the German Captain has heard about this manhandling, although he is neither surprised nor blames Hitchcock for not telling him, when they have mainly been focused on keeping each other upright and walking. While he unbuttons his own jacket and shirt which have by far not all their buttons closed as they should, Dietrich inquires: "How is Hitchcock? Did you treat his arm and check on his concussion?" "I've seen better days, Cap", Hitch pipes in and Tully is happy to not have to answer, when Hitch provides a short recap of how he feels better now thanks to Dietrich and Tully. Meanwhile, the Kentucky driver focuses his gaze on the German officer's bruises reaching from his lower abdomen to his shoulder, with some looking older already, fading to shades of green, while many are black and obviously quite fresh. One particularly nasty looking bruise above where the young Captain's liver would be catches the American Private's attention. When he presses lightly against the edge of the injured spot, the lean German draws in a pained breath, but suppresses another groan. "Looks nasty. Better have one of the docs check you for internal bleeding, Cap." Dietrich nods in understanding. "If it was bleeding heavily, the bruise would be larger I suppose, but it's still dangerously close to the liver." Tully nods in agreement and eyes the German Captain with an expression of sympathy, as he helps him sit up.
"Good to have you back among the living, Captain", Troy booms in a friendly tone that makes Kiri squeak in fear and huddle against the protector her mother has chosen for her who has not even had the time to button his shirt again. "Sergeant", Dietrich speaks with a carefully controlled tone. "Please reign in your volume and tone. You're scaring the girl." "When he's back to worrying more about his strays than his own health, he's pretty much back to normal and obviously fine", Moffit comments without making a secret of his disapproval of the situation. "Moffit!", Dietrich snaps and turns to the girl, when he feels her flinch at his tone. "*I'm sorry, Kiri. None of us will hurt you. I swear to God*", he mutters in a more calm and reassuring manner. After a few moments of looking into her fearful eyes, she seems to read something in his gaze and whispers quietly: "*Ioannes.*" The young man nods and smiles gently. "*Yes. I promised your mother to protect you.*"
"*She hasn't come back. She always comes back in the morning*", Kiri whispers desperately and Hans realizes that she is not believing that her mother is actually dead. Her next sentence definitely proves her denial to him, as the Bedouin girl whispers to herself: "*Too early. She only comes after breakfast.*" "Brown, Troy", Dietrich calls out with a quiet and moderate tone to not scare her again. "We need to arrange burying the dead as quickly as possible. Best do it before breakfast and search the camp for any supplies, as we have twice as many to feed as you have brought rations for. And they should have plenty of supplies of wheat and flatbread. Some of our young guests could help there." He points toward the teenagers, boys and girls, who are getting up now as well. "I'll take care ordering them to make themselves useful", Moffit offers and Dietrich nods gratefully. "We're not looters, but taking food supplies from those ruddy slavers sounds reasonable", Troy agrees. "Also giving anything usable to them to provide them with a new basis for living would help them", the German Captain adds. "What do you suggest to do with them anyways, Dietrich?", Brown inquires calmly. "I'd suggest taking the girls with us to the next oasis, where they can try to get in touch with some relatives or otherwise have a better chance of being protected and provided for. The boys volunteered to become our scouts." "You're a damn good recruiter, lad", Brown remarks with a grin and the younger officer glares at him for the undignified way of addressing him, but does not want to start a quarrel to not scare the girl.
When Hans Dietrich stands up, Kiri immediately scrambles to her feet as well. Intending to pick up shaving and hygiene utensils, the German walks over to their Jeep where Hitchcock is directing Tully to retrieve his extra glasses. "My glasses", Hitch exclaims with relief. "Finally, I can see something again." When he notices the tall German Captain approach them he turns back to him, grinning when he sees that the usually meticulous man has not even buttoned his jacket and shirt again, realizing that he probably looks for his hygiene things. While Tully starts rummaging to help their CO, Mark looks at Dietrich's face which sports a few bruises and actually looks his real young age, when he does not scowl or wear his stern expression. "One thing, Cap", he starts out saying, but finds himself at a loss of words, when the German Captain focuses his questioning gaze on him. Deciding that the young officer is not as dangerous as he pretends to be, Hitchcock puts him in an embrace that obviously takes Dietrich by surprise who tenses and twitches immediately, but holds back to not attack or fight him outright.
"Let go of me, Hitchcock!", comes the stern order and Mark notices the annoyance and incredulity on the German Captain's face. "I...", he starts to stammer, knowing that he must provide an explanation for his inappropriate behaviour in the proper officer's eyes. "I have no words to thank you for all you did for me in the last two days. I'm grateful for everything and I wanted to thank you. I just didn't know how, as any word appeared too small and limited in its meaning to be appropriate." The young officer's expression softens at the words, as the look in his brown eyes changes to something more compassionate than his previous indignation. Finally the lean German speaks in a far gentler tone than Hitch would have expected: "You're welcome, Hitchcock. But there is no need to thank me at all, as I have only done my duty as your commanding officer." Hitch smiles. "You know not even Sarge would have done some of the stuff you have, like asking Lisa to help me get over things. And I sure doubt any of our other brass would have let themselves get beaten up to protect me." "I assure you that Lieutenant Carlos or Captain Boggs would have intervened on your behalf, would they know the language and have been in the situation", Dietrich argues smoothly.
Hitch however shakes his head. "They'd do that for an officer like you or someone important like Sarge maybe, but not for some irrelevant guy like me", Hitch counters and the German Captain does not want to admit that he might be right, but cannot argue against him either. Hitch rummages through the pockets of his fresh uniform jacket with his left hand and digs out something that makes him beam with delight. "I missed you so much yesterday", he tells the pack of chewing gum with a fond expression that makes Dietrich doubt his sanity immediately. "You want some?", the American Private mumbles after having put the first piece of bubble gum in his mouth. "Definitely not", the German Captain replies sharply and steps in front of Kiri in a protective manner. "Hey, Cap. That's what you need I s'ppose", Tully addresses the young officer, holding out his bag of hygiene utensils and a canteen filled with water. At least one of them understands his way of thinking, the tall German considers with relief, thanking the American Private for his thoughtfulness, before turning away from the two mischief makers, lest Hitchcock gets even more funny ideas than hugging him.
Equipped with his hygiene utensils, the young officer wanders some distance out of the camp to gain some privacy, when he notices the girl still following close behind him. "*Kiri, please wait here*", he asks her in a friendly tone. "*Why can't I come with you? I'm scared alone*", the Bedouin girl pleads with him. Although he is relieved that she is speaking with him again, the topic is not one he would like to discuss with a young girl at all. Blushing slightly, the young German officer searches for the right words: "*Because ... I need to ... undress.*" "*But you're not really dressed*", she points at his still open shirt, making him blush rather heavily now, as he grabs his shirt front to hold it closed and hide most of his chest. Without suspecting anything bad, the girl adds: "* And I saw the others undress you yesterday.*" At Kiri's words, all colour leaves the young Captain's face, as he pales visibly and croaks incredulously: "*What?*" "*The big loud one carried you here*", she points at Troy and the blanket he has slept on. "*And the other one looked at you here and here.*" Pointing first at Daniel O'Donnell she then moves her finger in the direction of several places along his bruised torso. Dietrich closes his eyes and breathes a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she is speaking about the Rats, the Aussies and what sounds like a medical investigation which they must have performed while he has been unconscious, rather than something worse he does not even want to dwell on. "*Please stay here, Kiri. I promise I'm just behind the dune and will return as fast as possible*", he adds his final plea, desperate to get out of her sight and gain some privacy for his basic needs. After several long moments of hesitation she finally nods.
Having to negotiate to gain said privacy is a novelty for the young officer, as even Ari has allowed him more space for hygiene purposes, although the boy admittedly has not spent days or weeks before in the hand of cruel slavers who have done God knows what to the girl and her mother. Mindful of his promise, he really only takes care of his bodily needs for which he definitely does not wish to have any company and returns then to Kiri's sight as quickly as possible. The bruised young European moves cautiously to not scare her and even lets her see any further tools before using them. The little Bedouin girl watches him with fearful eyes, as he uses a straight edge razor blade to shave, but still remains closeby, as she is even more scared of everybody else or staying alone.
When he returns to the camp, feeling a lot more civilised with a buttoned uniform and his face freshly washed and shaved, Troy and his team of grave diggers, consisting of Pettigrew, Gottschlich, Lakatos and the O'Donnell brothers is getting equipped with shovels and ropes, while Brown awaits him to arrange who will search which tent. Realizing that Kiri will follow him into the tent and not wait patiently outside, Dietrich considers his predicament, as he cannot enter at all, before the bodies have been removed. Under no circumstances does he want the girl present when searching Karim's tent and the guards' quarter has likely half a dozen dead bodies to clear out, so he decides that the leader Adib's tent would still be the best option for him to search. But he cannot enter, as long as Marisha's dead body is still inside. "Troy", he calls to the Sergeant in a moderate tone. "What is it, Captain?", the American inquires with a worried scowl, knowing that the German officer would need something important from his intonation. "Please clear out the first tent, before you start digging the graves. I can't enter with Kiri, while her dead mother still lies inside. Wash the woman's face, hide the gun wounds, if you can and call us then, before you bury her. The girl needs to say goodbye. She still believes that her mother will return after breakfast." Troy's gaze holds actual sympathy for the German Captain whose tormented tone has indicated that he really suffers in his current situation.
"Hey, boys. I got a job for you", the American Sergeant calls loudly, while the young officer crouches before the girl in such a manner that she stands with her back to the tent in order to look at him. "*Kiri*", Hans addresses her gently, deciding that he will repeat the request from the previous day now that she appears more open and less shell shocked. "*Kiri, I asked you yesterday, if you know of any family members in one of the oases, maybe an aunt or uncle or someone else your mother knew there. Could you try to remember that, please?*" Kiri looks concentrated. "*Mama went to the oasis to sell pots and whistles made from clay. She showed me how to make them*", she tells the Captain proudly who smiles encouragingly. "*Do you know who she sold those to?*" "*Auntie Amira*", the girl tells him with a smile. This sounds promising to him and he continues his questioning. "*Have you ever met Auntie Amira yourself?*" Kiri nods and Dietrich sighs wearily. Countless interrogations with Sam Troy and his Rats have prepared him well for keeping his patience with her, as he asks calmly: "*Do you think you would find where she lives, when we reach the oasis?*" The girl nods proudly, holding out her hand and showing him four fingers. "*I've already been there four times. I can find it.*" This is music to the Captain's ear. "*Do you like Auntie Amira?*", he inquires cautiously. To his relief Kiri nods again. "*She makes good tea and baklava. And she's nice.*" The German Captain forces himself to keep smiling, while he observes the Rats carrying the dead bodies of the leader Adib and the girl's mother Marisha out of the tent. "*You're nice too, Ioannes*", Kiri takes him by surprise and he struggles to not let his desperation show on his face, as he sees his plan of making her like the idea of staying with her auntie rather than him already being undermined. The Rats must definitely not stay in her vicinity, as she would make a much more cunning commando trooper or spy than the honest straightforward boy Ari ever will.
"*Where is Mama?*", Kiri inquires now and Dietrich grimaces to hide a pained expression. "*We will see her later*", he tries to reassure the girl and keep her calm, until the inevitable moment of confronting her with reality. This appears to make sense for the Bedouin girl, as she quietly mutters: "*After breakfast.*" The Captain breathes a sigh of relief, when he sees Troy give him an 'all clear' signal. "*Come with me, Kiri*", he tells her gently, holding out a hand which she takes after a moment of hesitation. Cautiously, the young officer leads her into the tent which bears witness and testimony to what fate has befallen its previous inhabitants. Not only are countless bullet holes visible in the walls, but also do the blood splatters and the red drenched blankets on the bed tell a gruesome story. Dietrich feels Kiri squeeze his hand more tightly and move closer to him, as he directs her to where he wants to perform his search. "*Kiri, can you do something for me?*", he inquires carefully and watches the girl nod. "*I will look through the things here and give you some items to put to the side for us to eat or give to the others. Would you help me with that?*" Smiling shyly, she nods again, but gazes around fearfully, as he lets go of her hand. The German Captain recognises two saddlebags for a horse and a large packsaddle for a camel with two big trunks attached to it.
He starts out with the first trunk and finds several supplies, dried meat jerky, dried fruits like dates and figs as well as the slave camp's supply stock of tea, including a fine large tea pot and two dozens of tin and copper cups. Moffit will be delighted, the German officer reflects with a smile, as this amount easily suffices to provide for Major Bracken's whole Regiment until they reach Tobruk. A second much smaller pot gives him delight as well in addition to the roasted brown beans and already fine grounded Arabic coffee. Finally, something strong unlike this washing water the Americans think is coffee and the insult to any taste buds the Wehrmacht has provided its soldiers with. Troy has earned his share of this, although Hans knows that providing him with such amounts of caffeine might end in utter regret for him. Pointing to the dried supplies, he instructs Kiri to put them to the side on a fine-woven carpet which lies in a corner of the tent where it has stayed mostly untouched by the blood splatters. Dietrich notices the type from Sheikh Suleiman as a prayer carpet used by Muslim nomads to perform their prayers five times per day without having to kneel in the sand directly. "*Put everything we can eat over there. Leave the pots and cups!*" Kiri obediently starts to carry supplies from the chest to the carpet.
Now that the girl is occupied, he can search the other trunk and saddlebags which he suspects to hold the Arab's personal belongings and likely any valuables, stolen in raids or from their slaves. Opening the saddlebags, he finds the Arab's personal clothes and weapons including his traditional dagger, a saber and a finely decorated pistol that appears to be at least a century old, though Moffit would rather be able to provide a more educated guess. Dietrich is sure though that this is a purely representative weapon with little to no value in a fight. The lean German officer also finds dozens of pieces of jewellery, made for men and women, armbands, rings, earrings, amulets and talismans, made of ivory, bronze, copper, silver or gold. From his youth in North Africa, he remembers the tales that it is tradition for men of the nomadic Arab and Bedouin tribes to employ a safety policy for their wives and children. They buy jewelry made of precious materials, gold and silver mostly, so that their wives can sell them to provide for themselves as widows and for their children. Thus, wearing much jewelry of the most precious of metals is a way of proving that one is rich and well provided for.
"*Kiri*", Dietrich addresses the girl, as he remembers quite vividly that Marisha has worn more than one armband and ring, when they have first met at the well. Whether she has been forced to sell those to provide for herself and Kiri, or the slavers have taken them is unknown to him though. "*Did your mother have any jewelry, when you were captured by the ... evil men?*", he inquires cautiously. Kiri looks concentrated, as she digs in her memories. "*Mama had a ring*", she finally tells him seriously. Taking more than two dozen gold and silver rings from the stash he has come across he shows everything to her. "*This is it, Mama's ring*", she exclaims with joy, picking up the small band of gold. "*She will be so happy to have it again.*" Dietrich winces at the words, realizing that she is indeed in denial and still clinging to the hope of seeing her mother again after breakfast. Not daring to comment on the statement, he just says: "*Keep it! You can continue with the food now.*" Holding the golden ring in her right hand with a joyful expression, she just uses her left hand to carry things from now on which makes everything take longer, but Hans wants her occupied as long as possible anyways.
The most precious and personal things, Adib has kept in the saddle bags with him at most times, as it would appear from Hans' findings. Searching the second camel trunk is still missing though. The first thing he sees, when opening the crate is his Colt and their knives the captors have taken from him and Hitchcock yesterday. Neither Meier nor Young have had any weapons on them, as both were fugitive captives already when Adib and his men have caught them. Thus, the Captain concludes that the Luger with its half-empty magazine, the three Webley revolvers and a single Colt have belonged to other soldiers who have fallen prey to the raiders and slavers, possibly as sole survivors of enemy raids, although Dietrich would not put plundering the dead soldiers' bodies beyond the Arab leader's moral scope. All weapons have in common that their magazines are partially emptied, have never been refilled or the guns cleaned after their last use. Diligently, the German sheathes his knife again and puts his own Colt back into his holster.
As the lean Captain continues to rummage through the trunk, he comes across something he would not have expected. A silver inlaid wooden box contains tobacco and an ivory cut pipe for smoking. This fresh tobacco smells quite different from the terrible German cigarettes filled with wood rasps rather than actual tobacco which have only served to quench his hunger, a desperate measure in times after another supply convoy has fallen victim to the Allied attacks. The American cigarettes have at least held some taste, yet the strange reluctance and uneasy feeling overcome him immediately, when thinking of smoking, while his fingers subconsciously reach toward the scars along his collarbone. They remain as a permanent reminder of the SS and their ways of despising any core principles of humanity and decency which has been burnt into his skin and serves well to remind him of the reason why he has to continue fighting to free his homeland of the influence of the Nazis and the SS, even if he will never be recognized or appreciated for his efforts by his own people who he has never considered stopping to serve to the best of his abilities and conscience.
A set of four books, including a Koran, are even less expected findings in the trunk, as being a religious man appears to be quite the contrast to being a cold-blooded raider and slave trader. But neither the bible nor Koran explicitly prohibit slavery, as otherwise people of Christian and Muslim faith would not have indulged in slavery for centuries, the German Captain reflects cynically. A collection of Arabic poetry is even less what he would have expected from the slaver, but apparently Adib has at least somewhat lived up to his name, meaning 'enlightened writer', although Dietrich doubts that he has written anything of relevance himself. Another wooden chest reveals a collection of small metallic jars which contain spices in various forms, ranging from peppercorns, ground cinnamon as well as cinnamon sticks to saffron petals and fine pulverised cumin. Spices have a high trade value and create less problems than slaves, but they have to be bought and cannot be simply caught, which makes the slaves produce a high revenue in insecure times such as these, the European thinks grimly. "So this is it", Hans Dietrich mutters before something occurs to him. Cautiously, he stands up and walks over to the bed to check for hidden weapons there. But apparently Adib has felt well enough protected by his guards to not have bothered to have a weapon within grasping range or he has done so for his own protection, when one of the slave women would share the bed with him and he would not have wanted any weapons within her range. This would explain why he has even kept his dagger in the saddle bags.
When a hand touches his heavily bruised shoulder, the lean officer whirls around, instinctively reaching for his gun holster at the belt which now holds a gun again. Brown eyes meet dark ones, as he finds himself face to face with Kiri who bears a strange expression. "*Is this the place where Saint Kyros and Ioannes, the martyrs, died?*", she asks with a tone of innocent awe only children with a childish sense of faith possess. The German Captain is utterly perplexed by the question he has no idea what to say to. "*What makes you think so?*", he therefore inquires cautiously. Faith in saints is not a concept he has grown up with as a Lutheran Christian. But one of his drivers, Corbinian Walser, a Catholic Bavarian, has insisted on keeping a medallion of St. Christopher, patron saint of drivers, with him in the car, whenever he has driven Dietrich's Kübelwagen. The young soldier has not died of a car accident, but one of the Rat Patrol's bullets, irony of fate and not the saint's responsibility, as it has appeared to his commanding officer who has decided not to adopt anything of the strange cult around saints, Luther himself has already criticized.
Kiri looks at the German Captain strangely and answers his question with a serious tone: "*Mama told me the story how the saints wanted to help and protect three faithful girls from evil men. They were killed and the girls too, but then God took care of them all. That's why they are martyrs and saints.*" Dietrich looks baffled as she tells him the last part with a wise tone, as if lecturing him about the sense of life itself. "*Why did your mother tell you something like that?*", the German asks slightly incredulously. "*Because Mama said that I have to be faithful like the girls in the story. Then Saint Kyros and Ioannes will take care of me. My father's name was Kyros...*" She suddenly stares at him, as if seeing him for the first time. "*And you are Ioannes. You will protect me like the martyr Ioannes in the story. You even look like a martyr in the iconography. You have light skin and many dark spots that hurt.*" The young officer is so surprised by the childish logic that his astonishment shows openly on his face and he is actually at a lack of words and ideas how to get his head out of the noose she has just placed around his neck. Finally, he remembers to give some answer to the child who eyes him expectantly. "*I'm no martyr or saint. But I promised your mother to protect you and I will honor my promise*", he mutters quietly, considering it a true statement that neither violates his principles nor encourages her strange beliefs. How will he ever be able to argue with her that he needs to leave her with any family she has here? 'Why don't you ever learn your lesson, Hans, and listen to Moffit a bit more often?', he asks himself cynically and at the same time knows that he would not have abandoned the girl, no matter what. More than two dozen of his men have paid for her life with theirs, he could never have refused to help.
Sam Troy saves him from more of Kiri's tormenting insights into her perspective on the situation, as Hans definitely has the impression that he will not sleep well anymore in the following night, if he has to hear them, seeing his plan of sending her off to a relative to live happily ever after crumbling to dust already. "Hey, Captain", the Sergeant speaks in a surprisingly quiet tone. "We're done." Dietrich nods in silent understanding that now comes the hardest part of this day. He will have to confront Kiri with the terrible truth that her mother is dead and will never return. Hans would rather endure the torture sessions with Waldheim and Metzlich again than having to go through this ordeal, but fate always seems to find a way to make his life more miserable. Before that he instructs Troy on bringing the food supplies as well as the tea and coffee stock to their camp, as there is no plausible reason why they should not requisition them for their breakfast. Mentioning coffee brings a grateful smile to Troy's lips. "I knew I had not totally lost you to the tea league yet. You're still a decent guy, Captain." Dietrich nods with a wry smile, before his face turns stern, as he remembers his terrible duty. "*Come, Kiri. We will see your mother now*", he tells the girl quietly and she smiles at him happily, almost breaking his heart to see her naive belief that all will end well which is soon to be shattered.
Seeing the German Captain's tormented expression and haunted gaze, Troy briefly squeezes his shoulder in a reassuring gesture as he passes by. "I'll stay behind but keep an eye out for you two", the American Sergeant promises the younger officer who he considers his friend by now without bothering about his formal formulation of calling this a probation anymore. "Thank you, Troy", the German Captain whispers back, when the girl grasps his hand, telling him with excitement: "*Come, Ioannes! Mama will be waiting.*" Dietrich's pained expression suffices for Troy to understand without a translation that she has just rammed a dagger through his heart, as the German officer actually flinches as if he would have been struck by a whip. More determined than before even, the American Sergeant intends to keep an eye on the younger German. Yesterday's collapse has sufficed to remind him of the Captain's quite human physical limits and that he will continue pushing beyond them in spite of his state of health and actually knowing better, since he is a smart guy.
When the Bedouin girl and the German officer approach the body laid out by the soldiers Dietrich is actually impressed by their diligence in following his instructions. Marisha looks as if she is sleeping, her face cleansed of all blood, her body covered to the neck in a blanket, as she lies in the sun. Only the ropes nearby and the already dug hole for the grave indicate her state for anyone attentive which Kiri definitely is not. "*Mama!*", she shouts and wants to run to her, but the German catches her shoulder and stops her, as he whispers quietly: "*We should walk, Kiri.*" The girl accepts this, smiling happily to see her mother again. "*Mama, we found your ring. And Ioannes said we can go to visit Auntie Amira*", she exclaims joyfully. When no reaction is forthcoming, Kiri finally pauses and scowls. "*Why is she not answering?*" Dietrich sighs wearily, as this is the moment he has dreaded and feared. But he has told Hitchcock only yesterday that courage is to overcome one's fears and the easy way out is for cowards. "*Kiri. Your mother is dead*", he tells her gravely. "*No!*", the girl cries out. "*No, she can't be. She's just sleeping.*" With a tormented look, Hans instructs her: "*Feel for yourself. I will be with you.*" Kiri shudders, as she reaches out with her hand to follow the German Captain's movement along, until she touches the clammy skin of the dead woman.
Unable to cry or even believe this until now, Kiri's spell seems to be broken, as she starts wailing, crying desperate tears and sobbing in a heart wrenching manner. The girl looks miserable with tears streaming down her face and sobs wracking her little body. Although she has let go of him, compassion and the promise given to a dead woman bind the young officer to her just as strongly. Dietrich knows that he does not have the heart to just stand up or even leave the girl behind in her misery. As he crouches before her and speaks calmly and soothingly, she at least shows a behaviour he recognizes from taking care of the mourning Ari, as she starts crying into his shoulder. Much more hesitantly than he has been with the Jewish boy, he rubs the Bedouin girl's back who flinches at the first contact, but then reacts in a way that he is also most familiar with from his current ward, by wrapping her arms around his neck and crying in earnest. "*I'm sorry, Kiri*", he mutters in a compassionate tone and wills himself to sound somewhat reassuring. "*I promised your mother that I will protect you and I will honor this promise. Your mother... is with God now and... he will protect her.*" This seems indeed to work in a soothing manner, as she calms down a bit. "*You should pray for her to help her on her way to Heaven*", the young officer suggests, hoping that this is a good idea. Given the girl's naive faith this appears the best way to say goodbye for her. Kiri indeed stops her wails and cries and only interrupted by a few sobs starts to quietly mutter words the German Captain cannot understand.
"Troy", he whispers to the Sergeant who has quietly approached them in the meantime to stand close enough to hear him. Although he cannot understand the girl's words, her sadness and mourning are clear without words and do not leave him untouched, as he bears a truly guilty expression. "You said your grandparents were Greek", Dietrich whispers. The American Sergeant nods, looking baffled, as he mutters his reply: "Greek settlers, my Ma still spoke it fluently, me, Davey and Helen just a few words and phrases." "Does she speak Greek? Can you understand what she says?", the young officer inquires quietly. Troy looks totally baffled, as he has not even bothered to listen in to the whispers, not expecting to understand the language anyways. "Yeah, sounds pretty Greek to me, Captain. Some orthodox prayer my Ma might still know, but I sure don't", he whispers just as quietly, feeling an automatic urge not to disturb the girl's mourning. "How did you know?"
"Coptic Christians often use Greek instead of Arabic for their religious rites", Dietrich replies in a very quiet tone. "She's a Christian?", Troy asks in surprise and the younger Captain nods. "That's why her mother pleaded with me to give my word before God to save and protect her." They both know that his word binds him more effectively to the girl than any chain ever could. "I'm sorry... You were right. I've never looked back and bothered to see any of this", the American Sergeant mutters with a guilty tone. "Being sorry won't bring her mother back to life!", Hans growls slightly, but pulls himself together almost immediately. "I hope we won't have to discuss thinking about consequences before shooting so often in the future, Sergeant. Now, she needs our help and we need a solution for her." Squeezing the younger officer's shoulder Troy mutters: "Just say the word and we'll do what we can to help!" The lean Captain nods and mutters a quiet expression of gratitude. Before sharing their tent and entrusting them with Ari he would not have considered this offer to hold any support for him, but now he actually appreciates it for more than its symbolic value.
Kiri's prayer seems to have ended, as she only cries desperate tears now again. When she still has not reduced her tears and wails after a full minute, crying into his shoulder again and gradually soaking his uniform jacket, the young officer gets a bit desperate himself how he should act, as just letting her cry until she eventually stops does not seem to work. "*Kiri, your mother would never want you to cry and stay alone in the middle of the desert. She would want you to be free and happy, laughing and playing.*" Dietrich has not known Marisha at all, but from the few interactions he has had with the woman she has left this impression with him. He can only hope that his words sound plausible and convincing to the crying girl. "*I promise you that I will make sure that you are taken care of and happy. Just give me a chance and come with me, Kiri. My ... friends will bury your mother.*" Kiri appears somewhat unsure, but at least has stopped crying and regards the German Captain now with a scrutinizing gaze that seems to evaluate his very soul. Whatever she sees in this scrutiny apparently seems to convince her to cautiously take his outstretched hand.
Troy takes care of getting Marisha buried properly and even makes a cross into the sand at her tomb, now that he has heard that she even has been a Christian. Why the North African Christians who are super rare speak Arabic but pray in Greek is somewhat mysterious to him, but he does not intend to trigger a Moffit lecture just to get an answer to this question. If he ever feels curious enough he might ask Dietrich, as the Captain is at least straight to the point and rather concise in his explanations unlike the British scholar. Sam likes Jack as a friend, but he is really annoying, when he has his streaks of being a know-it-all. Tully has meanwhile been put in charge of following through with Dietrich's requisition order and transporting anything Brown has considered a good idea to take along for their breakfast which includes wheat flour and readymade flatbread, chickpeas and other ordinary cooking ingredients and utensils which the American Private transports to their camp with the support of Kevin O'Donnell and Michael Lakatos, while Danny helps Troy with the final burial.
Jack Moffit has never before found himself in the position of chef du cuisine, as he is now, being in charge of six Arab teenagers and a cranky Hitchcock who behaves no better than a moody teenager. The British Sergeant deeply regrets having volunteered for this, as he sends the boys to take care of the animals, while the girls very happily make a campfire and help with basic tasks of getting order into the current chaos, folding blankets and carrying them to the vehicles. When Tully and his helpers arrive with the flour they immediately start making flatbread and falafel from the chickpeas without requiring any orders or instructions Moffit would have been unable to provide given his limited cooking skills. The British scholar is otherwise occupied, as he finds his new best friend out here in the desert, the giant teapot made to prepare tea for two dozen people. It almost feels like a dream come true or Christmas come early and Jack is quite fond of Dietrich to have ordered this in addition to an excellent tea supply to be brought to him. The Brit has always known that the German Captain is a true gentleman of excellent taste.
When Hans Dietrich arrives a short while later with a red-eyed Kiri, fresh flatbreads are baking on the stones around the campfire, a large cooking pot with a dozen rations of baked beans and meat in sauce mixed together hangs over the fire, while Jack Moffit takes care of the large teapot with a loving expression. Hitchcock and Pettigrew walk around, handing plates with the an improvised baked bean with meat stew combination and one of the already finished flatbreads to the teenagers. The girls look particularly surprised by the generosity and the two Privates wear their friendliest grins, as they interact with them. Hitch particularly tries his flirtatious wink at any chance. "May I remind you that they are all children by the definition of our laws, Private Hitchcock and Pettigrew", Dietrich admonishes them sternly. "We really mean no harm, Cap", Hitch argues with a grin. "If I would have the least trust in you respecting the bounds of moral and propriety I would not be worried, Hitchcock", the German Captain replies dryly.
Hitch still grins, knowing the young officer too well by now to know that he will not harm him in any way as long as he causes no harm to anybody Dietrich considers as under his care. "I hate bounds, especially after yesterday. You know what I mean, Cap. And I'd never harm a girl." "Will this be something I will have to talk about with your girlfriend?", the German officer replies in a casual tone that sounds a bit threatening. "That won't be necessary ", Hitch replies quickly, cursing how the Captain knows him and his weaknesses well enough to not only predict his actions rather accurately, but also know how to put pressure on him without doing so outright. It has been good that they have always kept their distance from Boggs, but there is no chance of doing that with Dietrich. However, after the man has literally half carried him through the desert and taken some pretty severe punishment himself to protect him, Hitch can totally live with having the German Captain putting some pressure on him for having a commanding officer he cannot just respect, but actually like and involve in bullshit one could not usually involve an officer in, like Tully's whiskey raid against Winters has shown.
Unaware of the Private's thoughts that prove no easy future for him, Hans Dietrich has meanwhile turned to Jack Moffit to receive some tea for himself and his ward. "You look like you need a boost of morale", the British Sergeant tells the German officer with an honest smile, as he hands him two cups of tea, the first of which the younger man hands to Kiri immediately who takes it cautiously. Seeing the Brit's stern expression, the Captain addresses him with a serious tone: "I know that you disapprove of my decision, Moffit, to promise the woman to take care of her daughter which I assumed would be keeping the slavers from assaulting her during the night. Now this turns into a lot more than a night of guard duty." Sighing wearily, the young German takes a sip of his tea, while the British Sergeant listens to his unexpected speech intently. "But I've experienced so many acts of lack of any human decency or basic morals and found myself unable to do more than voice a protest for fear of my life and even more the lives of my family members." The young Captain's eyes appear tormented and haunted, as he meets Moffit's gaze. Dietrich's tone holds clear determination, as he continues still uninterrupted: "Now I'm free of these shackles and I simply cannot turn away as I had to do before, while I still feel the guilt over too many I could not do anything for."
Now it is Jack Moffits turn to feel a pang of guilt, as he hears the young officer's explanation for what he has criticized him for in a rather derisive manner. "I'm sorry for having misjudged you so utterly, Captain Dietrich, and attacked you, if only verbally, so unjustly", the British Sergeant offers his apology in his most courteous manner and sees the German's eyes widen with surprise. "I will refrain from confronting you in such a harsh manner, as I have about this, Ari or your dog mascot." Meeting the slightly shorter officer's gaze, Jack adds with a wry smile: "And I truly appreciate your trust and honesty in telling me this. I thought only Troy was on probation." Dietrich nods and replies cautiously: "I appreciate your apology, Moffit, and this was not intended as an offer of ... probation." An ironic expression briefly passes over his face, before he speaks in a more serious tone: "But I don't want to put you on a chain, as I acknowledge and value that you act as the voice of reason in this team more often than not and I want to encourage you to continue being that which will lead to confrontations." With a smirk he adds: "The Yankees need to hear someone being reasonable after all." Jack smiles at the comment and has the impression that a quiet understanding passes between them, as their gazes meet.
"Are you two conspiring over tea again?", Troy asks with a grin which falls when he sees the copper monstrosity almost as big as one of their Jerry cans. "How the heck did you obtain the world's biggest teapot, Moffit? Out here in the desert no less." The two Europeans exchange a bemused gaze, before the German replies dryly: "It's an ancient Arabic Magical trick. You might have heard of a thousand and one nights, Sergeant. You speak 'A bra ca da bra' three times loudly in a place full of supplies and then look at what you can find." Troy stares at him dumbstruck for a moment before giving a booming laugh. "I knew it was a good idea to adopt you, Captain", Troy comments jovially. Now the German Captain actually looks affronted, as he growls: "I'm neither an orphan child nor a stray dog to be adopted." Feeling Kiri trembling with fear makes him rein in his temper as quickly as it has flared. "*I'm sorry, Kiri. Nobody will harm you.*" After some hesitation, she finally nods. Glaring at the Sergeant, Hans leads her toward one of the Jeeps to sit separately from the Arab teenagers who chat loudly, as they enjoy their lavish meals.
Dietrich has not been sitting longer than half a minute, when Hitch sits down next to him as if he would have done that for months or years. The German Captain is actually perplexed enough to stare at him and only Tully calling him by his title and name directly draws him out of his reverie. The American Private holds out the officer's breakfast plate and a set of cutlery to the German and similarly to the girl. Only when her protector accepts his meal and nods to her encouragingly, does Kiri accept her plate as well from the man she barely knows or trusts. "*Eat it, Kiri. The food is really good*", Hans tells her and takes a mouthful himself to show that it is safe. When she cautiously takes a spoonful of the beans into her mouth, Kiri looks astonished. "*This is warm and really good.*" The German Captain and American Privates smile at her expression of awe and delight. Hitch elbows the young officer next to him in the ribs gently, making the bruised man wince slightly. "I don't need a translation for that. She likes it."
Mark beams and although Dietrich shares the joy that Kiri is enjoying the meal, he cannot let this slight go unnoticed, as he speaks sternyl: "I absolutely agree. You'd better remember how to behave toward your commanding officer though, Hitchcock." Hitch looks confused at the stern admonishment. "Yeah. Sure, Cap. Did I forget the title or what?" The German Captain resists the urge to roll his eyes to not add any further indignity himself. When Hitchcock continues speaking though, his annoyed expression changes quickly. "I mean I dropped the title and even called you 'Hans' when you were unconscious and I was worried whether you're alright and would recover or if they'd really harmed you too badly. Didn't think you'd noticed or you'd still care now. I'm sorry. I wouldn't have done it, if I wouldn't have been so scared." The young officer sighs and his expression bears open sympathy, as he speaks in a much gentler tone: "I would never hold against you what you have done in such a dire situation out of honest concern about my wellbeing, Hitchcock." Mark gazes at the lean German beside him who looks his actual young age without the scowl and pats him on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "I knew you're a good guy, Cap." Realizing that Hitchcock is either deliberately obtuse or much more likely still suffering from the aftereffects of the terrible traumatic events of the past few days, Dietrich decides to drop the matter to spare his own nerves the additional assault by trying to discuss at the moment how he considers showing affection through frequent physical contact inappropriate for interacting with a superior officer.
"Hey. That's my text, Hitch", Troy intercedes with a roguish grin, as he takes his seat next to Hitch, once he notices Kiri's scared expression at his loud voice. "You should at least quote me like your other famous guys", the American Sergeant adds for his Private's benefit which makes Hitch grin. "Sorry, Sarge. Next time." "Please spare me 'The famous quotes of Sergeant Sam Troy' in the future", the German Captain adds with dry sarcasm, making both men laugh. "You're having lots of fun without us here", Brown remarks, as he sits down as well, followed by his three Privates and the shy Corporal Gottschlich who eyes them all with a concerned expression. Their mob is entirely complete, once Jack Moffit and Tully Pettigrew finally join them as well after distributing food and tea to everyone except for Troy who has refused to touch the 'vile substance the Brits invented to torment the rest of the world' and taken his instant coffee instead. 'So much for peace and quiet', Dietrich muses wearily, while Moffit lectures Troy about how tea has been in use in China already millennia prior to when the Brits have turned it into a serious cultural institution.
"So tell us, Dietrich, is it true that you escaped by picking the lock of your own manacles? Your lad told us something like that", Brown asks with a grin and Hitch nods in agreement, confirming with awe in his tone: "He really did pick his lock and mine." The German Captain looks slightly unnerved, an effect his Australian colleague manages to induce in him with practiced ease. "My lad, as you call him", the young officer drawls sarcastically, "is actually older than I am, although you would never be able to guess from the reckless behaviour." Hitch whines: "I'm not that reckless, Cap." "You're a lot more reckless than I am, Hitchcock", the lean young officer counters with a smirk. "I could think of counter examples to that statement, like jumping into snake pits or drawing bullets to himself to cause a distraction", Jack Moffit intercedes dryly, earning a reprimanding glare from Hans Dietrich. "But overall the Captain's assessment is quite accurate and he's much more responsible than you Hitch", the Brit concludes. Brown feels greatly entertained as usual by the Rats and their Jerry Captain who he actually likes a lot by now.
Michael Lakatos eyes the German Captain with actual admiration and sympathy, as he states: "You're definitely my most talented apprentice, Captain. I doubt anyone else of them would ever have picked the lock of their own handcuffs." Dietrich smiles and nods gratefully. "Thank you, Private. Fortunately, they were not European style handcuffs but Oriental slave manacles with very crude locks and enough freedom to move my hands, as I wouldn't have stood a chance otherwise." Troy grins at him. "You should keep these lock picks somewhere hidden upon you like in your boots. That's a great way of getting us out of some tight situations, given how often we get arrested in our line of business." The German Captain gives this some thought and has to admit that the idea has its merit. "I will actually do this, Sergeant", he finally replies. "I have hardly appreciated the skill at all, as I am in no way inclined towards criminal behaviour. Some investigations have already shown that it holds several advantages for our ... new line of duty. But yesterday's events were particularly eye opening for me that this is truly valuable for a commando soldier and officer to know."
Troy grins widely now. "A lockpicking expert on our regular team is what we've actually missed until now for making our escapes less conspicuous." Knowing from painful experience that improving their skills at escaping is hardly necessary for the Rats, as they have managed to get out of as good as any trap, prison and attempt to keep them under lock and key. But the argument of being less conspicuous is undeniably an improvement, as their previous escapes have included explosions, countless bullets and wild car flights, all of which Dietrich could do without, when picking the lock and simply walking out under the guise of a false uniform is the alternative. "Hey, Cap, Mickey", Hitch remembers his vow from the previous night. "Would you mind teaching me as well? I'd really like to learn this, now that I know how amazing it is." The young American looks at Dietrich in awe who actually smiles at the suggestion. "After seeing how valuable it is, I definitely approve of this." Michael Lakatos offers: "I'd be willing to teach you, once your arm's healed and you can hold the tools." Remembering the Private's affinity for mischief, the German Captain also adds sternly: "And my condition is that you will not use this against me or you other officers, for pranking or anything else. I particularly value my privacy!" Hitch looks almost hurt. "Of course, Cap. I'd never harm you on purpose." Dietrich closes his eyes briefly, as the notion how absurd the Rats' behaviour and statements are compared to their enmity of the past year strikes him.
"So Dietrich. Since you are the patron saint of the lost and forlorn, how did you intend to transfer all these people back to the camp at the waterhole?", Brown inquires with irony. The German Captain looks briefly dumbstruck at being addressed in such a manner. Brown is truly the grandmaster in annoying him who even the Troy brothers could still learn something from. "If anyone else compares me to a saint or martyr today I will make a martyr out of this fool", the younger officer growls, actually unnerved. "Who compared you to that already?", Troy wants to know. "The girl used this to compare me to the martyr and saint Ioannes who her mother told her would protect her." "You're pretty much acting like a martyr sometimes", Troy replies with a grin which makes the German officer glare at him with anger.
"I already wondered why she calls you Ioannes", Moffit adds in a more moderate tone. Dietrich sighs wearily. "Because I introduced myself like that. It's the Greek version of my name. I couldn't know about the martyr story at that time and just tried to provide the women with a more familiar sounding name." Troy looks confused now. "Wait a second, Captain! I thought your name is 'Hans'. But I know from my granny that 'Ioannes' is 'John' in English. That much Greek even Davey would know." The German officer smiles wryly now. "Hans is only the shortened version of the German name 'Johannes'. And you're right that John is the English version of the name." Troy barks a laugh now that makes Kiri huddle closer against the German officer with fear. After muttering a few reassuring words to her, he turns back to the conversation, as Sam says incredulously: "You actually have the same name as Moffit and didn't tell us? You knew." Jack is completely unperturbed by the accusatory glare and finger pointed at him. "Of course I knew. I spent years living in Germany after all." "Cap told me yesterday, when I asked him the same question", Hitch pipes in. "You all knew and didn't tell me?" Troy sounds actually annoyed now. "I fail to see how the etymology of my given name is any of your business, Sergeant", Dietrich argues now. "You're not to call me by my first name anyways, especially not when I'm your commanding officer." "Jerry smartass", Sam growls in a friendly tone. The German Captain has gone through hell in the last weeks, so Troy decides not to push him too much, lest the stubborn and proud young officer starts resisting against his own better judgement.
"So back to my original question? What do we do with the people we saved, Captain Dietrich?", Brown inquires, although he still smiles in amusement over the Rats and their unusual commanding officer. Dietrich answers straight away, obviously having dedicated some thought to this already. "The teenagers Hussein, Shakir and Farooq have volunteered to become scouts for us. This will be for Captain Boggs, Major Turner or General Atkins to decide. I suggest we leave a mule or camel to each of them, as well as a dagger and a rifle and see whether they will join us or leave us at the next oasis. The girls are a different matter. I would suggest we let them accompany us to the closest oasis and leave them there in a protected community of their own people. Best we give each some jewelry from the bandits' stash to pay for their needs and leave them some basic supplies such as pots, dishes, cutlery, blankets, carpets and food. Then they can settle down here."
Moffit intercedes now. "You're right about the boys, Captain, but you should not forget that Cyrenaica is not like Germany or Britain, when it comes to respect for a teenage girl and young woman. Any girl requires a male protector in these lands or a family or clan to protect her. If they have no family there, employing them as well might be the best option for protecting them from being forced into a marriage at their young age." Dietrich looks slightly uncomfortable, but nods. "I definitely agree with you, Moffit, although I find myself surprised that you are the one to suggest keeping them with us." Moffit bears a distinguished expression. "They are old enough to be able to take care of themselves without requiring constant care and supervision and are able to provide valuable work force." "Is this the British colonial spirit talking out of you?", the German inquires with irony and not only the Americans, but also the Australians smirk at the comment and Moffit's scandalised expression. "Germany has held colonies in Africa as well, if I may remind you." "Stop bickering like teenage boys! We're all adults", Brown intervenes, before this discussion escalates.
Dietrich nods gratefully in his direction, before continuing with his plans: "I have spoken with Kiri." The girl looks up at him curiously upon hearing her name. She seems mostly recovered after her shock of realizing that her mother is indeed dead, but still sits closely enough to lean into his side feeling utterly intimidated by the soldiers around. "*I explain to them about auntie Amira. We try to visit her*", the German Captain explains and the girl actually beams at him. "*Thank you, Ioannes!*" At least she is not at the point yet where she will hug him for that and he really does not want to let it go so far, as it would be close to impossible to leave her in somebody's care then. "She knows of a woman who she calls Auntie Amira. This woman lives in one of the oases and has bought Marisha's pots and clay products. She could be a relative which I dearly hope or at least she might be willing to take Kiri in. I would suggest giving the rest of the raiders' stolen jewellery to the person caring for her to pay for her needs." Troy smiles. "Brilliant idea, Captain." Even Moffit nods in approval and Hitch looks at the girl with sympathy. "You're really not the greedy type, more like Robin Hood. Taking from the rich to give to the poor", Brown remarks with a smile. "I'll remember that, when I have to trust someone with money and jewelry." Dietrich frowns and looks only slightly bemused, while Hitch nudges him. "He's right, Captain Locksley." "Hitchcock", Dietrich growls in an admonishing manner, but the younger man just keeps smiling at him, having lost any fear he might have had left before their joint ordeal. "Sorry, Cap", he at least adds to appease the lean Captain, seeing that the German officer looks clearly annoyed by his behaviour.
Hans Dietrich turns back to conversation. "We need to look after Private Young and our two prisoners as well." Pointing in the direction of the forlorn soldier who sits separate from everyone else and has not even touched his food, the German looks concerned. "Leave him to me!", Brown suggests. "I'll handle the digger. You take care of that Jerry and Moffit should talk to the captured Arab guard." The British Sergeant replies: "I have taken the liberty and already done that while organising everything for breakfast. He is young, inexperienced, has just lost his uncle who got him into the raiders' band and is mostly happy to be alive and not tortured or enslaved. I suggest we let Captain Boggs or one of the higher ranking officers decide his fate." Dietrich and Brown nod in agreement, as the German adds: "I sure won't decide it, although even I think that he already is punished enough, if we leave him in the next oasis with only his clothes and dagger and let him find his way back to his clan from there." "You're not the vengeful type, Captain", Troy compliments him, as he is not sure if he could be as magnanimous.
"He was obviously not a master at what he has been doing or I wouldn't have been able to knock him out so easily. Besides, I know better than most what it means to be bound to immoral superiors by your honor and family obligations." The German Captain speaks very seriously and thoughtfully. "You can still find it in you not to ask for my blood. I will not ask for his. He probably has far less things to feel guilty about than I." "You're a good man, Dietrich", Brown tells him. "I'll let you talk to that Jerry pervert." Dietrich nods, but adds: "I suggest we first break camp and put him in the Jeep under guard with the Arab prisoner. We need to consider riding arrangements as well." Brown nods. "Yeah. We definitely don't have enough space in the Jeeps for everyone, at least we picked up your accident Jeep." Dietrich knits his brows. "Pettigrew and Gottschlich will drive our Jeeps then and Hitchcock has to ride with them given his injuries." "That's good", Hitch comments with a grin. "I've never ridden on a horse anyways." Tully chews on his matchstick and shrugs. "Me neither. Only had cars and boats for running our moonshine. Horses are impractical in woods and swamps and far too slow on roads." "Only know horses from shows", Gottschlich confirms. Troy stares at them incredulously and sounds actually upset, as he admonishes them: "You're a shame for any good old American settler who went to the West. Can't ride a horse... He's a better cowboy than you are." Seeing the American Sergeant point at him, Dietrich exchanges perplexed glances with Moffit, before the German Captain drawls sarcastically: "Don't try to insult me, Troy!"
Brown and his Aussies exchange bemused looks, before he adds: "Let's get back to business! We know your riding order for the Jeeps. Kevin, Danny, you two drive our Jeeps! Michael, you watch the prisoners. Young will also come with you, as I don't trust that the fellow's able to stay anywhere on his own accord." The German Captain adds: "That sounds reasonable for the Jeeps. We have 9 riding and pack animals as well. The three Bedouin teenagers will ride the camels and guide three pack animals with the supplies and the girls riding on each them. This leaves us with the leader's horse and two mules for riding. I definitely prefer to ride on a horse when I have to take the girl with me than repeating the horrible experience of clinging to this accursed machine gun and the Jeep's metal frame for dear life." "I'm not such a bad driver", Hitch pouts in a juvenile manner. "I didn't accuse you, Hitchcock, but I can currently only use one arm for clinging to the Jeep and holding the child." Troy nods in understanding and agreement. "Okay. You get the horse, Captain. Jack and I take the mules. And you three will receive riding lessons!" Brown ignores the last comments and nods in agreement. "Good. Then I will ride with Private Young in our Jeep and have an eye on the lad." "Excellent. With the Jeeps and animals we should be able to reach the camp until tonight. We should inform Captain Boggs about that", Dietrich argues diligently and Brown nods in agreement. "I'll take care of that." Troy grins, as he says: "Looks like we all know our jobs now. Let's shake it!" Dietrich tenses slightly at the words, the memories of Marisha, Kiri and the oasis massacre still too fresh in his mind, then addresses the Australian Private: "Lakatos, secure the prisoners on the Jeep! I'll speak with the German soldier, once I have managed to convince Kiri to let me leave her side." They all smile at Dietrich's words and the girl's trusting expression, when she looks up at his face upon hearing her name.
"*Kiri*", the German officer addresses her, while the others get up to work on their orders. "*We will leave from here very soon. You will ride with me on the horse.*" He points in the direction of the animals. The Bedouin girl looks scared, as she argues: "*That's Adib's horse.*" "*Adib is dead. Now I will ride the horse to bring you back to our camp. From there we continue to the oases and try to find Auntie Amira. Do you want to see the horse?*" Kiri smiles now and nods shyly. The three Arabs, Hussein, Shakir and Farooq, stand up from their gathering and greet the Captain. "*Effendi. Good to see you well again. We did what your soldier Moffit told us*", Hussein reports. The German officer nods. "*And you did well. You will ride the camels and pack the other three with pack saddles and the supplies from the camp you have brought. Then the girls will ride on them, while you lead the beasts.*" All three nod eagerly. "*We will do that, effendi*", Farooq replies.
Dietrich nods in approval. "*Excellent. You are proving your value and I will mention this on your behalf.*" The three teenagers smile widely. "*Also, if you really intend to join our military as scouts you should know that there are different ranks among soldiers. Troy, the black-haired older one, and Moffit, the tall one you know and speaks your language, are Sergeants and higher ranking than the younger ones. The old, lean one and I are officers and the highest ranking here. I am called Captain Hans Dietrich. You should call me 'Captain'." They nod again and repeat the title. Hussein bows. "*We heard your name before, but not your title. What does it mean?*" Dietrich smiles at his interest. "*It means that I have been the commander of up to 100 soldiers under different circumstances.*" The three Bedouin teenagers look truly impressed. "*We really want to learn from you, effendi... Kepten.*" The German officer smiles at their efforts, instructing them: "*The officers have the main command, but you follow the orders of all our men for now!*" Overall, he is rather content with the Bedouin teenagers as volunteers, as he has been given more than enough soldiers with less eagerness and honest curiosity. "*Prepare your camels and their loads now!*", he orders sternly and salutes with a wince, as his right shoulder reminds him of the abuse it has suffered lately. The young Bedouins return the gesture with serious faces and then take off to fulfill their orders.
"I see you have everything under control, Captain", Jack Moffit comments dryly, as he observes them. "I need you to look after the girl, Moffit, while I speak to the Wehrmacht soldier Meier. I want her to get familiar with the horse." The Brit nods. "You know that I'm not as good at handling children as you are, Captain." Dietrich smiles wryly. "I should return in a few minutes and always stay in her sight. She even stayed alone with Hitchcock yesterday, when I told her that he is my friend." "Don't let Hitch hear you or you'll be pestered to give another probation", Jack replies with a smile and a wink. The German officer groans in mock drama. "As if Troy wouldn't be enough." "I warned you", the Brit counters dryly. "Indeed. I have only myself to blame", the younger officer admits dryly.
Then, he crouches before Kiri and addresses her gently. "*Kiri, I need to speak with one of the men, but I need you to stay here with the horse. My... friend*", he briefly exchanges a glance with Moffit who actually smiles, "*will look after you. Moffit even understands Arabic, so you can speak with him, if you need something.*" "*Where do you go?*", the girl inquires with worry. "*Just over there to the men. You can always see me*", the young Captain explains, as he points at the Jeep and the soldiers inside. "*I will stay, but watch you*", she finally agrees. "*Good. Behave yourself well, Kiri! You want to leave a good impression...*" When he stands up, Troy approaches him, holding two utensils Hans has indeed missed dearly, his cap and his goggles. "I thought you'd need these", the American Sergeant comments with a grin. "You look a lot younger without that cap, so better wear it before that fishy Jerry guy gets any funny ideas or refuses to listen to you, 'cause you're too young or something." The German Captain raises his eyebrows and looks slightly bemused by the absurd line of argumentation, but is grateful for the two items nonetheless, fixing the goggles around his neck and putting on the cap.
Dietrich walks over to the Australian armored cars. In the back of one sit the young Bedouin guard and the German Wehrmacht soldier under the watch of Michael Lakatos who holds an automatic gun and dons a stern expression. In the back of the second vehicle, Private Young leans lethargically. Whether he has eaten or drunk at all Dietrich does not know, but it is obvious that the shell shocked soldier is a total wreck. The German officer turns toward his intended target, the Wehrmacht soldier, and addresses him after exchanging a brief nod with Lakatos in his usual command tone: "Gefreiter Meier." This induces a well-trained reaction, as the German soldier sits straight and tries to salute with his bound hands, replying automatically: "Herr Hauptmann." "Meier, es ist Ihnen bewusst, dass Sie Schuld auf sich geladen haben und die Alliierten Sie in keinster Weise mögen", Dietrich argues sternly that the young man has accumulated a load of guilt and the Allies do not like him at all. The German soldier nods wearily. "Ich weiß, Herr Hauptmann, und es tut mir auch wirklich leid. Aber ich hätte Karim nicht widersprechen können, ohne selbst misshandelt zu werden", he replies that he knows that, but could not have acted any differently without being mistreated by Karim himself.
The German Captain scowls, but nods. "Über Feigheit, Moral und Prinzipien will ich nicht diskutieren. Wir werden Sie zu unserem Lager zurückbringen und von dort in ein Kriegsgefangenenlager. Ich erwarte, dass Sie sich kooperativ verhalten, weder Widerstand leisten noch versuchen, irgendjemanden anzugreifen oder zu entwaffnen. Die Wehrmacht würde Sie aufgrund Ihrer Straftaten ohnehin nicht ungestraft zurücknehmen." The German officer growls that he does not want to discuss cowardice or moral principles with him, but instead informs him that he will be brought to their camp and from there on to a POW camp. The lean Captain insists that the German does not put up resistance or try to attack or disarm anybody, reminding him that he cannot return to the Wehrmacht unscathed given his crimes. Meier hangs his head. "Ich weiß, Herr Hauptmann. Ich werde keinen Widerstand leisten." Dietrich frowns and is not simply content that the German knows this anyways and says that he will not resist.
"Meier, ich will Ihr Ehrenwort mir gegenüber als Offizier, dass Sie keinen Widerstand leisten werden und kooperativ sind. Ich schwöre Ihnen im Gegenzug bei meiner Ehre als Offizier, dass ich dafür Sorge tragen werde, dass Sie anständig und gerecht gemäß der Genfer Konvention behandelt werden." The young soldier stares at him slightly astonished, as the young officer demands his word of honor to not resist and cooperate. When the Captain swears on his honor as an officer that he will then make sure that Meier will be treated decently and fair according to the Geneva Convention, the young soldier has tears shining in the corners of his eyes. "Ich gebe Ihnen mein Ehrenwort. Sie sind ein besserer Mensch und anständigerer Offizier als mein Hauptmann Zornbrecht." Holding out his hand for the Captain to shake he not only gives his word of honor, but also states that Dietrich is a better man and more decent officer than his own Hauptmann Zornbrecht. The young officer shakes his hand to seal the deal, reminding him that he expects Meier to keep his word or he will get to know him. "Ich erwarte, dass Sie Ihr Wort halten, Meier, sonst werden Sie mich kennenlernen." "Jawohl, Herr Hauptmann", the soldier mutters in compliance. Dietrich nods to him, then Michael Lakatos, before turning around to walk back to Kiri and Moffit.
When the young German officer hears a sound behind his back that makes his blood run cold, a Browning machine gun being unlocked, his battle instinct perfected over months through the Rat Patrol's training sets in and he immediately drops to the ground and rolls to the side to get cover under the armored car. A mere second later bullets pierce the air and sand where the young Captain has stood only a moment before. Gritting his teeth, Dietrich curses himself for having believed the spineless coward's word of honor, when a man who has done the things Meier has done clearly has none. However, he would never have believed that the whimpering coward and sodomist would actually dare to attack him outright mere moments after giving his word of honor. A different gunshot only a few seconds after the start of the attack and a cry of pain after which the sound of the guns ends abruptly, indicate to the German officer that he can get out of cover safely. Kevin and Daniel O'Donnell run past his car, as he rolls out from it on the other side from where he has been attacked previously and cautiously stands up to gain an overview of what is happening with the Jeep still providing him with cover. The two Australian Privates struggle against their injured fellow soldier, Private Jack Young, who cries with pure desperation and raw emotion: "He's a Jerry spy. You must kill him, before he kills us all! He's conspiring with the Jerry pervert. I heard them speak German." When his captors increase their hold of him, the thin Aussie whimpers with desperation: "Please, you must believe me." Then, the O'Donnell brothers feel his body fall limp, as the last of his strength has been used up.
A truly sad and haunted expression settles on Dietrich's face, as he realizes the reason for the attack on him and that he actually cannot even blame the tormented soldier, but understands him better than most of the others can. How anybody will be able to help the abused and shell shocked soldier is beyond him though. A hand gripping his left shoulder makes him whirl around drawing his gun in an automatic fluent motion. Only when he recognizes who is standing behind him, does the young Captain return the weapon to its holster, while Sam Troy inquires with actual worry in his eyes: "Are you alright?" The tall German officer nods with a pained look. "I'm physically unharmed by the attack." The American Sergeant breathes a sigh of relief, as he mutters: "Holy mother of God, Dietrich. I'm actually glad that you're quick and nimble like a cat and we trained you well enough in dodging bullets." The younger Captain counters dryly: "You actually trained me well in dropping to the ground and seeking cover at the sound of a Browning being unlocked. I doubt Captain Boggs will consider this a quality in one of his officers though."
"Has this damn digger completely lost his mind to attack you?", Troy growls ignoring the comment about Boggs, as he still scrutinizes the tall German to see any indication of injury. "Actually, Private Young has acted plausibly. After hearing me speak German he assumed that I'm a spy or infiltrator and attacked me. We've gone through enough trouble with our spies and infiltrators to know better than to blame him." Troy looks incredulous. "Have you lost it, Captain? How can you defend the guy who almost killed you?" Dietrich bears a fatalistic expression, as he replies with a serious tone: "Sergeant. You seem to forget that I actually am a defected German officer and any Allied soldier is acting absolutely reasonably not to trust me." Troy wants to protest, but finds himself interrupted by Brown before Dietrich. "Captain Dietrich is actually right. We respect him because we have gotten to know him personally. But for anyone else who just hears the German name or language, he will only be a Nazi turncoat or potential spy." The German Captain flinches at the term 'Nazi turncoat', but has to agree that Brown's assessment is summarising the sad truth of his future existence rather accurately. Seeing the younger man's reaction and hanging head, Troy squeezes his friend's shoulder gently. "No matter what any idiot thinks or says we know better than to think that, Captain." "We sure do", Hitch agrees, as he joins them now and looks at the German Captain with honest concern.
Remembering his current ward and Ari's panicked reaction to such a situation, Hans whirls around and quickly walks over to kneel before Kiri who has curled up in a fetal position and is covering her ears, while tears run down her face. "Kiri", he calls her, but receives no reaction. Finally, the Captain is desperate enough to reach out to touch her shoulder rather than have her falling into a panic attack, as he has nobody who could help him in dealing with that. Schwester Regula is still hours away in their camp. The Bedouin girl flinches and opens her eyes to stare at him fearfully. Only after a few moments, recognition settles in and she jumps to her feet to huddle against him. "*You came back to protect me, Ioannes*", she whispers with actual gratitude, as she tries to wrap her arms around his torso which are far too short for such a maneuver. "What happened, Captain?", Moffit, who has been too far away and occupied with trying to calm a crying Kiri to see much, asks with concern, eyeing the German Captain from head to toe in search of an injury.
"Private Young attacked me after speaking with the Wehrmacht soldier, suspecting me to be a spy or infiltrator", the younger officer replies with a bitter tone. The British Sergeant's gaze holds some sympathy, as he replies rather matter-of-factually: "I see. That explains a lot." Dietrich closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, nodding in agreement, but suffering nonetheless internally from the unwarranted lack of trust in him in spite of his true conviction, honor and loyalty. Being an outcast for his own people and a distrusted traitor for his new allies will never stop eating on him and he realizes that although he has known this all along, he has not been able to imagine what it would feel like to be in this situation on a long term. It particularly hurts that he is unable to change this in any way, as there will always exist people who do not know him and will always consider him the cowardly 'Nazi turncoat', although they could not be further from the truth. The despondent young officer starts slightly, when he feels a hand on his left shoulder. "You did nothing wrong, Captain", Jack Moffit speaks quietly. "You won't change people's prejudices though, only the opinion of those who get to know you, as you've changed mine." Dietrich is honestly surprised by the open display of his emotions and thoughts, uncharacteristic for the reserved British Sergeant. Jack lets go of the younger man's shoulder and meets his gaze in a wordless exchange of silent understanding. Kiri has meanwhile exhausted her reserve of tears crying into the German Captain's chest, soaking his jacket enough to leave dark stains on his uniform.
"How's our young friend?", Troy asks with a slightly worried expression, as he steps toward them. "Kiri is shocked and scared. What did you expect, Troy?", the German Captain replies with a serious tone. "I wasn't talking about her", the American Sergeant mutters more quietly to Moffit who whispers back: "As would be expected I suppose." Troy looks at the German Captain's face more closely, before whispering back: "He looked like a kicked puppy, when Browny called him a 'Nazi turncoat'." The fact that the German officer tenses at the words and looks up sharply makes it clear that he has heard and understood them all along. But with the crying girl pressed against him he does not wish to start any unnecessary discussions with the annoying American Sergeant and settles for glaring at him, before speaking gently with his current ward: "*Kiri. I'm fine and nothing bad will happen. We will get to know the horse now. Do you know the name?*" Hans' plan of trying to distract her works somewhat, as Kiri shakes her head and stops her stream of tears. But Hussein addresses him, looking up from packing his camel. "*The horse is called Salih, Kepten.*" Dietrich thanks him and calls the steed by his name. The Arab horse snorts and turns its head in his direction with an intelligent and wary gaze.
The German Captain stands up, as Kiri lets go of him to look at the horse with fascination. Speaking gently with the tall beast, the experienced rider lets the steed get accustomed to his scent. "Can I help you with the saddle, Captain?", Troy offers, bringing the riding equipment along with his own. Actual gratitude shines in the younger man's eyes. "Yes, Troy. Thank you." Subconsciously, the tall German officer rubs his injured shoulder and grimaces at the pain his flight from the bullets has not helped to improve. "Leave the saddle to me and take care of the girl! You're my number one choice for a godfather by now", the American Sergeant comments half-jokingly. A sad look enters the German's eyes, as he whispers with a strangled tone: "Lisl, my cousin killed by the SS, used to say the same." "You're a good guy and I swear to you, I'll beat up anyone who calls you a 'Nazi turncoat', including Browny", Troy vows and the German Captain looks surprised, but actually touched by the statement, muttering: "Thank you, Troy. But I'd rather we both keep our jobs than have you kicked out for such an act."
Looking at the girl, Troy places the saddle a bit further from the horse's neck than he usually would and lays a folded blanket over the horse's shoulders to allow the girl to sit in front of the rider and be held by him, while he holds the reins. "Get up. I'll help the girl up to sit in front of you", the American Sergeant suggests and the German officer does not even discuss the reasonable plan, mounting the steed with practiced ease. "You wanna keep this horse instead of a Jeep?", Troy asks, when he sees the young Captain bear an almost joyful expression, as he tests the reins and horse's reaction to him as a rider. "I'm seriously considering it, especially after yesterday's accident", Dietrich replies dryly. "You can help Kiri up, when I give you the signal." To the girl the German speaks in Arabic now: "*Kiri. My friend Troy will help you to sit before me. He needs to pick you up for that. Don't be afraid!*" The girl nods bravely, but looks at the big, loud Sergeant with a scared expression. Seeing that this will not get any better, the German Captain gives the signal to Troy who picks the little girl up gently and puts her onto the blanket before the young officer. At first, Kiri shivers with fear, but then she gasps with surprise, when she sees her new perspective behind the horse's neck. Her protector keeps her upright and stabilizes her in between his arms, while holding the reins in hand. The Bedouin teenagers cheer at him, as he takes off riding in a circle around the Jeeps. Hitch grins widely and waves with his uninjured arm, while Tully smirks at the sight of their Captain on the horseback. Somehow this appears more natural for the German officer than the Jeeps or the German half-tracks and Kübelwagen he has ridden in. The Aussies grin as well, while the German soldier Meier merely gapes open-mouthed at the sight. Troy and Moffit follow close behind him, while the Bedouin boys and girls with their camels need far more time to get started due to the animals' peculiar way of standing up. "We're ready to ride!", Brown declares. "So are we", Dietrich replies. "Let's shake it!", Troy shouts and Tully obediently starts driving.
Four hours after their start, the German Captain signals to the Jeeps to stop, knowing of the animals' need to rest during the hottest hour of the day. Dietrich waits until Troy has dismounted and comes over to assist him to let Kiri glide into the Sergeant's arm, before dismounting himself. The girl has been quiet and uncomplicated during the ride and Hans starts to appreciate her as a riding companion. Tully and Moffit, who is required as the interpreter, coordinate the preparation of food and tea for their lunch, when Dietrich orders their three Arab teenagers to take care of the animals, while the Aussies check on their vehicles. "*You are a very good rider, Captain Hans Dietrich*", Farooq comments, sounding honestly impressed. His pronunciation of the German name and foreign title is better than his friends'. "*Sheikh Suleiman of the oasis town to the West once lent me one of his horses to cross the desert and get medicine for my soldiers and the town. I rode through the desert for two weeks. They call me 'faris alsahra', 'desert knight', since then*", the German officer answers with a smile, patting the Arab steed Salih on the neck affectionately, muttering a few gentle words. The three boys and Kiri gape at him open-mouthed, looking obviously impressed. "*Off you go to your work!*", the Captain orders the boys, before speaking gently to the girl: "*Come with me, Kiri!*"
The young Bedouin girl looks a lot more alive than she has after her breakdown and shock. Now she grasps her protector's jacket lapel and holds onto it to stop him from running away. "*Kiri, what do you need?*", Hans inquires, forcing himself to sound more friendly than annoyed that she interrupts his camp organisation. "*Don't go away, Ioannes!*", she mutters and now he notices that she walks a bit unsteadily, unused to the riding position she has been in for hours. Kneeling down, the German Captain asks more gently: "*Does it hurt? Are you in pain?*" The Bedouin girl looks a bit unsure, before answering shyly: "*A little.*" Dietrich nods in understanding. "*Our nurses, healer women, will look at you and help you, when we arrive in our camp later*", he explains cautiously. "*Why can't you help me?*", she asks innocently. The German officer sighs wearily. "*I'm a soldier, a warrior, not a healer. So getting you to a healer is the best I can do for you.*" Kiri nods in understanding and Hans is relieved that she buys the explanation, as telling her his actual reason that undressing an unknown girl and checking her where it hurts would violate any sense of decency and propriety.
Preparing lunch works with exceptional efficiency given their additional helping hands, so that one of the girls already hands him and Kiri copper cups with tea and a flatbread. Mark Hitchcock joins them almost immediately thereafter, smiling and winking at the teenage girls. One asks something in Arabic and Dietrich starts coughing in his tea with a grimace. "What did she ask, Cap?", Mark inquires curiously. The German Captain fights to keep a straight face, as he replies: "She asked whether you would like to marry her. She said she is close to her bloom." "Huh. What?", Hitch stammers dumbfounded. "Where is your Shakespearean eloquence, Hitchcock?", the tall officer asks with a smirk. "I thought Lisa Hartigan is used to sharing you." Hitch looks like he has bitten on something sour. "I'm not the type for marriage." The German appears somewhat bemused. "Why am I not surprised?" Turning back to the girls, he replies: "*He has his obligations, as do all of us.*" One of the girls looks particularly sad at the answer, but both nod and bow to the young officer they have learned is a leader of his warriors. Without any possessions to bring to their husband as a dowry, they could not even consider asking a man of his standing to marry them.
When Dietrich sees Brown approach with a tense Private Jack Young who wears a bandage where Lakatos has grazed his upper arm, he orders in Arabic "*Stay here with my friend, Kiri!*" and adds in English "Watch the girl, Hitchcock!". Then, the tall German officer stands up and takes an attentive stance, keeping his left hand close to his gun holster. "Captain Brown, Private Young", the younger Captain addresses the two Aussies in a controlled and distanced manner. Brown for once acts with the appropriate formality of an army officer, as he speaks with calm determination: "I want to formally get you two introduced and acquainted. Private Jack Young. This is Captain Hans Dietrich, formerly an officer of the German Afrikakorps, now one of our best young Captains in the LRDG." Both Dietrich and Young eye each other warily, before the German Captain decides to act as cooperative and non-threatening as he possibly can, saluting formally and nodding to the Private, schooling his features into a carefully controlled neutral mask. "Captain Dietrich almost died at the hands of the SS", Brown remarks and the German officer tenses visibly, but observes the other man looking at him intensely now. Subconsciously, the young Captain moves his fingers over the scars on his collarbone, his permanent reminder of the SS and their handling of prisoners. "You escaped the SS from their hidden cave to the North of the road", Dietrich remarks carefully, but as a statement, not a question. "We found some of your comrades, Private Young. In spite of all that has happened to you, you were wise to run, when you got the chance." Young averts his gaze and mutters: "You don't understand..." The German Captain takes a step closer to him and sees the young Aussie soldier tense now. Quietly, the young officer whispers: "The German soldier confessed what crime the Wehrmacht convicted him for and indirectly what he helped Karim do to you. He will not remain free and his crime will be marked in his file for the Americans who handle him as a prisoner to know. But you, Private Young, bear no guilt for what others did to you." The young Aussie moves his head in such a sudden motion that Dietrich feels the instinctive urge to jump back and draw his weapon, but controls it consciously. "You know...", Young whispers with a tone between pain and desperation. For the first time, the German Captain notices the young man's green eyes, as they meet his brown ones with a pleading look, pleading for what he does not know exactly. "Private Young. As a Captain of the LRDG it is my duty and obligation to support you in any way I can. I know that you hate and distrust me, because I am a German officer, but I swear to you that I would rather help you if I can than see you suffer. I can understand what you have been through better than most." Again his hand moves to his collarbone, this time in a deliberate action, as he unbuttons his jacket and shirt wide enough to let the young Australian see the scars there. Young's eyes widen and he mutters something incomprehensible under his breath. As the German Captain rebuttons his shirt, he adds rather dryly: "I would truly appreciate, if you would not try to kill me anymore." The Australian Private looks flustered and sounds actually apologetic, as he says: "I'm sorry, Capt'n. I didn't know... who you are." "I don't blame you, but I'd like to stay alive and not find my death at the hands of my allies", the German officer comments dryly. When he sees the young Aussie hang his head, looking desperate, he surprises himself by offering: "Sit with us, Private. Being among your fellow comrades in arms is better than sitting alone." Young, Brown and even Hitchcock look surprised, but a shy smile seems to pass over the Aussie's face, before he sits down at some distance to the German officer. Brown steps toward Dietrich, puts a hand on the younger Captain's shoulder, ignoring how he tenses immediately, before he whispers: "That was excellent, Dietrich. You're a good officer and better with these clerical duties than I am." Dietrich nods and tries to get away from the Australian's grasp without being too obvious about it, as he dodges away and sits down next to Kiri again who looks at him curiously, but does not dare to ask a question about what has happened.
The rest of the Rats and Australian soldiers gather around them rather quickly, having their lunch in a peaceful union of the American and Australian LRDP soldiers and officers. Kiri still looks intimidated, but gets used to the soldiers and even takes the plate from Tully before waiting for Dietrich's prompt. Her young protector enjoys his lunch just like the rest of them. Having freshly baked flatbread and dried fruits in addition to their usual rations is an actual luxury. After some hesitation even Jack Young takes a few bites from his bread and some spoonfuls of his meal, a definite improvement to his previous state at breakfast, as Dietrich assesses.
After their lunch they call Captain Boggs again to report their progress, before they continue their afternoon ride which takes them back to the camp at the arrival of dusk. Several soldiers of different armies, British, Australian and American, have gathered at the rim of the camp at their arrival. Seeing the German Captain and his two Sergeants ride before the Jeeps and a small caravan of six camels with Arab teenagers as riders is a sight to behold which they do not see every day. James Boggs has emerged from his tent, along with several other officers. Jakob Silberblatt can barely contain an excited Ari and Fritz who senses the overall excitement in the camp and starts barking and yelping. Dietrich scowls, as he notices the amount of soldiers at the rim of the camp, suspecting some unfortunate incident, as has been almost his routine in his German camps, whenever he has found the men gathered in an unusual manner. When he hears jeers from the Allied soldiers he suspects some mischief from either Troy and the Rats or Brown and his diggers. When he looks over his shoulder and sees Troy and Moffit look equally puzzled by the behaviour as he is, he clears them from his list of suspects. Although Brown grins at the unexpected enthusiasm with which they are greeted, he does not seem like the initiator of the spectacle either. Kiri is waving her arms enthusiastically at the people waving to her and almost sliding down, if Hans would not have reacted fast, when feeling the motion, and have caught her. Several men wave still, while others shout loud warnings and the German Captain truly wonders what is going on. Several nurses are stepping out of the field hospital and, while Lisa and Deirdre bear surprised looks at the sight of the riders, Regula has a slightly starry eyed gaze. The German Captain stops their unusual convoy in the centre of the camp, where Captain Boggs is waiting next to Lieutenants Silberblatt, Carlos and Johnson as well as Sergeant Williamson.
Hans again allows Troy to help put Kiri on the ground, before dismounting himself. Ari does not wait any longer and runs toward his brother with tears of joy in his eyes, hugging him around the waist. Fritz is not waiting either to greet his master and friends, wagging his tail while putting his front paws on the young officer's thigh. The lean German winces slightly, as his countless bruises protest against the pressure put on them by the hug, but pats the boy's back who sobs into his uniform jacket which is beyond hope of being worn again without washing anyways. "Hans, I'm so happy... you're back. I thought you died ... or got injured. We were so worried, ... when you didn't come back", the Jewish boy manages to get out in between sobs. Dietrich crouches, freeing himself briefly from the boy's grasp only to feel his arms wrap around the young officer's neck. "I'm back and I'm fine, Ari. You can stop crying and worrying." Noticing Kiri staring at them, he switches to Arabic: "*Ari, I want to introduce you to somebody.*" Dietrich waits until Ari has calmed enough to look him in the eyes. "*This is Kiri. She lost her parents like you. I promised her mother to take care of her.*" Ari stares at the girl and an expression mixing desperation, anger, jealousy and sadness passes over his face. "*Does this mean you're not my brother anymore?*", he inquires with a quivering lip. Hans smiles gently, as he places his hand on the boy's shoulder and speaks in a reassuring manner: "*Ari. Nothing in this world would stop me from being your brother. Taking care of Kiri doesn't change that. But as my little brother I ask you to help me now with taking care of her.*" Ari meets his eyes and listens intently, as Hans explains: "*She's scared, just like you were in the beginning. Kiri doesn't understand our language, just like you did in the beginning. And she has lost her mother because of evil men, just like you lost your family. Please look after her, help her and protect her, while I have to take care of my job as an officer!*" Ari looks at his caregiver attentively and nods immediately after his final words. "*I will help you, Hans. I'll show you that I'm a good brother.*" The German Captain smiles gently, as the Jewish orphan hugs him again. Fritz has meanwhile changed his strategy to putting his head on the crouching man's knee to gain his attention and finally his cuddles as well.
Leaving the boy, the young officer turns to Kiri and introduces Ari who knows how to present himself by now, as he stands up into a straight stance he has observed on his brother and calls Fritz to his side. "*Kiri, this is Ari. He speaks your language and has been living in our camp for a while. He will help you. Please stay with him, when I cannot stay around. Oh yes, and this is Fritz.*" Kiri looks at the boy of her size and age warily, while Ari appears curious, looking at the girl. "*Shalom. I'm Ari. Hans is my brother*", he introduces himself proudly and tries to keep things straight to the relevant point. Kiri looks confused. "*My name Ioannes is Hans in my own language*", Dietrich explains matter-of-factually. "*How can you be brothers?*", Kiri finally asks, looking still confused. "*God sent him to me to protect me*", Ari explains proudly and now the girl really starts to smile. "*To me as well.*" The German Captain briefly wonders whether this has been a good idea or would backfire spectacularly, when his two wards join forces. Standing up, he quietly moves away to leave the children to their own discussion which is interrupted when Fritz manages to enchant Kiri with his puppy eyes stare and Ari starts explaining the dog's role and relevance in his own manner.
Dietrich manages all of three steps before finding himself in another embrace. Jakob is not sobbing, but appears quite close to losing his countenance and acting like Ari. "Hans, we thought you're dead, when you were gone from the Jeep", the curly haired Lieutenant whispers quietly, barely able to contain his emotions. "Jakob, I've been in such and worse situations before. It's not that easy to kill me", his friend mutters back. "That doesn't keep me from worrying", Jakob counters indignantly. "You're just like your mother, Jakob", his German friend comments with a smile. When Silberblatt lets go of him, the German Captain finally manages to take a look around. Boggs is stepping up to them now and frowns upon the sight of some bruises on his younger colleague's face. According to Brown he has a lot more underneath his uniform and his first intention is to get his rescued men checked in the sickbay.
"Captain Dietrich", the American Captain addresses the taller officer and the German Captain immediately clicks his heels and stands at attention, performing a wincing salute before even thinking about the action consciously. "Captain Boggs", the tall younger man replies in a controlled manner and Boggs wonders what makes him act so guarded and reserved. "Has something happened to have gathered so many men at the rim of the camp?", Dietrich inquires cautiously. Boggs looks surprised, but replies: "Only almost losing the camp's second in command and one of their comrades in arms to Arab raiders." The German Captain tenses and scowls slightly. "Hitchcock requires medical attention, as does the Australian soldier we have rescued. The others are fine and unscathed, although it might be better to check on Gottschlich as well." "You look worse for wear yourself. Get checked in sickbay now, Captain Dietrich! I want a report and explanation for bringing a whole Arab caravan to our camp afterwards", Boggs orders with a stern expression that holds some worry about what he has heard in Brown's reports. That Sergeant Troy has had to carry the unconscious German officer back to camp yesterday has not helped his sleep last night. Dietrich scowls, but nods acknowledging his orders, before giving another wincing salute and turning on his heels.
"Do me a favour, Jakob, and bring Kiri and Ari to the sickbay, once they have become acquainted with each other. Nurse Regula shall take care of her. She is the best at treating children. The girl has been in the hands of slavers for weeks and her mother was killed yesterday. Also being on horseback for the first time in her life has caused her some pain." The German Captain's words bring a sad expression to his friend's face. "Don't worry, Hans. I'll take care of them." "Thank you, Jakob", Hans replies, before walking toward his unit. "Hitchcock!", Dietrich barks the name and Hitch looks up from wjere he sits on the ground cuddling Fritz. "I'm here, Cap." The German officer glares at him slightly. "Indeed, you're here instead of the sickbay where you should be", the tall Captain drawls sarcastically. "Corporal Gottschlich, you will accompany us as well for a checkup." Both know that this is not a friendly invitation, but an order and the two American soldiers walk before their commanding officer toward the field hospital.
Lisa Hartigan smiles, but her expression becomes more serious, when she sees Hitchcock's arm in its emergency sprains and the German Captain's fresh bruises on the face. "Didn't I tell you to take care with your driving, Mark?", she asks accusatorily, glaring at the young Private. "It was for once not his fault to drive in a risky manner. We drove onto an abandoned German grenade, luckily not a minefield", Dietrich replies in defence of his driver in an automatic move that surprises both Hitch and Lisa. While Mark smiles gratefully at the young officer who he likes more and more, Lisa focuses her glare on him now. "Captain. I believe to have told you as well to take care, as this camp needs its second in command fit and healthy. You risked your life again, didn't you?", she snaps at her new target for venting her built up nervousness and worries. "I have taken no unnecessary risks, but had to step in to protect my man, especially when he was unable to see or raise his arm in his own defence ", the young officer growls back defensively. "Lisa!", Deirdre O'Donnell calls her friend to her senses. "The Captain has acted as he should and only protected Mark." Lisa Hartigan's expression softens now at her friend's words. "I'm sorry, Captain. I should rather thank you for bringing him back to me." When she leans forward to kiss the surprised officer on the cheek, he wonders how this mood swing has come to pass based only on the other nurse's words. Deirdre places a hand on his upper arm and directs the German Captain gently to a separated part of the tent, while Lisa points for Hitch to sit on one of the cots and calls for Doctor Andrews to take care of his broken arm. Regula takes mercy on the forlorn looking Corporal Gottschlich, starting to chat in her Swiss accented German upon hearing that he understands the language which the poor young man understands hardly anything of.
Upon arriving in the officer's ward, David Troy asks: "Is this you, Lisa?" "No. It's Deirdre", the blond nurse replies. "And I'm here to take care of your fellow Captain." "Did Boggs do something reckless for once in his life?", the pilot jokes jovially, trying to move his head enough to catch a glimpse of the man in the American uniform who snorts in slight amusement at the comment. "Oh, it's my favourite Jerry Captain", David exclaims with actual joy, when he recognizes the brown hair and tall lean stature of the younger officer. "Troy, would it kill you to shut up for five minutes?", the German officer drawls with dry sarcasm. "I don't know. I've never tried that willingly", David counters with a grimace that should have been a grin. Dietrich suppresses the urge to roll his eyes at the juvenile behaviour, as this would only serve to make him lose face because of the clown. Deirdre smiles at the exchange with amusement and directs the young German officer to take a seat on an empty cot next to Major Turner who is sitting up and eyeing the new arrival curiously.
As the lean German takes off his jacket and shirt, the older American officer inquires with some concern at the sight of the bruises: "What has happened, Captain Dietrich?" The younger officer sighs wearily, but starts to provide a diligent report to which Major Bracken and General Atkins listen as well, as does David Troy who remains exceptionally well-behaved during this recount of the events. Dietrich is briefly interrupted, when the nurse calls Doktor Sommer who greets his former Hauptmann and checks the bruise above his liver with some concern, especially when the younger officer groans in pain at the diagnostic pokes and pressure. "I suspect some internal bleeding has happened, but the injury is definitely not bleeding anymore or this bruise would be a lot larger in that case. I don't think we need to operate, Hans", he informs his former commander who smiles gratefully. "Danke, Ludwig", the younger man replies gratefully. On Sommer's directions, Deirdre finally settles for massaging a salve with anaesthetic qualities into Dietrich's shoulder and on the largest and most painful fresh bruises, while the German Captain continues his report, wincing a few times at her treatment.
Once she is finished, she helps the young officer into his shirt again for which Hans is actually grateful, as his right shoulder definitely hurts at almost every movement by now. "We would like to see your Arab volunteers later", Major Turner tells the young officer. "I will see to that, once I have provided my report to Captain Boggs", Dietrich replies diligently. Then, he salutes and turns to leave, when Jakob enters with the two children who swarm him immediately. "Hans", Ari exclaims with joy. "Ioannes", Kiri squeaks in excitement, as both run to him. "*Don't run here!*", the German officer admonishes sternly after which they continue a bit more slowly and the strict nurse Arno nods in acknowledgement of the effort. "Schwester Regula!", the Captain calls the other Swiss nurse he would rather have take care of the child who is unfamiliar with medical procedures. "Ich möchte Sie bitten, dass Sie Kiri untersuchen. Das Mädchen hat gestern seine Mutter verloren und war davor wochenlang in der Gewalt von Sklavenhändlern. Sie hat über Schmerzen nach dem Reiten geklagt, aber ich habe mich außer Stande gesehen, sie selbst an den Stellen zu untersuchen", he explains that the girl has lost her mother yesterday and been in the hand of slavers for weeks. With a slightly embarrassed tone the German adds how Kiri has complained about pain after riding and he has not considered it appropriate to perform a medical check on the girl himself, waiting for the female nurse as the better option. The Swiss nurse smiles at the young man who blushes a bit while describing his predicament, before turning to the girl and speaking gently with her. Ari diligently translates, as Hans has told him and Kiri smiles gratefully at him. "Well done, Ari!", Hans whispers into the boy's ear and pats him on the shoulder in a reassuring manner that makes the orphan beam at his caregiver with pride and joy.
The German Captain leaves quickly, while the children are still occupied by the nurse. From the corner of his eyes he observes Jakob speaking with the Majors and the General, but leaves nonetheless, as none of them calls him back. "Your friend is a good officer, but he has a surprisingly humanitarian streak", Major Turner tells the young Jewish Lieutenant with a frown. "You must understand one thing about Hans Dietrich", Silberblatt explains with a serious expression. "His father has insisted that his only son has to become an officer like he, his own father and grandfather. Neither father nor son have doubted for a single moment that this is the chosen path for Hans. However, Hans spent a lot of time with his uncle and aunt, as well as my family. Both my father and his uncle Heinz Wolf were medical doctors and served as field medics in the last Great War. They knew what military life, war and battles ensue. They also decided that even if they could not change his predefined career they wanted Hans to be a role model officer with moral standards they would have wished any of their officers to have. So he has grown up with these moral principles and a clear concept of decent and humane behaviour and that he should always stand by them if possible, independent of the orders of uncaring authorities."
Major Turner frowns and considers the implications of this revelation. "So, he will put his moral principles before direct orders, Lieutenant?" Jakob Silberblatt looks him straight in the eyes. "With all due respect, Major. He wouldn't even be here and wouldn't have defected, if this wouldn't be the case. Hans ordered his men to fire at SS troops rather than Jewish families, innocent women and children. You'd better not order anything like that or he will resist. Otherwise, he is a loyal officer." While Turner looks thoughtful, Bracken intercedes: "That German Captain's always been a decent lad. He agreed to testify on behalf of his enemies, for Sergeant Moffit's benefit, although he was a loyal DAK officer. Steadfast, an officer and gentleman. I like that fellow." General Atkins who has been quiet until now and affected by the drugs for days, speaks for the first time in Jakob Silberblatt's presence: "That's what we wanted, a good commando officer who those soldiers respect and who can recruit local helpers." "He recruited three Bedouin teenagers in a single evening", Major Turner sighs. "That just means that he's better than I thought", Atkins comments with an uncharacteristic grin. "He can adopt an orphan or two in a while, as long as he continues with his duties in such efficiency." "Sterling and his lads from the SAS might appreciate collaborating with him", Bracken suggests and Atkins smiles cryptically. "HQ has plans for a man of Dietrich's qualities." Turner observes the uncomfortable looking Jakob Silberblatt. "You're dismissed, Lieutenant!" After a few moments of hesitation, the younger man says a final goodbye and turns to leave, until he remembers that Hans has put him in charge of Ari and the girl. Kiri is giggling at some funny face, Regula makes for her amusement to distract her from the medical checkup and Ari is happy to have another child to laugh along with.
The tall German Captain meanwhile stalks off in the direction of Captain Boggs' office tent, where Brown and Boggs are already waiting for him. "Captain Brown has just provided me with his report. I would like to receive yours now, Captain Dietrich", the American Captain orders sternly. This is exactly what Hans Dietrich has expected and already provided once to the higher ranking officers in the field hospital. With a straight stance the tall officer clicks his heels, stands at attention and starts reporting about their accident, providing First Aid to Hitchcock, sending Gottschlich off to summon support, being captured by the Arab raiders and brought to their camp. Then, the German hesitates and only briefly mentions the Bedouin woman pleading with him to protect her daughter and being driven to the brink of exhaustion, before continuing in more detail how he has interacted with the German and Australian soldier and executed his and Hitchcock's escape attempt, recruited the three Bedouin teenagers and killed the two Arab guards, trying to rescue Private Young, before the Rats' bomb has taken him off his feet.
Boggs nods with a frown, but Brown is the one to ask incredulously: "I've known many soldiers here in North Africa, but I've never met even one who has recruited Arab teens who wanted to join our military for him or would have taken the risk you have for just a single Bedouin girl. Why do you care about this girl at all?" The young German officer is unnerved and affronted by the moronic question, as he growls back: "Do you think that I would coldbloodedly leave children to their death at the hand of slavers, just because I'm, what did you say, a 'Nazi turncoat'?" His eyes narrow dangerously at the last words and he practically snarls the last part. "How often have you looked back in your career, Brown, to see the bloodshed and destruction we leave in our wakes?" "Calm down, Dietrich. I'm not accusing you of being a Nazi. I know you're not. All I wanted to say was that Allied soldiers who don't know you might consider you that", Brown tries to appease the livid younger Captain whose pride and sensitivities have been truly injured by his statement, as he realizes now. "And there's a difference between not leaving a child to its fate and what you did for that girl. I can understand that you take care of the kid Ari, because you feel guilty about what happened to his parents, but you didn't even know this girl until yesterday." A haunted look enters the German's gaze, as he replies with a tormented expression: "That is not exactly true. I met the girl before, as did the members of the Rat Patrol." James Boggs looks attentive now and prompts him to continue.
With a weary sigh, Hans Dietrich continues to speak: "A few months ago, we were caught in a skirmish which had already cost me a few of my vehicles and men, when we ended up in the small water hole which housed the woman Marisha and her daughter Kiri, none of us knew until then. The girl fell into the well and her mother ran between the shooting soldiers, crying and pleading with us to stop this senseless fight and save her daughter who was only in danger because of us. When we hesitated, she cursed us all, the men who came to her homeland to destroy their homes, kill their families and poison their water, until nothing remains for the men and women who are native to this land, forcing them out of their age-old homeland. She did not care about which side we fought on, as all sides acted with similar disregard for the land and the lives they destroyed, especially among the locals, collateral damage of a war in a land none of us cares about to capture or live in." Both the Australian and the American Captain exchange serious and worried glances at the words of the younger German officer who does not care about their interaction, as he is caught back in the situation that still haunts his dreams and sometimes waking moments.
Boggs notices the thousand yards stare and pale face of the young German officer. "Sergeant Troy asked me to agree to a truce to save the girl, but I hesitated. I knew that the woman was right, but I had an obligation to my men as well to not risk their lives unnecessarily. Weighing the options including the SS and Gestapo pursecuting us for ignoring Berlin's orders, in the end, I agreed to the truce and Hitchcock got the unconscious girl out of the well." Dietrich sighs wearily, before continuing: "It could have ended well at this point, but then a Captain freshly arrived from Germany ignored the truce, shot at the Rats and threatened to have me put on trial for insubordination because of ignoring Berlin's direct orders." Boggs looks somewhat uncomfortable, while Brown stares at the lean young Captain with open curiosity. Dietrich's suffering is obvious. "I insisted on keeping the truce, until we got the girl out of the well. But the moment she was taken by her mother, pandemonium broke loose with my ignorant Wehrmacht colleague jumping at the chance to kill the Rats, while they were well prepared for that."
The German Captain's face contorts with anger and pain which are also audible in his voice. "Neither he nor a single one of my men survived, but for reasons I don't know or understand I was left alive, uninjured even. Troy just took off with his men, leaving me alone with dozens of dead bodies of my soldiers who had trusted me to make the right decision and with this woman and her daughter. So you see, Brown, I paid for the life of this girl with the lives of more than two dozens of my men. I would not have backed down from helping her, even if I would have had to march through hell myself for it." Dietrich meets their gazes now, with determination actually written into his whole stance. The haunted expression is replaced by a tense fighting stance, while only his eyes still appear haunted by the experience. While Brown bears a scowl, Boggs addresses his younger second in command: "I have never asked for your perspective on the Rats' mission reports, but maybe I should have thought of this earlier. I'm sorry for my ignorance. Tell me, Dietrich, why did you even agree to take over command of their unit?"
The German Captain bears an expression of irony, as he replies with bitter sarcasm: "You mean other than for the fact that I defected and already had one death sentence hanging over my head?" Boggs grimaces, realizing that he should have known better than to ask such a question of the witty young officer, when he already is in a defensive mode. "You have obviously suffered not only material losses, but also on a personal level from the Rats' skirmishes with you and your men. You have more than enough reason to personally hate them even. Do you really want to continue being commander of this specific unit?", Boggs inquires with a serious tone and both Dietrich and Brown look perplexed. "I would have said 'no', if you would have asked me three weeks ago", the young German replies cautiously, but honestly. "But Sammy and his gang of mischief makers will give you hell, if you take away their friend now, Boggs", Brown adds and the German winces, before glaring at him with annoyance, as he growls: "Stop talking such nonsense, Brown!"
"Sergeant Troy is on particularly friendly terms with you, especially given that you have been bitter enemies to a personal degree I have not considered previously", Boggs adds sternly and the younger Captain merely grits his teeth without answering. "From what I have observed and heard in the Rats' more recent reports, I agree with Captain Brown's assessment that they will protest against this far more than you." "I don't agree with it either", Dietrich snaps indignantly. "I have accepted a responsibility, I will live up to the expectations connected with it", he adds proudly. Boggs smiles with sympathy for the proud young German. "That's an attitude I respect about you. I also respect that you keep the moral perspective and human principles in mind, when making your decisions which I have not many officers in my staff doing, not only but also because they don't even know the locals' perspective, unlike you." Honest surprise registers on the young Captain's face, before he gives a mild smile. "Thank you, Captain Boggs."
"I'll leave you in charge of the Rats, because your are the best officer I have for handling this band of troublemakers. They respect you a lot more than me or any other of our officers and they even like you personally. Don't take me for a fool to not see this clearly! Sergeant Troy treats you at least as much like his friend as Doctor Moffit for reasons I won't force you to explain to me. In this regard, Captain Brown is right that they would succeed in making my life miserable and voice their protests quite loudly and clearly", James Boggs argues with a weary sigh. "I would just ask you to try and cause me less trouble than Troy." "I'll do my best", the tall officer replies dryly. "I would have thought it impossible to challenge Troy in the league of creating troubles." "You're unfortunately quite successful in causing me worries, although admittedly in a different manner than Sergeant Troy. Now, I would like to get introduced to these three Arab scouts who want to volunteer to join us", Boggs replies and Dietrich smirks. "So would the Majors and the General. Follow me please", the German officer replies with a stern professional tone, before they walk out of the tent together.
"Hussein, Shakir, Farooq!", the German Captain bellows the names of the teenagers and within half a minute they all come running toward him. "*We are here, faris alsahra*", Hussein calls diligently. "*Captain Hans Dietrich*", his friend makes the effort of pronouncing the foreign name and title. Dietrich smiles and salutes to them which they return as best they can. "I'm impressed. They behave almost as well as some of these Yankee soldiers within a single day. You are really a good officer", Brown comments with some irony and some honesty, although Dietrich glares at him nonetheless. "You want to bring them to sickbay?", Boggs asks, eyeing the three young Bedouins in their rather ragged looking clothes a bit skeptically. "They are better behaved than some of your Rats", the German Captain counters dryly. "They are your Rats now", Boggs reminds him with a smile. "But I'm convinced. Bring your Arabs along! What are the names again?" The younger officer calls: "Hussein." A medium height, muscular lean young Arab with shoulder length black hair steps forward. "Shakir!" A thinner and slightly taller young Bedouin with similar black hair and eyes steps forward and looks at the tall German officer expectantly. Finally, the Captain calls "Farooq" and the smallest and thinnest of the three with a mousey face and long shaggy hair steps forward eyeing the Westerners a bit warily. "*This is Captain James Boggs, commander of this camp*", Dietrich introduces the American Captain who bows at his name, while the three teenagers return the gesture. "*We will bring you now to our highest ranking superiors. They have been attacked and injured which is why our healers take care of them. Behave yourself as best as possible, salute when I call your names. They will decide whether you may stay with us.*" All three nod eagerly.
Then, Dietrich leads the small band to the field hospital. The sickbay inhabitants are more than surprised to see three Captains along with three ragged looking Arab teenagers enter the field hospital. The lean German officer walks first, followed by his two colleagues of the LRDP and the slightly intimidated looking Bedouins. "General Atkins, Major Turner, Major Bracken. May I introduce you to our latest volunteers, Hussein, Shakir and Farooq", Dietrich addresses the three officers and waves his arm in the direction of his three unexpected proteges. The young Bedouins each step forward and salute when their name is called looking expectantly at the German Captain and somewhat shyly at the older men. Atkins rubs his hands and appears as eager and enthusiastic as a gambler who has seen his number drawn. Major Turner looks almost impressed at the appearance. Only Major Bracken appears somewhat dismayed at the ragged appearance of the three youngsters.
"What position do you have in mind, Captain Dietrich?", Turner inquires, still the most straightforward and least affected by his injuries of all if them. "When serving in the Afrikakorps, employing scouts who provide regular reports and get paid extra for specific information on enemy movements has been a strategy accepted by my HQ in North Africa", Dietrich replies cautiously. "We do so as well", Atkins agrees eagerly. "They appear almost as well-trained as your criminal pet Rats, so you may keep them." The German Captain scowls and appears actually angry on behalf of his unit and the young Arabs. "With all due respect, Sir", the young officer snarls in a tone bordering insubordination, "neither do I keep rats as pets nor do I consider animal vocabulary appropriate for usage in human context. I have heard this far too often from the Nazis referring to 'subhumans' to be comfortable with it." Boggs steps forward and puts a hand on the taller German Captain's shoulder to keep him from continuing to speak, feeling the younger man's tense muscles under his hand.
Atkins already eyes him with a calculating expression and Turner scowls at the tone. "You seem to forget what is an appropriate way for a Captain to address a General", the American Major admonishes sternly and the German officer tenses visibly now. "If my tone has been inappropriate, I apologise", young Captain finally grinds out after a few seconds it takes for him to wrestle down his anger and pride. Boggs breathes a sigh of relief, but tenses again, when the German continues to speak. "However, I will not apologise for the content of my words, as I stand by my statement." Turner looks stunned and Bracken even scowls openly. Brown grins outright, amazed by the boldness of the words, while Boggs bears a tormented look at the proud statement of his younger colleague, muttering: "Dietrich!" Atkins bears an unreadable expression, as he studies the young German Captain and finally starts to chuckle. "You'll cause us just as many headaches as one of our officers as you have as an enemy officer, Captain Dietrich. But I like and respect the sheer guts such a statement takes for a man in your situation. You're more brave than smart sometimes, but the kind of missions we would like you to lead require such qualities."
All men look at him with varying degrees of surprise, as the older man twirls his moustache and adds: "I doubt that any punishment I could think of would change your attitude, but I warn you to keep your tone in check with your superior officers in the future or you will find yourself spending a night in jail more than once!" Dietrich has schooled his facial expression into a carefully neutral one and nods in confirmation of the statement. "Should we keep these ragged outlaws, General?", Major Turner asks wearily. "I want to see what he can make of them", the American General replies with a toothy grin of a lurking predator. "Keep your scouts, Captain Dietrich. But I expect them to learn our language and proper military behaviour until we arrive at Tobruk. Maybe this reminds you as well of what proper military behaviour should be." The German Captain bites his teeth at the verbal strike intentionally directed against him, but nods and confirms: "Thank you, General, especially for not punishing them for my misbehaviour and giving these young men a chance. I will do my best to prove that this is a good decision." Atkins twirls his moustache with a cryptic smile. "I hope so. You're dismissed, Dietrich. Boggs, you stay!"
The youngest of the officers salutes and turns on his heels, explaining to the Arab teenagers in a serious, but not unfriendly tone: "*You have been accepted to serve with us as scouts. However, you must start to learn our language and proper military behaviour.*" Hussein nods and replies: "*You helped us greatly. Thank you, Faris Alsahra.*" Dietrich's mouth twitches to a smile briefly, before replying: "*You should thank the General, not me.*" "*How do we do that?*", Farooq inquires curiously. "*You say 'Thank you, General Atkins'*", the German officer answers with a content expression. They are living up to the expectations better and are more eager to learn than he would have thought. "Thank you, General Atkins!", all three repeat loudly with heavy Arabic accents, but the American General looks up with surprise nonetheless and smiles his cryptic smile again, twirling his moustache and nodding in the direction of the trio and the young Captain. Understanding the silent acceptance and dismissal, the young German leads his new recruits out of the hospital. As an explanation he adds: "*You may all get food in the large tent where everyone is going for the evening. Just ask 'Where is the mess tent?' to ask for the way and 'Please give me my ration' to get your food. I will instruct the soldiers there to give you and the girls food. I will look for a language teacher for you. Sergeant Moffit also speaks your language and will support me in instructing you.*" They all look honestly grateful and thank him, before he sends them back to their campfire which they share with the teenage girls.
"I apologise for my young colleague's behaviour, General Atkins", Boggs starts to speak in a deescalating tone, once the German Captain is out of earshot. "His pride and temper sometimes get the better of him. Then, Dietrich is a troublemaker just like his Rats, although he is a good and competent officer otherwise." Turner looks at him with a scowl. "You're his commanding officer. How do you handle this behaviour?" "He's a Captain himself, sometimes more experienced with situations than I am, as he has spent more time in North Africa in spite of being 12 years my junior", Boggs replies cautiously. "Corporal punishment or throwing him in jail would only harden his resolve to put up resistance. Up until now he has always apologised on his own accord without requiring any prompting, as soon as he has come to his senses." "You like him", Atkins states out of the blue. Boggs looks baffled and Brown merely grins outright. "Dietrich is a complicated man, understandably wary of his former enemies, proud and sometimes quick to anger. But he's also compassionate toward those he feels responsible for, polite when not angered, as well as intelligent and competent in his job. He definitely is my best officer in camp and I am not sure, if the men would have to choose between laying down their lives for him or me, whether more than half would choose me", the American Captain replies honestly.
"How would you describe your relationship with the German Captain?", Turner inquires. "Professional, getting more friendly", Boggs replies after a few moments of reflection. Atkins twirls his moustache and states: "It's good that you develop a relationship of trust with him. We need somebody to handle him and the whole Rat Patrol. Nobody would be more appropriate than you, Captain Boggs, if you can get the Jerry under some control." Boggs look incredulous. "I had been under the impression you wanted them to be a commando unit." "Even commando units need to receive orders and listen to them", Atkins replies. "If you can handle Dietrich, you can take charge of them." Boggs briefly reflects whether he wants that, but nods, as he argues: "I can handle the man most of the time, but it's hard to keep him restrained, when he acts as he just has, as he does not care about rank or personal consequences anymore."
"Captain Dietrich exceeds my expectations of being able to handle these unruly commando troopers as well as recruiting local allies, but he's also a lot more rebellious and troublesome than I would have expected from a German officer", Atkins adds. "That's what his men respect him for, General", Brown comments dryly. "You can't get an officer who's well respected by your best soldiers and compliantly sucking up to his superiors all the time. Dietrich's still quite moderate in his behaviour to the higher brass compared to some other fellows I know. Have you ever met Major Sterling from the SAS and some of his lads? The young Jerry's meek like a lamb in comparison. But if Boggsy doesn't want them, I'd gladly volunteer to take command of Dietrich and his Rats." James Boggs looks slightly incredulous at the nickname and empathizes with the young German Captain for the first time. "I gladly have Captain Dietrich as my second in command, but will of course respect your decision, General." Atkins appears truly amused by the development. "I will keep your application for the position in mind, Captain Brown. You're both dismissed, gentlemen. If this annoying Doctor finally releases me, I will meet you at dinner soon."
When Hans Dietrich arrives at the tent shared with Jakob and his unit, he already hears Moffit providing lectures and briefly hesitates, reflecting whether entering will be a smart move. Ari's voice answering convinces him to stay. Hitch and Tully bear expressions like looking for their salvation when he enters the tent. "Finally, Captain", Troy bellows with relief. "I was considering to send a search party out for you." "You'd use any excuse to escape Moffit's lecture", the German officer replies dryly and the British Sergeant smiles widely at him, while the others look a bit sheepish. "Hans", Ari exclaims happily and actually escapes from the lecture by running to embrace his brother. Kiri comes along with him, but hesitates to approach the young officer in a similar manner as the Jewish boy. "Hans", Ari addresses his brother in a very serious tone. "*Kiri asked whether I can be her brother.*" Dietrich looks puzzled, wondering where this childish logic is leading. "*I've never had a brother*", the girl explains sheepishly.
The German Captain crouches to look them both in the eyes and observes Moffit translating the conversation for the amusement of the Rats and Jakob Silberblatt. "*What is it that you want from me?*", he inquires with a gentle tone. "*If I'm Kiri's brother and you're my brother, aren't you Kiri's brother as well?*", Ari inquires. However proud the German is of his ward's intelligence to complete this logical conclusion of transitive thinking, this is not the kind of application he would have liked for it. Seeing no real way out of this argument, the Captain closes his eyes bearing a fatalistic expression, while most of the Rats grin from ear to ear hearing Moffit's translation. "*Have you promised Kiri that you will be her brother?*", Hans inquires fatalistically. Ari nods. "*I have.*" "*You must always keep your word. A promise is a promise, just like mine to you. You have no doubt that I will keep my word*", the German Captain instructs his ward in a very serious tone about his principles. Ari listens intently and nods in acknowledgement. "*I promised to Kiri I'll her brother. So you'll be as well, because you promised me*", he concludes what he has just learned. Dietrich nods with a grave expression and Kiri looks at him slightly unsure what to make of all these formal statements.
Ari bends to her and whispers something in her ear that makes the girl giggle slightly. Hans is about to stand up, when Ari jumps up to hug him around the neck. "Wait, Hans!", he whispers into the German Captain's ear who is truly puzzled what is going on. Before he can actually voice his question, another pair of hands wraps around his neck. "Kiri never had a brother. I told her I'll show her how to act with one. I know lots more having brothers ", the boy whispers proudly into his caregiver's ear who is quite stunned by the explanation and the children's behaviour. "Your little brother is really smart and just as good a guy as his big brother", Troy comments with a grin. "Would you mind if I adopt you as my brother as well, while we're at it?" "Why don't you shut up, Sergeant?", the young German officer sighs actually unnerved. "You're only grumpy, 'cause you're hungry", the American Sergeant concludes. "I'm only grumpy because I have to listen to your nonsense, Troy", the Captain mutters with a glare. "Well. Getting dinner would convince me to shut up for a while." Dietrich smiles wryly. "Finally, you're using reasonable arguments. What are we waiting for?" "Your kids to let you go", Troy replies with a grin. "*Ari, Kiri, we're going to have dinner.*" Both jump to their feet enthusiastically and the young German is almost surprised by the success of his words.
Jakob Silberblatt helps his friend to his feet, looking a bit worried, as he has seen him wince several times at the children's enthusiastic and noe too gentle embrace. "How badly have you been injured, Hans?", he asks his German friend. "Just a few bruises, Jakob, nothing too serious", Hans replies nonchalantly, as he walks next to him out of the tent, while Ari leads the way, having taken Kiri by the hand to guide her. "Like hell. He collapsed into my arms yesterday and is beaten black and blue all over his torso", Troy intercedes and the German Captain now glares at him. "We really need to get dinner to make you shut up, Troy. Your timing for your statements is still exceptionally bad." Troy grins at the young officer and pats him on the shoulder. "Someone's gotta keep you on your toes, Captain." "Your concern is unfounded. My risk of dying of boredom is non-existant, Troy", the younger officer counters dryly, making Hitchcock and Moffit grin as well. "If you would have wanted peace and quiet, you should have chosen a different vocation, Captain", the British Sergeant comments dryly. "Speaking of vocations, Moffit. I have something for your vocation as language instructor. Our Arab scouts are to learn basic English and proper military behaviour until we arrive at Tobruk. We will share this load in the coming days and instruct them during, before and after our missions. I want to take them along when we scout the oases and caravanserai, as they can learn their trade and provide us with an excellent disguise", Dietrich argues and Moffit looks rather delighted. "An exceptional idea to use the mass of Arabs and their camels as cover for our surveillance. You can of course count on my support, Captain." "Thank you, Moffit", the younger officer replies and Troy grips his shoulder now to push him along. "You can walk while talking, Captain. I'm starving!"
The mess tent promises some relief of his tormentor, the hungry Sergeant Troy, for the German Captain. Remembering his promise he orders the soldier at the food dispense station to provide the Arab teenagers with proper food rations, just like the rest of them, when they come to ask. Troy waits with Dietrich for his food, while Ari tries to play the role of experienced elder brother by explaining the different food types to Kiri and advises her on what he likes to eat. Everything is new and an adventure for the girl who tries to stay within a few steps range from Hans, her protector whom she trusts explicitly by now.
"Captain Dietrich!", James Boggs addresses the young German officer sternly, as he approaches the unusual gathering. "I ask you to accompany me to the officer's table. We have some things to discuss." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in an ironic expression. "Is General Atkins that annoyed with me?" "It's complicated", the older Captain replies and the younger officer sees the American Sergeant glare in annoyance and take an aggressive stance. "Troy", the German Captain admonishes sternly and Boggs observes the exchange of gazes between the two in wordless communication, until Sergeant Troy lowers his balled fists and merely glares at Boggs angrily. The older American Captain would not like to test how he would react to any adversarial actions against the young German officer. "Captain", the American soldier handing out the food speaks and both officers turn to him. The man looks a bit sheepish and stammers. "Sorry, Captain Boggs. I ... meant the other..." "Get to the point, man!", Dietrich snaps wearily. "Sorry, Sir", the young American stands straighter. "I... What should I give the children?" The German Captain's expression softens somewhat. "Ari knows what he wants and more or less how much. Give Kiri what the boy tells you! She doesn't know or speak English. Don't give her too much at the first time!" The soldier nods. "Yes of course, Sir."
Barks and yelps from behind the counter draw their attention now. "What's Fritz doing there?", Hans Dietrich wonders. "We promised Lieutenant Silberblatt to take care of Fritz and keep him out of the way from people so he doesn't get hurt, Sir", the soldier explains with a smile, while one of his comrades carefully picks up the little dog who tries to greet his master enthusiastically. "We really need to talk about this zoo", Boggs groans, as his younger colleague scratches the dog behind the ears and addresses the young soldiers: "I'm sure that Fritz is perfectly happy here in your care, gentlemen. You have my gratitude." Both beam at him. "You're welcome, Captain. We really like Fritz." Troy growls now: "We should get your stuff to the officer's table, Captain." Dietrich nods. "You're right, Sergeant." For once Boggs is actually grateful for the Sergeant's lack of patience. Picking up his own tray with food and drink, he leads the way, Troy following with a dark expression and the German directing the children, carrying a plate in their hands each, along, followed by his friend Jakob Silberblatt who carries his own tray.
A few of the officers stand up upon their arrival and Dietrich tenses involuntarily, moving his left hand to his belt. The Australian Lieutenant O'Malley is absolutely unperturbed, as he steps toward the German Captain and greets him casually with: "Howdy, Captain. You got us all really worried." Independent of how often he has heard this jovial greeting before, Hans Dietrich still appears incredulous at the lack of formality. Carlos meanwhile speaks with Ari who has greeted him politely. "Didn't I tell you that your brother's a hero and smart guy and that he'll make it back in one piece?", the Hispanic officer asks in a friendly tone and the boy beams at him. "Yes. Thank you... Sir" To the girl he whispers: "*You always have to say 'Sir' to an officer.*" The Bedouin girl nods diligently, then asks with a puzzled expression: "*What's an officer?*" Ari points at the men around them. "*He's an officer and he ... and he. They're the leaders of the soldiers. Hans is an officer too, but we don't call him 'Sir'. He's our brother.*" Carlos hears them speak in Arabic and looks confused, when Ari points at him and tries to explain something to the Bedouin girl. "Who's the girl, Ari?", he inquires curiously. "This is Kiri, my sister", he introduces the girl with a smile and she mutters with a shy expression the word he has just taught her: "Sir." "Your actual sister?", Carlos asks incredulously. "No. Kiri is an orphan who lost her mother yesterday during our escape from the slavers", Dietrich intervenes now with a scowl. Carlos looks up at the tall German with surprise before smiling broadly. "Isabela, my wife, would really like you, Captain. She wouldn't have turned her back on a child who's just lost his or her parents either." Patting the slightly incredulous looking young Captain on the shoulder he adds: "It's good to have you back with us, Captain Dietrich."
Seeing that the German looks as if he suspects some kind of foul play, Boggs intervenes now: "You'd better leave Captain Dietrich to his dinner for now, Lieutenant Carlos. I have some things to discuss with him." Dietrich shakes his head as if to clear it and mutters "Thank you, Lieutenant.", before turning to the table. Jakob calls Ari back to him who drags the slightly intimidated Kiri along. Both sit next to each other between the German Captain and his friend, opposite the two other Captains at some distance to the rest of the officers. Troy has placed down the tray and puts his hand on the German's shoulder bending down to the sitting man to whisper in his ear: "I'll keep an eye out for you. Don't worry! We'll watch your back, Captain." Although the behaviour is rather inappropriate, the younger officer appreciates the gesture connected with it. "Don't steal anything or cause a scene before contacting me in advance!", he mutters back, remembering how the Rats have acted the last time they have felt worried about him. "We'll try", Troy replies with a grin, squeezing the shoulder, before turning around to get his own dinner after a wink in Browny's direction and a glare at Boggs who sighs warily. "Will Sergeant Troy cause troubles again?", he inquires from his younger colleague who tries to look as innocent as he actually is in regard of the Rats' mischief. "I told him not to do anything stupid before informing me." This only marginally serves to calm the older Captain's nerves, knowing the Rats well enough to be a source of troubles even among their own ranks.
Lieutenant Johnson walks over to them, addressing Dietrich with an expression that is almost delighted and enthusiastic which is extremely uncharacteristic on the reserved British officer. "Captain Dietrich, Sergeant Moffit has informed us about the tea supplies and donation of the tea pot. I will report to Major Bracken later, but I'm sure he will be as delighted as the rest of us. I can assure you that you're welcome as our guest for tea anytime. I have given the pot to you Sergeant, but I will gladly share mine with you for today." The German Captain appears slightly astonished by the offer, but accepts it gratefully. Once he has assured that the Dietrich, Silberblatt and Kiri have gotten their tea, Lieutenant Johnson excuses himself and returns to his dinner. "You bribed the Brits with tea?", Brown asks with a smirk. "Giving them the giant teapots and tea supplies appeared the most reasonable thing to do. And they are our allies who should be kept happy from time to time." Boggs nods, but admonishes: "I agree with the assessment and your intent, but would appreciate, if you would inform me about such actions in advance." The younger officer nods with a thoughtful expression, considering how little trust he has to even ask about such reasonable actions, before the thought that he is not camp commander and at liberty to make such decisions himself anymore catches up with him.
"Captain Dietrich, you are aware that you're on probation with the General to show what you can make out of your Arab scouts", Boggs tells his younger colleague sternly, once they are mostly finished with eating their main course of dinner. Hans Dietrich bears an expression of dark amusement. "I'm a German defector. I'll be on probation for the rest of my time serving in the U.S. army and any Allied soldier and officer will distrust me on principle for good reasons. Why do you think that this is any different?", the German Captain inquires with a bitter tone. Boggs grimaces at the argument. "You've only this evening been greeted by several Allied officers as a colleague they respect. Do you really think they're just putting on a show and try to manipulate you?" The younger officer tenses and hesitates, but finally shakes his head. "No. I wouldn't accuse them of that." Boggs sighs. "Good. Then, let's be reasonable. I understand that you have been through some rather traumatic experiences and almost killed by one of our own soldiers today, but I need you to act calmly and reasonably or I cannot let you remain on duty until you have recovered." The German officer narrows his eyes now and appears wary and defensive, but keeps his temper in check.
"I have noticed that you have deliberately left out the attack against you in your report, while Captain Brown has provided it diligently", Boggs points out. "You only asked for a report of the accident, our capture and escape", Dietrich counters slyly. "We have already been rescued on the same day. I would have expected Captain Brown to have provided you with a report of the other events already." Boggs scowls, as he argues: "Attacking an officer is a serious offence." "Private Young only heard two Germans speak in German and assumed that I'm a spy or infiltrator. Given our own experience with this particular problem, I cannot blame him for his actions. Especially in the light of his own traumatic experiences, he has acted most reasonably", the German Captain argues sternly with a scowl. "Do you really believe that trying to kill you is justified?", Boggs asks incredulously. "For a man who just escaped the torture chambers of the SS, attacking a German officer who wears an American uniform and has not declared himself appears most justified to me. I ask to drop any charges against Private Jack Young in this regard", the younger officer argues. "Captain Brown has argued in a similar way, but his life has not been threatened", Boggs counters. "Leave the Private in peace! He has suffered enough. I have known fully well after all what price I will have to pay for my defection, including constant distrust from my former enemies", the lean German replies with a bitter tone. "You don't trust me", Boggs comments matter-of-factually. "Like you trust me", Dietrich counters with a harsh tone, then he adds in a more moderate and serious manner: "I trust you to follow the same goals on a professional level." The older Captain nods and appears more content than before. "What about me? Do you trust me, Dietrich?", Brown inquires. The German officer gets suspicious now, answering very cautiously: "In the same manner as Captain Boggs. What is going on? A month ago I was still your enemy and you would have killed me without a second thought. Why do you ask or care whether I trust you?"
"You trust Sammy quite obviously", Brown deflects the questions. "I've known him for a lot longer and know a lot more about him than any of you two", the German argues defensively, before asking incredulously: "What do you want from me?" "An honest answer to my question is all I want from you for now, Captain Dietrich. Do you have a problem serving with the soldiers who once were your enemies?" Dietrich actually stares at him with some incredulity written on his face. "As long as they don't refuse to follow my orders or try to murder me because of the land I was born in, I don't have a problem", the German answers proudly with defiance clearly showing on his face. Boggs studies his haggard face and brown eyes which meet his blue ones openly without any attempt at deception. Finally, the older American officer nods. "Thank you. I'll keep you on duty, Dietrich. After all, I want to give you your chance to prove to General Atkins that moral principles and deviousness need not be mutually exclusive." Dietrich looks openly surprised now and meets eyes with his friend Jakob Silberblatt who smiles encouragingly at his wary friend.
"Wouldn't you rather advice me on stopping to antagonize the General?", the German Captain inquires cautiously. Boggs smiles cryptically. "Would you listen to me, even if I did? You know yourself what would be the most advisable course of action, otherwise you would never have become a Captain at such a young age and remained it for years. You simply choose to ignore this and act in a manner that fits Sergeant Troy and his Rats." The German averts his eyes and appears slightly flustered, as he is well aware that the American Captain is quite right with his assessment. "If you want my advice and to listen to it: Don't overstep the bounds, Dietrich! You may think that you have nothing left to lose, but you actually have a lot to be taken from you, starting with the children you have chosen to protect." All their eyes move to Ari and Kiri who innocently eat their dinner. Dietrich's face hardens, as he practically snarls: "This is not the Nazis' German Reich. You wouldn't arrest children and send them to prison camps, would you?" Boggs looks a bit shocked at the misunderstanding. "This is not what I meant. But without you alive or in a position where you can protect these children and care for them, they will find their lives a lot harder."
The German Captain closes his eyes and a tormented expression passes over his face, as he mutters quietly as if speaking to himself: "Gagged and chained by the ties of family and friendship." Brown and Boggs exchange worried glances, before the American speaks calmly: "You may not trust me personally, Dietrich, but I hope that you trust my word, when I give you my promise that I will listen to your advise and protest against actions you consider immoral. None of us is trying you put you in chains." Hans Dietrich sighs heavily and meets the other Captain's gaze. "I need to apologize, Captain Boggs, for my words and behaviour. I have not appreciated your support properly it would appear." Boggs looks actually relieved now. "I gladly accept your apology. And I hope you will heed my advice, even though it appears like a chain to you." A bitter smile graces the younger man's face. "I wouldn't know it so well, if I had not borne this particular chain for far too long already, only to feel what it means to be free of it for some time. But you're right. It's a matter a human society with its hierarchies to behave according to certain rules and not antagonize your superiors at any time." "You're a good and honest fellow, not a troublemaker like Sammy, Dietrich", Brown comments. "You don't want to cause troubles constantly unlike the Troy brothers." The young German groans: "Don't remind me!" "But they like you for your attitude to voice your protest openly and not back down without a word. Lots of guys in camp respect you for that. You needn't drop your defiance completely. Just be a bit more reasonable than Sammy!", Brown advises. "It's actually very difficult to be less reasonable and act more insanely than he does", the younger Captain counters with dry sarcasm. "I wouldn't put it beyond you. You're his master student", Brown comments and grins at the German's annoyed expression.
A small finger pokes the lean officer in the ribs, making him wince as one of his bruises hurts at the touch. "*Ioannes, can we go and look after Fritz?*", Kiri inquires with a pleading look. "*Have you eaten up?*", her caregiver asks strictly. Both Kiri and Ari nod. When their young protector nods and says: "*But don't be too loud or annoy the soldiers!*", they smile, nod and Ari drags his new sister along to properly introduce her to Fritz. "I really hope you find some relatives for the girl", Boggs mutters with an honestly worried expression. "So do I", replies his German colleague. "Don't worry! These two appear pretty happy together", Brown comments with a grin. "Exactly", Dietrich grumbles. "They are happy together and living under the same roof as Troy, Hitchcock, Pettigrew and the rest of these mischief makers who can't wait to teach them pranks and other nonsense. The sooner they move to a protected environment the better." "I'd say that tent is the best protected environment in North Africa", Brown comments with a smile. "And how bad can some childish pranks be?" "If Hitchcock or Pettigrew invented them, I'm glad when nothing is blown up...", the German groans and Boggs bears a pained expression, knowing exactly what he is talking about. "They once exploded the laundry by mixing some chemicals with the soap, just to annoy Lieutenant Winters", he laments with a tormented tone. "That's actually a feat and saves the drying", Brown comments with a grin and finds both other Captains glaring at him with mirrored expressions of exasperation. "I see we have some common ground here, Captain Dietrich", Boggs tells the lean young German who nods and mutters with dry sarcasm: "It would appear so. United by suffering from the Rats' mischief..."
Several of the other officers rising and murmuration passing through the tent alerts them to something happening. General Atkins, swaying slightly now that he is walking again, makes his way to the officer's table and one of the soldiers at the food dispense station carries a tray with his food selection after him. Ari and Kiri have hidden behind the counter and gaze at the older man the boy considers rather creepy. The three Captains rise to their feet now as well to greet the older officer who is all their superior. "Dietrich, please don't say anything like earlier again", Boggs mutters quietly, bearing a pleading look he has directed at the younger German officer. "I won't stand by, when my men are insulted and treated with such derision", the lean German Captain counters with pride and conviction. "You're not doing them a good service by affronting your superiors", Boggs mutters, trying to make the young officer see reason. Gritting his teeth, Dietrich nods, knowing perfectly well that the older American Captain is right. The German tenses visibly, when he sees the American General steer toward them directly, observing the rest of the table with detached curiosity.
Once Atkins has taken his seat, the rest of the officers sits down as well again. "Have you given our previous discussion some thought, gentlemen?", the devious older officer inquires. Boggs and Brown both nod and Dietrich decides to rather show no direct reaction at all rather than use up his already strained nerves for overly expressing a servility he cannot bear to pretend. "What is your opinion on this, Captain Dietrich?", Atkins inquires unexpectedly after taking the first few bites. "I beg your pardon?", the German Captain inquires in a surprised manner. "My opinion on what exactly, General?" Atkins smiles in a strange manner. "Trust and loyalty", he says cryptically. The youngest officer scowls, realizing that he obviously misses some context here, as Boggs and Brown exchange meaningful gazes. Nonetheless, he intends to provide an answer to the best of his abilities. "I consider trust and loyalty essential foundations for any military and keeping up a well-working chain of command. Without both, our military systems would collapse", he replies sternly and matter-of-factually. Atkins smiles at the answer taking a few more bites, before asking back: "Interesting. Wouldn't you rather say that military systems are built on discipline and punishment?" Dietrich scowls now, as he argues: "You can only cower men for so long, before some turn against you. Trust and loyalty are more important to keep your men fighting." The American General looks quite happy at the argument. "Who do you trust, Captain Dietrich?" The German Captain tenses now visibly, as he weighs his answer. "My men and my friends", he finally replies looking from the Rats to Jakob Silberblatt who sits beside him. Atkins looks briefly surprised, before replying with a wry smile: "And I assume the answer would be the same, if I ask you to whom you are loyal." "Indeed, Sir. I would include those under my protection and to whom I have an obligation though", the younger man answers smoothly now. "Your men would stand loyally by you?", Atkins inquires. "They have already done so", Dietrich replies without a hint of doubt. "Where do your superior officers enter this equation?", Atkins inquires with a lurking expression. The German Captain bears an ironic smile now,as he replies: "Through discipline and punishment." The General chuckles, twirling his moustache. "This has been an enlightening conversation, Captain Dietrich. You may leave, if you want to look after your wards or your men." Recognizing a dismissal, even a polite one, the young officer rises and gives a sign to Jakob to follow him, as he replies smoothly: "Thank you, General. Please excuse me."
As they both walk toward the food dispense station, where the children and Fritz are playing in the sand with the two young soldiers observing them with amused smiles, Troy closes in from the enlisted men's table where the Rats are seated, although now a large cluster of soldiers has gathered around them. "What did that damned weasel want from you?", the American Sergeant inquires nonchalantly. "Troy, do you want us both to spend the night chained together again? This time we would have the option of a prison tent", Dietrich inquires sarcastically. "I'd rather live without repeating that experience, so please shut up, before you get us both arrested." "Just give me an answer, damnit, Dietrich!", Troy growls. "I honestly cannot tell you what exactly any of them wanted from me, as they all were rather cryptic, asking me about trust and loyalty in different ways", the young German growls, annoyed with the whole situation more than the American Sergeant. "And what did you tell them?", Troy wants to know. "I fail to see how this is any of your concern, Sergeant", comes the Captain's dry reply. As he sees the American Sergeant's eyes narrow, he adds smoothly and with irony: "But since we're 'friends'... I told him that my trust is with my men and my friends." Troy grins broadly now, as he pats the younger officer's shoulder. "I knew you're a reliable guy. It wasn't what Ol' Twirley wanted to hear though I suppose." Dietrich blinks briefly at the nickname. "Seriously, Troy. Why do you have to involve me in sharing your nicknames for your officers?" "'Cause you got some sense of humor unlike the rest of them... and we trust you not to rat us out", comes the reply where Troy is obviously enjoying his pun, while Dietrich fights his urge to roll his eyes, sighing instead.
"What's happening at your table? Are Hitchcock and Pettigrew swindling and scamming the unwitting?", the German Captain inquires sarcastically, trying to change the topic. Troy grins from ear to ear. "You have a pretty good idea what they're like for not even having spent a single day off duty with them." "Hitchcock can't keep his mouth shut and talks too much too eagerly", the younger officer comments with dry humor. "Did he tell you 'bout their card scams?", Troy asks with a grin. "Not in detail. But he wanted me to join him the next time he breaks Pettigrew from jail which is apparently a repetitive pattern whenever they go on leave for more than a day", Dietrich counters with an amused smile and the American Sergeant laughs heartily, while he leads the young German Captain to their table. "You earned the reputation of master jail breaker now with this lockpicking stunt of yours." Before giving the young officer a chance to answer, he shouts to the men at the table: "Hey, guys. Step aside! We've got an honor guest." "Hey, Cap", Hitch exclaims with a truly happy expression that makes the young officer suspect that something is brewing. "We were just talking 'bout you." This sentence proves Dietrich's intuition right, as he observes the spectacle with suspiciously narrowed eyes. "Don't worry! Noone's gonna shoot at you, Captain", Troy comments and earns a hard glare for the statement. Hitch is absolutely unperturbed by the young Captain's reaction, as he smiles at the lean officer and explains: "I just told them how you picked the lock of my shackles, so we could escape." "Don't let me interrupt your epic tale then", the tall German drawls sarcastically. "Maybe you should continue, Cap", Hitch offers sheepishly. "I'm not much of a storyteller and English isn't even my mother tongue." "You're a brilliant storyteller, Cap, kept us pretty well entertained with many of your episodes, especially that desert ride story. And one can barely notice that you're not from U.S. except for the hint of an accent from time to time", the American Private argues.
"Hey, Hitch, what about your two dozens of Arabs?", a soldier shouts. "Two dozens of Arabs?", Dietrich asks sarcastically. "I know that Maths is not your forte and you can barely see without your glasses on, but miscounting that much? Did you count the legs or the men including the camels?" Several soldiers break into roaring laughter at this comment, while Hitch blushes slightly, before he returns to his previous grin. "Well. We were just warming up with fun stories, waiting for you." The German Captain feels dozens of expectant gazes boring into him. Glaring at Hitchcock for having maneuvered him into this, he starts his recount for the third time today in a less military precise manner as the other times when he has reported to his superiors, adding some more details about the Arab raiders, their fellow slaves and their capture and escape. Jakob Silberblatt who hears this for the first time stares at his friend with honest concern, but also admiration. Ari who has come after them when Troy has led his brother away is translating the story for the wide-eyed Kiri as best he can, while listening himself. The Rats listen intently, including Hitch who has not known what has transpired between the German Captain and the leader of the raiders Adib. By the time, Dietrich finishes his tale, his audience has doubled in size, as several British and Australian soldiers have joined the Yankees. "Bloody hell", the British Sergeant mutters. "So you say", the dark-skinned aboriginal Australian Sergeant agrees. "The Virgin Mary has protected you in this." "Damned Arabs!", a Yankee soldier curses and the German Captain swiftly makes it to his feet and uses a strict tone for admonishing him: "You seem to forget that most of the others captured and enslaved were Arabs as well. It's their homeland we use as fighting grounds. I expect you all to treat the people of this land and especially our new scout squad with respect." The soldier who has spoken is so surprised by the stern reprimand that he even salutes to the young officer, while several other men nod in agreement. "That's quite enough for one night", the tall German Captain adds in a more moderate tone. "Return to your quarters! We all need to continue on our way early tomorrow morning." Murmuring in slight protest, but mostly in agreement, the soldiers turn around and leave the tent. "This also applies to you, gentlemen", Dietrich adds, looking at the Rats sternly. The German Captain can feel his bone deep weariness and exhaustion of the events of the last weeks catching up with him, as he suppresses a yawn. "You earned your sleep definitely, Captain", Troy comments and pats the younger man's shoulder gently. "And Hitch's right. You're a good storyteller to listen to." Ari hugs his brother around the waist. "Can't you tell us stories more often, Hans? Please." Sighing heavily, the German Captain mutters: "I'll see what I can do." The boy excitedly translates the news for Kiri who smiles shyly.
Half an hour later nightwatch shifts have been arranged, everybody is washed and ready for bed and Hans Dietrich still occupied with tucking in the children, while Jakob takes the first shift as usual, applying his night owl tendency for something practical.
In the middle of the night, Hans feels a grip around his neck and a body pressed against his chest, as he still tries to push himself up to fend his attacker off. "*I'm scared, Ioannes*", Kiri whispers and stops his attempt to strike out immediately. "*What scares you, Kiri?*", the German mutters groggily. "*The others are so ... loud*", she whispers, pointing at Pettigrew who snores loudly and Hitchcock who shifts in his sleep, apparently tormented by nightmares. "*They won't harm you. They're sleeping*", the young man tells her in a calm and reassuring tone. "*Can I stay with you?*", Kiri inquires and Dietrich sighs wearily, giving up on the notion to sleep anytime soon. "*Get a blanket! You'll be cold otherwise*", he tells her sternly and wraps his own blanket around his shoulders, as he sits down with his back leaned against the cot. "Hans", Ari mutters, as he joins them as well. "What's going on?" "Kiri has troubles sleeping. Just like you had in the beginning", the German Captain whispers quietly. "*I have my blanket*", Kiri tells him proudly and sits down, leaning against her protector whose body provides some warmth in the bitter cold night. "*I want to stay as well*", Ari laments and sits down next to his brother on the other side wrapping some of his blanket around himself as well.
"Hans", Ari addresses the young officer with a tone of utter seriousness. "*What is a martyr?*" Dietrich is baffled by the question, but explains: "*A martyr is a man or woman who were killed for their faith.*" "*Kiri said you're a martyr or you're called like a martyr and that's why you help and protect her. But I don't want you to die, Hans*", the boy tells him seriously with tears in his eyes. "*I'm not a martyr and I never will be one, Ari. But I'm a soldier and fighting to help and protect others is my job, like your father used to hammer copper to fine objects as a job*", the German Captain replies seriously. "*Is my father a martyr?*", Ari inquires with a sad look. "*In a certain sense yes. You can see him as such, if you want*", the young officer replies after a brief moment of giving this some thought. "*Carlos said you're a hero. But I thought heroes also die for the people they protect and help*", Ari explains what bugs him. "*Some heroes die, some survive. Both is possible*", his caregiver explains cautiously. "*I like you more as a hero than a martyr, Ioannes*", Kiri chimes in now after listening to the conversation intently and leans against the German Captain's side, looking for warmth, as she draws her blanket around herself. "*I'm still quite alive and I can promise you that I will not be a martyr*", Hans answers with a gentle tone. "*That's good*", Ari mutters leaning against his other side, shivering slightly. "*You should go back to bed, both of you*", the German Captain admonishes with a gentle tone. "*I feel safer with you*", Kiri whispers. "*Me too*", Ari mumbles wrapping the blanket around his protector's shoulder around himself as well, as he snuggles against his side. 'How will I get out of this?', the young German officer wonders, until sleep overtakes him as well given his exhaustion.
When Troy enters the tent again at the end of his nightwatch shift, he notices the three figures huddled together. The German Captain leans with his back against the cot, his head rolled to the side in what appears a rather painful position for Troy. Dietrich must have been really tired and exhausted to fall asleep like that. Against his left side with her head resting on the young man's chest sleeps Kiri, wrapped into a blanket. Against his right side leans Ari equally fast asleep and sharing the blanket the young officer has draped around his shoulders. The American Sergeant smiles briefly at the scene and considers whether he should wake the Captain and children or let him sleep like that for which his back will likely not thank him tomorrow. Finally, he shakes the younger man's shoulder gently until the German officer starts to stir and wakes with a start, his breath catching in his throat and looking around frantically, muscles tensing as he subconsciously prepares to strike back. "Calm, Dietrich", Troy mutters and feels the Captain relax his muscles underneath his grip immediately recognizing the sound of his voice. Finally, they have reached a level of trust Troy has aimed for since the young officer's rescue. "Sergeant?", Dietrich mutters groggily, feeling Ari and Kiri stirring in their sleep. "You'd better lie down for sleeping, Captain", Troy advises. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, the young officer nods and mutters: "Ari, go to bed!" The boy asks wearily: "And Kiri?" Troy smiles. "I'll take her to bed." Lifting the lightweight little Bedouin girl costs him no effort. The young German officer scrambles to his feet and mutters quietly some reassuring words to calm the sleepy child. Kiri never wakes up fully, but snuggles into her blanket, as soon as she lies on her cot. "My shift's over. All's quiet. We'd better get some sleep too. You look like you need your beautysleep, Captain." "Not as much as you, Sergeant", Dietrich replies dryly.
