"Captain Dietrich", a voice mutters quietly. As Hans wakes with a groan, the German Captain briefly wonders in his half-sleep just when one of the tanks has run him over, as his back in addition to his shoulder and the countless bruises along his torso sends jolts of pain through his nerves. Then, the memories of the last days gradually return and remind him of just why he still struggles with using his main arm and his whole upper body feels like he has been in the center of an explosion recently. The discussion about martyrs finally reminds him of how he has come up with this new source of pain through his self-induced ordeal. At least no children or dogs have chosen to sleep on him for once. One has to be grateful for small mercies. "Captain Dietrich", the American Corporal Gottschlich mutters again. "Are you alright?", the young man adds with a worried tone once he hears his commanding officer groan. Although he would not have needed it, Hans is grateful for the gentle hand helping him to sit up. "Has something happened, Corporal?", Dietrich inquires cautiously. "All is quiet, Sir", the young American soldier reports. "It's just that I wanted to start the wake up call." The German Captain draws a hand over his haggard face and mutters: "Thank you, Gottschlich." Gotty briefly hesitates and studies his young Captain's drawn face, before turning around and continuing with his duties to wake the rest of the band.
"Hans", Ari calls, as he wakes up. "What is it, Ari?", his protector inquires gently. "Are you okay, Hans?", the boy wants to know. "Why should I not be?", the German officer asks back, wondering where this question comes from. "You moved a lot in the night like you're in pain", the boy replies and mimics an exaggerated wincing movement. "I'm alright. Don't worry, Ari", his elected brother assures him, but winces when the boy actually comes over to hug him, pressing into his bruised side. "You did it again", Ari tells his caregiver with an accusatory tone. "Some of my bruises hurt when touched. Otherwise, I'm fine", Dietrich counters in a slightly defensive manner. "Can't the nurses make you healthy again?", the Jewish boy inquires. "They already do this. Don't worry, Ari!", Hans replies with a smile. Kiri has quietly moved over to them as well and eyes the tall man with a curious gaze. "*What are you saying, Ioannes?*" "*Nothing important. How are you, Kiri? Could you sleep?*", the German Captain deflects the question with practiced ease. The Bedouin girl nods and smiles at him. "*It was really nice and much warmer than ... in many days. I like the bed. And I felt safe with you and Ari.*" The young officer winces slightly at the words and Moffit scowls. Dietrich is definitely responsible for his own undoing, being friendly and compassionate at first and then wondering why the children would cling to him. For a man of his profession, age and experience, the German officer can be a bit naive at times. Or, the British Sergeant considers, the young Captain has simply refused to abandon his humanity and compassion as many of his professional colleagues have which has been his weakness in many a fray they have had with Hans Dietrich prior to his defection, but which has also been at least part of the reason why especially Troy has not found it in him to coldbloodedly kill the German, a problem he has had with none other of their enemies than him. Luckily, this is not a problem any more, now that the Captain serves on their own side in this war.
"Ari, Kiri, Jakob", Hans calls his wards and his friend who still tries to hide his head under the blanket and from the reality of getting up. "I'll ...come... later", Jakob mutters and his friend scolds him with a friendly tone: "Jetzt steh schon auf, du fauler Hund! Du bist ein schlechtes Vorbild für die Kinder." Being a bad example for the children is of little worry for the Jewish Lieutenant who just mutters: "Ja, ja. Du mich auch." Shaking his head at the utterly useless reply, the German Captain is surprised to find himself addressed by Jack Moffit. "Luckily the children all consider you more of a role model than your friend, Captain." Narrowing his eyes, the younger officer assesses him for where this uncalled for comment has suddenly come from. Usually it is Troy and his apprentice Hitchcock who have specialized on unexpected and uncalled for comments, but the former still yawns and rummages through his bag looking for a clean shirt to change into and the latter appears uncharacteristically gloomy and subdued. "Hitchcock, are you alright?", Dietrich calls now that he has become aware of him. Mark starts in surprise and looks around to meet the German's eyes, before he calls back: "Yeah, sure, Cap. No worries." The Captain still scowls when he observes the Private put on his mask and plant a slightly artificial appearing grin on his face. "Moffit", Dietrich whispers and the British Sergeant who has observed the exchange as well takes a step closer to him with a curious expression. "Keep an eye on Hitchcock. Something is bothering him, possibly the events of the last days. I want to make sure he gets help when he needs it." Jack is momentarily surprised by the order, but realizes that the German Captain has just proven his previous musings right, not only has he refused to abandon human decency, but also does he really care about his men's welfare and is attentive enough to notice something off, especially when living so close with them as he does with the Rats, sharing the same tent for living and sleeping even which he has never done before as a Hauptmann of the Wehrmacht. Troy need not have forced him into the probation, as sooner or later, Dietrich would have arrived at this state on his own.
The lean German winces, when Kiri pokes him in the ribs and turns his attention back to the children. While the Bedouin girl eyes him expectantly, Ari scratches Fritz on the belly who lies on his back and enjoys the attention. "*Where do we go, Ioannes?*", Kiri asks curiously. "*We need to get washed for the day*", the young officer tells her patiently. They cannot waste water for shower facilities, but they can at least wash their hands and faces, something the European definitely looks forward to, but both children born in North Africa consider a rather peculiar behaviour. Nonetheless, they follow their protector without hesitation, as he leads the way through the temporary camp. The officers' facilities have been located close to the sickbay to be shared by the patients and personnel, as the Captain becomes aware of when he unexpectedly comes face to face with the strict Swiss nurse Arno. "Guten Morgen, Schwester Arno", Dietrich greets her instinctively and becomes aware of his mistake, when several of the officers turn around to look at him, wary as they hear somebody speak in German. The Swiss nurse is utterly unperturbed by the reaction, as she greets the young officer back, wishing a good morning as well: "Guten Morgen, Hauptmann Dietrich." Seeing the two children who eye her with wide eyes, while Kiri even tries to hide behind his leg, Arno adds in a gentler tone: "Ich sehe, Sie kümmern sich um die Kinder. Brauchen Sie noch etwas?" The young man shakes his head, as he is asked whether he needs something to help with taking care of the children. "Ari translates well for Kiri", the German Captain switches to English, so that at least the boy can understand him and not get confused by the mentioning of their names. "The girl is fine. Schwester Regula checked on her yesterday already." Nurse Arno nods contently. "Then I will leave you to look after your wards, Herr Hauptmann."
Most of the officers have returned to their morning routine without paying further attention to the Captain and the nurse, but one man approaches Dietrich now. "Captain Dietrich", Lieutenant Johnson greets the German with a salute which Dietrich returns, wincing slightly. Raising his eyebrows in a silent question, Hans observes the British officer with some wariness, as he inquires with a hint of sarcasm: "What can I do for you, Lieutenant Johnson?" "I wanted to inquire whether you and ... your wards will want their own pot of tea for your meals", the British officer stammers in an insecure manner. "I would appreciate that", the younger Captain replies curtly. Ari whispers something in Kiri's ear and she smiles widely. "Then, I will assure to bring some along for you, Captain", Johnson replies and adds, while he is about to make his way back to the British camp part: "If you don't mind me asking, Sir, who is the girl?" Dietrich sighs wearily. "Kiri is an orphan girl whose mother begged me to take care of her daughter, while we were both in captivity of Arab slavers. The woman died during our rescue attempt, but I'm still bound by my word to protect her. I hope to find relatives who will take her in at one of the oases." The girl has started to press against her caregiver at the mention of her name, looking a bit intimidated, as does Ari who feels safer in Hans' direct vicinity as well. Johnson looks a bit surprised by the behaviour. "I see", the British Lieutenant mutters. "They truly seem to like you. Captain Dietrich." "I'm their caregiver and protector, as well as one of the few who speak their language, although Ari is learning English very fast", Dietrich replies coolly and puts a hand on the boy's shoulder to squeeze it in a reassuring manner, as Ari presses his face into his side. "I will leave you to your duties of watching your wards then, Sir. Farewell", Johnson replies and turns to leave the facilities.
Hans instructs Ari and Kiri to get their hands and faces washed and leaves them to play with a bowl full of water, while he gets shaved. Splashing in the water is an unknown joy for Kiri who has never before been allowed to waste the water tediously taken from their well for splashing around, as she does now with her new brother. As they start giggling loudly and being carried away by their games, their German protector calls them back to reality. "*Ari, Kiri. Please behave yourselves! You are disturbing the people here.*" "*I'm sorry, Ioannes*", Kiri squeaks with a truly sad expression, while Ari adds sheepishly: "*We didn't mean any harm, Hans.*" "*I know*", their caregiver replies wearily. "*You should behave nonetheless.*" Both nod eagerly and follow Dietrich, once he is finished with taking care of his own needs. Then, the three of them return to the Rats' tent, where the Captain intends to hand them both to Jakob to take care of his organisational tasks.
"Kepten", Hussein a little while later calls loudly, as he runs through the camp, desperately searching for the European commander who acts as their mentor. "Captain Hans Dietrich", Farooq shouts in a slightly better pronunciation. Shakir looks around desperately in search of the young officer. "What's going on?", one of the fair skinned soldiers they do know from the previous day stops them with a question they do not understand. "Where... we... Captain?", Farooq, their most talented with adopting the foreign language, tries to formulate the question based on the few words he knows. Hussein holds out a piece of linen cloth with blood on it and repeats "Kepten." Shakir remembers a word which he has heard yesterday. "Please." The soldier stares at the bloody cloth and then says very slowly and with a clear pronunciation: "Follow me!" The three Bedouin teenagers do not understand the words, but the hand gesture is clear enough and they scamper after the young Australian.
"Captain Dietrich!", Private Lakatos calls at the Rats' tent. "I'll look after the children, Hans", he hears a voice from within and the German Captain emerges only a few moments later with a worried scowl and creased brows. Seeing the Australian Private and his three new scouts standing in front of his tent with desperate expressions, immediately causes him a premonition that something has happened and he will not like the next hours to come. At least he has already had the time to wash, shave and get dressed in a fresh uniform shirt. "I assume that they have something to report, Private", the young officer speaks sternly. Lakatos nods and replies: "Yes, Captain." "Thank you for bringing them here. You may return to your post, Private Lakatos", Dietrich replies smoothly, giving a wincing salute that the Australian returns, before turning around and heading back to his guard post. "*What has happened?*", the German Captain asks his junior scouts. "*We found this, faris alsahra. In the sand outside of the camp*", Hussein explains, as he holds up the cloth. "*The blood is still fresh*", Shakir adds. "*We thought it might be important and you should know*", Farooq finally comments. "*You have done really well in reporting this immediately*", Dietrich praises them and all three smile proudly. "*Give me the cloth and keep your eyes open for further tracks of somebody entering or fleeing from our camp. Report to Sergeant Moffit here at our tent or the mess where you got your food yesterday. Or come to me at the field hospital where you met our older officers.*" All three return his salute and turn around to fulfill their orders, eager to prove themselves in the eyes of their European commander.
"Moffit!", the German officer calls, as he enters the tent again. Troy approaches him along with the British Sergeant, inquiring: "What's happened, Captain?" Dietrich holds out the bloody piece of cloth. "Our scouts have just found this and I sent them out to look for further tracks of an intruder or fugitive prisoner. The blood is still fresh, so whoever this comes from cannot be far. Troy, take Pettigrew and Gottschlich with you to check the motor pool and the animals. Find out whether something is missing! Moffit, you will be available either here or at the mess tent, should they find something and need to report. I will go to the sickbay, speak with the Doctors and check if any wounded prisoners are missing. My main suspicion is that Private Young has acted foolishly in his shell shocked situation and I don't want this to reach the General's attention before we know more." Troy replies with a sympathetic tone: "You're a good guy to worry about the young Aussie who almost shot you." The German officer sighs wearily, before adding: "He has suffered enough. And I know better than most what the kind hospitality of the SS and Arab slavers entails." Troy smiles and pats the younger officer on the shoulder lightly. "We'll check it out and report to you, Captain. You can count on us." Dietrich mutters quietly: "I know." Then the tall German officer turns to his friend and Ari: "Jakob, you make sure that the children get their breakfast and are in good hands. Ari, you help Kiri around like a good brother." The boy smiles and nods enthusiastically. "Of course, Hans." To Kiri the Captain speaks calmly: "*I need to take care of my men, but Jakob and Ari will be with you to help you. And I will see you later at breakfast.*" Kiri looks sad, but nods compliantly. "*Yes, Ioannes.*" To the Rats, the German officer orders sternly: "You have your orders, gentlemen. I will see you later for reports." Then, Hans Dietrich swiftly leaves the tent and makes his way to the field hospital.
"Captain Dietrich, good morning. Have you come for your treatment?", Deirdre O'Donnell greets him, sounding a bit too happy, as she smiles at the young officer. "Lieutenant O'Donnell, I need to speak with Doctor Andrews immediately", the German Captain speaks with urgency that takes her by surprise and makes her scowl with worry. When she sees the bloody piece of filthy cloth in his hand she asks with concern: "What has happened? Have you been injured" "Why does everybody assume that I constantly get injured?", the young officer snaps somewhat unnerved. Seeing her startled expression, he quickly reins in his temper. "I apologize for my tone, Lieutenant. That was uncalled for." "It's alright", Deirdre mutters with a slightly intimidated tone. Sighing wearily, the German gestures for her to walk before him, speaking quietly: "After you, Lieutenant O'Donnell." Both walk to the desk where the senior medic is going through lists which he double checks with his Swiss colleague Riggioli. "My scouts found and just brought me this cloth with fresh blood on it outside of the camp. I want to check whether all of our wounded prisoners are accounted for", Dietrich explains matter-of-factually. "And also if Private Young is fine and still here", he adds in a softer tone to not be heard in the officer's ward. Andrews looks slightly shocked, but nods immediately. "Of course, Captain. We'll check immediately. Lorenzo, would you check the Germans and Italians please?" "Si. Of course", the Swiss medic agrees and already takes off to check on the German and Italian patients with a list in hand. Meanwhile his American colleague walks toward the Allied part of the field hospital to perform a similar duty with the British, Australian and American patients.
"What is happening?", nurse Regula asks, as she waddles toward them with a worried expression. "My scouts found this dirty piece of cloth with fresh blood on it", the German Captain repeats his explanation and holds out the cloth. The Swiss nurse picks it up and looks at it with creased brows, then smells at it to Dietrich's and Deirdre's shock. "Wie ich's mir schon dachte", the Swiss nurse mutters to herself and the German Captain wonders what she has thought, prompting her: "Schwester Regula. What do you think?" Regula bears a cryptic smile that the young officer considers rather unnerving in the current situation. "You brought some Arab girls, not just Kiri, but some older ones as well", she states and Dietrich nods, confused as to what this has to do with the blood stained cloth. "None of them has appeared injured or told us anything...", he mutters and curses himself for not thinking of a Muslim girl being forbidden to speak about some injuries to unknown and unrelated men. "We should have had them checked yesterday whether they were injured by their captors. I'm sorry for my oversight", the young Captain speaks with an apologetic tone. "I don't think that they are injured, Herr Hauptmann. I think that they have a more... female problem." The German officer is puzzled for a few moments, before blushing vividly. Now, a statement of the girl who has asked Hitchcock to marry her makes more sense. "One said that she is close to her ... first bloom", the young Captain croaks out, fighting to regain his countenance. Both Deirdre and Regula appear amused by his embarrassment. "How... do you intend to check this, Schwester Regula?", Hans inquires, once he has regained a calmer demeanor. "By speaking with the girls of course. What else would you think?", the Swiss nurse replies with a smile. "I would need your help as an interpreter though, Hauptmann Dietrich." Dietrich pales slightly. His premonition has been accurate as usual, since Fortuna still seems to hate him like she always has.
"All prisoners are accounted for", Riggioli reports. Andrews returns as well with the words: "All of our men are well cared for. Private Young is still asleep from the liberal dosage of morphine we gave him last night, Captain." "Thank you, gentlemen. Schwester Regula and I will check ... a different lead", the German Captain speaks with as much dignity as he can muster, given that Regula and Deirdre exchange amused grins and his cheeks are still slightly reddened. "Excellent. Anything we should worry about or prepare for an emergency intervention?", Andrews inquires diligently. "Männer", Regula complains with a deep sigh and Deirdre understands her quite well without requiring knowledge in German that she is exasperated by the men. Putting a hand on the tall German's back who looks clearly uncomfortable, Regula pushes him forward gently, as she adds: "Gömmer, Herr Hauptmann!" Although he dislikes the manhandling, the whole situation puts the young officer in enough discomfort to not wish to start any elongated discussions with her and being a woman definitely protects Regula from being snapped at, as he would have at any man treating him like this.
The Bedouin girls are busy preparing tea for breakfast and warming the food brought from the mess tent, while the teenage scouts are still out searching for any further signs of intruders or fugitives. "As-salamu 'alaikum", Captain Dietrich greets them in a polite but clear manner. "Wa-'alaikumu s-salam", all girls greet back and bow to the officer, one of them even adds "Faris Alsahra". "*We need to ask you some questions and I expect you to be honest with me in the face of Allah*", the German Captain demands and all of them look intimidated, as they nod in agreement. Holding out his hand to take the cloth from the Swiss nurse, he shows it to all three of them and observes their faces very closely: "*Do you recognize this?*" The young officer can truly empathize with the young girl who blushes vividly at the sight of the cloth. "*I see that you do*", he comments matter-of-factually and adds in a gentler tone: "*I mean you no harm. And I surely have no intention to accuse or dishonor you. We just want to make sure that there is no danger lurking for our camp.*" The black-haired young woman nods, but does not dare to look up and meet his eyes, as she whispers almost inaudibly: "*Yes. This was mine.*" Dietrich breathes a sigh of relief and informs the Swiss nurse: "Der Fetzen gehört tatsächlich dem Mädchen. Damit können wir für das Lager Entwarnung geben." Regula nods and takes a step closer to the sitting girl, holding out the piece of cloth and viewing her with an empathetic gaze. "Würden Sie bitte noch ein paar Ratschläge für mich übersetzen, Herr Hauptmann? Mein Arabisch beschränkt sich leider auf ein paar wenige Worte." The German officer sighs at Regula's question whether he would translate some advice for the girl for her, as her Arabic is limited to a few words, but nods, as as replies: "Selbstverständlich, Schwester Regula."
When he translates the nurse's well-meaning advice for the girl and her friends, it is his time to blush and look quite flustered, but Hans reminds himself of his father's words that a German officer bears even the worst of situation with dignity, as he still keeps translating and his voice from showing too much of his insecurity and embarrassment. Regula's good words and advice never seem to stop, ranging from clothing, washing and other helpful habits to diets, herbal medicines and recipes for tea to help with the condition of menstruation. When she is finally finished, Dietrich breathes an audible sigh of relief that makes the Swiss nurse grin with amusement, as she whispers to him: "Vielen Dank! Das haben Sie ganz ausgezeichnet erledigt, Herr Hauptmann. Jetzt sind Sie perfekt darauf präppet, eine eigene Tochter großzuziehen." When he has thought that he could not possibly feel more embarrassed he has been wrong, as her comment that he is well-qualified now to raise his own daughter makes his face flush even more. "Ich nicht verheiratet und habe keine Kinder, schon gar keine Tochter", the young officer croaks a soft protest that he is neither married nor has any children, even less a daughter. "Sie haben jetzt Kiri und das Mädli hängt sehr an Ihnen." Regula's argument that he has Kiri now and the girl is attached to him already, makes the color draw from his face. "Kiri ist fast überall besser aufgehoben als hier bei mir. Ich hoffe, sie zu ihren Verwandten in eine der Oasen zurückbringen zu können", Hans argues that Kiri is almost anywhere safer than here with him and he intends to return her to her relatives in one of the oases. "Sie sind ein guater und anständiger Mensch, Hauptmann Dietrich", Regula assures him that he is a good and decent man, as she smiles at the tall officer. "Selbstverständlich, Schwester. Ich bin ein deutscher Offizier", the Captain replies proudly that of course he is, as he is a German officer. "Die sind nicht alle so wie Sie", the Swiss nurse counters that not all German officers are like him. Having lost too many nerves already in this whole episode, Hans Dieitrich decides to not start an elongated discussion with her, but return to the camp instead.
When he notices movement in the sand and recognizes Shakir searching the ground, he calls the young Bedouin to him and explains that they can cancel the search, as the situation has been resolved, commending him and his friends for their diligent work. Grinning proudly, the young Bedouin teenager runs off to inform his friends, while the German returns to the camp with the Swiss nurse who takes off toward the sickbay after patting his back in a gesture that is meant to be comforting. Hans Dietrich walks toward the motorpool where Troy should be checking for anything missing, feeling a bit chagrined for the false alarm although he could not possibly have known the reason for the blood stained rag. Tully Pettigrew is the first to spot him and calls to Troy and Gottschlich: "Cap's coming." All three approach the young officer with questioning looks on their faces. "What has happened, Captain?", Troy inquires and wonders why Dietrich is blushing slightly. "We can cancel the alarm. Hitchcock's ... marriage proposal suffered from... a female problem, as nurse Regula has put it", the young German officer replies and even Tully flushes a grin, while Gottschlich looks rather confused. "We'll tell you later, Gotty", Tully whispers into his ear with a conspiratorial grin he shares with Troy who pats the slightly despondent looking German Captain on the shoulder, as he laughs. "You can't always be right with your paranoia, Captain." Feeling the younger man wince at the words, he adds in a more sympathetic tone: "It's not your fault. I'd never have suspected that and would also have checked the camp's surroundings, if I were you." Feeling a little less awkward, Dietrich nods silently. "Thank you, Troy." "We'd better tell Jack and Hitch", Troy adds. "They're still waiting in the mess tent for any reports and helping Silberblatt with the kids. The girl's still pretty shy, unless she's around you."
The German scowls now, as he growls: "Of course she is after losing her mother only yesterday, at least as far as she has realized it." "We really didn't mean to shoot her", Troy snaps defensively. "I know", the Captain sighs wearily and continues his subdued conversation, as they walk to the mess tent. "But nothing will bring her back to life. I hope you see why I think and observe very carefully, before giving an order to shoot. I have borne the responsibility for the lives of men under my command as well as the lives which are taken on my order. In a war, killing enemy soldiers is a necessity, but should not happen needlessly. Killing civilians though is something we truly bear responsibility for and have a moral obligation to avoid." Troy eyes the young officer carefully and notices his whole tense posture, as if the Captain is physically feeling the weight of the responsibility he is just talking about. This is a very condensed version of Hans Dietrich's moral dilemma and his reason for acting in a more decent and humane way than most officer's Troy ever has met on either side, but especially among the Germans who are admittedly his enemies with the exception of the one walking next to him. "I can't promise you I won't keep to my ways in a combat situation, but I'll consider your perspective more often, before going in and gunning everyone down." The German Captain appears honestly surprised by the statement, as he even stops in his tracks to stare at Troy with an incredulous expression. "Now don't look at me like that, Captain!", the American Sergeant protests. "Who are you and what have you done with Sergeant Troy?", Dietrich demands to know in a strict tone, only breaking into a wry smile after a few moments of enjoying Troy's dumbfounded expression. "Very funny. I can be reasonable... from time to time", he protests and glares at Tully who dares to smirk, although he hides it mostly behind shifting his matchstick. "I'll mark the date in my calendar and hope for the next such event in a year or so", the German officer counters dryly. "You're still a Jerry smartass, Dietrich!", Troy growls. "And you're still unable to pronounce my name in a manner that does not hurt my ears, Sergeant", the Captain replies unperturbed. "Let's just continue to the mess tent." This helps to appease the Sergeant. "Excellent idea. You're really a good student after all." Dietrich smriks. "I had few teachers with your persistence in my life..."
Once they have arrived at the mess tent, they all approach the enlisted men's table where Moffit helps to translate for Kiri, while Hitch feeds Fritz his sausage, as the little dog has played his trump card of putting his head on the Private's knee and eyeing him with sad puppy eyes. As soon as Moffit notices them, he puts on a curious expression, while Ari jumps up to hug his caregiver and Kiri follows suit, albeit a bit more shyly. Not only Troy but also several of the soldiers sitting in the vicinity smile. "*Ari, Kiri. Back to the table!*", the German officer orders strictly, once he has extracted himself from the children's grasp. "I assume you have resolved the issue, as you are all returning together", Moffit comments. Troy grins and Dietrich looks slightly chagrined. "I have to admit that it was a false alarm, Sergeant Moffit", the German Captain states with all the dignity he can muster. "What was the reason for the blood?", Jack asks curiously and Hans blushes, while Troy's grin grows wider. "One of the Bedouin girls proposed to marry Private Hitchcock yesterday", he explains and now Mark's head snaps up and he stares at him in disbelief. "Did she harm herself?", he asks in an uncharacteristically serious tone. "No, Hitchcock. Don't worry! Nobody has been harmed or injured. The girl told me that she is 'close to her first bloom'. I didn't fully realise that she meant merely a day away", the German Captain replies in a calm tone, trying to reassure the obviously distraught young American soldier. "Nurse Regula voiced the suspicion and took me with her as her interpreter." Jack Moffit cannot help but comment with dry humor: "And you have provided the translation for her well-meaning instructions I suppose. You're getting more and more qualified for the medical profession, Captain." The young German officer scowls and glares at him, growling "Moffit" with the amount of annoyance usually reserved for David Troy. "All's well that ends well. Ende gut, alles gut", Jakob Silberblatt comments with a smile and relief obvious in his tone. "You could have more of these harmless adventures." "I'd rather face the SS again than give medical instructions to a Muslim teenage girl on how to handle... very typically female problems", his friend snaps. "You have no idea how many of my nerves this has cost me." Troy laughs heartily. "You're a hero for facing all these plights. Now let's have some breakfast, before we lose our commander because you lose too much weight over your constant worries." "Troy", Dietrich snaps with a similar tone of annoyance as he has applied before for his British fellow Sergeant.
"I think you've been upgraded to the 'friend league' by our dear Captain", Troy tells Moffit with a grin, once the German officer is out of earshot to retrieve his breakfast with Tully and Gotty at his heels to help him with carrying a tray. "You might actually be right, Troy. We should talk with the Captain after breakfast. He's an excellent judge of character", Moffit replies cryptically. "What's that supposed to mean, Jack?", Troy inquires. "The answer to this question we will discuss after you had breakfast and act more like a reasonable human being than a hungry lion." Troy growls almost like the lion Jack has just compared him to in annoyance over being left out, but turns to grab his own breakfast before he starts biting off somebody's head. The children are already scared enough of him. Mark does not notice any of the discussions in his surroundings, as he is sunken too deeply into his own gloomy thoughts, worries and bad conscience. Only the little dog with his desperate yelping manages to draw Hitch out of his reverie that he has fallen into since Dietrich's recount of the events. The German Captain has been quite justified in his orders, Jack muses, as he eats his breakfast without taking his eyes off their younger Private. Whether the officer's subtle way of observing before acting will pay off compared to the direct approach Troy would likely have chosen they will see.
Hans Dietrich finds himself cornered by Lieutenant Johnson, Captain Boggs, Brown and Major Turner who has been released from the field hospital. Tully keeps his head low and just follows the German officer, carrying his tray, trying his best to simply blend into the background unnoticed. The Major and Lieutenant look indeed surprised, when Hans Dietrich thanks his Private and both exchange a silent gaze, before Pettigrew takes off quickly, after giving a nod and muttering: "See you later, Cap." Since his discussion with the younger Captain on the previous day, James Boggs has decided to observe the interaction between the German Fox and his Allied Rats more closely. Neither Dietrich's posture during his previous conversation with his Sergeants nor speaking now with the Private would suggest a bitter enmity with the whole unit, but rather a familiarity between all the men. This stands in a stark contrast to how the tall German eyes the Allied officers around him with a guarded and wary expression, compared to which he has appeared a lot more relaxed, open and unguarded before, in spite of having appeared flustered by whatever they have been talking about. "Take a seat, Captains, Lieutenant!", Major Turner finally breaks the ice and the staring duel that has started to ensue between Dietrich and Brown. The lean German and the older Australian Captain nod, but only when Brown breaks the eye connection, does the younger officer turn his gaze away as well. Yesterday's events and discussion have made Hans a lot more wary of the Allied officers again, especially since he has no idea what exactly their hidden agenda is, but the proud German is unwilling to let himself be used by somebody to further the man's career ignoring Dietrich's principles.
"Captain Dietrich", Turner addresses the younger officer, after the Major gets served his meal, while Lieutenant Johnson hands the German a cup of tea which Dietrich takes with an expression of gratitude. "You have brought a German Wehrmacht soldier back to camp who Captain Brown accuses of having committed a severe crime against decency with the rescued Australian soldier being the victim." The German Captain glares at Brown, but schools his face into a more neutral expression, before answering: "Gefreiter Peter Meier has been convicted by the Wehrmacht for sodomy after he was caught together with a fellow soldier according to his own admission. His Hauptmann sentenced him to be sent to a concentration camp in accordance with German military law. However, he has not acted on his own accord against the Australian Private Jack Young, but as a prisoner and slave of the sadistic Arab guard who bears the responsibility for what has happened to Private Young. I do not in the least approve or tolerate Meier's behaviour, but I cannot condemn him or sentence him for a crime he has not willingly committed. And I will not stand by when this happens without voicing my protest." Major Turner looks at him intently, before nodding. "I see. Thank you, Captain Dietrich, for clarifying this matter. I ask you to accompany Captain Boggs and me for this Meier's interrogation after breakfast." Dietrich scowls and asks: "With all due respect, Major. I am of course willing to support you, but could the official interrogation about these events not wait until we have reached a safer area, found shelter in an oasis or reached your headquarters?" "Our headquarters", Turner corrects him and the German officer winces visibly, as if he would have been slapped. Their demeanor makes him feel like they are not on the same side, although he has no intention to betray his new allies. But the slip of tongue will stir even more distrust against him. The American Major observes the younger officer intently for a few moments, before adding in a calm manner: "And I insist on this, as the prisoner could have additional information on the oases we are to approach." The tall, lean Captain nods thoughtfully. "That is of course correct. However, he has been out of his oasis camp for at least a week, if not longer, and might not know about up-to-date troop strengths or the SS troops moving in."
"That's of course correct, Captain Dietrich", Boggs intercedes now. "But we still might learn something valuable." The young German officer nods. "Sure. He has already told me that Hauptmann Zornbrecht was his commander which means that he is in charge of the fort at one of the two oases. I know Zornbrecht from his reputation, although I have only met him once in person. He is ruthless, pragmatic and vengeful, but a cool strategist and follower of Nazi politics, because he believes in a brutal and harsh manner to teach the locals and inferior races fear to keep them from rising against the natural order of the 'Herrenrasse' ruling. The locals at the oasis might hate him and his men, but they might also give us away for fear of retributions through the Hauptmann", Dietrich explains diligently. "Also Zornbrecht will definitely follow Berlin's version of the commando order and not Generalfeldmarschall Rommel's order to ignore it, meaning he will execute any of the LRDP'S soldiers, should they get captured." None of them needs to ask about what he would do with the German Captain himself, as his death sentence by the SS is still standing order for the Wehrmacht. "Does he know you?", Brown asks. "About as well as I know him, not personally, but from my reputation in the Wehrmacht I suppose", the younger Captain replies. "But he would recognize your face?", Turner adds cautiously. Dietrich nods. "It would be rather unlikely, if he wouldn't, especially with the Afrikakorps being out for my blood since my death sentence about which the German HQ and the neighbouring commanders have been informed in detail." "I'd rather not risk your life then, Captain Dietrich", Turner states thoughtfully. The young German officer looks utterly surprised at these words, but narrows his eyes quickly. "With all due respect, Sir. You only have Moffit and me as potential agents to scout the oasis under the guise of locals, since nobody but us speaks the Bedouin language. I will not allow my man's life to be put at risk to protect my own!" Brown smiles openly at the words and even Boggs cannot hide a small smile, while Johnson appears a bit shocked at the attitude of the German officer refusing to let the British Sergeant risk his life for him. Turner scrutinizes the tall, lean Captain whose brown eyes hold an unwavering gaze. Only a direct order might hold the German Captain back.
"You have your three Arab scouts now", Turner points out. "They are untrained teenagers who have experience in wandering and scouting the desert sands with herding animals but they have never before been taught in reconnaissance and warfare. They do not even know what to pay attention to. Moffit and I might take them with us to improve our cover and ride in on the camels, but we could not possibly send them in on their own, before having trained them further. I will not risk those boys' lives either", Hans Dietrich argues sternly. "If you are so eager to die, Captain, don't let us keep you!", Turner counters sarcastically. "But I want to assure you that I have no intention of needlessly sacrificing your life." Brown pats the slightly doubtful looking German on the left shoulder and mutters: "See, Dietrich? You're not just a Nazi turncoat for those who know you better." The younger Captain winces and glares at the Australian for daring to bring this up now in front of the Major, then turns back to the higher ranking officer with a carefully schooled neutral expression and replies with an earnest tone: "Thank you, Major. I assure you that my intention is to act in the best interest of the men entrusted under my command." Turner observes the young German Captain very closely, trying to assess him for a few moments, before deciding to believe him. The Germans previously under his command have followed the man willingly into Allied captivity and accepted his orders even after his defection. His current men appear to obey and sympathize with him, although they have been his most bitter enemies until three weeks ago. Both Dietrich's and his Private's statements have agreed that the officer has taken a beating to protect his wounded soldier. The only thing worrying the Major is the unhealthy lack of self-preservation the defector has shown since his change of sides.
"I heard that you and your men conducted a search in the camp", Boggs addresses his second in command who freezes at the words and bears a strange grimace as if he would have bitten on something bitter. "We checked out a finding of our scouts which turned out to be utterly harmless", the German Captain mutters, looking slightly embarrassed. "Could you elaborate what has happened, Captain?", Major Turner inquires with a frown. Boggs wonders why the younger officer is blushing slightly and bearing a suffering look until he hears his explanation of the scout's finding and the nurse's suspicion who has taken him along to work as an interpreter for the Arab teenage girls. "You're obviously a bachelor and still quite young, Captain", Major Turner comments with a smirk. Brown grins openly, while even Boggs has to smile. Only Lieutenant Johnson looks truly sympathetic for the German Captain's plight. "I would have felt just as embarrassed, Captain Dietrich", the Brit assures the younger officer who looks actually grateful for the only sympathetic comment he has heard all day regarding his ordeal. "You should enjoy your breakfast. You have earned it after your adventure, Captain Dietrich", the American Major laughs and takes his own first spoonful of baked beans. The lean German hesitates a few moments, before he drinks his tea and gratefully gets his cup refilled by the British Lieutenant.
Once finished with breakfast, Dietrich addresses Boggs: "I will give orders to my men to prepare for today's scouting expedition. We should not reach the oasis before tomorrow at noon, but we could run into German convoys and should be prepared accordingly. Gottschlich will replace Hitchcock as a driver. Then, we can conduct the interrogation of the German soldier. I hesitate to openly inform his fellow prisoners of the crime he has been convicted for, but consider it reasonable to inform the senior POW officer who is Tenente Marcello at the moment, when we pick up or return the man." James Boggs studies the German Captain's bruised face for a few seconds, while he contemplates the suggestion, before agreeing: "I will have him brought to my office and you meet us there, Captain Dietrich. You may inform the Italian Lieutenant afterwards." The younger officer nods in confirmation before getting up. "You will excuse me, gentlemen. I have to return to my duties. Thank you again for the excellent tea, Lieutenant Johnson." For the first time since knowing the Brit, Dietrich sees him smile an honest smile, as he replies: "My pleasure, Captain Dietrich. I will see to it you get your tea in the evening."
After a curt nod to express his gratitude, Hans Dietrich turns to the table with his unit, Jakob and the children who both come running toward him enthusiastically. "*No running!*", the German officer admonishes them sternly. "*But we missed you, Hans*", Ari argues and points at Kiri who bears a sad expression. "*I am sorry that I could not sit with you for breakfast, but I have my duties as an officer of this camp. All these men*", he moves his hand to generally include all the men around him, "*rely on me to take care of them.*" "*Oh*", Kiri voices her astonishment, glancing around in a rather intimidated way, before following Ari's example and grabbing one of her protector's shirt lapels, leaning against his side. The German Captain feels a bit overwhelmed by dealing with two children now when it would finally have appeared like he could have a little bit more peace and quiet with Ari getting used to Hitchcock, Moffit and Jakob and finally speaking English. But Kiri truly feels like too much of a challenge for him to believe he could do her and her mother justice in taking proper care of the girl.
Stepping towards the Rats, he addresses them in a stern professional manner. "Gentlemen. We will prepare for today's scouting expedition. This will start after I have finished the interrogation of the German Wehrmacht soldier Meier to learn what he knows about the unit stationed at the oasis." All the Rats aware of Meier's crimes nod with grim expressions, as Troy growls: "He'd have deserved far more of a beating." "Sergeant, the Geneva Convention forbids us from beating up prisoners, independent of how much they would deserve it", the German Captain comments dryly. "Troy, Moffit, Pettigrew, Gottschlich, you will be on the scouting mission. Hitchcock, you will either ride with the medical personnel and patients or Lieutenant Silberblatt and help him with the children and Fritz." "I'll come with you, Jakob", Hitch speaks quickly, making Dietrich and Moffit frown that he would pass a chance of flirting with the nurses so easily. "I have to apologize to you for my grave misjudgement", Moffit addresses the German Captain with dry humor. "We are a kindergarten after all." "Moffit", the young officer growls slightly unnerved. "Have you taken lessons from the Troy brothers in making uncalled for comments at inopportune moments?" Sam Troy grins widely. "Looks like he's got talent for this all on his own, unless you spent time with Davey behind our backs, Jack." "I'd never", Jack Moffit counters dryly, before addressing the German Captain in a more serious tone: "I would ask you for a word in private, Captain, regarding the specific task you have entrusted me with." Dietrich's eyes widen slightly, as he realizes the implication, and the young officer replies smoothly: "Of course, Sergeant. Let's walk outside the tent and speak in a more private atmosphere." Turning to the rest of the men, he adds: "You have your orders, gentlemen. I will see you later." Then, he turns to the children to instruct them to stay with Jakob Silberblatt and Mark Hitchcock, freeing himself from their grasp in a gentle manner. After saying goodbye to both, the German Captain can finally walk outside with the British Sergeant closely at his heels.
Troy follows Moffit and Dietrich unbidden, as he is fed up with being left out of their secret business. Impatiently, he is the first one to speak as soon as they have stepped outside and walked out of the main area where people walk to and from the mess tent. "So what's going on?" "The Captain has entrusted me with a secret mission", Moffit declares cryptically and Troy looks quite hurt to not have been involved. "I suppose you made the same observations as I during your recount, Captain." Dietrich nods with a thoughtful expression, ignoring Troy's accusatory gaze which he considers an utterly juvenile behaviour displayed by the older American. "Indeed, Moffit. Hitchcock definitely reacted strangely. I am seriously concerned about his state of mind by now." At this statement, Troy is completely flabbergasted. "What's this secret mission all about? And why are you worried about Hitch?" The German Captain glares at him now, looking just as affronted as he feels. "Because paying attention to my men and their physical and mental state of health is my duty as a commanding officer. And Hitchcock has been acting uncharacteristically subdued and abnormally despondent in the last days which is explicable with his experiences of seeing his murdered LRDP comrades and being captured by the slavers. But some of his reactions have been strange beyond that and it is a matter of concern for me as his CO, since I bear the responsibility for his wellbeing." "Since when do you worry personally about Hitch?", Troy inquires even more incredulously. "Since I had to drag him through the desert, while we were both put in chains by the Arab raiders", Dietrich argues smoothly. "Ah. Now I know exactly what you're talking about. I did the same with you" Troy replies with a grin.
Now the German officer actually narrows his eyes suspiciously. "You have never held any responsibility for me though, Sergeant!" "I had the responsibility for deciding not to kill you quite often", Troy counters and the tall Captain stiffens immediately and inquires with a wary tone: "Is this supposed to be the answer to the question I have asked you several times since you have retrieved me?" "You've shown that you can be pretty fair and cooperative, even when I've driven you quite mad", Troy starts. "Driven me quite mad? I would have been willing to bash your head just to make you shut up not to speak of all the men under my command you have killed", the German officer growls. "But you didn't, Captain. You've killed enough men, but you're not a cold-blooded killer", Troy argues. "And I killed enough enemies, but I just didn't want to kill someone who's suffered through hunger and thirst, freezing and heat stroke alongside me and still trusted me to cooperate against a common enemy and gotten me back onto my feet when I couldn't go on. Trying not to kill you was the least I could do, if I could avoid it." Dietrich considers him through narrowed eyes, but arrives at the conclusion that this is as good an answer as he ever will get from Troy willingly. Jack Moffit, who is quietly observing their exchange, arrives at a similar conclusion. Deciding to simply accept this explanation as it is, rather than lose the last of his remaining nerves in the useless attempt to extract information from Sam Troy, Hans comments dryly: "I suppose I can live with that, but don't you ever tell me anything about Florida and sunbathing again!" "But I would have lots of other fun stories from my time of drifting around the U.S., after Ma kicked me off our ranch", Troy starts with a grin, only to be interrupted by the unnerved young Captain: "I prefer Hitchcock and his literature quotes by far! Which leads us back to our original topic of the discussion."
"Okay, so what's wrong with Hitch?", Troy asks with some worry tinging his voice as well. "That's the question I have for you. A month ago, I was still a Wehrmacht officer, but you have been close to him for a lot longer, since you're all friends." Troy eyes him strangely and Moffit grimaces. "I wouldn't call my relationship to Mark Hitchcock friendship", the British scholar declares coolly. "The boy's a bit too young for that. I'm more like his mentor", even Troy admits. Dietrich looks incredulous for a few moments, before he growls: "Are you mocking me, Troy? Hitchcock is older than I am. Don't try to feed me this mentor nonsense, when you've been pestering me about all your close friendships as commando unit soldiers for weeks!" "You should have thought about that, old man", Moffit teases Troy. "I didn't lie to you per se, maybe just exaggerated. I just wanted to get you to open up a bit, Captain", Troy argues and the German briefly rubs his eyes with his palms, shaking his head in disbelief. "I have no idea what's wrong with Hitch. I just thought it's the SS stuff and the slavers that bother him", the American Sergeant grumbles with honest annoyance at not being able to do anything about the situation. "And we actually are all friends, kinda... in different ways." Hans suppresses the urge to roll his eyes, as he still prides himself with keeping his countenance, but feels hard tested to remain calm and dignified at the prospect of such idiocy.
"I'll speak with Lieutenant Hartigan. She at least has some sensitive and sensible manner of gaining information about him", the Captain finally argues. "Lisa's about as cooperative as a wildcat. She'll just scratch your face and bite you", Troy growls, never having gotten along with the similarly headstrong woman without constantly crossing blades. "Don't mistake her or me for yourself, Troy! I have found that she can be quite reasonable, if approached with sensible arguments and a polite manner", the German Captain counters dryly. Troy grins widely, as he affirms: "You're definitely the nurses' favourite, Captain. I still recall Deirdre kissing you on the cheek." "Don't you dare question my honour, Sergeant Troy!", Dietrich snarls defensively. "I'm an officer and gentleman. I'd never behave in the way Hitchcock does, refusing even to consider..." The angry Captain freezes in the middle of his tirade, as a thoughtful expression appears on his face. Both Moffit and Troy observe him with curiosity, what has possibly stopped him. "What has irritated him yesterday and caused his extremely distressed reaction today was the mention of the marriage proposal", Hans argues. "Nurse Hartigan reacted rather angrily and aggressively, when we arrived yesterday, even accusing me of unnecessarily risking his life." "That damn big mouthed...", the American Sergeant growls, but gets interrupted by Dietrich's "Troy!" "You think she might have confronted Hitch with marriage?", Jack Moffit asks, interrupting their scuffle. The German officer shrugs rather nonchalantly. "I don't know, but that would be my best educated guess. And he refused to take his chance of spending the day with the nurses on the truck to flirt with them, as I would have half expected from him and surely your brother does." Troy growls: "Davey's even worse than Hitch ever will be." Dietrich winces slightly at the tone and topic. Getting these stubborn Troy brothers to finally make peace with each other is about as simple as herding cats. Troy's expression has changed into a sly grin, as he adds: "Okay, Captain Sherlock. I'm totally convinced by your smart arguments. But what do we do? Do you still want to talk with that feral beast Lisa after she almost tore your head off yesterday?"
"Why don't you talk with your friend and mentee, Troy?", the German Captain counters dryly. "Why don't you talk with him directly? You brought all this up", Troy shoots back. "I don't have your relationship of friendship and trust with him", Hans argues. "Hitch trusts you a lot since you dragged him half-blind through the desert", Troy counters. "That's actually true. Currently, he might rather talk with you than with us, because you shared his experiences of the past few days and showed him more compassion than either of us has", Moffit argues. Dietrich scowls, but gives the argument some thought. "I will try and speak with him, but I need to rely on you, should I fail to persuade him to speak about what bothers him", the German Captain finally replies with a weary sigh. "You can always rely on us, Captain", Troy replies immediately with conviction. "But you should know that this subtle empathy stuff just isn't my thing." Dietrich and Moffit exchange bemused looks, when the German officer replies dryly: "I'd never have guessed, Sergeant."
"Captain Dietrich", James Boggs interrupts them, as he has stepped out of the mess tent and noticed his younger second in command speaking with his Sergeants. All three briefly bear expressions as if they would have been caught with their hands inside the cookie jar, before Dietrich and Moffit adopt neutral expressions, while Troy settles for a wary scowl. "We're finished here, gentlemen", the German officer says smoothly. "I'll meet you at the Jeeps and trust that you will take care of everything properly. Moffit, order our Arab scouts to leave the girls with the camels to ride along with the convoy, while they should take the mules and horse for scouting ahead." Moffit salutes properly to the Captain's actual joy. "Of course, Captain. I'll take care of it." Then, Hans turns back to the older American officer and addresses him: "Should I come with you for the prisoner's interrogation or fetch him from the prisoners' area, Captain Boggs?" "Come with me, please. I have already ordered to have him fetched to my office tent", Boggs replies calmly. Dietrich nods and is about to turn to follow the older Captain, when he finds Troy stepping in his way and reaching out to pat him on the shoulder. "Good luck with your conversations. We'll meet you at the Jeeps", the American Sergeant speaks in a sympathetic tone that takes Boggs even more by surprise than the German who nods and mutters: "Thank you, Troy." Then, the tall young officer follows behind Boggs falling in step beside him, as they walk silently toward the office tent. The older American Captain definitely has some observations to contemplate on, while the younger one has enough to worry about.
First Lieutenant Adams awaits them already and appears truly agitated. "A scandalous behaviour. How could such a man who disregards and rules of propriety and decency ever serve in the German military?", he inquires indignantly, while he rereads the short file he has compiled on Meier with a disgusted expression. Dietrich remembers Lisa Hartigan's explanation that the man is a Puritan with rather narrow minded moral standards. Now he can experience this first hand. "First Lieutenant", the German Captain addresses the man calmly: "This immoral behaviour is tolerated as little by the German military as it would be in the U.S. army. As soon as the man's commanding officer learned about it, he sentenced the man to the concentration camp where he would have served hard labour as reparation to society. By taking him as a prisoner and still treating him as an enemy soldier, it appears as if this behaviour would have been known and tolerated which it never was." Adams stares at the tall lean German intently, before nodding in acceptance of the explanation. "It is still a horrible crime against any human decency", he complains. "We should sentence the man to penal service as well." "Based on the results of our investigation it will be up to General Atkins to make such a decision", Boggs reminds his Lieutenant who he knows feels like he has a vocation of forcing his own moral standards upon everyone else. He still recalls never to have been as well liked by his men as after Adams has been his replacement for a week, when he has been called to HQ for a special meeting of higher ranking officers. Boggs admires his German colleague who is not familiar with Adams for his patience in answering the Lieutenant's insistent questions calmly and matter-of-factually which still follow after his declaration.
Hans almost breathes a sigh of relief, when the arrival of the soldiers guarding the German prisoner ends the constant stream of questions from the overly moralistic Lieutenant, serving as his salvation before he might lose his patience and finally snap at the unnerving man. The Gefreiter looks utterly intimidated, tense and fearful. When he notices Dietrich however his eyes light up and a brief smile passes over his drawn face. "Herr Hauptmann", he speaks with a tone that clearly communicates his relief. "In der Amerikanischen Armee wird der Titel als 'Captain' ausgesprochen", Dietrich instructs him that the title in the U.S. army is Captain instead of Hauptmann. Meier nods to not anger the man he views as the closest thing he has to an ally at the moment. Although the officer's disdain at his behaviour has been quite obvious, he has promised to guarantee his fair treatment. Although Meier has mostly been kept separated from the other prisoners, he has been able to talk with a few. Most appear to be from Hans Dietrich's former Panzer Kompanie who have willingly followed their Hauptmann condemned to be executed for treason into Allied captivity. Every single man he has asked about the officer has assured him that his word is worth more than any written contract and the man is noble and honorable to the last bone which Meier has already observed when he has stood in defense of the young American soldier and gotten himself beaten into unconsciousness as a result. The handsome young Hauptmann is therefore his best chance in his current situation to escape alive without suffering the Allied soldiers' wrath for what has happened to their pitiable comrade, which Meier actually regrets, feeling compassion for the Aussie who has never had a choice in what has been done to him.
"Gefreiter Peter Meier", Dietrich addresses him now in a stern tone and the German soldier tenses immediately, nervous whether he has missed something during his musings. "Ich wiederhole meine Frage", the German Captain growls slightly impatiently that he has to repeat his question. "Sind Sie bisher anständig behandelt worden, wie die Genfer Konvention es vorsieht?" Meier averts his gaze, feeling slightly ashamed that the officer would inquire as his first point of concern whether he has been treated decently according to the Geneva Convention. "Jawohl, Herr Hauptmann... Captain", the German soldier stutters, unsure which title to use. The German officer nods at the positive reply and turns his gaze at James Boggs who as his official commanding officer is in charge of the interrogation after translating his first question and the man's answer. "Ask him about the oasis he has been stationed in", Boggs decides to go straight for the jugular. Dietrich raises his eyebrows, slightly surprised that the American Captain he would have considered more subtle and considerate than Troy until now would order such an approach lacking almost any subtlety. Then, he turns toward Meier who eyes the Americans wide-eyed like a deer caught in the headlights. "Gefreiter Meier. Sie haben erwähnt, dass Sie in einer der Oasen stationiert waren unter dem Kommando von Hauptmann Zornbrecht. Sie sind sich auch bewusst, dass sie als zum KZ verurteilter Straftäter keine Möglichkeit zur Rückkehr zur deutschen Seite haben", Dietrich formulates his inquiry cautiously, reminding the German soldier that as a convicted criminal he has no option of returning to the German side, before getting to the point: "Ich möchte, dass Sie mir die Oase, die Truppenstärke, die Versorgungslage, die Offiziere und das schwere Gerät beschreiben, Meier. Ihre Kooperation kann Ihnen Sympathien und eine angenehmere Behandlung vonseiten der Alliierten einbringen." The young Captain inquires about the oasis, troop strengths, the supply situation, the officers and military machinery, reminding the man that his cooperation can gain him sympathies and a more comfortable treatment through the Allies.
Meier nods eagerly, licking his lips, before starting his reply: "Die Oase liegt vielleicht ein bis zwei Tagesreisen vom Wasserloch, Hauptmann Dietrich. Entschuldigung, ich meinte Captain." As he man stumbles over his words with the title, the German officer raises his hand in a gesture that makes the man stop his babbling and fall quiet. "Bleiben Sie bitte bei Hauptmann. Dann ist es einfacher", Dietrich tells him to stay with Hauptmann to keep things simpler and avoid frequent apologies. That the oasis is located at one to two days distance from the water hole is peeking his interest, as this means that he can indeed provide them with information about the next oasis to come. "Hauptmann Zornbrecht ist sehr streng und versteht keinen Spaß", Meier starts to describe his Captain as very strict and devoid of humor which makes Dietrich smirk slightly. "Aber vor Leutnant Himmelland habe ich wirklich Angst gehabt", the German soldier admits to having been afraid of the German Lieutenant Himmelland. "Er ist brutal und er genießt es, anderen Schmerzen zuzufügen und sie zu quälen. Herr Hauptmann Zornbrecht hat ihn oft für die Verhöre von Gefangenen hinzugezogen. Dann haben wir die Schreie im ganzen Lager gehört." Dietrich grimaces, when Meier tells him fearfully that the Lieutenant enjoys to hurt and torment people which is the reason why the Captain has often used him as an assistant for interrogations. During those times the screams of the interrogated men have been heard in the whole camp. Seeing his reaction, Boggs asks for a translation which Dietrich provides with a grim expression. The older Captain scowls, while Adams spits with disgust: "Those Germans are immoral scum." "You'd better reconsider your statement, Lieutenant, as I am a German as well", the young Captain growls with narrowed eyes and obviously wounded pride. The American officer pales slightly, spluttering an apology: "Yes. Of course. I didn't mean to insult you, Captain."
After a nod of acceptance of the apology, Hans Dietrich turns back to Peter Meier who eyes him with something akin to desperation in his eyes. "Bitte, Herr Hauptmann. Ich sage die Wahrheit. Das schwöre ich Ihnen bei allem, was mir heilig ist. Sie brauchen mich nicht zu foltern." The German Captain pales slightly, when the soldier swears on all he holds dear that he is speaking the truth, pleading with him to keep the Americans from torturing him. "Niemand hat vor Sie zu foltern, insbesondere wenn Sie ehrlich und kooperativ sind", the tall officer assures him that nobody intends to torture him, especially when he is honest and cooperative. Trusting in Dietrich's reputation as told by the other German prisoners, Meier trusts in his word. "Danke, Herr Hauptmann. Ich sage Ihnen alles, was ich weiß. Neben Hauptmann Zornbrecht und Leutnant Himmelland gibt es noch Feldwebel Weiß und Feldwebel Mauser. Beide sind gute Leute, haben sich immer um uns, die einfachen Soldaten, gekümmert. Weiß hat Winni und mich mal beinahe erwischt, aber ermahnt und nicht an den Hauptmann gemeldet, weil er wusste, dass er sehr brutal mit uns umgehen wird." The young Captain frowns, when he hears that one of the two Sergeants Weiß and Mauser has almost caught the two sodomites, but only reprimanded them and not reported them to their Captain, knowing about the man's brutality. "Über Ihr schändliches und verbrecherisches Verhalten werden wir uns noch unterhalten", Hans growls that they will speak about his shameful and criminal behaviour later on. Meier gazes at the tall lean officer, appearing slightly intimidated.
"Sie schulden mir noch Aussagen über die Truppenstärke, Versorgungslage und das schwere Gerät und die Vehikel der Einheit", the young Captain reminds him sternly that he still owes him informations about the troops, supplies and vehicles of the unit. "Wir sind etwa 80 Mann. Winni und ich sind ja jetzt nicht mehr dabei", Meier replies that they are about 80 men without him and Winni. "Sind Truppen aus Tobruk bei Ihnen eingelangt?", Dietrich inquires if any troops from Tobruk have arrived at their fort. Meier shakes his head in the negative. "Die sind wohl alle in der viel näheren Oase gelandet", he muses that they all must have arrived in the oasis closest to the city, but Dietrich can tell that this is a guess. "Wissen Sie etwas von SS Truppen in der Umgebung?", the tall Captain inquires about the SS troops. Meier pales visibly and starts stuttering with a quivering voice: "SS? Hier?" From his panicked reaction alone, the lean officer believes him that he has had no idea about the SS being in the vicinity. "Wie sieht es mit Ihrer Versorgung aus?", he inquires about the supplies next. "Hauptmann Zornbrecht hat befohlen, dass wir regelmäßig Lebensmittel aus der Stadt requirieren", Meier explains that Zornbrecht has ordered to confiscate food from the local oasis town. Dietrich scowls, aware that this a strategy his more ruthless former colleagues have applied, arguing that the locals are only 'Untermenschen' after all, while he himself and several others have typically tried to treat their local supporters with respect and not raid them like they would enemy territory in desperate time, but pay for the food required to support their soldiers, as has also been Rommel's intent. The Generalfeldmarschall has always been aware of the importance of their local helpers after all.
Unbidden, Meier continues to tell him about their machinery: "Wir haben nur mehr sechs Panzer gehabt. Dafür gut 9 LKW. Einer davon hätte uns ins KZ bringen sollen. Dann hatten wir noch einige Kübelwagen, aber ich habe nie gezählt wie viele. Es tut mir leid, Herr Hauptmann." Six tanks and nine trucks sounds like a reasonable unit size for a stationary unit with less requirements for armed protection of convoys. Meier confesses to never have counted the number of Kübelwagen, apologizing even, which makes Dietrich actually smile leniently. "Schon gut, Meier. Ich glaube Ihnen, dass Sie es ehrlich nicht wissen und nicht Informationen verhehlen wollen." The German soldier looks relieved when the former Hauptmann assures him that he believes him that he honestly does not know the information and does not try to hide it. Then, he turns back to Boggs to report what he has learned. The American Captain appears content and quite happy about his younger colleague and his success. "Do you wish to continue this interrogation or can we leave on our scouting mission and inquire about his crimes at a later time, possibly after Private Young has recovered well enough to provide a statement first." James Boggs sees the reason behind Dietrich's suggestion, although he knows that Brown and the Australians will insist on a quick interrogation.
"Please continue questioning him. We both know that Captain Brown will not stop pestering us otherwise", Boggs appeals to the young German officer's reasonability. Dietrich sighs wearily, as he can imagine Brown annoying them both at any given moment with ease. "Fine. I will do this for the sake of preserving both our sanity", the German Captain drawls sarcastically and turns back to the Gefreiter. "Sprechen wir nun also über Ihre Vergehen!", the German officer demands that they will now speak about his crimes. Meier pales visibly and stutters: "Bitte, Herr Hauptmann. Ich wollte dem Soldaten nichts zuleide tun. Aber Karim hätte mich genauso grausam behandelt wie ihn, wenn ich mich geweigert hätte. Das hat er zu Beginn auch, um seine Dominanz zu zeigen." Dietrich frowns at the German soldier's argument that he has never intended to harm the other soldier, but has been afraid of being mistreated in the same gruesome manner by Karim which the Arab already has done previously. "Wie lange gingen diese Misshandlungen?", the German Captain inquires how long these maltreatment has been going on, leaving it unspecified whether he means the German or the Australian soldier. "Ich war zwei Wochen sein Sklave, der Australier nur zwei Tage." Meier whimpers that he has been Karim's slave for two weeks, while the Aussie has been in his power for only two days. With a weary sigh, Dietrich turns to Boggs to provide his translation at which the older Captain scowls and inquires: "Do you believe him?" "Don't you?", Dietrich counters. "He's afraid and traumatised himself. I'm sure he's not lying." Boggs focuses a scrutinizing gaze on the young man who squirms and throws a pleading look in Dietrich's direction, whimpering: "Bitte, Herr Hauptmann. Ich schwöre, dass ich die Wahrheit sage."
Boggs finally nods to his German colleague. "I believe him as well. He's too afraid to lie." "Spineless coward", the German Captain growls quietly with clear contempt in his tone, before reining in his temper, as he turns toward the soldier. "Meier, wir glauben Ihnen und werden Ihre Aussage in einem offiziellen Verhörprotokoll vermerken." The German soldier looks utterly relieved, repeating his expression of gratitude "Vielen herzlichen Dank, Herr Hauptmann" over and over until Dietrich turns away unnerved. "Lead him away!", Boggs orders to the guard soldier, then addresses his younger colleague who is about to follow. "Please inform the Italian Lieutenant about his situation and crimes!" Dietrich nods. "Of course, Captain Boggs." "Also there is something else", the American Captain continues and the German officer eyes him warily, as he waits to hear what the older officer has to say. "The horse, mules and your Arab scouts. It would be preferable, if one of your men would ride with them to keep an eye on them and instruct them in scouting routine." "Only Moffit and I speak their language", Dietrich argues. "And unlike me the Sergeant can handle the Browning on the Jeep, while my shoulder still prohibits me from doing so. Basically, I will have to ride with the Arab scouts myself, if this is what you want." Boggs looks briefly surprised, but nods thoughtfully. "Would this be possible for you? I want to send the scouts along with your unit anyways." "It's not a problem for me", the German Captain replies, almost smiling. "I definitely prefer a horse over these accursed Jeeps. And Troy and Moffit work well enough without any direct intervention", Dietrich comments sarcastically. Boggs replies calmly: "Unfortunately we don't use horses in the U.S. army anymore, even for scouting." Hans nods and bears a serious expression as he replies: "My father was a cavalry officer in the last Great War. I know the horses' fates in that war. We also tried horses and particularly camels with the Afrikakorps, but feeding and watering them was still too complicated compared to any vehicles which just stand still for days or weeks until the next supply of gasoline arrives, while a horse will die without water every day." With a wistful smile the young officer adds: "I enjoy riding nonetheless." Boggs smiles at the German Captain's honest words. "Ride with your scouts then! I will see you, when you depart with your unit, Captain Dietrich", the American Captain replies and gives a brief salute which the German officer answers with a wincing salute of his own.
Then, Hans Dietrich turns on his heels and stalks off toward the prison area. "Ciao, Capitano Volpacchiotto", Marcello greets him enthusiastically. "Come stai, mi amico?" The Italian Lieutenant still unnerves his former German colleague with his overbearing manner of treating him like his best friend, as he pulls the young Captain into an embrace. "Va bene", the young Captain replies in a noncommittal manner, trying to extract himself from the grip. "We need to talk, Tenente", Dietrich adds in English with a serious expression. Marcello looks surprised, but replies: "Si, claro, Capitano. Prego." The German Captain sighs wearily and rubs his temple. "The German soldier who has been brought to you today, Peter Meier, was convicted for sodomy by the Wehrmacht and sentenced to serve in a concentration camp." Marcello looks slightly confused. "What is he doing per qui?" "He has been arrested in a German uniform and independent of that would go to prison either way, because he also committed a similar crime against an Allied soldier who was not involved willingly. Both soldier were admittedly in the hands of Arab slavers who forced the manhandling upon them both", Dietrich explains. "No", Marcello mouths, clearly shocked. "Si", the German officer replies sternly. "This is the reason why I warn you to keep an eye on him. But don't tell all the men about his crime, for I fear that they might beat him up or even kill him, if they learn about this." "Si. Compresco", the Italian Lieutenant replies gratefully. "Grazie per il avvertimento, Capitano." "Prego, Tenente Marcello." Dietrich nods in response to the expression of gratitude thanking him for the warning. "Stammi bene!", he adds. "Anche tu, Capitano", Alessandro Marcello replies with a smile that his German friend should take care of himself as well patting his good shoulder, as the young officer gracefully sidesteps the Italian's attempt to hug him.
Afterward, Hans Dietrich is taking his leave from the prisoners area where Lieutenant Carlos is in charge, when he crosses paths with the Hispanic officer who greets the German Captain happily, as soon as he sees him. "Captain Dietrich. Good to see you. What did you have to discuss with the Italian Lieutenant?" "Your latest prisoner, the German soldier Peter Meier, is a convicted sodomist, already in the German Wehrmacht. I recommend that you keep an eye on him. I warned the Lieutenant not to tell the men, lest they attack or kill him." Carlos looks shocked. "Thank you for your warning." Dietrich frowns. "I would have expected Captain Boggs to already have informed you." Carlos frowns as well and growls after cautiously looking around who might overhear his words: "Since the Major and General are back in charge, everything is worse again. They don't want to involve us lowly minions." The German Captain looks honestly surprised to be taken into the American Lieutenant's confidence, but nods in understanding. The Hispanic officer smiles and pats the taller German on the good shoulder. "Thanks again for telling me, Captain. You're reliable for us ordinary soldiers and officers to stand by us, almost anybody in this camp is sure of that by now."
Why these Yankees all consider him an accomplice in their minor transgressions, ranging from Pettigrew's whiskey filching episode to Carlos' critics of his own high ranking officers is absolutely beyond Hans Dietrich's scope of imagination. Maybe they all consider him an outcast and thus to have a higher affinity toward such behaviour, but he's still a German officer and being torn between his men's trust and his official duty and obligation to report certain behaviour to his superiors is actually uncomfortable for him. In all these years he has always chosen his men and their trust over his superiors but has paid quite dearly for his decisions as well. Some of his inner conflict must show on his face, as Carlos inquires with a tinge of concern: "Are you alright, Captain?" Dietrich raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner and answers in a calm tone: "Yes, Lieutenant. You need not worry." "I hope you'll stay with us, our unit I mean, Captain", Carlos replies rather unexpectedly. "I really consider applying for your unit myself." The German Captain is so startled by the revelation that he simply stares at the Lieutenant for a few seconds with clear astonishment and surprise written on his face. "Many of the camp soldiers discuss or consider applying, some of my own unit as well, two of my best." Dietrich finally finds his voice to reply: "I'm still astounded. Not only did I think that this absurd notion of applying for my unit is over by now, but also has no officer ever applied before." Carlos smiles rather mischievously. "Then it's about time and it looks like I have little competition." The German Captain realizes how much of a reliable supporter he has gained through the Hispanic Lieutenant who he respects for his honorable manners and likes for the sympathy shown to Ari. "This will not be up to me to decide, Lieutenant", Dietrich argues smoothly. "But I am honoured by your consideration of applying. We should both return to our respective duties now. Good luck!" With a clear, but wincing salute the tall German officer turns on his heels and stalks off toward his unit. Moffit should have summoned the Bedouin scouts by now and the rest of the Rats should be finished with preparing the Jeeps.
A stabbing pain in his shoulder reminds the German Captain of the necessity for receiving the treatment of his injuries. "Hauptmann Dietrich", Doktor Sommer greets the young officer with a smile, as he enters the sickbay. "Wir haben auf Sie gewartet. Schwester Regula hat uns erzählt, was passiert ist." The German Captain grimaces and looks slightly embarrassed, when Sommer tells him that they have been waiting for him after nurse Regula has told them what has happened. "Ich werde Ihnen die Schmerzmittel für Ihre Schulter geben, will mir aber zuerst noch ansehen, dass Sie wirklich keine innere Blutung bei der Leber erlitten haben." Dietrich nods in agreement that his former staff medic assures him that he will give him the pain killers for his shoulder after checking that he has indeed not suffered any internal bleeding at his liver, while the young officer starts to unbutton his jacket and shirt. Of all his bruises only the one above the liver looks truly worrying, but Ludwig Sommer is also concerned that his young former Hauptmann looks just as lean and skinny as he has after his rescue from the SS and hardly gained any substantial weight. Ever since his grave weight loss during his two weeks desert ride Sommer has been worried about Hans Dietrich, as the young Captain has never truly recovered from the ordeal with the losses of supplies they have suffered and the Hauptmann's stubborn refusal of any preferential treatment as an officer, often being the first to sacrifice parts of his own meals for the benefit of the wounded and sick. His later grave leg injury and escape from Allied captivity have not improved the situation either. The consequences of his noble attitude have been obvious for a while, but have never deterred the German Captain.
"Wissen Sie, wie es dem jungen Australier geht?", Dietrich inquires about the young Australian Private's state of health. "Dem geht es nicht wirklich gut. Er hat Schwester Arno angegriffen, als sie ihm beim Aufstehen helfen wollte. Doctor Andrews und ich mussten ihn gemeinsam festhalten. Er war extrem verlegen und hat sich entschuldigt, sobald er wieder bei Sinnen war", Sommer explains with a worried expression that the young man is not well. Hans looks equally worried, when he hears that the Private has attacked nurse Arno and Doktor Sommer together with Doctor Andrews has been forced to hold back the Australian. At least, he has been embarrassed and apologised, once he has regained his senses. The German Captain winces, when Sommer checks his shoulder. "Ich bin mir sicher, dass Ihr Bluterguss auf der Leber nicht bedrohlich ist, Herr Hauptmann. Aber, dass Sie mit der Schulter immer noch so kämpfen, bereitet mir Sorgen", Sommer tells the young officer that he is sure that his bruise at his liver shows no sign of internal bleeding, but that he is worried about the shoulder injury. Dietrich scowls, but admits that he knows it would be better to let it heal, but he cannot find the time: "Ich weiß, dass es besser wäre, wenn ich sie heilen ließe, aber ich finde einfach nicht die Zeit." "Das sollten Sie aber, bevor Sie permanent den Preis bezahlen, Hans", Sommer reprimands him that he should better find the time, before he will have to pay the price permanently. Dietrich nods, as he rebuttons his shirt and jacket, and answers with a sigh: "Ich weiß, Ludwig. Danke für alles."
Then, the young officer turns to leave the sickbay, when a shout from David Troy stops him: "Hey, Dietrich. It's my favourite Jerry Captain I heard there." "Troy", the young German officer growls in immediate annoyance. "What do you want except for making my day miserable?" "Do you know, if Sammy's alright? I haven't seen him in two days", the younger Troy brother inquires with actual worry underneath his insolent tone. "He's alright, but has been occupied with the Aussies and the rescue of Hitchcock and myself", Dietrich replies more calmly. "How are you?", he adds after a few moments of hesitation whether it will be a good idea to trigger the annoying pilot to speak even more. David Troy's despondent look lights up at the question and he grimaces, trying to smile in spite of his burn wounds. "I'm doing better. It still hurts like hell ... literally. They're burns after all." Hans grimaces and fights against the urge to roll his eyes, while the pilot laughs hoarsely at his own pun.
"I hope you get better soon. You're in sickbay pretty often for an officer on duty, Hans", the RAF pilot comments with a tinge of worry. "We're not interacting on a first name basis, Captain Troy!", Dietrich growls, ignoring the other's sympathetic tone. "But you don't like me using your last name either... and there are far too many Captains in this camp to make it unique", David points out. "Don't try to be smart with me, Troy. I knew it was a mistake to show you some sympathy and give you time to speak", Dietrich counters. "I'm sorry, Captain Dietrich", David Troy actually makes an effort to appease the German. "You're just one of my few friends here who visit or care how I am." Dietrich frowns, but refrains from snapping at him, crouching next to the RAF pilot's bed instead. "Troy, I'm not your friend which doesn't mean that I don't care what happens to you and whether you have to suffer all alone", the German Captain mutters with a serious expression. "I had hundreds of friends who turned out to be less of a friend than you, went drinking with me, as long as the money kept flowing and never even looked back at me, when times weren't as good", David Troy tells with an almost jovial tone which contradicts the sad statement. "I have other moral principles than those people even without being a personal friend", Hans argues sternly. "Take care, Troy. I will see you again, when our scouting mission is over." David grimaces again, as he tries to smile. "Thanks, Captain Dietrich." Dietrich nods, as he stands up to finally leave the sickbay and obtain his gear from their tent.
In their tent where the Captain has gone to pick up his cap and goggles, he comes across Mark Hitchcock. "Hitchcock, we need to talk", Dietrich addresses the young American Private with a serious tone. Hitch stares at him incredulously. "I swear I didn't do anything, Cap!", Mark replies in an automatic defensive move. A brief wry smile crosses the German Captain's face, as he comments dryly: "Is this your guilty conscience speaking?" Then, the young officer's tone and expression turn serious, as he adds: "Hitchcock, I'm now accusing you of anything, but I could not help but notice that you appear uncharacteristically downcast, quiet and distracted today. I am aware that we don't share the same basis of trust as you have it with Troy, Moffit or Pettigrew, but I want to offer you to speak your mind regarding what is preoccupying you", the tall officer speaks the last part with a calm and reassuring tone, observing the other intently.
Hitch grimaces and a look which Dietrich finds hard to interpret briefly appears on his face. "It's not about you or not trusting you, Cap. I wouldn't tell this to Sarge or Doc either", Mark'mutters his despondent reply with downcast eyes. "Then speak to your friend Pettigrew or your girlfriend, Lisa Hartigan", Hans argues and scowls, when Hitch reacts to the last name with obvious emotion, averting his gaze immediately and looking utterly uncomfortable. "You have problems with the nurse", the German Captain states flatly without having any necessity to formulate this as a question. His expression becomes more sympathetic. "I recall quite well how she aggressively snapped at both of us yesterday, but I honestly think that this is merely out of concern for you. She is far too much like Troy in this regard." That the young officer would have to lecture Hitchcock of all people about how to deal with women and their behaviour enriches the day through another surreal aspect. Mark looks as surprised as the German Captain feels himself. "I really appreciate what you're doing, Cap. You're not just trying to cheer me up like Sarge but honestly help. But I... I need some more time to think about what happened, before I can speak with you or anyone", Hitch mutters quietly.
Hans observes the other man closely, assessing that he is honest about this. "You can always come to me or any of your friends, Hitchcock. Some problems are much harder to take care of alone and sometimes your own mind will become your worst enemy. Then, you will find it impossible to get anywhere without the help of friends. Believe me that I know better than most what I'm talking about", the German officer argues calmly, but seriously. Mark looks at the young Captain intently. For sure Dietrich knows better than most what it means to lose everything including the home and loved ones or any reason to continue your fight for. Hans tenses involuntarily, when Hitchcock reacts in a manner he would absolutely not have expected, by pulling the German officer into an embrace. Mark becomes aware of his behaviour after a few moments and lets go of the lean Captain, looking a bit embarrassed as he stutters some halfwitted apology. 'I told you yesterday that you'd better respect my bounds and propriety in dealing with me', Dietrich briefly considers snarling at the distraught young man, but decides against it. It would only serve to destroy what little trust the man has in him, but not improve his behaviour, as Hitchcock is so beside himself that he is not fully accountable for his actions. Thus, the German officer decides to choose a less direct, more humorous approach. "Hitchcock, I know I told you not to set a bad example for Ari, but I didn't expect you to adopt the boy's behaviour instead."
Although momentarily dumbfounded, Hitch smiles widely at the statement. Briefly he has feared that the German Captain would tear his head off for overstepping the bounds which are important for the young officer. "Thanks, Cap. I... won't do it again... you know... the hugging thing. I just... needed to feel some human support", Hitch stutters his answer which sounds somewhat more coherent than his previous attempts at an apology. Dietrich narrows his eyes slightly, before he counters dryly: "I hope you'll remember it for the future. But knowing you Yankees it will likely last as long as Troy not violating my name through his pronunciation." Mark grins by now and some of the mirth even reaches his eyes which have held their gloomy despondency for most of the day. "You're really a great guy. I'm actually happy to have you as a CO." As an afterthought he adds: "Please, don't tell Sarge!" Now, even Dietrich cannot help a smile to cross his face, as he replies with irony: "Your secret will be safe with me." Hitch smiles at him, adding: "I can't wait to return to driving the Jeep again." Seeing that all the information he could possibly gain from the Private has been gained, Dietrich tells him: "Take care and don't act too stupidly, while we're gone, Hitchcock! The children need not learn new nonsense. We will see you in the evening." Then, the German Captain stalks off after a quick, but proper salute which makes him wince slightly.
When the Captain arrives at the Jeeps there is already a commotion happening. "Captain Dietrich", Gottschlich exclaims with obvious relief. "What's going on here?", Hans inquires with a stern expression. "That bucking Arab horse threw off the kid", Troy answers him with an annoyed growl. "What did you do to it to keep it calm yesterday, Captain?" Dietrich looks surprised by the question. "I gave it time to get used to me and Kiri, our scents, our voices", he replies calmly and takes a step forward to the horse that is currently held by Moffit and Pettigrew, while Shakir and Farooq help Hussein who presses a hand to his ribs. "*Calm, Salih!*", the German Captain speaks in a calming tone with the nervously prancing steed. The horse immediately pricks its ears upon hearing his voice and tries to shift to be able to look at him. "I will handle the horse. Check the boy for injuries, Moffit!", Dietrich orders sternly, but keeps his tone calm to not irritate the nervous horse. "Let me help the Captain, Tully. I know horses better", Troy suggests and Pettigrew is more than happy to comply as the angry beast is not to his liking. Jeeps and cars in general are much more reliable and not as incalculable as animals. You can take them apart, search the source of the problem and build them together again. What Sarge, Doc and Cap like about horses is beyond him.
The Arab steed has indeed calmed somewhat in the presence of the two men it knows from yesterday. Dietrich continues speaking in a calming tone, using some Arabic comments to make the horse feel safe again. Finally, the nervous movements cease and the steed's tensed muscles relax gradually. Both Troy and the German Captain exchange a relieved half smile, before the young officer explains: "This shows that Captain Boggs was right with his assessment to order me to ride with the Arabs to take care of and train our scouts." Troy looks grim. "What? But you're our Captain." "Don't behave like a petulant child just because Hitchcock's not around to do so, Troy!", Dietrich admonishes him sarcastically. "Your whole unit has worked perfectly without me for a full year. I'm sure you will manage again. Also you will not lose me completely. I'll just ride the horse instead of the Jeep. The scouts will take the mules and a camel." Troy still scowls, but appears somewhat appeased. "Fair enough", the American Sergeant grumbles. "You all ride with us." "If we want those boys to turn into proper scouts we can use for our purposes, we need to train them accordingly", the young officer argues calmly. "You just want to ride a horse instead of a Jeep, Dietrich", Troy comments with a grin. "You know me better than I would have expected, Sergeant", the German Captain replies dryly.
The Arab steed interrupts them by whinnying loudly and shaking its mane which strains both their arms. "*Calm, Salih*", Dietrich mutters to reassure the horse, scratching it behind the ears. "You're really good with horses", Troy comments with a sympathetic tone. "I'm the son of a cavalry officer and grew up with riding", the young German replies with a smile. "I'll leave you to your horse, Captain", Troy states jovially and pats the lean Captain on the shoulder, before turning around to get an overview. "Don't forget to visit your brother some time soon, Troy. I'm already turning into his favourite person in camp at a worryingly fast rate." Troy grins. "I warned you, Captain. You brought this upon yourself." Seeing Dietrich scowl darkly, the American Sergeant grumbles: "Okay. I'll drop by and look after Davey, now that I don't have to worry about you and Hitch again."
"Hussein has a few bruises, but is fine otherwise, Captain", Moffit reports, as he steps to Dietrich. "Thank you, Doctor", the younger officer replies. "I already told Troy that Boggs ordered me to ride with the scouts. You would have been my first choice, but I cannot man the Browning instead of you given my injured shoulder." Jack nods in agreement. "I perfectly understand, Captain." Hans observes the British Sergeant for a few moment, before adding more quietly: "I spoke with Hitchcock, but he will take his time to trust any of us. I'm sure now that his trouble involves his girlfriend, the nurse, somehow. Please, continue having a watchful eye on him... We both know what it's like not to realize when to ask for help, even though one desperately needs it." Jack is surprised by the German Captain's honest statement which reveals his attentive registration of anything told to him. "I will. You can trust me." Dietrich nods and mutters quietly: "I know." The British Sergeant smiles and considers that Troy's assessment might not have been wrong that he is moving into the league of the German's trusted men and friends.
"*Faris alsahra*", Hussein addresses the tall officer. "*What should we do? Salih does not accept me as a rider.*" The Bedouin teenager appears truly embarrassed. "*I will ride on Salih and instruct you in what to take care of for military scouting in addition to what you know about the desert*", the German Captain replies calmly. "*We can learn from you yourself, Captain?*", Farooq asks with actual admiration in his tone. When the European nods, Shakir asks: "*Will you teach us to fight as well?*" Dietrich is thoughtful, as he replies: "*You will train with us. Corporal Gottschlich and Sergeant Troy will show you something with either Sergeant Moffit or me as an interpreter. It is most important that you learn our main language, English, as well.*" Moffit nods in affirmation. "*I have experience with teaching the English language and will be happy to instruct you.*" Farooq is the most enthusiastic, as he replies with a smile: "*Thank you. We're happy to learn from you both.*" Dietrich nods in approval. "*Get your mules! You will ride a camel, Hussein. Moffit, you get back to your Jeep. Tell Troy to bring me the binoculars!*" Moffit provides a brief salute and takes care of his orders.
By the time the American returns with the optical device for the Captain, the Bedouins have brought all their riding animals. Hussein appears a bit dejected to be the only one with a camel instead of a mule or horse, but follows Dietrich's orders obediently. The German Captain mounts his horse with practiced ease after placing the binoculars around his neck. The Rats are familiar with his hand signals by now, but the Bedouins looks quite puzzled, until the tall officer explains the meaning of different signs. All three pay close attention to the explanations and try to memorize them as best as possible. Hans also adds the English terms like 'go', 'stop', 'left' or 'right' for them to learn along which Farooq is the fastest to adopt. For their training, the German decides to also shout the English command along with the hand signal.
The German Captain and his scout riders set the new speed for their patrol unit with the Jeeps providing guard, while the German Captain enjoys riding up dunes and standing in the stirrups for getting an overview of the surroundings. "Crazy Jerry. Can't he at least sit in the saddle for his lookout?", Troy mutters to himself, when he observes the young officer. "Captain Dietrich knows what he's doing, Sergeant Troy", Gottschlich who drives the Jeep instead of Hitch comments in defence of his admired commanding officer. "Sure, Gotty. I didn't mean it like as an offence", Troy replies. "You really need to learn some humor, kid." "That was humor?", the half-Japanese Private inquires incredulously. The American Sergeant grins widely now and pats the young Corporal's shoulder in a friendly manner. "You've got much to learn, greenhorn. Let me tell you something about good old American humor..." Troy does not have Moffit's lecturing experience, but he surely has the appropriate enthusiasm to enrich his explanations during their frequent breaks, while Dietrich scales the dunes.
With the exception of a few tracks in the sand from half tracks and Kübelwagen, they do not come across any indication of a German base nearby. "We seem to have lost the track of the SS convoy", Moffit comments grimly, as they sit down for lunch. "If they have come this way two days ahead of us, they will have reached the German base in the first oasis already", Dietrich replies with a serious expression. "Either they will stay there or continue onward toward their actual destination." Troy looks grim, as he snarls: "If I get my hands on those SS bastards I'll make them regret anything they've ever done to the Aussies and anyone else." Dietrich and Moffit exchange a worried look, before the German Captain reminds him: "You know that there is no love lost between me and the SS, Sergeant. But I have to insist nonetheless that you refrain from torturing or killing surrendered enemies under the protection of the Geneva Convention." Sam Troy glares at him and growls: "Spare me this holier than thou attitude, Captain!" The proud young officer actually looks angry now, as he remarks icily: "You seem to forget that I have been sentenced to death by the SS you despise so much for exactly this attitude. So you'd better consider your own words, before questioning my honor or moral principles!" Troy grits his teeth and looks like he is about to give a venomous reply, when Jack Moffit interrupts their argument. "Troy, Captain Dietrich is right to stand by upholding international law and human principles. We should not forget that his attitude you are currently criticising is the very reason why he is sitting here with us as our ally rather than our enemy and your friend, if you choose to remember this." Sam Troy looks actually guilty once he has overcome his first incredulity, while Dietrich appears more incredulous and shocked at the last words spoken so openly than the reaction.
Tully who sees his moment come uses the distraction to hand each of them a plate with food. "This is yours, Cap", he adds, as he hands the German officer the plate filled with more than the rest. "Don't even think about discussing the doctor's order!", Troy grumbles, when he sees the young officer narrow his eyes. "You lost your whole meals two days ago. We wanna keep our CO and not have him collapsing from underweight." Dietrich frowns still, but is aware of the necessity and his own acknowledgement and agreement. With a slightly pained expression he replies: "I know you're right. I'm still not comfortable with taking more for myself than those I'm responsible for receive." Troy smiles at the German Captain and remembers Moffit's scolding words. "I also know that you're right with what you told me before, about the SS and your principles. I don't want to end up where my anger might take me, so I'm actually grateful to have friends who call me back from this path to hell." Jack answers dryly: "You're welcome, Troy, old man." Dietrich replies dryly: "We know that you require an external source of rationality, given that you lack such an internal resource." "Jerry smartass", Troy counters with more amusement than annoyance. "But the Captain's right, Troy", Jack rushes to his support. "You're a bunch of European snobs, both of you." Troy glares at the Brit, but starts grinning within a few seconds. "Better dig in, before it gets cold", the American Sergeant suggests to switch the topic. "This is the Saharan desert at noon. Hardly anything has a chance of getting and remaining cold, Troy", the German officer counters for good measure, but adds: "Enjoy your lunch."
After the first bite he calls in the Private's direction: "Thank you, Pettigrew. As usual, this is surprisingly good given the circumstances of its preparation." Tully who has taken a seat next to Gottschlich in the shade of the second Jeep a few meters away looks surprised, before a brief smile appears on his face. "Thanks, Cap." To Gottschlich the Kentuckian mutters quietly: "Told you he's a nice guy." The American Corporal nods and assesses their young Captain who sits cross legged with Moffit and Troy, currently eating his own lunch. Gotty shudders as he remembers seeing the officer's bruised torso and considers how much pain he must be in, yet still continues with his duties and missions. Captain Dietrich is definitely the man he admires the most of all the people he has ever met in his life. Following his example almost feels too much of a challenge, but from all the times Riku has spoken with him, the German officer has always been supportive, understanding and strict, but not harsh, sadistic or brutal, criticising him in a conctrucive manner to help him improve. The young man is the perfect CO from his perspective, speaking German, being curious about the half-Japanese soldier's cultural heritage and interested even to learn from his lower ranking soldier himself. Even thinking that Gottschlich would have to serve under someone else if something would happen to Dietrich makes the young man shudder and similar to Sam Troy make a personal vow to keep him protected and well.
Hans Dietrich supported by Jack Moffit turns to his Arab scouts after finishing his lunch and provides some explanations of what they are looking for and instructions how to find and recognize not only their enemies, but also hidden dangers like minefields. Farooq repeats the strange new words 'tank', 'half-track', 'minefield', 'convoy' and several more military terms which have been completely alien to the Bedouin teenagers before a few times with his two friends reluctantly following suit. Even though learning to speak English along with its grammar properly would be beyond their scope for mere two weeks, learning the most relevant vocabulary for a scout to provide a report and understand his commander's order if put in a simple language is reasonable as a training goal.
After their theoretical training round they ride out again to apply this new knowledge to practice. Dietrich sends the Rats along the road to check for minefields and enemy activities which might endanger their convoy and also look for a good spot for their next camp, while he will lead the three Bedouin teenagers toward the rocky terrain in the North of the road to check for hidden bases or supply depots, as the find of the SS base has made them aware of this possibility. Troy is not the only one to look discontent at the prospect of leaving the German officer's presence after what has happened the last time they have split up, but finds no valid military argument that the proud young Captain would not shoot down immediately. The agreement between them all is that they will meet at the latest fifty miles down the road which is the maximum distance the main convoy could manage without complications. While Dietrich calls the main convoy to provide a report of their few finds and plans to James Boggs, Troy whispers with Moffit. "I don't like to let him out of my sight. He's tough as an old boot sole, but we all have seen his limits. I'd rather be around to carry him back than leave him in the hands of those Arab kids." Moffit counters: "Captain Dietrich is a trained officer and soldier. Even when he pushes his physical limits, he is not suicidal to ride out there, if he wouldn't think he can make it back. We all know that what we do is dangerous, but this has never deterred him before and surely will not now. Trust in his reasonable mind to not throw away his life needlessly! He didn't even discuss or correct me, when calling him your friend." Troy scowls. "Which is why I'd rather stay with him." "Dietrich is a grown man, not a child. He neither needs nor appreciates being treated in such a patronising manner", Moffit argues. "You wouldn't either, old man." Troy scowls, but nods. "You're right, Jack. Sometimes I forget that our young Fox is actually right, when he says I need your external reasonability." Their Fox is finishing his radio report and giving brief instructions to the drivers, Pettigrew and Gottschlich, before returning to his horse. "We'll see you later, Captain", Troy shouts, once he and Moffit have taken their positions at the guns. "Let's shake it!" Dietrich sighs a bit wearily, but signals his scouts to follow him, as he rides into a different direction.
Two hours after splitting the scout party, just when Hans Dietrich considers to ride toward their meeting point, Shakir calls: "Captain." The German officer has a premonition that he will not like what he is about to hear, but rides toward his young scout anyways. "*There are tracks from animals and your vehicles*", Shakir points to the ground, as the tall European dismounts. Dietrich crouches next to the Bedouin teenager and studies the tracks which do not look too fresh, but cannot be older than a day or two, as the wind would have blown them away otherwise. They are indeed the tracks of many hooves which look like the animals would have run around in panic. Two tracks from a half-track lead towards and back from a mountain wall where Hussein is pointing at a small cave which is a bit tricky to spot. Hans scowls and weighs his options. With the horses he has no mobile radio unit and means of communication. Sending one of the scouts to inform the others about his whereabouts is therefore his only option. Of the three, Farooq is the most skilled with adopting the foreign language. "*Farooq*", the German officer therefore calls the boy, "*you will ride back to the road and follow it towards our meeting point. There you should meet either the convoy with the high ranking officers you met yesterday or the Rat Patrol first. Inform them that we found a cave and they should send a rescue party tomorrow, if we don't arrive two or three hours after you. Sergeant Moffit of the Rats and Ari with the convoy should be able to translate for you.*" The shaggy haired teenager tries a salute that might play in Pettigrew's league, while the German officer provides a far sharper military salute. Then, the Bedouin rides away with his mule, while Dietrich takes a pen light from one of his belt pockets. Hussein and Shakir eye his device with admiration, as they follow behind the German Captain.
Already the first few steps into the cave expose them to a horrid stench of feces, blood and burnt flesh. A trampled down campfire, stones and burnt wood and dung lie strewn around. Hans can make out the footprints of boots in the fresh dung and sand which would have been invisible on the stone ground further inside the cave. The soldiers, most likely Germans, seem to have surprised a herder or several herders who have camped in the cave with their animals. "*Look, Kepten! Blood*", Hussein calls out, pointing at the end of the cavernous front space still within the range of the pen light. "*And there is a way deeper into the stone*", the young officer mutters. "*Should we follow it, Captain?*", Shakir inquires cautiously. Hans nods. "*We have to, as long as it is safe.*" Then, the German Captain holds out the pen light to the teenager. "*You will walk in front of me, slowly and carefully, while I take my weapon.*" Shakir and Hussein eye the mysterious stick with the light curiously, while Dietrich draws his gun. "*Always watch the ground before you and for an attacker hidden behind walls, Shakir! Hussein, you cover our rear and watch out that nobody ambushes us from the back or steals our animals. Guard them properly!*" Hussein salutes in a better manner than Farooq and picks up his rifle from his camel to stand guard in the cave entrance, although he looks a bit disappointed that Shakir may stay with the Captain.
With the Arab teenager who does not even reach to his chin level walking in front of him, Hans Dietrich has a good vision to the front, but needs to rely on him to watch the ground. After mere two minutes, Shakir exclaims in horror: "*Look, faris alsahra!*" The teenage boy stops and even leans his back against the German officer walking behind him, shivering slightly. Dietrich's stomach turns as he sees and smells what has scared the Arab youngster and he places his right hand on the young Bedouin's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "*Give me the light, Shakir, and stay back!*", the German Captain orders, as he puts his gun back into its holster and steps forward to investigate the corpse. The dead Arab looks a few years older than his teenage scouts with a visible small beard grown on his chin. His face looks like he has been beaten, as it is swollen and marred with bruises. The man's knuckles are bloody, as if he has tried to fight back against his attackers and his palms are scratched from his finger nails and the rough floor over which he seems to have crawled before ending up here. In addition the Mark's from the beatings the Arab has a bullet wound in his side.
"*Allah protect us!*", Shakir whispers behind Dietrich and starts reciting prayers he has learned as a boy. "*Don't worry, Shakir. This man has been dead for almost a day. And his attackers are long gone*", the German Captain explains calmly to reassure the distraught youngster. "*We should bury him*", Shakir argues. "*We will*", the German officer replies calmly and finally the young Bedouin sounds clearly relieved. "*Thank you, faris alsahra. *" "*I suppose he was a herder of goats*", Dietrich muses, as he crouches next to the corpse and studies the clothes more closely. "*We have learned all that we could here. We should call Hussein to help carry the dead man.*" Shakir nods, then freezes. Stepping closer to the German Captain he whispers: "*I can hear some noise in this direction. Could it be the men who killed him?*" Dietrich frowns and listens intently as well. After a few seconds he can make out a soft noise like a whimper or cry. "*I don't think that this is a dangerous person, Shakir. Hold the light for me, then I can hold the weapon.*" With a slightly shaking hand, the Bedouin youth takes the torch and waits for the German Captain to draw his hand gun.
Then they both sneak further into the cave system, following a narrow path through the stone. The further they walk the more clearly they can hear the whimpering sounds. Finally they arrive at an edge over which Shakir almost topples, if Dietrich would not have reacted swiftly and pulled him back along with him, wrapping his arm around the young Bedouin's chest. "*Thank you*", Shakir manages to get out after a few moments of shocked silence. "*You're welcome, Shakir. Give me the light, please!*", the German Captain orders and puts away his handgun to get the chance to shine the light down a small cliff at the space below. The whole descent is not higher than a meter, but might still be dangerous, if one would fall down blindly in the darkness. At the bottom lies a goat which is the source of the pain filled noises. "*It's a goat, possibly injured and from the dead herder's herd*", Hans Dietrich tells his young companion who breathes an audible sigh of relief. Stepping next to the German Captain, he inquires: "*Should we climb down to safe it?*" The young officer scowls. "*With my injuries climbing without a rope or support is impossible for me, but I can help you back up, if you climb down. Check on the goat. If we can help we, we take it with us, otherwise we shoot it to keep it from suffering.*"
The young Bedouin stares at him in brief astonishment at the concept of animal suffering, but agrees to climbing down. The goat tries to get up and move away from the young Arab, but its limping steps lack strength and agility. Shakir speaks calmly with the scared animal, until it finally allows him to check on its injured leg and pick it up. "*I will give you the goat, Captain. And then I can climb up myself*", the young Bedouin argues and Dietrich agrees. When Shakir hands him the obviously young animal, he gets reminded of his own teenage days, accompanying his American mentor to the bazaars and souks to buy goats and chickens to improve their supplies for the archaeology camps. Only a few times he has held such a young animal in his arms though, but the goat seems to be relieved to be handled more or less carefully and instinctively sense that these two mean no danger or harm. When the German officer touches its injures leg unintentionally as he heaves it up, the goat makes a pained noise. Wincing, Hans mutters apologetically: "Entschuldige." The goat seems to accept being scratched behind the ears as an acceptable apology in addition to the gentle tone and calms down again. Shakir has managed to climb up again on his own and observes the European who struggles how to hold the goat in his arms with a grin. "*I can carry the goat, Captain*", he finally takes mercy on Dietrich who gladly accepts the offer.
Hussein is speechless when the two leave the cave with an injured goat and even more so to hear that they will have to move the body of its dead herder outside and bury the man. Nonetheless, he supports Shakir in carrying the dead man, while Dietrich leads and lights their way. The goat remains lying next to the camel, horse and mule who ignore the new beast mostly. Once the two scouts have finished burying the unfortunate herder, Dietrich suggests: "*We have investigated all we could. We should return to our convoy now.*" "*This was like an adventure of a hero of the old tales*", Shakir is amazed, while Hussein is a bit peeved to have been left out of the adventurous part, because he has been ordered to keep watch. "*Never forget that keeping watch and informing your allies is just as important as boldly exloring unknown terrain!*", the German Captain lectures them, as he rides in between them on his horse. They have put the goat to lie over the camel after giving it some water to drink, so that the injured animal does not have to walk on its own. Once in the camp, Hans wants to consult Lisa Hartigan who is the most knowledgeable with treating animals and then decide its fate.
Another three hours later, shortly before nightfall, they finally reach the camp. Several soldiers on guard duty wave at them and greet the German Captain and his strange entourage. The young officer is a bit astounded when he sees Troy running toward the edge of the camp, as he approaches. "Hey, Captain", the American Sergeant shouts. "I was close to driving out there independent of whether it's night or not." "I believe to have specifically ordered that a search party should only be sent tomorrow, if Farooq has relayed my orders properly", Dietrich counters. "Pah. I don't care about such bullshit, when one of my friend's in danger", Troy grumbles. "We've never been in actual danger, only investigated a cave. Either a patrol from the oasis camp or the SS have come across a local goat herder and killed the man", the young officer explains with a grim expression, while he dismounts. "Help the boys with the goat! Lisa Hartigan should take a look at it." Troy takes the injured goat from the camel, ignoring its whimpering cry of pain, before Dietrich calms the young animal again with a few gently muttered words in Arabic and scratching it under the chin. "Moffit will remind you that you adopt a new stray every day by now", he comments with a grin. "The Bedouins are herders. Letting an animal die would be against their ethics as well. If we can help it, the teenagers can take care of it and it means actual wealth for them to own a goat", Hans argues. "No wonder those kids adore you like their clan boss or something", Troy replies. "Sheikh would be the word you're looking for. I'm not a Sheikh for them, but a caravan leader who takes care of his men", Dietrich counters.
"Hans!", Ari shouts and almost simultaneously Kiri exclaims equally enthusiastically: "Ioannes!" Both children come running toward their shared caregiver and hug him around the neck, when the Captain crouches down to spare his bruised liver further pain. "*Kiri rode the horse with you. I want to ride with you as well*", Ari tells his brother and pouts slightly. "*We will find the time to ride the horse together. But now it is tired and so am I*", Dietrich argues. Both children look at him with worried expressions. "*Can we help you?*", Ari inquires and Kiri eyes the young European briefly before hugging him again and whispering: "*Mama always said that you feel better after a hug.*" The German has to smile in spite of everything. "* I feel better already. Thank you, Kiri.*" The pained blurt of the goat reminds him of his urgent duties. "*We saved a goat and now we need to treat it. You can come with us to the hospital.*" Both children look worried and excited. "*Can you help the little goat?*", Kiri asks, as she sees the animal in Troy's arms. "*Nurse Lisa Hartigan is the best for treating animals. She also saved Fritz*", Hans explains calmly. "*I like her*", Ari declares with a smile. "*She's always funny and told me stories. And she's friends with our friend Mark*", he explains to Kiri who smiles and nods. Apparently, Mark Hitchcock has managed to befriend both children during the ride which is a relief for Hans Dietrich who hopes that this will make them less focused on him and might also serve to cheer up the despondent Private. "Come, Troy. We will go to the sickbay with them", he tells the American Sergeant, when he remembers that the American is the only one who cannot understand what is spoken.
"What kinda stories did you tell them about Hitch and the nurse?", Troy wants to know. "That Lisa Hartigan saved Fritz and will hopefully save the goat. Ari explained that she is a friend of Mark Hitchcock whom apparently both of them consider their friend now", the German Captain explains calmly. "Hitch's quite the nice uncle with all his stories", Troy comments with a grin. "Hopefully, this will not make them too attached to me, when they befriend other people as well", Dietrich mutters. "Think again, Captain! The kids might consider some others nice and friends, but you're like their father figure, big brother and guardian angel all at once", Troy argues and the younger officer winces. "I'm afraid that this might end badly." "Don't take such stupid risks and let us watch your back, Captain! That should help for keeping you alive and well. I don't wanna lose my few friends either", Troy argues and observes the German Captain bearing a pained expression, before he replies: "I'll try my best to take care and let you be my backup, Troy. But I'm still an army officer in a war, sentenced to death by one side. My chances to survive are lower than yours and I don't share your uncanny luck." "Which is why we need to watch you", Troy adds. "Glad you're finally so cooperative. What happened?" "Now you're discontent when I agree with you, Troy? One really can't get it right for you", Dietrich comments with dry sarcasm, but leaves the other things unsaid. Taking care of Kiri in addition to Ari has made him aware that not only does he have somebody caring deeply whether he lives or dies, Jakob and to a certain degree Troy would already have counted for this, but who truly depends on his survival and actually provides him with some wish to stay alive for their sake rather than simply to continue his fight against those poisoning his fatherland.
When they arrive at the sickbay, Ari shouts "Lisa, we need your help!" before Hans Dietrich can stop him. The nurse emerges from somewhere behind a screen and her expression turns into a smile at the sight of the children and their two companions. "What do you need, Captain?", she asks more gently than on the previous day. "We have another furry patient for you. Our scouts and I recovered this young goat from a cave. Its herder has been beaten and shot, most likely by German soldiers. The goat fell down a cliff and hurt its leg, but it has survived for at least a day all alone, so it might be strong enough to recover from the injury." Lisa scowls at the German Captain's explanation, then approaches Troy and pets the slightly scared appearing animal, speaking soothingly, before she takes it from the Sergeant and carries it to an empty cot. The children follow her curiously which forces Dietrich to stay with them. "You could look after your brother, but don't start a fight", the German whispers to Troy who scowls. "I'll tell him his latest friend sends his regards", Sam replies sarcastically. "Don't! he already tried to force me into his notion of friendship and called me by my first name, both of which I discouraged him from", the German Captain counters with a slightly suffering expression. "You'll be his friend, when this journey's over, Captain. Mind my words!", Sam Troy warns him with a grave tone that does not fit his wide grin. "Your brother's an annoying oaf!", Hans protests. "You said the same about Hitch and then you risked your life for him and got yourself beaten up, defending him. The kid adores you by now", Troy argues and Dietrich actually grimaces, as he finds it hard to argue against this accurate statement.
When Troy finally leaves to annoy his own brother instead of the German Captain, the young officer can focus his attention back on the nurse who has applied some narcotics to the goat, as the animal is calm and quiet, but obviously drugged. For the first time, Hans can see the open wound clearly, where the hind leg has been broken and is protruding from underneath the skin. This must indeed be painful. Ari and Kiri watch Lisa Hartigan with fascination and admiration without daring to disturb her. Finally, the American nurse puts down her instruments and addresses the German Captain: "Could you please hold the splint for me, Captain, so that I can wrap around the bandage?" "Of course", Dietrich reacts immediately and crouches next to her to hold the splint in place. "So it does look good enough to warrant a treatment", he comments calmly. "This little goat's pretty tough to have survived all that you've described me. It's still young enough that the bones will mend well. Even if it cannot run properly, it can still be kept for giving milk", Lisa replies. "*Can we stay a bit, Ioannes?", Kiri inquires and sits down next to the animal to scratch it gently behind the ears, while Ari sits next to her and ruffles the fur on the little goats back. Hans nods with a patient smile.
"Deirdre has already said before that you're the closest follower of Saint Francis", the American nurse adds unexpectedly with a smile. "Who? Why?", the young officer asks with obvious confusion and puzzlement. "The patron saint of animals", Lisa explains. "Deirdre's an Irish Catholic. They believe in such things. You obviously don't." "I'm a Lutheran. Martin Luther considered the Catholic Cult around Saints humbug already more than 400 years ago", Dietrich replies dryly. "You're still really friendly with animals", Lisa counters. "I grew up with my father's old warhorse from the Great War. It was already rather old and had suffered its own battle wounds and traumata. So I learned about animals and their ability to perceive and feel ... something quite early in life", the young German Captain explains. Lisa smiles. "You only learn that when you really have to do with animals. Leave the goat here for now. I'll let your Bedouin boys take it with them, once it has recovered from the anaesthetics." "Thank you, Lieutenant", Hans replies, then hesistates.
After a few moments of silent internal stuggle, the young officer adds quietly: "I apologize in advance, when I intrude in your privacy, but I'm under the impression that something has happened between you and Private Hitchcock. If I can ... help or assist in any way within my power and options, I want to offer to do so." Lisa stares at the German Captain with an almost shocked expression now, as she hisses: "Has he told you what has happened between us?" Dietrich shakes his head, already regretting to have spoken at all. Damn his soft heart and head! "No. He said that he might do so, when he feels ready", the German replies honestly. "Coward", Lisa spits angrily, then her furious expression softens again. "I'm sorry. You're not the one I'm angry with, Captain. I'm really surprised by your offer, but honestly appreciate it. I wouldn't have expected something like this from any of you military types, but I almost forgot the story you entrusted me with." The German officer tenses visibly, when she steps closer to him and puts a hand on his arm, as she leans forward to whisper in his ear: "Should the need arise, you will be the first of the military men I will approach." She merely squeezes the lean Captain's forearm, before stepping back and looking at him from head to toe.
Before Hans Dietrich gets an actual chance to ask what this supposed to mean, the nurse notes his tense stance and interprets this in a different manner. "Take off your jacket and shirt!", she orders sternly. "I beg your pardon?", the German Captain mutters, taken completely by surprise. "Your shoulder should be checked and your other injuries as well, Captain", Lisa replies with a serious tone before she adds with a roguish smirk: "Although I admittedly have to treat less handsome and charming patients most of the time." The young officer is caught between being offended, embarrassed, annoyed and angry with all emotions warring on his facial expression, but finally settles for compliance with a smooth comment: "I would not wish to add to your problems, Lieutenant, as little as you would wish to add to mine I suppose." Lisa smiles at him and helps the injured man out of the sleeve of his jacket and shirt. "Sit down, please, Captain! You're too tall for me to reach your shoulder easily for treatment", the nurse finally orders and her patient complies quietly now that they are back on a professional level of interaction.
The bruises on the shoulder are finally turning brown and discolouring, but the muscles are cramped and tense. "I will help you with the exercises for loosening the muscle cramps. Just follow my directions", Lisa speaks calmly, as she notices the German officer tense immediately, when she puts her hand on his shoulder and the other on the upper arm. "Try to relax. I'm not intending to harm you, although this will likely hurt." Dietrich nods with his head slightly bowed forward and mutters quietly: "I know, Lieutenant." Patiently and diligently, the young officer follows her directions and moves his arm although he is unable to hide the expression of pain appearing on his face after a minute. After fifteen minutes, the American nurse notes the motions getting slower and the pain and exhaustion from the young man's posture and drawn face. "I suppose this is enough for now, Captain", Lisa finally relents after twenty minutes and notices a quiet sigh of relief from the tall officer. Once she has helped him back into his clothes, Lisa steps close to him once again to whisper into the young man's ear: "I'm really honored by your offer the more I think about it. Thank you, Captain. I'll see you around." Then, the nurse returns to her duties.
As Dietrich approachs the children to guide them to the mess tent for dinner, Sam Troy returns from the officers' ward. "We're finished here. Let's go, Captain!" "It's uncharacteristically quiet? Is your brother David still alive?", the German officer inquires sarcastically. "Very funny, Captain Sherlock. If you want to start your murder investigation, you can go there and have a chat with your corpse. He's unfortunately still as big-mouthed as ever", Troy counters with sarcasm. "You're really annoyed with him. What did he do?", Dietrich inquires. Sam glares at him. "Told me what a wonderful friend I have and how he intends to regain your trust and friendship." "He cannot regain what he has never had in the first place", the German Captain replies dryly. "You'll still cave in at some point. I just know you, Captain!", Sam Troy accuses him. "You're currently annoying me more than he does, Troy", the young officer reminds him dryly. "Let's get something to eat, before I get even more angry", the American Sergeant growls like a hungry lion, making Kiri shrink back and press against her protector's side who winces slightly, as his bruises protest against the pressure. "Agreed, Troy. If feeding you helps, I'll gladly accompany you", Dietrich counters sarcastically, squeezing Kiri's shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "*Don't worry, Kiri. He's not angry with us, just hungry.*" The young girl eyes the scary big and loud soldier warily and follows her caregiver closely, holding onto the lapel of his jacket.
The other Rats have already taken their places at the enlisted men's table, while Jakob Silberblatt sits next to General Atkins at the officers' table. Dietrich scowls and sighs wearily. "I fear I will have to join my friend at the officers' table, as the General expects our company." Troy nods with a grim expression. "I totally understand. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Dietrich eyes him with a slightly suspicious expression. "How am I supposed to understand this?" "You're my friend. I like to keep you close around to watch your back and make sure you're well protected, but I understand that the General wants you closer to himself." "He's not my enemy anymore, Troy. And he has never been yours in the first place", Dietrich argues cautiously. "You haven't been there when he's accused us of treason, when you ran off into the desert after saving the guy's life. He really hated us and wanted us dead", Troy argues. "Apart from the fact that I have been unable to 'run off' with a grave injury at my thigh, he has rightfully accused you. You let me go, Troy, an enemy officer who you should have arrested!", Hans argues. "Are you crazy arguing against yourself, Captain? Besides I owed you to give you the chance to flee, since I had landed you in this situation in the first place", Troy counters grimly. "If you wouldn't have shot me in the first place while bearing a white flag we wouldn't have been in this dilemma", the German Captain snarls slightly angrily. "For the thousandth time, I didn't see it was a white flag and thought it was a weapon", Troy growls back.
"Troy! Dietrich!", Jack Moffit interrupts them and looks at both of them with a stern gaze. "Stop shouting and quarrelling like immature children. People are already staring at you and the actual children look scared." "Thank you, Moffit, for being the voice of reason", Dietrich tells him with actual gratitude, looking slightly sheepish at his wards. "I'm only following your orders, Captain", the Brit replies with a wry smile that he briefly shares with the German officer. "And I have to add that the Captain is actually right with his argument, Troy." "When I hear the 'Captain is actually right, Troy' one more time, I'll feed you to the falcon from hell of your British Professor friend, Moffit!", Troy growls angrily. Jack looks bemused, but refrains from restarting the argument he has intended to interrupt. "We should probably both help you with the tray for the dishes and glasses for you as well as your wards", Jack argues and Troy agrees with a grumpy nod, happy to be able to act rather than quarrel needlessly. "Yeah. We'll do that, Captain." "See to it that the lion is wellfed, before he tears somebody apart", Dietrich advises Moffit with a dry tone that makes the British Sergeant smile. "You can rely on me, Captain. We Scots Greys fear neither death nor devil", the Cambridge scholar assures his young CO. "And my grandfather's tales about the Indian jungle have prepared me well for handling feral beasts with a foul temper." "Who's a feral beast?", Troy growls in the manner of a wild lion on whose tail some inattentive adventurer has stepped. "Unfortunately we have no mirrors around, Sergeant", the German deadpans. "Get your dinner, before you hurt somebody, Troy! And don't scare any British students half to death!", he adds, as he sees one of the young students retrieve his dinner and looking in their direction with a scared expression. Troy's glare suffices to make him scamper off like a deer fleeing a pack of wolves.
Fritz who lies under the food dispense table and gets fed with treats from time to time starts yelping enthusiastically, when a whole pack of his friends approaches together. "Nein, Fritz. Unten bleiben!", Dietrich commands sternly, when the dog is about to jump up at his thigh, as this would strain the injured animal's cracked and broken ribs. The little dog whines slightly, but is quickly appeased, when the German officer bends down to pet his loyal mascot and the children take over cuddling Fritz. "At least, someone is content", Troy mutters sarcastically. "You're just too big, loud and scary to he cuddly, Troy. At least for Kiri and probably also for Ari", the German Captain counters dryly. Jack is utterly bemused by Troy's dumbstruck expression. "What? She said that?" Dietrich shares the joke. "More than once, Troy." "Your behaviour like a hungry lion is not helping either I would assume", Jack comments. "Don't join forces with him! I'm the victim here", Sam Troy laments. "I fear that our dear Captain's cause is the more righteous one", Jack Moffit counters with dry humor.
One of the soldiers at the food dispenser clears his throat to catch their attention without interrupting the higher ranking soldiers and the young officer. "We prepared your trays already, Captain. We know what the kids like", the young American states with a smile. Dietrich looks slightly embarrassed to have misbehaved in front of the subordinates. "Thank you, Private Miller." The young man smiles at the words. "You're very welcome, Captain Dietrich. We also prepared everything for you." The young officer notices that his portion is big, more than the two children's put together. His stomach clenches at the sight like already giving up on being able to eat so much. Hopefully they will enjoy the food, then he can hand something from his own plate to them. Moffit and Troy wait for their CO, each carrying one of the trays, while Dietrich tries to extract the children from Fritz. In the end the dog trots with them which will definitely solve Hans' problem of too big portions.
Jakob Silberblatt smiles at his friend and his companions, when they approach the officer's table. "Come here, Hans!", he calls to Dietrich's annoyance, as the German Captain would prefer to eat as far away as possible from the American General, especially when he has a dog and two children to oversee. Atkins is briefly astounded by the entourage, but starts smiling slyly after a few seconds. "General Atkins, you are familiar with Ari and Kiri", Dietrich speaks smoothly, pointing at the children. "*Kiri. This is General Atkins, the Sheikh of this should greet him.*" "Hello", Kiri says meekly. "Hello, Sir", Ari corrects her wisely. "*You always say 'Sir' to an officer.*" "Hello, Sir", Kiri repeats in the General's direction. Even the officers who do not understand Arabic smile at the exchange. "Your children are better behaved than some of the soldiers in this camp", Atkins comments with amusement, pointedly looking at Troy who glares at the older officer until Jack Moffit elbows him in the ribs when he notices the American Sergeant's misbehaviour. "Fritz, sitz!", Dietrich orders sternly, once he has directed the children to their seats. The little dog follows his order obediently, but eyes his master expectantly to receive some food. Against Hans' worst expectations, Atkins leaves him to eat in peace and to distribute his food surplus between his wards, as he continues to discuss some organisational tasks with Jakob Silberblatt who is back in the position of his aide.
"*Ioannes*", Kiri demands her caregiver's attention. "*What's this?*" The girl holds out a spoon filled with the stew of meat and vegetables with chickpeas and dried fruits added. "*Beef stew with chickpeas, dates and figs*", Hans replies calmly, trying a spoonful of his own meal. "*It's good*", the Bedouin girl reassures him and eats delightfully. "*You can have some more from me, when you're finished*", the German officer offers. Kiri smiles and hugs him around the midsection. "*Thank you.*" Ari looks almost jealous, also when he sees some food transferred to Kiri's plate. "*Can I have some too, Hans?*", the boy inquires and Dietrich knows that he has to comply to keep everything peaceful and quiet. "*Sure, Ari*", he reassures him and gives away some more of his meal, reducing the portion to a normal size that is manageable for his battered body.
General Atkins leaves the table followed by Major Turner and Captain Boggs, while the German is still eating. Since they do not order him along, he sees no reason for following himself, unlike the Australian Captain Brown who bears an uncharacteristically dark and serious expression. Dietrich assumes that he wants to discuss the fates of Private Young and Gefreiter Meier with the General, hoping that at least Boggs or Turner will respect and uphold the Geneva Convention. But Brown turns on Boggs, leaving Dietrich in peace for once who begins to appreciate to not be the camp's commander, as the American Captain looks rather tormented after a minute of discussion with the angry Australian. Now that he is relieved of his immediate duty, Jakob Silberblatt sits opposite of his friend and looks somewhat nervous, chewing on his lip, as if he does not know what to say or how to say it. Hans remembers quite vividly that Jakob's mother Senta has frequently scolded him for the bad habit. "What's the matter, Jakob?", Hans inquires, worried about his friend. "Could you come with me to the side please, Hans?" Jakob's desperate tone makes the German Captain aware that this is serious for him. "*Stay and eat your dinner. I will only speak with Jakob briefly*", Dietrich tells his two young wards who look a bit concerned. "*We're only a few steps away. You can always see us*", the young officer reassures them. "Okay", Ari finally mutters and his chosen brother squeezes his shoulder in a reassuring manner before standing up.
As Hans walks toward Jakob who has taken a few steps to the side, the German Captain raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner. "Do you know which day it is, Hans?", his friend inquires. "The 3rd of December?", the young German officer replies with a puzzled expression, unsure what is going on or whether he has missed something important. "I could not think of any special holiday connected to the date and it's neither your nor any of your relatives' birthdays." Jakob smiles now. "You're a Christian. You would not know the relevance of the day, especially since our holiday changes its date every year. Today is the first day of Hanukkah." His German friend appears briefly stunned, as realization dawns on him. "You would like to celebrate it with Ari", Hans replies cautiously. "That's a good idea. The boy can use any chance to cheer him up and the 'Lichterfest' is an excellent way to do so." Jakob smiles sadly. "I would like to celebrate it, but I have no means to do so. I have no Hanukkiah, no candles, no gifts, nothing. It's like Christmas without a Christmas tree, candles or any gifts." "There are ways to improvise candles out here. Drench some cloth in gasoline and wrap it around some palm wood. I'm sure Pettigrew could help you with making something like that. I would do so as well, if you want", the young Captain offers. Jakob smiles at him openheartedly now. "That's a wonderful idea, Hans. Thank you so much!" Squeezing his friend's shoulder with gratitude, Silberblatt returns to the table with Dietrich, where he continues with his dessert with his appetite renewed, now that his immediate problem is solved. Ari and Kiri have been muttering, exchanging their own discussion about what might be going on and involve their brothers, although Kiri does not consider Jakob as such, but rather her brother's friend. Both huddle closely to the young German, when he takes his seat again, forcing him to speak some quiet reassuring words, before they allow him to continue with his dinner.
Once they have finished their dinner, Dietrich stands up to approach his unit followed closely by the children and his friend. "Gentlemen, we require your assistance in a very important personal matter", the Captain addresses the Rats unexpectedly. Troy rises to his feet immediately and states: "Sure, Captain. You can always count on us. What do you need?" The German officer looks a bit baffled by the enthusiasm, but reminds himself that this is Sam Troy after all and he should not have expected anything else. "Jakob Silberblatt wants to celebrate the Jewish festivity of Hanukkah with Ari, but they would require candles for that. I need your assistance in building some makeshift candles of gasoline drenched cloth wrapped around something to give it stability", Hans Dietrich explains calmly. All of the Rats look baffled now, but then Troy and Hitchcock start to smile.
"I really like this", Hitch comments with a grin. "More religions means more festivities. More festivities means more parties and frivolities. It's perfect. You could bring along more exotic friends, Cap." Dietrich glares at him now. "From my perspective you're more exotic than Jakob. He has grown up in the same town as I, whereas you come from a land beyond an ocean", the German snaps. "Mark didn't intend to insult me, Hans", Silberblatt intercedes, trying to calm his friend whose defensive behaviour on his behalf he recognizes from years they have spent in school together when Hans has stood up to the anti-semitic bullies to defend him. "And remember how we invited you over for some Hanukkah evenings, while I came to visit your aunt and uncle on the days after Christmas Eve. I still dream of Tante Gerti's Heidesand cookies." The Jewish Lieutenant bears a dreamy expression and licks his lips as if he could taste the delicacies. "You managed to eat a whole tray in a single visit. She always told the story to anyone who wanted to hear it or not to prove how good her cookies were", Hans replies with a grin, appeased that he does not have to stand in defence of his friend.
"That sounds delicious", Hitch comments, licking his lips as well at the thought of freshly baked Christmas cookies, before he continues to chew on his bubble gum with renewed intensity. "What's that Heidesand stuff?", Troy asks curiously. "Basically light coloured cookies, very dry, but traditional for Northern Germany. They're made of wheat flour, sugar, butter, vanilla and some more ingredients I'm not aware of, as baking is not my specialty. Lisl was Tante Gerti's apprentice, not I. I learned to disembowel and take a chicken or a fish apart as well as how to prepare it afterwards", Dietrich replies calmly. "Heidesand sounds a wee bit like good old Scottish shortbread", Moffit comments with a smile. "That's actually very similar as far as I can tell from the one or two times I've tried it", the German replies. "We'll have to make this afresh to give you the chance to try it a few more times, when you come to visit England, Captain", the British Sergeant offers graciously. "You can't take him off to your hellish land of tea and inedible food! He needs to gain some weight, not lose it", Troy growls. "I'm actually perfectly compatible with British cuisine, as it is not that dissimilar from the Northern German one, only less tasteful", Dietrich intercedes. "And you don't have to treat me like your puppy to be stuffed. That's Fritz' job and he even appreciates it." "Woof!", Fritz agrees with an enthusiastic yelp upon hearing his name, although he does not know to what exactly.
Improvising candles takes the experienced desert soldiers little time, especially when Troy and Moffit support Pettigrew and Dietrich who instructs Gottschlich in addition, while the children watch with fascination, as does Jakob Silberblatt who has never been the technologically versatile one. Hitchcock is the most discontent of them all, as he finds himself unable to assist his comrades in any meaningful way due to his broken arm, but at least keeps an eye on the kids. "We will leave you the privacy to celebrate with Ari and perform our training with Corporal Gottschlich, while Hitchcock will look after Kiri and Fritz", the German Captain suggests, once he had inspected the candles they have built from gasoline drenched pieces of cloth and some fire wood from the camping equipment. Jakob embraces his loyal friend and mutters: "Danke, Hans." Dietrich pats his back a bit awkwardly and waits for the Jewish Lieutenant to release him, before he replies: "Wofür hat man Freunde?" Jakob smiles at the reply that this is what friends are for and counters that he should better not forget this: "Vergiss das besser nicht, Hans!" The young German Captain frowns at the comment, but nods after a few moments of thought and consideration.
As Jakob leads Ari away, Kiri asks Hans with a frightened expression: "*What's going to happen to Ari?*" Dietrich replies in a calm and reassuring tone: "*He will celebrate an important festivity with Jakob.*" "*Why don't we celebrate with them?*", the Bedouin girl asks naively. "*Because we are Christians and do not celebrate this specific festivity, Kiri. But Ari and Jakob do, because they are Jews*", the German officer offers as an explanation. "*But they are nice. Mama said Jews are those who murdered Our Lord Jesus Christ. How can you be their brother, Ioannes?*", Kiri asks in confusion. "*Neither Jakob nor Ari have ever murdered anyone I promise you that*", the German Captain replies with a weary tone. "*Jakob has been my friend since when we were both younger than you are now. I know him and I trust him like he is my brother, although he is not by blood or faith. And you Ari told you how he chose to call me his brother, although he is not related to me by blood either.*" The Bedouin girl looks still a bit confused, but nods in acceptance of the explanation.
Meanwhile Jakob struggles with a different set of questions and arguments Ari confronts him with. "*Why is Hans not coming with us?*", the boy wants to know. "*Hans is a Christian and doesn't celebrate Hanukkah like we do. He has helped us to prepare and get everything we need for the celebration, but he doesn't celebrate the festivity himself*", Jakob replies cautiously. "*But he's my brother. I don't want to celebrate without my brother*", Ari protests stubbornly. Jakob Silberblatt is at a loss of words, ideas and arguments. "*We will perform the prayers and songs first and then he can join us*", the Jewish Lieutenant suggests to appease the boy. In addition to the small problem at hand he realizes a much bigger one, namely that they will not get the boy to the U.S. easily, because he will not want to separate from Hans willingly. The young German can hardly be blamed for being a responsible and compassionate caregiver to the orphan, but has put on his own shackles in this manner.
Mark Hitchcock sits down next to Kiri and teaches her some nursery rhymes which the girl likes a lot, while the rest of their unit performs an evening training round with Gottschlich as their instructor for which Dietrich has even summoned their Bedouin teenagers who are overjoyed to learn real fighting. Now that he can observe them all, Hitch can tell that neither Tully nor Troy really get an hold of the leg techniques and body rotations which seem more like Dietrich's and Moffit's strength. Both diligently explain and demonstrate the techniques to the young Arabs as well, translating Gottschlich's instructions. The three youngsters are totally unfamiliar with this type of movement and their wide trousers and kaftans are limiting their abilities to move greatly. However, the impression of who is good at these new techniques changes a bit. The two Americans actually like the hand and arm techniques which the German and Brit struggle with due to their injuries which are not fully healed yet. Especially, the German Captain can barely perform more than a few rounds of training with his right arm, but is the best of all of them at using his left arm which is his main arm the the moment.
By the time when they are all close to being sweat drenched, Jakob Silberblatt returns with Ari who runs to the tall Captain immediately and hugs him around the waist without caring about the sweaty clothes. "Hans", Ari mutters, slightly muffled by speaking into his caregiver's shirt. "I missed you. It's no happy celebration without my family." A pained expression appears on the German officer's face. "I'm sorry, Ari. Nothing we can do will give you back your family. We hope you can find another one with Jakob and his family." "You're part of my family. You're my brother. I don't want to miss you", Ari argues sadly and nestles against his caregiver listening to his sped up heart beat after the physical activity. Hans winces at the words as if he would have been struck. "I'm not a Jew. I cannot celebrate your religious rites with you", the German Captain tries to explain. "But we play games now and sing. It's not a happy evening without you", the boy counters. "You have joined us for some evenings of singing and playing cards as a boy as well, because I didn't want to miss my friend either", Jakob intercedes, squeezing the taller man's shoulder. "Games and singing sounds like a great way to spend the evening", Sam Troy comments with a grin. "The more the merrier they say", Jakob replies a smile making an inviting hand gesture. "If you don't mind our ways, Sergeant." "Not at all", Moffit comments, as he joins them. "It's quite fascinating... from an anthropological perspective." "I told you he's a true scholar", Dietrich comments dryly, while Silberblatt laughs. "Sure. Come all along. Ari, Hans can show you the game. He's the true master and has always beaten me." The German Captain looks actually eager, as he asks: "Do you have the cards here?" "In the tent. I expected that I would have to celebrate Hanukkah alone, so I brought them with me. Now this is far better with brothers and friends", Jakob replies with an open hearted smile, as he leads their way to the tent.
'I should have known better than to expect Dietrich not to know how to play this game properly', Troy reflects after losing for the third time against the German Captain who patiently explains some things to take care of and additional tricks to Ari who looks at his caregiver and his cards with curiosity and admiration. Kiri is also curious about this strange habit of sitting and playing with small paper cards with pictures on them which is absolutely alien to her, but quite fascinating, as she picks up each of the cards put on the table and admires the drawings and pictures. All of them are well entertained for the evening and Mark Hitchcock's previous depression seems to have passed as well, as he joyfully plays and recites poems with Jakob Silberblatt, while both switch between English and German lyrical texts.
In the privacy of his own mind, Jack Moffit has to admit that he actually likes the German Captain by now. Hans Dietrich has all the qualifications he would ask of a friend, from being intelligent and educated to well-bred, decent and honorable. By now, neither the fact that the young officer has been born in Germany, nor that he has served in the Wehrmacht is a problem any longer, although Jack could not say when exactly his attitude has shifted. By now, the Captain serves on their side after all, has a U.S. passport and is affiliated with the Silberblatt family, the family of his Jewish childhood friend who he has helped to flee to the U.S. in the first place. Moffit eyes the younger German with a thoughtful expression, as he sits on his cot with the girl Kiri huddled against his side, looking more content than she ever has in Jack's eyes, while the boy Ari sitting on his other side tells the tall man a story to which he listens intently with a gentle smile. One of these days, Jack should take Dietrich to the side and have a private talk with him about shared experiences of archaeology expeditions in North Africa, school days in Germany, French wine and lifestyle and some other experiences they share. However, this might only be reasonable and possible at an evening off duty after their arrival at Tobruk. Nonetheless, the British scholar finds himself actually looking forward to it. But for now he will take the first shift of the night watch, while the others may go to sleep.
The children say good night to their caregiver who feels just as exhausted as he looks. His eyes are already drooping, when Ari and Kiri each hug him before returning to their own cot and wrapping their blankets around themselves tightly. The German Captain has already fallen asleep a minute later and notices neither Moffit's intense scrutiny nor Troy sharing a worried scowl with Jakob Silberblatt. "Our friend's pushing his limits and reaching them now", the American Sergeant grumbles to the Jewish Lieutenant. "He's always been like that", Silberblatt replies with a saddened expression. Not even Fritz being laid onto the cot by Mark Hitchcock wakes the young officer who stirs but stays asleep as the little dog presses against his thigh and takes in his master's scent, before curling up next to his leg.
Hitch studies his lean commanding officer's face, as he contemplates how to deal with his current situation and worries. Mark has promised the Captain to tell him, when he feels up to sharing what troubles him, but currently he simply does not feel up to anything. Although he feels guilty he is glad to have the attentive and more compassionate young German as his CO rather than Sarge who would not have noticed his troubles and have interrogated him directly, if he would have noticed something off. Dietrich is a lot more tolerant and personally invested at the same time, although the bruised lean Captain looks like he needs a protector himself and the way Troy observes him suggests that he seriously considers taking this role independent of how much the proud young officer would resent it. Hitch feels a pang of jealousy about the close relationship between the German Captain and the American Sergeant, but fells guilty at the same time. Even though he knows that Sarge still cares about his wellbeing and has never stopped doing so or acting as his mentor, he can sense that the relationship between Troy and Dietrich is different from the relation to any of the other Rats, even Moffit, and definitely much more of a deep friendship within the time of a week or two than how the older American treats the younger Private. None of this is the Captain's fault though, Hitch reminds himself. The young officer is just a much more likeable person than any of their actual brass.
