Change of Ways

by The Ravenwolf

Set directly after the the events of the Rat Patrol's final episode, the story follows Dietrich's path into an unsteady future, joining his ways with the Rats and even less expected individuals.

46. Without Stopping to drink

Atkins and Boggs have definitely expected something different, when bringing Dietrich along to the interrogation of the German Captain Zornbrecht. The two German officers stare at each other with mirrored expressions of hatred and loathing. The older Hauptmann Zornbrecht takes in Dietrich's American uniform and spits in a vengeful tone: "Drecksverräter! Du machst also wirklich mit den Amis gemeinsame Sache. Ich hätte wissen sollen, dass einer, der Dutzende Male mit dem Leben davongekommen ist, während alle um ihn herum dran glauben mussten, ein Verräter sein muss." The younger German Captain's face contorts with rage, as he bellows: "Ich habe meine Männer niemals verraten!" Before he can continue with his angry shouting duel, James Boggs intervenes by stepping in front of his second in command and laying his hands on his shoulders. "Captain Dietrich, calm down!", the American Captain orders sternly and feels the lean German officer wince at his touch. "What did he say to get you so upset?" Dietrich briefly glares at Zornbrecht over Boggs' shoulder, before taking a deep calming breath that makes him wince again, as his bruised ribs protest. "He accused me of selling out my men to be killed by your commando soldiers for months, remaining as the only surviving German more often than not, because I am a traitor." Boggs looks astonished. "But we both know that this is not the truth, Captain Dietrich." "It's an infamy and grave insult nonetheless, Captain Boggs, which I'm unwilling to leave undisputed and uncorrected", Hans argues with a growl. "As the main reason for my perceived guilt is that Sergeant Troy is a soft hearted fool."

"Wir wollen von Ihnen wissen, ob Sie bereit sind, zu kooperieren, Hauptmann Zornbrecht", Jakob Silberblatt inquires calmly whether Zornbrecht will be willing to cooperate in the meantime. "Das bin ich nicht. Im Unterschied zu diesem Abschaum Dietrich bin ich kein Verräter", Zornbrecht insists that unlike the scum Dietrich he is no traitor and unwilling to cooperate. The fact that the German Hauptmann spits out after his name makes the younger German Captain turn around and snarl at him again who he actually calls a traitor: "Wenn nennst du Verräter, Zornbrecht?" "Enough", General Atkins interrupts their argument vehemently and indignantly. "Stop this impertinent behaviour now!" The two German Captains glare at each other, but none dares to defy the angry American General too openly. "Do you still consider it wise to have me participate in this interrogation, General Atkins?", Hans Dietrich inquires dryly. Atkins has observed the exchange and finally shakes his head. "I see that this is pointless. Lieutenant Silberblatt and I will continue from here onward. You may leave with Captain Boggs, Captain Dietrich." "Fahr zur Hölle, Dietrich!", Zornbrecht curses the younger German angrily and spits out again. "Dort war ich schon und habe wegen der schlechten Gesellschaft die Seiten gewechselt", Hans Dietrich shoots back with dry sarcasm now.

Seeing Silberblatt grinning widely at the comment, Boggs asks his second in command, as he walks outside with him: "What did you both say?" "He told me to go to hell. I told him that I've already been there and changed sides, since I didn't like the company there", Hans replies smoothly. "It's a miracle that you have survived in the German command hierarchy for a rather long time with such a loose tongue", Boggs tells the younger man with an amused smile. "I know when to keep it in check ... most of the times", Dietrich replies dryly. "And even at the risk of sounding impertinent again, it might do you some good to learn a bit of German, if you intend to get involved even more in this espionage business", the younger officer tells the older American Captain with a hint of humor, but also some seriousness. "I believe I have the perfect opportunity, now that Sergeant Moffit has started his language school", Boggs tells him with some humor. "Besides, I've never had a native speaker available until now to learn from." "Please don't repeat Sergeant Troy's argument!", the young German Captain mutters with dry sarcasm.

Turning more serious, James Boggs addresses his fellow Captain, as he walks with him to the commander's office tent: "I want to discuss some matters with you, not particularly urgent, but relevant nonetheless. Do you have the time now, before going to the oasis?" Dietrich raises his eyebrows in surprise and considers the question for a few moments, before nodding. "Now is as good or bad a time as ever. I gained some time by sparing me this pointless interrogation. What can I do for you, Captain Boggs?" The older Captain leads him inside his office tent and even sends Lieutenant Adams on an errand before turning toward the lean German with a determined look. "You have voiced your concern on what the intentions of Captain Brown, General Atkins or myself might be regarding your person, Captain Dietrich." The younger officer tenses immediately at the words and narrows his eyes in suspicion. "You cannot seriously accuse me of treason or deception after what has happened yesterday", Hans Dietrich snaps, before stopping himself. "Nobody accuses you of any such thing, Dietrich", Boggs replies with a concerned expression. That this the first assumption of the German defector does not bode well for the trust he has in his allies. This conversation has been overdue and is actually necessary, as the younger man is distrustful and paranoid, most likely due to his recent experiences of betrayal and torture. The German holds himself together fairly well on the outside, but still suffers from trauma and battle fatigue which cloud his perception. "It would be absurd to think that your defection has only been an elaborate ruse, since the Wehrmacht and SS almost killed you, Captain Dietrich. I can assure you that I had no doubt about this since your first day in this camp. You're smart and you can be crafty and devious, if you put your mind to it, but you surely are not coldblooded or backstabbing." Even though the American Captain argues calmly, he can clearly see the German Captain's tense stance and narrowed eyes which hold wariness and doubt. "You've proved yourself a good man, when you went out with Troy and the Rats who you clearly had a complicated relation with to help the wounded Italians in spite of every medic in camp warning against it, given your state of health."

Boggs puts a hand on the German Captain's shoulder which makes Dietrich wince and tense even more, as he stifles the urge to draw away. "Take a seat and try to relax a bit! Neither am I your enemy any longer nor trying to harm you, Captain", the American officer declares with a scowl, as this is quite a different reaction from the one the cautious German officer has shown when interacting with Sergeant Troy earlier today. "Tell me one thing, Dietrich! How and why are you such a close friend of Sergeant Troy's?" The younger Captain winces and tenses even more, as he narrows his eyes almost to slits. "I fail to see how my relationship with my Sergeant is of any relevance to you", he almost snarls defensively. "I'm not accusing you of anything, especially not the same kind of behaviour as that German Private Meier." Boggs notices that Dietrich pales visibly and the look on the younger man's face says clearly that this shocking possibility has not even occurred to him yet. "Yet, I cannot help but notice that you have a much closer relationship of trust and friendship than anyone would expect with a man who almost killed you several times and definitely killed countless of your men in the course of months. As we have already stated today you have never been a traitor to sell your own men out." The German Captain closes his eyes and takes a deep wincing breath, while Boggs plows on: "Knowing that you actually care about your men and their lives, it makes me wonder about the reasons for your behaviour."

After finishing his line of argumentation, Boggs observes the young officer's reactions, while Dietrich scrutinises him warily. "Sergeant Troy and I share some... experiences which not only required us to rely on each other in spite of our enmity, but also showed us more ... personal and human sides of each other", the German Captain speaks cautiously. "I have known Troy for more than a year and in spite of his deeds, he has acted as an enemy soldier should by killing my men and almost killing me, but never with unnecessary cruelty nor dishonorably. So I cannot personally blame him for performing his duty, although I truly didn't like him or his Rats in the least considering the damage they have done to my convoys, command position and men." The young officer's brown eyes spark with a burning intensity, as he continues: "But I have also known that he will keep his word and an agreement as well as act in an honorable way when it comes to not murdering men unnecessarily which I have always respected. Now that we actually serve on the same side in this war, I can trust him blindly that he will not harm me or sacrifice me for any political or military career agenda. This is the main difference between him and the Rats as opposed to the rest of the Allied forces, especially the officers." Dietrich hesitates, but the American Captain does not interrupt him.

Finally, he performs his leap of faith to continue: "I don't know your agenda and unlike Troy you're not sentimental enough not to sacrifice me, when the military necessity arises. I am not delusional and aware that this is part of our duty as officers after all. German headquarters in Berlin overruling local officers' decisions and the intervention of armed fanatics as well as those who have decided to follow them, because this is the easier course than opposing them, however, have taught me not to trust in either." Boggs is surprised by the honest answer he would not have expected to receive from the guarded German Captain. Telling him what he just has, requires a great deal of trust the younger officer apparently has in him, but he has pointed out the limitations of this trust quite clearly. "Thank you for this honest explanation, Captain Dietrich. I would not have expected this amount of openness from you", the American Captain answers straight out, seeing the German scowl in return. "I have told you only yesterday that I trust you on a professional level to a certain degree", Dietrich replies with a slightly annoyed tone, although he obviously tries to keep his tongue in check. Boggs nods in confirmation. "I understand that you don't trust me blindly as you do trust your Sergeant and the rest of your unit. Let me explain to you the reason for the inquiry of the previous days."

Dietrich looks thoughtful, hiding carefully and for the most part just how surprised he is by this conversation. "General Atkins has offered to me to stay in command of you and your unit in a more permanent position of commando unit commander outside of the desert. Captain Brown has basically volunteered for the same position, should you and your men be more cooperative with him or prefer his style of command", Boggs explains carefully, observing the younger man's expression who struggles not to show any too obvious reaction on his face. "I definitely don't prefer the unruly, whiskey drinking style, especially for the European rather than the North African desert arena", the German Captain replies dryly and Boggs actually smiles at the honest statement. Preserving a dry sense of humor even in uncomfortable and dire situations is a feat of the young officer which he clearly sympathizes with. "I like you, Dietrich, even though you might not believe me. You're honest, honorable, a decent, diligent and reliable officer. I would like to keep you under my command", the American Captain points out to him. "Your tendency of adopting a zoo and an orphanage can be problematic sometimes, but otherwise I have nothing to accuse you of that would really be in contradiction with the behaviour of a role model officer except for a loose tongue and your affinity for putting your life and health at risk before everyone else. I understand from the Rats' reports that this is a behaviour you have not shown to such a self-destructive degree when you still were a Wehrmacht officer. But I could clearly observe that you have adopted this after your rescue from the SS and shown it on countless occurrences." The German Captain frowns, but avoids to meet the gaze of his older CO. Boggs observes the young man with sympathy. "Frankly, Dietrich, I care not to lose your life and would not sacrifice you without second thought for whatever career perspectives unlike what you think about me. We both know that hard decisions are sometimes necessary, but I would never consider sacrificing a fellow officer over something trivial, independent of where the man was born. You're not dispensable, because you're German." Dietrich frowns and has tensed visibly, looking still thoughtful about what is revealed to him here.

"I asked your friend, Lieutenant Silberblatt, to consider joining my unit as a communication officer", Boggs adds with a wistful smile. "He appears very concerned about you." This finally stirs an immediate reaction from the young officer who looks worried and concerned. "Jakob Silberblatt might wear a uniform, but he is no soldier. Neither has he the will to fight nor to make a decision to shoot or kill, even when the need arises to defend himself or his allies", Hans argues cautiously. "His position as advisor and interpreter is optimal for him, but I would never want him to get this close to the front, given his attitude." Boggs smiles at the statement. Like true friends the two young men each consider the other's life and needs before their own. "You're a good man to have as a friend", Boggs replies. "You should not start talking like Sergeant Troy! That is unbecoming for you", the young Captain counters dryly, making his older colleague smile with amusement. "I don't understand you, Captain Boggs", the German officer counters frankly with clear incredulity in his tone. "Troy and I have been in situations where we had to rely on each other as the only means for both our survival. But you don't even know me, professionally or personally. This sentimentality must truly be an American thing."

Boggs eyes the lean young man openly, knowing that he will not get the wary German officer to trust him, if he does not finish what he has started. "Captain Dietrich. I have questioned Sergeant Troy about what you have just explained to me more than just once, but never learned anything useful." The German Captain smiles wryly, muttering partially to himself in a dry tone: "I know exactly what you're talking about." In spite of his annoyance about Troy, Boggs has to smile at the dry humored but honest comment. Who but the German commander who has apprehended the Sergeant countless times would understand him truly, when it comes to Troy's stubbornness and uncooperative attitude. "I wondered what Troy saw in his sworn enemy to cause him to sympathize with a Wehrmacht officer, when I first observed his behaviour toward you upon arriving in this camp. You answered my question unwittingly on your second day, the first when you were even conscious, not during but after our interview by offering to go out into the desert alongside my men to get a chance to save your Italian allies. You were more dead than alive, barely able to stand on your feet, nonetheless you didn't offer me to send your medic or any of your men, but to go yourself and you actually did this without hesitation." Dietrich has tensed by now again and observes the older American Captain with narrowed eyes.

"I didn't require any further assessment of your character from then on, because anything you have done has only supported this first impression. You're a decent and honorable man, Dietrich, and I appreciate your noble sentiment as much as your sense of humor on a personal level. And as a father of two children I truly hold your selfless care for the two orphans in high esteem, even if this causes me further worries and concern for the children's safety." Honest astonishment and surprise show on the younger officer's face at the last statement. "What exactly do you want from me, when you tell me all this, several times even, Captain Boggs?", Dietrich inquires cautiously. "That you believe that you're not some replaceable tool for us, to be thrown away when used, or your life is worth less than that of any American, British or other Allied soldier or officer, because of your birth place. I advise you to not consider yourself alone with only trusting in your men and nobody else. You're not like Troy in this regard. The Sergeant can perfectly live with only his small gang of trusted men fighting against the rest of the world, but you're not an aggressive or openly antagonistic person in spite of your sarcasm. You try to get along with the people around you smoothly and not to fight them constantly which makes you the much more sympathetic guy to interact with." The German raises his eyebrows bearing a surprised expression. "Also, I can assure you, Captain Dietrich, that half of this camp would have volunteered to launch a rescue mission for you, if I would have asked and not have sent the Rats to act less conspicuously than several dozen men attacking. Most who participated in the offensive did so with this clear motivation, once they had heard that you should be rescued."

The younger Captain looks incredulous as well as slightly embarrassed and averts his eyes from meeting his American colleague's gaze for a few seconds before looking up to look him in the eyes. "I apologise for suspecting you and my ... inappropriate lack of trust, Captain Boggs", he finally manages to get out and Boggs can tell that he has to struggle with the words, but means them. "You have no need to apologise. A month ago we would still have been bitter enemies and tried to kill each other. Although you would likely have tried to capture me alive I suppose", Boggs replies calmly. "And after seeing the way your former fellow officers of the German Wehrmacht have treated you, I can understand your wariness with respect to your colleagues." Dietrich sighs deeply and winces involuntarily at the sting in his ribs. "You are aware, Captain Boggs, that I am the person with the least ability to influence my future path in service of the U.S. army. I knew that this would be part of the price when selling myself", the German Captain speaks cautiously, never relaxing his tense posture. "As I have told you before, you're as much a respected officer as anyone else among the men in this camp and for our HQ", Boggs argues in a serious tone. "I might be for some men in this camp. But you're either lying to me or yourself, when you say that this is the case for your HQ, Captain Boggs", Dietrich replies warily, before continuing in a bitter tone: "Whatever they order me to do I have no option of refusing, as going to a POW camp is not something I can expect to survive for long."

The American Captain looks slightly shocked at the statement. "You're not standing with your back against the wall, Dietrich. It would never occur to me to force you into something despicable enough that you would wish to quit your job." The young German Captain's flinty gaze softens slightly. "I believe you, Captain Boggs. But I also believe that Allied high command has no such qualms for sending a mere pawn in this chess game wherever it suits them best." Boggs finally understands better what is haunting the young officer. That Atkins keeps him in the dark about his actual unit and duties is not something the wary young Captain who has distrusted his previous high command for years and forgone its orders takes lightly or would instill some trust in him. And trust is something he obviously has some good reasons to possess very little of to begin with. On the contrary, Dietrich feels backed against the wall by his new allies, his former enemies, and has no idea who he can actually trust with the clear exception of his childhood friend Silberblatt and Troy along with the Rats who openly show him that they respect and like him, apart from having gone against enough orders themselves to not be considered lackeys of the system the German Captain is extremely wary of, independent of the side. "I'll try to remain your commander which would allow both of us to sleep better, although you have cost me quite some sleep in the previous nights, Captain Dietrich", Boggs tells the German officer with an earnest and serious tone. "I apologise for this, Captain Boggs", the younger Captain formulates carefully, looking actually a bit chagrined, something that would never have occurred to Sam Troy. The young German officer can empathize far more with the CO of a troublesome military unit after all and understands the trials and tribulations of such a command position.

"Getting captured was neither your intention nor fault and you have acted in a creative way during the Arabs' captivity that I only know from Troy and his Rats", Boggs replies. "And I surely have never seen an officer hire rescued slaves as desert scouts. But your three Bedouin boys are proving their worth day by day. I'm curious what Captain Brown has to say, when he returns, but I am sure Sergeant Moffit will have them under control as well as you would." Dietrich nods quietly now. Jack Moffit has suggested to take the scouts along with the herder Jamal as their assistance in the difficult terrain. "It's good that we found a valuable opportunity for them instead of abandoning them in the desert", the German Captain replies with a serious tone. "Which is what all my men would have done and still considered themselves heroes", Boggs argues calmly. Dietrich scowls now. "There's a difference between acting heroically and intelligently it appears", the young officer counters sarcastically. "Nobody can be so foolish to think that leaving anyone in the middle of the desert is a good idea."

Boggs smiles wryly. Finally the young German Captain is relaxing enough to return to his dry humor and relax his tense posture ever so slightly. "The desert is the Bedouins' home, as far as we know. And without speaking the language or having seen much of the country I can assure you that it would not have appeared as a particularly bad idea." Hans Dietrich earnestly considers this statement, before replying in a more cautious manner: "I see that there is a necessity to discuss certain matters more often, as we have very different perspectives, Captain Boggs." The older Captain smiles now, having partially reached his goal. "I would truly appreciate that. You and Sergeant Moffit have a vast knowledge of North Africa and its people, as well as Europe and the people there." Dietrich shakes his head slightly. "I could not even consider to compare myself to Doctor Moffit who holds a PhD in the field of anthropology, but I have likely gained more experiences than most out here and learned a different perspective on the people of this lands. And we are both born and raised Europeans with Sergeant Moffit likely to have seen more than I have." "I have no doubt of that. Nonetheless the locals hold you in esteem for good reason, Captain Dietrich. You're more considerate than many of the higher ranking officers who often decide on these people's fates", Boggs replies.

"Speaking of deciding on people's fates. What will happen to Feldwebel Istvan Nemet and Gefreiter Wolf Bauer? They have both committed treason against the Wehrmacht and been in trouble with the Nazis before. If the Allies don't offer them some perspective, a POW camp might prove fatal for them as well", Dietrich wants to know. "I cannot make such a decision, Captain Dietrich, as I lack the position and influence to back it up. But I will speak on their behalf, if it is necessary. To risk their lives in such a manner for their defected former Captain is an incredible feat and it really speaks for tour men's character as well as you as a good commander, as I would not expect any of my men to raise a finger for me, should I defect", Boggs argues. "Particularly the young soldier appeared desperate, but showed true conviction." The German officer bears a pained grimace. "Bauer had a hard life before and even less to lose than I had." "But he was willing to face death for you and work with Sam Troy and the Rats in spite of truly looking scared of the Sergeant", Boggs explains calmly.

The young German Captain winces slightly, as a haunted expression passes over his face. "Like most of my men... former men would, Captain Boggs. But Bauer has even offered to switch sides and fight for me again. However the young man has been sold by his mother to perform forced labour on a farm, received no further education beyond four years of elementary school and therefore has never learned a single word of English. He only joined the military to escape his hopeless situation. I'd rather not see him sacrifice his life needlessly. I've seen too many of my men die already believing I would protect them", Dietrich grits out, sounding tormented. Boggs looks surprised and slightly incredulous. "German military files must be more detailed than ours", the American mutters. Hans snorts slightly derisively. "They're not. None of this is written in a file. Bauer told me his personal background story of his own accord." The American Captain looks even more incredulous now. "From what I heard or read in every single report on you, you have never been one to fraternise with your ordinary soldiers. How did you hear this?" The German Captain scowls and briefly eyes Boggs warily, as he assesses whether the American officer is trying to mock him or slight him, but he actually appears honestly astounded. Reining in the most of his sarcasm, the younger officer replies dryly: "I have always taken my clerical duties seriously and paid attention to unusual behaviour of my men, addressing them, if the need has arisen. But Bauer told me his story only, when he was merely half conscious after von Stolberg's men have beaten him up and I tried to convince him to allow the medics to treat him." With a wry smile he adds: "The strategy of simply letting men talk after a prompt has even worked with Private Pettigrew." Boggs stares at him now as if the German has grown a second head, stammering: "We're talking about the same Private Tully Pettigrew?"

Somebody tearing open the tent flap blatantly interrupts their conversation. While Dietrich reaches for the weapon at his belt on instinct, Boggs crosses his arms in front of his chest to glare at the intruder, meeting Sam Troy's eyes who surveys the room quickly. "Are you alright, Captain?", the unruly Sergeant inquires instead of a greeting and none of the men needs to ask which Captain he is referring to. "Have you finally lost your mind, Troy, entering here like this?", Dietrich inquires with sarcasm instead of an answer. "Not much to lose in the first place", Troy replies with a grin, before turning stern and serious again. "Tully saw you enter and Adams leave a while ago. I thought I should check on you." Dietrich looks baffled and briefly meets Boggs' eyes who looks torn between annoyance and amusement. "Haven't we agreed, Sergeant Troy, that you would not launch any rescue missions within this camp anymore without warning me in advance?", the German Captain asks dryly. "No chance of warning you. And it's no rescue mission yet, or Tully would have blown something up", Troy counters.

The young officer sighs deeply and winces visibly, as he pinches his nose, before asking Boggs with a tone dripping with sarcasm: "Are you sure you don't want them back, all for yourself?" The older American Captain feels appeased to have somebody sharing his plight with Troy and his impossible behaviour. "Absolutely not, Captain Dietrich. Not only is a shared load a reduced load, but also could I think of nobody better to command them." Troy narrows his eyes now. "What's this nonsense all about? You got funny ideas again of being kicked out like a stray dog?" Dietrich winces at the words, while Boggs scowls. "Nobody is considering to abandon or kick out Captain Dietrich, Sergeant Troy", the American Captain admonishes sternly. "Good. 'Cause we'd go with him", Troy argues stubbornly. "Sergeant Troy", Dietrich interrupts him. "Don't be absurd! I appreciate your loyalty and dedication, but you cannot possibly do this, should your high command decide differently." "Watch me!", Troy counters stubbornly.

Boggs feels his Troy induced migraine getting worse and the interaction with the wary German officer only increases it, although he acts as his ally. "It's our high command, gentlemen. And it would be absurd and counterproductive for them to destroy a well-working commando unit", the older Captain argues with his annoyance clearly audible. "Go on your mission to the oasis! Captain Dietrich, I ask you to stay there for the day and oversee the men on recreation leave in the town. I will allow a part of the men to go from now until noon and the others in the afternoon. Call on the radio for trucks, if you manage to negotiate the supplies deal successfully!" Dietrich salutes with his left arm. "I will do so, Captain Boggs." As he is about to turn around, the American Captain adds: "And take some time to relax yourself and get something to eat, Captain. That is an order." While the German officer looks baffled by the command, Troy grins and bellows: "We'll take care of him, Captain Boggs. We won't let our favourite desert fox starve." "Troy", Hans Dietrich groans with annoyance, feeling his own head starting to ache. That the American Sergeant causes him almost as many headaches as his ally as he has as the German's enemy is disconcerting, but appears to be the Troy family phenomenon, since his brother David is even worse.

"I'll get the boys to make the Jeeps ready then", Troy offers as he stalks out of Boggs' office tent alongside Dietrich to where Tully and Gotty are waiting for them. "You can ride your Jeep, Sergeant. But I will definitely take the horse, if I have this alternative", Dietrich tells Troy with a sly expression. "Then, we'll take the mules, Captain." Tully Pettigrew shifts his matchstick, looking rather unhappy. "I'd like the Jeep more", the silent Private even speaks his argument out loud. "You need more practice riding a horse, Tully. It's a damn shame that our dear Jerry Captain's a far better horseman than you, the Yankee." "I'm from a family of cavalry officers and noblemen, Sergeant. My family has held a great affinity for horsemanship for generations", the German actually intervenes on the Private's behalf who gives a grateful nod in his direction. "Thanks, Cap. No need for me to start liking to ride a four-legged beast that you can't take apart and repair when it's not workin' properly, Sarge", Tully argues with surprising conviction. "That's insane", Troy grumbles in annoyance. "Who'd take apart a horse and expect to ride it again afterwards."

"Don't waste your breath, Sergeant! Our dear Private is no horseman it would appear", Dietrich comments dryly. "Finally someone understands me. You're a great guy, Cap!", Tully agrees eagerly. If it spares him riding the damned mule, he can make the sacrifice of spending a few words arguing on his behalf, especially when he has gained an unexpected, but faithful ally in the German Captain. "From a transportation perspective, taking one Jeep in addition to riding on the mules is an actual advantage and you shouldn't forget that we need the radio anyways to inform Captain Boggs of our supply acquisition. So either Gottschlich or Pettigrew need to drive the Jeep", the German Captain argues and even Troy has to admit the reasonability of this argument. The young half-Japanese Corporal tenses slightly as Troy's grim gaze falls on him. "I've never ridden a horse, Sergeant. Please don't force me", the young soldier pleads looking a bit desperate. "I know that you have made it your habit to terrorize my men, Sergeant. But there is no need for this, since we all serve on the same side", Dietrich adds his sarcastic jibe, standing up for his Corporal's defense.

Troy glares at all of them in annoyance, before growling: "Fine. Suit yourselves. Let's go shopping at this bazaar! I hope they have something worth buying." "Maybe a giant teapot for Sergeant Moffit. He would be so delighted", the young officer argues with a sly tone and clear irony. "No more teapots!", Troy insists, sounding truly exasperated. "The ones we have already need no more company. It's bad enough as it is, with you, the crazy tea crew." "We are certainly not crazy, Troy. You're just too much of a Philistine to actually appreciate the fine aroma and taste of this delicate beverage", Dietrich insists, mainly to annoy the Sergeant. "I wonder why you aren't Jack's best friend yet, Captain", Troy grumbles, glaring at the younger man. "Fancy talk, upstuck education, love of tea and the skill to annoy people in several languages." "That's because Doctor Moffit prefers his officer friends rather dead and mummified", the German Captain counters dryly which makes Troy bark a laugh and Tully grin, shifting his matchstick. "Say what you want, Captain. You're a great entertainer, if you put your mind to it, even without your sleight-of-hand tricks", Troy tells him with a grin, patting the lean officer on his good shoulder amiably who winces slightly at the touch, since every bruise on his torso protests against such mishandling.

"We need to take Kiri along", Dietrich argues, returning to a more serious tone. "We're looking for her aunt after all, if Auntie Amira really is a relative at all." Troy scowls now. "What makes you say that, Captain?" The young German officer sighs deeply and winces, before he explains: "She addressed Lisa Hartigan who treated her for her head injury as Auntie Lisa. That's when I started having doubts about this whole notion of finding a relative who we can place her with." "Damnit. What will you do, if she has no relatives to leave her with?", Troy inquires sternly. The tall Captain looks rather pained and haunted, as he murmurs: "I have absolutely no idea. She is getting along well with Ari. But neither is she Jewish, nor can I insist on leaving two instead of just one young child with the Silberblatt family who have lost most of their possessions when they had to flee from Germany and now have to struggle themselves to get along in a foreign country without friends and relations." Even Troy looks worried at these words, as he mutters: "You'll find something for her. You're a smart and versatile young fox after all." Tully surprises them both with his heartfelt statement: "We'll help you along, when you need us, Cap." Dietrich's surprise clearly shows on his face, before his astonished expression turns into an actual smile. "Thank you, Private, all of you actually. Our first priority is to get the children to safety. Then, we can worry about the next steps." "You can always count on us", Troy assures him. "All of us. Even Jack likes the kids, nevermind his complaints about kindergartens and strays." The young German Captain nods, looking less desperate and haunted than before. "I know. I'll fetch Kiri now. Prepare my horse and the mule for you, Sergeant, and you the Jeep, Private!"

Leaving Troy and the remaining Rats to their work, Hans Dietrich returns to the sickbay, where Jakob has left the children to entertain David Troy or the other way around, depending on the point of view. Deirdre O'Donnell looks seriously worried, when she sees the young Captain enter the field hospital. "Captain Dietrich, are you alright?", she inquires with concern. "Do I look alright?", the German officer counters dryly, before adding in a more moderate tone: "I'm fine, Lieutenant. I need to take Kiri with me to help with looking for her relatives." Deirdre's briefly annoyed expression turns into a relieved smile. "This would be so great for her to return to her family, although she really likes you, Captain. And Lisa and I definitely like her. " Dietrich winces slightly, arguing: "I'm in no position to look after a child myself, given my hazardous occupation. Both Kiri and Ari deserve something better than being constantly in danger at the forefront of a war, worried about their caregiver." Deirdre eyes him a bit doubtfully. "They both really like you though." "Which does not necessarily make me a good caregiver", the young officer argues bitterly. "My life is on the line on a daily basis and I have not the least idea where Allied high command wants to send me, but surely it will not be a place where children should dwell." The blond nurse bears a sad expression now. "I understand, Captain Dietrich. Come with me, please. The children are with Captain Troy." Dietrich suppresses a groan. The only person with the potential of making his headache tenfold worse than Sam Troy is David Troy.

Both children jump to their feet to greet their beloved brother, when he enters the officer's ward. "It's hard to compete with you, Dietrich. You're everyone's favourite", the RAF pilot comments with an ironic tone, earning a glare from the German Captain who growls in annoyance: "Keep your unfounded insinuations to yourself, Captain Troy!" "Oi, hold your horses, man! That's no joke", David Troy tries to argue. Ari and Kiri effectively distract Hans from snapping back an answer at the annoying Troy brother by clinging to the young man and chattering incessantly. "*David said he could fly over the whole desert and see all the oases all around*", Ari tells his protector enthusiastically. "*How can he fly? He doesn't have wings*", Kiri dares to voice her doubts about the incredible stories. In spite of his annoyance at the pilot, Dietrich has to smile at the comment and the mental image of David Troy spreading wings to take to the air.

"*He has a machine for flying, like we have our machines for driving through the desert*", Hans explains patiently. Kiri appears to think about this information intently, before asking: "*Can I also fly with a machine, Ioannes?*" "*Anybody trained as a pilot can fly such a machine, but you're far too young for this*", the German Captain argues sternly, but gently. Kiri smiles. "*I want to fly with him when I'm old enough.*" Smiling at the girl, the young officer looks up to tell the American: "You have gained an admirer after all, Troy. Kiri wants to fly with you when she's old enough." David Troy tries a grin which looks more like a grimace given the burns in his face. "Nothing would make me happier than to take the young lady along for a ride in the air." Dietrich recognizes the pained look in the other's eyes and adds in a compassionate tone that surprises even himself: "You'll get better, Troy. Don't worry about it!" "Thanks, Dietrich. I told you, you're a good guy and my favourite Jerry by far", David replies sounding actually grateful. "Take care, Troy!", the younger officer mutters, unwilling to start another quarrel with the gravely injured man in front of the children. In spite of his annoying manners, David Troy is an officer who has taken a great risk on their behalf and paid dearly with his injury in the line of duty.

"*Kiri, you will ride on the horse with me*", the German Captain tells the Bedouin girl who grins widely with delight. "*I also want to ride the horse with you, Hans*", Ari speaks with a pout and a pang of jealousy in his tone. "*You promised me that I would.*" Hans Dietrich sighs and tries to suppress a wince. "*Ari, we're looking for Kiri's Auntie Amira which is why she has to come to the oasis with me, as I don't know who she is or what she looks like.*" "*But I want to come with you as well. You were my brother first*", the Jewish boy argues with the stubbornness of a disappointed six-year-old. "*You cannot both ride with me, Ari. My arm is still injured and it would not be safe for both of you*", the young officer tries to argue gently. Ari's tears shining in the corners of his eyes and the boy's sad face make the German Captain evaluate an alternative. "*But you could ride with Sam Troy. Then you can come along.*" Ari considers this. "*Can I ride with you on the way back, Hans?*"

The young German turns to Kiri now. "*If you ride with Sam Troy on the way back, Kiri, Ari can ride with me.*" The girl looks a bit unsure and scared. "*But he's loud and scary*", she argues meekly. "*But Troy likes you and he would never let any harm come to you*", Hans argues calmly. Ari backs him up, eager to gain the ride with his brother. "*He's loud but funny and he has a really nice smile*", he tells Kiri. "*But I don't understand him*", the girl remembers her concern. "*You will just ride from the oasis to the camp. Then, you return to Ari and me. You couldn't talk during the ride and nothing bad should happen. Also, Ari and I are always close by and can translate for you, should something happen*", the young officer tells her gently, trying to reassure her. Finally, Kiri nods in agreement. "*I'll go with him ... for Ari.*" Ari smiles fondly at her. "*You're a nice sister. I love you, Kiri.*" Dietrich closes his eyes in desperation. The fact that the children are getting so attached to each other that separating them becomes more and more difficult has not even occurred to him yet as another one of his challenges to overcome.

Sam Troy smiles, when he sees Dietrich coming toward him with both children in tow. "Hans says I can ride with you and then with him later", Ari informs the American enthusiastically, before they have even gotten close enough for the Captain to speak quietly. Troy starts grinning now, his eyes twinkling, as he replies: "That's great. Finally someone who's not afraid of a horse. You'll make a great Yankee, kid." Pettigrew and Gottschlich ignore the jibe intended for them, Tully chewing on his matchstick with an unmoved expression and Gotty keeping a perfectly neutral face. "I brought you something, Captain", Troy informs the young officer, holding up Brown's gifted bush hat and the sheathed elegant Arab dagger. Looking over at Pettigrew, Hans sees him wear the gift from the Sheikh as well. "Thank you, Troy. At least you're becoming more considerate, when rummaging through my things", the German Captain replies with some irony laced into his words. "Unbuckling and buckling the belt is however something I will need your assistance with." Troy smirks a bit, as he steps closer, puts the hat on the tall man's head and presses the dagger into his left hand, before unbuckling the other's belt. Although tensing slightly at the uncomfortable position and necessity for help with something as intimate as this, Dietrich helps the American Sergeant to get it done as quickly as possible. Troy's foresight has been valuable, as the finely crafted jeweled dagger gifted by Sheikh Sulaiman will definitely increase his standing in front of the Arabs they should meet at the bazaar. Kiri and Ari admire the beautiful artwork with wide eyes, but none of them dares to touch the dagger.

"Thank you, Sergeant. I will also need your help again with getting Kiri on the horse for now", Dietrich tells Troy calmly, once they are finished. "Our agreement is that we will switch our passengers on the way back." Troy looks slightly surprised and down at Kiri who remembers Ari's words and gives a shy smile that Troy answers with a wide grin of his own. "You don't plan to leave her in town then, Captain?", the American Sergeant inquires. "Not without being allowed to take her things from the camp and saying goodbye to everyone", Dietrich replies with a serious tone. "And that's in the best case that we actually find a relative to leave her with." "You're a very considerate guy, Captain", Troy replies, patting the young German on the shoulder, before Dietrich mounts the horse in a single swift motion. Repeating the procedure from three days prior, Troy hauls Kiri into the air and puts her on a blanket on the horse's shoulder in front of the German Captain who quickly stabilizes the girl with his arms on her left and right side holding the reins. Tully helps by repeating the same procedure with Ari, putting him in front of Troy. The boy looks intimidated and amazed at the same time, as he takes a look around from the back of the mule. "You okay, kid?", Troy inquires and Ari nods, bravely pulling himself together as he does not want to admit that he has never sat on the back of any riding beast before.

Omar and his uncle Yussuf have waited outside of the camp where the Bedouin nomad has taken two camels. "Hans Dietrich", the Bedouin teenager calls out enthusiastically and waves to the European, when he sees the tall German Captain riding toward them on an elegant Arab horse with a girl sitting in front of him, followed by his Sergeant on a mule with a boy and one of their Westerners' strange vehicles. Why anybody would prefer such a crude machine over an elegant horse or an enduring camel is beyond the Bedouins' imagination, but they observe the entourage with curiosity. "Omar", Dietrich greets the teenager with a friendly nod, then addresses his uncle: "*And Yussuf, thank you for waiting for us.*" The older Bedouin nods, accepting the expression of gratitude. "*The others wanted to ride ahead to town to prepare them for your arrival and make their wares ready for the trade. But I wanted to ride with my nephew's hero.*" A wry smile passes over the Bedouin's leathery face and Hans is briefly evaluating whether the man is mocking him, but deciding against it. "*I am most relieved that you came here and your nephew can return safely to his family*", the German tells him calmly, as he watches their camels stand up by first stretching their hind legs to lean on their knees, then repeating the procedure with stretching their front legs and finally standing up completely. "*I'm relieved to have him back. My sister Layla would never forgive me, if I would not return him to her.*" "*I'm a real man. I don't depend on my mother*", Omar protests stubbornly, pouting in a rather juvenile manner. "*But your mother depends on you, Omar*", his uncle scolds him sternly. "*And as I have told you before, you should not interrupt your elders when talking*", the German Captain adds with a strict tone. The teenager briefly glares at him, before remembering who the man is and how much he owes him. Averting his defiant gaze, Omar mutters a bit more meekly: "*I am sorry, Hans Dietrich.*" The young officer appears content enough with his domestication of the unruly teenager and the youngster's uncle looks actually impressed at the success. "*Omar must truly hold you in highest esteem, faris alsahra. Only his father has ever managed to keep him in check that well.*" Dietrich pales and tenses visibly. The last thing he needs is to be considered another young Arab's father figure. As if his life would not be complicated enough already with looking for a good home for Ari and Kiri.

"What did you all have to say, Captain?", Troy demands to know, speeding up to ride next to him for questioning the German officer. Hans Dietrich briefly summarises the exchange to satisfy the American Sergeant enough to leave him in peace. The only thing he needs even less than another kid to take care of is another Troy brother getting on his nerves today. The unholy combination of Sam and David is already wearing his nerves down gradually. "*My nephew owes you two life debts. One for saving his life and a second for almost getting you killed*", Yussuf tells the German Captain with a serious tone, once he is sure that the man is finished speaking with his soldier. "*Your nephew is still young, while I'm a grown man and soldier. I vowed to protect him and his mother and merely kept my promise. And I don't blame him for greeting me, since he couldn't know the danger for my life*", Dietrich argues magnanimously. "*You're a noble warrior as they say, faris alsahra*", Yussuf applies the German's honorary title with true admiration. "*Nonetheless, we are in your debt.*" Although not as knowledgeable as Jack Moffit in the Bedouins' habits and culture, the young officer realizes that this is a matter of honour for the men and he cannot dissuade them completely. "*Honor it by taking me in as a guest, should I cross this part of the desert again with or without my men. We value hospitality and a peaceful exchange as much as you do*", he therefore argues and hopes that this has been the right thing to say, regretting for the first time not having kept Moffit with him. But one of the Arabic speakers would have had to go with Brown and the Aussies, so it could only have been Moffit or himself. Yussuf bows his head in agreement and replies: "*This is an excellent suggestion, faris alsahra. Will you do us the honor of being our guest for dinner tonight?*"

Dietrich hesitates and evaluates his answer. Boggs has ordered him to oversee the visitors to the oasis in the morning and afternoon, but not mentioned the evening or whether he would be expected back. But Dietrich knows better than most what dangers lie in driving in the dark, ranging from sniper attacks to unwittingly falling prey to the dangers of the desert. Making a conscious decision that this could be a valuable alliance for the future, as it is unclear how the situation in North Africa will develop, the young German officer inquires: "*Is this an invitation only for myself or my men and the children under my care as well?*" Yussuf meets his gaze proudly. "*Of course, all of your close soldiers and children are invited, but we cannot invite every soldier. I have seen how big your camp is.*" Hans smiles briefly, then nods in acceptance of the invitation. "*I'm deeply honored and grateful for your invitation. However, we must not be out after sunset, as we could not safely return to our camp. Therefore we could only join you at noon or in the afternoon*", the German Captain argues politely. The Bedouin considers this and concedes: "*It is still early enough that we can prepare something worthy for you. Come two hours after noon.*" Dietrich bows his head and a part of his upper body politely, although he winces slightly at the movement, while staying on horseback: "*It is an honor, Yussuf and Omar. We will join you in the afternoon.*" Yussuf bows similar to the German Captain and after a few moments of stubborn resistance Omar leans forward on the camel as well, trying to keep his balance on the back of his riding animal. "*We will prepare everything, faris alsahra.*"

"Ari said we're invited for dinner or lunch. He's not sure. Is that true, Captain?", Troy shouts over to his young CO who nods, looking more content than before. "That's quite true, Sergeant. Yussuf invited us all for lunch at 2 in the afternoon. " "You know that you're really a much better guy for these Arab interactions than Moffit. All he ever got us was information or some clothes and tea parties for himself, but with you we get invited for proper meals regularly", the American Sergeant argues with a wide grin. "You know that tea is included in all meals in these parts, Troy?", Dietrich inquires with an ironic tone, unable to completely hide his grin. "As long as they keep the sweets coming, it's much better than the vile stuff the Tommies offer", Troy counters, grinning widely. "You're impossible, Sergeant, and extremely lucky that Sergeant Moffit isn't around to hear you. We'll still have to negotiate the bribe to keep us silent about this in front of the dear Doctor", the German Captain replies with a sly smile he usually has reserved for springing one of his traps. "You're far too honest to accept a bribe, Captain. And far too noble to betray your friends", Troy counters with a grin. "I might be, but Private Pettigrew surely has no such restrictions", the German Captain brings up smoothly. "But he might be willing to cooperate, if you spare him further accusations regarding horses and riding."

Tully, driving the Jeep alongside them, shifts his matchsticks to the corner of his mouth to smile at the young officer, shouting from the driver's seat: "You're my hero, Cap!" "You're still a wily fox, Dietrich. I should never have let you forge an alliance with Tully", Troy grumbles. "Wasn't it you, Sergeant, who has frequently accused me of adopting his habits?", Hans enjoys to rub in the small victory he has gained for once. "That's not what I meant and I'd never have expected you to pick up blackmailing honest folks from him." Dietrich shakes his head in mock affront. " . Blackmail is such a naughty word. I'm merely applying leverage on behalf of my Private", the German argues calmly with a twinkle in his eyes, sharing a quick glance with the Kentuckian who still bears his smile. "Jerry smartass", Sam grumbles in annoyance. "Troy, not in front of the children!", the Captain scolds him with irony clearly audible from his tone. "What should he not say in front of us?", Ari wants to know. "Repeating it would only make it worse", his caregiver argues smoothly, watching both the boy and his Sergeant pout, although for different reasons, while Tully mutters something to Gottschlich who looks briefly astounded, before breaking into a grin himself, looking at the German officer with a fond expression.

As they close in on the oasis, they can make out the Bedouin nomads' temporary camp at its rim. "*This is our camp, faris alsahra*", Yussuf points out. "*We look forward to seeing you in the afternoon.*" "*We look forward to our invitation. May Allah protect you!*", Dietrich replies smoothly and the Arab nods in acceptance. Then, their ways separate, as the two Bedouins return to their camp where several tribesmen are already waiting to greet them. The two riders and two men in the Jeep continue toward the oasis. "*Do you recognise the oasis?*", the German officer asks Kiri cautiously who gazes around curiously. "*I don't know*", the girl whimpers, sounding sad to disappoint her brother. "*It's alright, Kiri. Maybe you can recognize something or somebody when we're at the bazaar*", the young Captain suggests gently. Dealing with crying children is really something he would like to be spared. Ari quietly gazes around, looking both fascinated and intimidated.

At Dietrich's signal they halt a bit outside of the town in a green area, where the horse and mule find shade and grass. "Leave the Jeep here with the animals, gentlemen! Corporal Gottschlich, you will remain here not only to guard our possessions, but also to provide a first entry and information point for the soldiers Captain Boggs allows to go on recreational leave for a few hours", the German Captain orders and the young American salutes properly, feeling proud to be entrusted with such an important task. "Troy, Pettigrew. I ask you to come with me and the children for now to secure our supply deal. We will need the radio to inform the camp about our success and call in trucks for transportation, if the need arises." "Being the organiser for all these things really is a lot less interesting than it looks from afar", Troy comments with a grin. "I cannot imagine that any of my organisational tasks has looked interesting from afar", the German Captain counters dryly. "Well. They look a lot less like real work, more like walking around and shouting commands", the American Sergeant adds with a wink. "Although this might be a shocking revelation, Sergeant, since I have been lazily strutting around camp for weeks, officers actually do real work, quite hard work even at times", Dietrich argues with dry sarcasm. "You're really the last person in camp I'd call lazy, Captain", Troy tries to salvage his statement. "Flattery won't get you anywhere, Sergeant", the German Captain counters dryly, but his smile communicates that he takes the whole episode with humor.

"Well. This oasis is not gonna explore itself all on its own. Let's shake it!", Troy bellows with a grin. "Let's shake it!", Ari shouts as well and even Kiri tries to repeat the words. "O Gott, die Büchse der Pandora wurde geöffnet", the German mutters with quiet desperation to himself. "What was that, Captain?", Troy asks him with a grin, proud of the kids following his example. "I said that you have just opened Pandora's box, Sergeant", Dietrich replies dryly. "But Troy doesn't have a box", Ari counters. "It's a proverb, a phrase using an image, in this case from Greek mythology. Pandora was a woman entrusted with safeguarding a box, but she was warned not to open it under no circumstances whatsoever. But curiosity got the better of her and she did open the box in the end, releasing all evil on humanity, hunger, death, war, hatred, quarrel and disease", Hans explains to him calmly. "You're a wonderful replacement for Moffit, Captain. You're also a know-it-all, but less unnerving in your explanations. Even I didn't know that", Troy comments with a grin. "Your bribery rate for keeping us quiet is increasing, Sergeant. And don't forget that we have an obligation for honesty toward Doctor Moffit as well", the German officer replies dryly.

Tully hides his grin behind shifting his matchstick, as Troy glares at the young Captain. "You're a dog who barks far more than he bites, Captain. You wouldn't rat us out no matter what you say", the American Sergeant grumbles, breaking into a grin. "Why does he call you a dog, Hans?", Ari asks, looking shocked. "Troy didn't really mean to insult me, Ari", Dietrich replies with a patient smile. "They say 'dogs that bark don't bite' about people who speak in anger or criticism, but don't act, attacking or physically harming someone." "You wouldn't harm anyone", Ari tells his brother with true conviction and the German Captain flinches visibly at the words. "Ari, I have to harm other people to defend the ones I'm responsible for", Hans argues with a pained expression and serious tone. "But you help people", the Jewish boy speaks in a desperate whine. "Sometimes I have to harm people to help people. I had to attack the bad men who have caught Hitchcock, Kiri and me to free us for example", the German officer tries to explain gently. "And because I don't like to hurt people, I prefer to talk to them which is why Troy said 'dogs that bark don't bite' about me." Ari watches him intently for several long moments, before finally stating clearly: "I understand now. You want to talk, because you don't want to hurt anyone. I want to be like you, Hans." The German Captain winces and averts his gaze, unable to bear the guilt at the child's trusting statement. A pair of arms wrapping around his flanks and the boy's head pressing against his stomach startle him out of his reverie. "Are you okay, Hans?", Ari mumbles into his caregiver's shirt. Dietrich takes a deep breath and winces. "I'm alright, Ari. Don't worry!" Kiri who cannot understand anything that has been said, draws closer and eyes her protector with worry. "*Is everything alright, Ioannes? Why is Ari so sad?*", the Bedouin girl inquires cautiously. "*Everything is alright. I just explained a few things to Ari that made him worried. He can tell them to you, can't you, Ari?*", Hans replies gently. The boy indeed loosens the tight embrace around the young man's midsection and lets go of him to turn to the girl and explain what he has learned.

"O my. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes, Captain", Troy tells his haggard looking friend. "Really, Sergeant? And here I would have thought that you like the cavalry boots", the young officer replies dryly. Grinning widely, Troy barks: "I do. Come on, kids! Let's shake it!" The American Sergeant looks quite content, when the two children repeat his favourite phrase. As he puts his hand on the tall German's shoulder, he mutters: "I have no idea how you imagine sending the boy somewhere to be safe, but I doubt he'll accept anyone else as his foster father." "Let's worry about one child at a time, Sergeant. Finding Kiri's potential relatives is our challenge here today", the German Captain argues with a haunted look. The Bedouin girl still listens intently to what Ari is telling her, glancing in the tall man's direction from time to time, as the children walk alongside him. Tully stays a few steps behind with his Thompson gun over his shoulder, similar to Troy, while Dietrich only has his holster with his sidearm.

As they approach the bazaar, noises unlike the usual baying and whinnying of the animals, shouting and haggling of the merchants and their customers can be heard, drums and flutes play fast music, clapping and laughter overlays the other bazaar noises. "*Are they making a festival?*", Kiri inquires curiously. "*I want to go there*", Ari adds eagerly. "*No running off. You stay close to us!*", their German protector admonishes sternly. Kiri grabs his jacket lapel and looks up at him expectantly. "*Can we go now?*" Smiling in amusement, the young Captain nods. "What's the noise?", Troy growls suspiciously. "The children suspect a festival. I can hear the music of flutes. Either some travelling musicians are performing or the townspeople celebrate their liberation which would be my best guess", Dietrich argues calmly. Tully shifts his matchstick, looking slightly astonished, while Troy mutters: "Wow. We get greeted with music and dance and look at who's missing, Doc Know-it-all and Hitch, our Ladies' Man." The German Captain shrugs slightly. "Moffit didn't have a choice, Hitchcock did. But he probably has other worries right now." Troy glares at him. "I hate it that you're not telling me what's going on. But I trust you'll take care of it, when you promise to do so." "You have my word, Sergeant, that I'll do all I can to help resolve the matter for everyone's best", Dietrich vows honestly. "You're as good as your word, Captain. I trust you. Otherwise I'd already try to get the info out of you or Hitch", Troy growls slightly annoyed.

"Hans, look!", Ari interrupts them, as he points at the scene which unfolds on the bazaar the German Captain remembers vividly from the previous day and his capture. The bazaar looks different from yesterday not only with respect to no German soldiers patrolling the area with machine guns, but also an actual village celebration taking place. In addition to the market stalls and wide clothes unfolded on the ground to present pottery, palm wood carvings or other wares brought in by travelling merchants or the local ones unable to afford a stall, several Bedouins are performing. The music of drums, cymbals and flutes resounds over the loud chattering and clapping of the villagers observing several women dancing in the open space of the main square. Ari and Kiri stare at the commotion open mouthed, overwhelmed by everything that is there to see. "Wow", Troy mutters, actually impressed. "Never seen that before." "Sheikh Sulaiman's people welcomed us back politely, but I have never seen any celebration of liberation before either. The Libyans despise the Italians and Germans as their occupational force and never have celebrated in such a manner, when I have previously retaken a town", Dietrich mutters, looking actually astounded himself. "Don't say it wouldn't pay to have switched sides, Captain", Troy tells him with a grin, patting the younger man on the shoulder.

"*Can we go closer and see the dancers? Please, Ioannes*", Kiri pleads with her protector with an excellent imitation of Fritz's puppy eyes, as she lightly pulls on his jacket lapel. "*Yes, please, Hans*", Ari immediately rushes to her aid, grabbing his brother's hand and shaking it lightly which makes the German Captain flinch and grimace with pain. "*I'm sorry*", the boy mumbles, looking chagrined, as he lets go of the young officer's hand. "*It's alright, but please don't grab my hand and pull, Ari*", Hans tells him with a forced calm tone. "*I won't, I promise*", the Jewish orphan mutters, hugging the lean man around the waist. "*Thank you*", Dietrich tells him quietly, patting the boy's head in reassurance. "*Let's get closer, if you want to see something. But you have to promise me that you will stay close to me and Troy!*" Both children nod and mutter their agreement, looking eagerly at the crowd.

When they see the Allied soldiers approach, several of the villagers start muttering among themselves, pointing at the foreigners. Some look curious, some appear scared of the armed soldiers who look quite different from the locals. When the performers become aware of the disturbance in the crowd, the musicians stop their rhythmic music, while one of the dancers shouts something to the crowd that Tully and Troy do not understand, while Dietrich listens and observes intently. "What's she saying, Captain?", the American Sergeant inquires. "She says: 'These are the foreigners who freed us of the band of jackals that terrorized us and our families. Let's welcome them!'", the German mutters his translation quietly, never interrupting his vigilance. "Fancy. We should've gone visiting the folks we've set free more often", Troy comments with a wide grin. "The children want to get closer for the performance, but I'm not sure whether they will continue or start questioning us", the young Captain mutters with a doubtful expression. "You mean questioning you, since you're the only one who understands them", the American Sergeant tells him with a toothy smile. "Yes, more or less", the German officer agrees quietly, not daring to trust the peaceful and friendly atmosphere yet."

"Kiri!", a woman shouts loudly and the Bedouin girl cries out: "*Auntie Fatima!*" Dietrich and Troy exchange a brief glance, both torn between hope of finding a relative and worry of being dragged into more troubles. A Bedouin woman with a dark madraga, their traditional long dress, which has colourful ornaments of geometric shapes and in the style of flowers embroidered into the cloth comes walking toward the group. "*What happened to you?*", the Arab woman inquires with clear concern, pointing at the bandage wrapped around the girl's head. "*I fell and hit my head, but my friends helped me and made the pain go away*", Kiri explains innocently. "*Who is this?*", the middle-aged woman asks incredulously, indicating the tall officer to whom Kiri is still clinging. "*That's Ioannes, my brother. He's really nice*", Kiri replies with a bright smile. Seeing the woman scowl at the words, Dietrich adds himself: "*Maryam, Marisha, entrusted me with Kiri's care.*" The Bedouin woman appears slightly incredulous that the foreigner actually speaks to her in fluent if accented Arabic. "*Where is Marisha?*", she demands to know from the man now. "*Marisha died a few days ago. She and Kiri had been captured by slavers and forced to endure... horrible things*", the German cautiously explains. "*She made me promise to look after Kiri for what we both believed to be a single night in which she should be protected from the brutal and ruthless slavers. But after her death I decided to keep my promise and continue looking after Kiri. She called you Aunita Fatima. Are you related?*" Fatima looks shocked and horrified by the description. Only after a few moments of staring at the tall young European does the Bedouin woman become aware of the question he has asked. Shaking her head, she mutters: "*No, I'm no relation to Maryam. They were Christians, but not bad people. What you tell me is horrible.*" The German Captain nods quietly with a solemn expression. "*It is horrible indeed. Are you aware of any relatives of Maryam or Kiri who could take care of the girl?*"

"*But I want to stay with you and Ari, Ioannes!*", Kiri protests, wrapping her arms around the thin man's waist, as the young officer grimaces at the words. Meanwhile Fatima looks openly astounded. "*Is he nice and decent to you, Kiri?*", she inquires of the girl who nods with a stubborn pout. "*Yes. I like him and he's always been friendly to me. And we have the same name. I don't want to leave you, Ioannes!*" Dietrich looks like he has been slapped in the face and even Troy and Tully can tell that something is not quite right in spite of not speaking a single word of Arabic. "*I know of no relatives of them, effendi*", the Bedouin woman tells the young soldier. "*But you must be a good man, when Kiri likes you so much. Why can't you keep looking after her?*" "*I'm an officer, a commander of the foreign soldiers. My life is constantly in danger in this war and I want the children protected from harm, not close to battle*", the Captain explains with a tormented expression. Fatima nods now. "*I understand your worry. I've constantly worried about my children and grandchildren, while the foreign soldiers are around, especially after what they did to young Ilyas, shooting the boy in the head in the middle of the street when all he did was look after the goats of his family.*" The Bedouin woman gives a wailing cry, before continuing to speak in a screeching voice: "*Kiri is safer with you where she is protected from all this than here where they could return at any time, as they already have several times.*" "*I feel safe with you*", Kiri agrees and even Ari backs her up. "*You always protect us, Hans.*"

Seeing the Captain's pained expression, Troy inquires: "What's going on? Why's she crying like a Banshee?" "She lamented a local goat herder boy who the SS killed in the street and tries to argue that the children are safer with me than anybody I could leave them with in this area", the young officer summarises briefly without dropping his despondent expression. "She's right", the American Sergeant agrees right away. "Troy, you're not helping me at all by backstabbing me like that!", Hans Dietrich tells him with a scowl. Fatima is meanwhile speaking with Kiri and asking about her mother and the slavers, while the girl answers her questions timidly, leaning against her caregiver to gain a feeling of being protected. "We won't leave Kiri?", Ari inquires with a worried tone, as he looks up at the tall man towering over him. "Ari, Kiri belongs with her family", Hans tries to gently explain. "But she's our sister. We're her family", the Jewish orphan argues with a sad expression. The German Captain takes a deep wincing breath and closes his eyes with a desperate expression settling on his features. "Looks like you'll keep your kids, Captain", Troy comments jovially, ruffling through Ari's hair who smiles at him. "Troy", Hans speaks warningly, his tone resounding his desperation that might turn to unrestrained anger, if provoked for too long.

"Hey, Cap. Someone's comin'", Tully Pettigrew warns them, tightening the grip around his gun. Both Troy and Dietrich immediately look in the direction he points out and see a Bedouin dancer walking next to the trader Mehedi ibn Khalid, both heading straight toward them. "*Faris alsahra, it is an honor for our humble village that you come to visit us*", the eloquent man greets their guest with a polite bow. "*It's an honor to be here, Mehedi ibn Khalid. We are mere guests and grateful for your hospitality. I can see that you are already celebrating your liberation and freedom*", the German Captain replies politely, bowing slightly as is expected of him, while he forces his face into bearing a neutral expression. Kiri and Fatima have stopped their conversation when the older man has started to speak. Mehedi scowls at the woman and the children, commenting with slight skepticism: "*I hope Fatima did not interrupt and disturb you.*" "*Not at all. We were talking about mutual acquaintances*", the young officer quickly rises to the woman's defence, aware that the behaviour of a woman to speak with a male stranger in public is frowned upon in Arab culture.

"*Who are the children?*", the trader inquires cautiously. "*Two orphans who I'm looking after*", the Captain explains quite curtly. Mehedi looks surprised. but quits his inquiry. "*You will take good care of them I'm sure*", he speaks as casually and as if he would not care at all. "*You stay with our guest, Mehedi, I need to organize something*", Fatima declares with vehement determination tolerating no discussion and Dietrich tenses visibly. "*Wait! What do you want to organize?*" "*Do you have any clothes appropriate and meant for a girl?*", the Bedouin woman shoots back her question at him. The young officer blushes and looks chagrined that this has not even occurred to him yet. Fatima smiles triumphantly, as she declares with vehemence: "*You'll be with Mehedi and I'll organize something, then I'll return to you, Ioannes. This is your name, isn't it?*" The German Captain nods curtly and asks himself how the woman has just performed her move that could have been one of Troy's wily maneuvers taking him by surprise and driving him to surrender. Without waiting for an answer, the Bedouin woman takes off and starts screaming names as soon as she is a few steps away, one of them Hans believes is 'Amira'.

The trader looks equally caught off guard as the young officer by the woman's behaviour which serves as a slight relief to Dietrich. Kiri becomes aware of the dancer for the first time and stares at her with wide fascinated eyes. "*You're so beautiful*", she whispers in awe and the woman smiles down at her with a gentle expression. Ari stares at her with equal fascination and curiosity, never having been so close to a performer before. "What's going on, Captain?", Troy demands his update. "The woman, Auntie Fatima, as Kiri calls her, will organize something that I hope means spare clothes for the girl", the lean German officer replies quietly. "*Please follow me, faris alsahra*", Mehedi tries to reclaim control of the situation. The tall European bows his head and takes the first steps along with the Bedouin trader, with Ari and Kiri holding onto his jacket lapels and his guards, Troy and Pettigrew, following behind him, looking around warily in spite of their curiosity. The dancer returns to her stage and the musicians pick up their rhythmic beats and melodies again. "Hitch is really missing something", Troy comments. Tully merely shrugs and shifts his matchstick, while Dietrich's shoulders tense. "He'll come round, Sarge", the quiet Private mutters. "I've already given my word to help and not just to you", the German Captain repeats. "I hope you'll get through to that stubborn young idiot", Troy comments with a scowl. The Bedouin trader starting to chatter with the young officer effectively ends their discussion which is for the best.

"*Mehedi ibn Khalid, several of our soldiers will come to visit your village during the day to spend some free hours here after days spent in the desert and with fighting their enemies. Where can we send them to get food, drink and maybe some entertainment?*", the German Captain inquires carefully. The trader smiles openly. "*We're all celebrating in the village square and bazaar, as you have seen. Anyone will gladly sell them food and drink and they can dance and sing with us*", the Arab offers openly with a smile. "*None of them speak your language though and I cannot be around to translate for everyone*", the tall European voices his concern. "*We can understand signs well. We're used to foreigners who don't understand us. As long as your soldiers are friendly and well-behaved there will be no problems*", Mehedi replies with a serious tone. "*If they cause any trouble, you can always summon me. Yussuf and his tribe have invited us for a late lunch. The rest of the time I will spend in the vicinity of the main square*", the young officer explains with a stern expression.

"*That is very good. Enjoy our hospitality. I wanted to invite you for tea, while we talked about our trade arrangement for your food supplies. You can of course take as much water as you need, faris alsahra*", the Arab trader offers magnanimously and leads the way through the bazaar stalls and cloth with offered pottery and bronze ware. Every merchant bows when the foreigners pass with their spokesman, acutely aware of the relevance of the negotiations and the exchange with their liberators. "Fancy, Sarge", Tully mutters and Troy nods. "Can't remember the last time we got celebrated as heroes by an entire oasis." "That's because for once you didn't blow up their much needed water reservoir", Dietrich comments dryly, as Yussuf chats with some of the food traders. "We didn't always blow up the water reservoir... only when the Jerries held the oasis and we couldn't get them out otherwise", Troy protests. "Losing their water reserves is the only thing worse than any foreign occupation for these people, as it literally means the difference between life and death, Troy", the young German Captain admonishes him sternly and both Troy and Tully look a bit chagrined, as they take a look around.

"*Shouldn't we look for a gift, Ioannes? Mama said you always have to bring a gift, when you're a guest*", Kiri asks her protector who briefly looks baffled and then slightly ashamed that the six-year-old girl has to remind him of this proper behaviour. "*You're absolutely right, Kiri. We will organise something*", he assures the girl and then calls Tully Pettigrew: "Private Pettigrew. I have an important mission for you." Tully looks surprised, as does Sam Troy who bears an expression almost like betrayal for a brief moment. "Kiri reminded me correctly that it is polite to bring a gift for our hosts. As anything we could buy here would not be an appropriate gift, I want you to return to the Jeep and call the camp, ask for Jakob Silberblatt or Captain Boggs and tell them to send somebody with one or two of our confiscated guns, fully loaded, to the oasis and hand them over to Gottschlich who is the easiest to track and find. He can then meet us at the Bedouins' camp at 1400." Tully nods. "Sure, Cap. I'll take care of it." "Don't cause any trouble, when you spend your time on your own until our lunch invitation, Private!", Dietrich tells him sternly and the American briefly shifts his matchstick to show a smile. "I'll try, Cap." Remembering Hitchcock's half-baked stories, the young officer adds: "Don't expect me to break you out of jail or fight some duel of honor on your behalf, Pettigrew!" Seeing the other's surprised expression, the Captain explains with a wry smile: "Your friend Hitchcock is much too talkative, when he's under stress." Troy breaks into a grin now and even Tully smiles at the dry humored words. "See you later, Cap, Sarge. I'll take care of everything", the Private adds and even gives a halfways passable salute that might actually be the American's record.

While Tully returns to the Jeep, Troy follows Dietrich and the children through the bazaar, never fully trusting the peaceful environment and always ready to raise his gun and fire at a moment's notice. When they approach a dingy looking entrance into a house, the American Sergeant growls: "Where are we going, Captain?" "This is Mehedi ibn Khalid's house where we will conclude the trade deal for the supplies for the next days", the young officer explains, then a slightly mischievous twinkle appears in his brown eyes as he adds: "Prepare to drink some tea and don't spill anything or nothing can save you from Moffit's wrath." Troy snorts. "As long as they keep the sweets coming and I don't have to drink more than a cup of that vile stuff." "Never empty it fully or they will constantly refill it", the German Captain warns him with a serious tone. "Thanks for the warning, Captain", Troy mutters with actual gratitude and pats the young officer on the shoulder in a friendly gesture.

Their exchange is interrupted by Mehedi and two women who Dietrich assumes are his wife and daughter, as he guesses from their respective age. The older woman offers them a bowl with water for washing their hands and faces, while the younger holds a towel for drying the hands afterwards, as is habit among the higher standing people in these lands. After the men, the children may partake in the rite. Then, they are all led into a parlor where several plants and a central water reservoir provide shade and coolness in the heat of the day which is not as bad in December as it would have been during the summer months. As soon as they have taken their seats on the laid out pillows, Dietrich and Troy as the adult male guests get a cup of tea offered, before the children are each given a cup as well, first Ari, then Kiri. The American Sergeant's eyes lighten up, when a bowl with dried fruits is placed on the table and he immediately grabs a handful to stuff them in his mouth, before taking the first sip at his tea, ignoring the German Captain's indignant expression. Kiri and Ari are happy that an adult has taken the sweet fruits first so that they can take their own share as well. So much for Troy's bad example, Hans muses, but at least he is not spilling any tea in corners or water reservoirs which would be even more embarrassing and an actual affront for their host.

The trade negotiations extend over the span of a full hour during which time Troy together with a little support from the children empties two bowls with dried fruit and nuts. "*He's very hungry*", Mehedi points out his observation and the German Captain blushes slightly, embarrassed on behalf of his Sergeant. "*He really enjoys the fruits and we rarely get them with our rations*", he tries to provide a believable explanation. The Bedouin trader smiles and mutters a few quiet words to his wife who takes the bowl away for the second time to refill it. "*I think we can conclude our trade deal, Mehedi ibn Khalid*", the tall young European offers with a polite tone. "*We will start transporting goods to our camp as soon as you are ready. Just tell us where to send our trucks.*" "*I will still have to inform the other merchants, but we can be ready in an hour or two from now*", the trader tells his new business partner. "*Send them to the main bazaar. We will bring the supplies there. The other soldiers never paid for our goods, but stole from us and beat us, if we refused. We're most honoured to deal with you, faris alsahra.*" Dietrich scowls and replies with honest indignation: "*That is not how they should have treated you, even by their superior commander's order, but I'm aware that some were more brutal and uncooperative than others.*"

When Mehedi's wife returns with the refilled bowl, she also brings a clay jar which she offers to Troy who looks astonished and at Dietrich with a questioning expression. "*It's a gift for him, since he enjoys the fruits and nuts so much*", the Bedouin trader explains. "They gift you a jar of dried fruits and nuts, because they think I don't feed you properly, Sergeant", the German Captain replies dryly. "Very funny, Captain", Troy grumbles, but takes the jar from the Bedouin woman, smiling widely and nodding his thanks. "Give some to the children as well!", the young officer adds with a wry smile and Ari grins widely, whispering to Kiri who starts grinning as well. Troy winks at them. "Sharing is caring." Ari repeats the phrase, looking amazed and even Kiri tries to repeat the words without understanding their meaning. The German Captain expresses his gratitude on behalf of his Sergeant and the children to the Bedouin trader who smiles magnanimously, before finally concluding negotiations with the lead trader after providing detailed information about where to load the rations, as none of the drivers speaks Arabic and he will have to provide detailed instructions beforehand. Mehedi still is eager to comply with their liberators, a notion and degree of cooperation that surprises the German Captain who is more used to dealing with reluctant Arabs.

Once they have left the trader's home, Dietrich comments dryly with a bemused smile: "Well. It looks like you have most fittingly been awarded on Krampustag, Troy." "What's that supposed to mean?", the American Sergeant grumbles with curiosity piqued, carrying his collection of fruits and nuts in his arms. "In Germany, the 5th of December is the day of celebrating Krampus, the assistant of Saint Nicolaus, your Santa Claus, who is celebrated on the 6th of December. The naughty children receive small gifts like dried fruits and nuts from Krampus after being spanked for their misdeeds, the well-behaved ones on 6th from Saint Nicolaus himself", the German Captain explains with a wry smile. Not only Troy but also Ari listens intently. "Will we get something too, Hans?", he inquires with wide eyes. "Since you're a lot better behaved than Troy, you deserve it tomorrow", the young German officer tells him with a gentle tone, but a twinkle of mischief in his eyes when meeting his gaze with the American Sergeant who grins at the comment, not in the least chagrined or offended.

Ari briefly hugs his caregiver and shares the exciting news with Kiri who beams at the announcement and starts telling the boy about Saint Nicolaus and his deeds, since he is one of her favourite saint characters, as his stories are less gruesome and have actual happy endings. Ari who has never heard anything about Christianity and Saints is quite fascinated by the tale of the three maidens who are gifted golden balls by the friendly saint. "It looks like I might have to ask for a handful of your fruit stash for each of them tomorrow", the young officer mutters to Sam Troy who grins widely now. "Be my guest, Captain. Gifting the stuff to the kids and seeing their eyes shine tomorrow is really the best way of using these", he holds up the jar as he provides his heartfelt comment. "Take the last night shift and wake me up slightly before the others!", his lean young friend instructs and the American Sergeant squeezes his good shoulder, as he mutters his confirmation. "Can't wait to see their faces tomorrow. You're really a good guy. They won't wanna leave a foster father or older brother like that." The German Captain sighs wearily and winces. "I'm well aware of my predicament by now, Troy. I just can't bring myself to being indifferent or unfriendly to the children simply to motivate them to turn toward somebody else." "Stay like you are! We like you for that, just like your kids do. And you always have our support, Captain", Troy insists strongly, never letting go of the younger man's shoulder. A bit surprised by the pathos, the German officer mutters his gratitude.

With the children occupied for now, Hans Dietrich leads their way back to the Jeep where he informs a curious looking Corporal Gottschlich of their success, while turning on the radio and adjusting the frequency. "Black Cobra to White Viper", Dietrich repeats two times, before the static turns into the cheerful voice of the Australian Lieutenant O'Malley. "T'is White Viper coming. Howdy, folks. How're you doin'? Over" Dietrich suppresses the urge to roll his eyes at the Australian officer's ridiculous and in his eyes totally unprofessional behaviour. "Lieutenant O'Malley", the German Captain addresses the man sternly. "You have already been informed that we require a gift for our hosts? Over" "Sure, Capt'n. Over", O'Malley confirms unperturbed by the stern tone. "I have just concluded the trade negotations with the local merchants. Send three trucks to the main bazaar. Corporal Gottschlich can provide direction to the drivers. They are to meet with the local merchant and pick up the boxes and jars with our supplies. I will take care of paying for the wares and we will check on them in the camp. Tell the men to behave politely and be adaptive with using sign language! Over", the young German officer instructs. "Sure, I'll take care of that. Folks'll come a bit later to bring your gifts. I'm almost a bit sad that I can't join you. Sounds like a great party you're having. Over", O'Malley chats on the radio. "We will tell you about it later, Lieutenant. Thank you for the coordination. Over and out", Dietrich replies calmly and finally cancels the line.

After providing some more instructions to Corporal Gottschlich about what to inform the arriving soldiers about, Dietrich, Troy and the two children leave toward the main plaza. Several traders offer them their wares and Troy actually considers looking at some of their knives and daggers as well, while Dietrich is swarmed by several townspeople who want to express their gratitude to the young leader of the foreign soldiers who speaks their language quite fluently. While Dietrich deals mainly with the grateful locals, the American Sergeant takes care of providing instructions to American, British and Australian soldiers who have started their half day leave by pointing them to the bazaar and explaining the things he has caught up from the German Captain. Many of the men look at the young officer with wide grins upon seeing his position in the middle of several Arabs before taking off toward the music or the traders who are more than happy to offer their wares. "Hey, Captain. Can you help me with price negotiations?", Troy calls the young officer over to him who can extract himself from the Bedouins around after a few polite phrases to excuse himself. "What do they all want from you?", the American Sergeant inquires curiously. "Express their gratitude", comes Dietrich's curt reply. "They do actually owe you quite a lot of gratitude", Troy grumbles with a glower, "after you got yourself beaten up and almost killed to prohibit the damned Jerry soldiers from shooting at them with the machine guns." Hans tenses visibly. "I could never have live with myself, knowing I got dozens of people shot needlessly, just to potect my sorry hide." "Sometimes you're too noble for your own good, Captain", Troy growls with a grim expression. The young German officer decides to ignore that jibe and turns to haggling with the trader who even comments with some awe about the Captain's own dagger, admiring the handiwork, and giving them a fair price in the end. "Now, I'm as fancy as you and Tully", Troy tells him contently, as he fixes his newly acquired weapon to his belt.

Dietrich is not listening to him anymore, as Ari and Kiri have dragged him off to another stall where a trader offers glasswares with perfumes and kohl as well as a wide selection of spices, herbs and teas. Talking Kiri out of the idea to get some perfume, takes actual effort from the German Captain and they finally settle for buying several different tea selections, one intended for Moffit and Jakob Silberblatt each. "Tea!", Troy sputters, when he observes the exchange. "Of all the things you could possibly buy on this bazaar, it had to be tea?" "I happen to enjoy tea, as do Ari, Kiri, Jakob and Moffit", Hans snaps indignantly. "Still... tea. The last thing I'd spend money on", the American Sergeant complains. "Beware, Troy! Moffit will hear about your whole set of tea related misdeeds, if you continue like this", the German officer threatens him. Troy glares at the young Captain, but refrains from continuing their discussion. Ari and Kiri gladly help their brother with carrying the small sacks with the different tea selections.

A man followed by what appears a whole family clan of almost 10 people approaches the young European directly, who tenses and warily places his left hand on his gun holster, just to be safe rather than sorry. "As-salamu 'alaikum", the man who appears the leader of the group greets the foreigner. "Wa-'alaikumu s-salam", Dietrich replies politely. "*You're the leader of the soldiers who drove the Ifrit out and killed the murderers of my son?*", the man wants to know. "*Are you the father of the goat herder who was killed in the streets?*", Hans asks cautiously. The Bedouin nods eagerly, as he replies: "*Yes. Ilyas was my son.*" "*Then, we are the ones who are responsible for his murderers being brought to justice*", the German tells him, pointing at Troy as well. The Arab bows to both of them and repeats his expressions of gratitude. Seeing Troy's incredulous expression and the Sergeant reach for his automatic gun, the Captain whispers to him: "The man wants to thank you for avenging his son, the killed goat herder, by killing the SS officer." Troy smiles grimly now. "Tell him, it was my pleasure and I'd surely do that again." The young officer formulate the reply more politely, but passes it on nonetheless. The Bedouin waves to the younger men following him, probably his other sons and sons in law. Two brings forward a sheepskin each, holding them out to the two men. Seeing the foreigners puzzled gaze, the Bedouin explains: "*We're not rich. But we can give you this as gifts of our gratitude, as tradition demands. You brought justice and peace to my son.*" Realizing that refusing would offend the men who really give the only thing they could possibly offer, Hans Dietrich bows politely to them and declares in a stately manner fitting for his rank: "*We're honored by your gifts.*" "Troy, take the sheepskins!", he mutters to the baffled looking Sergeant. "*They stink*", Ari complains softly. "*But they're really warm*", Kiri whispers back to him. "*They're the best to keep you warm in the nights around Christmas.*"

A middle aged woman followed by a younger woman pushes her way through the crowd around Dietrich and his companions. Kiri's shout "*Auntie Amira!*" draws the German Captain's attention immediately to the new source of disturbance. Both women carry a bundle of clothes each and while Fatima bears a determined expression, the younger Amira smiles gently at Kiri. "*We collected some clothes for the girl from our own daughters and several neighbours who wanted to help an orphan. Some clothes are for now, some for when Kiri grows a bit older, a year or two*", the Arab woman explains to the young officer who looks a bit shocked to be handed bundles of clothes with the foresight of growth over the next years. This is quite the opposite of what he has originally intended, to find a relative or local caregiver for the girl. The younger woman meanwhile shows a dress to Kiri who crows with delight. "*I will be so beautiful with this*", she assures her new brother Ari who observes the scene with bafflement. Seeing the boy's confusion, she hugs him briefly and then shows him more of the clothes, explaining how she intends to combine the colours which makes Amira smile with amusement and sympathy. Her own daughter is equally obsessed with her dresses' colours and styles to combine. Hans Dietrich is no less confused than Ari, but for a different reason. That the Bedouin women would assist him in such an extensive manner is totally unexpected for the German Captain who would have expected to receive a dress and maybe some underwear. "*You take good care of your wards, effendi. The children like you, but you need more than just food and your own friendliness to keep them happy*", Fatima shares her motherly wisdom among further comments.

"*You really wish to stay with this warrior, Kiri?*", Amira has meanwhile inquired of the girl. "*Ioannes is my big brother now and he's really nice*", Kiri explains her relation with the young Captain to her, while the Bedouin woman appears slightly incredulous. "*How did you get hurt?*", she also wants to know, as the bandage around the girl's head worries her as well. "*I fell down and hit my head*", Kiri answers. "*Auntie Lisa and Auntie Deirdre took care of me and made the pain go away.*" Amira looks a bit more releaved, also to hear about women taking care of her. "*And the soldier? He has not treated you harshly or beaten you or approached you naked?*", she asks with a worried expression. The girl shakes her head vehemently. "*He'd never harm me and has protected me. And he's only been without clothes when the others helped him, because he was hurt. Sometimes Ari and I worry about him, because he gets hurt very often*", Kiri shares her main concern in a conspiratorial tone and Ari nods in agreement. "*Hans is our brother, because God sent him to us*", he adds his explanation with true conviction and leans against the young officer's side who looks down with concern, checking whether the boy is alright. "*Are you fine, Ari?*", Dietrich inquires gently. The Jewish orphan nods. "*Sure. We just explain to Kiri's Auntie Amira that you're our brother and would never hurt us.*" The tall European tenses visibly at the words. "*Of course, I would never hurt you*", he insists slightly incredulously that anyone would accuse him of something as vile at all. "*Forgive me, effendi. I wanted to know whether Kiri will be well taken off as your daughter*", the Bedouin woman explains and the German Captain is so dumbstruck that he gapes at her for a few seconds.

"*You are like a father for them*", Amira adds, once she sees the reaction. "*I'm not...*", the young man stammers with his native accent clearly audible in his speech, "*... their father.*" Amira bears a gentler smile than the stern looking Fatima. "*You are for them. They need a father and think of you like that.*" Dietrich shakes his head in the negative. "*I insisted on being called their brother to give them a chance of finding a real new family and accepting an actual foster father*", the young officer explains with a slightly hoarse voice. "*But I want to stay with you, Hans*", Ari immediately complains and wraps his arms around the young man's waist. "*Yes, me too. I want to stay with you and Ari*", Kiri adds immediately and presses against the tall man's stomach, since she cannot reach far enough to actually get her hands around his hips. Dietrich bears a tormented expression none of the children can see. "*I'm a soldier. I could die any day in this war*", the young man mutters quietly enough only for the women to hear. Amira nods with a sad expression, while Fatima scowls. "*We're Bedouins, effendi. We live in the desert where we know anyone can die any day. Many men who go out with the caravans or have to fight for or against the Westerners who care little for our land die every day. Still we have children and we love them*", Fatima argues sternly. "*Also Kiri said that you have women with your soldiers as well who care for the injured and sick. They can help you*", Fatima adds her argument. The German Captain sighs in desperation and winces, as his ribs clearly protests against this.

Tully has spotted them from afar and joined Troy. "What's happening with Cap and the kids?", the usually quiet Private wonders. "No idea, Tully. First a whole pack of Arabs comes here and gifts us these sheepskins, now the two Arab women show up with packs of clothes and have been chatting with Dietrich and the girl for five minutes already. Or you'd better say she does most of the talking and our fox's caught a bit in the defense", Troy replies with a grin. Tully shifts his matchstick and keeps a sympathetic gaze on the German officer who looks really on the receiving end of the older Arab woman's monologue enriched with hand gestures. The Kentuckian has spent enough time with Hitch to know exactly how it feels when somebody does 90% of the talking without even considering that the other might wish to say something. The young officer's expression is easily recognizable as something between exasperation, incredulity, weariness and fatalism. "You got a jar of fruits for Doc?", the young Private continues asking with an indifferent expression. "It's a present from the Captain's trader friend. Most is for the kids", Troy deflects any suspicions of his involvement in the fruit coup, before they might arise. Tully observes him for a few seconds, shrugs and continues observing Dietrich in his current predicament.

At some point the Arab woman releases the German officer from her grasp and ends her litany. After bowing politely to her and the second woman, the Captain turns in their direction and waves them over with his left hand. "Take the packages!", Dietrich orders sternly. "Are you starting a new business as a rag trader, Captain?", Troy asks with a grin, when he sees Tully pick up the two bundles, each under one arm, since Troy's hands are already filled with the sheepskins and the clay jar. Dietrich scowls and indignantly snaps: "Troy." "Sorry, Captain. Just asking", the American Sergeant replies with an expression that clearly communicates that he is not sorry in the least. Looking at the American Private with a sympathetic smile, the German comments dryly: "Good to see you, Pettigrew. I assume it's a good sign that I haven't heard any explosions all day." Tully looks briefly perplexed by the humorous comment, but grins slightly, shifting his matchstick in the corner of his mouth. "You told me to behave, Cap." "I'm just surprised that you're actually listening to me", the young officer replies with an amused sparkle of his eyes. "So what's all that stuff, Captain?", Troy wants to know. "The local women were worried about Kiri being stuck with a lot of foreign men who have no understanding for her needs, like change of clothes or dresses for the appropriate occasion. They collected clothes from their own children and neighbours to help mainly the girl, but also Ari. A few more times of accompanying nurse Regula and receiving lectures on childcare when visiting towns with the children and I'm actually qualified for starting a kindergarten", the German Captain replies dryly, while Troy laughs heartily at the last wry statement. "You're definitely the perfect guy for that. Kids like you more than Moffit." "That's mainly because of his snobbish behaviour", Dietrich argues with sarcasm. Even Tully smirks now. "So what do we do with the stuff, Cap?", he wants to know. "Bring it to the Jeep and we take everything back to the camp with us later."

"Several of our guys came to me to report. I sent them onwards to the bazaar and the music and dance", Troy reports, as they start walking away from the women after Kiri has said goodbye enthusiastically. "Hopefully, there will be no deaths or destruction and everyone can enjoy their day, including me", the German Captain mutters sarcastically. "You didn't look like you enjoyed your day until now. But you actually should enjoy your day with your kids, Captain", Troy booms and looks truly suprised when Dietrich flinches as if he would have struck the young German in the face. "What's wrong?", the American Sergeant wants to know with a worried tone. The younger officer shakes his head and mutters: "Nothing's wrong per se." "Then, what's bothering you, Captain?", Troy insists. "The same issue that has bothered me since Jakob started this brothers and family theme", Hans growls slightly exasperated, placing his injured right arm on Ari's shoulder who leans against his side. Troy looks from the tall Captain to the Jewish boy. "I thought the kid's far better behaved than us", he tries to joke. "There's no doubt that he is. A whole kindergarten is far better behaved than you and the merry gang of mischief makers", the German officer counters dryly. "Did he do something wrong?", Troy is totally confused now.

"Are you deliberately trying to be as obtuse and ignorant as possible, Troy?", Dietrich growls with his nerves worn to a frazzle. "Of course they did nothing wrong... with the exception of placing their trust and love with a completely wrong and unfitting person." "Have you lost your mind now, Captain? You're the best person to look after these kids in miles around", Troy snaps and shifts the sheepskin and clay jar to his left arm to be able to grab the lean German's shoulder who tenses at the touch. "You saw their reaction yesterday, their worries, their concern, their insecurity. They both deserve something better than that!", the young officer growls, but his tone bears more desperation than anger. "Please, don't be angry, Hans!", Ari mutters and presses his face into the tall man's tunic who deflates almost immediately. "I'm not angry and surely not with you, Ari", the lean German Captain tells his ward with an apologetic tone and expression. "Don't be angry with Troy! He's loud, but nice", the boy tries to argue and both men are stunned at the statement. "You should listen to your wise little kid more often, Captain!", Troy tells the young officer with a grin. "Troy", Dietrich sighs and winces. "Let's get our stuff to the Jeep and then check on our guys on the bazaar, before we have to go to your lunch invitation", Troy suggests in a more cooperative tone. "That sounds surprisingly reasonable, Troy. What's the occasion?", Dietrich replies with a wry smile. "Don't wanna scare the kids. They're already pretty upset with all that happened... You see, I can be considerate, if I put my mind to it", The American Sergeant counters with grin. Although not fully trusting the attitude and Troy's reasonable side, Hans decides not to look the gift horse in the mouth too much.

As they make their way through the crowds at the bazaar, several of the soldiers on leave approach them already. "Howdy, Capt'n", Private Jimmy Walker shouts from afar, saluting sharply in spite of his informal greeting. "Private Walker, gentlemen", Dietrich greets back and provides a salute with his left arm, as almost a dozen soldiers assemble around him. "Mighty fine celebration with dance and music and all", a British soldier comments with a smile. "You may join the fesitivities on the main plaza, as they are in all our honor for liberating the town. You're also invited to buy what you're interested in from the local traders", the German Captain explains calmly. "Wow!", one of the Americans from Atkins' unit mutters. "Never been celebrating any festivities before with the Arabs", an Australian adds with clear fascination. "We have been specifically invited. I remind you all of your duty and honor though to respect the locals and especially treat the women in the oasis with respect. We don't want them to hate and despise us as much as their previous occupational force", Dietrich speaks with a serious tone and stern expression. "To hell with those damn Jerries!", one of the soldiers snarls and spits on the ground. When the German officer's steely gaze settles on him, the Brit tenses visibly and mutters: "Sorry, Captain. Didn't mean you." "You'd better reconsider what kind of behaviour is acceptable in public, Private, as we are all guests in this oasis", the Captain admonishes in an icy tone that makes several of the men around tense as well. "We'll do that, Captain", Private Jenkins from Boggs' unit promises and several of the others nod eagerly. "Please do so, gentlemen", the young officer states with a strict tone. "Report back to camp in time for your comrades to get their few hours on leave as well!" All of the men around salute now. "We sure will, Captain. Thanks", Jenkins confirms. "Howdy, Capt'n. See ya 'round", Private Walker adds after a sharp salute.

"Now that we checked on them, we can go to the Jeeps. My immediate fears for the village's safety have been quenched", Dietrich states dryly. As they approach their Jeep, another vehicle is approaching from the direction of the camp. When Jakob Silberblatt and Captain Boggs get out of the Jeep which stops along their own car which Corporal Gottschlich is guarding, Dietrich scowls and mutters: "What's he doing here?" "Boggs or Silberblatt?", Troy asks back. "Boggs. Shouldn't he be at the camp and take care of matters there?", the German Captain growls warily. "You're right. Maybe something happened and he wants to talk with you", Troy argues, seeing Dietrich scowl wearily. "Wouldn't he have sent one of his Lieutenants or Sergeants then or used the radio?", Dietrich intends as a rhetorical question. "Yeah. You're right. Something's fishy", Troy confirms with a frown of his own. "I don't trust any of this", the German officer mutters very quietly. "Now come on, Captain. Boggsy might be all strict and stern, but he likes you and he wouldn't harm you or your reputation with the Bedouins", the American Sergeant grumbles. "You're really behaving as bad as you did after we rescued you from your base, Captain." Dietrich frowns and almost imperceptibly shakes his head. "First, Captain Boggs invites me to have a heart to heart conversation in his officer, now he makes his unexpected appearance. You have taught me not to believe in coincidence, Sergeant."

"You're too good a student, Captain Sherlock. So what's wrong? What does he want from you?", Troy inquires suspiciously, scowling almost as darkly as his young CO. "Outwardly, the same as you, Troy. To convince me that he won't sacrifice me over any of their Allied soldiers or officers. Internally, this is also about who will become our unit commander, he or Brown. But even if I believe Boggs and also Brown who is far more like you with wearing his heart on his sleeve, and if I accept any of the two as reasonable senior officer, I have little faith in Allied headquarters", the German officer tells his Sergeant sternly and earnestly, after a few moments of hesitation and remembering his vow for honesty. "I totally understand you. I don't trust them high up brass either", the older American immediately agrees with the despondent young man, squeezing his good shoulder. "I mean what I said though, Captain, that we'll stand by you no matter what." Dietrich looks tormented. "I can't let you ruin your life and career because of me, Sergeant. I'd never want any of you to get into conflict with your own authorities for my sake. That would be selfish and wrong." "Spare me that nonsense, Captain! It's our decision to stand by our friend, not your responsibility or fault in any way", Troy grumbles, refusing to let the lean German officer go. "I got you into this, I'll stand by you. What's your old man's saying? The easy way out is for cowards." "Troy, must you cite my father on me?", Dietrich growls.

"Are you two bickering like an old married couple again?", Jakob Silberblatt inquires with a grin that even James Boggs shares. "My apologies, Sergeant. He is far worse than you", Hans mutters quietly enough for mainly Troy to hear, but Silberblatt and Boggs can pick it up as well. "So what do you need armed backup for, Captain Dietrich?", Boggs inquires, trying to hide his smile at the German Captain's wry comment. "I didn't ask for any backup at all, just for someone to bring a gun or two to give as gifts to the Bedouins. And for three trucks to pick up our supplies", the young officer replies with a proud and indignant tone. "The trucks are on their way and should arrive in a few minutes. For the guns we came ourselves", Boggs replies calmly. "Forgive my lack of knowledge about local manners. I usually have Moffit and now you to inform me about these. Why do you want to gift weapons to the Bedouins?", the American Captain wonders. "We got invited for lunch and custom demands to bring a gift for the hosts in return for their hospitality", Dietrich replies smoothly and Boggs nods at the answer.

"Without intending to sound impertinent, what are you doing here, Captain Boggs?", the young German inquires with slight bafflement which makes the older Captain smile. "You're of course right to wonder about my sudden appearance, Captain Dietrich", he replies calmly. "But I assure you that this has nothing to do with distrusting you or your men. Rather, Major Turner and General Atkins have decided to allow me an afternoon off duty to recover myself as well. Also I want to inform you that according to the General's orders you are off duty, once the trade negotiations have been concluded." "Which has already happened more than an hour ago, Captain Boggs", Dietrich replies dryly. "With the trucks ready and soon to be on their way, I decided that I could join your friend here for going to the oasis." Jakob smiles. "I thought you wouldn't mind, Hans." "We have an invitation for lunch at the Bedouins' camp where we will turn, once I have directed the trucks where they should go and we have paid our trade partners", Dietrich replies smoothly. "You're invited to join us, unless you're looking for better company. After all, spending the afternoon with Sergeant Troy getting on your nerves is probably not what you'd consider recreation." Boggs smiles as wryly as Dietrich, while Sam Troy scowls and growls: "You're really an ungrateful Jerry smartass. Next time I should let the SS kick your butt." "Troy, watch your mouth in front of the children!", the German Captain scolds him with sarcasm. "You wouldn't do this anyways." The American Sergeant grumbles something too low to hear, but shakes his head afterwards, confirming: "No, I wouldn't."

"So, what did you get out of Zornbrecht?", Dietrich wants to know. "He was very incooperative, not only with you, Hans", Jakob replies with a pained expression. "Indeed. I'd never have guessed", his friend comments with dry sarcasm. "Atkins wasn't amused at all, when he refused any kind of cooperation. The man's as stubborn as you, but a lot less friendly, when he cursed and insulted us also after you left. All the information he gave us were name, rank and serial number. Atkins decided to keep him separated from the other POWs. The last thing we need is a senior POW officer who wants to initiate an uprising again." The German Captain winces at the thought. "You're right. This would cost too many lives unnecessarily." "*Ioannes*", Kiri interrupts them with a whining tone, once she is sure that the adults have stopped talking for the moment. "*I'm hungry. Can we have something to eat?*" Then her face lights up and she adds: "*And I want to try my new dress.*" Hans realizes only now how Pandora's box has been opened without him noticing at first. "*Kiri, you cannot undress here in front of all of these men to get into your dress. That's inappropriate.*" Kiri pouts, looking very disappointed and the German Captain knows immediately that he will not be up to the challenge of handling her on his own without some support. "*You can try your dresses in the evening in our tent*", he promises to appease her and she beams immediately, hugging the tall man around the waist. "*That's wonderful. I love you.*" Seeing Dietrich's tormented and exasperated expression, Troy inquires: "What's going on?" "The little princess wants to try her new dresses. I'm open for suggestions who is better able to handle this girl than I am", the young German officer replies dryly. Troy laughs heartily and even the others join them in smiling at the dry summary, while Ari and Kiri hold onto their brother. "Maybe Hitch's girlfriend Lisa can help you out. The Wildcat's a good person to domesticate a princess", Troy suggests. Dietrich considers this and finally nods in agreement. "That's an excellent idea, Troy." The American Sergeant grins from ear to ear. "Always glad to help my friends out."

"I will gladly accept your invitation, Captain Dietrich", Boggs tells his younger colleague with an honest smile, appreciating the young officer's effort to behave in a civil manner and extend his hand in what might become an agreement between them. "And I'd join you as well, if that's fine, Hans", Jakob adds quietly, noting that his wary and traumatised friend appears a lot more polite and cooperative regarding the American officer than he has in a while, even inviting Boggs on his own accord. Silberblatt can easily imagine that his stubborn friend might have said no, if the Australian Captain Brown who unnerves him greatly would have been present. Boggs might appear more distant, but he is actually trying to extend his hand to the young German officer who has been put under his command. "Sure. I may bring two more persons with me. But inviting the whole camp would have been too much for the Bedouins", Hans Dietrich replies calmly, proving his friend's musings and considerations right. "I'm sure Omar will be delighted to meet more soldiers." "The kid sure hero worships you, Captain", Troy assures the young officer, as they walk toward the bazaar. "That was never my intention. At the beginning he defied me at any chance, constantly interrupted his mother and even physically attacked me which didn't turn out so well for him. So he is quite the difficult teenager, but not our problem, as he will return to his tribe and family", the young German Captain replies smoothly.

The trucks catch up with them on the way to the bazaar and take them along with Dietrich providing directions for the best way of entering without disturbing the festivities. Once they have arrived at the main square, the lean Captain turns towards the waiting trader Mehedi ibn Khalid. After introducing his fellow officers who copy the Arab's polite bow, they conclude the financial transactions and Boggs provides the instructions where to unload the supplies in their camp. In spite of having observed and experienced it before the older American Captain is quite fascinated by his younger colleague's smooth switch between the languages, adapting his inflection and intonation based on the spoken language even. His tall stature lets the German Captain effortlessly tower over most of the local Bedouin people on the bazaar. Nonetheless the looks of these locals directed toward the lean officer wearing an ornamental local dagger at his belt hold a different type of admiration than the when the Arabs curiously gaze at the other Westerners. The man has a reputation that precedes him and makes him stand out from the others.

All of them follow the German Captain toward the Bedouins' camp slightly outside of the village. Omar already expects them eagerly at the rim of the camp and shouts his greeting from afar, waving to his admired friend. The two children who accompany the officer look a bit intimidated by the loud teenager, but being able to understand him makes it easier which is still the main challenge for Kiri to get along with Troy and the others ecept for Moffit. Yussuf, Omar's uncle, joins his nephew in greeting his guests. The Bedouin looks a bit astonished to see two new faces, but feels actually honoured that the foreigners' commander himself has come to visit their humble camp. "*We also present you with these rifles as our gift, Yussuf. I am more than familiar with the dangers lurking out here even without a war. These can be loaded with ordinary bullets unlike the automatic guns*", Dietrich explains smoothly. Omar eyes the two guns with undisguised curiosity, but does not interrupt them after the reprimand the German Captain and his uncle have given him earlier.

While the adults talk, Ari looks around and notices a little donkey too young to be ridden yet. Pointing Kiri to his discovery, he whispers to her and she nods, approaching the animal in a fearless manner, as she has met countless beasts of all kind, living at a waterhole where caravans and herds have stopped to drink. Omar also effectively distracts the tall Captain, as he addresses the young man directly to inquire about his main intention. "*Can I learn some more fighting tricks from you?*", Omar asks the German with a hopeful expression. "*I'm in no condition for fighting, Omar*", Dietrich replies cautiously, rubbing his injured shoulder with a wince. The Bedouin teenager looks actually disappointed, but some worry for the young officer is also audible in his tone. "*I'm sorry to hear that. Will you get better soon?*" "*I honestly hope so*", the lean Captain replies earnestly. "*But Corporal Gottschlich or Sam Troy can show you some fighting moves*", he suggests trying to cheer the young man up as well as his Sergeant who listens up immediately at the mention of his name and asks eagerly: "What can I do, Captain?" "You could show Omar here some unarmed attack or defence moves, Troy. I'll translate for you, but given my shoulder injury I stand little chance of providing instructions myself", the young officer argues and the American Sergeant nods his head immediately. "You'd better take care of yourself, Captain. I can show the kid some good old tricks, no worries", Troy replies with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes. "I feared that you would say something like that. But we will wait with instructions until after lunch", the young officer replies dryly, then turns to the Arab: "*Omar, Sergeant Troy will show you some tricks later after lunch.*"

The teenager looks actually delighted at the perspective of learning from the experienced soldier and thanks his friend and his new instructor. "I can tell that the kid's grateful even without an interpreter", Troy comments with a grin. "I start to like him. He's got spirit." "Please don't start copying my habit of adopting strays, Sergeant! He has a widowed mother who needs him to take care of her, although he has pleaded with me at least a dozen times to follow me", Dietrich counters dryly. Troy grins widely. "I'll heed your warning. After all I can see your predicament every day, though it feels actually good to have the kids around and a sense of family, normalcy, you know, something from outside of a war." The American Sergeant's serious tone catches the young officer slightly off guard, but as he reflects on them he nods in agreement. "I know what you mean, Troy. The struggle to preserve our humanity in the middle of all this killing. But you saw their reactions as well as I did, probably even better. I... we owe it to these children to provide them with a safe future and a caregiver who is not at constant risk of dying", the German Captain states emphatically. "I totally agree with you, Captain Dietrich", Boggs intercedes who has previously observed the interaction, chatting with Silberblatt. "But I have to admit that even I catch myself sometimes considering how we would miss the kids. You made the right decision by not abandoning them. We all want to see them living their lives safely away from the forefront and aftermath of a war." Troy looks a lot more surprised than his younger officer friend who nods in agreement and even bears a smile.

"Speaking of the children. Where are they?", the lean Captain asks with a tinge of worry in his tone. "Over there, Hans", Jakob points toward the two scratching a young donkey's belly and neck, as they cannot reach behind the ears. Dietrich walks toward them with Troy following merely two steps behind in the manner of a loyal dog, observing the German officer intently. "Ari, Kiri", Hans addresses them and bows to reach down and scratch the docile donkey himself behind its long ears. "*He looked so lonely*", Ari explains. "*We cheered him up*", Kiri adds. "*I'm good with handling animals. I have a lot of experience. Many caravans came to our waterhole and they had goats and donkeys and mules and horses and camels and dromedars, sometimes they brought dogs and chickens or doves for selling at the bazaar. And I once saw a real falcon.*" Ari looks actually impressed at the girl's long recount of animals she is familiar with. "*If you are very well-behaved, the professor might show you his own falcon, Horus*", Hans replies with a gentle tone. Troy's reaction at the name alone without understanding anything else is immediate. "What did that damned bird from hell do this time?", he growls indignantly, looking around suspiciously, as if the falcon would sneak up on him and ambush him anytime. "Troy, don't behave like an angered bull stung by a hornet! You're scaring the children", the German officer scolds him sternly, before turning back to the tensed boy and girl with a gentle expression, even crouching to get to eye level with them.

"*You don't have to be scared. Troy doesn't like the falcon, since the animal injured him and me. You therefore have to behave really well to not get hurt*", he tells them calmly. Both nod with solemn expressions. "*We promise, Hans*", Ari vows with honest conviction. "*Good. I'm proud of you both. You have behaved very well until now. Please promise me that you will do so also for the rest of the day*", the young Captain states with gravity. Both nod again and Ari comes forward to embrace his brother, muttering into his ear. "*I promise you, Hans.*" "*We won't have to go away and leave you, Ioannes?*", Kiri asks with a concerned tone about what has worried her for the last hour since meeting Auntie Fatima and Amira. "*Not for now. But I cannot promise you that I will not have to leave, because I have to go on a mission*", Hans explains with a slightly hoarse voice, unwilling to lie to them. Ari tightens his hold on the German officer's neck and gives a quiet sob, as he buries his face in the young man's neck, while Kiri considers the answer. "*People always ride away, but they come back. Will you come back, when you go away?*", she asks with a very serious tone. "*I can promise you that as long as I'm alive and able to I will come back*", Hans Dietrich answers her question with equal gravity and seriousness. "*Then it's fine*", the girl attests after several moment of thinking this over and finally embraces both of them.

"What's going on?", James Boggs wonders, when he observes the children's behaviour and how his younger colleauge responds. "I don't know", Jakob Silberblatt admits with a worried expression. "Cap's been pretty worried 'bout the kids, though he's takin' care of them really well", Tully Pettigrew informs them, shifting his matchstick to the corner of his mouth. "Some local women asked him and the girl lots of questions and then dumped some clothes for her with us." Captain Boggs is utterly surprised to receive an explanation from the quiet Private who has never willingly spoken more than a few words with him, such as "Yes", "No" and sometimes added "Capt'n" or "Sir", but this is a different league. Pettigrew must hold actual respect for the German officer. "Is Hans alright, Tully?", Jakob Silberblatt asks with actual concern now, addressing the American with his given name, since they have shared the same tent for almost two weeks by now. The Kentuckian shrugs and bites down on his matchstick. "Dunno. He wouldn't tell us, if he's not. But it's prob'bly good when you talk to him as his friend. Cap's looked pretty worried and defensive." "Thanks, Tully", Silberblatt replies with an honest smile to which Pettigrew merely nods in acceptance. The Jewish Lieutenant is hard not to like for very different reasons than his German friend. His gentle, open-hearted manner is his special feat that endears him with many people.

Hans has meanwhile freed himself from the embraces of his wards and gets back to his feet with Troy not more than a step away to help the younger man. "Let's go!", the German Captain declares with finality to which Ari adds with a proud smile: "Let's shake it!" Not only Troy, but also Silberblatt and Boggs are smiling at the young officer's crestfallen expression. "You can't always win, Captain Fox Kit", Sam Troy tells the younger man with a wide grin, as he squeezes the German's shoulder. "And what gives you the impression that I really need a reminder of that fact, Sergeant?", the young Captain inquires with sarcasm, subconsciously rubbing his aching right shoulder, wincing and grimacing with pain as he does so.

Omar draws them out of their debate as he invites them to follow him inside the tent which Dietrich translates for the rest. As they arrive at the Bedouins' main tent, another young Arab offers them a bowl with water for washing their hands which the German Captain does diligently, before telling Boggs, Troy and Silberblatt how to behave. The children are the last to wash their hands and Hans reminds them to do so properly after scratching the donkey. Then they follow Omar inside the tent and take their seats on the pillows laid out around a central table where several bowls with food, which includes vegetables, meat dishes and indeterminate stews which Moffit could likely give them a lecture about for a full hour. All of them follow the young German Captain's example, copying his behaviour which Boggs and Silberblatt do very diligently, while Troy and Tully are less strict about sticking to the rules. Ari and Kiri are both at their best behaviour, knowing well what they are supposed to do, as they are socialised in the local culture.

Yussuf as their host takes his seat opposite Hans Dietrich with his nephew at his right side, while his fellow tribesmen take their seats according to their social status further to his left and right. "*You're an admirable man to watch over the boy and girl, Faris Alsahra. And they do you honor through their behaviour.*" Both Ari and Kiri smile at the unexpected praise. "*Thank you, Yussuf*", the German officer mutters a bit flustered. "*I try my best to watch over them, but this is not easy for a leader of a band of warriors, such as myself. Dangers lurk everywhere, for them and for me.*" Yussuf nods patiently. "*I understand this, but when wars rage, everyone is in the middle, even children. You take good care of the children or they wouldn't like you so much. When Allah wants to call you to his paradise, he will do so. Until then, you can do your best.*" Dietrich bows his head with actual gratitude and expresses his thanks.

While the young men who have held the water bowls, when they have entered the tent, hand cups with fresh tea to everyone, followed by filling their plates directly from the clay dishes on the table, allowing everyone to accept or decline different types of food, the German Captain provides a translation of his conversation to the others and explains the basic type of dish, asking about the type of meat on Jakob's and Ari's behalf. As fresh mutton is no concern for their believes, both accept the stew eagerly. Troy warily eyes the tea cup but puts it down to focus on eating for the moment, heeding Dietrich's warning about never emptying it completely to keep it from being refilled. 'Jack could have told me that instead of scolding me for spilling the valuable tea', he thinks with annoyance.

During the meal all conversation dies down and they eat peacefully. Jakob and Boggs observe the German Captain intently to see what rules to keep. "This is acutally excellent if a bit spicy", the American officer is astounded. "Freshly prepared and with the right spices and recipes mutton is not as intense in taste and can actually be delicious. They require the strong spices for adding an intense taste though", Dietrich explains quietly. "It's really good stuff", even Troy adds and Tully merely nods in agreement, while Gottschlich asks curiously: "Have you often tried local meals, Captain Dietrich?" "I have spent years here, Corporal. Although I have not often been invited to Bedouins' lunch tables as a soldier, when I crossed the desert on Khalil's back I was invited by the locals almost every other day to share a meal", the lean German replies with a friendly smile. Ari whispers a translation of the adult's topic to Kiri who tells her two brothers: "*It's good, but not as good as what Mama always used to make, before the bad men took us away.*" Even Yussuf and his tribesmen smile at the child's words. Any child loves their mother's cuisine above any other. After muttering some reassuring words to the girl, the young Captain provides a translation to his own comrades in arms who smile with just as much understanding.

After the meal, the two youngsters acting as servants bring a bottle with a brownish liquor. "*This is only for the grown men to drink*", Yussuf declares and Omar scowls, when his copper cup is not filled. "*I am a grown man*", the teenager protests vehemently. "*You will be treated as a grown man, when you behave as a grown man should, with responsibility, foresight and dignity*", his uncle admonishes. "*I have a lot of dignity*", Omar insists proudly and stubbornly. "*Pride is not the same as dignity*", Dietrich scolds him wearily. "*Listen to faris alsahra, Omar! He is a warrior who possesses pride and dignity*", Yussuf tells his reluctant nephew, nodding to the German officer with gratitude for his support. "*I heard that you have many soldiers from different countries, speaking different languages, faris alsahra. Are you all from the same land, as you wear the same clothes?*", Yussuf inquires curiously, intending to switch the topic. "*No. We are from rather different countries. Sergeant Troy and Captain Boggs are from a large land, larger than the whole Saharan desert which lies behind an ocean, a sea much larger than the Mediterranean Sea in the North, the United States of America*", Dietrich explains matter-of-factually, pointing at Troy and Boggs who observe him with curiosity, unable to understand him. "*Lieutenant Silberblatt and I come from a different country which lies to the North of here.*" The German Captain really does not want to elaborate on where they are originally from.

"*Have you ever seen snow? I heard there's a lot in the North*", Omar inquires with curiosity about the mysterious substance. Hans Dietrich smiles widely at the innocent question. "*Where we come from, there is a lot of snow every winter*", he explains patiently. "*Is it really cold ... all on its own, as Hasan said?*", Omar is extremely interested and also Ari and Kiri lean forward to listen intently to the stories about these interesting things they have never known. "*Yes. Snow is cold, but mainly because all the temperatures are cold the whole time during winter, not just during the night, as happens here. Snow is just frozen water in a different form*", the German Captain instructs and not only the children but also several of the Bedouins appear amazed. "*I've seen real snow in the mountains*", one of them, possibly Hasan, adds to the story. "*The cold white stuff disappeared and became water, as he said, when you had it in your hand. We melted it to get fresh water for the animals. Very practical.*" "*You must have a lot of water then*", Yussuf comments and Dietrich nods. "*Indeed we do. Which is why not all of our people understand what lack of water means and how important it is to the people and animals, sometimes destroying water reservoirs during fights.*"

"*You are wiser and more respectful to the resources of nature than the foreign commander who was here. He wanted to throw poison into the wells I heard from one of herders*", Yussuf tells him with a serious expression. The German Captain tenses visibly at the news and bears a concerned expression himself. "*That would have been a strategic advantage for his side, but horrific for all the people living here, not just the enemy soldiers*", he speaks with a serious tone. After a few moments of hesitation, he adds with a slightly downcast expression: "*I originally fought on the same side as he did and am from the same land as he is.*" The Arabs stare at him with disbelief. "*But you're a good man, Hans Dietrich*", Omar protests immediately. Dietrich sighs wearily and winces. "*It is not the side that makes you good or bad, Omar. There are good and bad people on all sides and I was born in the country which I served loyally.*" Omar bears a determined expression, very reminiscent of Sam Troy, as he stubbornly insists: "*But you left them, because they are bad and your new friends are good people.*" "*It is a lot more complicated than this, but this is basically the gist of it*", the young officer relents, unwilling to go into detail. Omar crosses his arms in front of his chest and looks very content, as he states with determination: "*I knew it. You're still my hero.*" Dietrich vows quietly to himself that under no circumstances must he allow Omar and Troy to ever forge an alliance, as he is absolutely sure that his nerves would not survive such a joint assault.

Switching between small talk and satisfying the curiosity of the Bedouins as well as translating for the others, Dietrich passes his afternoon and secretly vows, never to do this again without Sergeant Moffit whom he misses quite dearly. After two hours he is actually grateful for Omar insisting on Troy showing him some tricks. After a few introductory words and agreement on hand signs, Dietrich leaves the two to their fighting practice to return to their host and continue playing his role of well-behaved guest and interpreter. An hour later, they are finally about to leave, as the young German Captain feels the exhaustion drawing into his weary bones more and more. "*We have a saying. A camel that always moves with the camel caravan cannot discover the beauties of the unknown oases!*", Yussuf tells the young German to encourage him to continue walking on new paths. "*You have moved to many oases and met many people, faris alsahra. May Allah protect you on your way and guide you with your decisions!*" Dietrich bows his head with actual gratitude. "*Thank you, Yussuf. Please send my regards to your sister and take good care of your nephew. He needs somebody strict to look after him*", the German officer advises politely. "*You would have been a good man to instruct him and look after him, but I understand that your path leads elsewhere*", the Bedouin replies. "*Look after your boy Ari and your girl Kiri! They are young and really need you a lot more than Omar.*" "*Yes, we do!*", Kiri insists and nods vehemently, while Ari hugs his beloved brother and leans against his side. "*I won't abandon you and make sure that you find good and safe places to live and families to take care of you*", Hans vows honestly. Even Kiri hugs him now around the neck which works only with the German Captain sitting on the pillow, while the girl is standing. Boggs and Silberblatt exchange sympathetic glances, while Tully remains unperturbed and Gottschlich smiles a bit shyly.

"That was a really relaxing afternoon with excellent lunch and tea afterwards", Boggs tells his younger colleague, once they have left the Bedouins' tent. Tully walks over to Troy and Omar to tell the Sergeant that they are leaving, as Gottschlich prepares the Jeeps, while the two officers wait with the German Captain and the children. "In spite of spending it in the vicinity of Sergeant Troy?", Dietrich asks dryly. "Indeed", Boggs replies with a bemused smile. He really likes the younger officer for his sense of humor. Then, his expression turns more seriously, as he states: "We should all return to camp now, you especially, as you look rather tired and worn, Captain Dietrich." The tall German tenses visibly and draws himself up into a straight stance, but cannot hide a wince, as his bruises protest against the additional strain. "I'd rather keep you on duty from tomorrow on again", the older officer adds with slight concern in his tone. "I'm fine", Dietrich drawls indignantly, aware that this might stretch the truth a bit far, but too proud to simply agree.

"Hans", Jakob Silberblatt applies the worried motherhen tone he has adopted from his mother. "You need the rest and don't want to get the children worried in addition to us." His friend winces at the deep sigh and finally relents. "Fine. I suppose you don't require my assistance today anymore, Captain Boggs?" "Only for keeping Troy and the Rats in check. You have no idea how much trouble they usually cause on a day off without your excellent moderation", the American Captain answers with a slightly pained expression. Hans actually smirks at this statement, as he adds dryly: "You have no idea how much Hitchcock has talked already about their misdeeds and bailing Pettigrew out of jail every time." "Every time?", Boggs mutters with an expression of shock, obviously unaware of this. "I suppose that's what they call blissful ignorance. I can't tell you how much I envy you this", the German Captain replies with dry sarcasm. "And I can't tell you how grateful I am for your defection and accepting the challenge of being their unit commander", Boggs argues with honest gratitude. "The easy way out is for cowards my father used to say, not that I would have had much choice in the matter", Dietrich replies dryly, not really astonished about Boggs being glad about getting rid of worrying about Troy and his gang of mischief makers. They are only slightly less annoying for their own side than their enemies, merely a lot less deadly.

"Well. That kid will turn into a real fighter, when he grows up and gets less angry", Troy tells them nonchalantly. "You really should keep him around." "You already suffice as uncontrollable force of nature, Sergeant, and Hitchcock provides all the immature behaviour and melodrama I would never have expected to be confronted with. I have no necessity to add any teenagers in puberty to my list of troubles", Dietrich counters dryly. "Too bad. That would've been fun", Troy comments with a grin, enjoying teasing the German Captain. "Let's saddle up and ride home!" "What happened to 'let's shake it'?", the young officer inquires with irony. "Let's shake it!", Ari pipes in, echoed by Kiri. "I got the kids for that", Troy replies with a grin, patting the German officer on the shoulder. James Boggs bemusedly shakes his head at their interaction, before he offers to take over driving the Jeep much to Jakob Silberblatt's relief, when they turn to leave. Tully gladly drives the Jeep for himself and Gotty who is relieved to have gotten his duty of guarding the Jeeps and horses behind him.

They repeat their procedure from the morning. This time Sam Troy helps Ari onto the horse and positions him in front of Hans Dietrich who quickly stabilizes the boy. Then Tully helps by heaving Kiri onto the mule to sit in front of Troy. The girl looks at the American Sergeant with a slightly insecure expression, before giving a shy smile that Sam returns with a wide grin of his own. There is really no reason not to like the Captain's kids who start treating them all as extended family in addition to their beloved caregiver. Seeing the girl smile back at him and Ari lean back against his tall brother's chest with a trusting smile really is more heartwarming than many things Sam Troy has experienced in the past months. Dietrich surely is a gain as an ally and friend in every regard, even if he has to worry about the young German officer almost as much as his friend, as he has about his tricks and wily maneuvers, when they have still been enemies, although for quite different reasons.

Ari is absolutely amazed by riding the horse with Hans. His brother has a different style of riding than the American Sergeant, more graceful than forceful. "Hans, I have to tell you something... I've never been on a horse before", he finally dares to admit in front of his caregiver. "You're excellently going along with the movements, Ari", Hans praises him, reassuring his ward who smiles widely. "I want to be like you, when I'm big, Hans, ride through the desert and help people", Ari declares with conviction, unable to see his caregiver pale and flinch. "That's not exactly what I do, Ari", the young officer mutters with a downcast expression. "But you're always away in the desert or the camp and you always help people. That's why they like you. That's what Mark says and Jakob and Jack and Sam. And you also said so", Ari insists, believing that they cannot all tell him something untrue or wrong. Deciding pragmatically that what the boy will want to do several years in the future is definitely not his problem at the moment, Dietrich humours him with muttering: "You can become what you want, Ari." "I like riding the horse. Can we do this more often, Hans?", Ari asks with a pleading tone, content with his previous answer. This time the German Captain smiles broadly. "We can sometimes ride in the evening, when I'm back from duty", he offers, looking forward to the chance of riding more often himself. The boy smiles widely and crows with joy.

When they arrive in camp, Captain Brown's team has returned from their mission already, as they can see the camels of their scouts at the rim of the camp. Gotty and Tully help the riders to take the children down from the horse and mule, before the riders follow suit. Kiri smiles briefly at the American Sergeant, before running over to her favourite caregiver and hugging him around the waist. The girl starts a quick chatter to which the German Captain listens intently, looking over at Troy with a wry smile. "What's she saying?", the American wants to know. "That she wants to learn some English as well so she can speak to you, because you look interesting", Hans tells him with an ironic smile. "No girl's ever told me before that I look interesting. Anne used some different words", Sam replies with a grin. "We gotta keep the girl. I really like her!" Although Troy's words induce an instinctive wariness in the German Captain, Dietrich swallows a sarcastic reply and answers instead: "As it looks like she will stay with us for the near future, joining Moffit's language school is the best way to integrate her in the camp." "Jack'll be delighted. Finally, all his good manners have earned him the attention of a nice young lady", Troy replies ironically with a grin. "And I can't wait to start chatting with Kiri." "That's what I was afraid you'd say", the German Captain mutters more quietly, but loud enough for all of them to hear.

Before they get much chance to dive deeper into conversation, Jack Moffit and Captain Brown come approaching the group. "Good to see you're back. You got an invitation for you and your lads and didn't invite your fellow Captains, Boggsy and me, as well? I'm wounded, Dietrich", Brown comments melodramatically. Hans pulls himself together to not roll his eyes at the display. "This isn't a cheesy American movie, Brown. Spare me the drama", the young officer growls. "Also may I remind you that you were out hunting the SS and Captain Boggs actually joined us after all." "And I heard that even Troy joined you for two tea parties", Moffit intervenes, before the two stubborn Captains continue their squabble. "Have you finally managed to instill some acceptable behaviour in him, Captain, a task I have failed at in the last year?" "I fear my successes only last as long as the availability of sweets along with the tea", Dietrich replies dryly with a bemused smile. "But he didn't spit or spill the tea anywhere." Troy looks at the young German, nonverbally imploring him not to add any further details about his behaviour. With a mischievous sparkle in his brown eyes, the tall young officer meets his gaze, but remains silent. "I have to commend you for your effort nonetheless, Captain", Jack replies with a smile of his own, enjoying Troy's red head and angry expression almost as much as the German does. "It appears we truly had need of an officer and gentleman of your style and calibre." "If any of you snobs says 'Philistine' or 'barbarian'...", Sam Troy interrupts them with a growl. "There is no need for us, since you have even managed to reach a state of self-reflectiveness to use them on your own", Hans counters smoothly which causes several laughs among the men around.

"Jerry smartass", Troy grumbles with annoyance. "No idea why I bother spending time with the likes of you two." "To adopt our formidable social manners of course", Jack cannot stop himself to add which makes even the young Captain grin now. "Pah. I know better than trying to join the League of Up-stuck Know-it-alls", the American Sergeant grumbles with a scowl. "But they're incredibly entertaining. You have to admit that, Sammy", Brown intercedes with a grin of his own. "I'll surely miss your unit, if only for this reason." "Aren't you still competing against Boggs for this honor?", Dietrich inquires now curiously. "Only to keep old Boggsy on his toes and from reclining in his comfortable position", Brown replies with a wink and a grin. "The U.S. army would be insane to let you go. And though I have my fair share of experiences with the Yankees' insanities, they're surely not that kind of loony." The young German Captain glances at Sam Troy and comments dryly: "I know exactly what you mean." Glaring back at both of them in turn, the American Sergeant mutters: "With friends like that you really need no enemies." "You really should have heeded my warning, Sergeant, and stayed on the perfectly neutral defected enemy level of relationship", Hans admonishes him in a mock strict tone. "But you can end your probation any time and I will respect your decision and stay with a formal interaction." "Where's the fun with that?", Troy counters with his grin returning. "I'm totally happy with our arrangement, even if I could live without some of your comments and hairbrained stunts risking your neck, Captain." The German officer winces slightly, as the American pats him on the shoulder, mainly from every bruise and ailment in his body hurting by now. "You'd better get your patch-up in sickbay, before you collapse into my arms again. Even if you're not that heavy, you're still a bit tall for a damsel in distress to carry around."

"Troy", Dietrich growls in annoyance, bristling at the undignified comment. "And Troy is definitely right that the bandages for the cuts on your chest need changing after a full day", Moffit tries to reign the young Captain in through reasonable arguments. The German officer's stance indeed changes after a moment of hesitation and he mutters: "You're of course right, gentlemen. Please look after the children, while I'm gone and avoid further accidents from happening." "Should we let the little princess try her new dresses?", Troy suggests and all of them smile now. "That actually sounds like a good idea. I'm still wondering where the drawback is, knowing that it comes from you, Sergeant", Dietrich replies wryly, but with gratitude laced into his tone. "Which reminds me that I will make this a better idea and include your previous suggestion. Ari, you stay with Moffit! You can show him our tea selection from which you're invited to choose one, Sergeant." Moffit bows and smiles at the German Captain with honest gratitude. "My sincerest thanks, Captain. You're a man of style. I will brew up for the evening and share with your and your wards." The German officer nods in acceptance. "Thank you, Moffit. I'll gladly accept that offer. One of you gentlemen helps with carrying the clothes." His last words are directed at Tully and Gottschlich. "*Kiri, come with me!*", he adds in Arabic. "Where are we going, Captain?", Troy wants to know, as Tully quietly picks up the clothes for the girl. "Following your suggestion, Sergeant, and mobilising the reserve", Dietrich replies dryly, waving Kiri to follow him along with Pettigrew. "You can stay here and chat with your Aussie friend, Sergeant."

"My ladies, I have a favour to ask of you", the tall young officer addresses the nurses who look curious, as they see the Captain enter the sickbay with the bedouin girl and his Private in tow. "What can we do for you?", Deirdre wants to know with shining eyes. "Kiri", Hans waves the girl forward to stand next to him, "wants to try out her new dresses. I considered it more reasonable, if she would do so with ... experienced female assistance than in a tent with rowdy Yankees." All nurses and Doctor Andrews, who has joined them curiously, smile at the dry description of his unit. "Kiri already knows you all and likes you in particular, Lieutenant Hartigan, as she called you auntie." Lisa looks almost like she has tears in the corners of her eyes, smiling amiably at the girl. "Of course we can do that. This is almost a treat for us, Captain", she replies with a wide smile, while Regula kneels down to speak with the girl a few words in broken Arabic. "Let's shake it!", Kiri declares proudly to lead her to retrieve her clothes from Tully and bring them into the officer's ward where she can have relative privacy. Lisa and Deirdre almost fall over, laughing at the American Doctor's dumbstruck expression, when hearing Troy's catchphrase as the first English words spoken by the girl. Even Tully shifts his matchstick to grin and comments: "Sarge'll like that. Should I wait for you, Cap?" Not only Dietrich is surprised by the friendly comment by the usually quiet American. "You can join the others, as my treatment might take some time. You did a good job today, Pettigrew, not destroying anything, following orders, even making some jokes." Tully meets the German Captain's eyes at the dry humoured comment that appears to be an actual praise though. "Thanks. See ya later, Cap", the Kentucky soldier mutters, before turning to leave after an honest attempt at a salute that the German Captain returns a lot more sharply, even with his left arm and whole body hurting from strain and bruises.

Deirdre O'Donnell leads him to a cot in the officer's ward, close to where Kiri is going through her new sets of dresses, long scarves to wear over the head and upper body as protection against the sun and blouses for wearing underneath. By now the German officer is weary enough to not even try getting out of his jacket and shirt without support, once he has undone the buttons. "It doesn't look like you got an infection", Deirdre assures him after removing the bandages around his chest. "I got lucky for once", the skinny Captain mutters with irony. "Well. It's like the luck of the Irish, Captain. You barely manage to make it out of a tight spot, all bruised and weary, but you're still alive and can go on with your life", the Irish descended nurse tells him with a wink, as she disinfects the cut again, before reapplying a bandage. "I doubt I envy you this kind of luck, Lieutenant. But you're right that it sometimes appears like Fortuna's treating me just like that", the young German replies dryly between gritted teeth, as he suppresses a hiss of pain.

"*I want this*", Kiri meanwhile declares, pointing at a particular dress, and Lisa gladly assists her with changing clothes, while Regula comes over to check on their most frequent patient whether to provide him with a massage treatment. The German Captain winces visibly at every touch and can barely suppress a groan of pain, when she checks on his shoulder, making it obvious that he really needs this desperately. While Hans Dietrich lies on his stomach with hot stones wrapped in cloth put on shoulder belt again to relax the muscles, his young ward comes over, dancing almost fluently, as she shows off her new dress to the German Captain. "*Look, Ioannes. Isn't it beautiful? What's this colour called in your language?*", the Bedouin girl inquires enthusiastically. "Violet", the young officer replies, sounding slightly unsure. "Mauve", Lisa Hartigan intervenes. "I beg your pardon?", Dietrich sounds slightly astonished. "The colour. It's mauve. That's what you're talking about, isn't it?" The German officer nods quietly, unable to move too much in his current position. "I'm out of my depth with this fashion and design. That would've been my sister's focus of education. And I can surely not reach your level of qualification, Lieutenant." Lisa smiles widely at him. "I'll take over from here then, if you don't mind." "And tell her it's a beautiful dress with a really nice colour fitting her hair", David Troy comments unbidden. Hans is surprised enough by the reasonable manner of the frequently unnerving American Captain that he translates for him without further commenting. "*Thank you, David!*", Kiri tells him enthusiastically with a wide smile. "That was a thank you for you, Captain Troy", the German Captain translates with a dry tone. "I could've guessed that, but thanks for translating, Dietrich." The younger officer suppresses the urge to snap at the American for mispronouncing his name and dropping the rank title.

Doktor Sommer has observed the whole set of interactions with curiosity and comments now: "Und da hab' ich mich über den Hund aufgeregt, den Sie aufgenommen haben, Hans. Was halten die Yankees von den Kindern?" Dietrich smiles, remembering quite well how often the medic has complained about the dog and now he asks about the Yankees' attitude about his kids. "Sie wissen doch, wie furchtbar sentimental die Amerikaner sind, Ludwig. Natürlich lieben sie die Kinder", the Captain replies dryly, flinching and groaning at the pressure on his aching shoulder, when Regula starts her massage. "Die Kinder sind auch liebenswert, Herr Hauptmann. Dass Sie sich so um sie kümmern, zeichnet Sie wirklich als anständigen Menschen aus", the Swiss nurse comments unbidden that they all find the children quite loveable and the German Captain's care for proves his human decency. Said German Captain is too busy biting down on the sleeve of his shirt to keep himself from crying out in pain to actually reply to this comment as he grips the sheet on the cot tightly with both hand. "Entspannen Sie ein bisschen, dann tut es weniger weh", Regula advises gently that it would hurt less, if only he would relax a bit.

By the time she is finished, the young officer is shivering slightly from the strain and the pain as well as the cold of the night which is creeping into the tent, now that the sun has set. Although providing him with a generous amount of painkillers would look attractive, but they do not want the skinny German to miss another meal because of falling asleep too quickly. In spite of suffering from the pain the treatment has induced, the tall officer is up to getting into his shirt sleeve with some support. His shoulder hurts incredibly, but the mobility has definitely improved, Dietrich has to admit. Accompanied by Kiri in her new fashion selection of the right colour combination of dress and scarf which Lisa Hartigan has chosen for her, the lean German makes his way to the mess tent. The young Captain is surprised, when he finds himself replying to several soldiers who salute, wave or shout their greeting more than a dozen times. "That sure was a great party, Captain", Aaron Humphrey assures him of, as he meets him, when entering the mess tent.

The Rats with Silberblatt and Brown are easy to spot and the young officer makes his way there, although he can already guess that the combination of Troy and his mentor will likely cause him a headache. "May I hand you this, Captain", Jack holds out a cup of tea to the young officer, "I can only congratulate you to this excellent choice of tea selection." Hans takes the offered beverage with a grateful expression and mutters his thanks, regretting less to have approached the Rats. "You're a bad influence, Troy, even without speaking the required language!", Dietrich tells the American Sergeant with a smirk, as he along with the others observes a widely grinning Kiri who whirls around a few times to show off her dress, before starting to chatter with Ari. "You missed the faces of Doctor Andrews and the nurses, when Kiri's first English words were 'let's shake it'. The women will have fuel for their gossiping and rumours for days to come." Every single member of the Rats is grinning at the German Captain's dry comment. "You're their favourite source of gossip anyways, Captain", Troy counters with a grin.

Having seen Captain Brown wince, as he has laughed along with Troy, the younger officer inquires with a slightly worried scowl: "What happened to you, Captain Brown?" The Australian officer smiles wryly. "Dumb accident. Mickey got the Jeep turned over, when driving on a stone. The lad sprained his wrist and I got a few bruises along the ribs, nothing broken though." "Ironie des Schicksals, dass die Wüstenratten selbst auch nicht unfallsicher sind", Dietrich mutters with a wry smile, mostly to himself. Silberblatt's grin and Moffit's wry smile tip them off that the comment might be worth knowing about. "What was that, Captain Dietrich?", Captain Brown inquires and Troy adds with a grin: "You can't just keep telling your inside jokes in German without translating them afterwards." "You're supposed to learn the language anyways", the young officer argues smoothly. "Then teach us, Captain Fox Kit!", the American Sergeant counters with a grin, seeing the German Captain's eyes narrow. "'Ironie des Schicksals' means 'irony of fate' and the rest was about you desert rats being prone to accidents as well", Dietrich replies dryly. The Australian Captain Brown scowls a bit, before breaking into a wry smile. "The laugh is always on the loser. In this case I accept honest defeat. Forgive me for not laughing with you, as this hurts a bit too much." The German officer winces slightly and bears an expression of clear sympathy. He knows perfectly well what broken or bruised ribs feel like.

"So was it worth it at least? Were you able to find the SS hideout and ... neutralize the potential threat?", Dietrich inquires with a scowl. "We did neutralize them, as you call it", Brown growls with a grim gaze. "Our guide along with our scouts was able to show us a hidden path toward their hideout", Moffit adds his explanation now with a serious tone. "We neutralized our enemies before they could get dangerous by dropping some grenades into their ventilation system." The Australian Captain bears a look of grim satisfaction. "We made no prisoners after that, not that we would have intended to. But their tunnels could have been defended far too easily and cost us too many casualties to risk it." Dietrich bears a slightly tormented expression at the description of the slaughter of his countrymen, but nods. "I understand. I would probably have chosen the same strategy. Protecting the lives of our men comes before mercy for the SS." "They deserved no mercy after what they did!", Brown spits with surprising venom.

Ari and Kiri pressing against their caretaker's side with clear fear, reminds them of their presence and reigning in the emotion of the conversation. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare them", Brown mutters a bit flustered. "*It's alright. Captain Brown is not angry with you*", the younger officer meanwhile speaks calmly and gently with the children. His determination to get them out of this war zone is increasing with every minute. "*We're angry at the men who hurt your brother yesterday*", Jack Moffit adds to the explanation. "*But they won't harm anyone anymore.*" Eyeing him a bit doubtfully, the pair of children finally lets go of their caregiver. "Thank you, Moffit", Dietrich mutters quietly. "*Didn't you want to learn more English, Kiri, to talk with Troy?*", the young German officer tries to distract them by changing the subject. He knows everything about the fate of the SS men he ever would have wanted to know. "*That's right. What's this colour in English?*", she inquires. "Between violet and mauve, maybe plum", Jack Moffit muses and sees Kiri beam at him. "*You know colours well. Do you know much about dresses?*", Kiri wants to know. "*Of course, my dear. I have studied the local culture along with its clothes*", Jack replies in a manner that almost sounds arrogant to Dietrich. Kiri's smile gets even wider. "*I want to learn from you. What's this colour?*", she inquires and starts pointing out the first among many of the colourful decorative stitches on her scarf. Hans realizes that he has hardly ever been as glad to have Moffit available as a language teacher. This is definitely not his subject of expertise, while the Brit seems to be delighted at sharing his knowledge with such an eager student.

"Woof!", Fritz interrupts them, as he comes running toward their table and jumps up to place his paws on the German Captain's thigh, before Dietrich can stop him with an order. "Fritz, wo warst du denn den ganzen Tag?", the lean officer speaks rather gently, as he scratches the panting dog behind the ears, before ordering: "Runter!" A despondent looking Hitchcock joining them several steps behind the enthusiatic dog who repeats his greeting with Sam Troy answers Hans' question where the dog has been all day indirectly. "Hitchcock", he addresses the young American Private. "Hey, Cap", Mark mutters quietly, sounding not really like his heart is into the greeting. "We need to talk", the German Captain declares without leaving room for discussion. "Not today, but when you fell somewhat better to be up to talking." Hitch almost cringes at the tone and thought that he would have to talk with the stern officer about what is worrying him. "I dunno, Cap. I'm fine", he mutters with so little conviction that none of the men around believes him. "Don't be stupid, Hitch!", Troy growls, making the depressed looking young man draw a step back with an almost scared expression. "Captain Dietrich is really trying to help you", Moffit intercedes and Tully nods in approval, although not commenting loudly. "Yeah. And he's actually good with listening, when you got a problem", Troy grumbles, somewhat annoyed but also worried by the Private's previous reaction.

Hitch looks from one to the other, before mumbling quietly: "I really can't ... I don't know what to tell you." "The truth would be the best option", the German Captain states dryly. "I ... I don't... know ... if you would ... understand me", Mark stammers desperately. "I might understand you better than you think, Hitchcock", Dietrich tells him wearily after giving a wincing sigh. "Okay", Hitch mutters, looking defeated. "But... give me some time please." "Don't take too much time or I might have to force you into this talk, Hitchcock!", Dietrich tells him with a warning tone, but not without compassion resonating in his voice. "I never lack fun, games and melodrama with you lads", Captain Brown comments with a smile. "But we should get something to eat now. You had your fancy lunch invitation, but I'm actually starving and you definitely look like you've been starved for a while, Dietrich." "Brown", Dietrich growls with slight annoyance at the Australian Captain's insolence. "Come on! Boggsy and I worry enough about you losing more weight", Brown tells him a bit sternly. "Take the little ones along and stop complaining!" "He's right, Hans", Jakob intervenes, when he sees that his friend is about to protest out of mere principle. "Ari and Kiri want some dinner as well. And you really need to gain some weight. Mama would never forgive me, if you came to harm." Remembering quite vividly how Senta Silberblatt has been worrying and fuzzing over them, when they have been children themselves, Hans gives in with a weary, wincing sigh. "Fine, Jakob."

The idea of getting food truly delects Fritz's heart who comes running along with them, staying closely at the German Captain's legs who actually has to take care not to fall over the little dog. Ari and Kiri are not overly hungry, but their appetite is definitely spiked, when they smell the fresh food. Captain Brown orders his meal portion which is larger than usual, while Dietrich still takes care of the children communicating their wishes. Jakob has accompanied his friend and the kids with the clear intention to help with carrying their meals for which also Sam Troy has followed them. Captain Boggy narrows his eyes, as he sees Captain Brown wince, when he takes his seat and Dietrich bear further signs of fatigue during the dinner. Brown reports about the attack on the SS troops in more detail, but pulls himself together to not let himself get carried away with emotions again to avoid scaring the children who mutter quiet comments to their German caregiver.

Lieutenant Johnson surprises them all, as he approaches the German Captain after finishing his dinner. Presenting a copper tea pot as if it is the holy grale he holds it out to German officer until realizing his mistake and placing it on the table in front of Dietrich who eyes him with a puzzled expression. "With the best regards from Major Bracken and myself, Captain Dietrich", the British Lieutenant provides his formal statement. "Although not really an appropriate compensation for how we have wronged you, we would wish to express our earnest regret at past events through assuring that a fellow connoisseur of fine tea shall not be without a proper equipment to brew up, when the need arises." Hans has to pull himself together and remind himself of the standards of dignity he wishes to preserve to not gape openly at the British Lieutenant. "I ... suppose a 'thank you' is in order for both you and the Major. Please send him my regards", he finally manages to get out, finding his footing again after the first stammered word which is also clearly laced with his native accent.

"Wonderful. Now we finally brew our own tea", Jakob Silberblatt comments jovially, looking at the bright side as always, while his friend still wonders what he would come across, if he should look the gift horse in the mouth. "We have actually bought several selections of fresh tea, Jakob. Now we can brew up on our own", his friend replies with a smile that makes even the British Lieutenant look delighted. Ari moves his fingers over the copper surface with engravings, reminded of his father's craftwork, and bearing a far away, slightly tormented expression. With tears in his eyes, he leans into his brother's side embracing him tightly enought to make the German Captain wince with pain. "What's wrong, Ari?", Dietrich inquires with clear concern. "Aba made pots like that", the Jewish boy mumbles into the cloth of his caregiver's jacket. Dietrich flinches immediately at the words and bears a haunted expression. "I'm sorry, Ari. We didn't mean to make you sad." Jakob picks the pot up to remove it from the orphan's sight, when Ari cries: "No. It reminds me of Aba, when I see it." Lieutenant Johnson appears truly stricken with guilt, as he mutters an apology. "I've never intended to make the boy cry." "It's alright, Lieutenant Johnson", the German officer assures him with a slightly strangled tone. "Nobody could have foreseen that. And it helps Ari remember his family. His father was a copper smith." The boy moves his fingertips over the engraved surface of the pot, looking more fascinated than pained by now. "Thank you, Captain", the flustered British officer mutters, before he excuses himself to take his leave.

"We should retire as well", Jakob suggests gently, placing his hand on his friend's uninjured shoulder. "The children need their sleep at least as much as you do, Hans." That Dietrich merely nods and starts speaking quietly with the children in Arabic is a clear indication of his exhaustion for his friend as well as his commanding officer who frowns with worry, as he observes the interaction. Troy gets to his feet only seconds after seeing the German Captain rise from the officers' table and the rest of the Rats including Gottschlich follows suit mere moments later. "Is this a teapot?", Jack Moffit asks with a delighted twinkle in his eyes, as he spots the coppery beauty in Silberblatt's hands. "A gift from Lieutenant Johnson and Major Bracken", Dietrich explains curtly. "A worthy gift", the British Sergeant comments approvingly. "Crazy Brits. Noone in their right mind would give a teapot as a gift", Troy growls in annoyance, as he warily glares at the teapot, as if suspecting it of committing some misdeed at any moment. "As if we wouldn't have more than enough teapots already!" "Troy, you are and will stay forever a barbarian!", Jack exclaims with indignation. Snorting in vexation, the American Sergeant grumbles: "You're lost cases, all of you tea lovers. We'd better get the kids to bed, before I lose my patience. Let's shake it!"

Dietrich's state of increasing exhaustion keeps him from getting into any kind of discussion with the American Sergeant. Instead they all follow him quietly and tiredly to their tent, where the German Captain takes care of sending the children to bed, before collapsing onto the rim of his own sleeping cot with a weary expression. "Sergeant", he mutters and Troy approaches him immediately. "Don't forget our arrangement!" The American nods with determination. "Sure, Captain. You can count on me." Seeing Moffit's questioning gaze, Troy mutters to him with a grin: "You'll see in the morning, Jack." By the time, Troy has informed them all of the guard schedule for the night watch and Tully is taking his position in front of the tent, Hans Dietrich has already fallen asleep.