"There is no rest for the wicked", Troy mutters in annoyance, as Tully wakes him indicating what he has spotted on his watch shortly after dawn. The Arab horsemen are approaching on the backs of their horses and camels with rifles in their hands and their two leaders at the front looking grim. "With Moffit getting patched up still, we'd better wake the Captain, before one of our trigger-happy friends starts shooting", the American Sergeant growls at the sight. Trying his trick from yesterday night to call "Hans", while shaking the German's shoulder works less well, as the man still grips his arm and tries to struggle, but at least does not leash out like yesterday night. "Sergeant", Dietrich acknowledges with a weary tone, once he has opened his eyes. Ceasing his struggle immediately, he gazes around and quickly makes out the horsemen in the distance.
Confusion and surprise briefly register on the German's face, before schooling it into his usual stern mask for command. "When have they arrived?" "Tully only spotted them a few minutes ago and woke me up. I came to wake you right away", Troy responds immediately gazing at the Arabs with narrowed eyebrows. "It is unusually early for their activities. Sergeant Moffit would be more useful in telling us what could be the reason for this", Dietrich states with a deep frown. With a sarcastic grin, Troy comments: "Typically British work attitude. Once you really need them, they're taking their day off." Shaking his head lightly in bemusement and immediately regretting the movement as his stiff neck and shoulder protest, Dietrich struggles to make it to his feet finally accepting the outstretched hand to help him up. The blood-loss from the transfusion is causing him light-headedness again and he sways almost like a drunk, so that Troy puts a steadying hand on his shoulder instead of removing it. Cursing his own weakness, the German is torn between the necessity of not losing his face in front of the Arabs and keeping his dignity in his own eyes and in front of Troy and the Rats. "You should be in sickbay yourself, Captain", Troy admonishes with a harsh whisper. "And who would lead the negotiations with the Bedouins with both me and Moffit there? Winters or Griffith?", Dietrich growls back sarcastically.
Feeling stable enough on his own feet, the German finally shrugs off the American's hand and starts walking rather slowly and cautiously towards the Arabs schooling his facial expression into a neutral mask. "As-salamu 'alaikum", Hans Dietrich greets the Sheikh's son politely. "Wa-'alaikumu s-salam", Hassan replies with a grim visage. "*Faris alsahra. We intend to recover our dead and bury them as martyrs.*" Dietrich eyes him cautiously, before replying as carefully as he can without knowing too much about their believes or burial rites: "*Please do so, Hassan ibn Sulaiman. We will not hinder you to give your fallen warriors the honorable burial they deserve.*" "*We also demand the murderer of our tribesmen!*", the Arab barks harshly. "*You have killed many soldiers who have killed your people. All those who are prisoners are protected by our laws. I must not allow you to exact revenge, even if I understand your wish to do so. But our laws and my honor demand that I have to defend them like my own men*", Dietrich argues wishing that he would now have the British anthropologist available to assist him in this discussion.
"*I respect your honor, faris alsahra. But their leader must stand on trial for his crimes*", Hassan argues. "*We will put him on trial for his crimes and he will pay with his life, Hassan ibn Sulaiman. I can guarantee this*", the German tries to argue. "*This is our land and our laws apply. The Sheikh has the right to pass judgement over this man*", the Sheikh's son demands proudly. "*But I do not have the right to decide to hand him over to Sheikh Sulaiman. My Sheikh is back in our camp, just like yours is back in town. As you do not wish soldiers to approach your town anymore, I suggest that we invite you, the Sheikh and whoever he wishes to accompany him to our base camp to negotiate directly with our Sheikh*", Dietrich decides to play for time and pass the decision onward to General Atkins where it belongs. Hassan considers the suggestion and finally accepts: "*We will meet your Sheikh on the third day at noon in your camp.*" With that declaration uttered Hassan proudly mounts his horse again. "*Please take Khalil with you and return him to Sheikh Sulaiman sending my regards*", Dietrich offers as a sign of good will on his behalf and the Arab leader commands one of his men to saddle the steed and guide it along at its reins.
With their war cry "Allahu Akbar", "*God is greater!*", and ululating so loudly that the whole camp awakens, the twenty-one Arab riders galopp down to the German camp to pick up their fallen comrades and wrap them each in a cloak placing a half-moon penchant around every dead man's neck. With a guard of honor ready they place the bodies on the back of their respective camel and horse, before the group rides off at a more moderate speed towards the direction where the Major has butchered the caravan. Only once the Arabs are out of sight, does the German Captain let out the breath he has been holding and lower his guard slightly. "Time for visiting the sickbay", he mutters half-sarcastically to himself running a hand over his face, as he actually wants to check on the state of the wounded to assess which preparations will be necessary before they can move back to the base camp.
Not trusting the steadiness of his hand to shave before visiting the sickbay and asking for a saline infusion, Hans Dietrich turns to the three Rats who have stayed in the background observing the negotiations with the Arabs. "Gentlemen", the addresses them with a serious expression, "I put you in charge of properly checking the German camp for survivors and any salvageable supplies, especially medical supplies and food. By now the base camp has accumulated more than four times its original base capacity in prisoners of war and wounded Allied and Axis soldiers to take care of. This is far beyond the capacities, even with the General's provided supplies. Also, if you can collect the dead soldiers' dog tags at least, I am much obliged to you." "You're not a German officer any more", Troy reminds him cautiously. Dietrich gives him a pained smile. "True enough, Sergeant, but this does not change the fact that behind every dead man a family waits to receive a notice of his fate, independent of the uniform and the homeland." "We'll do it, Capt'n!", Hitch and Tully answer simultaneously and Troy stares at them with astonishment, before agreeing himself. "I will check on the sick and wounded first and then on the prisoners", Dietrich informs them turning towards the improvised sickbay under Lieutenant Carter's charge, before he remembers that he is still wearing the black stealth outfit instead of a uniform. Checking that he has enough privacy, he quickly turns to changing his clothing and removing the worst of the black paint from his face.
The German officer enters the improvised 'tent' built of camouflage nets and canvas Boggs' troop has taken along which serves as their sickbay. Here the eleven wounded Allied soldiers and nine gravely injured Germans are lying on their bedrolls. Upon the officer's entry, a bleary-eyed Lieutenant Carter raises his head from his own bedroll, before scrambling to his feet and greeting Dietrich with a sloppy salute. "Lieutenant Carter. Any news on the wounded?", the young Captain inquires matter-of-factly. "All have survived the night, Captain", Carter reports and the German nods contently, as he approaches Boggs' bedroll and crouches at his side. "Has he awakened at all?", the younger officer sounds actually worried. Carter shakes his head. "Not at all, at least not on his own. This is beyond my knowledge and ability. I only hope that Doc Andrews can help him." Dietrich agrees that Andrews' help would be most welcome, yet turns to checking the American Captain's pulse himself, before shaking his shoulder first gently then with more force. Carter notes that the German uses his left arm even though he is right-handed. A groan answers the rough treatment after half a minute and Dietrich actually reclines with a sigh. As Boggs opens his eyes, both younger officers watch him intently. "How are you, Captain Boggs?", the German Captain asks cautiously. Captain Boggs blinks with disorientation and tries to focus on the face of the man closer to him. "Carter, pen light!", the Dietrich orders crisply and the American Lieutenant hands him the equipment immediately. The light causes Boggs to instinctively close his eyes again until he receives the calm but stern order: "Try to keep your eyes open, Sir!"
The older American Captain visibly struggles to follow that instruction, but finally manages well enough for the German to check his pupil response. Relieved that the man understands him enough to obey the orders, but scowling at the sluggish response of the other's pupils, Hans Dietrich continues his calm inquiry: "Do you remember what happened, Captain Boggs?" "We were attacked,... no, we attacked a base", the American starts out correcting himself in obvious disorientation. "German camp, yes, we attacked a German camp." Boggs smiles obviously relieved to remember something, then frowns at the man before him, as he is apparently trying to place his face. "I know you... you are", he tenses visibly, "German." Dietrich closes his eyes briefly and sighs in exasperation. "Yes, Captain Boggs. I am a German officer, although I defected to your side recently."
Boggs stares at him briefly, obviously struggling with his memory, until his lips spread into a smile again. "Dietrich. Your name is Dietrich, isn't it?" After a deep sigh the younger officer responds. "Yes, I am Captain Hans Dietrich, Sir. I have been placed under your command for the time being." Boggs continues smiling his strange smile and Dietrich is starting to suspect a rather severe concussion by now. Doctor Andrews will have to check on the American Captain thoroughly to assure that there is no lasting damage. "As you are currently indisposed due to your head injury, Captain Boggs, I find myself temporarily in command, unless you wish to have me removed from this position and replaced by somebody else", the German officer dutifully reports. "What is the situation?", Boggs asks instead of answering the unspoken question directly. "Major von Stolberg and his surviving soldiers have surrendered and have been registered as prisoners of war. Our Arab allies have ridden off to bury their dead", Dietrich explains with a stern expression and serious tone, before continuing with the casualty report. "Two of our soldiers have been killed and another eleven injured including yourself, Captain Boggs. We will have to move back to the base camp today after checking for salvageable supplies, as we are running dangerously low on medical supplies with the number of wounded we have to take care of. However, we will have to request trucks and support troops from the base camp to be able to do that." Exhaustion is clearly visible on Dietrich's gaunt and worn face where the dark bruises stand out more clearly against the pallid skin. "Thank you, Captain Dietrich. Report to base camp with code name 'White Crow'. I see that all is good hands", Boggs' voice drifts off, as he closes his eyes again and lies back down on the bed. The German watches him cautiously and only starts getting back to his feet with a sigh, once he is assured that Boggs has fallen asleep.
Having conveniently 'forgotten' about his light-headedness when changing position previously, Hans Dietrich is forcefully reminded by his body that stubbornness cannot cure everything, as he sways dangerously, before Lieutenant Carter grabs his upper arm to steady him. "You should never have left this sickbay, Captain Dietrich." "If I had not, your fellow officers might have lynched the Major yesterday night and there would have been nobody to negotiate with the Arabs this morning", the German snaps at him, as he frees himself from the other's grip once he feels stable enough. "This does not change your state of health. I checked on you after you have passed out during this blood transfusion you initialized. That was quite a risk you have taken, Captain", Carter admonishes with a concerned expression. "A calculated risk, Lieutenant", the German growls defensively. "It might still have cost you your life", the American Lieutenant argues. "But it didn't and saved Sergeant Moffit's life hopefully. So it was worth the risk. I do have an obligation to my men after all", the German argues unrelentingly and Carter is left without a doubt that the younger officer is absolutely serious about what he is saying. Studying Dietrich's pallid face, Carter offers him: "You should take a seat and get another saline infusion at least." "Agreed", the German consents quickly, more than happy that his intent has been offered to him instead of having to plead for it himself.
The ululation of the Arab's warcry has awakened Jack Moffit quite efficiently earlier this morning. Even though he has drifted back to a half-sleep afterwards, from the moment when Dietrich has entered the tent and started conversing with Carter, Moffit has become more aware of his surroundings. Unfortunately, this has included noticing the pain in his chest with every ragged breath he has taken. The horrible feeling of losing a part of himself with every pain-filled breath and every drop of blood that has gripped him in the previous night has subsided and he feels actually more stable now. Only half-aware during the rather long talk with Captain Boggs, the term 'blood transfusion' has finally drawn Moffit's attention back into Dietrich's conversation with Carter. Curiosity gets the better of the former Cambridge scholar, as he is squinting to catch sight of the young Captain who seems to have insisted on saving his life in spite of admonishing Jack for saving the German's life by catching a bullet.
As Dietrich's gaze wanders over the dozen of bedrolls and the soldiers lying there sleeping or staring into nothingness, his eyes meet those of a single soldier who gazes at him intently, Sergeant Jack Moffit. "I will sit with the Sergeant, while receiving my infusion", Dietrich tells Carter in a tone that does not allow any opposition, as he slowly makes his way to Moffit's bedroll. The tent post nearby provides a welcome possibility for a backrest, as Dietrich sits down on the ground a meter from Moffit's bedroll. "How are you, Sergeant?", he addresses the Brit leaving him no chance to ask any question of his own. "Quite terrible", Moffit answers wryly. "I really can't recommend getting shot." A brief smile passes over the German's face who drawls ironically: "I believe we can agree on this."
While both study each other intently, Carter kneels down beside Dietrich, disinfects the skin of his forearm and sets the needle for the infusion on his left arm since his right one is already bandaged from yesterday's transfusion. "You don't look too good yourself, Captain", Moffit comments, unsure how to formulate his gratitude and covering his insecurity with dry humor instead. "That's the stress from being commanding officer of this whole band of trouble makers. Herding cats is easier than keeping those Americans of the LRDG in line", Dietrich answers sarcastically. The British Sergeant grins. "I can share the sentiment. Three are already tough, all twenty five must be a living hell for you." Dietrich makes a non-committal sound, as he leans back against the tent post and closes his eyes. With his guard down briefly, Moffit clearly recognizes the exhaustion in Dietrich's posture and facial expression, the pallor of his skin has already been obvious before. Under normal circumstances the German should be a patient lying on a bedroll next to him instead of being put in command of the whole camp. Thinking back of the situation a few days ago when Dietrich has evacuated a whole German camp in an even worse state of health, Jack has to admit that if anybody around here the young officer is definitely the most qualified person to do so and experienced enough to perform well even under such adverse circumstances, but he is unsure whether the end justifies the means in this case.
"It looks like I finally have some noble blood in my veins after all", Moffit jokes dryly startling the German from his reclining position. Dietrich blinks in confusion his sluggish mind obviously not catching up with the connection the Brit has made. "If you are a half-blood plebeian, what does this make me in the Major's eyes, I wonder?", Moffit tries to spell it out more clearly. The German stares at him in utter incredulity for a moment, before actually breaking into a wry smile. "You can ask him. I'd love to see his face and hear his complaints. Even I have learned terms from yesterday's tirade I have never heard before in my life." Moffit smiles honestly now. "It appears like I have missed all the fun." "I am sure your accomplices in crime and mischief will break you in soon", Dietrich answers smoothly. "Where are they?", Jack Moffit tries not to sound too disappointed that the German Captain is the first and only one of the Rats to check on him. "I sent them off to salvage supplies from the German camp, before we have to head back to our base", Dietrich answers matter-of-factly, before he adds with an almost apologetic tone hidden underneath sarcasm: "Otherwise they would surely be pestering you now. You should be more grateful, Sergeant." Moffit has to give Dietrich credit for being an excellent judge of character and having paid enough attention to them in the past months to be able to predict their actions almost as accurately as one of them, a level of familiarity no other officer or soldier has ever reached with them.
"Could I ask you for a favour, Captain?", Moffit startles the German officer who has leaned back against the tent post with closed eyes again and almost drifted off to an exhausted half-sleep. Narrowing his eyebrows, Dietrich replies warily: "That depends on the kind of favor you ask, Sergeant." Moffit does not even want to know what kind of experiences the younger officer has made to react with such distrust to as harmless a question without bad intent as Jack's. Trying a disarming smile, Moffit asks with a dry tone: "Would you be so kind to have some tea brought to me, when you brew it up for breakfast?" The German looks nonplussed, definitely not having expected a request like this. "The Americans cannot be trusted with brewing tea, yet I have found tea to be a great booster for morale. I suppose we could both need that", Moffit acts as friendly as he can allow himself to. "You would have to tell me where you keep your tea, as I find myself rather short on supplies", Dietrich tries to cover his own surprise with slight sarcasm. "Right at the bottom of the supply box next to the water jerry cans in Tully's Jeep", Moffit shares the location of his secret stash with an almost theatrical stage whisper and the German nods in acceptance of the task.
"Ich habe eine professionelle Frage für Sie, Doktor", Dietrich changes the language and subject of the conversation rather unexpectedly and his expression is grave and serious as he poses a professional question. "Hassan ibn Sulaiman hat von mir verlangt, Major von Stolberg an ihn und den Scheich auszuhändigen, damit die Beduinen ihn vor Gericht stellen und hinrichten können." Moffit frowns worriedly upon hearing that Hassan has demanded that von Stolberg is handed over to the Bedouins so that they can try and execute him. Dietrich continues his recount, as he keeps an intent gaze on the Brit to read his reaction: "Ich habe sie hingehalten und auf drei Tage vertröstet, damit eine Absprache mit General Atkins möglich wird." Moffit nods in appreciation at the smart idea to postpone the problem by a few days to gain time for consulting with General Atkins and himself. Eyeing the tense officer, he decides to play along with the German to speak in a language he obviously does not want the Americans to understand when overhearing them. "Was benötigen Sie von mir, Herr Hauptmann?" Dietrich winces slightly at his former German title, but does not correct Moffit as he is after all still bearing the same rank only using the English title normally now instead of the German one. Focused on his problem at hand, the young officer asks with actual worry audible in his tone: "Sie kennen und verstehen die Kultur der Beduinen besser als ich, Sergeant. Ich brauche nicht sofort eine Idee, wie wir dieses Dilemma unblutig lösen können, aber spätestens in drei Tagen." Moffit has to give him credit for wishing to resolve this matter without bloodshed and through negotiation even turning to an expert asking for advise, before reminding himself that this has always been Dietrich's style unlike their own approach of often shooting first and asking questions later where he has offered the advise or called for a more level-headed approach at some times and supported the direct approach at other times.
Noticing Carter's suspicious gaze resting on him, Dietrich adds a final statement in German: "Außer uns beiden weiß derzeit niemand von diesem Ultimatum und ich will die Soldaten hier nicht weiter beunruhigen, werde es aber mit dem General besprechen, sobald wir zurück im Basislager sind. Bis dahin bitte ich Sie, Stillschweigen zu bewahren." Now, Moffit stares at the German with open astonishment, as he admits to entrust him with the knowledge of this ultimatum as the only person in camp beside himself to not cause further unrest among the LRDG soldiers. Moffit is quite convinced that the young officer is not lying when he says that he will report to the general once they are back in the base camp. "Sie können sich auf mich verlassen, Captain", he replies to reassure Dietrich that he can actually rely on him in this regard. Switching back to English, he adds: "You are aware that this is not English you have just spoken. I believe you should have yourself checked up as well, Captain Dietrich, considering your confusion of languages." The German narrows his eyes slightly, but quickly plays along. Even though playing the role of the confused invalid slightly hurts his pride, this is the better option compared to causing the Lieutenant to distrust his intentions and turn against him. "That might actually be a good idea after getting confused with which language I speak, Sergeant", Dietrich concedes with weariness that he does not have to fake. Moffit smiles at him and winks: "It almost feels like the Babylonian language confusion sometimes, doesn't it?"
Lieutenant Carter seems to relax, as his suspicious expression is replaced by a worried frown. Using the pen light, Dietrich himself has previously applied for checking Boggs' pupil response, Carter is relieved to see a normal pupil response with no indication of sluggish dilation. "Let me check your pulse, Captain!" The German actually flinches, as Carter touches his neck. "Bad sleeping position", Captain Dietrich mutters slightly embarrassed at the open show of weakness. Checking the pulse on the German's wrist instead, has Carter frown in even more worry. "Your pulse is far weaker than it should be. I will need to check on your heart and lung as well!", the American Lieutenant now sounds truly dedicated to his role of chief medic. Even though Dietrich is fairly sure that his heart and lung have not changed their function since the American has last checked on them during the night, he has to admit that he has initialized this ruse himself and now should play along with it to not cause further suspicion. Unbuttoning his shirt far enough to allow the American Lieutenant to check on his vitals with the stethoscope, the German resigns himself to reclining against the tent post while he endures the medical check-up which reveals nothing out of the order as he has expected.
Moffit observes the procedure intently and notes to his astonishment that the officer still wears his German dog tag and not an American one which the American General Atkins likely has not bothered to issue in advance, before negotiating with the German about his defection. The ugly red patch of freshly healed skin at Dietrich's right shoulder indicates still clearly where Troy's bullet has struck him, as do the circular scars on his collarbone and chest show the burns he has suffered. Moffit has noted that the chronic chain smoker Dietrich has not smoked a single cigarette since they have retrieved him from German captivity in addition to his distressed reaction when Troy has offered him a cigarette on their first day. Whatever the SS torturers have done to him, must have been traumatic enough to change his behaviour so drastically. At least the bruises seem to be fading except for the largest ones that still occupy dark patches of skin and only gradually change their colour to greenish. Most worrying for Moffit who has been among those treating the German directly after his rescue from the SS is that the Captain indeed seems to have gained hardly any substance in the past few days since he has been in their care appearing almost as skinny as before. Although knowing the young officer to always have had a sinewy physique, his current appearance looks rather unhealthy and is a good justification should he start complaining about unequal distribution of rations again.
Lieutenant Carter finally leaves Dietrich in peace not daring to point out his malnourished appearance to the German in his face, having indirect experience with his temper already from hearsay. After restoring his proper appearance except for his unshaven face, the young officer drags himself to his feet and notes contently that he feels a lot less light-headed and more steady than before. "I will make sure that you receive your tea", Dietrich comments with a wry smile, "once I am done with checking on the prisoners and reporting to the general." "I wish you all the best with your new set of duties, Captain", Moffit smiles honestly. "Thank you, Sergeant. Without you and your friends actively sabotaging me, this will almost feel like a walk in the park", the German replies sarcastically. "Tell us, when you miss the challenge", Moffit replies dryly stopping himself from further comments, as the Captain glares at him, before leaving with a huff. 'That went surprisingly well', Moffit considers that only a week ago he would not actually have expected to have such a civilized and mutually respectful conversation with the German Captain - ever.
Dietrich is stopped from retreating from the sickbay by the cry of one of the German soldiers. "Bitte, lassen Sie ihn beten!" Confused by the strange request to let somebody pray, he turns toward the cot with the German soldier who has spoken to Lieutenant Carter who seems to understand some German, but still appears confused or apparently unfamiliar with these words. "Was geht hier vor sich, Soldat?", the German Captain demands to know and the soldier's head snaps into his direction immediately upon being addressed by a native speaker in his own language. The German soldier's eyes widen, as he notices the American uniform, but he answers nonetheless: "Leutnant Freiherr Karl von Stein liegt im Sterben und Franz soll ein Gebet für ihn sprechen, wie es die Tradition vorsieht." Dietrich raises his eyebrows at the description of the tradition that a prayer be spoken for the dying son of a noble family, while Lieutenant Carter throws him a grateful glance for taking care of the situation. "Wer und wo ist dieser Franz?", Dietrich inquires and notices that the man's uniform shows that he is an officer candidate. Is the Wehrmacht really so out of men that they send them inexperienced boys untrained in combat to the Afrikakorps? "Franz Altacher, Sohn des Hausdieners der Herren von Stein", the injured young German answers. "Er ist gefangen genommen worden und sollte kommen dürfen, um sich um seinen Herrn zu kümmern." Hans Dietrich briefly feels as if he has stumbled into a medieval scene in a play or movie, as the younger German requests that the son of the family servant should be brought from their prison camp to take care of his master. "Wenn es um das Sprechen eines Gebets für einen Sterbenden geht, dann könnten Sie das doch auch übernehmen, Fahnenjunker?", Dietrich offers that the man pray himself. "Ich kann diese Aufgabe leider nicht übernehmen, da ich die Familienform derer von Stein nicht kenne", the officer candidate sounds honestly sad that he does not know the special prayer verses of the Stein family to take over this duty.
Deciding that Major von Stolberg's troops are no less crazed than their commander, Dietrich turns to check on Karl von Stein himself to decide whether he would allow a last service to a dying man or not risk falling for a ruse to induce a potential escape attempt. The young man lies on a bedroll next to the Fahnenjunkter who has spoken to him and looks deathly pale, while his whole torso is wrapped in bandages which have been bled through during the night in several spots. Even without formal medical training as a doctor, it is obvious that the young nobleman is close to death. Dietrich checks his pulse to assure that he is still alive and finds it extremely weak. Von Stein stirs slightly at the touch, but does not open his eyes. "This man is dying and the soldier asks for someone to speak a special prayer for him", Dietrich explains to Carter. "I was not sure whether I understood him correctly, Captain", the American looks out of his depths. "I have sat at the side of enough dying man to recognize when the situation is serious", Dietrich's expression is just as serious as his tone and spoken words. "Leutnant Karl von Stein will likely not survive the next few hours. Sending the other soldier to speak a prayer and accompany him in his dying hours would be an act of mercy." Carter eyes the younger German officer with a pained expression that is mirrored on the German Captain's face.
"If I can find someone reliable to act as a guard, I will send him here with this Franz Altacher." The German soldier who apparently understands English far better than speaking the language actively sighs with relief: "Danke, Herr Hauptmann!" Dietrich bites down a remark that he is not a Hauptmann of the German Wehrmacht any more, as this would be hypocritical considering that he has allowed Sergeant Troy to address him as Captain in the past year long before his defection, when he has still served loyally as a Hauptmann in the Afrikakorps. "Danken Sie mir erst, wenn ich Ihrem sterbenden Freund wirklich helfen konnte, Fahnenjunker." "Fahnenjunker Freiherr Ulrich von Bibra, Herr Hauptmann", the young German introduces himself and weakly tries to salute. "Sie sind ein Ehrenmann." Dietrich glares at him at being called a man of honor, growling with slightly wounded pride: "Selbstverständlich. Ich bin ein deutscher Offizier!" Astounded at the irate reaction and the concession that the man in a German officer, von Bibra asks about his American uniform: "Weshalb tragen Sie dann eine amerikanische Uniform?" "Weil die Nationalsozialisten die wahren Feinde unserer deutschen Heimat sind!", Dietrich snarls indignantly that the Nazis are Germany's true enemies. The young soldier gapes at the Captain, who stands up carefully and leaves the tent without looking back.
As the German officer approaches the prison area, he finds Winters with several guards having the prisoners stand at attention for a roll call and count. A German Sergeant who speaks some English acts as his interpreter. Major von Stolberg is not among the eighteen men currently standing at attention and Dietrich sees Lieutenant Carlos standing guard at some distance over a figure sitting on the ground and watching what is happening with his men. As the two American Lieutenants notice the German officer approaching, both start moving. While Carlos starts to urge von Stolberg to his feet, Winters turns to Dietrich with a sneer. "Captain Dietrich. Are you checking on the prisoners?" Dietrich narrows his eyes at the insolent tone and expression glaring openly at the First Lieutenant, but salutes the American nonetheless to enforce a likewise response from him. "That is my duty, First Lieutenant Winters", the German officer replies with an icy tone that has everybody, Germans and Americans alike, within earshot straighten their stance to not anger the Captain any further. "You have all prisoners accounted for, as I see." Winters opens his mouth to reply, but Dietrich leaves him no time to do so, as he continues with a slightly sarcastic tone: "Would you mind, if I take one of the prisoners from you?" Winters looks slightly surprised, but consents.
With a stern expression, Dietrich turns toward the Germans and with trained command tone shouts: "Stillgestanden!" Every German soldier straightens immediately and several throw fearful gazes at the man who has stood fearlessly before more than a dozen soldiers with machine guns holding a saber at their Major's throat. "Soldat Franz Altacher. Treten Sie vor!", Dietrich continues unperturbed in the same command tone. A single soldier with a bandage around his right arm steps forward. "Kommen Sie herüber, Altacher!" Looking slightly unsure the young man obeys the command nonetheless and walks up to the stern German officer in the American uniform.
Dietrich meanwhile looks at the soldiers standing guard and to his relief recognizes Private Higgins who he deems trustworthy enough for the assignment. "Private Higgins, come here please!", the officer switches the language but not the command tone. As soon as both soldiers stand before him, Dietrich leaves the inspection to Winters and leads the two young men to the side. "Sprechen Sie Englisch, Altacher?", Dietrich addresses the German soldier first. "Nur ein wenig, Herr Captain Dietrich." The officer snorts briefly in amusement when the soldiers demonstrates clearly that he only understands a little bit of English, before Dietrich explains: "Captain bedeutet Hauptmann." His own soldiers have obviously heard Troy address him with this title so often that even the ones not knowing any other English term have at least been familiar with this one. "Sie kennen Karl von Stein?", Dietrich asks and the young man immediately responds with concern: "Seine Hochgeboren? Selbstverständlich." That he uses the formal verbal address when speaking of Karl von Steain confirms their story rather clearly in Dietrich's eyes, but he still inquires: "Sie kennen das traditionelle Gebet seiner Familie?" Now Franz Altacher looks truly concerned by the inquiry about the family prayer, as he asks frantically: "Ist er tot?" "Er liegt im Sterben und ein Fahnenjunker Ulrich von Bibra hat mich gebeten, Sie zu holen, um das letzte Gebet für ihn zu sprechen und ihn im Sterben zu begleiten. Wollen Sie das tun, Altacher?", Dietrich explains with a stern expression how he has been asked by Ulrich von Bibra to find Altacher to speak the final prayers for the dying man and accompany him on his last road. Even though the officer leaves him the choice to say no, it is apparent that the young man would never decline. After instructing the American Private, Dietrich sends Altacher off with Higgins as his guard.
Lieutenant Carlos has given up his attempts to speak to Major von Stolberg and get him to rise to approach the German officer. Instead he looks like a mule herder who has lost the fight against a particularly stubborn beast. Almost bemused by the sight, Dietrich steps toward them and salutes sharply which Carlos returns and with some reluctance so does Major von Stolberg who has risen to his feet. "Lieutenant Carlos", Dietrich addresses his own officer first, "have there been any further incidents?" Carlos straightens immediately at the harsh tone. "None, Captain Dietrich." With narrowed eyes, Dietrich moves his gaze to the German Major. "Man hat Sie hoffentlich nach dem gestrigen Vorfall anständig behandelt, Herr Major?", he repeats a similar inquiry. "Man hat uns keinerlei angemessene Schlafgelegenheit geboten, Nahrung und Wasser sind eine Zumutung und wir erwarten eine standesgemäße Hygieneeinrichtung, verräterischer Halbblutsprössling des edlen Geschlechts derer zu Aweyden", the Major starts to complain immediately about not having had a proper sleeping option, finding food and water lacking and expecting appropriate hygiene facilities ending with a new imaginative derogatory remark against the young officer.
Even though the Captain has decided to adopt Moffit's attitude and consider these insults an interesting exercise in the creative application of metaphors and ancient vocabulary, the complaints themselves are less than amusing for the officer who still feels stiff from his poor sleeping position and has neither had any chance to eat nor get cleaned and shaved yet. Slightly unnerved, Dietrich remarks sarcastically that the major will hopefully survive the ordeal: "Sie werden dieses Martyrium hoffentlich überleben, Herr Major." "Schamloser Demokratenknecht, wie kann er es wagen?!", the Major sounds truly indignant, as Dietrich is actually bemused by some of the terms. "Wie ich sehe, geht es Ihnen ausgezeichnet", he continues with sarcasm that obviously the Major is perfectly fine before explaining that they will hand him over to General Atkins at their base camp. "Wir werden Sie zum Basislager bringen und dort in General Atkins Hände übergeben." "Impertinenter Verräter!", Major von Stolberg shouts with indignation calling the German defector an impertinent traitor. As Dietrich turns back to Lieutenant Carlos, the American speaks with exasperation: "He does not speak with anyone but you, Captain." With his voice dripping irony, the German responds: "You cannot appreciate how lucky you are, Lieutenant." Carlos looks momentarily dumbfounded, before sporting a grin. "He does not sound very friendly, Sir." "Indeed. Not a single sentence starts or ends without insulting me", the younger officer remarks sarcastically. "I will continue to keep an eye on him, Captain", the Hispanic Lieutenant promises. "Thank you, Lieutenant. We should leave within the next few hours. I will report to the general once my patrol with the radio is back." With a sharp salute that is only returned by the American Lieutenant, while the Major merely glares at him with contempt, Dietrich turns and leaves.
For making the call, the German requires Tully Pettigrew to show him how to operate the radio on his Jeep which is the only one with a working radio set remaining in their hands after Boggs' Jeeps has been damaged and his radio destroyed. As the Rats with both their Jeeps are not yet back from their salvaging mission, the German officer takes the time to finally get cleaned and shaved feeling more presentable and civilized afterwards. To spend his waiting time productively, Dietrich returns to the sickbay to check on von Stein and Altacher, as well as offer Carter support with treating the wounded, since almost half of their unit are either dead or injured the Captain considers this a necessity. Upon entering the sickbay, the German officer finds a strange scene. Franz Altacher and the pale Ulrich von Bibra kneel at the left and right side of Karl von Stein's bed with the first speaking a line of a complex verse and the second repeating it in an identical tone. With unconealed wariness Private Higgins and Lieutenant Carter eye them like strange relics of a distant culture which have sprung to life. As Dietrich steps closer, he sees that a sheen of sweat has formed on von Stein's forehead, while the young man seems to concentrate, holding onto a silver cross which is kept at a necklace. After a long litany he utters a single line at a given time in the strange sequence: "Ich will dich sehen, o Herr!" His voice sounds weak, yet determined to follow through with this ritual. In spite of himself, Dietrich approaches them with an expression of curiosity which he shares with Jack Moffit who observes everything from the removed position of his bedroll. Why 'I will see you, o Lord!' is the answering verse neither the German officer nor the British anthropologist knows although they can guess a religious connection.
After the next litany, Karl von Stein answers with considerably weaker voice than before, yet his deathly pale face still shows determination. Franz Altacher continues with the next lines, when Dietrich sees von Stein's head loll to the side and his body turn lax and lifeless. Neither Altacher nor von Bibra pause in their litany finishing their part until the last line of von Stein should follow, but is never uttered by the young man. "Ich will dich sehen, o Herr!", Dietrich mutters softly under his breath feeling a strange urge to have the verse complete the ritual properly. Both survivors look up at him with strange expressions, as if they had heard him which the German Captain considers impossible.
"Nun ist es angemessen, Ihnen zu danken, Herr Hauptmann", Ulrich von Bibra repeats expressing his gratitude. "Kennen Sie seine Familie?", Dietrich avoids to react to the expression of gratitute by asking him whether he knows the other's family. "Selbstverständlich. Wir sind beide aus alten thüringischen Adelsgeschlechtern." Being both from old Thuringian nobility, von Bibra confirms that their families know each other. "Dann verständigen Sie bitte seine Familie über seinen Tod, sobald Sie als Kriegsgefangener dazu in der Lage sind, Briefe zu schreiben!", Dietrich asks him to inform von Stein's family of his death, once he will be able to do so as a prisoner of war, while he crouches next to the dead soldier to retrieve the lower part of his dog tag with an expression of grief and put the necklace with his cross back around his neck. How many young men has he seen die needlessly in this war? Seeing that both German soldiers eye him strangely for acting as one of their senior officers should, Dietrich explains with a dejected tone: "Ich kann leider nicht versprechen, dass meine Meldung der Toten vonseiten der deutschen Wehrmacht akzeptiert und an die Angehörigen weitergegeben wird." Whether the Wehrmacht would accept any names of dead soldiers an enemy officer told them is unknown to him.
"Darf ich ihn begraben, Herr Hauptmann?", Franz Altacher addresses Dietrich with his face twisted into a mask of unspeakable sadness, as if he has not just lost a friend, but a part of himself. Considering this briefly, the German officer consents that the soldier may bury his friend's body, as Higgins stands guard. "Help him carry the body out of the camp and keep watch, while he buries him, Private Higgins", he instructs the baffled American soldier who salutes and turns to follow the command. Only eight injured Germans remain who all appear to be in bad shape. Carter looks utterly unsettled by the strange events. "What did they do, Captain?" "Speak an old litany as a prayer which appears to be a family tradition of the dead nobleman", Dietrich answers calmly, before changing the topic to get the American's mind off the event: "Which tasks can I assist you with to treat your patients, Lieutenant? You are currently alone and responsible for almost twenty injured men." Carter gapes at the German officer momentarily speechless: "Why would you do this yourself? You could send someone else." Dietrich snorts derisively reminding himself that Americans always have to discuss everything instead of obeying orders straight away. "Firstly, I would never order any man under my command to perform a task I would not do myself. Secondly, with half the unit wounded and in this very tent as your patients and the other half either guarding prisoners or repairing vehicles and salvaging supplies, I have not a single man to spare other than myself, Lieutenant Carter." Moffit tries to hide his laughter at the exchange which turns into a groan of pain as his lung protests the stress through a series of even more painful coughs.
Alarmed, Dietrich turns to him immediately, crouching at his side and placing a hand on the Brits shoulder who is struggling to get his coughing fit under control. "Sergeant, breathe!", the German repeats calmly several times, until Moffit finally hears him and follows his voice directing him to breathe more calmly. As soon as he is sure that the Brit has recovered, Dietrich removes his hand and focuses Moffit with a stern look. "We still suspect internal bleeding, Sergeant, but without Doctor Andrews there is nothing any of us can do for you. How hard is it for you to breathe?" "Not too bad, as long as I do not cough, sneeze, laugh or speak too loudly", Moffit answers honestly trying and failing at giving a wry smile. "We will leave as soon as the base camp sends us trucks to transport the prisoners and wounded. But I cannot call them before your friends are finished with salvaging", Dietrich explains with a stern expression. "Excellent plan, Captain", Moffit tries to sound cheerful only to succeed in the German eyeing him suspiciously, as he tries to discern if the Brit is mocking him.
"Are you two still fighting like cat and dog?!", Troy shouts upon entering the tent and seeing the Captain's wary expression. Both men glare at him in mirrored expressions of annoyance after the statement. Dietrich gets to his feet almost smoothly and without swaying, muttering to be heard only by Moffit: "I will make sure that you receive your tea." "Thanks, Captain", the Brit answers equally softly to not aggravate his lungs. "How much have you been able to salvage, Sergeant?", Dietrich then addresses Troy loudly. "Quite a lot actually, Captain. Fortunately not all tents burned down and that major had some really good stuff in his personal stock. We had to go back and forth with our Jeep several times." "Excellent. I will check it out immediately before reporting to general Atkins", the German commends him. "I also have these for you", Troy holds out a handful of metal disks, the collected dog tags of several German soldiers. "Thank you, Sergeant!", comes the honest reply, as Dietrich takes the load from him stowing the disks in his shirt pocket with a practiced move that the American believes he must have done hundreds of times, before the German turns to leave the tent, while Troy walks up to Moffit. "How are you doing, Jack?" "Quite fine, old man", the Brit smiles. "I heard that I owe the Captain some blood." "You keep exchanging back and forth more often and you're turning into blood brothers", Troy jokes. At the term brother Moffit's expression however turns darker. "Almost ironic that I should do this with a German officer of all the possibilities." "He risked his own life to save yours", Troy rises to the German's defense automatically. "So I have heard", Moffit speaks less grimly.
"He's really good at keeping the tough facade, not as good as you, but good enough to fool us more often than we think", Moffit adds harshly. Now Troy looks wary. "What do you mean, Jack?" "That he really convinced you that he does not trust us at all, even though that is not the case", Moffit states, as if it is the most obvious thing in the universe. "He trusted you to act in time to save his life obviously and he chose to entrust me with an information which I will not betray to not backstab him." "Why's he lying?", Troy almost growls, although he has suspected the behaviour already. "Self-protection. I doubt he is lying to us, but rather to himself, the bloody idiot", Moffit analyses. "Speaking of bloody idiots. What were you thinking, Jack?", Troy snaps at the Brit with no small amount of incredulity and anger laced into his words. "To protect our mission by protecting the one controlling the major", Moffit tries his justification which sounds faked even in his own ears. "Don't give me such bullshit, Jack!", Troy immediately sees through his ruse. To be honest, Moffit could not say why he has acted the way he has. At the time it has appeared the absolute logical action. "Don't ask me what I don't know the answer to myself", Jack finally concedes. "Now look who's talking about lying to oneself and self-protection!", the American snaps angrily and Moffit feels uncomfortably that this has hit rather too close to home, more than he would like to admit. Lieutenant Carter's glare in their direction and the harsh command to be quiet for the sake of the wounded, silences them effectively.
Their commanding officer meanwhile approaches the duo of the Rat Privates who are unloading packs of supply crates with red crosses outside the sickbay. "Gentlemen", Dietrich greets them with a sharp salute before checking the crates and their contents. Sulfa powder, bandages and standard medical equipment are always needed, but the additional antiseptic and painkilling narcotics hold added value, as they are rarer to get. "Ahoy, Capt'n. Me hearties and I got ourselves some mighty fine booty. Arrrh", Hitch shouts with a wide grin. Blinking in surprise the German stares at him briefly asking himself whether finally all the Rats have lost their minds, before comprehending the strange way of speaking as some kind of inside joke. The young American private is still grinning, as he explains: "You really look like a pirate Captain when you run around with that saber." "De beste Stüürlüü stahn an Land", Dietrich mutters to himself with dry humor shaking his head in disbelief and both privates stare back at him dumbfounded. "It's easy to be a good skipper, when you're safely on land", the German translates in a equally dry tone, while checking the next crates for their contents. "You seem to forget that I come from one of Germany's largest harbor towns. So spare me your pirate phrases and I spare you my platt sailors' words of wisdom." "Sounds very interesting though", Hitch starts out. With a faked groan, the German stops him: "If you want lessons in linguistics, Sergeant Moffit has a lot of spare time available at the moment." Hitch grins and exchanges a glance with Tully who keeps up his unimpressed appearance quite efficiently merely chewing on his match stick.
Having finished to check the crates, Dietrich straightens again and addresses the most silent Rat directly: "Private Pettigrew, I require you to call the base station to report to the officers there." Tully nods silently, bites down on his matchstick and starts to work on the radio's controls, while the German officer watches him attentively asking a few questions to gain a better knowledge of the equipment. The static of the radio turns into the voice of the American radio operator. "This is Red Crow coming." Using the identification Boggs has given him, Dietrich answers: "This is White Crow coming." "Roger, White Crow. What is your status?", the operator answers without hesitation. "We successfully captured Major von Stolberg and his unit, but suffered excessive casualties ourselves. Captain Boggs is seriously injured, as are ten more soldiers, two are dead", the German reports with a clear and serious tone. "If Captain Boggs is injured, who is reporting?", the operator questions now. "I am Captain Dietrich, currently in command as the highest ranking officer." This startles the operator into a brief silence. The German assumes that he is calling for an officer to verify the information and continue the conversation.
"Prepare some breakfast, gentlemen", Dietrich orders the two privates who have been observing him curiously. "And bring that pot and tea of Sergeant Moffit's!" As the two Rats scurry off to execute the command, Dietrich continues waiting for an answer from their base. After almost two minutes, the static turns back into a voice. "Red Crow to White Crow", the radio operator from before inquires. "White Crow coming", Dietrich answers calmly awaiting somebody to take over the call. "Hans, what has happened?", Jakob Silberblatt sounds out of breath and worried. "Jakob, we are in desperate need of trucks for transporting the wounded, prisoners and salvaged supplies, as well as medical assistance for the wounded and more soldiers to man the Jeeps and guard the prisoners. If you send them within the next two hours, they can make their way here and back again within the day", the German requests matter-of-factly. Jakob hesitates briefly, before answering: "We will send you aid immediately. How many trucks do you require?" "One for the wounded, two for the prisoners and supplies each. Send at least another 20 soldiers, if you can. Lieutenant Westwood should have several Brits available to help as well." "I will do what I can, Hans", Jakob promises. "Thank you, Jakob!", Dietrich answers. "White Crow out."
Cancelling the connection, the German Captain studies the radio with a frown. Finally, Dietrich makes a decision and with a sigh changes the frequency to utter another call. After almost a minute of static he is about to give up, when a voice answers: "Rotes Kreuz Adschdabia. Red Cross Agedabia." With a sigh of relief he answers in German: "Rotkreuzstation. Hier spricht Hauptmann Hans Dietrich. Ich ersuche um dringende Hilfe bei der Versorgung von Soldaten und Kriegsgefangenen der Alliierten und Achsenmächte!" Whoever is on the other end is briefly remaining silent after Dietrich asking for urgent support to help soldiers and POW of the Allies and Axis powers, before the man on the other line is asking for clarification what he requires, as they are no military institution and neutral. "Herr Hauptmann, wir sind keine militärische Einrichtung und neutral. Was benötigen Sie von uns?" "Kriegsgefangene stehen unter dem Protektorat der Genfer Konvention und des Roten Kreuzes. Ich habe über hundert und davon mehr als 35 schwerst Verwundete zu versorgen, was meine Kapazitäten übersteigt, da ich auch noch über 50 verbündete Truppenmitglieder zu versorgen habe mit einem Arzt, einem kriegsgefangenen Arzt und 3 Krankenschwestern." Upon hearing the numbers of two medics, one of them a POW, and three nurses caring for almost 100 wounded soldiers and POWs, the radio operator replies that he will call the responsible medic. "Ich hole den verantwortlichen Arzt. Bitte warten Sie, Herr Hauptmann."
Relieved that they are considering to help at all, Dietrich is waiting with growing impatience drumming his fingers against the radio's casing. Tully and Hitch who have heard him speak German eye him with some amount of suspicion and clenching his jaw in annoyance at the distrust that bothers him more than he would like to admit, the German Captain makes the sign of a cross on the surface of the radio hoping that this will communicate his intention. Tully nods and bites down on his matchstick, while Hitch frowns briefly before his face turns into a startled expression. Hans Dietrich has no time to worry about him, as the static turns back into the voice of the operator. "Herr Hauptmann, ich habe hier Doktor Sprüngli." For once, the German considers himself lucky, as the Swiss doctor who has supported him previously is called to the line. "Doktor Sprüngli, hier spricht Hauptmann Hans Dietrich." The medic sounds honestly surprised, as he asks how they could help. "Hauptmann Dietrich. Wie können wir Ihnen helfen?" "Doktor, ich würde Sie nicht kontaktieren und um Hilfe bitten, wenn es nicht dringend wäre", Dietrich explains that his request for aid is urgent and serious before repeating the numbers and arguments he has already told the operator before. "Ohne Ihre Unterstützung müsste ich Kriegsgefangene ohne medizinische Hilfe ihrem Schicksal überlassen, was mir die Genfer Konvention wie auch grundlegender Anstand verbieten. Zugleich kann ich aber auch meine eigenen Männer nicht unversorgt lassen. Es mangelt uns an medizinischem Personal, Ausrüstung und Medikamenten." The Captain leads the argument that without their support he would have to leave POWs without medical aid which the Genenva convention forbids him along with human decency, while at the same time he cannot leave his own men without treatment lacking the medical facilities, personnel, equipment and medication required.
The Swiss Doctor hesitates briefly before he asks about their location. "Wo befindet sich Ihre Basis, Hauptmann?" Although knowing the risk of giving away the location, Dietrich describes it for the medic. "Wir haben einen Wagen mit einem Mediziner und zwei Krankenschwestern in der Gegend, die sich um Verletzte und Zurückgebliebene der Schlacht um Tobruk kümmern sollten. Sie kennen Doktor Riggioli und die Schwestern Arno und Regula. Sie sollten Ihre Basis heute Abend oder spätestens morgen erreichen können." The German actually smiles, as he hears that Doctor Riggioli and nurse Arno and Regula who he knows from his desert ride to obtain antibiotics are in the area already with the intention to help survivors or left-behind soldiers of the battle of Tobruk. That they could be able to reach their base either this evening or by tomorrow is actual good news. "Danke, Doktor Sprüngli. Wenn Sie sie zu uns schicken können, wären wir Ihnen zutiefst verbunden", Dietrich thanks the Swiss medic wholeheartedly smiling with relief although the other cannot see it. "Ihnen helfen wir gerne, Herr Hauptmann, da wir wissen, dass sie diese Hilfe nicht missbrauchen. Auf bald. Grüezi", the older medic assures Dietrich that they help him beacuse they know that he will not abuse their offer to help. As only static remains after the doctor had ended the connection, the German officer hangs up as well.
Turning to look at the camp, he finds himself surrounded by Lieutenant Carter and First Lieutenant Winters who both eye him with open suspicion, as well as Sergeant Troy who eyes him with a strange expression Dietrich cannot place. "Who did you call to speak in German for such a long time?", Winters growls with open animosity. Dietrich grits his teeth in wounded pride to find himself at the receiving end of their distrust and animosity again and growls back: "I called the Swiss Red Cross Station at Agedabia to request urgent help in taking care of the large amount of wounded soldiers and POWs." Carter looks surprised. "Why would you do that?" "It is my obligation to provide the soldiers under my command with medical aid, as well as to respect the Geneva convention and not let any prisoner of war die from untreated wounds, when it could be prevented. By surrendering, those men have become my responsibility just as much as our own soldiers, gentlemen!" Dietrich argues with exasperation. "Did General Atkins order you to do this?", Winters asks. "No. I decided to request their aid independent of any orders", the young officer replies coolly. "What if the General disapproves, Captain?", Lieutenant Carter asks cautiously.
The German snorts derisively. "I could not care less what he might do to me. You seem to forget that a week ago I have been sentenced to be executed by the SS and the Wehrmacht for trying to prevent a war crime and massacre of civilians. I doubt that calling the Red Cross for aid can warrant a similar sentence. And I will for sure not betray my principles." Winters and Carter eye the German with something akin to new-found respect and admiration, while Carter also looks rather shocked at the attitude to not be cowered by rank and authority which brings a smile of honest admiration to Troy's face. "I would like to volunteer to protect the Red Cross Convoy from any Axis troops trying to redirect them", Winters steps forward and speaks coolly. Eyeing the First Lieutenant warily, but seeing the honesty behind his offer, the German Captain answers cautiously: "Thank you for the voluntary offer, First Lieutenant Winters. Unfortunately, we have no capacities to send anybody away, as we have hardly enough men to drive the Jeeps and guard the prisoners as it is and also do not know their current location."
Looking the American officer directly in the eyes, the German Captain continues with a calm tone: "I have a different task for you though, First Lieutenant Winters. Keep close watch on the German prisoners! Call in two Jeeps manned with a driver and gunner each to keep watch on theones in the camp, while a work column of 5 German volunteers is sent to the Major's camp to bury the dead." "Why take this risk to bury our enemies, Captain?", Winters questions the command. "We are both officers, Lieutenant, who have spent enough time out here to appreciate the last show of respect to a fallen soldier, friend or foe, through a burial instead of having the bodies mutilated and looted by the natives or becoming a meal for scavengers." Winters stares at him briefly with an indiscernible look before his expression changes from its harsh distrust to a professional respectful mask. Saluting the two professional soldiers eye each other cautiously, but with a certain degree of respect, before Winter turns around to leave. "I will assure that no looting happens, Captain", the American states with a proud and determined voice.
Sensing the change of the older soldiers' tone from defiance to respect, Dietrich lets him go, before eyeing Carter. "You find several crates with medical equipment in front of the sickbay. Base camp is sending trucks to transport the wounded along with medical personnel. You should soon be relieved of your sole hard responsibility, Lieutenant Carter." Carter averts his gaze with an expression speaking of shame. "I apologize for having suspected you, Captain." Dietrich eyes him with a cold gaze and a stern expression, before nodding in acceptance of the apology. "I can understand the sentiment of distrusting a traitor on principle, Lieutenant." Unsure how to express what he thinks, Carter merely stutters: "I should look after the men and check those crates, Captain." With a quick salute, he retreats hastily.
Troy grins from ear to ear, as he steps forward. "Nicely done, Captain." Shaking his head in disbelief, the German sound incredulous: "What are you talking about, Sergeant?" "It takes a lot to force that stubborn mule Winters to grudging respect. And Carter almost weeped", the American replies. "Could we postpone your well-reflected insights until after breakfast?", Dietrich snaps in dry sarcasm to which Troy grins even wider. "Anytime. I could eat one of those mules now." Tully hands the German a pot with hot water and a tin box with Arabic letters scrawled on them, explaining briefly: "That's Moffit's tea and pot, Capt'n." "Thank you, Private", Dietrich answers and places the pot on the ground to open the tin while reading the scrawl. Apparently the Sergeant has acquired a black tea mixture at a bazaar or from some local trader. The smell is excellent and the Kieler strews some of the tea leaves into the pot until he is satisfied that the brew will become intense enough before letting the tea steep for a few minutes.
"Jack said he asked you to make him some tea", Troy sounds enough like a jealous teenage girl to make the German snort with laughter. "If you weren't such a philistine and considered utterly incompetent at brewing tea, he surely would have asked you, Sergeant." "What makes you so much better?", Troy sulks. "Northern Germany has a similar culture of seamanship and enjoying imported brews such as black tea as England. They have even been trade partners and fellow seafarers for a long time", German tries to console him in a calm and matter-of-fact way. Hitch comes over to hand them their respective plates with a breakfast made of warmed canned eggs and ham with some biscuits and a fruit bar added on the plate. The young private also hands Dietrich two tin cups. "I thought I shouldn't give you any coffee, but let you share the tea instead, Cap." The German still grits his teeth and narrows his eyes the a shortened title, but grudgingly reminds himself of their explanation and his vow not to act unfairly and out of distrust against them.
With another plate in hand, Tully takes the tin cup Dietrich has filled with tea and hands him, while keeping his own cup in the other hand. Smelling the strong black tea, Troy sitting nearby makes a face: "Ugh. How can you drink this?" Dietrich smirks: "I'm asking myself the same question when I smell that beverage you call coffee." "What do you have against good old American coffee?" "Nothing effective, unfortunately", the German answers dryly and Tully grins widely as Troy almost chokes on a piece of egg, while Hitch laughs out loudly. "Bring it to Sergeant Moffit, before it gets cold", the Captain admonishes Tully, as he turns to finish with his own breakfast.
In the meantime, they can observe Dietrich's ordered work column of 5 German soldiers and 3 American guards pass by walking into the camp. Altacher and Higgins who are heading the other way observe the procession down into the camp, before the young German soldier stops and points at Dietrich trying to communicate his message in spite of his bad English. "Looks like you're in demand today, Captain", Troy grins at Dietrich who scowls at him, before turning his gaze back at the two soldiers who approach him now. Rising to his feet, the German Captain merely raises his eyebrows to make both soldiers understand that they better provide him with a good explanation for interrupting his breakfast. "He wants to speak with you, Captain", Private Higgins motions at the German soldier who nods, as this sentence does not surpass his level of English. "Was wollen Sie von mir, Soldat Altacher?", Dietrich crisply demands to know what the man wants from him. Altacher's eyes are reddened from the tears he must have shed over his dead friend or master. When he starts fiddling in his coat pocket, Higgins points his loosely held gun at the German soldier directly and Dietrich tenses with a wary expression, ready to move into action at a moment's notice.
The young soldier however draws an antique finely crested silver cross from his pocket that Dietrich recognizes from the ritual having put the necklace it has been hanging on around von Stein's neck after his death. With narrowed eyes the German officer inquires what he wants with that cross: "Was wollen Sie mit dem Kreuz Ihres toten Kameraden, Altacher?" The young man's expression and tone are desperate, as he explains: "Es gehört der Familie von Stein und muss zu ihr zurückgebracht werden, damit der nächste Erbe es erhalten kann. Ich habe Angst, dass die Amerikaner es mir wegnehmen, wenn ich in ein Lager komme und dann kann es niemals zurück zur Familie derer von Stein." Dietrich's frown deepens when he hears that the cross is supposed to be returned to the von Stein family. Franz Altacher's worry that someone would steal it from him at the POW camp is not unfounded he has to admit. "Was wollen Sie also von mir?", the Captain repeats his original question. "Bitte bewahren Sie es auf und übergeben es an die Familie von Stein, wenn Sie nach Deutschland zurückkehren", the young soldier pleads with the officer to return the cross in his stead to the family von Stein upon his return to Germany.
"Soldat. Ich bin ein zum Tode verurteilter Hochverräter. Für mich gibt es keine Rückkehr in meine Heimat", Dietrich's voice sounds pained and bitter, when he grinds out that as a condemned traitor there is no return to his homeland for him. "Irgendwann wird dieser Krieg vorbei sein. Bitte behüten Sie es bis dahin. Das ist alles, worum ich Sie bitte, Herr Hauptmann", Altacher argues with new tears welling up in his eyes that the war will end someday and all he asks is that the Captain keep the cross safe until then. Unable to maintain his stern facade in the eye of the young man's desperate plea, Hans Dietrich finally relents and holds out his hand in which Altacher places the cross. "Ich schwöre Ihnen, bei meiner Ehre als deutscher Offizier, dass ich das Kreuz verwahren und versuchen werde, es seinen rechtmäßigen Besitzern zukommen zu lassen!", the young officer gives his solemn vow as a German officer to keep the cross safe and do what he can to return it to its rightful owner. "Danke, Hauptmann Dietrich!", Altacher expresses his gratitude with such relief that Dietrich almost feels ashamed to have turned him down in the first place. With a salute the German officer orders Higgins to bring Altacher back to the other prisoners, but the young man inquires: "Darf ich bei der Arbeit unten helfen, Herr Hauptmann?" Astounded by the offer to help with the work in the camp, Dietrich allows Altacher to express his gratitude by enforcing the work column with one soldier Dietrich does not suspect of trying to turn against them or flee.
Troy and Hitch already eye the strange trinket curiously, until the American Sergeant cannot contain his curiosity any longer. "What was that about, Captain?" Eyeing him warily, Dietrich briefly explains the strange request and ritual for the dying young nobleman. "Sounds like a Hollywood movie", Hitch pipes in causing Dietrich to snort in amusement. "Those were almost my thoughts when I witnessed the ritual." Then he looks at the ornate cross more closely and recognizes a family crest that he has never seen before being unfamliar with heraldry beyond the family crest of his own family, the Freiherren von Aweyden, bearing the head of a bull. "So you'll keep that safe for now?", Troy asks and Dietrich merely nods, as he puts the necklace around his own neck wincing slightly at the pain in his cramped muscles and hides the cross under his shirt along with dog tags. "That's like an epic knight's quest", Hitch sounds as enthusiastic as if he has just joined the knights of the round table or the quest for the holy grail. "You've read too many books and watched too many movies, Private", the German Captain comments dryly. "One cannot read too many books", the literature major contradicts stubbornly at which Troy and Dietrich exchange unnerved glances.
The next three hours after breakfast are spent with organizing and coordinating salvaging the German vehicles, weapons, ammunition, fuel depot and food supplies on the one hand and guarding the prisoners in camp or at work as well as taking care of the wounded. Dietrich leaves Tully Pettigrew and Corporal Andy Newman who has acted as Tully's replacement driver on occasions to help Lieutenant Carter in the improvised sickbay, while he takes care of checking all the current occupations for his soldiers himself. Explaining the Americans how to best take apart and salvage the German tanks brings a delighted look to Hitch's face who is broken in by the Captain working with him himself on the first of the tanks. His admiration for the officer who gets his own hands dirty when the need arises has risen even more upon realizing that Dietrich is almost as knowledgeable with his tanks as Hitch and Tully are with their Jeeps which requires a lot of practice.
The shouts of alarm from their look-out patrol call the Captain back to the camp and to order all his soldiers to return there and stand at attention with weapons ready, as clouds of dust become visible at the horizon. A convoy of 5 trucks and 4 Jeeps drives into their camp and is immediately surrounded by a ten of Dietrich's men. The British Lieutenants Westwood and Johnson exit the trucks and salute to the wary German Captain who eyes the second with a certain degree of suspicion. "Captain Dietrich, we provide the trucks and support troops as requested", Westwood reports in a prim fashion, while Johnson avoids meeting the German officer's wary gaze directly. "Gentlemen. You have my gratitude", Captain Dietrich replies sternly with a sharp salute, before turning to his men. "Lieutenant Carter, prepare the transport of the wounded Germans to one truck and our own troops to another truck! First Lieutenant Winters, Lieutenant Griffith, you organize keeping the prisoners under control with the support of our British allies and manning the prisoner trucks and Jeeps. Keep the Major separate from his soldiers! Sergeant Troy, coordinate with Lieutenant Westwood and Johnson to load all salvageable goods to the trucks and Jeeps. Dismissed, gentlemen!" All American officers along with Troy salute almost sharply for American standards which is still sloppy for Dietrich's standards, but he recognizes their effort. The British officers give sharper salutes immediately eyeing the German officer with astounded respect not having expected the fluid coordination.
With an attentive gaze and straight stance, the Captain observes the loading of the trucks and manning of the Jeeps shouting additional orders from time to time, when he deems it necessary. As Lieutenant Carlos seems to struggle with the Major again, Dietrich turns to help him out. "Herr Major Graf von Stolberg, wir bringen Sie nun zu unserem Hauptlager. In Ihrem eigenen Interesse fordere ich Sie auf, zu kooperieren", the German Captain addresses the older man sharply. The dark gaze and battle-ready stance of the young man who wears the saber at his belt with whom he has threatened and cut him yesterday cowers the German major enough to move according to his directions with only a few superficial insults thrown at the German traitor which bounce off him by now without causing Dietrich to batt an eyelash. Consistent with his own orders, Dietrich orders the major to climb into one of the Jeeps which is manned by Lieutenant Carlos along with a gunner and a driver.
Once all men and supplies are loaded, Dietrich himself checks on the wounded Allied soldiers speaking briefly with Boggs and Moffit, before getting into the Jeep's seat beside Tully giving a shouted signal and his automatic hand signal "to go" which Troy translates into a whooping shout "Let's shake it!". Upon either of the two signals the trucks and Jeeps starts moving and follow Tully's lead towards their camp. An uneventful ride of twoandahalf hours has them return to their base camp where General Atkins' league of officers and soldiers await the convoy with readied weapons. At Dietrich's shouted command and hand signal "to stop" the Jeeps and trucks follow suit. Gingerly with his shoulder wound and neck hurting from the Jeep's rough ride, the German Captain gets out of his seat and starts shouting commands to the Lieutenants to organize transporting the wounded to the sickbay and the prisoners to the prison area.
A sudden commotion at the prisoners' truck is breaking out with several Allied soldiers raising their weapons to shoot at the resisting German soldiers. Before a single shot is fired though, Corporal Gottschlich takes out one of the troublemakers with a single straight punch in the face and with a swift motion of his body kicks a second one with a side kick which hits a second soldier square in the chest throwing the man to the ground, while all air is pressed from his lungs. For a second, Hans Dietrich freezes staring in disbelief at the spectacle the young Corporal who has landed in sickbay only two days ago with a broken cheekbone after being attacked by a drunken American racist. "Arrest them without firing!", the Captain shouts his command after recovering from his initial surprise adding in German calling for surrender as resistance is futile: "Ergeben Sie sich! Widerstand ist zwecklos!" As the German soldiers are at least as shocked as Dietrich the resistance dies even more quickly than it has arisen and the troublesome soldiers are taken away at gun point. Stepping toward Gottschlich with a scowl, Dietrich musters the young man of Japanese origin who tries to blend in with the other Americans with a sheepish expression, Dietrich addresses in a sharp tone: "Corporal Gottschlich, you will report to me after your duty has ended." With a shocked expression, the young soldier salutes. "Yes, Captain Dietrich." Worrying what he has done wrong Riku Gottschlich watches the strict German Captain turn with a frown toward the German Major.
"Major Graf von Stolberg, Sie sind gut beraten, Ihre Männer anzuweisen, weiteren Widerstand zu unterlassen. Beim nächtsten Versuch lasse ich scharf schießen", Dietrich warns the German Major harshly that he better order his men to desist from resistance, as he will order to shoot sharply the next time. "Elender Verbrecher, wie er es wagt, sich gegen sein eigenes Volk zu stellen!", the major protests in his usual insulting way. Dietrich is unperturbed by Major von Stolberg's insults now that he has decided to not take anything seriously that the man says. "Man wird Sie zum Verhör abholen, Herr Major..." "Das heißt Major Graf! Merke er sich das!", the smaller man shouts that he insist on being called with his military and noble title. Meeting eyes with Lieutenant Carlos who throws Dietrich a compassionate look the Captain indicates the American officer to lead the Major to the prison area, before losing his patience after all.
Only once the prisoners are dealt with and further organisatorial issues are dealt with does the Captain turn to the general's second in command, an American Major who eyes the German with a mixture of suspicion and awe. Saluting sharply, Dietrich reports: "Captain Dietrich reporting back from mission. Two dead, 11 wounded among them our mission commander, Captain Boggs. 28 prisoners were taken with 8 of them wounded as well." The Major eyes him from head to toe raising his eyebrows at the saber worn at Dietrich's belt, before muttering with a strange smile: "If I did not know that you have been a DAK officer only a week ago, Captain,..." He leaves the rest unsaid, before changing the subject, introducing himself: "Major Turner. I will hand your report on to General Atkins, Captain Dietrich. Any further requests?" "There is an urgent request for the General directly which concerns Major von Stolberg and the Bedouins of the town which I would rather present to the General directly to avoid misunderstandings." The American officer considers the younger German for a few moments evaluating his request, before he concedes: "I will let General Atkins know, Captain." "Thank you, Major", the haggard German replies sternly and salutes assuming that he is dismissed. "Captain Dietrich", the major addresses him when the German is about to turn around. With raised eyebrows Dietrich stops mid-movement. "Well done, Captain. And get a check-up in sickbay, you look a bit pale!" "Yes, Sir!", the baffled German replies forcing his tone to sound neutral.
Striding back towards his men, Dietrich checks that the unloading of men and supplies is happening according to plan, before he walks toward Boggs' organisatorial tent in search of Jakob Silberblatt. On the way there, Hans Dietrich finds himself intercepted by a small over-energetic dog, as Fritz jumps up his leg excitedly. With a smile the German Captain pets his former and current unit mascot which excitedly licks his right hand. "Fritz, runter!", he finally orders the enthusiastic dog who considers this his signal to roll on his back and beg for some more cuddles with big puppy eyes. "Du bist ein verwöhnter Fratz und bei Senta Silberblatt wird das wohl nur schlimmer werden", Dietrich mutters under his breath that he expects the dog to become even more spoiled with Senta Silberblatt, Jakob's mother, while scratching Fritz behind the ears. Three shouts reach the German Captain almost simultaneously. "Oi Fritz, my boy!", Mark Hitchcock exclaims fondly, as he approaches the pair from behind, while Jakob shouts "Hans!" and a child's high-pitched cry of "Hauptmann!" sounds almost simultaneously from the same direction.
With the unbeatable speed of an excited six-year-old, Ari runs toward his double savior and wraps his arms around the stunned man's neck who flinches slightly the touch against his sore spot of the injection on the previous day. "*You came back!*", the Jewish boy sounds enthusiastic. "*I promised you that I would, didn't I?*", the young German officer answers slightly embarrased trying to extract himself from the boy's affectionate hug without actually hurting the child or himself. While Fritz moves to Hitch as his next most attentive friend, Troy observes the interaction between the Captain and the boy with a wide grin, as his gaze meets that of Jakob Silberblatt. The Jewish officer looks fond of both of them and happy at the trust the boy shows toward his friend even though Hans Dietrich looks still ill at ease with the notion, an expression of guilt clearly written on his face.
Jakob finally persuades Ari go play with Fritz and Hitch, while he extracts his friend from the boy's attention. "You look worse than yesterday, Hans!", the Lieutenant admonishes once he gets a clear view on his friend from close-up. Hans Dietrich merely snorts. "You are not the first one to tell me this, Jakob." "Then you should start taking it seriously", Silberblatt retorts with a scowl. The German merely huffs, not deeming this worthy of a reply. "Jakob, has the Red Cross contacted you already?" Jakob dons a sheepish look. "Yes. Half an hour ago. The general was not amused." As if on cue, two armed soldiers approach Dietrich. "Captain Dietrich, you are to accompany us to General Atkins!", the first of them speaks harshly. Both Troy and Hitch resume fighting stances at which Dietrich scowls. "At ease, gentlemen!", before turning to the general's guards. "I am coming with you willingly. Do you wish me to hand over my weapons?" The two soldiers exchange looks before the first one answers: "We have no such orders, Captain, only to escort you to the general." "I don't like this", Troy growls to Hitch who nods grimly. Observing their determinedly stubborn expressions Dietrich's stomach turns, as he hopes that the two Americans will not act in any rash and stupid way, as they often tend to do. At least Jakob is around to deter them from any too obviously idiotic ideas.
The two soldiers escort the German officer to the General's personal command tent where Atkins is waiting with his back turned to the entrance twirling his mustache. "Captain Dietrich!", General Atkins addresses the German with a crisp tone, once the two guards have taken positions at the left and right of his tent entrance. "You have contacted the Red Cross." It is a statement, not a question and Dietrich can hear the accusation clearly. "Yes, Sir. It was the only reasonable option in my eyes", the German officer answers with a calm and clear tone straightening into a proud stance. "You just acted on your own accord without asking for permission!", the general shouts. Dietrich merely raises an eyebrow. "I did that to avoid having to go against a direct order in case you would have declined." General Atkins briefly gapes at him. "You defected only two days ago and actually dare to do something like that."
Dietrich looks utterly unimpressed. "After the first death sentence for treason it loses its terror. After all, calling the Red Cross for aid is hardly justifying a death sentence", he states dryly. "Also, General Atkins, you knew that I have been accused of routine insubordination, when you accepted me as a defector in your ranks of officers. Did you really expect me to change my ways of acting for what I consider morally right? My obligation is to my men and I will not back down from that in front of whichever authority!", the young officer growls with conviction. Atkins is torn between scowling and smiling. "You're right, Captain. I shouldn't have expected anything else from you", the general sounds more amused than angry by now. Hiring the man who has agreed to countless truces and negotiations and according to rumor ridden through the Libyan desert on an Arab horse to save and protect his men has been bound to have its downsides at some point. The proud young officer before him has turned to fight against his own government and its paramilitary army, because fighting for what he considers right is more important for him than fighting for whom he has been assigned to follow.
Eyeing the haggard German whose bruises still speak of his ordeals from head to toe, General Atkins finally commands: "You're dismissed, Captain Dietrich. Consider yourself thoroughly reprimanded. I doubt warning you not to do that again would deter you." The German appears briefly stunned by the unexpected turn of events, before answering dryly: "That might be the case, Sir! Before leaving, I have a serious matter to bring to your attention though." General Atkins scowls while smiling wryly: "More serious than one of my Captains' insubordination?" Dietrich has the decency to looks slightly ashamed at the admonishment. "The Sheikh's son Hassan ibn Sulaiman has demanded that I hand over Major von Stolberg to the Bedouins, so that their Sheikh may try him for the crimes committed against his people. According to their tribal laws that is his right, but Sergeant Moffit is far more knowledgeable in this regard." General Atkins looks seriously concerned now. "You brought the Major back, so how did you deter the Arabs." Dietrich smiles wryly. "I told him that I am in no position to decide this and my own Sheikh, you Sir, will have to decide whether you wish to hand him over to the Arabs for a trial according to their laws which will surely end in his execution or you wish to deter the Arabs." "You are a troublesome soldier, but you definitely have your values, Captain", General Atkins concedes at which the German scowls knowing that he has deserved the slight, but still struggling with his pride to simply accept it. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Captain. Now, you are dismissed!" Saluting Dietrich retreats swiftly without further comment wondering whether the Americans will start collecting a similar file of complaints against his attitude and behaviour as the SS has.
