This chapter builds on the character of Omar and background provided in the "Good Samaritan Raid". If you want to start with Dietrich's level of knowledge, it is recommended to read this story first. If you want to experience Troy' and Moffit's degree of knowledge and surprise, you need not read it.

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Hans Dietrich awakes with a start when he notices somebody moving nearby. "Guten Morgen, Captain", Jack Moffit greets the tired looking young officer who rubs his eyes with his palms. "Moin, Moin", the German Captain replies in his native manner, suppressing a yawn and wincing, as he stretches his arms. "This is the low German version of 'good morning'?", the British anthropologist asks curiously. Dietrich nods and mutters: "It is indeed. You have been surprisingly restrained in pestering me after our last talk about the topic, Doctor." Jack Moffit smiles wryly. "I have been indisposed for a while, but now that we will spend more time together on reconnaissance missions and training your Arab scouts, I look forward to learning more about Low and High German from you, Captain." The German officer raises his eyebrows in an ironic expression, as he replies dryly: "Curiosity kills the cat." Troy interrupts their friendly banter with a barking laugh: "That's what I always used to say about you, Captain." "Troy", the young Captain growls as a warning, sounding just as unnerved as he feels. Fritz, who has been awakened by the German Captain's movement, presses against his thigh, whining quietly. "Geht's dir gut, Fritz?", the tall officer inquires with some worry in his tone and scratches his loyal unit mascot behind the ears, while Troy smiles fondly and Jack Moffit shakes his head in exasperation. Dietrich is the perfect CO for Troy and Hitch and their soft hearted affection for the mutt, worrying how the troublesome animal is faring. Fritz is quickly comforted by his master's friendly attention, leaning against the young man, as the little dog pants happily and enjoys his cuddles.

"Hans", Ari exclaims and comes over to nestle against his caregiver and listen to his heartbeat which always calms and reassures him that his elected brother is alive and well. Kiri follows a bit more cautiously, eyeing the interaction between her young and older elected 'brother' with a smile, before she wraps her arms around the tall German's waist. Hans Dietrich looks and feels a bit overwhelmed by the two children's attention and affection, but settles for ruffling Ari's hair and patting the Bedouin girl on the back. "*Ari, Kiri, are you alright?*" Both children smile and nod eagerly. "*I looked after Kiri when you fell asleep*", Ari tells his elected brother proudly. Kiri nods and tells him: "*Ari is nice. I like having him as a brother and being with you, Ioannes.*" The German Captain winces slightly at the words which will mean his doom sooner or later, as it will get harder and harder to leave the girl with another caregiver. Moffit scowls, thinking exactly the same as the young officer who has an undeniable talent for maneuvering himself into emotionally complicated situations. Seeing the younger man struggling with his jacket, Jack steps toward him and offers: "May I help you, Captain?" Dietrich appears a bit surprised by the circumspect offer, but accepts it gratefully.

The former Cambridge scholar scowls at the sight of the countless bruises along the German Captain's torso with the one at his shoulder still looking dark, making it obvious why his full use of his impaired main arm is still out of the question. Moffit helps the young officer with his shirt sleeve, noticing that Dietrich is actually more agile than he would have expected from the sight of his injuries. Still the lean German winces several times, when the children who could not care less whether he is wearing a shirt or not, cling to him and inadvertently touch his bruises. Ari observes his protector with some concern, as he feels him flinch, asking: "*Are you alright, Hans?*" Dietrich crouches to put his good arm on the boy's shoulder and look him in the eyes. "*I have been injured, but it will heal and I will be fine, Ari. Don't worry about me!*" The Jewish boy looks at his protector intently, before hugging him around the neck and muttering: "*Please, don't die like Aba and Eema!*" The German Captain bears a tormented expression, unable to give such a promise and at a loss of what to tell the boy. "*We will look after your brother, Ari, and protect him as best we can*", Jack Moffit intercedes unexpectedly. The Jewish boy beams at him and replies gratefully in his best British English: "Thank you, Jack!" The British Sergeant smiles in spite of himself at the young orphan. He may not have been there for his own little brother, but like the German Captain he can make a difference for this boy who depends on them and trusts them all explicitly. Hans Dietrich is infinitely grateful to the British Sergeant for his timely intervention and repeats in a similar tone as his ward: "Thank you, Moffit." "You're welcome, both of you", Jack Moffit replies politely, before turning to prepare his equipment for the day, while his CO finally gets the time to button his shirt.

Today they will ride on the reconnaissance mission into the German held oasis to scout the military situation and investigate the actual troop strength and whether attacking or circumventing the base will be the smarter move. Dietrich as well as his men and Captain Brown are highly motivated to learn about the whereabouts of the SS men and the LRDP prisoners they have taken with them. The local base would be the first possible station for them and the German Captain intends to learn as much as he can about Hauptmann Zornbrecht's fort and oasis, before deciding on a possible attack or takeover. To this end the former Afrikakorps Hauptmann prepares the Arab kaftan and dagger, a cloth to be wrapped into a turban and the leather shoes they have bought from Sheikh Sulaiman's trader in addition to his uniform cap and goggles. They will have to reach the oasis first, before they can start their infiltration mission, disguising as a small trade caravan which will be more authentic with the three Bedouin teenagers and five camels to take along. Although their run-in with the Arab slavers has been an ordeal, it helps them greatly now. And it has saved Kiri's life and honour, even if it has cost her mother's life. The German Captain observes the Bedouin girl thoughtfully, as he contemplates the events which have led them here. Once Kiri notices his intense gaze she smiles at him and approaches the young man, followed by Ari. "*What do we do now, Ioannes?*", the girl wants to know. "*We get washed and cleaned, Kiri*", the German Captain replies calmly.

Hans Dietrich intends to establish getting washed as a morning routine for the children and thus insists that they accompany him to the officer's facilities. When he runs into General Atkins there, he almost regrets his decision however, as both are really intimidated by the older American officer who bears a natural aura of strict authority both children can sense and which instills fear in them. With Ari and Kiri clinging tightly to him the German Captain salutes properly with a wince and greets the higher ranking officer with a formal "Good morning, General.", as he eyes the older man slightly warily. "Good morning, Captain Dietrich. Still herding your kids I see", the American replies with a sly and amused smile. "They have both suffered enough to feel safer with a protector", the young German Captain rises to their defence instinctively, placing an arm around each of the children's shoulders in a reassuring manner. "I have no doubt that they feel well protected by you and your men. Captain, I want you and Sergeant Moffit to report to Captain Boggs' command tent after breakfast at 0830", Atkins provides a clear order to the younger officer who salutes sharply in response. "I will see you three at breakfast then. You can tell your wards that they need not be afraid of me. I rarely eat children for breakfast", Atkins offers in a jovial manner that makes Ari who can understand him glance at him with a mixture of curiosity and intimidation. Dietrich merely nods in response. "We will meet you at breakfast, Sir." Only once the scary old man has left, do Kiri and Ari let go of him and allow him the space he requires for taking care of his own needs, before insisting that the children do not just play with the water, but wash their faces and hands properly, demonstrating the intended usage of soap for cleaning.

After they are all cleaned up to the German Captain's satisfaction, he turns to the hospital where they run into a still sleepy looking Jakob Silberblatt who has brought Fritz to his checkup with nurse Hartigan. The children immediately swarm their beloved unit mascot petting the little dog who yelps and wags his tail enthusiastically. "What about Hitchcock?", Dietrich mutters to his friend who shrugs. "He refused and asked me for a favour instead." The German Captain frowns now at the disconcerting behaviour, wondering just what is going on between the Private and the nurse to make him act so extremely in avoiding her. "Fritz is much better. His ribs are healing well and I suppose there is no further risk of internal bleeding as long as you continue taking such good care of him", the American nurse informs them, petting the little dog fondly, as Fritz tries to lick her hand. "Thank you, Lieutenant Hartigan", Hans replies smoothly. "This means you're next, Captain", Lisa Hartigan addresses him directly. Aware that the checkup is in his own best interest and that of his health and arm's mobility, Captain Dietrich swallows his protest and complies with unbuttoning his jacket and shirt and tells his friend Jakob: "Please keep an eye on Ari and Kiri!"

The brown haired nurse frowns disapprovingly at the sight of the many bruises. Apart from his shoulder, the one above the young officer's liver is the only one causing serious concern, although they do not suspect internal bleeding any longer. Hans Dietrich winces several times, when she checks his shoulder's mobility through directing him to move his right arm, which counteracts with some of the newly acquired bruises. After fifteen minutes of training for mobilisation of the limb, Lisa finally leaves the German Captain in peace. "Send my regards to Mark Hitchcock and tell the coward that he has to come to sickbay for his medical checkup whether he likes it or not", the headstrong nurse tells the slightly baffled Dietrich with a growl, before adding in a more amicable manner: "Please, don't take it personally, Captain. You're just the messenger here." Hell holds no wraith like an angry woman, Hans considers and wisely refrains from saying anything that might anger the nurse further, replying instead with a tinge of sarcasm and a slightly ironic bow: "At your service, my Lady." The nurse actually smiles at the humorous reply in honest amusement. "You're my first choice as chivalrous knight, Captain. Take care of yourself as well, not only your men!", she advises the young officer with a stern tone but friendly smile. "We all would like to keep you around." Deciding that staying with his previous strategy, which has succeeded in amusing her and lightening her mood, is his safest option, Hans Dietrich replies dryly: "Your wish is my command, my Lady." Laughing heartily and exchanging a wide grin with Deirdre O'Donnell who observes them from another part of the tent, Lisa Hartigan sends them on their way after Jakob has helped Hans into the shirt and jacket.

When they walk to the mess tent for breakfast with Fritz lying in Kiri's arms and licking her chin enthusiastically, Ari inquires from his brother with curiosity: "Hans, what is a chivalrous knight?" Jakob exchanges a bemused smile with his friend who has inadvertently triggered this inquiry. "A knight is an honorable warrior", Hans Dietrich replies with a smile. "Like you?", the Jewish boy asks cautiously and the German Captain gives a shrug and half-nod as a reply. "But you said that you are an officer." Now the German Captain actually smiles with amusement, as he leads their way into the tent. "You remember that the Bedouins called me 'Faris'. This basically is the same as a knight. Originally it is a warrior with a horse in service of a king or Sheikh who heeds to a code of honour and nobility which is referred to as chivalry. This comes from the French word for horse." 'I am starting to sound like Moffit', the German Captain reminds himself, wincing slightly at the realisation. "So you are a knight", Ari summarises what he has learned. "From a certain perspective, in a manner of speaking", the young officer answers more cautiously, while he waits for the tray with their breakfast that Jakob intends to carry.

Kiri has put Fritz down who greets his friends at the food dispense station with friendly yelps and wags his tail. "Make sure you get Sir Dietrich a proper breakfast", Sam Troy comments from behind, making the German Captain turn around to eye him warily. "Troy. Von Stolberg was right. You Yankees are indeed a bunch of insolent plebeians. Sneaking up on people and eavesdropping on their conversation is neither polite nor noble behaviour", the young officer counters dryly. "But funny and informative. Did you get up from the wrong side of the bed after Jack woke you up, Captain?", the American Sergeant inquires with irony. "No. But I just got scolded by Hitchcock's girlfriend for his lack of courage in facing her and his medical treatment and only just managed to bluff my way out unscathed", Hans replies dryly. "I told you that woman's a wildcat", Troy argues. "This is not just her fault. Your... Our stubborn Private is just as much involved and to blame. His avoidance strategy is out of character for him", Dietrich argues. Troy scowls, but nods. "You're right, Captain Sherlock. Hitch is chewing on his breakfast as he usually would on his chewing gums." The German Captain grimaces at the thought of the chewing gum which greatly unnerves him, but still the behaviour Troy is describing causes him serious concern about the young Private's state of mind. "Why are you even here to bother and annoy me, Troy?", Dietrich inquires with a grimace. "Wouldn't your time be better invested by looking after Hitchcock?" "Hitch isn't going anywhere and Jack's still there to keep him from doing too much stupid stuff in the meantime. Also, you looked like you needed a hand for carrying your tray. And I just can't watch these poor kids going without a good breakfast", Troy replies with a frown. "Thank you, Troy!", Ari pipes in, holding his own plate with some mashed eggs and potatoes in his hands, while a bowl with porridge stands on the tray along with three other ones. "You're welcome, Ari!" Sam Troy smiles back at the boy, while Kiri stays closer to Dietrich feeling safer with her protector in the presence of the loud intimidating American.

Once they have made their way to the officers' table, Sam Troy places down the tray at a free spot close to where Boggs is sitting, as does Jakob Silberblatt who has carried the tray with their beverages and cutlery, while Dietrich, Ari and Kiri have only hold a single plate each. Before leaving, the American Sergeant approaches the German Captain and places a hand on his good shoulder, muttering for only Dietrich to hear: "We'll keep our eyes out for Hitch and see what we can do. But he's talked more to you yesterday than any of us." The German Captain nods curtly and his expression shows appreciation. "Thank you, Sergeant. Tell Moffit that we're expected at a meeting in Boggs' office at 0830. I entrust you with assuring that all is prepared for our scouting mission as well as providing backup for our reconnaissance operation in the oasis. Have Pettigrew and Gottschlich prepare the Jeeps properly!", Dietrich orders with a serious tone. "Sure, Captain. You can count on us", Troy replies, squeezing the tall German's shoulder, when he sees him nod in quiet acknowledgment. "I'll see you later. Enjoy your breakfast!" While the American Sergeant makes his way back to the enlisted men's table, his CO turns back to his Jewish friend and the children who smile at him, when he takes his seat.

"Good morning, Dietrich", Brown greets him jovially, as the Australian Captain moves over to his side from another end of the table and places a steaming cup of tea in front of the younger German officer. "Johnson sends his regards." "Inform him of my gratitude, since you insist on playing the messenger and service boy, Brown", Hans Dietrich replies dryly. Brown briefly grins, before his expression turns dire again. "You'll go spying into the oasis of the Jerry Captain that sodomite told us about", the Australian growls with audible anger over the German Private. The young German Captain quickly checks whether the children are listening, but is relieved to see that Jakob has thought of distracting them by speaking to Ari who translates for Kiri. Brown meanwhile continues unperturbed: "I want you to keep an eye out for our fellows taken by the SS." Dietrich focuses his gaze on the Australian, as he counters sternly: "Brown. This is exactly what Moffit and I would have done anyway, even without you approaching me. I acknowledge your concern for your comrades, but would appreciate not being treated like an ignorant idiot, even if I'm just a 'Nazi turncoat'."

After briefly bearing a startled expression, Brown's usual smile returns. "You're right. I didn't mean to insult you, lad." The German Captain narrows his eyes with an annoyed expression, but Brown continues without giving him the chance to intervene. "I should have known better than to doubt the fellow who's jumped into a snake pit to check on his man and mine. You're really a decent lad, Dietrich. I'm only sorry that you didn't defect to us." Dietrich sighs wearily. "So am I sometimes when insanity reigns among the Yankees", the German Captain replies dryly, glad to have gotten the Australian Captain off his blood thirsty path of revenge for a while. Brown grins at the comment and pats the young officer's shoulder in a similar fashion as Troy often does, noticing that the German tenses visibly at the touch, while he has appeared quite natural and relaxed when interacting with Sammy previously. "I'll leave you to your breakfast, Dietrich. You still look like you need it desperately. And your little lad and lass are already waiting for me to give them their foster father back", Brown comments nonchalantly and makes a quick retreat, before the German Captain can protest loudly against the last statement. "*Don't you want to eat something, Ioannes?*", Kiri asks with some concern for her new caregiver, before she adds with an appreciative smile: "*The food is really good.*" Smiling back at the Bedouin girl, Hans takes a sip of his tea first, before enjoying the rest of his meal.

James Boggs has observed his second in command interact first with Sergeant Troy and then with the Australian Captain, but leaves Dietrich to his breakfast afterwards. The German Captain is still worryingly underweight and barely in a state Boggs would normally feel comfortable to send any of his enlisted men out into the field. However, quarreling with the headstrong young officer appears not reasonable after he has seen the man drag himself through camp barely able to stay on his feet, still prioritising his military duty for his former enemies over his own health. The interaction between the proud young officer and his wards is still fascinating and admirable to the American Captain. That the Jewish orphan Ari whose life Dietrich has saved more than once loves and treats the young man like his father, brother and protector united in a single person is something most in the camp have become used to and accept by now. However that the orphaned Bedouin girl Kiri has developed a fast relationship of trust with the young officer is surprising, although it should not be, when James Boggs observes how his younger colleague treats the child in a friendly and compassionate manner, instilling trust through calmly being there to protect her and speaking in a non-threatening manner with her.

Observing the interaction of the three at breakfast reminds him of his own son Charly and his daughter Karen when they both have been much younger. Indulging a bit in the reminiscence of his own children, Boggs leaves the two close, but unequal friends, the German Captain and the Jewish Lieutenant, along with their wards to having their breakfast in relative peace. Boggs mainly supports the idea of the German Captain relating to the children to finally give the young man a reason to wish to stay alive and survive this war which he has not always had or acted accordingly since his arrival in his camp and his defection, blatantly disregarding his own health and safety to step in for the protection or rescue of others, ranging from the Italian troops under Tenente Marcello to the saving the Australians who still adore him for the attitude. "We should go to our meeting. Ask your friend or your men to look after the children, Captain Dietrich!", Boggs tells the German officer after a check on his watch. The lean young Captain merely nods in response and starts speaking with the children in a language Boggs assumes is Arabic, before leading them to the table with the Rats.

"Private Hitchcock", Hans Dietrich addresses the young Private with a stern tone. Hitch looks up at the Captain and the children and rises after a moment of hesitation. "What can I do for you, Cap?" The German officer studies the American's face intently, searching for any clue as to his strange behaviour, but finally settles for relaying his orders: "You could take care of calming your irate girlfriend before she seriously offends or harms people. But for now I will settle for you looking after Ari and Kiri for the day, and of course after your favourite camp hero, Fritz, Hitchcock." Mark has grimaced at the mention of Lisa Hartigan, but his face lights up more and more during the second part of Dietrich's orders. "Gladly. For looking so strict the jobs you give me are pretty nice, Cap. Can't complain about having the best CO in camp", Mark replies with a smile. "Don't let Captain Boggs or General Atkins catch you saying something like that or they might feel offended!", the German Captain counters dryly. "As if we would care about offending the brass", Troy comments with a grin and Dietrich grimaces. "Unfortunately, this hasn't changed in the least whichever side I'm serving on with respect to you, Sergeant", the young officer replies with irony. Jack Moffit smiles wryly, while Troy and Hitch grin openly. "We're much friendlier with you than any of the other guys", Troy points out. "However did I come to deserve such special treatment?", Dietrich inquires sarcastically. "You're our special friend", the American Sergeant replies with a grin. "Troy!", the German Captain sighs with exasperation. "Just watch the kids, while Moffit and I have a meeting to attend." Hitch is already bending down to speak with Ari who translates for Kiri. "Moffit", Dietrich calls sternly which is sufficient as an order, as the British Sergeant replies: "I'm right behind you, Captain." When it comes to showing a socially acceptable behaviour and compliance to orders Jack Moffit is still his favourite Rat Patrol member.

Both make their way to Boggs' office tent where General Atkins and Major Turner have joined Captain Boggs and First Lieutenant Adams, when Jakob Silberblatt comes running after them, catching up with his friend and the British Sergeant, as they reach the tent. "Captain Dietrich, Sergeant Moffit, Lieutenant Silberblatt. We've been waiting for you", the American General admonishes sternly, checking on his watch that it is a full minute past 8:30. "Forgive our tardiness", Dietrich replies, mostly hiding his sarcasm, as Jack Moffit whispers: "Captain!" with slight exasperation at his tone and Jakob eyes Hans with a worried glance. Atkins looks torn between annoyance at the impertinent behaviour and amusement at the interaction between the former enemies. Dietrich is adopting some of the insolent behaviour of his unit members faster than he can correct their behaviour for the better. Next time he might consider this before hiring an officer charged with routine insubordination. "We will reach the German held oasis today. How do you intend to perform your scouting and reconnaissance duties, gentlemen?", the American General inquires with a stern tone and expression, as he rights his moustache with a subconscious gesture. "We have intended to enter the oasis under the guise of Arabs along with our new scouts, riding on the camels which are less conspicuous than the horse and mules. To make the disguises more believable, we would like to add some tricks applied by our camp infiltrators given their success, namely donning a false beard from their collection of such equipment in addition to wearing the Bedouin clothes we have traded from the Sheikh's main trader who supplied us, as it would provide us, Sergeant Moffit and me, with a chance to hide our faces", Dietrich replies in a calm and professional tone, while the British Sergeant nods in agreement and support of his suggestions.

Atkins considers the suggestion and nods in approval. "I'm willing to support you in this matter, Captain Dietrich. You may take the disguise kits confiscated from the camp infiltrators. I expect you to return to report at latest when dusk is breaking." The tall young officer answers the order with a sharp salute, although he winces at the movement of his arm. Twirling his moustache, the American General observes the German defector with curiosity. In spite of his previous insolence, the lean young man still behaves more like a well-trained military officer than many of the enlisted men who view the tall German Captain with surprising adoration, given that he has been their enemy until recently. His own aide Silberblatt is the friend since childhood days of this particular German officer which has provided them with the unprecedented option of gaining a loyal and reliable support from the defector, something they would not easily have trusted otherwise.

"I heard that your scouts have provided their first reports yesterday and in addition to a false lead accompanied you to a cave expedition", Atkins states with audible irony. Involuntarily, the young officer blushes slightly at the mention of the episode with the Bedouin teenage girls. "Indeed, General", Hans Dietrich manages to get out rather smoothly, while Jack Moffit keeps his expression carefully neutral, knowing what this is about, but Silberblatt grins visibly before regaining control of his expression. "You both commence in the training of your scouts?", the older American officer inquires of the two Rat Patrol members. Both men nod quietly and the German Captain replies in addition: "Yes, Sir." "They could barely communicate with us. We required your orphan boy to translate", Atkins states with an accusatory tone. "They have not even known a single word in English until two days ago", Dietrich rises to the Bedouin teenagers' defense. "Considering this, they are not bad in communicating with people who don't speak a single word of their mother tongue, trying hard to learn our language in addition to receiving their scout training and knowledge about military information, Sir. They are only ordinary Arab teenagers, not battle hardened experienced warriors, General Atkins." "Captain Dietrich is right. One of them is the most talented in adopting our language and he has made surprising progress in such a short amount of time, General Atkins", Jack Moffit supports his struggling CO. Atkins looks between the two soldiers, remembering the Brit's skepticism at the German Captain's defection. "Sergeant Moffit, I would like you to accompany the Major and me for a short report. Captain Dietrich, Lieutenant Silberblatt will obtain and hand you your disguise kits from the confiscated goods of the infiltrators." "Thank you, General", Hans Dietrich replies with a salute, while Jakob Silberblatt remembers that "Yes, Sir" is the appropriate way in the American military to answer this indirect order given to him.

After all the others have left including First Lieutenant Adams who checks on their supplies, only the German Captain stays behind with James Boggs. Jack Moffit stops briefly, when he notices that his CO is not coming along with his friend Silberblatt to retrieve their disguise kits. "I will join you in a moment, Sergeant, Lieutenant", Dietrich speaks calmly and the British Sergeant nods in quiet acknowledgment as does his Jewish friend who has stopped as well, before both walk out of the tent. A General is better not kept waiting, even if he is not a member of the U.S. army, Jack considers. Hans Dietrich turns to his American colleague and removes the chain with the American dog tags from his neck by pulling it over his head, before he hands them to the astounded James Boggs with a serious expression. "Should I get caught, it is better if the Germans neither learn about my defection to your army nor start any search or interrogation in this direction." "Should you escape, no other unit will take you in, Captain Dietrich", Boggs argues with concern. "I doubt I will be able to escape on my own, should I be captured by the Axis side and even less be able to make my way to any other unit than this one. Both the Wehrmacht and the SS will first interrogate and then execute me. And I'm not Sergeant Troy who is the expert for Houdini-like escape artistry", the German Captain replies with a serious tone. "You will need our rescue in this case", Boggs mutters quietly, as he still eyes the German Captain's dog tags with a frown.

"Troy will march out with or without your order. Of this I have no doubt. But the German side doesn't know about my defection yet and I want to avoid being questioned about my new allies, so I won't give anything away in case they find ways of being persuasive enough." Dietrich looks thoughtful and slightly tormented, but honest in his statement. Given what he has been through, the German officer obviously knows his limits and really intends to protect Boggs' unit the American Captain realizes. "Why do you give these to me then and not Troy who you trust fully with your life?", Boggs asks with a frown, trying to discern the younger man's motives. The young German Captain smiles wryly. "Because unlike Troy I am a professional soldier and I know the chain of command. You're my commanding officer and it is my duty to inform you about this measure and entrust you with these. If you order me to leave such actions within our unit in the future, I will do so, Captain Boggs." Boggs shakes his head. "I'm absolutely delighted that you trust me with this, but wouldn't have expected it from you, Captain Dietrich. I'm used to even less involvement and trust from Troy and his Rats, although they are Americans and have served under my command for a full year", the older Captain argues. "Don't be ridiculous! It is nothing personal, but a professional trust I have for you. We're neither friends nor do I expect you to like me. This is merely an action of an officer of your own army entrusting his commanding officer with relevant information", Hans Dietrich argues sternly, surprised that the American Captain who he has credited with professionalism until now would even start such a ridiculous argument. "Thank you, Captain Dietrich. You can trust me though, when I tell you that not only Sergeant Troy and your Rats will wish to free you and bring you back, should anything happen to you", Boggs assures the wary young German who bears a fatalistic expression and clearly does not fully believe him.

The events of the past days, Captain Brown's comments and the attack through the Australian soldier have made the German defector more wary and distrustful of his new side, moving closer to the members of his unit who he most surprisingly holds actual personal sympathy for as well as the other way around from what Boggs has purposefully observed during the last days. Not only Troy who has treated the German Captain with unusual friendliness and sympathy from the beginning, but apparently all members of the Rat Patrol including to Boggs' surprise the unruly law breaker Pettigrew treat their former enemy from the Wehrmacht like he has belonged to their unit for a much longer time than three weeks. Frowning, Boggs considers that maybe he should try a different approach to get to the heart of this matter and speak with Dietrich's long term friend, the Jewish Lieutenant Silberblatt, who usually appears friendly and openhearted, to learn how to convince the German Captain of his own sincerity. Captain Dietrich treats Boggs with more professional trust and loyalty than Troy ever has, but his lack of personal trust has been rather obvious in the exchange, the older American officer reflects once the younger German Captain has left after a proper salute.

Jakob hands Hans the disguise kits he has retrieved from the box with the confiscated materials of the infiltrators. "Please take care, Hans!", he pleads with his friend. "I have a bad feeling about this." Dietrich smiles wryly. "Jakob, you have a bad feeling about anything military which involves the potential usage of force." Silberblatt still looks worried, but concedes: "You're right, Hans. Still, you're getting closer to the Germans than you have since moving against Major von Stolberg and his unit. I'm just worried that someone might recognize you." The German Captain nods. "I know this very well, Jakob, which is the reason why I have asked for this." He holds up the disguise kits. "With darker skin and a false beard, my bruises should be hidden and my face harder to recognize." Silberblatt nods, then steps forward to embrace his friend. "Promise me that you will still take care and take no risky actions!", he demands and his friend finally gives in. "I promise you that I will not take any unnecessary risks and sway in the direction of caution. Take care of Ari and Kiri while I'm gone! Hitchcock is rather distraught and behaving quite out of character regarding his girlfriend, the nurse Hartigan, to a degree that I am worried about him and cannot fully trust him with the children for now", the German Captain argues. "I'll look after all three of them, all four, if we include Fritz", Jakob promises his trusted friend with a smile. "Thank you, Jakob", Hans replies smiling back. "It's good to have a friend who I can trust." "Sergeant Troy is your friend as well, even if you try to protect yourself and him by calling it a probation. He'd march through hell for you and challenge the devil himself", Silberblatt argues. Dietrich smiles at the image. "He would actually. But he's scaring the children and approaching Hitchcock so bluntly that he closes off which is not helping me in this regard. Subtlety and empathy aren't his areas of expertise." Jakob winks. "Then it's good for him that he has a friend to teach him about both." His German friend grimaces. "That's about as easy as teaching a rock how to swim." Jakob laughs. "You'll manage, Hans. Just take care for now, please." Hans squeezes his shoulder in return. "Don't worry. I will. I swear it to you."

As Dietrich leaves in the direction of the Jeeps, Jakob walks toward the trucks where he will meet Mark Hitchcock with the children again. "Here", Hitch hands a chewing gum to Ari and Kiri each. Ari already knows the sweet funny substance, while Kiri eyes the small wrapped package doubtfully. "*You can chew on it, but you must not swallow it*", the Jewish boy explains to the Bedouin girl. "You should chew it", Hitch explains to the girl again without knowing what the boy has told her, straining every single word to make her understand the meaning, as he points at himself and then exaggerates the chewing motion. "And then you can do this." Mark demonstrates the magic of blowing a bubble from the gum that the girl observes transfixed with fascination. Chewing it as intensely and exaggerated as he has, she manages to blow a bubble at her third try, giggling loudly, as it explodes and sticks onto her face. "*Mine has never become so big*", Ari complains with a pout. "*How did you do this?*" Hitch meanwhile applauds and cheers for the girl. "You're a natural, Kiri! My best bubble blowing student ever." "*What did he say?*", Kiri asks Ari. The boy shrugs. "*I think that you are good with making the bubble thingies*", the boy translates, trying to hide his slight jealousy. Kiri grins at Hitch widely and blows another bubble, sharing the laughter with her new teacher of mischief. Luckily for Mark Hitchcock, Hans Dietrich is completely unawares of his actions and thus does not scold or stop him.

Hussein, Shakir and Farooq are excited at the prospect that they will go on a scouting mission with the German Captain and the British Sergeant who have already been their main instructors and teachers in the past two days. Especially the young officer they admire and follow with actual devotion, since he not only has rescued them from slavery and recruited them for his escape attempt, but also has introduced them to his Sheikh, the General Atkins, to become hired as scouts for the Westerners. Captain Dietrich has ordered that they bring five camels with them to provide Moffit and him with a riding beast as well. Like the previous day, he rides on the horse in the beginning and directs the young Bedouins and the Jeeps likewise. Not only does the German Captain feel much more comfortable on horseback than in a Jeep, but also does he appear much more graceful and respect instilling, when riding up cliffs with a natural elegance, Moffit realizes and even Troy acknowledges. "Helen will love the guy once she's forgiven him for stealing and reading her letter", Troy mutters, briefly forgetting that not Hitchcock but Gottschlich is his current driver. "I beg your pardon, Sergeant Troy", the young Corporal replies slightly startled by the statement. "Don't worry, Gotty! Our good Captain will understand", the American Sergeant replies jovially. "Just follow his lead."

They follow a similar routine as the previous day with Dietrich checking the surroundings from the top of a dune on horseback, while the Jeeps and his camel riding scouts remain out of sight. During their lunch break the German Captain and his British Sergeant instruct the young Arabs about what they should take care of during their joint reconnaissance mission, how to avoid the attention of guards, how to ask for information about the occupying force of Westerners, how to observe their enemies' armament and recognize hidden lookout, guards and vehicles. As the topic is relevant, Sam Troy provides similar instructions to the intently listening Corporal Gottschlich with one of the two instructors for the Arabs switching to English and sharing the information. Hussein, Shakir and Farooq absorb all instructions like sponges the water with Farooq asking for the English terms for many of the described things a second time to repeat the vocabulary, while Hussein asks for additional insights into gathering information, for which Jack Moffit is sharing some of his and the Rats' tricks that astound even Hans Dietrich who listens as closely as the Bedouins, while he scowls, sometimes shaking his head in disbelief or desperation to learn some of the outlandish ideas of the Rat Patrol he has not been aware of yet.

After lunch they continue with more caution, expecting German patrols from the fortress and getting into view of the oasis at any time. From his lookout on one of the dunes, the German Captain signs to Troy and Moffit to join him, while also indicating that the others are to wait and stay hidden, as he quickly dismounts and leads the Arab steed back behind the dune to hide it from view. "What is it, Captain? Found the kraut oasis?", the American Sergeant inquires gruffly. "Sergeant Troy", Dietrich growls, slightly insulted by the unnecessary derogatory. "Sorry, Captain. I didn't mean you. You're not really a kraut in my eyes", Troy tries to apologise which only enrages the proud young Captain more. "You'd better not forget that I'm a German officer and will never stop being that, independent of my uniform!" "We won't, Captain", Jack Moffit interferes with a calm tone. "Please show us what you have discovered." The British Sergeant's moderate tone calms the young German who nods and points toward a dark spot at the horizon. "This is the oasis. Captain Boggs' convoy should not approach any closer than this, neither should our Jeeps, if we want to avoid detection", Dietrich points out. Troy squints and gives up after five seconds, when he holds out his hand. "Just give me these binoculars, Captain Hawkeye." "Troy. I would have thought we have the time of ridiculous nicknames behind us", Dietrich growls with annoyance, as he removes the strap holding the optical device from his neck and hands it to the American Sergeant. "It's not ridiculous. You're a Captain and you definitely have eyes like a hawk", Troy counters, as he tries to see more of the oasis. "Even with these I can barely see more than a dark spot." "Now I know why you like automatic guns instead of sniper rifles, Troy", the German Captain replies dryly, ignoring the American glaring at him, as Troy grumbles: "Jerry smartass." Dietrich smirks, enjoying angering the American Sergeant a little in return maybe a bit more than he should. "Ignoring your repetitive comments, Troy, you will inform Captain Boggs via radio about the position of a valid camp location, once you have located one in collaboration with Pettigrew and Gottschlich, while Moffit will join me and our scouts for reconnaissance in the oasis. We will leave at latest two hours before sunset, as anything else would arouse suspicion." Troy nods grimly, while the German Captain addresses Moffit directly: "Doctor Moffit. It's time we change into our disguises and apply the false beards." Jack bows his head slightly. "After you, Captain."

"You're gonna have all the fun without us", Troy complains, as he shambles down the dune alongside Dietrich and Moffit. "Nobody keeps you from learning Arabic, Sergeant", the German Captain counters dryly. "But without the language skill, this would be far too risky." "Captain Dietrich is quite right with his assessment, old man", Jack supports their young CO. "I should have known that you Europeans would unite to conspire against us honest Yankee folks", Troy complains with irony. "The conspiracy of sanity and reasonability doesn't exclude you, because you're American, Troy, but because you're acting either insanely or unreasonably at least half of the time", the German officer counters with equal amounts of irony. Jack Moffit grins widely, as Sam Troy glares at the young Captain, grumbling something like "Insolent Jerry smartass". "You should start getting more creative with cursing me, Troy, if you want to keep me entertained or to get in the least insulted", Dietrich enjoys annoying the American, while he retrieves the kaftan and turban from the Jeep. "I'll think of something", Troy promises with a glare, before turning to inform Tully and Gotty about their mission for the next hour.

Meanwhile, Jack Moffit helps the younger officer out of his jacket and into the kaftan they both wear over their uniform shirts and trousers. "What did the General want from you, Moffit? A report on my misbehaviour?", Dietrich inquires with a scowl. Jack eyes the lean young officer carefully, before he replies with a serious tone: "That's more or less what he wanted, Captain. But I've never betrayed Troy to any superior officers who asked for his head for some of his crazy stunts, so I see no reason for betraying you. Compared to my previous CO, you're a role model officer without any inclination to cause trouble through insane activities." Hans eyes him warily for a few moments, before his expression becomes more friendly. "I should apologise for treating you with such distrust, Doctor", the German speaks with actual chagrin. "You shouldn't, Captain. You know that I did not like you personally and distrusted you as well for quite a while. Between the two of us, you're the more decent and less coldblooded fellow. I've really come to terms with that and you, Captain, even if I don't hold Troy's friendship status for you." Dietrich observes him intently, finally accepting the statement as the truth. "I'm utterly grateful to you that you're not forcing me into any probations as Troy has", he replies dryly. "I trust in your reasonability, Captain. When you're up to it, you'll stand by the truth", Jack replies cryptically, making the young officer scowl. "I'd better help you with this turban now. We definitely need to hide your hair", the British Sergeant points out. Winding the turban around the head is also impossible for the German Captain given his injured shoulder and the Cambridge scholar helps him without any fussing.

Once they have applied their beards, their disguises are finished and Hussein, Shakir and Farooq appear quite impressed by their changed appearances. "*You are sly and smart warriors indeed, Captain, Sergeant*", Hussein expresses his admiration. "*Some call the Captain 'young desert fox' because of his sly tricks*", Jack Moffit explains to them, earning a glare from Dietrich. "*I heard they call the Sheikh of one of the Westerners 'thalab as-saharaa', desert fox*", Shakir shares his knowledge proudly. "*I served under this General before joining my current allies*", Hans Dietrich replies with a serious and slightly pained expression. "*Captain thalab as-saharaa sghir sounds very complicated. I understand why they chose to call you 'faris alsahra' instead*", Farooq shares his thoughts and the German Captain breathes a sigh of relief that at least the Bedouin teenagers will not adopt Troy's nickname nonsense so easily. "*Let's ride into the oasis, water the camels and start our mission, gentlemen*", the young officer orders sternly. The German and the Brit acknowledge the young Arabs' honest efforts of saluting at the command. "Looks like you will actually make quite acceptable soldiers out of these lads until we reach Tobruk. Their salutes are already surpassing my driver's", Moffit comments dryly and Dietrich smirks at the reference to the insufferable misbehaviour of the Americans, muttering: "We will see, Sergeant."

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

After a full hour of scouting the surrounding area of the oasis, Sam Troy calls Gotty and Tully to a stop. "Noticed anything strange?", he asks the two drivers. While Gottschlich appears puzzled, Tully shrugs and shifts his matchstick in the corner of his mouth. "Hardly any Jerry vehicle tracks out here", the Kentucky driver replies with a scowl. Troy nods approvingly. "Damn right you are. Why are the Jerries hiding in the oasis?" Tully shrugs and Gottschlich offers his thoughts this time before him. "Maybe they have too little gasoline left for driving more than a few patrols." The American Sergeant smiles at him. "Just my thoughts, Gotty. You're learning quickly." The young Corporal smiles shyly at the praise. "Thank you, Sir." Troy pats him on the shoulder. "You earned it, kid. Captain was right. You'll make a good commando soldier with some more training", the older American tells him with a smile. Then, he turns to the Private. "Tully, start the radio. We'd better inform Boggs about this camp location we found and stay on guard in case the Jerries do have some gas left for patrolling after all."

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

James Boggs has summoned the Jewish Lieutenant after they have reached their camp position Sergeant Troy has recommended and his new temporary office has been erected. "Good afternoon, Lieutenant. I have a few things I would like to discuss with you", the Captain announces and the younger man eyes him curiously and expectantly. Unlike his friend he is not used to being asked for his opinion, unless the interrogation of German prisoners or the General's organisation are involved. "Lieutenant Silberblatt, you know your friend, Captain Dietrich, better than anybody else. Explain to me why he acts in such a manner out of character for a professional soldier and officer, accepting losses and retribution to act according to principles of morale and honor before any strategic advantage", Captain James Boggs puts one of his concerns sternly to the younger officer, once the young man has settled down in the chair in front of Boggs' office desk. Jakob Silberblatt appears surprised by the order at first, but then starts to answer with a sad smile: "You should understand one thing about Hans Dietrich, Captain Boggs. He has been brought up with the notion that he would one day become an officer and serve his country and his people. His father was very influential in this regard, making it clear that this was his destined path no matter what. Nobody could have deterred either father or son from this notion, independent of Hans having interest and talent for engineering and sciences or even languages." Boggs nods and mutters: "I see. Please continue with your explanation."

Jakob Silberblatt nods and explains with a serious tone: "His uncle, Doktor Heinz Wolf, and my father, were both medical doctors and had quite humanistic and charitable tendencies. Also, because his parents had other priorities, he spent a lot of time with the Wolfs or my family. Therefore, my father and his uncle agreed that they would at least instill a very clear moral compass in Hans, if they could not change his path toward a military career. You should understand that both of them served as field medics in the Great War and experienced the horrors of war themselves. They sometimes shared stories of their experiences in the field with me, but a lot more often with Hans, not that it would have deterred him in the least from his elected path. They both knew that this wouldn't work to get the son of a cavalry officer to change his path toward the military. After all Hans Dietrich had learned riding on his father's battered old war horse and grew up with his father's and grandfather's battlefield stories along with a certain military drill. Our first school teacher was quite impressed that he used to salute, whenever given instructions for school work." Jakob smiles with sad reminiscence and Boggs tries to envision the brown haired German boy who behaves like a junior soldier in his school days already. Finally, he understands how Dietrich has forced First Lieutenant Winters into showing him grudging respect in spite of the stubborn man's prejudices against the German Captain. Proper military behaviour has been important for his former Lieutenant and the young Captain undoubtedly possesses more of this instilled in him from early youth than many of their enlisted men ever have adopted in spite of Winters' drill methods.

Jakob Silberblatt continues with his explanation: "But because of their own experiences, my father and his uncle both knew what to expect from the career awaiting him and what they would have wanted and expected from an officer who could be considered a good and honorable man for his men as well as his enemies." The Jewish Lieutenant sighs wearily and bears a sad and worried expression, as he continues: "And they have been very successful with their meticulous efforts over the course of years. Hans was sentenced to death by the Nazis for not budging from his principles, he will surely not do so now on his own accord." Jakob Silberblatt meets Captain Boggs' eyes, as he states with a serious tone: "As long as you respect these principles, Captain Dietrich will march through hell for you and back again, Captain Boggs, putting his own life on the line before the lives of his men or his allies." Boggs nods thoughtfully. "Thank you, Lieutenant. He has done this already. Although this might surprise you, I like your friend, as the decent man he is, not just the valiant officer who serves in my unit, even though he causes me headaches for quite different reasons than Sergeant Troy has for months. He's definitely not what I expected from a defected German officer under my command, for better and for worse."

Boggs cautiously eyes the young Jewish officer, born and raised in Germany himself, before he continues with his next inquiry: "Lieutenant Silberblatt. Would you consider transferring to serve alongside your friend?" Jakob pales visibly. "I'm sorry, Captain, but I can't. Unlike Hans, I'm not a soldier. The Wehrmacht kicked me out after the first weeks of basic military training. I have no service weapon and don't want one either, as I neither can nor want to fire one. I'm merely an interpreter and consultant, not a real soldier, Captain Boggs. I got the rank of Lieutenant only for being treated fairly by the officers." "You're a good camp aide and radio officer, Lieutenant Silberblatt. I know I could not send you to battle like the Rats or your friend, Captain Dietrich. They all can and will fight and kill, when the need arises. But you have other qualities regarding organisation, planning, but also strategic advice and inside knowledge of the German side", Boggs argues with actual conviction. "Thank you, Captain Boggs. I'm really ... honoured, but I mustn't do anything that could endanger my friend. And he would risk his life without thinking of his own safety to protect me. He has done that more than once, the last time when Major von Stolberg's commando soldiers took us as prisoners." Boggs nods in understanding. "I don't want to force you, Lieutenant. I merely ask you to think about the option!"

With a weary sigh, the American Captain adds: "Maybe you can support me with another answer, even if you don't wish to join your friend's unit. I have noticed that he has turned more distrustful and wary of the Allied officers and soldiers again, not the Rats though whom he trusts to the degree of sharing the same quarters which you do as well." Silberblatt nods and bears a hard to read expression now. "What is it that you want to know from me, Captain Boggs? Hans has not chosen to share quarters with the Rats, but accepted Sergeant Troy's offer more for Ari's and my sake than his own originally. The Sergeant just didn't give him much of a chance to move out, although he could have easily, if he really would have wanted to. His meek protest was just a show to save his pride and dignity. Captain Dietrich and Sergeant Troy really are something like friends." Boggs nods. "This confirms more or less what I have observed myself, Lieutenant. But I thank you for the additional insight." "There's nothing wrong with what Hans has done. He's been cast out by his country, military and family, all of which he has always been loyal to, not blindly though, but with a degree of critical thinking. Being all alone among enemies is not something he could have survived for long, given how little he has cared about risking his own life. I fostered the friendship and friendly relationships with the men of his unit for his own protection", Jakob Silberblatt argues with honest conviction to defend his friend. "If you want to reprimand somebody for the inappropriate behaviour, it should be me and not Hans Dietrich." Boggs smiles at the honest words speaking of true friendship. "I'm not questioning your friend's choice of his friends. Nobody would protect him more loyally than Troy I suppose, although the Sergeant has never treated me with even a fraction of the amount of personal sympathy and loyalty he has held for your friend from the very beginning of his change of sides", Boggs argues.

Then the American Captain sighs and specifies: "What I need your opinion on is how I can gain some trust from your friend though, Lieutenant." Silberblatt frowns, but argues: "Hans trusts you as his senior officer and took care of you personally, when you were injured." Boggs nods. "He trusts me on a professional level, although even that has his limits. He handed me his dog tags today to protect our unit should he get captured. He very clearly stated that he believed that Troy would march through hell for him, even without official orders." Silberblatt smiles at the words and mutters: "I have no doubt he would." Boggs continues with a worried expression: "Neither have I. What concerns me though is that Captain Dietrich quite clearly stated as well that he believes that we, the senior officers of the U.S. or British army, would sacrifice him without second thought, as he is just a former enemy and doesn't hold the same value for us as one of our countrymen. This is consistent with his statements of the last days that he doesn't know our motivations and doesn't trust either of the higher ranking officers to not use him for their own means and to further their careers." Silberblatt counters: "Wouldn't you do that? Did you tell him honestly that you try to gain his trust and why? Even now I don't understand why this is relevant for you, Captain Boggs."

Boggs sighs wearily and weighs his options. "Swear to me that you will not tell this to the Rats, including your friend!" Silberblatt looks astonished and sceptical, but nods finally. "I won't tell him, if it doesn't endanger his life or violate his principles." Boggs accepts this. "Neither should be the case. General Atkins has offered me to stay in command of your friend and his unit beyond North Africa, if I can manage to gain a level of trust with him that the General considers relevant for his commando units and their commanders", the American Captain replies honestly and Jakob Silberblatt's eyes widen with surprise. James Boggs hesitates, then continues with his explanation: "For ordinary operations, the professional level of trust we share would be sufficient, as Sergeant Troy has been far less cooperative and trusting than your friend. But that Captain Dietrich thinks that I would sacrifice his life without second thought is troubling for me. Also Captain Brown has volunteered to take command of the Rats should I fail in this regard. He shares a friendship with Sergeant Troy already, but I have noticed that your friend is extremely wary of him, especially during the last days."

Silberblatt considers the information he has been given. "I can't tell you much about his relationship to Captain Brown, but I have observed the same behaviour as you have described it. I suppose that Hans would definitely prefer you as his commander. If you want to gain his trust, speak with him openly and honestly. He may not believe you at first, but he didn't believe Sergeant Troy either. However, if you're honest with him, he will come around after having had some time to think about it, as he has with Sergeant Troy after some time, seeing that he treats him like a friend now. He will not forgive you though, if you try to lie to him or deceive him, if he ever finds out. It's one of the reasons why he still dislikes and distrusts Captain Brown. The Aussie gave him his word and has forgone it on the same evening. Hans Dietrich doesn't forgive or forget such behaviour." "Thank you for your advice and support, Lieutenant", Boggs replies, relieved that the young officer is indeed as cooperative as he would have hoped. "I'm mainly helping you for my friend's sake, Captain Boggs", Jakob Silberblatt argues with conviction. "Hans Dietrich deserves to be treated with honesty and respect. I know it's not good for him to distrust his superiors, even though he finally trusts the men of his unit. Compared to the Rat Patrol, you will have a much harder time convincing him, as he has been betrayed by his superiors before and is a lot more wary of authorities, given his experiences in the Wehrmacht and the Nazis' German Reich." Boggs frowns and considers this fact which he has not given much thought before. "Your friend has been second guessing his superiors and their motives long before defecting you mean."

Silberblatt smiles wryly. "My friend has blackmailed a government official into issuing false papers for me and my whole family as well as paying for our ship tickets to the United States, when he was barely twenty years old and the war had not even begun. But helping Jews in such a manner was a punishable crime nonetheless that could have cost him more than simply his military career. Hans has known that he could not trust his government or high command in Berlin for a long time." Boggs looks honestly surprised by the revelation. "Thank you for the personal story, Lieutenant. I have no intention to backstab, sacrifice or harm your friend." Silberblatt nods. "I know. Otherwise I would not have told you any of this, Captain Boggs. May I leave now to look after our wards?" Boggs smiles. "The children really love your friend like their father or brother. I sometimes feel reminded of my own son and daughter." "Tell this to Hans. He would appreciate the compassion and some expert advice on being a parent, given he has no experience at all", Silberblatt advises with a smile that the older Captain returns. "He is a natural then. No wonder some of the nurses look a bit starry eyed when they see him with the kids." Both share an amused smile, before Boggs concludes their conversation: "I'll heed your advice, Lieutenant. Thank you. Farewell."

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

The crowded bazaar provides them with cover within the masses of stationary and travelling Bedouin traders, local folk bidding for wares, women and children who are haggling, chatting or playing on the central square of the oasis where social life of the oasis community is playing out. Dietrich instructs Hussein, Shakir and Farooq to speak with the local Arabs about their knowledge and opinion on the German occupation force, its strength and commanding officers as far as they know them as well as rumours making their rounds in the oasis which might reveal something interesting about their enemies. All of them are to report and meet the two Europeans at the same place again in two hours time. The three Bedouin teenagers leave with their respective camels, eager to prove themselves, before Dietrich and Moffit similarly arrange to split up and ask or look for information. "*I will see you later, Captain*", Jack says his goodbye staying with Arabic to not attract attention, before the British scholar turns around, leading his camel at its reins. Hans guides his own riding beast along, as he walks among the bustling crowd of Arabs, while he inconspicuously observes and counts the German guards.

"Hans Dietrich", a voice suddenly shouts loudly in a heavy Arabic accent. The young German officer's blood runs cold, when he sees three German soldiers move in his direction and that of his caller, as the soldiers shout angrily: "Stehen bleiben! Hände hoch!" The German Captain has no intention to stop or lift his arms, giving himself away too early. "*You need to take my camel and get out of here, before they suspect you, Omar*", he orders the young Arab who he has last met at the Red Cross Station in August and accompanied to provide medical treatment to the members of his and his mother's tribe as a repay for the medics to provide him with the antibiotics for his men and Sheikh Sulaiman's townspeople. The Bedouin teenager stares at the German Captain dumbstruck, but automatically takes the camel's reins, as the tall European presses them into his hands. Seeing the British Sergeant move through the crowd, Dietrich bellows in Arabic: "*Don't get involved! Escape to get help!*"

Jack Moffit follows the command after a few moments of assessing the situation. He would not help the Captain by getting caught as well and with the amount of civilians around them, fighting their way out is obviously not an option for Dietrich, the humanist, while Troy would not have had such qualms. Omar, the Bedouin teenager, who has learned to accept the European Hans Dietrich after initial differences and being saved by the German, stares in confusion at the tall man and his strange reaction. "*Salam, Omar. Calling me by name was unfortunate and has called my enemies. But it's important that you do exactly what I tell you now to save yourself from being arrested. Ask for a reward for helping them catch me, so they don't suspect you of being my ally!*", Dietrich whispers to him urgently, while he discards the notion of trying to flee. They are surrounded by large groups of locals, several women and many children who with their dense clustering efficiently block any escape route, but who would become innocent victims of a massacre, if the German soldiers would shoot into the crowd with their machine guns. Moffit and the scouts can mix with those crowds and blend in to get away, but he himself has no chance to escape, as the German Captain does not want to trigger the men to start shooting with their automatic guns during a senseless flight. He is not Sam Troy after all and neither blessed with his uncanny luck to escape even from the tightest spots nor stricken by the American's insanity to even try such a lunatic escape plan.

"*Play along with me, Omar! I need to make them believe that you betrayed me, or they will arrest and harm you as well. Help my men to rescue me, if you want to help me!*", the German Captain whispers to the still confused looking youth with urgency, as he raises his arms in a clear sign of surrender which he also confirms verbally for the soldiers, asking not to shoot him, as he surrenders: "Nicht schießen! Ich ergebe mich." Then he growls in Omar's direction: "Elender Verräter! Verdammter, arabischer Hundesohn!" Although the teenager does not understand the German words calling him a traitor, he understands their intent clearly. "Hans Dietrich", the youth repeats and points at the man. As the soldiers surround them, he adds questioningly: "Bakshish?" Asking for a reward would play along the European soldier's ruse, as he has told him to do. One of the enemy soldiers shouts and curses in the direction of the youngster, but another takes a coin from his jacket pocket and hands it to the youngster. Then he shoos him off with a movement of his gun. Looking at Dietrich, Omar sees the tall German nod almost imperceptibly which he takes as his cue to run off, guiding the camel along.

The three German soldiers turn on Dietrich now that they have him at gunpoint. They all eye the tall lean man in the Arab kaftan who at close range does not have the facial features of an Arab in spite of the false beard. The one who has paid Omar bears the insignia of a Feldwebel and steps forward now. "Hauptmann Hans Dietrich?", he inquires sternly. The Captain nods, keeping his head proudly held high. There is no point in lying now. "Sie werden wegen Hochverrats gesucht, Hauptmann", the soldier declares that Dietrich is wanted for treason. "Bringen Sie mich zu Ihrem vorgesetzten Offizier, Feldwebel!", Dietrich orders him to bring him to his senior officer. The three soldiers exchange glances, unsure how to deal with a prisoner who is a German officer and treats them in the manner an officer would order soldiers of his army. Finally, they lead him back into their fortress where their own Hauptmann Zornbrecht, a tall balding man in his late thirties, awaits them along with his Leutnant Himmelland.

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

"*Who are you?*", Jack Moffit grabs the young Arab to whom Dietrich has handed his camel, although the teenager has betrayed him to the Germans, and cursed him as a traitor in German. "*I am Omar. Who are you?*", the youngster counters proudly. "*I am one of the Captain's soldiers*", Moffit replies, unwilling to give any information away, before he knows who he is dealing with. Hussein, Shakir and Farooq have reached them as well now and surround the other Arab teenager with dark expressions. "*You betrayed the Captain!*", Hussein barks his hateful accusation. "*You deserve to die*", Shakir adds with equal hatred and venom. "*Stop this!*", Moffit interferes, before this situation gets out of hand. "*We need to save Captain Dietrich. For this I would like to learn what has happened.*"

"*Captain ... Hans Dietrich. He is your commander*", Omar speaks, as realization dawns on him. "*I'm sorry. I didn't want to betray him, only to greet him. He is ... a friend. He helped me, saved my life and the lives of my tribe members, when the sickness struck us. I really wanted to greet him and thank him for all he did for us*", the young man explains with a sorrowful tone and tears in the corners of his eyes. Then, the young Arab explains what has happened from his perspective and how Dietrich has asked him to play the role of a traitor, even asking for a reward to protect Omar. "*You swear to Allah that this is the truth?*", Moffit inquires sternly. Omar nods with a downcast expression, as he replies with true conviction: "*Yes. I swear to Allah. May he strike me down with thunder and lightning, if I'm lying! How can we help Hans Dietrich?*"

"*We don't need your help*", Hussein growls with an angry expression. "*You've done enough harm*", Farooq supports his friend. "*Stop this quarreling now!*", Jack Moffit commands strictly. "*We all want to save Captain Dietrich. He trusted us to do so and protected us all by not trying to resist or flee, which might have gotten many people on the bazaar injured or killed, women, children and any of us.*" They all look downwards with a guilty expression. "*What can we do, Sergeant Moffit?*", Farooq is the first to ask mekely. "*We will ride back to our allies, inform them and summon our support. Trust me when I tell you that Sergeant Troy is the expert for breaking somebody from jail*", the British scholar replies with a dry tone. "*Omar. If you really want to help Captain Dietrich, you ride with us now. Otherwise give me the camel and begone!*", he addresses the teenager who bears a proud and stubborn expression, as he mounts the camel. "*I will ride with you and save Hans Dietrich. I have a life debt to repay!*", the young man states with a tone that could have come from the proud German Captain himself whom the teenager apparently admires to a certain degree.

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"Hauptmann Hans Dietrich", Zornbrecht recognizes his former colleague who has been convicted for treason and he glares at the younger man with a hateful expression, as he tears the false beard from his face, making Dietrich wince in pain. "Der Verräter wurde also endlich gefasst." The older German Captain smiles darkly at the bruised, lean traitor. "Ich kenne Sie und Ihren Ruf auch gut genug, um zu wissen, dass es nichts bringen wird, Sie zu verhören." When the other officer states coldly that he knows Dietrich and his reputation well enough to realize that trying to interrogate will be fruitless, Hans starts wondering what his intention is for him, if not to interrogate him. If Zornbrecht intends to execute him right away any help Moffit could summon will be too late for him. The older Hauptmann answers his silent question right away, glaring at his former colleague with a gaze full of venom. "Wir werden Sie daher, wie Ihr Urteil das vorsieht, am morgigen Tag standrechtlich erschießen. Aber davor möchte ich ein Exempel statuieren, damit keiner hier auf die Idee kommt, sich dem Befehl des Führers zu widersetzen und sich zu ergeben oder gar einen vergleichbaren Verrat zu begehen, wie Sie, Dietrich. Wertloser Abschaum." Hans is taken by surprise when Zornbrecht backhands him viciously after calling him worthless scum. The younger officer struggles to maintain decorum, while blood trickles from his nose. That he is to be court martialed tomorrow and not right away is the only good news, as it buys Troy and the Rats time to rescue him from his captivity. However, the declaration that Zornbrecht intends to make an example of him to deter his men from ignoring the Führer's orders by surrendering or betraying them to the Allies as he has done according to his verdict. "Danach übergebe ich Sie an Sturmbannführer Habeck. Ihr Starrsinn stört weder die SS noch Leutnant Himmelland besonders. Ganz im Gegenteil. Widerspenstige Gefangene verhört er besonders gerne." The younger Captain tenses, when the German Hauptmann tells him with a dark sadistic smile that he will hand him to Sturmbannführer Habeck, as neither the SS nor his Leutnant Himmelland mind interrogating a stubborn and resilient prisoner, on the contrary they enjoy the challenge.

When Zornbrecht provides a hand signal to his two guarding soldiers who grab Dietrich's arms, the younger German officer struggles almost on instinct, ignoring the pain his shoulder and other injuries cause him. Both guards just intensify their grip, holding the young Captain tightly, as the older and far beefier Leutnant Himmelland, compared to Dietrich himself, steps in front of the lean officer and draws his combat knife. With a sadistic gleam in his eyes the brutal thuggish officer grabs Dietrich at the front of his kaftan, cutting with a single swift motion through the Arab clothing and the shirt underneath. That he also cuts the young officer in the chest does not bother the German Lieutenant in the least. With his chest and the dog tags around his neck exposed, Dietrich realizes the intention of the action, as Zornbrecht dangles the German insignia from his hand showing it around in front of his men who he has called into the courtyard.

Hans can only congratulate himself for his presence of mind to have left the American dog tags with Boggs or he would not put it beyond the vicious Leutnant and the cold blooded Hauptmann to kill him in front of their men just to make an example of him, if he would bear American dog tags in this situation. "Das ist Hans Dietrich. Einstmals war er ein angesehener Hauptmann des Afrikakorps, ja sogar ein Protege Rommels. Der niederträchtige und hinterhältige Verräter hat uns an die Amerikaner verraten und hat damit nicht nur den deutschen Offiziersstand, sondern die gesamte Wehrmacht, Sie alle, die Sie ehrbar für Ihr Vaterland kämpfen, entehrt!" Hans Dietrich glares at the Hauptmann, when he declares that Dietrich has once been a decorated Hauptmann of the Afrikakorps and even Rommel's protege only to end as a backstabbing traitor who has dishonored not only every German officer but the whole Wehrmacht, all of the men here, through his actions of betraying them to the Americans. The young Captain recognizes the frustration, betrayal and hatred in the eyes of the soldiers around which does not bode well for him.

Zornbrecht is not finished yet. "Morgen werden wir ihn offiziell hinrichten, außer die SS findet es interessant, ihn noch länger zu verhören, aber jetzt dürfen Sie diesen Verräter erst einmal spüren lassen, wie sich sein Verrat für Sie anfühlt. Er gehört Ihnen, solange er bei Bewusstsein ist. Wache, Sie sorgen dafür, dass er nicht am Kopf oder tödlich getroffen wird. Er soll schließlich noch für sein Verhör tauglich sein." Dietrich suppresses a shudder when the German officer declares that although he will be executed tomorrow, unless the SS considers him worth interrogating even longer, for now the men are given the freedom to make him feel their anger at his betrayal, for as long as he stays conscious and not too badly harmed that his interrogation would not be hindered afterwards, meaning that none is to strike for his head or provide any other deadly blow. "Keine Waffen!", the coldly smiling Hauptmann also adds as an afterthought that they are not to use weapons, when he sees his Leutnant playing with his combat knife. With a disappointed look, Himmelland puts the knife back into its sheath, before taking the first swing at the traitor who has no chance to defend himself, as his arms are still held tight by the guards. Dietrich bites his teeth together to suppress the groan of pain at the strike that has been aimed at the largest bruises along his ribs with the intent to cause as much pain as possible. After the Leutnant has taken his first few swings he instead focuses on directing the men of his unit on where to hit to cause as much pain as possible without allowing him to black out or harming him too much to kill him too early. Peter Meier's fear and assessment of the Leutnant as a sadist enjoying to cause others pain are absolutely valid, as the Captain becomes a first hand recipient.

After having lost count of the blows and strikes he has received, a man in his early thirties with blond hair and an athletic stature steps in front of the barely conscious young German officer. Only after a few seconds of trying to focus his gaze on the man's face to identify his blurry features does Dietrich recognize his former Feldwebel Weiß who has apparently been transferred to this unit. "Der war früher mein Hauptmann, der Scheißkerl von einem Verräterschwein", the burly man growls loudly, as he steps forward and curses his former Captain as a damned traitor. Leutnant Himmelland starts to smirk with glee at the prospect of seeing the young Hauptmann suffer even more. 'Es tut mir leid', the strong man formulates his plea for forgiveness without speaking the words out loud, before striking a single hard blow against the lean former Wehrmacht Hauptmann's temple. As intended the Feldwebel has knocked the badly injured officer out with a single strike he still feels bad about, but knows that it has been his only option to save Dietrich from further injuries. "Halt. Er ist bereits bewusstlos. Wir sollen nicht länger auf ihn einprügeln. So hat es Hauptmann Zornbrecht befohlen", he calls out and reminds the angry mob of their current Hauptmann's orders to stop beating the traitor once he is unconscious while the man in question hangs limply in the arms of his guards.

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"What happened? Where's the Captain?", Troy growls with serious concern and anger, as he sees Jack Moffit return with the three Bedouin teenagers and a fourth one in addition who he has never seen before, but no Dietrich in sight. "This young man, Omar, has recognised Captain Dietrich and called him by his name, inadvertently giving him away to the Germans", the British scholar tries to explain, but gets interrupted immediately. The young Bedouin bears a pained and guilty expression, when he hears his name mentioned and sees the unknown older soldier's angry glare directed at himself. "What's that supposed to mean? Where is Dietrich?", the American Sergeant snarls lividly. "The Captain was arrested and signed us to flee without a fight, as he didn't want to endanger the civilians on the bazaar by provoking the German soldiers to open fire", Moffit replies trying to keep his outward calm, although he is worried about the German Captain himself. "That damn idiot is too chivalrous and noble for his own good. You should have shot the Jerries anyway and given him the chance to run!", Troy snaps in an accusatory tone. "Troy. Captain Dietrich knows fully well what he is doing. If he wants to protect the lives of dozens of innocent civilians, independent of their colour of skin and their heritage, it is the morally right decision and the one we know him to make. You know that he wouldn't forgive us to endanger or harm innocent bystanders purposefully, especially children. Also, I believe that he wanted to protect our young scouts as well as me and even the lad who has inadvertently given him away to the Jerries, since the Captain ordered him to play along with a ruse by asking for a reward for betraying him, cursing him in German as a distraction for the soldiers, although he has known that the lad doesn't understand him."

Troy scowls with clear annoyance at the explanation, glaring at the young Arab teenager who bears a guilty expression and looks truly downcast. "We gotta get him out and then I'll have a word with this bullheaded, noble hearted Jerry smartass about this chivalrous, selfless streak of his!" "We need to report to Captain Boggs first and get our orders for operating", Jack Moffit argues. "Nonsense. We just go in there and get him out. Dietrich said himself that not asking for permission is less punishable than going against direct orders", Troy counters, ignoring Moffit's, Pettigrew's and Gottschlich's desperate and shocked expressions. "Cap would want us to tell Boggs", Tully even wrestles down his aversion against speaking openly to try and bring Troy to his senses. The silent Private's words, who usually is not the one heeding to military protocols and trusting in the brass or any authority at all, seem to have an actual effect, as Troy glares at him, but at least considers the statement. Dietrich's example seems to rub off even on Tully, Jack Moffit considers with some admiration for the German Captain to have managed such a feat he would have considered as playing in the same league as curing Troy from his notorious streaks of insanity.

"Captain Boggs will not leave Captain Dietrich to die", even the equally shy and quiet Riku Gottschlich adds his opinion. With a sigh, Troy finally concedes: "Fine. Have your way! We report to Boggs, get permission for a rescue operation and then we save our Captain. But if anything happened to him, 'cause we waited for too long, I'll make those damned krauts pay for it and then you'll get your earful as well." "Going the proper way is what Dietrich would actually want us to do", Jack Moffit confirms, ignoring the rest of the angry statement purposefully. "What are we waiting for? You inform your Arab kids, Jack. Let's shake it!", Troy barks his orders and climbs back onto the Jeep, while Moffit orders the four Arab teenagers to ride along with them, taking his camel by the reins, while he will ride on the second Jeep with Tully. Hussein takes the camel and salutes, as do Shakir and Farooq, while Omar asks: "*Will you save Hans Dietrich?*" "*We will try to correct your mistake and save our Captain, Omar. You come with us and help us now*", Moffit tells him sternly and the young Arab nods bearing a stubborn expression.

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When Leutnant Himmelland steps into the prison cell followed by the feared SS commander who has ordered the murder of their comrades and tortured them all since their capture, the three Australian prisoners shrink against the wall, barely able to hide expressions of fear and loathing. "I have something to play with for you", Habeck tells the two badly injured LRDG soldiers and their only remaining Sergeant in accented English with suspiciously much sadistic glee in his voice to make the Australians even more nervous, especially since the German Lieutenant smiles with sadistic joy as well. Two guards drag an unconscious, badly bruised man wearing a torn Arab kaftan with blood on his face and chest into the cell. The tall man however looks definitely like a Westerner and not Arabic at all with brown hair and a suntanned yet clearly lighter complexion than that of any Bedouin which is particularly clear from his exposed chest. All three Australians eye the SS officer and his Wehrmacht torture assistant with undisguised suspicion, as they observe the guards unceremoniously drop the stranger to the floor near the cell entrance. "Don't destroy your toy or I will make sure that your destruction will be even more painful!", Habeck threatens them in a cold and emotionless tone that makes all three of the scouts shudder with fear, although they proudly try to hide the reaction. "We will pick him up, when he has woken up again." The Lieutenant grins at the SS officer's comment with disgusting delight, obviously looking forward to a torture session.

Once the monstrous German torturers and their guards have left their holding cell, the Australian Sergeant crawls over to their new cellmate. Walking has not been a viable option for any of them for a while now. "That's a Jerry", he exclaims with actual surprise, once he has fumbled the dog tag around the man's neck into his hand and recognizes the shape as a German one immediately. "Why leave a bloody kraut here with us?", one of the soldiers asks with hatred clearly dripping from his voice. "Dunno. But that SS bastard wants us to kill him or harm him, so we give him a reason to torment us even more. We won't give those thrice damned sadists that kind of satisfaction, lads!", the Sergeant declares with conviction, glaring at the door with as much venom as if the SS officer himself would stand there. Looking closer at the German prisoner, he recognizes that the man wears a uniform shirt and trousers underneath the kaftan. Blood seeps from cuts along his chest and his nose, old and fresh bruises along the tall fellow's skinny torso and in his face speak of a similar treatment compared to their own which he has received more than once. When the Sergeant checks the German's pulse at the neck, the man starts to stir and groans quietly. Moving back a little for his own safety, the Australian observes cautiously how the enemy soldier comes to and tries to get his vision focused on his surroundings.

A splitting headache in addition to the familiar pain in his shoulder and along his ribcage is the first thing filtering into Hans Dietrich's perception, when he regains consciousness. Arab slavers, the SS? No, this time it is the Wehrmacht's own soldiers who are responsible for his state, although a small guilty part of his conscience tells the German that this is the treatment he deserves for his betrayal, defection and actual attack against the Wehrmacht in the form of von Stolberg's unit. The memories of his capture, Zornbrecht's derisive treatment and his own former Feldwebel Weiß knocking him out come back to him with clarity that is almost painful. Blinking, the young Captain tries to get his blurry vision focused to recognize where he is and what threats might lurk around him. The German's breath catches in his throat and every muscle in his body tenses instinctively, when he recognizes a figure hovering close-by. Only after a few seconds has he regained a clear enough view to recognize the battered appearance of the bruised man who wears a torn and filthy LRDG uniform. "You're the Aussie prisoners", Dietrich mutters hoarsely and cannot suppress a cough, when his dry throat protests against the usage which makes him wince as several bruises along his ribs become affected. The Australian's eyes widen in obvious shock and disbelief, when he gets addressed in smooth English by the kraut prisoner.

"Who are you?", the man insists on receiving an answer. "Hans Dietrich is my name", the German replies, sitting up gingerly with the help of his good arm. Dietrich smiles wryly, when he sees the Australian scowl, as he obviously recognizes his name. "You're the Jerry Captain of the next fort. You cost us at least half a dozen of our comrades", he snarls at the German officer. "And the LRDG has cost me several dozens of my soldiers, Sergeant", Dietrich counters coolly, although he remains tense and alert. On the one hand, he serves on the same side as the Australians now which the Germans do not know yet and he does not want them to find out. On the other hand, staying in character with his old identity of Wehrmacht Hauptmann Hans Dietrich holds the risk that the Australians might attack him three against one and he is barely in a condition to defend himself against one of them, even less all three, although they are beaten and half starved prisoners just like he is himself. "Who are you?", he quickly returns the question, before any of the three gets ideas of attacking him. "None of your business, kraut!", one of the Privates snarls stubbornly. "Isn't name, rank and serial number your usual way of introducing yourself to German officers?", the Captain inquires dryly and defiantly looks at the Sergeant who stares back at him with an equally defiant gaze. Apparently, the man accepts the challenge though and replies: "Tim Furrows, Sergeant." Adding his serial number, he bears a challenging expression that makes Dietrich understand how he has held up during days of SS torture. Like he has often done with Sam Troy, he can only respect and admire the man's bravado to keep his head up high under these adverse circumstances. Sam Troy also is their only hope of escaping from this situation, as Hans blindly trusts in the Sergeant's stubborn insistence to rescue him from captivity, independent of what any Captain, Major or General might have to say for or against it.

All four prisoners tense involuntarily, as the cell door opens again and two guards enter, followed by a tall, muscular man in his mid thirties wearing a clearly recognizable SS uniform. The man looks like the role model Arier from SS propaganda with blond hair, piercing blue eyes devoid of any compassion and an athletic build that speaks of far less time spent out here in the desert compared to the lean and skinny German officer in addition to his far lighter complexion. The badges on his uniform mark him as a Hauptsturmführer of the SS and Dietrich concludes that this must be Habeck to whom Zornbrecht has announced that he will hand him for his interrogation. The younger Captain also assumes that he is the man responsible for the SS hideout and evacuation as well as the torture and execution of the LRDG soldiers. Hans can only congratulate himself again for his foresight to have left his dog tags with Boggs, as the brutal looking SS officer appears just the type who would torture him mercilessly until he will give something away about his new allies.

As soon as he sees the blond man, Sergeant Furrows withdraws toward his two Privates who shrink back against the wall, while Dietrich stubbornly stumbles to his feet and defiantly glares at the SS officer. From his sadistic smirk alone, the young Captain can tell that he will hate and despise this man who gives him a once-over from head to toe and seems to classify him somewhere between vermin and nasty insect speaking from his disgusted expression. "Gewöhnen Sie sich nicht zu sehr an die Australier, Hauptmann Dietrich. Weder sie noch Sie werden mehr allzu lange unsere Gäste sein." The younger German officer narrows his eyes at the threatening statement that he should not get used to the Australians, as neither he nor they will remain guests here much longer. Stepping to the side to clear the way for Dietrich, the SS officer mockingly makes an inviting gesture. "Nach Ihnen, Herr Hauptmann."

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When the Rats return with an additional Bedouin teenager but without their Captain, Jakob Silberblatt fears the worst and leaves Ari and Kiri with Mark Hitchcock after a few reassuring words to stall the children who want to greet their brother. With worry and concern speeding his steps, the Jewish Lieutenant joins James Boggs in his office tent where the two Sergeants along with the unknown Arab have gone directly, while their drivers have not even left the Jeeps bearing grim and worried expressions. Troy's angry bellow can already be heard, before even entering. "We need to get him out of there right now, before they kill him!", he demands of Boggs without caring whether the Captain is of his opinion anyways. "Sergeant Troy", James Boggs tries to regain control of the situation and the stubborn Sergeant. Dietrich has been quite right in assessing that Troy would try to move heaven and hell and march out for his rescue independent of whether he gets an order to do so or not. "I share your concern for Captain Dietrich and I want to get him out of enemy hands just as much as you do, but you cannot simply rush out there and make things worse for him. We both want him back alive", the older Captain tries to convince the stubborn Sergeant. "Troy, you'd better listen to him", Jack Moffit tries to assist Boggs in reining in his fellow Sergeant.

"What has happened with Hans, I mean Captain Dietrich?", Jakob Silberblatt cannot keep himself from asking any longer. "He was arrested after this young man, Omar, here called him by his name and drew the Germans' attention. He didn't put up resistance to avoid a bloodbath among the civilians on the central square of the oasis bazaar, but ordered us to get out and call in help to recover him from captivity instead." The Jewish Lieutenant looks deeply saddened, as he replies: "That sounds exactly like something he would do. I forced him to swear to him that he would avoid any unnecessary risks and choose the safer way instead. How will you rescue him?" "Sneak in, kill the guards, get him out, blow up as much of the Jerry fort as we can, while we're at it", Troy growls in reply, his disdain for the Germans more than obvious. "How do you intend to sneak into a guarded German fort in broad daylight, Troy?", Jack Moffit asks, truly unnerved by the Americans' stubbornness. "We'll find a way. We always do", Troy counters grimly, unwilling to budge from his intent to save the German Captain as quickly as possible. "That doesn't sound very convincing", Silberblatt dares to point out and immediately receives support from Captain Boggs. "Lieutenant Silberblatt is right. Without a valid plan of how you get into this fort, I won't let you go, Sergeant."

"We got half a dozen tanks. Just blow a hole into the wall", Troy suggests stubbornly. "Sergeant Troy. Tanks are neither fast nor inconspicuous and the Jerries will hardly sit still and watch us positioning the tanks in such a manner that we can blast holes into their fortifications, not unless we receive a proper distraction", James Boggs argues, sounding actually unnerved. He truly misses Dietrich if only for the purpose of delegating dealing with the bullheaded Sergeant to the equally headstrong young officer. Those two were made for getting on each other's nerves. "Any force you use is a risk for Captain Dietrich's life", Jakob Silberblatt argues. "Lieutenant Silberblatt is right", Jack Moffit supports him, glad about the pacifistic Lieutenant acting as the voice of reason who nonetheless appeals to Troy's emotional side unlike Captain Boggs. The comment indeed lets the American Sergeant stop in his tirade against their commanding officer, as he frowns with actual concern about their mutual friend.

"What would you suggest as an alternative, Lieutenant Silberblatt?", Captain Boggs inquires, relieved about the unexpected support. "Bluff your way in. We have more than enough Wehrmacht uniforms at our disposal to disguise the Rat Patrol and Sergeant Moffit speaks German quite well, although an accent is audible at times", the Jewish Lieutenant suggests and Moffit smiles at him with open appreciation. Jakob Silberblatt would indeed be a valuable addition for their team, if they should become specialised on espionage and infiltration rather than the brutal commando business they have specialised on here in North Africa. Sam Troy grins at him in open appreciation and hits the younger man on the shoulder in a manner that makes him stumble forward and wince in pain. "Brilliant. You should join us more often, Lieutenant." Silberblatt grimaces in a slightly pained manner, but focuses on their joint intent. "Hans ... Dietrich has handed you the German vehicles of his unit. I think we should still have a Kübelwagen or two, as it is useful enough as a patrol car. We have several Wehrmacht uniforms of the Afrikakorps. Sergeant Moffit speaks German well enough and Corporal Gottschlich understands some German, even if I wouldn't let him speak too much, as his accent would give you away sooner or later." "I fear that my accent might be a bit of a problem, as you have pointed out, Lieutenant Silberblatt", Moffit adds thoughtfully. "I have successfully managed to bluff some Germans, but Captain Dietrich has always noticed my accent and voice, even on the radio without seeing me. Would you join us, given that you are a native speaker?"

The Jewish Lieutenant pales visibly, as he argues sheepishly: "I'm not a real soldier or of any help for you, should any fight arise. I would be more of a hindrance than help for you." "Don't be stupid! Wouldn't you like to rescue your friend?", Troy interferes with anger and incredulity. Silberblatt looks tormented. "Of course I would, if I would believe that me coming with you would actually increase your chances." Then his expression suddenly lights up. "I actually do have some German native speakers at my disposal who might be willing to help us for Captain Dietrich's sake and are a lot better able to fight along with you than I am", Silberblatt smiles at his own idea. "Bauer and Nemet have already agreed to support the U.S. army in return for us protecting them from the Nazis. And they both are personally loyal to Captain Dietrich." "Wait a second. Isn't that the beaten up Sergeant Tully dug out of the latrine and the tormented kid who asked to give his life for the Captain?", Troy inquires doubtfully. "Exactly ", Jakob confirms with his enthusiastic smile still in place. "Both are absolutely trustworthy to not betray us, but help to save their former Hauptmann who Nemet owes his life and Bauer considers his mentor and father figure, although he is only three years younger than Hans, I mean Captain Dietrich." "We know who you mean. Only got one Hans in the LRDG after all. And you're right, Lieutenant, we'll take any help we can get", Troy confirms. "I will call them now", Silberblatt replies with a smile, as he takes off in the direction fo the sickbay, once Captain Boggs has nodded in approval as well.

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When Hans Dietrich steps into the interrogation chamber the smell of sweat, blood, vomit, urine and faeces immediately hits his nose with full force, making the hair at the back of his neck stand on end. The SS officer motions for him to sit down on a chair which the younger German officer does with all the dignity he can muster, keeping his facial expression almost completely impassive, when the guards cuff his arms together behind his back with a pair of handcuffs they purposefully put so thightly around his wrists that they cut into his skin. Still focused on not showing too much weakness in the face of his enemies, the lean Captain is taken by surprise when he gets struck over the head from behind by the SS officer. Fighting not to black out again, as his vision blurs dangerously, the young German grits his teeth and takes a few deep breaths to get his body and the pain under control again. His head hurts as badly as his whole upper body, while his injured shoulder clearly protests against the uncomfortable position his right arm is held in.

"Hauptmann Hans Dietrich", a sonorous voice with an edge like cold steel addresses the young officer sharply from behind, while moving to the side and in front of him. When the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann raises his head painfully, he finds the SS officer standing in front of him, bearing a sadistic smile that clearly communicates how much he enjoys the situation. "Sie sind für den tätlichen Angriff auf Offiziere der SS sowie Hochverrat an der Wehrmacht und dem deutschen Reich zum Tode verurteilt worden, aber scheinbar Ihrem gerechten Urteil entkommen, Dietrich", the SS officer states coldly that Dietrich has been convicted to death for openly attacking officers of the SS and high treason against the Wehrmacht and German Reich, but apparently has escaped his just verdict. The younger German officer glares at him, but refrains from answering in any other way, as he does not want to inadvertently give anything away. Habeck smiles a cold and cruel smile that makes the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann tense and pull himself visibly together to not show too openly that a shiver is running down his spine. Seeing the other's tension nonetheless makes the SS officer purr in a content manner: "Aber, aber, Herr Hauptmann. Sie werden doch nicht etwa Furcht vor dem Feind zeigen. Das wäre ja ein noch schrecklicherer Verrat an den Prinzipien von Standhaftigkeit und Ehre des deutschen Offiziersstand." His voice changes to icy contempt, as he adds: "Doch bei einem derart niederträchtigen Verräter wie Ihnen kann man wohl kaum jedwede Ehre erwarten." Hans Dietrich glares at him, as he gets accused of fear in the face of his enemy, betraying any principles of steadfastness and honour of a German officer, while the final comment that no honour could be expected from a nefarious traitor such as himself oversteps the bounds of his tolerance and reasonability.

"Was verstehen Sie schon von Ehre, Anstand und Moral?", the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann spits at the SS officer unwilling to conceal his contempt without caring about the consequences. "Sie foltern und ermorden Kriegsgefangene, die unter dem Schutz internationaler Abkommen stehen, Sie treten jedwede Prinzipien eines ordentlichen deutschen Offiziers mit Füßen im Namen der Ideologie der Nazis. Es ist eine Schande, dass Sie sich überhaupt Offizier schimpfen. Wagen Sie es nicht, mich über Ehre zu belehren, Herr Hauptsturmführer Habeck!" For the second time today, the German Captain gets backhanded viciously and his nose starts bleeding again, as the SS officer strikes out angrily, when the insolent prisoner accuses him of breaking international treaties by torturing and murdering prisoners of war under their protection and mutilating any principles of a German officer in the name of the Nazis' ideology. Dietrich's impertinence to call him a disgrace for any German officer, snarling that he should better not dare to lecture him on the topic of honour is more than any prisoner has ever dared to tell Habeck to his face.

"Wie bist du entkommen und was ist den SS Männern auf unserer Basis geschehen? Sprich, elender, wertloser Abschaum!", Habeck switches from the previously formal address of the Hauptmann as 'Sie' to the informal 'du', calling him worthless scum, as he angrily bellows his inquiry about the fate of his fellow SS men at Dietrich's base and how the man has escaped from captivity. The younger German officer bears a grim expression, as he replies in the well-drilled manner he has adopted to unnerve Metzlich as well: "Dietrich, Hans. Hauptmann der 5. Leichten Division des Deutschen Afrikakorps." Habeck is exactly the same type as Metzlich, striking the insolent Captain brutally. This will be a long tormenting interrogation, Hans reflects, as he bites back a groan of pain and glares at the SS officer with open defiance. He can only hope that Troy and the Rats will not wait for too long to start a rescue mission.

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

As Istvan Nemet and Wolf Bauer step into the tent, following the Jewish Lieutenant, the younger Private looks scared, while the older Sergeant with his marred face bears a more controlled expression. "Leutnant Silberblatt meinte, sie brauchen unsere Unterstützung, um Hauptmann Dietrich zu helfen", Nemet addresses them. "He said that Lieutenant Silberblatt asked for their support to help Captain Dietrich", Moffit translates for Troy and the others who do not speak German. "I want them to bluff their way into the camp, locate Captain Dietrich and help you get to him and all of you out of the fort again. If that doesn't work, they need to free the Captain and help him get out in their own. Dietrich's smart, he'll think of a plan to continue from the point of his rescue, if he is in any state to do so, while you provide a distraction, gentlemen", James Boggs provides the strategy he has agreed on with Sam Troy previously. Moffit translates the plan for the Germans, adapting it to include himself and Gottschlich coming with the two Germans. "Wir werden uns durch Täuschung in das Fort einschleichen, um Hauptmann Dietrich zu finden und aus der Gefangenschaft zu befreien. Sollten wir entdeckt werden, versuchen Sie alleine, den Hauptmann zu finden und zu befreien, während wir für eine Ablenkung sorgen."

Nemet frowns at the explanation, while Bauer observes the Feldwebel he trusts to evaluate the situation better with true concern. He would gladly risk his life to save his former commanding officer who has supported and protected him even after defecting to the Americans. Finally, he would have the chance to repay his mentor and only figure of authority he respects and adores rather than fears. "Haben Sie sich einen Grund überlegt, warum ein einzelnes Vehikel mit 4 Soldaten so weit weg vom Schuss auf einmal daher kommen sollte?", Nemet poses his question to Moffit who has to concede that he has a valid point to ask whether they have considered providing a good reason for a single vehicle with four soldiers randomly appearing at the doorstep of a fort in the middle of nowhere. "Fiele Ihnen etwas Glaubwürdiges ein. Feldwebel Nemet?", Moffit inquires. "Die Verhaftung eines gefürchteten Sergeant der Ratten wäre glaubwürdig und würde erklären, warum Ihr ganzer Convoy bis auf ein Fahrzeug zerstört wurde. Und Sie hätten Ihn dann auch mit dabei", the German Feldwebel argues that the arrest of one of the feared Sergeants of the Rat Patrol would be a believable reason for why their whole convoy with the exception of a single vehicle has been destroyed and the plan would have the additional benefit of letting Troy come with them as well.

Once Moffit has provided the translation to Troy and Boggs, the Captain frowns doubtfully, but Troy agrees immediately, as this gives him the chance to act directly. "Brilliant. We take two vehicles. You take Tully and me to that fort 'under arrest' and bluff your way in with Gotty and these two as your soldiers", the American Sergeant suggests. "With two vehicles we have enough space to bring some weapons and explosives along as well." "This is extremely risky, Sergeant Troy", Boggs points out, still doubtful. "Yeah. But no risk, no fun. It's just crazy enough that the Jerries shouldn't suspect a trap right away", Troy argues. "Besides, it was a Jerry Sergeant who suggested it and he knows how they think." Boggs scowls. "Exactly. You're putting a lot of trust in this man." "They're Dietrich's loyal men. They wouldn't betray him. He's been with us before, when he accompanied the Captain. My gut says we can trust him", Troy argues stubbornly and Boggs merely shakes his head. "Get me back Captain Dietrich alive and you and the rest of your unit as well, Sergeant Troy!", the American Captain finally orders after an exasperated sigh.