Change of Ways

by The Ravenwolf

Set directly after the the events of the Rat Patrol's final episode, the story follows Dietrich's path into an unsteady future, joining his ways with the Rats and even less expected individuals. Reunions with former friends and foes included. (CHAPTER 1-14 revised!)

54. Of Allies and Enemies

As the German Captain has predicted, they arrive at the camp of their main convoy after three hours of uneventful driving through the desert. When Hans moves to stand up, Minki opens her eyes again, stretches and then jumps down from his lap to his boots and outside of the Jeep with a single swift series of motions. As the soldiers still get out of the car, the cat already struts into the camp with the self-assurance of a little queen about to inspect her new reign. Before anyone else a familiar lean blond officer stalks toward the new-arrivals with the atmosphere of an encroaching thunderstorm. "Dietrich, you worthless son-of-a-bitch sent us into a trap!", Lieutenant Baker cries out with a hateful tone, as he closes in on the Jeeps bearing the expression of an inquisitor approaching a particularly despicable heretic. Burn wounds and bruises are visible on his face and his left arm is held in a sling, tied around his neck. The glare he directs at the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann is murderous. All the Rats instinctively take combat positions, as do Corporal Gottschlich and Turner, while Private Anaru watches the drama unfolding with a mixture of incredulity and apprehension.

"Stand down, gentlemen! We're all allies", the German officer orders strictly, before turning to address the American Lieutenant in a much cooler tone than Troy would have expected from the proud young Captain who is apparently fighting hard to keep his temper in check to not escalate this situation any further. A muscle twitching in his clenched jaw is the only visible indication of his own internal struggle. "Lieutenant Baker, I understand that you're upset, but I swear to you on my honor as an officer that I didn't intend to send you knowingly into a trap." "Up with your hands where I can see them, you lying kraut! No wrong moves from any of you or I'll shoot", the American officer snarls lividly, ignoring the tall Captain's words. All of them tense, when they realise that Baker has drawn his service weapon from the sling which has hidden it quite perfectly until now. "Lieutenant, this won't help anybody!", the startled Dietrich argues with forced calmness, while he cautiously raises his hands, wincing as his injured right shoulder protests. Deescalation, until somebody better qualified to control the American officer arrives, is his only option, since Baker is obviously so beside himself with anger and hatred that he will not listen to his reasoning.

"Hans!", a child's voice shouts enthusiastically and Dietrich's heart immediately skips a beat. "Don't harm the boy, Baker!", the German Captain exclaims with a stern tone, edged with worry which is also visible on his face. Turning his body toward the source of the cry on instinct however triggers the startled Lieutenant to shoot as a subconscious reaction. Troy, Gottschlich and Pettigrew jump the American officer almost simultaneously upon firing his shot, while Hans Dietrich sways slightly and reaches toward his right flank on instinct with his left hand which feels slightly sticky with blood within a few seconds. "It's only a graze", he mutters quietly, when Jack Moffit runs toward him, as he has wanted to greet his arriving unit. The British Sergeant who comes to his commander's aid is the only one hearing this announcement, along with the Maori who approaches them with a cautious expression, leaning against the Jeep for support, while everyone else is distracted and in a desperate fight. Sam Troy physically holds the older Lieutenant in a headlock, as Tully Pettigrew has disarmed him and Eric Turner picks up the discarded gun, while pointing his own one at him, and Riku Gottschlich now pins the thrashing and shouting man's hands behind his back to keep him from fighting back. "Don't harm him! He's an officer of our own army", the German Captain barks his orders sternly, regaining his self-control. "So are you", Sam Troy counters with a livid growl, strengthening his hold on the American officer whose head is turning red from lack of air to breathe.

A wailing cry of panic and horror cuts through the air and the sorrow held in it adds to the chaos and terror of the atmosphere. "Ari", Dietrich mutters with concern and runs toward the source of the cries, since the Lieutenant is apparently under Troy's control. Worry along with the adrenaline and the shock suppress his pain effectively, as he suprises Moffit with diving away from him so swiftly. "Calm, Ari! I'm here, I'm fine", the German officer repeats with a forced cool tone, as he kneels at the Jewish boy's side. Ari has collapsed to the ground and is hyperventilating, when Hans puts his right hand on the child's shoulder to shake him gently in spite of the pain this causes the young Captain. Seeing his brother beside him at least induces a familiar reaction from Ari who wraps his arms around the lean officer's torso and presses against his stomach where he continues sobbing and crying into his jacket. Unable to do more than speak calming and soothing words to the panicked boy, Dietrich registers that more people arrive now and Baker is taken from Troy who has continued manhandling him without any respect.

Jack Moffit's hand settles on the younger German Captain's good shoulder and he mutters with urgency: "You should get your injury checked, Captain." Jakob Silberblatt comes running toward them as well, shouting with a tone close to hystery: "Hans, Ari!" Although it does not calm him, it draws Ari from his reverie and he reacts to his brother's nudging to stand up and come with him more instinctively than consciously. Fortunately the traumatised child has not noticed the blood yet, as Dietrich still presses his left hand onto his wound. The German Captain struggles to regain his footing and his British Sergeant physically hauls the lean officer to his feet, when he notices his suffering. Now that the shock has settled, the first flush of adrenaline is wearing off and Hans starts to feel the pain and lightheadedness. However, trying to dissuade Ari from holding onto him tightly is impossible and thus they start toward the sickbay as a conglomerate of the four of them which is joined by Troy, as soon as he is rid of the Lieutenant, while Gottschlich takes care of leading Thomas Anaru to their field hospital. "I'll kill that bastard!", the American Sergeant snarls with anger. "I seriously hope that you haven't yet and won't do so in the future either, Troy, as I don't want to lose you to a court martial", Dietrich mutters quietly, holding onto Moffit's shoulder.

The nurses already have practice with handling both the traumatised child and Ari's German caregiver who is one of their most frequent visitors and patients. Nurse Regula gently gets the crying boy off the young officer and followed by Jakob Silberblatt speaks with him soothingly, while Deirdre O'Donnell calls for Doctor Andrews and leads Dietrich along with Moffit and Troy toward a separate section. After the escalation between Major Bracken and David Troy, when leading the interview with the American General and Major, she does not bring the young Captain into the officer's ward though, but leads him to the end of their tent, where the Australian patients have been settled. The American Sergeant has taken over supporting the slightly stumbling Captain and helps him to a cot close to the bed of Sergeant Furrows who bears a concerned expression. Seeing that the German officer's uniform is red with blood at the side, when Dietrich removes his hand, the young Irish-descended nurse sobs quietly, while the medic sucks in a breath through his teeth, inquiring: "What happened? This is obviously fresh."

"Didn't you hear the shot?", Moffit asks quietly, while Troy helps the pained looking German Captain out of his uniform jacket, as he clenches his teeth against the pain of moving at all. "It's just a graze", Hans gets out with a groan, as he unbuttons his shirt with his left hand only, which leaves smears of blood on the front. "Baker shot me, because he thought I'd sent him into a trap." "You're the unluckiest guy in this whole desert to always be right in the middle of trouble and get injured in the process", Troy comments, while helping him to remove the shirt over his right shoulder without aggravating his injury even more. "What would I do without your reassuring comments, Troy?", the German Captain asks sarcastically. "You'd laugh less", Troy replies with a wide grin, patting the younger man on the shoulder, although his expression quickly turns into a scowl, when he eyes his friend with worry.

Jack Moffit observes the whole scene with obvious concern, as do Sergeant Furrows and the two rescued Australian Privates. When Gottschlich leads the injured Private Anaru inside as well, all of them look up, as Lisa Hartigan guides him to a second cot next to the Captain and bids the Maori to sit down. "I heard the Yankees are looney, but I could never have imagined this, mate", Thomas Anaru mutters to the Corporal supporting him. "They don't trust Germans or people with German names", the young man mutters a bit bitterly, glancing at his wounded Captain with honest concern. Furrows and his Privates whisper as well, while they observe the treatment of the two new patients. Deirdre washes the blood from the German officer's injury and then Doctor Andrews diligently checks the area where his skin has been ripped. "You're right that it's really just a graze. I will sew it up though to prevent infection and help with the healing, as I doubt that you'll just remain quietly in a hospital bed for the next few days, Captain Dietrich", the American medic remarks sternly and the nurse bears a saddened expression, as she sighs: "We'd finally be less worried, if you would, but you won't, will you?" "You know me very well, Doctor and Lieutenant. Just go ahead with the sutures", Dietrich comments dryly, ignoring their worried expressions. He has his duties and obligations after all.

Seeing Deirdre prepare a morphine shot, the young Captain intervenes with a serious tone: "No morphine. I'm required for reporting and potentially deciphering some messages, before I have to negotiate with the German commander of the oasis tomorrow. I will need to be in full control of my mental faculties." A saddened expression passes over the nurse's face, but she nods. "I understand, Captain. But it will be painful." Bearing a fatalistic expression, the German officer counters: "Do you really think that I'm a stranger to pain, Lieutenant?" "No, more like pain's your second name, Captain", Troy comments sarcastically. Hans glares at the insolent Yankee, silently reprimanding him for his uncalled for comments, as he counters sardonically: "Don't pretend to be uninvolved in training me for this, Sergeant!" This statement apparently hurts the American Sergeant who bears a wounded expression. "I swear to God I won't ever shoot you again, Dietrich!", Sam protests vehemently. "Good, Troy. Three out of four of my major injuries from being shot have you as the shooter. Merely three grazes go to the Lieutenants of your unit! Without you shooting at me, I feel a lot safer", Dietrich comments sarcastically. Troy and Moffit remain quiet after this statement which holds more uncomfortable truths than they would like to admit, as they observe the scars of the younger Captain's injuries on his back and chest. The American Sergeant fights against a sudden onslaught of guilt at the realization how much damage he has done to the young man he considers his friend nowadays and has respected since first meeting him, while Jack admires Dietrich's magnanimous sentiment to still extend his hand in friendship to Troy and even him in spite of all the harm he has suffered at their hands.

The German Captain meanwhile is fully distracted from their scrutiny by fighting to keep his pain from showing too obviously on his face and making any sound that might draw Ari's attention again, while Deirdre O'Donnell disinfects and Doctor Andrews sews up his injury. Similarly the Maori Private is completely occupied by nurse Hartigan who scolds him moodily for not keeping quiet, while she takes care of his cuts in the face and bids Gottschlich to help him out of his shirt. A hand settles on Hans' left shoulder gently and when the German looks up, his pain filled brown eyes meet Jakob's concerned gaze. "Ari's sleeping", he assures the young officer who looks obviously concerned for his ward. "Mein Gott, Hans. What happened?", the Jewish Lieutenant inquires with compassion. "Lieutenant Baker shot me, suspecting me of sending him and his men into a trap which I didn't, Jakob", Dietrich replies defensively, pain clearly edging into his voice. "I know, Hans. I've read and translated all the documents already for Captain Boggs, Major Turner and General Atkins. Anything we found cleared you of suspicion", his friend affirms with consternation. "Of course it did", Troy affirms angrily. "Baker's nothing but a spineless, honorless bastard." "Troy!", Dietrich and Moffit growl simultaneously, meeting their gazes briefly with surprise and a deep understanding for the plight of the other.

"Captain Dietrich?", an American soldier speaks sternly, as he steps up to the two officers and the group of soldiers, before he salutes sharply. The German Captain squints up at him, while Troy reaches for his hand gun at his belt on instinct to defend his injured friend, stopped by Moffit who whispers insistently: "Stop it, Troy! You won't help the Captain like that. We're among our own men." "Baker also was supposed to be one of our own men", Troy snarls and eyes the unfamiliar soldier with a suspicious glare. The American ignores the two Sergeants, as the injured officer addresses him: "I'm Captain Dietrich. What do you require from me?" Doctor Andrews meanwhile moves to look at his other patient, the Maori Private, leaving the young Captain some space, since he is finished with sewing up the wound. "Major Turner has ordered me to accompany you to his tent immediately, Sir", the young man reports diligently. "That damned Major can wait till his treatment's finished!", Troy intervenes impolitely, as he towers over the soldier in an intimidating manner. "Troy!", Dietrich barks indignantly, jumping to his feet on which he only remains, because Jakob Silberblatt grabs him under the left shoulder, as soon as he notices his friend paling and swaying with dizziness. "Mind your words and your rank, Sergeant, unless you wish to spend your time cleaning latrines for the rest of your days in the army!", the German Captain adds with a weaker but warning tone, once he has recovered somewhat from his lightheadedness. The American Sergeant glares at him and the Major's messenger, while Jack whispers: "Dietrich's right. Please listen to him!"

"I will accompany you to the Major immediately, Private, but except for my own blood stained uniform I have nothing appropriate to wear", the proud young officer argues cautiously. After what has happened to him the last time he has borrowed a uniform, he would rather run around in his own, independent of the blood. The soldier appears a bit unsettled by this argument, but counters: "The Major still insisted. It's urgent, Captain." "Nurse O'Donnell will wrap a thick bandage around your injury to keep it covered and prevent infection, but I would ask you to return after the meeting to get the stitches checked again and let us change the bandage, Captain", Doctor Andrews suggests sternly from where he kneels to check on Anaru and Deirdre O'Donnell confirms this helpfully to which Dietrich nods in an approving manner. "Thank you, Doctor, Lieutenant. That sounds reasonable."

While the blond nurse bids the lean young officer to sit down again, so that she can wrap the bandage around his waist, his friend whispers to the Sergeants: "Wash the worst of the blood out at least! Can you do that quickly, Sam?" Troy grabs the uniform jacket and shirt while he nods. "We can wash it with gasoline quickly. Back in a moment", the American Sergeant mutters and dashes off, followed by Moffit and Lisa Hartigan who calls out to both of them. Jakob meanwhile observes his friend who appears more exhausted and pained the longer he can watch him, gently placing his hand on the German Captain's shoulder. By the time Deirdre is finished, Troy has returned, followed by Moffit, Hitchcock and Lisa Hartigan, as he proudly holds up the uniform. "Almost looks like new, doesn't it? Except for the holes and the slight staining", he comments with a grin. "It still stinks a bit of gasoline, but that shouldn't be a problem for a tank commander." "We used some of the fuel for the generator at the medical facilities", Hitch adds almost seriously, while Lisa Hartigan bows to inspect her friend's handiwork at bandaging. "You're really getting us constantly worried, Captain, when you get attacked and injured by your own side in camp so often", the usually pert nurse states with surprising empathy.

Moffit nods quietly, observing the lean officer, while Dietrich looks honestly surprised, as he moves his gaze from one of them to the other, muttering: "I didn't choose to get attacked frequently, but I knew what prejudice among my former enemies would be involved, when changing sides, I merely expected a lot less sympathy." Now Troy looks grim, as he growls: "You're a goddamned idiot, Dietrich. We all like you for being a good and noble guy. You surely didn't do anything to deserve what you got and the next time one of our side attacks you out of the blue, I'll just knock that guy over his head, until he forgets about such bullshit." Turner's soldier looks like he wonders when he has fallen through the looking glass and simply wishes to be somewhere else during this awkward conversation. "Try not to get arrested and court-martialed, while I leave you out of my sight, Troy", Dietrich comments with a grimace, swallowing his pride in the light of the earnest sympathy. "But I still want to thank you, Sergeant, for your unwavering support." The older American looks actually proud at the rare words of praise and appreciation from the introverted German, while Dietrich adds in the direction of the others: "The same applies to all of you actually."

"You're really cute, when you're that nice and polite, showing you're a real gentleman", Lisa replies with a playful smile. "Means we really appreciate it, Cap", Hitch tries to salvage the statement, seeing the young officer grimace at the insult. "You're a great guy and the best brass we've ever had." The thin German Captain meets his gaze and nods with a grateful expression, before looking at Jack Moffit when the British Sergeant addresses him with a dry tone: "You definitely must improve your acting skills though, if you still want to maintain your stern, mean German officer role. It worked well from a distance, but not when knowing you as closely as we do now, sharing a tent, our food and spending most of the time together. You're too obviously a noble hearted humanist, Captain." Hans blinks in surprise, wondering when the Cambridge scholar has turned so chatty talking about something not related to his academic interests.

"I told you it's a good idea to invest in gaining new friends, even at the cost of baring something of yourself, Hans", Jakob whispers into his ear quietly to which his friend merely nods. Silberblatt might be a naive and far too goodhearted idealist, but he has been right that without the support of friends Dietrich would not have mentally made it through the events of his change of ways as little scathed as he is. He has been distant and cool among the Germans for years, but there and then he has always been able to rely on the respect and support of his fellow officers and soldiers, at least with most of them except for the Nazi sympathizers and the SS fanatics. Both respect and support are not natural for him to expect or even accept from his new side, as officers and soldiers alike have attacked him and treated him with distrust and wariness before, which is meeting his expectations perfectly, while the divergence from this kind of behaviour triggers his own wariness. Shaking his head to get rid of the disturbing thoughts, Dietrich focuses his gaze on the cleaned jacket and nods in approval, bowing his head gratefully to each of them, relieved to have an excuse to change the topic. "It's definitely an improvement over running around in a uniform still sticking with my own blood. Thank you for your efforts, gentlemen, Lieutenant."

"I told you you're running out of uniforms and should start looking for replacements given how often you get injured", Troy counters with a scowl. "Fortuna punished me enough for rejecting your wisdom, Sergeant. I admit my defeat in this regard", the young officer replies dryly, while accepting his friends' help to get his shirt and jacket over his injured right shoulder without aggravating his side. With gratitude and a serious tone and expression he addresses his helpers: "Thank you all. Please take care of Ari, prepare our tent and have everyone ready for potentially having to provide a report! They will likely investigate Lieutenant Baker's actions and I want none of us incriminated, since we are all innocent." The German Captain's eyes dart to the Major's messenger. Troy nods grimly at his words, while Silberblatt looks nervously in the direction where nurse Regula has led the boy. Hitch whispers to Lisa who nods quietly, pointing in the same direction. "I really like that fellow", Thomas Anaru whispers to Riku Gottschlich who has stayed at his side and nods fervently and mutters in agreement: "Captain Dietrich is a brilliant Captain." "We all share that opinion, young man", Doctor Andrews comments sternly. "He's definitely our favourite officer in camp. What has happened with Lieutenant Baker actually pains me and makes me feel ashamed of some of our own."

"I forgot to take the documents with me from the Jeep", Hans remembers with a wince, muttering quietly to himself. "A truly forgivable oversight, given what has happened to you, Captain", Jack Moffit comments calmly. "I'll fetch the stuff for you, Captain", Troy offers with a smile, grateful to have finally found something useful he can do to help. "Please don't use this as an excuse to annoy the Major again, Troy!", Dietrich replies dryly. "But I'm grateful for the offer nonetheless. After all, I'm not the one on latrine duty." "We're only the ones suffering his foul mood afterwards in addition to the smell", Jack comments dryly, murmuring in a conspiratorial whisper to the German. Bearing an ironic smile at that comment, Dietrich nods in a final gesture of goodbye to his men and the nurses, before the lean Captain turns to the nervously waiting soldier from Atkins' and Turner's unit, as he declares with the stateliness appropriate for his rank: "I'm ready to meet the Major. Lead the way!"

The young man guides him to the Major's private tent, taking his position before the entrance and stating: "Major Turner expects you, Captain." With a nod, Dietrich passes him by and enters, saluting to the Major, as he stands at attention, clicking his heels even in a manner he has been trained as a young cadet. "Captain Dietrich", Major Turner addresses the lean German officer with a strict tone, as he puts the younger Captain under scrutiny from head to toe, noticing the ripped and darkly stained fabric at his right flank. "Take a seat please!" As the American officer points at a folding chair in front of his desk, Hans Dietrich eyes him warily, but finally complies, although the tall young officer sits stiffly and his body never loses the underlying tension. "I want to question you regarding what has happened with Lieutenant Baker", Turner states sternly. "You cannot seriously suspect me of sending the Lieutenant and his men into a trap knowingly, Major", Hans declares incredulously, subconsciously taking a defensive stance. "I warned them, all of them, repeatedly even, to prepare for potential traps. Every officer on the mission, Lieutenant Carlos, Griffith, Carter and also Sergeant Troy and Moffit can confirm that", the young German argues defensively. "I'm not accusing you, as Lieutenant Carlos and Sergeant Moffit have already confirmed that and I doubt the answer will be any different, if I ask Sergeant Troy or Lieutenant Griffith even. Also, Lieutenant Silberblatt has translated the German report for us, when we still didn't know about the Lieutenant's fate. It held no indication of a trap in any location. So you could not possibly have known about any traps in advance and thus not have sent the Lieutenant into one."

The young Captain breathes a sigh of relief, before focusing his stern gaze on the older American officer and asking cautiously: "Why do you interrogate me then?" A brief flicker of emotion passes over the older Major's face, as he replies with a serious tone: "You have just been the victim of an unwarranted attack, Captain. I intend to interview you for the trial against Lieutenant Baker." Dietrich briefly looks dumbstruck at the words, before scolding himself mentally for his own idiocy. "Major Turner, I want Lieutenant Baker to be held responsible for his actions, but in the light of ... recent events and my actual background, I want to register my recommendation not to punish the man too severely and certainly not put him to death through a court martial. He is still affected by his own injuries and the deaths of his men. I doubt that he would have acted like this against any other Allied officer and I am sure that he has not intended to betray your... our side", the German officer argues with conviction, although he stumbles over the last part. Major Turner studies the younger German Captain's bruised face who obviously does not feel like a respected member of their officer's corps at the moment which is nothing the older American can blame him for after having been shot on suspicion by one of his own allies merely because he is German. Finally, Turner comments on his statement with a strict tone: "I have registered your recommendation, Captain. However, we consider this a serious offense when one of our Captains is shot by an officer of his own unit. Even if you consider your own life less valuable in our eyes than an American's, it is not, I assure you."

The younger officer averts his gaze, as he argues hoarsely: "Nonetheless, I must ask you to consider this as part of your evidence and reasoning on Lieutenant Baker's behalf." "Why do you defend someone who has hated you since you have set foot into this camp and even shot you out of mere prejudice, Dietrich?", Turner inquires incredulously. "I understand that you stand up on Sergeant Troy's behalf, as the man is something like a friend to you and has saved your life more than once, but Lieutenant Baker surely won't thank you for anything you do on his behalf." Hans shakes his head slightly, before arguing: "I'm not doing this for the Lieutenant or to gain any favours. I have to stand up for what is right and just in order to not betray my own principles. I still want to be able to look at myself in the mirror." The American Major eyes him with something akin to admiration and his gaze clearly holds respect, as he states firmly: "You're an even more honorable and decent man than I have given you credit for until now. Let's start with the protocol, shall we?"

While Turner is conducting the interview for the collection of evidence diligently, Dietrich replies with clear precision. Finally, they delve deeper into the crucial part. "So, you moved to defend the Jewish boy?", the older officer inquires with a scowl after the young German has described the events with neutral detachment that is merely faked, as emotion flickers in Dietrich's brown eyes immediately at the mention of his beloved ward. "I didn't intentionally think about moving at all. But Lieutenant Baker was obviously agitated, pointing his gun at me and I wanted to defend Ari, should the soldier's battle instinct cause him to fire without conscious thought", the younger Captain argues. "It did cause him to fire, but at you", Turner remarks sternly. "Which is a lot better than if he would have shot at the boy", Dietrich argues with actual passion in his tone. "You must understand, Major, that Ari ben Levi's whole family was shot before his eyes by the SS. He doesn't understand what is happening in this war and why, but he surely fears a shot and starts panicking when he hears the sound closeby. That's also why I didn't remain with my men, once I saw that Sergeant Troy, Corporal Gottschlich and Private Pettigrew had disarmed the Lieutenant and the whole situation as well as him were under control." Turner nods with comprehension and sympathy. "I understand your concern for the boy."

The American Major eyes the younger officer with an intense gaze as he tries to assess his injury, before adding sternly: "You cannot have been gravely injured or they wouldn't have released you from sickbay already." Dietrich wears his gasoline drenched shirt and jacket which appears a little too wide on the thin German in spite of having been issued in his size according to Wehrmacht reports. Looking closer at the jacket the Major can make out the clear rip and tear as well as dark staining where the bullet has struck the Captain. Nonetheless, the proud young officer still sits upright and meets his senior officer's gaze with a serious expression. Apart from favoring his left side over his injured right which he has done for a month already, nothing appears out of the ordinary. "It was just a graze on the right flank", the German comments nonchalantly, proudly keeping his expression neutral. "I've received far worse injuries and returned to duty immediately." After seeing the young man unconscious in sickbay and reading the reports on his injuries, the Major has no doubt about the truthfulness of this statement. "Baker fired without aiming, merely on instinct, while I had moved out of his original aim", the lean Captain argues, ignoring the scrutiny the older officer is putting him under.

"The lack of extent of your injuries doesn't absolve the Lieutenant. You're basically saying that he would have shot you without thinking about it", the Major states sternly. "He wasn't thinking at all or he would have done this through the proper channels, filing a complaint and asking for my interrogation", Hans provides as a counterargument. "He actually did that already, Captain Dietrich", Turner counters with an angry tone now. "But as I told you, we had collected evidence which did not incriminate, but clear you of any suspicions and accusations. Therefore, we closed the investigation already before you arrived in camp and Lieutenant Baker was not happy about it. I was there, when he shouted at Captain Boggs for five minutes for letting a German infiltrator and spy manipulate us all through our bleeding hearts." Shocked surprise registers on Dietrich's face, before he regains control and argues coolly: "After what has happened this is not a completely absurd notion."

The older American officer bears an almost ironic expression now. "You're a terrible spy, Dietrich, because your streak of chivalry usually costs you an advantage a more coldblooded man would use and it gets you into more trouble and danger than necessary, even though it brings you the admiration and support from the most unusual sources as well as many volunteers. We will certainly have to put you through some professional training for such clandestine operations before we can release you into the field for longer and more serious missions behind enemy lines", Major Turner argues sternly, holding up his hand to keep the indignant looking younger officer from interrupting him. "But you're definitely no Nazi and more open minded and tolerant than many men I've met, given what you have taught Eric. I have not the slightest doubt that the Jewish boy truly loves you just as your Jewish friend Silberblatt honestly values you. So do your commando troopers however unruly and in a dubious relationship with the law and authorities they might be." The German Captain is at a loss of what to reply to that statement and thus remains silent, his original protest that he has always warned Atkins that he is no spy as he has no affinity for backstabbing in an honorless manner already not fitting any more.

"Nonetheless, as you have already been cleared of all charges brought up against you and the Lieutenant was informed about your innocence, I don't take his actions as lightly and cannot consider them as justified as you do, Captain Dietrich", Major Turner states with a dark scowl, not having expected a comment from the German Captain after the last part. "He tried to gain a confession from me, not kill me in the first place", Hans counters automatically. "He was willing to murder you, should you not confess or he wouldn't have shot at you", the American officer argues with actual grim conviction. "I cannot let a man who acts in such a manner against an officer of his own army remain as an officer or soldier at all. You might consider attacking a former enemy justified, but for me this is an attempted murder of a fellow officer and I will not keep such a man in my ranks!" Dietrich sighs wearily, wincing slightly, as his fresh sutures add to the pain of his cracked ribs. "As commanding officer of a company which has operated far from any official institutions enforcing law and justice apart from myself, I understand your position, Sir, and in the best interest of the men of this unit, I will not object to a just verdict."

"You're a good officer, Dietrich, who puts the interests of his men above his own. That's why people respect and even like you", Turner analyses. "Which reminds me of your latest addition to your unit. General Atkins has decided to take Captain Troy into the U.S. army and make you responsible for him." Dietrich looks as if he would have chewed on a lemon. "What crime did I commit to deserve that?", he mutters dryly. The American Major smirks, as he responds with some humor: "You pleaded his case. I would say that the punishment fits the crime." Seeing the German Captain actually wince at the comment, he adds more seriously: "Captain Troy has his merits and you have shown actual talent in gaining amazing outputs from the most unusual sources. Otherwise, we wouldn't trust you with this assignment." The younger officer raises his head to meet the Major's gaze straight on, trying to read his honesty. Finally, he nods and replies with earnest seriousness: "Thank you, Sir." "You're welcome, Dietrich", Turner replies calmly, assessing the German's honest attitude. "I suggest that we join the others for your report on your findings, Captain. Your Australian and American colleagues have awaited your return quite eagerly and Lieutenant Colonel Bennett has been looking forward to meeting you ever since we told him who is leading the mission to uncover the German supply routes and has saved one of his men."

Standing up along with the German Captain who sways slightly with lightheadedness and has to grab the chair's back for support, the Major observes the younger man with brief concern, before he turns to one of his chests and opens it to retrieve a fresh uniform shirt and jacket. Then, he turns around and orders sternly: "But before that you will change your uniform, as I will not have the U.S. army disgraced by one of their Captains appearing in your state of clothing or rather lack thereof." Dietrich tenses visibly at the words, looking actually flustered. "Forgive me, Major! I had no fresh uniform available and cleaning it was the best my men could manage to do in the short timespan", the younger officer provides his explanation defensively between gritted teeth, as he swallows his wounded pride. "Just take off these filthy pieces and put these ones on, Captain!", Turner orders strictly. "I'm not blaming you for lacking an alternative to appearing here in such a state. But if I let you appear like this in front of the Lieutenant Colonel, we leave the impression that the U.S. army not only allow our officers to shoot at each other, but also that we have beaten you into cooperation in addition to not being able or willing to outfit you properly."

The tall German Captain tenses visibly at the accusation, but then sighs wearily with a wince, realising that this is definitely not a matter of debate, not even among the Americans, before unbuttoning his jacket with his left hand only. Then, he shrugs out of the jacket with several winces of pain, before repeating the procedure with his shirt. Seeing how badly bruised and skinny the younger man actually looks is almost shocking for Turner who observes him closely and finally moves to help him with the shirt sleeve of his right arm after having seen his previous struggles. The tall German Captain barely looks any fitter and better recovered than he has after his rescue from the torture of the SS, although it would have been their obligation to keep the Wehrmacht defector better protected as an officer within their responsibility. The bandage wrapped around his waist now clearly indicates that the injury he has declared a mere graze has been graver than he has let on until now.

"So, you said it's only a graze", Turner growls with a scowl. "Doctor Atkins can confirm that. He applied my sutures", Dietrich argues immediately and the Major briefly wonders whether it is pride or distrust that has kept the German officer from openly admitting to the degree of his injuries and physical state of health. "It's about time we reach Tobruk. I'm looking forward to sending you off duty to recover for several days", Major Turner mutters quietly and, noticing the proud young Captain's scowl, adds: "To allow you to recover and get introduced formally into your new set of duties, not because you're not doing a good job, Captain Dietrich. But you'll agree that keeping a gravely injured man on duty, when there is no acute necessity, instead of allowing him to recover is violating an officer's obligation toward his men to properly care for their wellbeing." When argued like this, Hans Dietrich can hardly protest, even though his pride and dignity suffer greatly from the notion of being taken off duty because of his declining state of health.

Shouts outside of the tent make both of them whirl around. "Sergeant Troy", Dietrich grumbles, when he recognizes the source of the commotion within a split second, as he rushes toward the entrance where Troy is shouting at the guard: "You'd better let me through with those documents, you bullheaded idiot! You heard the Captain order me to fetch them yourself." "I still cannot allow you to enter. I have orders from the Major", the other man insists, as the lean German steps outside and intervenes. "He's only following my command. Leave him be! Thank you for bringing these. You're dismissed, Sergeant." Dietrich's intention of getting Troy out of here as quickly as possible, before the Major even meets him is undermined by the Sergeant himself. Seeing the skinny bruised young officer in a half-buttoned shirt too baggy for him, Sam asks with narrowed eyes: "What did that damned Major do to you?" The German Captain is taken by surprise by the question, as he repeats: "What did he do me? What are you asking?" "Are they torturing you during this interrogation or what? You're one of their own officers", Troy snarls. "Troy, nobody's torturing me. The Major insisted on wearing a proper uniform to preserve the dignity of the U. S. army", his friend counters incredulously.

"The very notion of torturing our own Captain is absurd, Sergeant", Major Turner himself adds angrily, now that he has joined them. "But it shows me how little trust you all have in the support of your own side." "We're working best far away from the rest of our own so called side", Troy growls stubbornly, while Dietrich snaps: "Troy, shut up!" "I see that your disciplinary measures have been well-earned, Sergeant Troy", Turner thunders. "Add another three days, although I doubt this will have any positive effect." Dietrich meets Troy's blue eyes with an intense gaze, imploring him to stay quiet. With a feral snarl, the American Sergeant salutes sloppily and whirls around, leaving as the young officer has ordered him already minutes ago. The German Captain pinches his nose, sighing wearily. "I admire you for your stoicism to put up with him and his whole unruly unit of excentrics and criminals, Captain. You're likely the only officer in camp who'd dare to sleep in the same tent with them", Turner mutters, as he leads the younger man back inside. "They wouldn't harm me", Hans counters with conviction. "I'm not sure whether I could say the same about them", Turner argues.

"Troy might be hotheaded, but the Sergeant has a sense of fairness and honor. I'm absolutely sure he'd never consider seriously harming you or any other officer on our side, whatever you may do, Sir", the German Captain rises in defense of his second in command on instinct. "He was very close to strangling Lieutenant Baker according to several men reporting to me", Turner counters sternly. "Baker had just shot me. Troy was trying to get him under control", Dietrich argues. "Witnesses say that Baker was already disarmed. But I will not press charges, given the attack on you and that he was involved in an active fight against the Lieutenant. So, what did he bring you?", the American Major wants to know, elegantly changing the subject. "The documents and German codebooks we confiscated in the base", Dietrich replies, grateful for the change of the topic of this awkward conversation. "We should definitely look through these with the other officers, Captain. But it was wise to have them brought, even though Sergeant Troy was not the best choice of messenger", Turner admonishes sternly, helping the younger German into the jacket he has provided him with.

Once the tall German Captain is properly dressed, Turner leads their way to the main command tent. There the other senior officers await them already with different emotions visible on their faces, ranging from curiosity to worry. General Atkins twirls his moustache, as he looks up from his conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Bennett, while Boggs and Brown quickly move over from the desk with a rolled out map. "Dietrich, I'm truly sorry for Baker's behaviour", Boggs is addressing the younger German Captain who looks honestly surprised to be greeted with an apology from his superior officer. "You look almost like usual, bruised, skinny", Brown comments dryly, noticing Dietrich's venomous glare. "How badly have you been injured?" The last question is added with actual concern. "It was just a graze because I moved out of the direct line of fire, intending to protect the boy, Ari", the German officer declares sternly. "A graze which required sutures and bandages around your stomach", Major Turner admonishes with consternation. "You were lucky to not have been injured more seriously."

Boggs bears a fatalistic and worried expression. "Have you come to a decision, regarding Lieutenant Baker, Major Turner?", he inquires cautiously. "The case is very clear, Captain Boggs", the older Major argues sternly. "Lieutenant Baker acted with the intention to force a confession and potentially kill Captain Dietrich in spite of clear and indisputable evidence clearing the Captain of suspicions of treason or intentionally wishing to harm the Lieutenant and his unit." Boggs swallows hard, looking at his German colleague who bears a grim expression, as he adds: "I still wish to remind you to show some leniency in the light of the injuries the Lieutenant has suffered recently and the casualties to his unit, as well as the infiltration of this camp through German spies who have manipulated and killed several of our comrades. I ask not to court-martial him." "You're really a humanist, Dietrich", Brown counters. "Fair and just even to your enemies. That's what my men respect you for and already did before you switched sides." "Lieutenant Baker nonetheless cannot remain in his current rank and position, as an officer who cannot accept clear evidence and orders by several higher ranking officers is a danger to his comrades", Major Turner argues and General Atkins agrees: "Lieutenant Baker is to be deposed from his rank and duty. He has already been arrested?" Boggs nods. "We arrested him right after the attack." "Excellent. I will hold his trial, once the oasis has been liberated", Atkins declares sternly, twirling his moustache. "Which brings us to your report, Captain. Before that let me introduce you to Lieutenant Colonel Bennett though, lest he considers us even more impolite."

The Maori officer is a broad, muscular man with sun-tanned skin and neatly kept black hair who has observed the whole interaction with reserved curiosity and now bows at the introduction. The tall and lean German Captain clicks his heels together to stand at attention and salutes sharply with a slight wince, as he introduces himself with "Captain Hans Dietrich, Sir." "Your reputation precedes you, Captain. You're a former protege of the Desert Fox Rommel", the Lieutenant Colonel comments with a smirk. "I heard you rescued one of my men." "Private Thomas Anaru. He is currently treated in our field hospital after receiving several injuries in captivity, none of which are life-threatening though", Hans reports diligently. "You have my gratitude, Captain. I intend to speak with him as soon as this meeting is over", Bennett replies with a polite bow of his head. "You also reported retrieving some relevant documents", Atkins prompts to which Dietrich nods and presents the documents, notebooks and codebooks, taken from the German base. "We recovered several documents which describe the creation of a secret hideout which was meant to serve as a hidden supply line in case of a siege or a base for retreat in case of giving up the fortress to the enemy", the young Captain explains, as he takes several singed documents from the stack and lays them out on the desk before Atkins who studies them curiously, as do the others.

"Could you point out the location on the map to us, Captain?", Major Turner inquires and Dietrich nods calmly, as he steps to look at the map on Boggs' desk more closely and then points at a location near a ridge, before providing a concise report of how he has been able to find the location with the support of the Bedouin herder and through hiding between the Germans' pack animals. All the officers around look bemused and amused simultaneously. "A most unusual strategy, but truly impressive, given that my scouts have been unable to locate this hideout for four days now", Bennett comments with a respectful nod. "I gave the herder two camels and a donkey for his services to us", the German Captain adds. "He promised to recruit townspeople willing to fight for their liberation and send them to your camp tomorrow, Lieutenant Colonel. I told them to ask for my name." The Maori officer scowls now at the bruised younger officer. "You intend to send civilians into a fight?" "I intend to persuade the German commander to surrender. With Allied forces almost doubling in size, including several tanks, proof of the destruction of their supply line and the show of even the locals fighting on our side, I want to make him see reason in surrendering rather than fighting a hopeless battle. In this way we might end this siege without losing any more lives unnecessarily", Dietrich argues. Charles Bennett smiles now. "I truly like your way of thinking, Captain."

A tabby cat silently and gracefully enters the meeting tent as if owning it, stalks up to the baffled Dietrich and briefly rubs its head against his boot and shin, before inspecting the other occupants of the office, sniffing each of them, before rubbing its head on Brown's and Atkins' boot as well. Then it jumps up onto the table and curls up in the middle of their strategic map. "Minki, nein", the German Captain tells the animal with a stern tone. The cat briefly looks up at him through slitted yellow eyes and appears actually annoyed, when he pushes it to the side to at least lie beside the map, until the tabby jumps down on Boggs' stool and curls up there after a protesting "meow". Picking the cat up might hurt his shoulder and the animal, so Hans decides to leave it there. "Have you actually brought more animals into my camp, Dietrich?", Boggs asks incredulously, staring at the new occupant of his office chair. "Only a single cat, Boggs", the German officer quickly replies with a sheepish expression, while Brown grins highly amused. "You should be glad he didn't bring the camels and donkeys along that he reported on the radio, Boggsy." "Actually I intend to give some to our scouts", the youngest Captain remarks and James Boggs groans with exasperation. "What am I going to do with you, Dietrich? I understand your reasoning, but since your arrival my camp has seen more animal activity and presence in a month than before that time in more than a year. We're neither a zoo nor a circus."

With an annoyed scowl, the American Captain walks over to his office stool and picks up Minki. The cat looks truly angry now, as it hisses at him, wiggles its way out of his grasp, jumps down from his arms and marches straight to General Atkins. With her most tantalizing purr the tabby cat rubs her head against his boot and eyes him with big demanding yellow eyes. When Atkins bows down, Minki rubs her head against his hand with a loud purring noise, effectively blocking him from grabbing her. "I like that cat. This animal truly has a strong personality", the American senior officer comments with a smirk. "But we can't have any non-military personnel or simple enlisted men near our official documents", he mutters almost to himself, then looks like a brilliant idea has just occurred to you. "We just lost our third Lieutenant in a few weeks, let's get a new one. I hereby give you the rank of Lieutenant, Minki." Minki sits down and starts licking her right front paw, before moving it over her ear, as if providing a salute. "The cat's better behaved than most of your unit, Dietrich", Captain Brown comments with a grin. "That's true. Hitchcock and Pettigrew could learn something. They're not even able to match Fritz' behaviour", the German mutters back to him with dry sarcasm. James Boggs is the only one not participating in the entertaining conversation, as he stares at the cat in quiet disbelief how the annoying animal has turned from a nuisance into an officer. "This reminds me that we should finally accept your dog into the army. He hasn't served in the Afrikakorps before, has he, Captain?", Dietrich shakes his head, looking actually taken aback by the question and the General's strange mood. "Then he may take the rank of a Private, as this is fitting his behaviour far better", Atkins comments wryly, then orders: "Lieutenant Minki!" The cat stops her cleaning process and stares at him intently. When seeing the hand gesture inviting her to return to her place on Boggs' stool, she jumps up quickly and curls into a ball with content purring, while the American Captain starts to deeply regret not having taken Sergeant Moffit's warning about Dietrich more seriously. Major Turner appears to share his incredulity at the eccentric behaviour, while the Lieutenant Colonel considers the whole episode a hilarious source of entertainment.

Looking at the German Captain, Atkins orders: "Show us what else you have taken! I believe you mentioned codebooks, Captain." The younger officer nods and draws a booklet from the pile. "We were able to retrieve these from the safe which is why I believe in their authenticity. With these codebooks, decrypting encoded German messages is possible for me, as long as these codes are valid." An actual smile graces the General's face and Lieutenant Colonel Bennett looks intrigued now as well. "Your units' ability to unite experts with rare skills and commando soldiers is actually impressive. But why did you take a safe cracker with you in the first place?" To his astonishment, Dietrich blushes, as he winces slightly, while Brown bursts into laughter. "He didn't take a safe cracker with him, he is their safecracker", the Australian Captain points out with dry humor, brushing tears of laughter from his eyes. "My expert trained him himself." "I merely apply this as a tactical skill. I'm not a criminal", the proud German protests indignantly. "Impressive nonetheless", Bennett comments, scrutinizing the younger officer from head to toe. The tall German Captain has never dropped his proud stance, even though he is bruised and obviously more gravely injured beyond this, since he winces regularly. The man is almost too thin for an active soldier and his uniform is obviously made for somebody with more substance than the skinny young officer. Nonetheless, he has without doubt a strong personality and will, while the gleam of intelligence is apparent in his gaze.

"So I can employ you as a safecracker and a codebreaker now", Atkins muses, as he absentmindedly pets Minki over the head to which the cat responds with loud purring. "That's quite wonderful and saves us from forwarding intercepted messages to headquarters for breaking their codes." Dietrich nods, as he comments: "That is precisely what I thought, General." "You can prove your skills right away. We have forwarded the two messages we intercepted from the fortress to HQ already, but I'd still appreciate your decryption, since we didn't receive an answer yet", Atkins argues, while Turner retrieves two sheets of paper from the second desk. "This might take several minutes", Dietrich argues cautiously. "You can sit down, but not on Lieutenant Minki", Atkins offers to which the cat comments "meow" indignantly. Careful to sit on a different stool, Hans starts leafing through the codebook page by page until he finds what he has been looking for, some sand caught between the folds in the center. Two years in North Africa have taught him that the accursed substance will get everywhere it can possibly reach. "What are you doing, Captain?", Turner asks him curiously, when he sees the German move his fingers over the page before bearing a content expression. "Sand, Major. It's the bane of our existence out here in the desert. But in this manner, I can tell on which pages the book has been opened before and thus which codes to use for decryption or encryption." "You really are a clever fox, Dietrich", Brown comments, sounding impressed. "I spent enough time out here to be intimately familiar with sand in all its forms", Hans replies dryly. "Especially invading my lists, notebooks and codebooks."

Without bothering to look up anymore, the German Captain starts reading the encryption and decryption keys, then decrypts the first letters until he realizes that he ends up with obvious gibberish. With a sigh and a wince at the sting in his ribs and pull of his fresh sutures, the young officer tries the instructions on the next set of pages where sand has been caught. Numbers form instead of a word and Dietrich recognizes the current date. This looks promising, as he continues his efforts with a smile, while Atkins and Bennett look through the other documents, booklets and notebooks the German Captain has brought to them. Although the movement still hurts, Hans is relieved that writing is possible with his main hand again, as he takes his notes. Once finished with rewriting the German message, he translates it to English. "This will be relevant for all of us, gentlemen", the young Captain addresses everyone in the room with a stern and serious tone. "Hauptmann Langreiter, the Captain in command of the base, has asked for aerial support to drop them medication to help against diarrhoea. Their supplies bought from the local bazaars and transported by camels and donkeys seem to cause them troubles", Dietrich explains calmly. "Offering medical treatment for him and his men opens a new possibility for negotiations." "Do we have such medications available?", Atkins inquires. "Most likely not in the required amounts, General, as this camp has never been intended for hosting so many people. I can tell you from personal experience though that the Red Cross stations and larger field hospitals have higher quantities of the medication. My fort at the oasis town suffered from similar problems a few months ago and I was forced to ride for several days to retrieve the medication, as even a large unit with regular medics is usually not equipped for this", Dietrich argues. "That's what you rode through the desert for? On an Arab horse no less?", Brown asks with a smirk. "You did what?", Lieutenant Colonel Bennett inquires incredulously. "The LRDP were taking out any of my convoys, basically putting my command post under siege. So I could not risk my already sick men for driving out there only to be shot down. But nobody cares about a single Arab on a horse in this war, so I lent a steed from the local Sheikh whose people were also affected, promising his people aid in return. Riding to the hospital to retrieve the medication was the safest option for everyone involved", Dietrich argues with a stern expression, while his Australian colleague appears truly entertained. "You're insane, but really brave", Brown comments, patting the younger German Captain's shoulder who winces at the touch. "Is the LRDP really a good unit to place you with, given your history, Captain?", Bennett wonders. Dietrich eyes him with stubborn defiance in his gaze, as he growls with wounded pride: "Are you questioning my loyalty, Lieutenant Colonel?" "Not in the least, Captain. You're a competent officer and obviously have no intention of betraying us to your former side. I merely wondered how working with those who have caused you that much harm is for a proud man like you", Charles Bennett argues calmly, after realizing his mistake. Dietrich puts him under scrutiny, trying to assess his honesty, until he finally nods. "It wouldn't have been my first choice, but I", he hesitates and eyes both Boggs and Brown cautiously, "have been fairly well accepted and treated among my former opponents." "We surely don't want to lose our smart young desert fox", Brown argues and finally also Boggs draws himself out of his cat induced reverie. "Captain Dietrich has served this unit excellently, replacing me even in time of need. And he has the ability of getting along with several of our more troublesome commando troopers far better than most of my officers, possibly because he knows them from a different perspective as well and the other way around." "The Captain will remain with this unit until our arrival in Tobruk. Then, headquarters will decide his fate and his future unit finally", Atkins declares sternly. "And he did not choose the LRDP, neither did any of us. The commandos formerly fighting against him, chose him." "Troy?", Brown whispers to Dietrich who bears a defiant expression while glaring at the General and merely nods in response.

"I'd ask you to decrypt the second message as well, given your success, Captain Dietrich", the General orders, twirling his moustache. The German officer takes his seat again. Now that he knows which key is the right decryption key, he can transcribe the message more quickly. While translating he learns the content quite effectively. "This is an urgent request by the fort commander to German HQ to negotiate with Allied HQ on their behalf, as he doesn't trust the Maoris, the scalp hunters as he calls them, not to slaughter his men", Dietrich explains. "Scalp hunters?", Bennett asks indignantly and incredulously, looking truly offended by the expression. "I assure you, Lieutenant Colonel, that this is not my personal opinion of your people, as your Private Anaru has appeared both reasonable and civilised to me. But it is nonetheless your reputation among the German troops, including General Fieldmarshal Rommel", the German Captain argues cautiously.

"It's about time we have you for negotiations. I have not understood why they have so stubbornly refused to surrender or even continue negotiations since my first meeting with their commander", Charles Bennett comments with a scowl. "Do you know their Captain Langreiter, Dietrich?", Boggs asks his second in command. "I know him rather well, actually, though not from the military. Doktor Langreiter is an archaeologist from Berlin's University or at least that was his job before the war started and many academics were hired as officers by the army. He was a student doing his field practice and later his doctoral studies on several of the expeditions I accompanied as a student", the young officer explains. "I thought you'd joined the Wehrmacht right after finishing college", Turner remarks. "I did. I accompanied the expeditions as a teenager during my school holidays, along with my uncle who organised them", Hans explains. "That's how I learned Arabic and English, along with ... some other useful skills." Brown smirks, knowing what these other skills encompass and even Boggs looks amused after having seen the German Captain's sleight of hand tricks himself. "Franz Langreiter studied Egyptology back then. He was never very sociable and I was a mere school boy, but he sometimes sent me out for doing odd jobs and errands for him he didn't trust the Arabs with", the young German offers. "He knows North Africa, its desert and its people really well, speaks fluent Arabic and fits the description of the unit commander the young goat herder provided me with. I'm quite assured that he will trust my word more than yours, Lieutenant Colonel, simply because he lives with the notion of the superiority of the Arian race and considers any dark-skinned people barbarians. He always used to say this about the Arabs compared to the Ancient Egyptians." Bennett nods in understanding, although he bears a grim expression, while Dietrich continues his explanation: "Also, the Hauptmann is not a true soldier at heart, but a scientist. He wants to get out of this situation alive, along with his men, not fight to the death of every last one of them. He simply refused to speak with you, fearing that you would kill him barbarically and take his scalp, as this is your people's reputation and he believes it in spite of possessing some education in anthropology."

Charles Bennett scowls and is not really able to hide how much this whole explanation and realisation hurts his pride. "Thank you, Captain Dietrich, for finally explaining this mystery to me", the Maori commander growls with barely suppressed anger. "I suppose this settles our strategy for tomorrow. We will welcome your Arabs and send you to negotiate with the German commander. Then, we'll see how reasonable this scientist really is." Atkins nods in agreement. "This is exactly what I would have proposed, Lieutenant Colonel Bennett. Captain Dietrich. You stay ready for your mission tomorrow!" The German Captain salutes sharply. "Of course, Sir." "Take care of your health, Captain Dietrich!", Major Turner orders strictly. "I want you to get checked in sickbay at least twice daily. And do try to gain some weight and muscles!" His father's upbringing and indoctrination with military protocol as well as Troy's punitive measures have taught Hans, not to snap at the American officer directly, but he looks quite offended nonetheless, as he growls: "Of course, Major." Turner puts him under scrutiny, before ordering: "You're dismissed then, Captain, and off duty for the rest of the day to recover from your injury!" Dietrich salutes sharply, before turning on his heels and stalking out with all the dignity he can muster, keeping his head held high.

"What do you think of our young desert fox, Bennett?", General Atkins asks his colleague, as soon as the lean German officer has left the tent, twirling his moustache deliberately, as he bears a sly smile. "Proud and brave as a young lion, stubborn as a mule and sly as a fox. I would take an officer like that anytime", the Maori commander assesses with a more friendly smile, then adds with an even wider grin and a wink: "I think your new Lieutenant wants something." Indeed, Minki has started playing with Atkins' hand, without using her claws though, and now starts purring loudly as she jumps down from the stool and tries to lead him to the door. "We will still need to practice the chain of command, Lieutenant Minki", the General comments with a smile, while Boggs groans and pinches his nose. "Don't worry, Boggsy! At least, this critter won't stay to bother you, since your General adopted it, unlike Dietrich's new Private", Brown tries to console him with irony, as he pats his American colleague's back.

Dietrich meanwhile wants to make his way back to the field hospital, steering clear of Lieutenant Carter by taking a route between the tents. Although he neither dislikes nor particularly distrusts Carter, Hans wants to be left alone with unwanted questions about all that has happened. Between the tents however, he finds himself cornered by four familiar commando soldiers. Fighting down unpleasant memories, Dietrich forces himself to not tense visibly. These men are his own unit and the closest thing he has to friends among his new side right now, if he does not count Jakob Silberblatt. "You okay, Captain?", Sam Troy wants to know. "Why shouldn't I be?", Hans inquires with a scowl. "You were shot. You were interrogated. And now you're sneaking around back here instead of taking the main route, like you want to avoid everyone", Troy counts the reasons for his assumptions. "Between your charming discussion with Major Turner and the promotion of our new Lieutenant after what happened between me and Baker I feel a lot more protected with keeping my safe distance from the rest of the officers and the enlisted men alike", the German Captain remarks dryly. "What about that snake Baker? Will they shoot him?", Troy asks with a snarl. "Atkins will hold his trial once the oasis is liberated", Dietrich replies matter-of-factually. "And did I hear you correctly, mentioning a new Lieutenant?", Moffit asks curiously and is quite astounded to find the young Captain smile wryly at the question. "You heard me correctly, Doctor. We have a new Lieutenant much to Captain Boggs' dismay", Dietrich answers dryly. "I briefly wasn't sure whether Boggs might be the next one to shoot me or simply desert the U.S. army himself." Troy insists now: "Okay. I'm all ears. What happened?" Hitch steps up next to the tall Captain as well, placing his hand on his good shoulder and ignoring him wincing involuntarily, while he comments cheerfully: "You can't make teasers like that and not continue, Cap!"

"Dear Captain Boggs is a little beside himself since the cat adopted General Atkins", Dietrich tells them, shrugging Mark's hand off without appearing undignified about it. "You mean that General Atkins adopted the cat", Moffit corrects him. "No, Doctor", Hans counters dryly, "I meant exactly what I said. The cat marched into the room, occupied first the office desk and then Boggs' chair. When he tried to pick it up, the little beast started to hiss, jumped down and went straight to the General's boot, purring so loudly that he just couldn't bring himself to kick it out and petted it instead. He even decided that he cannot have any non-military personnel or simple enlisted men near the official documents, so he gave the cat the rank of a Lieutenant and Fritz the one of a Private as well for good measure. Poor Captain Boggs looked torn between pulling out his hair and bursting into tears, when the General invited the cat to lie on his office chair, while your friend Brown almost fell over laughing and the Maori commander probably considered all of us insane but hilarious." Troy grins widely and Hitch starts laughing so hard that he doubles over. "Great story, Cap", he gets out panting, while Tully grins silently and Moffit bears an amused expression. "I'm sure Captain Boggs rues the day that he ignored my warning that you're the expert for adopting strays, Captain", Jack comments with a wide smile. "That is so true. And at that rate, you'll never be able to catch up with him at pranking the brass, boys. Looks like you've truly found your master in our dear Captain here", Troy tells Hitch and Tully who both bear mischievous expressions.

"I didn't intend to prank anyone, merely save the animal from an unnecessary death", the German Captain argues, looking a bit baffled how this harmless story has escalated into being viewed as a prank against his fellow officers. "That's what you say every time, except with the Christmas letter written as Marlene Dietrich's cousin", Troy argues with a smile. "I'm certainly not a prankster like you", the young officer states indignantly. "Like hell you are. You sure have lots of affinity for that, given some of the stunts you've pulled, Captain Fox Kit", Troy counters. Dietrich glares at him. "That is a preposterous accusation, Troy", Hans growls with even more indignation. "Your fancy words remind me of that teapot prank you pulled on me together with Jack. Don't tell me you don't have any affinity for pranks or I'll ask your friend Jakob Silberblatt to share some more stories from your youth!", Troy counters with a grin. "That's an unfair method and the lowest kind of extortion, Troy", Dietrich counters dryly. "I'm a commando. I can't always afford to fight with fair means", the American Sergeant argues with a grin, before adding: "Come on, Captain! We're not trying to slight your sense of honor and duty. I know you wouldn't do anything seriously harmful on purpose, but you got a sense of humor and have participated in more than one practical joke is all we're trying to say." The German Captain sighs wearily, wincing and pressing his arm against his injured side. "Fine, Troy. I can admit to that and that I'm guilty as charged in this respect."

"Wonderful", Hitch announces and jovially pats the young German officer on the left shoulder again who starts slightly with surprise at the touch. "That's why you fit right in with us." Tully nods approvingly, shifting his matchstick, as he adds: "Never had any brass before with your sense of humor." "Never had any brass with any sense of humor at all, except for Browny", Troy remarks. Hans stares at them a bit incredulously. "Mitgefangen, mitgehangen", Jack Moffit whispers to him dryly and Dietrich nods with a fatalistic smile, muttering: "In der Tat, Doktor." "What are you saying?", Hitch wants to know curiously. "In for a penny, in for a pound, as we would say in good old Britain", Jack replies with a smile. "Although it literally means who is caught together in a crime, swings together from the gallows." "I like that image. Tell me the German words again!", Troy comments with a smirk. "Mitgefangen, mitgehangen. Mitgefangen means 'caught together', fangen ist to catch. Mitgehangen means hung together, hängen ist 'to hang'", Dietrich himself translates for him diligently. "I like our language courses, they're short and entertaining. We could do them more often", Troy comments with a grin. "We definitely will. You need to understand at least basic words and phrases, all of you", the German Captain insists. "Sure thing, Captain. How about we first pick up your kids and friend Silberblatt and then have some dinner?", the American Sergeant suggests jovially. All of them nod in agreement. "Ari is still in sickbay after his spike of panic", Dietrich argues with a worried expression, "and I also gave my word to have my injuries checked after the meeting with the Major." Troy scowls grimly. "Given how you just flinched, you'd better do that, Captain. But I won't let you go anywhere unprotected anymore. We waited to intercept you after your meeting for just that reason." "Don't be ridiculous, Troy! I don't need four bodyguards. And I believe to have told you that you should take care of our tent, belongings and the boy!", the German Captain growls with annoyance. "We took care of everything", Sam protests. "Hitch left Jakob with Ari and became the lookout to inform us, when you're ready, while we prepared everything. Gotty's still finishing stuff in our tent." "I thought we had the times behind us, when you'd constantly spy on me", Hans mutters with clearly wounded pride. "It's not the first time you get attacked by one of our side, not evenbfor the first time by one of our officers. I'd rather annoy you than bury you, you stubborn Jerry smartass!", Troy growls back.

After glaring at each other for several seconds, Dietrich sighs wearily, wincing visibly. "Fine, Troy. I have to admit that you have a point." "I knew that you're a smart guy and would see reason", Troy comments with a grin, squeezing the younger German Captain's shoulder. "Besides Sergeant", Hans adds with a tone of dry humor, "if you stay with me as my bodyguard, I might stand a chance to intervene the next time you offend the Major, before adding to both our punishments. You got away lightly with only a few days of latrine duty, but I got your brother assigned permanently, in addition to you. As if one Troy wouldn't have been enough to wreck my nerves." The lean German pinches his nose in mock drama, while Sam looks briefly torn between anger and happiness, before grinning widely: "Wait till you really get to know Davey!" "Are you serious, Captain?", Jack Moffit inquires incredulously. "Unfortunately, I am", the German officer replies dryly. "Well. That's good news, isn't it? Davey's a really funny guy from what I remember when I last met him", Hitch comments with a smile. "When he's not crashing planes into us, provoking physical assaults or generally annoying everyone on principle", Dietrich groans. "That's Davey, but he can be funny, jovial and outgoing, definitely the lady's man you've always wanted to go out with to return with half a dozen chicks, Hitch", Sam suggests with a grin. When Hitchcock tenses and looks at Dietrich who bears a stony expression, Troy realizes that something is still going on in Mark's life that he has shared with the German Captain, but not the rest of them, as Moffit and Pettigrew look equally clueless. "I should join you as well... to take care of the kids, while you speak with Davey", Hitch suggests meekly and everyone suspects foul play now. "Join us, Hitchcock! But you'd better declare honestly in advance that you might get distracted by the nurses", the German Captain comments coolly.

When the three enter the sickbay, Dietrich gets intercepted immediately by a concerned Ludwig Sommer and the worried looking pair of Wolf Bauer and Istvan Nemet. "Was um Gottes Willen stellen Sie an, Hans, dass die Amis auf Sie schießen, obwohl Sie auf ihrer Seite sind?", the German medic inquires incredulously. "Ich habe überhaupt nichts angestellt, Ludwig! Der amerikanische Leutnant ist ein Hitzkopf wie die meisten Amis", Dietrich insists indignantly. "Mind translating your pallaver for the rest of us non-Germans?", Troy grumbles with a scowl, while Hitchcock inconspicuously sneaks off. "He asked me what I did to provoke the Americans to shoot me in spite of being on their side and I told him that Baker's merely a hot-headed idiot", Dietrich translates for him. "You also said like most Americans", Sommer adds with an ironic smile, seeing the American Sergeant scowl immediately, while his former Hauptmann glares at him with annoyance, growling sarcastically: "Thank you for your diligence and precision, Doktor." "The qualities of a true German", the medic replies with some self-mockery.

"Go it you good, Herr Hauptmann?", Wolf Bauer tries his new English language skill, but fails so miserably that Hans merely winces and thanks God that Moffit is not present to provide the young man with a lesson on basic grammar and vocabulary for the next hours, while Troy stares at him as if he has completely lost his mind. Seeing his lack of success, the young soldier repeats his question in German: "Geht es Ihnen gut, Herr Hauptmann?" The young officer smiles magnanimously, as he replies: "Danke, Bauer. Es geht mir den Umständen entsprechend gut. Und die Frage, die Sie stellen wollten, lautet in Englisch, 'Are you alright?' oder 'Are you well?'." Bauer nods, blushing slightly at the embarrassment of having failed so terribly that his former commanding officer feels obliged to provide him with a language lesson. "So, 'Geht es Ihnen gut' is 'Are you alright'?", Troy repeats contently. "Yes, Sergeant, although your pronunciation is almost as bad as Bauer's the other way around", Dietrich comments dryly. "Jerry smartass. We can't all be language aces like you", the American Sergeant grumbles.

"When you're back to trading jibes and jokes with him, you're as fine as usual, Hans", Sommer comments rather jovially, before turning more serious. "But please take more care! You live a more dangerous life than any of us in spite of being free and an Allied officer." Bauer stares at them intently, trying to understand something, but barely grasping every tenth word, while Nemet nods and adds with a strong Hungarian accent: "We were really worried about you, Herr Hauptmann." "My apologies, gentlemen. It hasn't been my intention to worry you, any of you. I surely didn't expect to be shot in my own camp by one of my own officers", Dietrich replies with a serious tone. "That's why we'll watch your back from now on, Captain", Troy insists vehemently and Sommer comes to his aid. "That is very considerate of you. Thank you, Sergeant. I trust you to protect him well." "Köszönöm, Sergeant. Thank you", Nemet adds and elbows Bauer who still stares at them without understanding what they are saying. When the Hungarian whispers something into his ear, the young man's eyes widen and Bauer quickly adds: "Danke, Herr Feldwebel... Sergeant. Thank you." Troy smiles at him and mutters: "You're a good kid, even if you're a Jerry." Nemet again translates for him by whispering into his ear. Now the young soldier blushes and looks at a loss of what to reply. With a whole Phalanx against him, Dietrich wisely refrains from commenting.

"Einige der Männer haben nach Ihnen gefragt, Herr Hauptmann. Ulrich von Bibra wollte mit Ihnen sprechen, aber auch Soldat Kierner. Er ist seit gestern endlich auf dem Weg der Besserung", Sommer reports, while Troy is distracted, staying with German. Dietrich nods at the news that several of the men asked about him, among them Ulrich von Bibra and his young Private Kierner who has once been wounded by Hitchcock and Pettigrew, when they have rescued him from SS custody and finally appears to be recovering. "Ich werde mit ihnen sprechen, aber kann nicht versprechen, dass ich etwas erreichen kann", the young Captain agrees to speak with them. Then, he walks with Doktor Sommer to the Thuringian nobleman's bed where von Bibra awaits the German officer eagerly. "Herr Hauptmann. Danke, dass Sie gekommen sind", he greets the lean officer who nods with a serious expression when thanked for coming. Troy now joins them as well, glaring at the German soldier of von Stolberg's unit with an expression of distrust. Von Bibra ignores him for the most part, adopting the manner of the German nobleman he is by birth. "Bitte kommen Sie etwas näher, Herr Hauptmann, ich kann leider nicht so laut sprechen!", the young man applies the argument that he cannot speak so loudly and thus asks the Hauptmann to come nearer. Dietrich furrows his brow, noticing that something is off, but remembers that von Bibra has told him previously about two other soldiers in a whisper, as he would not wish to be overheard which might actually turn out dangerous for him. "Selbstverständlich, Fahnenjunker", Hans therefore plays along and crouches next to the young man's bed, leaning close to him.

"Ich habe Ihnen doch vom Gefreiten Manfred Larsen und Feldwebel Jens Vogel erzählt", the German nobleman whispers conspiratorially about the two men he has reported to Dietrich the last time and the officer nods in agreement. "Sie wollen ... etwas Dummes tun", Ulrich von Bibra continues that they want to do something stupid. "Ich glaube, sie wollen ihren Hauptmann befreien." Hans' breath briefly catches, when he hears that the soldier thinks that they want to free their Hauptmann Zornbrecht. "Sind Sie sich sicher?", he inquires whether the other is sure and the Fahnenjunker nods. "Warum erzählen Sie mir das? Sie sind ein deutscher Offiziersanwärter und ich bin ein Hochverräter im Dienst der Amerikaner?", Dietrich asks very sternly and seriously why von Bibra even tells him something like that, given that the young man is a German officer candidate, while Hans is a traitor serving the Americans. "Sie sind ein Ehrenmann, Herr Hauptmann, und haben sich immer für die deutschen Soldaten aller Einheiten eingesetzt. Beim letzten Aufstand sind einige meiner Kameraden ums Leben gekommen. Ich will nicht, dass wieder welche sinnlos sterben müssen", the young Thuringian argues with earnest conviction that he considers the Captain a man of honor who has always acted in the best interest of the German troops. Given how many of his former comrades have lost their lives in the last uprising, von Bibra does not want more men to die without any real sense of their deaths.

Nodding in understanding, Dietrich gently pats his lower arm in a gesture of reassurance. "Sie können sich darauf verlassen, dass ich das ebenfalls verhindern will, Fahnenjunker von Bibra. Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Aufrichtigkeit", the young Captain promises that the other can trust in his will to prohibit unnecessary deaths, thanking him for his earnestness. The young soldier quickly grasps the other's hand and returns the gesture as he whispers his thanks. "Danke, Herr Hauptmann. Für alles." With a curt nod, Dietrich rises to his feet again, slowly and carefully to not lose his balance as he has previously. When the young Captain turns around to Sam Troy the Sergeant has his hand on the handle of his gun, as he observes the young man on the cot still with a wary expression. "Leave Fahnenjunker von Bibra in peace, Troy! He actually tries to help us", the younger German mutters quietly to his Sergeant who still scowls at the words. While the older American follows the lean Captain to step aside, Hans quickly summarizes the essential content of the conversation. "I will inform Captain Boggs later and he may pass this on", the young officer declares quietly. "You mean in case he has forgiven you for Lieutenant Minki... Shouldn't you go to your new friend the Major directly, considering he's borrowing you his shirts nowadays?", Troy comments with a strange tone. "Troy, behaving like a jealous schoolgirl is really unbecoming for a man of your age and rank", Dietrich comments dryly. "Jerry smartass", Sam counters with a scowl.

When they come nearer to Kierner's bed, the young soldier stares at the American Sergeant with the expression of a panicked rabbit looking at the jaws and bared teeth of a wolf. "Troy, please stay back and don't intimidate Private Kierner any more than necessary. He's traumatised and has been crippled in Pettigrew's and Hitchcock's distraction attack, when you got me out of SS custody", Dietrich admonishes sternly. "Fine, I'll stay here and keep my eyes on you", Troy grumbles his agreement. Sighing wearily and wincing in the process, the young German Captain steps closer to his soldier, bearing a friendly smile. "Soldat Kierner. Es ist gut zu sehen, dass es Ihnen endlich etwas besser geht", he comments calmly that he is glad to see that the young man is finally doing better. Kierner smiles shyly at his former commanding officer, once he finally turns his gaze away from the intimidating American. "Danke, Herr Hauptmann. Ich ... fühle mich etwas besser, aber ... es ist komisch kein Bein mehr zu haben", the young mousy soldier thanks his Captain and although he feels better he is still shaken by not having his leg any longer. "Sie werden diese Herausforderung meistern, Kierner", Hans tells him with a reassuring tone that he will overcome this challenge. The German soldier's expression turns as insecure as his tone. "Meinen Sie wirklich, Herr Hauptmann?"

"Selbstverständlich. Sie sind ein gesunder junger Mann und ... haben Sie nicht eine Schwester, die auf Sie wartet und Ihnen helfen wird, wenn Sie zurückkehren?", Dietrich answers that he is sure of this and then, vaguely remembering his first personal talk with the young man about his family, mentions that his sister will help him, whenever he may return to Germany, hoping that he still remembers this information correctly. "Ich habe zwei Schwestern, meine Zwillingsschwester und eine, die fünf Jahre jünger ist und noch in der Schule", Kierner argues that he has two sisters even, his twin and a five years younger sister who is still in school. Speaking of his family seems to reinvigorate him, as his former Hauptmann has intended. "Maria wird mir helfen. Da haben Sie bestimmt recht", the young German tells himself that Dietrich surely is right that his sister Maria will help him. "Das wird sie", Hans affirms and then adds: "Kann ich Ihnen sonst irgendwie helfen?" Kierner looks honestly surprised by the question whether the young officer can help him somehow.

With an almost embarrassed look, the wounded soldier asks meekly: "Darf ich vielleicht etwas Papier und einen Bleistift haben? Zum Zeichnen." Hans looks surprised that all he asks for are a few sheets of paper and a pencil for drawing, but nods. "Das können Sie gerne haben, Kierner, wenn es Ihnen hilft. Sie dürfen als Kriegsgefangener auch Briefe verschicken und Ihren Schwestern Ihre Zeichnungen schicken, wenn nichts Kriegsrelevantes darauf ist", Dietrich reminds him cautiously now that as a POW he may send letters to his sisters and include his drawings, as long as they contain nothing relevant for the war effort. Kierner smiles happily now. "Ich brauche ja kein Bein zum Zeichnen. In den Briefen ist alles wie früher. Danke, Herr Hauptmann." The young officer nods in acknowledgement of the thanks, glad that the young man has found something that makes him happy again for which he does not need his leg. "Doktor Sommer wird auf Sie schauen, Kierner. Ich muss weiter", Hans argues calmly that he has to leave, but Sommer will look after him. "Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Hauptmann", the young German replies with a grateful smile, before his gaze becomes rather unfocused. "Ich werde ihn zeichnen. Dann bekommt er das Bild. Und den Herrn Hauptmann auch", Kierner is only half-listening, as he starts muttering to himself whom he intends to draw and give his drawing as a gift.

"The kid's a bit crazy, isn't he?", Troy asks quietly, looking at the young German with a suspicious gaze. "Kierner has been so shell-shocked for several weeks that he could barely communicate at all, Troy", Dietrich counters sternly, standing up in the defence of his former soldier. "This is a vast improvement. And all he asked of me was some paper and a pencil for drawing to occupy his time. It would be cruel not to grant him that." "How come you're still the Patron Saint of German POWs, Captain?", Troy asks with some irony, while Dietrich shrugs nonchalantly which causes him to wince with pain. "Not for much longer. With Hauptmann Stadler they finally have a decent officer to look out for their interests." With a serious expression, the young Captain approaches Doctor Andrews. "Could you tell me about the casualties of Lieutenant Baker's unit, Doctor?", he inquires cautiously. The American medic stares at him with surprise, before a smile finds his way to his lips. "Follow me please, Captain!", the older Doctor declares, as he leads the two men to the sector with the American soldiers. "Half of the men died, when they opened the rigged supply depot", he explains, "among them Corporal Walker, Sergeant Mellows and Corporal Sagrada as well as five Privates. The others suffered burns, broken bones and bruises from the explosion. Private Jones, Thompson and Martin have not awoken since we treated them earlier and they are still in a critical state, but Private Erhardsen, Sergeant Fitzpatrick and Corporal Davis would appreciate the visit." Dietrich looks unsure, as he asks quietly: "From me? Are you sure, Doctor?" Andrews smiles almost sadly, as he places his hand on the younger man's lean shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "They don't share their officer's distrust against you. This is really about giving them the impression that somebody cares beyond an official investigation. " The German Captain nods quietly. "Fine, Doctor. I trust your word." Andrews smiles silently. Finally the young officer is opening up a bit more in spite of what has happened to him. He has considered Dietrich a good officer and a decent man from the first day and the young German Captain is proving him right now.

The American medic leads them to the injured men who look up from their cots with expressions of wariness, curiosity and actual joy. "The Captain came to check on you, boys", the American medic tells the three men. "Captain Dietrich?", Fitzpatrick mutters with disbelief and curiosity, when he recognizes the German officer who merely nods in response, while Sergeant Troy looms like a shadow behind him. "Have you come to question us? Cause Turner's men already did that. We told them everything twice already", Davis growls with a tone of distrust. "I have not come to question you about what has happened, gentlemen, but to check on your health and condition", Dietrich replies with a controlled tone and reserved look. "Thanks, Captain", Sergeant Fitzpatrick mutters with an actual smile. "We're doing pretty fine compared to the others." Erhardsen shares his smile in a rather shy manner, while Davis glowers at him. "Come to gloat, eh? Baker said you sent us into a trap." Troy explodes now. "Don't you dare tell us what that worthless son-of-a-bitch said! We arrested him an hour ago for shooting the Captain." While all three look taken aback, almost shocked by the announcement, the German Captain's expression has turned weary and wary, as he subconsciously moves his right arm to protect his recent injury, wincing in the process. "I assure you, gentlemen, that I hold none of you responsible for Lieutenant Baker's actions", the German Captain argues cautiously, keeping his tone carefully controlled. "I simply intended to hear how you are faring." "Thanks, Captain. We appreciate it", Sergeant Fitzpatrick replies and sternly reprimands his Corporal who glares at Dietrich with a hateful expression. "We should get your injuries checked now, Captain. Please go to the officer's ward, while I take care of the gentlemen here", Doctor Andrews suggests with the clear necessity of their compliance, as he tries to separate the two groups before Sergeant Troy who stares at the Corporal with a murderous expression might do something stupid.

Both Dietrich and Troy turn in the direction where Andrews has pointed them, as the American Sergeant follows the younger man toward the separated officer's ward, intent on protecting him. On the way there, two sun-tanned men intercept the duo. Dietrich straightens immediately into a proper stance, standing at attention and providing a sharp salute, while Troy looks at the dark-skinned man of approximately his height and stature in a British officer's uniform with curiosity, giving a more sloppy salute than his Captain. Lieutenant Colonel Bennett greets both by saluting back. "Captain Dietrich, I wouldn't have expected to meet you again so soon", he comments in a friendly tone. "Given certain events, I'm forced to visit here frequently", the German Captain replies cautiously. "I'm most grateful to you for rescuing my soldier here", comes the stern response at which Thomas Anaru nods enthusiastically, as he confirms: "So am I, Captain." "Can you be released already, Private?", Dietrich inquires, raising his eyebrows in astonishment. "I ...", the young Maori soldier hesitates to lie directly before the two officers who will definitely see through him. "You were trying to sneak off", Troy comments nonchalantly. Lieutenant Colonel Bennett focuses a stern gaze on him, as he admonishes the young man with the tone of a strict school teacher: "Private Anaru, this is an inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour for a noble warrior of the 28th battalion!" "Aroha mai, Lieutenant Colonel Bennett", the younger Maori pleads forgiveness, averting his gaze. "I will meet you tomorrow then, Private Anaru", the older officer informs him with a serious tone, before saluting to the Captain and his Sergeant, leaving rather quickly afterwards.

Anaru stares after him for a few moments, before muttering: "This is driving me mad, staying in sickbay with nothing useful to do." "I can understand your wish to get out of sickbay as quickly as possible, but we as your officers are responsible for your well-being and not abusing you by sending an unfit, injured man into combat", Dietrich argues. "You're pretty badly injured yourself, Captain", the Maori Private argues with a serious expression, "couldn't you take me along and allow me just some very simple things to do for you. I just need to do ... something, anything. Sitting around is worse than torture for me." "I'm not your commanding officer and he ordered you to stay here, Private", the German Captain counters with a carefully kept neutral tone to not betray his sympathy for the young man's plight. "Actually, he just said 'see you tomorrow' and I never heard a direct order that he should stay here", Troy argues with a sly smile which Anaru returns. "I like your way of thinking, very American and rebellious." The Sergeant smiles proudly as if he has just been given the best of compliments ever. "Troy, this clearly undermines the Lieutenant Colonel's intention", Dietrich argues sternly. "Aren't you in enough trouble for annoying the officer's corps?" "I can live with a few more days of cleaning latrines, if I can help a fellow soldier. I have wonderful ideas for what I could do on these 'duties'", Troy counters. "Have you lost your mind, Sergeant, using them for pranking the officers?", Hans asks incredulously. "And you're not doing Private Anaru a favour by involving him in your mischief."

"He's at least trying to help me to not be locked up here", Thomas argues. "This is not an enemy camp you require rescue from, Private", the German Captain admonishes sternly. "This is a field hospital intended for taking care of the wounded and sick." "If it's so wonderful here, why don't you stay yourself, Captain?", Troy shoots back. "I have my duties and obligations, Troy!", Dietrich growls at him now angrily. "I'm just saying you're running around, even though you're beaten black and blue even worse than this guy here looks. Can't you show him some pity and take him along? If he's with us, he's under constant supervision of an officer", Troy argues. "That's brilliant. Your unit is the strangest and most interesting I've ever seen or heard of, even for the LRDP. Please let me join you, just for dinner and a little chatting, Captain", the young Maori pleads with the lean German who looks torn between honest sympathy for the young man's situation and his deeply ingrained sense of duty which warns him to defy a senior officer's will, even if he has only communicated it implicitly. Meeting the younger man's dark eyes that carry his earnestness quite clearly, Dietrich finally gives in. With a deep sigh that makes him wince, he nods and tells him: "Fine, Private Anaru. You may accompany us to dinner and stay for a little chat afterwards, but I insist that you give me your word to return to sickbay then." Thomas Anaru beams at him as if having been given the most wonderful present. "Thank you, Captain. You're really a good and noble hearted fellow who won't let a poor soldier down." In spite of having the feeling that he might regret this sooner rather than later, Hans has always been true to his word, once given, and thus leads the way for their little group increasing in size to the officer's ward.

Major Bracken has finally been given his own tent with Lieutenant Johnson as his aid to preserve the peace in sickbay. Now that the process of moving him is completed, the officer's ward is safe again. Thus only David Troy remains and beams happily at his brother and his saviour from the Major and the British army. "Captain Dietrich, here comes my liberator, my saviour, my favorite man in camp!", the American pilot exclaims enthusiastically with climatic exaggeration. Anaru looks utterly surprised, Sam grins, while Dietrich appears mostly annoyed. "Don't overdo it, Troy! I'm punished enough with having to suffer your presence in my unit, once you're recovered." "You promised me to get me away from the Brits and ask the General to allow me back into the U.S. army and now I'm even part of the best unit of them all. That's reason to celebrate", David continues unperturbed by the German's misanthropy. "You have burns on most parts of your body, Troy. I wouldn't recommend going to a celebration in such a state, if I were you", Hans comments dryly. "We got you out from the Major's clutches and even take you into our unit, but don't you dare annoy my friends as you usually do, Davey!", Troy admonishes. David Troy grimaces, as he laments: "You two together feel like having two older brothers instead of just one."

"He's your younger brother?", Thomas Anaru wonders incredulously, as he stares at the bandaged and burnt pilot. "Are you adopting strays again, Dietrich?", David inquires with a good natured smile. The Maori soldier looks truly offended, while Dietrich intervenes on his behalf. "Private Anaru is a member of the 28th Maori battalion, formerly your comrade in arms in the British army, now all our comrade, since we're allies with the Brits, as well as the Australians and New Zealanders." "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, Private", David tells the visibly proud young soldier. "Dietrich's merely the expert for adopting strays. You were there when he took the cat in", Sam Troy adds as a comment. "The cat is a Lieutenant now and you'd better salute next time you see it or Atkins will enjoy adding a few more days on latrine duty, Troy", the German Captain counters sarcastically. "I see why you wanted to join them. They are great fun", Anaru tells David Troy, appeased by his earnest apology. "Aren't they?", David is happy to have a new conversation partner and source of distraction and gossip. "I can only recommend applying to join him. Anyone in camp does, Brits, Yankees, Aussies, even some Bedouins signed up with him." "Why don't you shut up, Troy?", Dietrich snaps at him with his nerves wearing thin. Sam grins. "Technically, he's speaking the truth." "My question applies to both of you", Hans adds with a groan, pinching his nose.

"It's easier, if you don't take them too seriously", Anaru recommends helpfully. "You haven't been tormented by one for a full year and the other for a full month already, Private", the German Captain counters sternly. "I thought you were only shortly with the Yankees and before that with the Jerries, Captain. How can you know him for a full year then?", Anaru wonders. Dietrich grimaces, while Sam Troy smiles and squeezes the younger German Captain's shoulder. "We've known each other for a full year, cause he was the most resilient Jerry commander to always make it back to his feet after our commando attacks. But he also always treated us fairly, when capturing us. We've struck more truces and collaborated successfully as enemies than I've ever done with many of the guys from our own side." Anaru looks honestly surprised, as he gazes from one to the other. "In spite of having killed and wounded countless of my men, Sergeant Troy and his unit have always acted in an honorable manner and been more reliable than some of my fellow officers of my own side, when striking a truce or negotiating a bargain", the young officer adds with a serious tone. "And now they're the best of friends and thick as thieves, living happily ever after", David Troy comments with a grin to which both of them react with identical glares of annoyance. "Your approach to acting seriously and considerately leaves much to be desired, Captain Troy", Dietrich counters sarcastically. "I expect you to show a behaviour that is not constantly disgraceful to an officer!" David looks at his stern face still bearing countless bruises, until he finally promises: "I'll try my best, Dietrich."

"Look who's here!", Hitch announces at the entrance to the officers ward. Two children's voices cry out with joy. While Anaru looks utterly surprised, Dietrich crouches to protect his sutures. Kiri is the faster one, actually running toward him and hugging her caregiver around the neck, as she presses a kiss on his cheek, while Ari walks with a much slower and slightly unsteady gait. "We missed you", Kiri explains with heavily accented English, looking proudly at the young Captain, as she awaits some praise for her language skill. "You're really improving greatly, Kiri", the lean officer assures her with a gentle smile. Then Ari finally reaches him and buries his face in his beloved brother's chest, listening to his heartbeat.

"What's going on?", Thomas Anaru asks the Troys with incredulity on his face. "These are the Captain's kids", Sam Troy replies with a smile. "Not by blood, as he's not long enough in North Africa and far too well-bred for that. The SS shot the Jewish boy's whole family in front of his eyes. The girl and her mother were victims of slavers. Though her mother didn't make it, she made Dietrich promise he'd look after her child. Once he's given his word, he'll never go back on it." "That's why it's a running gag to tease him about adopting strays", David Troy adds to the explanation. "That and because Jack Moffit, our British Sergeant you don't know yet, warned our Captain Boggs about Dietrich being the expert for adopting strays." "Doc said even more than you, Sarge", Hitch provides helpfully with a winning smile, while looking curiously at the young sun-tanned warrior with his tattoos, ignoring Sam Troy glaring at him. "Who are you? Cap took you in as well?", the young Private asks. "I'm Private Thomas Anaru", the proud Maori soldier replies with a smile of his own: "He kind of took me in, at least for dinner and a chat for tonight. I'm from the 28th Maori battalion." Hitch smiles widely. "Wow. I've only heard about you Maori guys. Even the Aussies say you're fierce. We could always use a guy like that. And you're nice and have a sense of humor. You'd fit perfectly with us." "Don't indulge in Dietrich's field of expertise!", Sam Troy admonishes. "The guy's actually proud of his unit." "So are we", Mark counters with a smile, then puts his arm around the New Zealander's shoulder, as he whispers conspiratorially: "I've got some really great stories to share, buddy." "Tell me some that involve your Captain and how you get along so well with a Jerry officer after fighting against him for months", Thomas Anaru wants to know curiously, happy to have found such a nice source of answers to his many questions.

Sam Troy meanwhile turns to his friend who gently takes care of the children. Ari's head still rests on the lean German's chest, while Kiri tries to enthusiastically explain what has happened to them during the last days, including language lessons, games with Jakob, Hitch and Lisa as well as tall tales from David Troy. Lisa Hartigan who has accompanied them along with Jakob Silberblatt smiles gently at the trio that always warms her heart. "We need to check your injury still, Captain", she gently and quietly reminds the young officer who nods wordlessly, as he still listens to the girl's recount. "Sam Troy also wants to hear your story", Hans then tells her and the girl beams at the big man she likes by now. "We did lots of stuff", she starts her tale again with a heavy accent, but great enthusiasm. "Ari, please let me go for a little while. They need to check my injuries so I can get better", Dietrich tells him with a gentle tone, but the boy merely tightens his grip desperately. Exchanging a worried look with the nurse and his friend, Dietrich argues empathically: "I know you're scared, Ari. I promise you I won't leave you, but I'm hurt. You don't want me to be hurt, do you?" Ari shakes his head, crying silently into his chest. "Then please just let me go for now, Ari. You can then stay with me for the rest of the day", the German Captain speaks gently with his ward. With a desperate sob, the Jewish orphan lets go of his beloved brother, but never takes his eyes off him, while Lisa Hartigan gently helps him back to his feet and out of his jacket and shirt.

"Where did you get a new one?", the nurse inquires curiously. "Major Turner gave me one of his own", Dietrich replies matter-of-factually, looking slightly embarrassed to have to rely on such charity. "That's the least he can do after one of his officers shot you down", the nurse insists indignantly. "What else should I have expected than the wild west, when changing sides to the Yankees", Dietrich replies dryly. "You're a better horseback rider and shot with a handgun than most of our would-be cowboys here", she counters with a smile, before her expression turns serious. "Sit down please, Captain! Then it's easier for me and you're not putting strain on the injury", Lisa tells him gently. "Of course, Lieutenant", comes the calm reply. Sam Troy, who is still half-listening and smiling at Kiri, looks rather incredulous at the tame interaction between the Captain and the nurse who have always crossed their blades. While he is wondering what is going on, Anaru unknowingly stings Hitchcock, as he asks: "And the handsome girl? She's his girlfriend?" Mark sputters and draws in a breath, before exclaiming far louder than he has intended: "No! She's my fiancé." "Your what?", Sam Troy inquires with disbelief, while Hans Dietrich merely closes his eyes bearing a fatalistic expression. Lisa Hartigan is the only one grinning, as she comments pertly: "Finally, Mark. I've wondered when you'd find the guts to admit that. But it just took some good old jealousy to get you there." "Lieutenant, I assure you", the German officer starts out looking embarrassed, as he tries to stand up. "You have nothing to apologise for, Captain. You've supported me loyally, as I expected from my knight in shining armor", Lisa interrupts him, while she gently puts some pressure on his left shoulder to make him sit down again, especially since he is swaying slightly. David Troy grins from ear to ear. "Wonderful. When's the wedding? You're inviting us all, aren't you?"

"Mark Hitchcock", Sam Troy growls like an angered tiger, before Hitch can even consider answering. "I want an explanation and I want it now!" Hitch looks too intimidated to not obey. "Well, Sarge. Lisa persuaded me and ...", he starts out and fades off, while the young nurse continues with a lot more self-assurance: "I'm pregnant. When my friend Deirdre let that slip in front of my noble defender here", she waves at the German Captain who looks like he wishes to be anywhere else right now, rather than in the center of attention, "he offered me his support for bringing this stubborn idiot to his senses." Sam Troy smiles, as he looks from Lisa Hartigan to Hans Dietrich and Mark Hitchcock. "So that was your top secret conversation." The nurse smiles with irony, as she pats her patient's shoulder: "I've only got one friend who can keep a secret." "We're not friends, Lieutenant", the German officer protests. "That's what you told me for weeks until finally coming to your senses, Captain", Sam Troy adds. "Why don't you shut up, Troy?", Hans groans.

"Hey, Davey", Thomas Anaru meanwhile whispers to the Sergeant's brother. "What do I have to do to apply for your unit?" David Troy grins with amusement. "You like us already? I told you, we're the best unit in the whole Allied forces." Grimacing, as he tries to remember the rumors in camp, the American pilot adds: "I think Dietrich asked for written applications, being the prim and proper Jerry officer that he is. He thought it would deter the enlisted men. Turned out he got dozens of letters." The Maori Private listens with a cocked head. "That sounds impressive. You got something to write?" David holds up his bandaged hands and arms, as he asks with irony: "Do I look like I could write?" "Aroha mai. Sorry, mate." "Ask Silberblatt or Moffit! They are the studious folks apart from the Jerry Captain himself. Or you could ask him directly to plead your case like I did", David recommends. "I like you. You've got humor and pride. If you got some noble and honorable streak too, you'll fit right in with Sammy and his Jerry friend."

Said friend is relieved when the check reveals no troubles with his fresh injury in spite of the boy's panicked reaction of pressing against him. After applying a fresh bandage Lisa Hartigan also checks his shoulder, diligently performing several exercises and motions which leave the lean Captain panting and grimacing with pain. Meanwhile, Sam Troy has pressed enough information out of his Private to be appeased for the moment. Ari who has stayed closely nudged against Silberblatt with Kiri as company immediately returns to huddling against his brother, as soon as the young officer is dressed again in a shirt. "Okay, boys and girls, let's get you all watered and fed, especially you, Captain!", Sam Troy announces, ignoring Dietrich glaring at him. "The rest of the gang will meet us for dinner." "Dinner!", Kiri agrees enthusiastically, clapping her hands, while the American Sergeant smiles at the girl. "And we need to tell the rest about all we have to celebrate", he announces. "I'll join you", Lisa declares with a grin, linking her arm with Mark Hitchcock who is too perplexed to even consider protesting. "Having several men to serve me dinner makes me feel like a queen."

Upon entering the mess tent, the group comes across a dark-skinned man in a British officer's uniform bearing a serious expression. "Captain Dietrich, what are you doing with my Private?", Lieutenant Colonel Bennett inquires sternly. "He asked me to join us for dinner, Sir. I considered this safe under an officer's and a nurse's supervision and asked for his word to return to sickbay immediately afterwards in return", the German Captain argues cautiously, standing straight at attention. Lisa Hartigan bears a charming smile, as she supports the young officer. "We will take excellent care of him, Sir." "Why would a Maori soldier of his Majesty's army wish to join you for dinner?", the older man inquires and Dietrich immediately looks offended, as he growls: "I informed him of your wish that he stayed in sickbay, but he and my Sergeant pleaded with me nonetheless. Don't you dare accuse me of mistreating or abusing your man, Lieutenant Colonel Bennett!" "I really asked the Captain for this favour and all is as he says", Anaru intercedes now, observing both officers glaring at each other. "This is really your own wish, Private?", Bennett inquires warily. The young Maori soldier nods fervently. "Yes, Sir. And I would like to apply for being assigned with Captain Dietrich's unit of the LRDP like Sergeant Moffit has been." Both Bennett and Dietrich abruptly turn their heads to stare at him incredulously. "Private Anaru", the older Maori officer addresses his man. "Have you lost your mind?" The German Captain looks thunderstruck. "I have thought about this, while observing and speaking with the men of the Captain's unit and I am sure, Sir", Anaru argues with self-assurance.

"What do you have to say to this, Captain?", Bennett inquires with an angry tone. "Frankly, Sir, this is the first I hear about this wish. I barely know Private Anaru, but from what I have seen of him he is proud, spirited, active as well as an agreeable and reasonable character", Dietrich argues with a proud stance of his own. "Will you take good care of my Private, if I were to lend him to you?", Bennett asks sternly. "I'm not sure, if your Private knows, what he's signing up for, as even I don't know, but I assure you, Lieutenant Colonel, that I have always stood by my men", the young Captain argues with pride and dignity clearly audible in his tone, as he keeps his head held high. Thomas Anaru bears a defiant expression and when asked by his senior officers replies: "None of us knew what we're signing up for, when we went to the other end of the world to fight in this war. But we all still did so without second thoughts, Sir." Dietrich bears a stern gaze. "Private Anaru, you should understand that unlike your current unit, we are a commando unit and thus the commando order issued by the German government applies to us. Should any of us be captured, German troops are ordered to not treat us like soldiers according to the Geneva convention. They are within their right and even instructed to interrogate, torture and kill us without respecting international law", the German Captain explains with a grim expression.

"Have you ever done this, when you were still with the Jerries, Captain?", the young Maori soldier asks with some horror in his tone. Dietrich looks actually offended, as he growls: "No, I haven't. Who do you take me for? Generalfeldmarschall Rommel has ordered all officers of the Afrikakorps to ignore this order from Berlin and most have heeded his command over Hitler's, although I know that some have still acted like this. But our unit is intended to be sent to Europe and then this will become a serious threat." "We're not afraid of some Nazis!", Sam Troy insists, as he feels obliged to intervene now and support his friend. "You'd better be, because the closer to Berlin we get, the more fanatic people will be, as I have realised from the fresh men transferred in from Germany as well as interactions with the SS", the German officer argues with a stern and serious tone. "And you seem to forget that I am a former Wehrmacht officer. If I get caught, any German soldier or officer is within their right to treat me like a defector and traitor, Sergeant, just like Hauptmann Zornbrecht did." Troy looks grim at this statement, while Anaru exclaims with realisation: "That's why you are so gravely injured." Dietrich nods. "Indeed." "I admire you, Captain Dietrich, for doing what you do in spite of knowing the dire consequences", the Lieutenant Colonel intervenes now. "Private Anaru, now that you have heard from the Captain himself what might be facing you, do you still insist on your previous plea?"

The young soldier looks thoughtful, then nods. "Yes, Sir. The Captain and his unit are a different band than our unit, but a most interesting and much closer one. I still wish to repeat my application." "You already have a British Sergeant under your command, Captain, so you will take in soldiers from different nations?", the sun-tanned Lieutenant Colonel inquires. "Sergeant Moffit is indeed part of my unit. But accepting a soldier is not within my freedom of choice. This will be up to General Atkins to decide", Dietrich argues defensively. "What's that bullshit? We took in Gottschlich and Turner", Troy growls. His Captain sighs wearily. "Gottschlich is an American Corporal, while Turner has only temporarily been assigned with us by the Major not my own choice." "You know that when you take him in, several men in camp will start complaining", Troy argues. "Why would they complain? Private Anaru has as much right to fight as a soldier for his country as any of them!", Bennett misinterprets his statement. "They are not complaining because of his race, but because their applications have not been considered for weeks, while an outsider from another army and military unit gets accepted immediately", Dietrich argues cautiously. "I will speak with General Atkins now over dinner regarding Private Anaru's and the others' applications. Will you join me, Captain?"

Looking at Ari who regards him with tearful eyes, Dietrich replies with cautious politeness: "Only if this is unavoidable, Sir. Not because I wouldn't appreciate your company, but because my traumatised ward needs me." When the tall Captain puts his hand on the boy's shoulder he immediately wraps his arms around the young man's lean waist and huddles closely against him, whimpering: "Hans." The Maori commander bears a more gentle expression than he has at the decline of his invitation. "I will handle this myself then. Looking after the boy is more important than leading discussions with stubborn old men, Captain." All of them look at him with actual surprise, while Anaru smiles. "Thank you, Sir", he and the German Captain reply almost simultaneously, exchanging an astonished glance. "Kia kahe!", Bennett wishes them, before turning toward the officer's table where Lieutenant Minki has taken up her reign. With the grace of a queen and elegant agility, the cat stalks the table and inspects every plate and glass, sniffing curiously. Captain Boggs and Major Turner bear disapproving expressions, while General Atkins looks absolutely enticed by the self-assured animal.

"Why didn't we come up with something like this before, Tully?", Hitch mutters to his friend, as he points at the officers' table and the commotion the cat is causing all on its own. "We're not Doc Dolittle like the Cap", Tully replies, shifting his matchstick slightly. Hitch grins immediately, as does his girlfriend who eyes the cat with clear amusement. "Did the Doc come up with that?", the former literature student asks. "No, Sarge did", comes the curt reply. "I like it, Captain Dolittle", Hitch pronounces with a grin, while Lisa chuckles slightly. "I'm aware that you Yankees struggle with the German pronunciation of 'ch', Hitchcock, but I didn't expect you to be that far off", comes the dry humored admonishment from behind him. Mark whirls around and grins at the German Captain without the slightest tinge of remorse. "It's a great new name for you, Cap." Now Dietrich's eyebrows narrow into a frown of annoyance. "Haven't you and your gang established enough nicknames already to suffice for a whole corps of officers?", he drawls sarcastically. "You deserve them all", Hitch tells him with a wide smile. "Cap tamed a wild goat with his bare hand", Tully adds supportively, earning an amused gaze with raised eyebrows from the young officer who remarks dryly: "You manage to surprise me every time, Pettigrew. Until now I have thought that Hitchcock is the drama queen." Lisa Hartigan bursts into laughter, shared by Tully Pettigrew, while Hitch grimaces and protests: "I'm not!" "What did you do with the goat, Hans?", Ari asks curiously, feeling more reassured since he can cling closely to his brother.

While the German Captain provides his reasonable explanation of the tale, Jack Moffit has approached the Maori Private who has followed in Dietrich's wake. As a true scholar of anthropology at heart, Jack cannot let such an amazing chance of meeting a native inhabitant from the other end of the world pass without interviewing him. Five minutes later, Thomas Anaru can empathize with David Troy calling Dietrich his liberator, when the Captain calls sternly: "Leave the good man in peace, Doctor! He's still injured and recovering." "Yeah, you can't talk him to death, Jack, before their brass have even given him to us", Troy supports his friend. Moffit appears completely unperturbed. "We have only led a civilised conversation, as the Private will surely tell you", he protests indignantly. Anaru looks a but cornered whom to side with, as Dietrich comments with a wry smile: "You should have heeded my warning and stayed in sickbay, Private. Then, you would still have your unit and not have suffered through scholarly interrogation." The Maori looks a bit surprised by the comment, but smiles back. "It's not that bad. You fellows are amazing and I like to talk about my home." Moffit smiles triumphantly, as he throws a look at Troy that clearly communicates 'I told you so'.

"Who are you?", Kiri wants to know from the new man among her brother's friends, now that she has returned with Jakob Silberblatt from retrieving their dinner. Ari still huddles against his caregiver's side, as he eyes the tall man with the scary dark lines in his face with wide fearful eyes. The Maori soldier smiles widely at the two, as he introduces himself. "I'm Thomas Anaru. You can call me Tom." Kiri beams, as this is a name which is familiar from her bible lessons and easy to pronounce. "Hello, Thomas", she greets him with a wide smile. A bit more shyly, Ari greets him as well. "Who are you two?", the young man asks them with a gentle and curious tone. "Kiri", the girl replies and takes a proud and self-assured stance, as if she would lead the place. Kiri and Minki together might rule this camp Hans thinks with a wry smile, as he glances at the cat on the officer's table that receives a piece of meat from the General. "I'm Ari. He's my brother", the Jewish orphan introduces himself after a few moments of hesitation, sqeezing his beloved caregiver gently. Anaru requires a moment to realise whom he is talking about, before squinting at the tall European who looks nothing like the North African boy, but bears a gentle and empathetic expression when watching him nonetheless. The Sergeant is right with calling the two 'the Captain's kids', as they behave like he is a close relative toward them. "I can tell that you are whānau, a family!", Anaru tells him with a friendly smile which Ari returns with an actual smile that lights up his eyes, while his declared brother nods with appreciation and a friendly smile of his own. Applying for the German Captain's unit has definitely been a good idea, the young soldier decides, as it is hard not to like the fellow who has stood up for him and treats two adopted orphans with as much love and care as he would his own children.

"Speaking of families. We're celebrating a wedding soon", Troy tells everyone with a grin. "I didn't know your relationship had progressed so far", Moffit comments dryly, looking from the American Sergeant to the German Captain purposefully to mock them. "You're misunderstanding this, Doctor. Hitchcock will be the happy groom", Dietrich counters dryly. "I'll marry Lisa", Hitch admits more willingly now, as his fiancé elbows him in the ribs. Tully drops his matchstick from his mouth, while he gapes at his friend with a disbelieving expression. "Lovely", Jack comments with an icy tone that warns everyone that this is a sensitive topic for him. "We'll invite them, won't we?", Hitch asks Lisa, sounding a bit unsure, but intending to quickly draw the attention away from Moffit. "You're the one who took a week to manage to summon the courage to tell this to them", the strong-willed nurse declares. "I have nothing against inviting your friends for our wedding."

Jakob Silberblatt smiles happily, as he starts reciting in German with true passion: "Die Liebe hemmet nichts;

sie kennt nicht Tür noch Riegel und dringt durch alles sich;

Sie ist ohn' Anbeginn,

schlug ewig ihre Flügel und schlägt sie ewiglich."

Hitch beams at him: "Thank you, Jakob. I love the sound of German poems. Who's it from and what does it mean?" Silberblatt smiles with delight to have found somebody sharing his love for poetry, as he translates: "It's from the German poet Mathias Claudius. It means:

Love inhibits naught,

knows neither door nor bolt,

and permeates completely.

Love has no beginning, its wings never moult

and it beats them, eternally.

I read up the English translation and learned it by heart as well, because I love the poem so much." Ari looks enchanted by the sound of the rhymes, while he listens with a cocked head and closed eyes. "It's beautiful", the boy murmurs. "You'll become a poet, just like your brother Jakob", Hans tells him gently. "But I want to be like you, Hans", Ari immediately protests. The German Captain smiles a bit sadly. "I also enjoy hearing poetry", he reassures the boy who huddles closely against him and mutters something indiscernible into his brother's shirt.

A pair of paws lands on Dietrich's thigh and a brown snout is placed between them, while a pair of hazel eyes focuses on him. "Da bist du ja, Fritz", the German officer mutters with a wry smile, scratching his mascot behind the ears. "This is Private Fritz", Dietrich introduces him coolly to the Maori soldier. "Woof!", the little dog agrees and licks his master's hand, while wagging his tail. "If you listen to basic commands, don't steal food and won't lick my hand, you can already beat Fritz regarding good behaviour. He's our standard to compare our other Privates against. Hitchcock frequently fails the basic commands part, Pettigrew the stealing food", the German Captain explains with dry humor. "I'm not that bad, Cap", Hitch complains, while Lisa Hartigan smirks, and Tully snorts, thinking fondly of Winter's whiskey. "How often have I told you that Fritz is better behaved than you, Hitchcock?", Dietrich inquires sarcastically. "Not that often, only a few times, Cap", Mark replies. "Within a single month. You're just proving my point, Hitchcock", comes the dry counterargument. "I see why they call you Captain Dolittle", Anaru comments with a smile and pets Fritz over the head, when the dog comes to sniff at him.

"Hitchcock. This is your fault!", Dietrich tells the Private with an accusatory tone, as he glares at him. "But, Cap, I didn't do anything", Mark stammers. "You invented this Captain Dolittle nonsense. Haven't I clearly warned you not to come up with new nicknames?!", Dietrich growls in annoyance. "You induced that one all by yourself, Captain", Sam Troy tells his friend with a grin. "The adopting the cat and taming the goat on the same day just was too much." The German Captain pinches his nose. "Just what did I do to deserve you and now be punished with your brother in addition, Troy?" The American Sergeant grins unperturbed, as he pats the younger man on the shoulder. "I keep telling you that you're an ungrateful Jerry, Captain, but we like you nonetheless. And now we'd better start eating before our dinner gets cold. Or Fritz eats everything up." The little dog has taken up his position with his snout placed on Mark Hitchcock's knee who feeds him a piece of meat with a sheepish grin. "You won't do that at our table in front of our child, Mark!", Lisa admonishes him sternly and Dietrich does not bother to hide his amused smile at the Private's crestfallen expression. "Don't worry, Lieutenant! Fritz will accompany Ari and should find permanent residence with the Silberblatt family. You're already punished enough with handling him in addition to a child", he assures the nurse with dry humor. "Finally, somebody who understands me. We should chat more often, Captain, not just when you're treated in sickbay for another injury", Lisa Hartigan replies with a grin.

Looking over to the officer's table, Hans notices Captain Boggs standing up and retreating from the source of mayhem with an exasperated expression a short while later. "Excuse me for a minute! I need to speak with Captain Boggs", the German officer declares quietly and adds in Ari's direction: "Please let me go over there to speak with Captain Boggs, Ari. I will be back shortly." The Jewish boy looks like letting go of his brother is the last thing he wants to do, but after some gentle nudging loosens his grip on the lean German's shirt. Dietrich stands up swiftly to escape him, but has to grab Silberblatt's shoulder for support, when lightheadedness reminds him that he has not fully recovered from the blood loss yet. Lisa Hartigan scowls, as she registers the movement and its cause. But the tall officer covers his slip-up quickly by patting Jakob on the shoulder and muttering: "Take care of Ari!" Then, he turns to intercept his American colleague.

James Boggs narrows his eyes, when he sees the German Captain approaching. The grave expression on Dietrich's haggard face does not bode well for his already developing headache. "What happened?", the older American officer inquires with a weary sigh. "I have come across information vital to the security of the camp, Captain Boggs", the German replies in a quiet tone that does not hide his urgency and seriousness. "How...", Boggs starts out but shakes his head. "Nevermind. Forget I even bothered to ask. I hope none of your men has turned to breaking and entering again." Dietrich actually looks offended. "Leave my unit in peace!", he growls. "As I said, I came across the information, in sickbay where you all sent me. Do you doubt my honor as much as my men's?" Boggs takes the lean young man in from head to toe. Apart from his obvious bruises and known injuries, the German Captain holds his right arm against his flank protectively in a subconscious reaction. After having been wrongly accused and shot, his wariness is explicable, as are the lines of pain and exhaustion edged in his face.

"I have no doubts about your sense of honor and duty, but you share some of your unit's tendency for insanity", Boggs states with some wariness. The younger officer's eyes flare with anger and wounded pride and he visibly clenches his jaws. "I don't mean to offend you, but I just had to spend dinner with Atkins' new Lieutenant walking over the table and inspecting everyone's plates", Boggs mutters in exasperation. "Maybe he should hire the cat as his spy. Minki is a natural", Dietrich deadpans. After staring at him for a few moments in silence, the older officer groans in slight annoyance: "Don't give him more ideas! He's already receptive enough for your and your unit's insanity without promoting the cat to spymaster." "Watch out that you don't say that loudly in front of him or you might find the cat outranking you!", Hans recommends dryly. Boggs bears a tormented expression. "I like you, Dietrich, and appreciate your skills and talents, but sometimes I wish the SS would never have considered coming after you and you would still annoy your German superiors." "You can be almost as flattering as Troy when you try that hard", Hans counters dryly and continues leading the American officer out of earshot from the rest of the men, before he drops his voice and his expression turns serious again.

"One of Major von Stolberg's former men informed me that two of the German soldiers from Zornbrecht's unit intend to free their Hauptmann and stage an uprising", Hans whispers with urgency. Boggs looks slightly incredulous. "And you trust his word?" Dietrich nods. "Yes, I do. I was as doubtful as you originally, but he explained to me that he has seen enough of his former comrades die needlessly to not wish to see that happen again. He owes me for helping his dying friend, while you were indisposed after the fight." Boggs looks incredulous. "I still don't understand how you gain such persons' trust. However, you've gained the trust of most people in camp including my own through honesty and honorable behavior in spite of having been one of the most auccessful and resilient German officers fighting against us." Dietrich has tensed visibly and his lack of assurance that he will be treated as a respected officer is readable from his facial expression.

"I will arrest the men right away", Boggs growls grimly. "I wouldn't recommend this. Rather, double the guards on sickbay and the Hauptmann's cell to catch them in action. In that manner we don't cause another escalation of emotions and we don't expose our source of information. If they attack anybody in sickbay, they won't get very far anyways, so they will wish to avoid that", Dietrich argues. Boggs scowls, but nods. "Fine, Dietrich. We do it your way. But if they escape, it's on your head." "The only ones who have escaped from such a setting time and again are Sam Troy and his Rats", the German Captain counters with a tinge of irony. "I considered placing them as guards, if they wouldn't have had enough action for a day and deserve the sleep." "I'll find someone competent. Brown also has his men", Boggs suggests. "The O'Donnell brothers meet the expectations perfectly", comes the serious reply. "This is all I needed to tell you. Good night, Captain Boggs." "Good night, Captain Dietrich. Find some rest!", James Boggs wishes his younger colleague. "I'll try, but Ari has been scared to death and won't let me go", Hans replies with his concern audible.

"I see why hardly anybody acts toward people like you do, adopting war orphans into their personal care. You're a good man nonetheless to not abandon them", Boggs tells the younger officer, placing his hand on the lean German's good shoulder who tenses visibly at the touch. "I guarantee you that I have no intention to harm you, but I understand your wariness far better now, Dietrich. We will however have to act against Lieutenant Baker, even if it pains me to go against one of my own officers. But I would betray another, if I didn't. You don't have to suspect attacks from your own side constantly." "Troy is more paranoid than I am in this regard and won't let me go anywhere without one of my unit watching", Dietrich replies matter-of-factually. "Sergeant Troy has trusted you more than many of his allies from the moment you have set foot into this camp, in spite of being a Wehrmacht officer", Boggs remembers his observations. Dietrich quietly raises his eyebrows in astonishment. "What do you want to tell me?", the German Captain asks warily. "Your blind trust in your men is quite justified. Your wariness and distance to the others less so. Lieutenant Baker has singled you out for weeks and complained about you. He does not represent the rest of the officers' or soldiers' opinion of this unit regarding your person", Boggs argues calmly.

"Why not, Captain Boggs? I am, as you have pointed out, a former Wehrmacht Hauptmann and I have been an enemy of this unit for a while", comes the disbelieving argument. "Do you really think that our men and we have not seen what kind of man you are, even after all the applications you have received?" Dietrich sighs wearily and winces, as his sutures and cracked ribs remind him of their existence. With furrowed brows the younger German Captain studies the American officer's face for several long moments, assessing his earnestness, until he finally shakes his head curtly. "No, I don't suspect you all, but I realise that distrust and animosity always lurk closely under the surface. And I am a defected enemy officer after all, independent of my character and my actions. So I will become the first one to suspect and distrust, should something happen again." Boggs nods. "You should know that I stand behind you. You're many things, Dietrich, but not a backstabbing traitor switching sides at leisure." "Thank you, Captain Boggs", the German replies with honest gratitude, raising his eyebrows in slight wonder why the older officer feels obliged to tell him that. "You deserve it as one of my best officers. Return to your unit now! Your boy looks close to crying", Boggs replies and watches the younger man whirl around on instinct. His statement of triggering Baker inadvertently to fire, because he has moved to protect the boy is definitely confirmed, even if Boggs would not have believed it before.

"Hans!", Ari exclaims, when his brother finally returns to sit beside him, before wrapping his arms around his torso. "It's alright, Ari. I'm fine", the German Captain mutters quietly to reassure him, putting his arm around the boy's shoulder, when he nudges against him. "What does 'Hans' mean? He said it several times", Anaru asks with curiosity and notices the men around the table breaking into amused smiles. "Is it a codeword? Or cry for help?" Even Dietrich cannot help smiling at that question. "You really have not been confronted with German much at all, Private. It's a name, more precisely, it's my given name. It means John and is about as common as that name in English. You will hear it frequently, when you meet German soldiers more often." Thomas Anaru looks a bit sheepish at the declaration. "That's actually a lot easier to pronounce than your second name", he then adds. "Don't try to use their arguments!", the young officer counters vehemently, pointing at the Rats around him. "Being unable to pronounce my last name properly is not your permission to call me by my first name." The German Captain glares at Troy who looks like he is about to protest, but closes his mouth again after seeing Jack Moffit shake his head in an effort to deter him from leading such unnecessary discussions with Dietrich which only serve to annoy the Captain and make him cling to his notions more stubbornly.

To change the subject quickly, the British Sergeant asks curiously: "So why don't you tell us where you're from and about your background, Private Anaru. We're all curious about our possible new unit member." His smart tactic works well to resolve the previous situation. Anaru smiles in an open-hearted manner, as he replies: "My whānau, my family, is from Rotorua, a city on Aotearoa's North Island. My Dad's a farmer who always tried to take good care of me and my siblings. I got seven of them. My brothers William and Frank also volunteered. Franky was killed at El Alamein, Willy's been sent home right after. I was the only lucky one among all my family and friends, well, until the Jerries caught me here." Dietrich averts his gaze, muttering to Ari. When Troy's hand lands on his shoulder, the lean Captain winces slightly. "Hey, noone's blaming you, Captain", Troy mutters, while Hans grits his teeth. "Don't even try to tell me that after what happened today!" "I'm not blaming you, Captain. You shot the fellow who would've killed me. I really owe you my life and it wouldn't occur to me to blame you, just because you're German." "You're a good kid, Tommy!", Troy comments approvingly, smiling at the Maori soldier in honest approval. "Does that mean that you're going to accept him without chewing him out several times, Troy?", Dietrich asks dryly, eager to change the topic. "He's alright", the American Sergeant grumbles. "You two should spend some quality time in sickbay together though." "Sergeant Troy, don't annoy me more than necessary!", the German Captain snaps and immediately regrets it, when Ari starts whimpering, as he presses his face into his shirt.

While the German Captain calms the crying orphan, the others continue their curious inquiry. "So what's it like where you're from?", Mark Hitchcock wants to know, while his fiancé speaks quietly with the Bedouin girl who has started trembling as well, unsure how to deal with her brother's panicked reaction. "Farmland, more water and less heat than here, but it's still warmer than England", Thomas replies with amusement in his tone. "Those tattoos look really fierce", the young American Private comments. The Maori smiles proudly. "Tāmoko, applying tattoos, is an important part of our culture", he replies, running his finger along the facial outline of his tattoo, his chin and jaw, while Jack Moffit observes him with the undisguised curiosity of a scientist in the middle of his element. "What do the motifs mean?", he cannot keep himself from asking curiously. "It has been made for my coming of age and speaks of bravery", Anaru replies with pride. "What is your motivation for fighting here, Private Anaru?", Dietrich inquires with a calm, serious tone. "The Brits defend their North African colonies, the Germans support their Italian allies who wanted to enlargen their territory. But what reason does a farmer's son from the other end of the world have to fight in this war which has nothing to do with your homeland?"

Anaru reagrds the bruised young officer with a very serious expression, but the German Captain's brown eyes merely hold honest curiosity and a cautiousness which Thomas understands after the young officer has been shot by an officer of his own unit, yet no accusation or distrust. "Fighting here, it has everything to do with my homeland, Captain Dietrich. In spite of Te Tiriti, the treaty of Waitangi, that should guarantee our rights, my people are not always treated at eyelevel with the Pākehā, the Europeans in New Zealand, although we're all citizens of his Majesty King George and thus have the same right to fight in his Royal Army for our homeland." Jack Moffit furrows his brows, but listens closely, while the German Captain nods with understanding. "You fight to gain the respect of your own nation", he states firmly and the Maori smiles at him. "Exactly, Captain. It's been really important for us, when we got our own battalion and then when we got Maori officers in our battalion, like Lieutenant Colonel Bennett. Willy has been with them from the beginning, Franky joined last year and I only did so a few weeks ago. That Lieutenant Colonel Bennett earned his rank, is a motivation for all of us and shows us that we can actually earn the respect of the white men in this way."

"I understand your wish to prove yourself, but I don't understand why you applied to join my unit then, Private Anaru", the German Captain states cautiously. "One of my brother's just died and the other was so gravely injured that they sent him home. The same applies to most of my other friends and relatives." A haunted look enters Anaru's eyes, as the young soldier wrestles with his emotions. "I saw them everywhere", the Maori whispers hoarsely. "With you I get a fresh start, a chance to honor them without ... being haunted by their spirits." Dietrich's expression has turned grim, Silberblatt is pale as a sheet, while the other soldiers bear equally serious expressions as their Captain. They all have lost somebody close in this war or otherwise and know how the young man feels. "Why this unit then, Private? There are many British units", Hans argues calmly. "The spirit of camaraderie is very important among us, Captain Dietrich. I wouldn't want to apply to some unit with an officer who doesn't treat his men fairly or wouldn't respect me", Anaru argues. "After seeing that jackass Bracken I totally understand your reasoning", Troy assures him. "Troy, I didn't realise that you enjoyed this latrine duty so much you want to continue it indefinitely", Dietrich comments dryly.

Sam glares at him, but the Maori Private smiles at them. "From what I have seen of you, you're good people. You care for orphans and animals. You can fight fiercely, but you're not cruel. You have some among you who I understand that not everyone would respect." Anaru looks at Gottschlich who bears a pained, but grateful expression, while the soldier continues to argue: "I couldn't find a better unit outside of my own." "Well spoken", Jack Moffit comments approvingly. "You'll find that however insane you currently think they are, they will surpass your expectations. But otherwise I can only agree with you, Private. And after all I'm a soldier of his Majesty's royal army as well." "We'll take good care of you, won't we, Tully, Gotty, Sarge, Doc, Cap?", Hitch promises enthusiastically. Pettigrew shifts his matchstick, when he nods slowly, while Gottschlich bears a shy smile, as he confirms the statement. "We look after our guys, no worries!", Troy agrees as well and their commanding officer nods slowly, as he comments dryly: "That we do. And if you keep up your current behavior, you're among the best behaved unit members of them all." "That's mean to poor Fritz, Cap", Hitch protests jokingly. "Who's talking about Fritz? You and Pettigrew still have to improve to reach his level of good behaviour", Hans counters dryly and Fritz yelps approvingly, wagging his tail when hearing his name. "You're amazing ... and amusing", Anaru tells them with a grin. "It's never dull and you're funny as well as nice." "Boggs told you you're running a circus, Captain", Troy comments with a grin. "Troy", Dietrich sighs wearily.

Hans suddenly feels a small body pressing against his shin and finds Minki staring at him from under the table. Fritz barks a few times, jumping toward the cat, before his noise turns into pained whines, when Minki has scratched him over the nose faster than any of them has been able to react. "Poor Fritz", Hitch laments and picks up the whimpering dog with his bleeding nose, while Minki jumps onto Hans' lap, almost scaring Ari. Without bothering about the boy, the cat calls for the young officer's attention. Kiri is beside herself with joy and pets the cat's back until Ari dares to join her as well. "Captain Dietrich. I see that Lieutenant Minki has found you already", General Atkins addresses them with a highly amused expression, as he approaches the table with the Major and Lieutenant Colonel, followed by two bodyguards. "We wish to speak with you, Captain", he then adds sternly. Lisa Hartigan comes to the young officer's aid, picking up the tabby cat gently, while scratching Minki behind the ears and drawing the two children with her.

The German Captain stands up cautiously, concentrating hard on keeping his balance without showing weakness in front of his superior officers. Troy gets to his feet as well, a lot more vehemently than his Captain. All senior officers eye him with disapproval, Major Turner even glares at him which Sam pointedly ignores. "We wish to speak with the Captain alone", he points out angrily. "After Baker almost murdered him we won't let him go anywhere unprotected, Sir", the American Sergeant insists stubbornly, stepping closer to his lean friend who mutters quietly, but insistently: "Leave it be, Troy! Noone will attack me, while I'm with them." "I'll stand guard outside of the tent then, but I sure as hell won't risk your life anymore, Captain!", the Sam Troy counters vehemently. "Come as a guard, but don't intervene, Sergeant!", Atkins orders, while Turner glares at the unruly American soldier. Only Bennett nods to the Yankee Sergeant and speaks with approval: "Your concern for your Captain honors you, Sergeant Troy." Dietrich and Troy exchange quick glances, before thanking the Lieutenant Colonel and following the three officers outside.

"Take care!", Sam mutters into his taller friend's ear. "I got your back." In spite of the nerves the Sergeant costs him, Hans appreciates the honest concern and support, patting the American's shoulder once, as he murmurs quietly: "Thank you. Please think before acting rashly!" Troy is about to reply 'I always do', when the lean German officer disappears into the tent. "Lieutenant Colonel Bennett has approached me regarding his Private applying for your unit, Captain", Atkins declares without beating around the bush, while he twirls his moustache. "I have assigned you Captain Troy and I consider the Private a reasonable addition to your men, as long as you are here in North Africa, but I'm not sure about Europe." Dietrich nods. "I understand, Sir. He might not wish to be part of this unit any longer, when we shift our mission area, but at the moment his additional expertise is of great value and the Private would profit from this transfer as well." Bennett smiles at him approvingly. "The Captain is right and I'm willing to lend him Private Anaru, but he has already warned me regarding applying inappropriate influence." Atkins focuses a stern gaze on the German Captain, as he orders: "Explain this in more detail!"

"General Atkins, several men have applied to join my unit during the last weeks. Some applications were ridiculous, while others can be taken more seriously. This specifically includes a few men from Captain Brown's unit of the LRDP who have worked with me repeatedly. To allow a British soldier to join, while they have been rejected or ignored makes the men feel disregarded and disrespected by all the officers involved", Dietrich argues with conviction. Atkins twirls his moustache, while Turner nods. "This is a most reasonable argument. What do you propose?" "The LRDP has lost three officers and several soldiers in a short timespan. Merge and regroup the units under the current officers and use this as an argument for allowing some to be transferred, while others remain, as they are needed", Dietrich replies matter-of-factually. "A smart strategy", Atkins muses. "Do you have any preferences regarding who you will accept?" Dietrich looks slightly taken aback, before answering with a cautious tone: "Sir, I was shot today by an officer of my own unit, admittedly one I knew to dislike and distrust me. However, this has made me aware of the fact that I cannot take for granted that soldiers will accept me or trust me. I therefore only wish to take someone who I have already worked with and can rely on, based on my personal experience. Private Anaru fulfills this requirement, many of the British and American soldiers don't."

Atkins puts him under scrutiny from head to toe. "You're cautious and rightly so, Captain. I grant you to choose among your applications to fill your unit up to the size of ten members. This makes it large enough to deal with your current casualties, Hitchcock, Anaru and Troy, while it leaves enough options to add further specialists for missions to come." The young Captain looks honestly surprised, but replies gratefully: "Thank you, Sir. Aren't we still dependent on the agreement of the Allied high command though?" Atkins smirks, as he twirls his moustache. "After what we have seen of you in the last few weeks, this is not a matter of doubt any longer. I also start to see the reason in the argument of your Sergeant Troy that the sooner you can start working with the men of your future unit, the sooner we will get good results. I'll assign you Lieutenant Silberblatt as a communication officer for the beginning." Dietrich bears a concerned expression, as he counters: "With all due respect, Sir. I respect my friend's qualities and I am aware that I owe him my chance for this new way, basically my life, but I cannot take him out on missions behind enemy lines. Jakob Silberblatt is a pacifist who refuses to fire a weapon. This would be risking his and everyone else's lives in an inexcusable way."

Major Turner nods. "He will not accompany you on missions, but stay behind as an organiser and support via radio. We know his attitude as well as you do, as he has made this a condition for working as an advisor for the army." Dietrich nods and bears a grateful expression. "Thank you, Sir, for not risking his life unnecessarily. But this basically leaves me with only two slots to fill, when I count that your nephew is only temporarily with us and not taking a slot", Dietrich calculates mentally. "Do you have any men you wish to take in, Captain Dietrich?", Turner asks. "From the cooperative and personal dynamics between the members of the unit, my preferred choice would be the Australian Privates Daniel and Kevin O'Donnell. They know my men and have worked well with them and with me", Hans replies seriously. "The only question is whether Captain Brown will he willing to part with them." "We will ask him. All changes of units will officially be declared tomorrow, Captain, along with Lieutenant Baker's final verdict. Until then you are not at liberty to inform any of the men involved." Dietrich nods. "Of course, Sir." "You're dismissed, Captain", Atkins declares jovially. "Get some rest. I expect you to perform excellently at the negotiations tomorrow." The German Captain salutes sharply and winces, before taking his leave quickly.

"So you asked for Browny's Aussies. Pretty smart and we like Kevin and Danny", Troy comments, as soon as they have taken a few steps away from the tent. With Dietrich he is not bothering to hide that he has eavesdropped on the conversation. "Please keep quiet until tomorrow, Troy! I also don't want to backstab your friend Brown", Hans implores him. "He won't consider it backstabbing. Kevin and Danny applied themselves after all", Sam argues, before he asks curiously: "Why them?" Dietrich bears a serious expression, as he replies: "This was the only logical choice. Who else from outside of our current unit would you have considered beyond any doubt and absolutely reliable?" Troy smiles, as he pats the younger officer on the shoulder. "You're right. Browny wants to keep his Sergeant." "That's why I merely asked for Privates. We have enough high ranking officers anyway with your brother and Jakob", Hans comments. "Jakob will be the least happy", Troy declares. "No, I'm the least happy to see him at risk. But as a mere organiser and communication officer, he will not get anywhere close to the heat of battle you usually end up in", Dietrich counters. "Like you've ever shied away from the middle of the action, Captain", Troy counters.

When they return to the other members of the unit, Jakob Silberblatt and Ari are notably missing, as are Hitchcock, Kiri and Lisa Hartigan as well as Fritz. Minki however lies in the middle of the table and enjoys to be scratched behind the ears by Jack Moffit, while he lets Thomas Anaru translate several of his native terms for him which Riku Gottschlich listens to with fascination, commenting more than once that the pronunciation sounds similar to Japanese. Tully Pettigrew is the only one absolutely disinterested in the conversation, resting his head on his folded arms on the table with closed eyes. "Hey, Jack. I didn't know you're a cat person", Sam comments with a grin. "Cats unlike dogs are perfectly capable of keeping themselves clean, staying quiet and unannoying." "I fear that in spite of your sympathies, Moffit, Lieutenant Minki will not join us as an officer, although I would switch her for David Troy", Dietrich comments dryly and gently pets the cat. "Meow", the tabby cat agrees to the statement, twitching her tail attentively.

"Jakob and Ari celebrate Hanukkah I assume", the German Captain states calmly and Moffit nods in confirmation. "What is Hanukkah?", Thomas Anaru asks curiously. "The Jewish Festival of Lights", the young officer replies calmly. "The Lieutenant is a Jew? But you're a German", the Maori stutters, staring at the lean Captain incredulously. Dietrich glares at him. "Yes, I'm a German officer and before you even ask I am not and have never been a Nazi or approved of their ideology. Jakob Silberblatt is my friend since childhood and he as well as his family are Jews, so is Ari and ... was his family." The young officer swallows hard before the last part. "We have joined them more than once for their festivities." "And it has been really nice", Troy comments with a smile, before pointing at the lean German. "Just as a fair warning, don't play cards against him." Anaru looks astonished, when Tully comments without sitting up or opening his eyes: "Cap's really good with magic card tricks. He might show you, if you're nice." "The Private gave me his word to return to sickbay after dinner and a brief conversation", Hans reminds them sternly. "Nothin' wrong with showing him here, Cap", Pettigrew counters and now feels interested enough to open his eyes and sit up again. "What kind of magical card tricks?", the young Maori soldier asks curiously. "Come on, Dietrich, just show the kid!", Troy nudges his friend. "I'm still trying to see how exactly you perform this trick", Jack Moffit adds with a wry smile. While the German Captain looks from one to the other, appearing a bit unnerved, Tully pats his left shoulder gently and holds out a deck of cards he has retrieved from one of his belt pouches. "He's the one with the marked cards and loaded dice you should definitely stay away from when he offers you to gamble, Private Anaru", Dietrich warns the young Maori soldier with a dry tone, as he takes the card deck from Tully and starts shuffling it.

"What are you going to do, Captain?", Thomas Anaru asks curiously, registering the warning for future interactions with a harmless appearing blond Private. "Read your mind, Private, at least when it comes to drawn cards." The young soldier gapes at the lean officer who looks not in the least like a magician or card shark. Whispering around them quickly turns louder and while the German Captain explains the rules and proceedings to the Maori, a whole cluster of American, British and Australian soldiers forms around them. "Hey, Captain Fox Kit. Nice you're doing your tricks again", Kevin O'Donnell shouts and Dietrich starts to regret to ever have suggested him for joining his unit. The young Australian is the perfect partner in crime and mischief for Hitchcock and Pettigrew. But he and his more serious brother are honest and reliable as well as the most trustworthy men from Dietrich's perspective among all the applicants. Possibly, Brown will let them go. Otherwise he can live with his current unit as well.

Thomas Anaru participates in the card trick with the expression of a child whose greatest wish has come true, observing the German Captain's movements with an intent gaze and childlike fascination, when he draws the correct card for the second time from the bottom of the deck, once with Troy, once with Pettigrew as his partner. "This is ... incredible. How do you do this?", he inquires curiously and two dozens of men around them lean closer to listen in. With a mischievous expression, the young officer replies with humor in his tone: "This is a secret I have to keep. Hundreds of stage magicians would come hunting me down, if I told you. And in case being an officer doesn't work out I need to earn a living." Anaru laughs heartily, as does Sam Troy. "I can totally imagine you leading your circus, Captain", Sam comments with a grin. "Can we play as well, Captain?", one of the more daring Yankees asks pleadingly. "Fine, take a seat, Private", Hans invites him and soon has the ring of men around him moving closer. A dozen rounds later, he can feel the strain to his arm and ends the game, just when Mark Hitchcock and Lisa Hartigan return with Kiri and Fritz who enjoys that Hitch is carrying him around again. At the sight of the cat on Moffit's lap where Minki has moved to remain undisturbed, the little dog starts whining quietly, until Mark starts to calm him. The tabby cat eyes the pathetic mutt with a bored look, while Jack mutters approvingly: "Gute Minki."

"We'll retreat to our tent for tonight and take some rest", Dietrich declares sternly. "Private Anaru, you will return to the sickbay." The young Maori soldier nods and suppresses a yawn. "Thanks, Captain, Sergeants, Hitch, Tully, Gotty. That has been the most interesting and unusual evening I've had in a long while", he tells them all with a wide smile. "I really hope, Bennett can persuade your Yankee General." Dietrich nods calmly, but merely replies: "Good night, Private." Then, he leads his entourage to their tent, where Jakob and Ari have finished their religious rites and the boy is already waiting anxiously for his brother whom he embraces as soon as Hans enters the tent without any intention to let him go again. "Don't worry, Ari. I won't leave you anymore for tonight", the young officer speaks gently and soothingly with the scared child, while the others disperse with the exception of the Bedouin girl and the American nurse. "What about you, Kiri?", the German asks the girl who stays close to the nurse. Although she tries to respond in English, she quickly changes to Arabic after a few stammered words. "*I will stay with Auntie Lisa. She promised me to try my new dresses with me and make my hair.*" The young Captain looks at the nurse with astonishment registering on his face. Then, he gives a curt nod and mutters with gratitude clearly audible in his tone: "Thank you, Lieutenant, for taking care of her." Lisa Hartigan smiles widely at the girl and the young man, before declaring: "It's my pleasure. Kiri and I like each other." Then her expression turns serious. "And now we should take care of you. You look exhausted and I can see the pain in your eyes clearly. Don't even think about denying that! I've been a nurse for long enough to know the look." When she digs her index into his chest with a stern expression, the lean Captain winces slightly, before sighing wearily which makes him wince again.

"Give me the morphine shot as soon as I've laid down, Lieutenant, but only a smaller dose than usual, as I need to be fully awake and aware tomorrow", Dietrich suggests wearily to Lisa Hartigan who nods, hiding her concern from her expression, as she regards the haggard looking German officer. Experience has taught her that the starved and exhausted young Captain will likely feel a stronger effect than most as he lacks the corresponding body weight, although he possesses a resilient constitution and more sinewy muscles on his skinny frame than one would expect at first sight. But his body constantly using up its reserves for his injuries is not helping him with regaining strength. "Can I stay with you overnight, Hans?", a shivering Ari asks with pleading eyes that look close to tears. The Captain weighs allowing him this against having to deal with the boy suffering from a spike of terror in the night, before he nods with a fatalistic expression. With the morphine he should be knocked out anyway to not notice the Jewish orphan using him as a pillow. "Fine, Ari. But try not to wake me unnecessarily", Hans mutters and the boy immediately wraps his arms around the lean man's waist again, murmuring his thanks which are partially muffled by the shirt. Dietrich rolls up his right sleeve to provide the American nurse with a good manner of giving him the shot IV, while Lisa Hartigan prepares the syringe and Ari scrambles off to fetch his own blankets.

Once the German officer sits down with a sigh, he gets rid of his boots which is as much preparation as he will get for sleeping, before wrapping his two blankets around himself. The nighttime temperatures in the Sahara are freezing in December and they have no means of heating the tent. Once the young nurse has given him the shot with the painkiller, Hans Dietrich can feel the effect setting in rather quickly. A bit drowsily he lies down and notices Ari snuggling against his left side, before drifting off completely. After a few minutes, he does not notice the arm lying on his ribcage and the small head listening to his heartbeat anymore. In addition to Lisa Hartigan and Mark Hitchcock who has joined his girlfriend, Troy, Moffit and Silberblatt observe the extraordinary duo with expressions ranging from scowls to smiles. "I wish to be a father like that", Hitch whispers quietly into his fiancé's ear who bears an unusually gentle and loving smile at the sight of the traumatised Jewish boy whose terror and panic she knows very well from treating him in sickbay and his unique caregiver, the defected young German officer whom she would like to see taken off duty and placed under their care rather today than tomorrow, given that his general health has only declined through his active duty, rather than improved. Placing a kiss on Mark's cheek, she whispers back: "You'll do fine, Mark. Just learn from his example!"

"They fit really well together", Troy growls and both other friends of their observed target nod. "Hitch and Lisa or Ari and Hans?", Silberblatt asks with a wink. The American Sergeant glares at the pert nurse he frequently quarrels with. "Hitch and marriage. That's like Davey becoming all sensible and well-behaved." "Maybe our dear Captain will get him there", Jack Moffit comments with a wry smile. "Davey? Never", Sam counters. "I rather meant the kid and the Captain." "They provide each other with a feeling of having a family and a sense of belonging", Jakob comments, smiling at both of them whom he calls his brothers. "It's good that the boy is providing him with something to live for and not just that the army gives him something to fight and die for", Jack mutters thoughtfully, eyeing the bruised young officer with more concern than he would have thought possible he could muster for a German. "A month ago, he still behaved like he didn't care about his life at all." Jakob Silberblatt grimaces, bearing a tormented expression. "It's good that he wants to stay alive and has regained his sense of self-preservation. I can't imagine how Ari would react, if something happened to Hans." Troy pats him on the shoulder, as he vows with conviction: "Don't worry! We'll do all we can to protect our friend. I promise you this, Jakob." The Jewish Lieutenant smiles at him gratefully: "Thank you, Sam. I lack the words to tell you how grateful I am to know that you will look after him, even if he doesn't always do it himself. His wording of taking only calculated risks doesn't change the fact that he will take risks again and again." Jack Moffit smiles wryly, as he comments: "We all do. But he is a good influence to make our missions more planned and well thought through." "And we'll do our best to keep him on his toes and from just delving into needless heroics himself, when we can do it instead", Troy adds with a grin. "That's not exactly what I meant, but thank you, Sam", Silberblatt comments with a friendly smile. "Let's get some sleep ourselves!", Jack suggests. "It's been a rather long and exhausting day."