"Mein Weg ist die dunkle Straße, Ach, Bruder, und keiner geht mit! Halt an, mein Bruder! Mach kehrt, mein Bruder, Und geh die Straße zurück. Ich weiß einen Weg, der führt dich, mein Bruder, Der führt dich ins große Glück." Ich zieh meiner dunklen Straße (German Fahrtenlied)

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The following morning starts with their usual routine for Sam Troy and his band. Only Jack Moffit appears to be slightly more grumpy than usual after having stayed up late on the previous evening to chat with the Italian Tenente Marcello. Alessandro Marcello is almost as grumpy as the British Sergeant when Leutnant Haberfeld wakes him up on Hauptmann Dietrich's order who wants the German as well as the Italian soldiers to appear for the morning roll call at 0700. Several sleepy Italians glare at the German Captain who appears fully awake, properly shaved and is keeping his stance straight and head held high, as he reminds all prisoners of the American General's arrival and that they are to be at their best behaviour, since they will be representing their respective nations, Germany and Italy likewise. The bruised Hauptmann salutes sharply, suppressing a wince before dismissing the assembled Axis troops and turning to the sickbay to check on the wounded soldiers and Ari. Saluting the American prison guard and stating his aim, the tall German passes without further discussion or being stopped.

Fritz trots out of the prison area unhindered by anyone, sniffs the air and turns straight in the direction of the camp kitchen. Where there is the smell of food, there are people to be begged for food is his simple but efficient logic. Doctor Andrews and Doktor Sommer discuss the state of the Italian and German prisoners with the Captain who looks worried at the assessment that several of the Italians are still at risk of dying from infections they have contracted in the almost inhuman conditions under which they have had to be transported. Holding back the German officer for his own change of bandages and check-up, Ludwig Sommer appears content that the older and lighter bruises on the skinny man's torso and face are discoloring, just as the burns and the bullet wound are gradually healing without infections.

"Captain Dietrich", the American Doctor addresses the Afrikakorps officer who is about to redress and take off after the change of bandages through his German Stabsarzt. Dietrich looks up at him with a wary expression and his eyes darting through the tent, as he is searching the tent diligently and already anticipating of some sort of trouble or bad news. "I want to thank you personally for what you did yesterday. I could not have foreseen how valuable your help would be, not only through your remarkable language skills, but especially when organizing the transportation of the wounded which would have been beyond our experience and capacities otherwise", Andrews announces with an honest smile and Dietrich appears frozen for a few moments, as he evaluates the American Doctor's honesty behind the statement. Finally, the German officer answers with an honest smile: "It was my pleasure, Doctor Andrews." Stepping to Ari's cot, the Hauptmann briefly watches the sleeping boy with a worried expression. "We have brought the fever under control", Doctor Andrews tries to reassure him. "In a few days he should be fit and healthy again." "And what will happen with him then?", the young German Captain asks his worry. "They will find a solution for him, bring him to the U.S., get him out of here", Andrews states with conviction, although he sounds not absolutely sure. Nonetheless, he wants to calm himself as much as the German officer who glances at him warily, before turning to leave.

Two hours later, the whole camp becomes agitated, as large clouds of dust announce the arrival of the expected convoy with General Atkins and the infamous interrogator. Captain Boggs has every available man who is not on patrol duty appear for a roll call. Similarly, Hauptmann Dietrich has the German and Italian prisoners appear for a roll call who look as well-groomed as possible under the condition of them being prisoners of war in a desert camp with limited facilities. With the German Leutnant Haberfeld and the Italian Tenente Marcello at his right and left, he stands at attention in the stance of a German officer at an official parade, wearing his uniform jacket and holding his cap in the crook of his left arm. As Troy and the Rats assess him from the distance, they recognize his stance as the same that they have seen on many a German base in the presence of a higher ranking officer. Except for the bruises on Dietrich's face, no outward sign of his ordeal is visible. The stiff uniform jacket even covers his skinny appearance quite well, Moffit concludes.

A convoy of four Jeeps and ten heavy armored vehicles, as well as a dozen trucks rolls onto the compounds. General Atkins and a young American officer with curly black hair exit one of the Jeeps. The American General is a short, lanky man in his fifties with greying hair and an impressive moustache. While General Atkins turns to the waiting American troops, the young officer takes off to give commands to the drivers of the trucks and armored vehicles. Captain Boggs salutes sharply which the General returns equally sharply, while the troops of the Long Range Desert Group stand at attention. General Atkins observes them so intently that Hitch starts feeling rather uneasy, swallowing his chewing gum just in case that the far higher ranking officer might get ideas of checking for something in their mouths. As the American General starts moving between the troops, exchanging a few words with some of the soldiers, Tully looks slightly less calm than usual, missing his stress reliever of chewing on his matchstick. Even Troy notices the unease of his men and eyes the older superior officer warily, as the short man turns away from them without sparing them more than a short glance. Only Moffit keeps his cool staring down his nose in the bored manner of a British scholar attending a rather dull lecture. Although they know General Atkins from a brief encounter with Dietrich, they are convinced that the young Hauptmann has far better cards at being in the General's good graces than they have. After all, Atkins has blamed them for allowing his captor to escape, rather than being angry at the German Captain who has abducted him as his hostage, yet risked his own capture to save the General's life.

After his inspection of the LRDG, General Atkins turns to the prisoners of war and their officers eyeing the Italian and German Lieutenants first, before resting his eyes on the lean Hauptmann standing tall in between them and saluting sharply. Dietrich's face betrays no emotion, as he keeps his eyes trained to stare ahead. Only the black bruises on his jaw, cheeks and around his left eye destroy the impression of the prim and proper German officer. "Captain Dietrich", Atkins addresses him directly and his voice holds a tinge of emotion, maybe irony, maybe sympathy, as he adds: "a pleasure to meet you again." Once being spoken to, the German Captain turns his gaze slightly downward in the direction of the General's face, before answering with a carefully neutral tone: "Likewise, General Atkins." Dietrich is unsure how the high ranking American officer will treat him, knowing that he has only two months ago abducted the injured man inadvertently and later been captured by the Rat Patrol, because he had chosen to treat the men rather than letting him die. He would not have stood a chance to escape, if Sergeant Troy would not have graciously looked the other way, inspired by his guilty conscience of having landed Dietrich in captivity in the first place because the damned American has gunned him down in spite of the Captain bearing a white flag as a negotiator.

The American General then takes score of the ninety-six Axis soldiers observing the almost straight stance of the exhausted Italians and the excellent coordination of the Germans. Turning away, he commands: "Captain Dietrich, you will accompany me!" "Leutnant Haberfeld, Sie übernehmen das Kommando!", Dietrich orders crisply, salutes his two Lieutenants and then turns to follow the General, putting his uniform cap on his head. Stopping in front of Captain Boggs, General Atkins orders sternly: "Have at least two reliable and trustworthy men escort Captain Dietrich as guards to a place where we can conduct the interrogation, Captain Boggs!" Dietrich keeps his face neutral, as Boggs shouts orders to Troy and Moffit of all the people he would not wish to have present during his interrogation. "Escort Captain Dietrich to my office tent and wait there, Sergeants!", the American Captain commands. On second thought, the younger German officer considers that in this way no further Allied soldiers would be drawn into his personal affairs.

Hans Dietrich can feel both Sergeants' gazes boring into him, as he keeps his head held high with proud determination even though his path is not as clear to him anymore, as it has appeared two nights ago in his moment of clarity. To the Hauptmann's relief both remain silent and do not even try to bother him with sentimental comments. Standing at attention, he awaits what would be coming for him. Cooperating with the Allies is his only option for surviving the next few weeks, but he is not willing to sell out his believes just to buy his life. What would this life be worth, if he could not even face himself in the mirror anymore? He has not relented before the Nazis and their thugs from the SS and he sure as hell will not turn his back on his principles, honor and moral and grovel before the Allies, their General and special interrogator, he vows with grim determination and pride.

The young dark-haired officer who has accompanied the General enters the tent shortly after the three and before the higher ranking officer. While Troy and Moffit eye the man in his mid-twenties with curly black hair and dark brown eyes in a Lieutenant's uniform with open curiosity, Hans Dietrich freezes and stares in shock at his former childhood friend, Jakob Silberblatt. The shorter man in an American uniform smiles at the German officer in an open-hearted manner, pulling the paralyzed taller man into a tight embrace. Sighing in relief to find Hans still alive Jakob exclaims: "Hans, zum Glück lebst du noch!" The lean Hauptmann still requires a few moments to regain control over his senses, before returning the gesture to his friend, as he mutters incredulously: "Jakob, was tust du hier?" The Lieutenant releases Dietrich and takes a step backward to eye him from head to toe. "We should switch to English for the benefit of the others, lest we get suspected of plotting and scheming", he suggests with a wry smile and frinedly twinkle in his eyes. "I actually speak German myself", Moffit contributes after having recovered from his initial shock, while Troy is still staring dumbfounded from Dietrich to the American Lieutenant and back.

"I should address you as Lieutenant Silberblatt then", Dietrich states dryly and finally the American Sergeant can build the connection as well. "Did you not swear once, never to return to the military after deserting the Wehrmacht?", the German officer inquires in an almost amused tone. "I never wanted to pick up a weapon again, but I felt the obligation to help my new home", Silberblatt answers ruefully, yet truthfully. Hans Dietrich narrows his eyes now, as he snaps: "By turning against your old home?" "My old home has turned against me, Hans", Jakob Silberblatt argues with conviction, "just as it has turned against you. Hitler's Germany is not the Germany we have once grown up in!" The tall Hauptmann lowers his gaze and clenches his teeth in helpless anger at the truthfulness of this statement, qilently cursing the ones responsible for this devlopment. His Jewish friend repeats his own thoughts all too accurately, but still it feels for him like treason to some of his principles to even consider taking this road and a part of Hans Dietrich struggles fiercely against the notion.

"Hans, you have been sentenced to die for acting as any honorable and decent man should", Jakob continues with clear conviction and honest sympathy for his friend. "I have been sentenced to death, because I openly attacked the SS", the lean German Captain snarls angrily. "To prohibit a heinous crime", Silberblatt finishes his line of argumentation. "To save the lives of civilians, men, women and children." In response to this, the Hauptmann spits out with contempt for those who have forced him into the situation he currently finds himself in: "However noble the reason, it doesn't change the fact that I am an outlaw now - vogelfrei, Jakob. You know what it means. I have no right to ever return to my home. Any German aiding me is committing a crime himself. My own family would hunt me down and shoot me like a ruddy dog." The anguish Hans Dietrich is trying to keep out of his voice is audible nonetheless. "In this way, your fate is even worse than ours. We had to leave our home without being allowed to ever return, because we are Jews, and any German helping a Jew was committing a crime, as you well know, but at least we would not turn against each other", Jakob argues with his friend to see the similarity between their fates.

The bruised Hauptmann sighs with pained resignation: "What has become of our home, Jakob?" "What the Nazis have made of it", the Jewish officer answers coldly. "What I am asking you, Hans, is whether you back down and tolerate what they do and look the other way much longer or whether you will stand up and fight against those who violate our homeland, our people day by day?" Hans Dietrich is shuddering, before focusing his pained gaze on Jakob, as he grits out between clenched teeth: "I could not act previously, because the SS would have gone after Lisel, Onkel Heinz and Tante Gerti back in Kiel. But things have changed. The SS have executed Lisel already and arrested her parents, sent them to a concentration camp. We both know what that means for somebody of their age." His voice sounds strangled and Jakob places his right hand on his friend's left shoulder squeezing gently in a gesture of comfort. After a heavy sigh, Dietrich grits out darkly, as he is meeting his friend's eye with his haunted gaze: "There are no ties holding me back any longer, Jakob. My soldiers are safe in Allied captivity, my family is either dead or out for my blood, but at least not at risk from the SS, and the Wehrmacht will have me executed as soon as I ever get close to German territory or my home. You know that I love my fatherland and I surely want nothing more than to see Germany free of the Nazis and their rabid attack dogs, the SS. I have nothing else to fight for without betraying everything I have ever believed in." Jakob smiles sadly at his friend's argument, gently reassuring him: "I know exactly how you feel, Hans."

"You should understand that I will act not for the United States of America, but for Germany", Dietrich bites out wearily. "I would not have expected anything else from you, Hans!", Jakob concedes. "You are loyal to the bone and will never cease to be a German officer. You have grown up with this path paved out for you. It takes a lot of courage to take the hard road ahead of you now." "The easy way out is for cowards", the proud young officer recites his father's words bitterly. "You have never been a coward, Hans", Silberblatt consoles his friend compassionately. "You have stood up to the Hitlerjugend bullies, when nobody would have wanted to be seen with a Jewish kid." Troy and Moffit exchange curious glances, as this is a rather unexpected revelation considering that the German Captain has served under the Nazis' regime for his whole career. But Jakob Silberblatt is not finished with his plea, as he reminds Hans Dietrich: "You have risked you career and potential arrest by the SS to help my family flee from Germany after the Kristallnacht. Sara still considers you her knight in shining armour, Hans. We all owe you our lives." Thinking of Jakob's adventurous younger sister, Lisel's best friend, pains Dietrich doubly, bringing to his mind the loss of his childhood friends, two to exile, the other to death at the hands of the SS. "She'd better let go!", the troubled German recommends with a pained expression. "You know she has never listened to me. You were the big brother she always wanted to have, not I", Jakob argues wryly. "That's not true", Hans Dietrich retorts sharply. "Unfortunately, it is. Lisel and Sara both admired you." "Much good it has done them", the young Hauptmann states with a voice so full of bitterness that Troy and Moffit briefly exchange worried glances. Seeing the proud German Captain with stooped shoulders and his head bowed with sorrow, is almost painful to Troy.

"Sergeant, would you please summon General Atkins", Jakob addresses the American for the first time. "He has the authority to negotiate actual conditions for Captain Dietrich's defection." Placing his hand on his despondent friend's shoulder again, Silberblatt speaks calmly with Dietrich: "Hans, we will finalize your decision. Then you know what you are dealing with and you can finally be released from captivity." The German Captain lifts his head to meet Jakob's gaze. "I can understand your personal motivation, Jakob. We have been friends since childhood and stood up for each other", Dietrich's familiarity and intrinsic trust in his friend are audible, before he continues with what has haunted him for days: "But I still fail to understand what value I hold for the Allies, for a General like Atkins, especially for him at all. Why are the Allied military leaders in your headquarters providing a low ranking enemy officer with this option at all, instead of having looked the other way or waiting to see me executed by the SS?" Jakob Silberblatt looks obviously conflicted, not wishing to lie to his friend, but not able to tell him the truth either. "Lieutenant Silberblatt must not answer you, Captain Dietrich", General Atkins who is entering the tent with Sergeant Troy comments, while twirling his moustache. "But I will answer this question for you or rather let you deduce the answer. Consider it a test!" Moffit frowns at the condescending words, while the proud young Hauptmann grits his teeth at the insulting tone.

"Let us first consider the fact that there are countless young officers in the German army ranking from Leutnant to Hauptmann, all recruited under the Nazi's regime out of necessity to provide the fast growing army with somebody skilled to command their soldiers." The American General gives an almost amused snort. "Among those junior officers there are internal rankings based on skill as well as the appropriate background and recommendations of their commanding officers. Often the well-connected from the 'proper background' get promoted before the smart", General Atkins sneers, while Dietrich frowns. He has seen this happen far too often to be indifferent, but that the General rubs it under his nose is an insult he cannot simply tolerate. "What are you trying to insinuate, General?", the proud German snarls with wounded pride. "That you are among the few who possess both and thus made one of the fastest possible careers. But this still does not make you stand out, Captain", Atkins speaks with the voice of a teacher directing a smart student and Moffit frowns slightly at some of the more insulting slights knowing the German's pride and seeing his already barely concealed anger. Having skimmed through Dietrich's military files and translated several interesting parts for Captain Boggs and Aliied headquarters, the British scholar is rather well aware that the young Hauptmann is not among the rank of bootlickers or military descendants who have been promoted only due to their connections with the right people in higher ranks.

General Atkins meanwhile continues with his lecture style interrogation that greatly unnerves Troy, even though he is not at the receiving end of some of the slights unlike Hans Dietrich whose discomfort and wounded pride are rather obvious. "You have quite an interesting path of career, Captain. An artillery officer by training who has joined the infantry and Panzer division under the mentorship of Hitler's favourite General, Fieldmarshal Rommel. Would you care to explain this change of your branch of service, especially since you are still wearing both branch-of-service colors?" Troy has never paid attention to what the General is currently talking about, but now that he compares the German Captain's red shoulder straps with the white litzen on his collar the difference in color is rather obvious. Hans Dietrich proudly holds his head up high, as he provides his recount in a carefully controlled neutral tone: "I served in an Artillery unit assisting tank divisions in Poland, Belgium and France as a Leutnant and Oberleutnant in the position of Beobachtungsoffizier, responsible for reconnaissance and keeping an overview in order to direct the heavy ordnance and additionally provide information for the coordination of the tanks. At the end of the Blitzkrieg, our unit was responsible for securing the advance of General Rommel's tank and infantry unit into an area which was known for resistance activity. From the elevated position of the big caliber gun, we could discern an ambush laid along the road and aimed at the fighters lying in the wait there. Before we had the time to shoot however, we were attacked by snipers who killed our Batteriechef, the Captain in command of our unit, instantly with a single shot to the head which put me in command. Three of my men died in the next two volleys of gun fire, while I was shot in the left shoulder and thrown to the ground, before our side returned fire and took them out." Troy winces at the imaginary image of receiving a bullet to the left shoulder. The experience certainly explains Dietrich's indifferent competence in handling his current state of being only able to use one of his arms properly.

Meanwhile the Captain continues his recount: "Without firing the shot to take out the ambushing resistance group, the General's unit would have been decimated and he might not have survived the ambush attack. I do not remember how, but I directed the gun to the right angle and position and fired that shot. The next I know is awakening in a field hospital in Paris. General Rommel not only had me promoted to Hauptmann, but also had me transferred from the Artillery to the heavy Infantry Panzer Division under his direct command. I spent my reconvalescence time reading technical manuals and tactical instructions for tank warfare, before I was ordered to Italy as one of several liaison officers in Rome for coordinating the start of the North Africa campaign. Only once I arrived in North Africa, was I assigned a new unit, consisting of both Italian and German troops." Atkins looks slightly surprised. "So you had no experience with commanding tank units before arriving in North Africa?" Hans Dietrich regards him impassively, as he provides his honest answer: "Even if I would have had such experience, the desert warfare cannot be compared to the one in Central Europe. Not having any predefined notions was an advantage compared to others, as I had nothing standing in my way of learning to build my own strategies for dealing with the desert."

Atkins looks actually delighted. "An excellent comparison, Captain Dietrich. As you have just stated, the war here in North Africa cannot be compared to the one in Central Europe. But we are all aware that this war will move to Central Europe very soon. In half a year at the latest, the Afrikakorps will be defeated, then Europe will be the only remaining fighting ground of this war against the Axis powers." The proud young German grits his teeth, as he painfully has to admit in the privacy of his own mind that the American General is likely right, but still feels the sting against his comrades in arms from the Afrikakorps. The General continues unperturbed: "Then, warfare will change compared to here, just like you said, Captain. We cannot have commando units driving around, shooting people at random in the streets of towns and cities in Italy, France or Germany." Now Troy actually feels offended and thinks he can feel General Atkins' gaze rest on him briefly. Dietrich's face and mood have darkened considerably at the off-hand description of the commando units' tactics that have cost him the lives of many men entrusted under his command.

General Atkins twirls his moustache again, as he observes the reactions to his words. "We will need someone with subtlety and the strategic thinking of an officer who has been trained in one of these countries. But foremost we require someone born and raised in Germany who naturally possesses the cultural integration in Central Europe that we cannot teach American agents from afar. Then again, I suppose you are aware that most officers lack the creativity and out of the box thinking of a commando unit. Are you still following me, Captain?" The young Hauptmann nods with a stony face, although internally he is confused. Even though he possesses the training of a German officer and has been born and grown up in Germany, having spent time in Poland, France, Belgium and Italy in addition, Hans knows that he is certainly not a trained commando trooper. Even Troy and Moffit exchange confused glances where this strange line of argumentation is supposed to lead. Only Jakob Silberblatt stands in the back of the tent and observes the drama unfold before him, while keeping a keen eye on his German friend.

General Atkins smiles deviously, as he twirls his moustache between his thumb and index finger. "Now, let us assume we receive reports in Allied head quarters reporting that a particular enemy officer is adapting his strategy, adopting commando units' strategies becoming more successful with every time, until almost pulling through a successful commando style mission which his more conservative colleagues not only do not manage, but also would not even think of." The bruised German clenches his jaws at the memory of Operation Diamond, embarassment coloring his cheeks slightly, while General Atkins continues mercilessly: "And further assume that this man would lose all footing with his own military, driving him towards his adversories' camp. What does this provide us with, Captain?" Hans Dietrich has finally caught up with his line of thinking, devious as it is. "A commando leader for infiltration and warfare behind enemy lines in Europe", the Wehrmacht Hauptmann grits out with honest indignation. "I am a soldier, neither a spy nor an assassin, General!", the young German officer protests with honest indignation. "You're a good soldier in spite of some flaws", Atkins assesses dryly, while a muscles in Dietrich's jaw is twitching from gritting his teeth, as he narrows his eyes at the underhanded insult wrapped in a compliment. "More relevantly, Captain Dietrich, you are a surprisingly skilled actor, fluent in German, English, French, Italian and Arabic as far as I know and according to Lieutenant Silberblatt's account you are proficient with some sleight of hand tricks and picking locks!" Troy eyes the Hauptmann with increasing curiosity having learned about the last of this particular skill set of Dietrich's only recently, but wondering what exactly sleight of hand tricks might mean in this regard.

Atkins addresses the tall Wehrmacht Captain directly now: "It is simple to train a tank commander. How long was your officer's training in the German Wehrmacht taken before you were promoted to Leutnant, Captain Dietrich?" "One year and ten months, General", Hans Dietrich replies with the precision that is a time-honed German quality. "One year and ten months for training as an Artillery officer", Atkins muses and looks down to read in Dietrich's file, "2 months convalescence time for learning the theoretical basics of being a tank commander and two years of field experience in each branch of service." Dietrich is keeping his face carefully neutral, even though the General's calculations start to unnerve him. Atkins continues unperturbed: "But you will admit yourself, Captain, that it is much harder to obtain someone with your unique skill set outside of your military training, a skill set which is almost impossible to train in a short time." The German bows his head in acknowledgement wondering where this is supposed to lead, as are Troy and Moffit who observe the interrogation with more or less concealed curiosity.

"In addition, you have been under the tutelage of Rommel, the Desert Fox, himself." General Atkins' eyes are almost shining with excitement as he mentions the enemy commander and Dietrich observes him with increasing wariness. "I do not require an assassin, Captain", the older American officer assures him, "I have more than enough snipers, as they are easy to train and keep happy, if properly motivated." The German Hauptmann looks slightly disconcerted, even though he is aware of the tactic from both sides. Ever since losing his Artillery unit to a sniper attack that would almost have cost him his life as well, the usage of snipers to take out strategic targets like enemy officers feels even more underhanded and dishonorable for him, as it does not allow an enemy the chance of defense, negotiation or making an honorable stand. Atkins focuses his attention on Dietrich fully, like a predator ready to strike and the Wehrmacht officer is straightening his posture under the scrutinizing gaze, as the General argues: "What I need, Captain Dietrich, is someone who can walk into an enemy HQ under the guise of a German, Italian or French officer's uniform and obtain information, ideally without being found out or firing a single shot. What I need is someone to get a commando unit far behind enemy lines and back again while avoiding detecion, such that they can strike where the enemy expects it the least. What I need is someone who can contact local resistance groups, as well as persuade enemy soldiers and officers to defect or surrender." Dietrich just stares at him stunned for a few moments. This is certainly not the answer he has been expecting.

"I refuse to directly attack German civilians or perform assassinations of members of the Heer", Dietrich makes his condition clear and his expression communicates clearly that he will not budge on this. "We have more than enough experts for sniping and assault missions here in North Africa. This is agreeable", the American General concedes. "Are you willing, however, to become a member of an American commando unit? You of all people are familiar with Hitler's commando order, Captain." Hans Dietrich barks out a laugh that is devoid of any mirth or humor, before he leads his argument with a bitter and disillusioned tone: "I am a convicted traitor and outlaw, General Atkins. Should I be captured by the German side, whether it is the Heer or the SS, I would be tortured and executed independent of any spying missions, being a commando trooper or not. I of all people have nothing to lose in this regard." Jakob eyes his friend with a saddened expression, although this makes things a lot less complicated for the U.S. army.

"Are you willing to accept this offer then, Captain Dietrich?", General Atkins inquires. "I can give you my final answer as soon as I have seen a contract describing the details", the young officer answers smoothly. If he has learned one thing from German bureaucracy, it is to always check the final written version. Atkins smiles openly now and his moustache twitches with suppressed laughter. "You are more devious than I have given you credit for, Captain. You will receive your contract within the hour. Lieutenant Silberblatt, start working on it immediately!", he commands Jakob Silberblatt. Hans Dietrich keeps himself from openly showing his delight at this development. If Jakob writes the contract, Hans as his friend can trust that no hidden traps should be laced intricately into the wording. Jakob Silberblatt takes a seat at Captain Boggs' desk and takes several sheets of paper from a folder the General has handed him.

"I suggest that you will continue your efforts in persuading Axis units to surrender, Captain Dietrich", Atkins addresses the German suspiciously casually and the Hauptmann looks honestly surprised that this should be his orders for action in North Africa. "It harms the German war effort, but not the actual soldiers. I see no reason why I should not continue, assuming that I am given the chance to do so", the German officer answers cautiously. "Within two days this unit has made its way among the leading units in looting enemy resources and capturing enemy soldiers", General Atkins argues slyly, while Dietrich grimaces at the wording, feeling slightly pained, but he is telling himself that he will have to get used to frequent slights from the Allies. The American General focuses his gaze on the tall young officer. "According to Captain Boggs' reports you are partially responsible for his unit's successes in the last two days. I would therefore like you to continue this as your first priority on missions."

"Yes, Sir", Dietrich acknowledges without commenting the other statements and finds himself reminded of a relevant question: "What kind of position or rank would you have in mind for me to do something like negotiating Axis troops' surrender?", he inquires cautiously. General Atkins regards the German officer with a calculating gaze. "I was expecting this question much earlier. I would like to keep you in the rank of a Captain, as you will require a position with a certain amount of influence to back up negotiations. By American standards you will be very young for a Captain, but for a commando unit this is an advantage rather than a disadvantage." Hans Dietrich considers this proposition reasonable and quite fair toward himself. Not to degrade him even though he has not made an actual career within their army is generous. Another aspect is bothering him though. "Most commando units have no love lost between them and German officers or soldiers", he states clearly, looking from Troy to Moffit. "How many among your commandos, General Atkins, would believe me to actually have defected and not kill me on suspicion? My name tells anybody that I am a German and I refuse to permanently live under the guise of a lie. For a short-term operation this is acceptable, but not on a long term. I am not a chronic liar." Troy looks from the proud young Hauptmann who has actually voiced his concern in earnest to General Atkins who appears slightly dumbstruck, as if he had not considered this problem until now. Jakob Silberblatt looks up from his writing and regards the scene with actual concern.

Unwilling to hold back, Sam Troy intercedes ignoring Jack Moffit's warning shake of his head: "General Atkins. With all due respect, Sir. I think you have no idea how a commando unit works." The German Captain observes both Troy and Atkins cautiously. Apparently, the American General is briefly stunned by the enlisted man's insolence who so blatantly has insulted him and intervenes in this affair, ignoring all ranks and hierarchies. If the Sergeant can produce a valid argument against this scheme, however, the Wehrmacht Hauptmann is more than willing to listen, since it will mean his life, if American emotions escalate. "A commando unit is tightly knit and based on trust and respect. You cannot just dump some Jerry officer on them or they will rebel, Sir", Troy argues his case. General Atkins seems to actually consider that argument, apparently not too arrogant to recognize good advice when it is given. "So, Sergeant. You basically tell me that I need to establish such a basis of trust between the Captain and any unit which he will work with in Europe. But any unit I would place him with right now, would resent the Captain because he is German." Troy nods in affirmation. "Yes, Sir! The Captain also has a reputation in North Africa and a price on his head from our side." "That can be changed right away", the General retorts quickly. "That still does not change the fact that I am known to many commando units by my reputation established as a Wehrmacht Hauptmann serving in the Afrikakorps and that most if not all will not trust my defection", Hans Dietrich agrees with Sam Troy, seeing his way out of this absurd commando notion. Infiltration, gathering information, persuading German or Italian soldiers and officers to join against in the Nazis are perfectly acceptable for him, but to do so with the assistance American commando troopers is simply absurd.

"I have a solution I could suggest, Sir", the American Sergeant grins widely and the German Captain knowing this look well enough from countless encounters, is immediately starting to dread what he will propose. "I can suggest a commando unit willing to cooperate", Sam Troy starts, as Hans Dietrich uncharacteristically interrupts him with an exasperated tone: "You cannot be serious, Sergeant!" General Atkins looks like he has been left out of an inside joke and appears not amused. "Sergeant, our relationship is built on mutual distrust and some grudging respect at best", the young German Captain argues in earnest, barely believing that the insane Yankee would even start with something like this. "This is the opposite of what you are suggesting." "En contraire, mon Capitan", Jack Moffit intervenes, when he is realizing that the argument is about to escalate, "This is the best starting point you can hope to get with anyone on the Allied side. With any other unit, mutual distrust without any respect would be where you start." Although Moffit's reasoning is plausible, Troy's suggestion remains almost unthinkable for the German who has balled his hands to fists and is visibly struggling with the concept.

General Atkins runs out of patience: "Would somebody inform me, what is discussed here, gentlemen, as all three of you seem to be able to finish each others thoughts and sentences without requiring spelling out." Dietrich flinches as if he would have been whipped, when he senses that he will not have a chance to escape from the rap the Rats have maneuvered him into. It is not the first time for him to face the inevitable in particular when dealing with Sergeant Troy's schemes and he intends to receive his final blow with as much dignity as possible. The American Sergeant explains his reasoning to the General: "My unit has produced most of your reports on the Captain. We know him, respect him as an honorable soldier and smart officer. Assign him with us, General, and you're getting yourself a commando unit for North Africa and later for Europe!" General Atkins thinks about this briefly, then counters skeptically: "Sergeant Troy. Even though we greatly value your efforts, your unit is hardly what we can consider subtle. Rather the opposite, you are the perfect example of a unit not able to function outside of North Africa." Sam Troy is actually livid at the casual dismissal and Jack Moffit, sensing the danger of letting the American speak his mind now, intercedes: "Then, General Atkins, it would be even better to provide us with the opportunity to learn some of Captain Dietrich's more moderate and subtle ways to be able to adapt our modus operandi to a style that will be acceptable in Central Europe."

Hans Dietrich briefly feels like this discussion has taken a new turn for the absurd he would not have expected even in combination with the two Sergeants of the Rat Patrol. General Atkins however, nods in agreement: "A reasonable proposition, Sergeant Moffit. Are there any objections on your behalf, Captain Dietrich?" In exasperation, the bruised Hauptmann closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, as he finds himself unable to face this surreal new reality just yet. Shaking his head, the German officer finally surrenders, as he replies with a hollow tone: "None that would hold against Sergeant Moffit's and Sergeant Troy's line of argument, General." Atkins actually smiles again considering Dietrich's reaction actually amusing. "This is settled then. Lieutenant Silberblatt, please include this in the details of the contract, then hand it over to the Captain to read and sign. Captain, I expect the best from you!" With a hasty salute that Dietrich returns sharply, Atkins intends to quickly leave the tent, but the German officer calls him back: "General Atkins. When will my men and the Italian prisoners be transported to POW camps?" The General observes the younger officer's expression in his heavily bruised face and reads the honest concern in his brown eyes, before his own expression turns into a smile. "They will accompany my convoy tomorrow and should arrive in the new POW camp within 2 days after that." "What will happen with them afterwards?", Dietrich asks worriedly. "Like most of our prisoners from the Afrikakorps we will likely send them to POW camp in the U.S.", the General consoles the German. "You need not worry about them. We treat our prisoners well and I have received your statement on their role in the events at your base. Now If you would excuse me, gentlemen." With a final nod, General Atkins turns on his heel and leaves the four in his wake.

Mutely, the German Captain sinks into a chair at Boggs' desk feeling suddenly lightheaded, as the memory of Troy and Moffit talking the General into having him placed with the Rat Patrol catches up with him. That scheme has been a Troy classic, taking Dietrich by surprise and suspending him somewhere he never would have considered even possible to end up. Moffit studies the young officer's still bruised face that has paled considerably during the last part of the conversation with the General. Several emotions seem to be warring in Dietrich and Moffit cannot determine how Troy's stunt that has taken the Brit himself by surprise must feel for the German Captain. His intervention has only been on instinct and not from actually standing behind it himself. "Have you even thought this through with all its consequences, Sergeant?", Hans Dietrich finally asks in a carefully controlled neutral tone without even looking up, keeping his head lowered and his eyes closed. "Sure, I have. It's the best way of keeping you alive", the stubborn American Sergeant retorts, while Moffit frowns and starts to wonder what the Hauptmann is trying to imply. The German snorts, appearing slightly amused. Of course, the sentimental American who disregards military regulations more often than not would not have wasted a thought on army regulations. "Sergeant Troy, I am still an officer in your army. You have basically assigned your whole unit including yourself under my command", Dietrich spells out to him, finally opening his eyes and regarding the American with a mixture of incredulity, exasperation and amusement. "Well, how did Major Bracken put this so aptly: We all make our mistakes", Moffit comments dryly with a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth at Troy's crestfallen expression.

"Sergeant, I know that you did not consider military regulations for a second and thus you have not been aware of all consequences of your proposition", the noblehearted young officer starts his offer with a more serious and moderate tone, "I have not signed that contract yet. You can still choose to reconsider and opt out of it", the German Captain offers chivalrously. "The easy way out is for cowards", Troy throws Dietrich's own words back at him. "I couldn't live with that." "Can you live with me as your commanding officer, Sergeant?", the German Captain retorts with slight exasperation. "I've had worse", Troy comments non-chalantly at which Hans Dietrich eyes him with a wary glare, evaluating how much of an insult this has been intended to be. "I don't think he meant this as an insult", Moffit intercedes, reminding the German officer that he is no less affected. "And what would your thoughts be on all this, Sergeant Moffit?", Dietrich addresses the startled Brit who would not have expected to be asked for his opinion. "He has succeeded with much crazier ideas, Captain", the former Cambridge scholar starts with a dry joke turning more serious under the German officer's glare. "You are certainly qualified for the position intended for you and although we share little sympathy for each other", the lean Hauptmann smiles wryly at the apt assessment, "I honestly believe what I said to the General that this will be an opportunity and an improvement for our unit, helping us adapt to the changing dynamics of war." Dietrich raises his eyebrows and eyes him dubiously trying to discern his honesty, while Moffit continues unperturbed: "As General Atkins has put it: soon there will be little use for driving in and out of desert bases, convoys and camps, hailing bullets on soldiers without having to worry about civilian casualties. If we wish to stay together as a unit, cooler planning with less explosions and potential casualties, new skills and a new style will be necessary. And I know hardly anybody with more style than you, Captain." The last statement has actually taken Hans Dietrich by surprise, while Jakob Silberblatt grins with honest amusement.

"And here I thought that you have always been the reasonable one", the German officer mutters with a slight tinge of irony, as he turns towards his friend who is eyeing the sheets of paper with suspiciously little eye movement obviously not reading but listening. "You can already read page 1 through 5, Hans", Jakob points to the pages, "I'll just finish the last two in the meantime." "Gentlemen, you are dismissed", the lean Captain orders without a second thought and Troy is already motioning to leave, when Moffit stops him. "Captain Dietrich, I fear you cannot actually dismiss us, as we are your guards", the British Sergeant points out with open amusement, "but it was a really good effort at trying to get rid of your sentries. Captain Boggs has ordered us to wait here and before you have signed that contract, you hold no authority to overrule his command, since you are not our unit's commander until then."

The German looks more amused than annoyed by the statement, as he starts reading the contract, creasing his forehead with concentration. Jakob has filled in his personal details accurately and formulated the additional parts of the army contract with great care. Once the German officer has read through everything, he regards his long-time friend with a steady gaze, asking with a slight upward tick of the corners of his mouth: "Und wo sind die Fallstricke und Schlupflöcher?" Jakob raises his hands in a defensive gesture: "There are no traps and loopholes in it, I swear." "Would that not put lawyers and bureaucrats out of business", his friend asks dryly with raised eyebrows, as he picks up the final two pages to read. After asking Jakob about two passages which specify his duties and military affinity, Hans Dietrich finally nods, closes his eyes and sighs deeply. "Hier, bitte, Hans", Jakob Silberblatt nudges his friend and hands him a pen to put his signature under the contract, finally sealing his fate and opening a new path.

"Jakob, ich werde mich noch um einige Angelegenheiten der deutschen und italienischen Truppen kümmern müssen, um alles ordentlich und korrekt zu übergeben", Dietrich states matter-of-factly after signing the contract that he still has to take care of several matters of the German and Italian troops to hand everything over properly which is no surprise for the Lieutenant. "Ich nehme an, dass du mit Leutnant Haberfeld und Tenente Marcello ebenfalls sprechen möchtest", the young Captain continues. "Allerdings will ich mit beiden reden", Silberblatt replies, confirming that he will wish to speak to both Lieutenants. Now, his German friend is smiling with actual amusement and an almost mischieveous twinkle in his brown eye. "Bitte Marcello doch, dass er dir etwas vorsingt. Aber nimm dir besser für den Rest des Tages nichts anderes mehr vor. Am besten sprich zuerst mit Haberfeld." "What did he just say?", Troy whispers to Moffit who can barely contain his laughter. "He recommended Lieutenant Silberblatt to ask Marcello to sing, but better not have any other plans for the rest of the day." Troy grins widely, biting down on his lip to contain his laughter. "I told you, the Captain's funny."

Troy waits for his moment until after Dietrich and Silberblatt have shaken hands and the Lieutenant is putting the papers back into the file folder. "Congratulations, Captain", Troy sounds amused and even grins as he addresses the younger German directly, while the young officer scowls at him warily. "You have sealed your own fate, Sergeant", Hans Dietrich reminds him with dark amusement. "You are dismissed, gentlemen." This time Moffit does not protest, but salutes and irritates the German defector almost as much as Troy by stating: "We look forward to seeing you later, Captain." Saluting to both of them with a wary expression, the tall lean Captain stands up slowly and is relieved to feel stable on his feet for the first time in days after doing so. "Bevor wir uns um unsere Angelegenheiten kümmern, muss ich dich noch bitten, mich zu begleiten. Du musst mir einen Gefallen tun, Jakob." Jakob Silberblatt eyes his friend with curiosity, as Hans uncharacteristically asks him for a favour, something he has not even asked for himself before the ordeal with the Allied General. Whatever it is, must be really important for his friend. "Dann lass uns gehen, Hans!", he urges to go. Hans Dietrich is relieved that Jakob Silberblatt has not changed, instead of asking him unnecessary questions urging to leave to have a direct look at the matter at hand.

As they both enter the sickbay, they can observe Doktor Sommer and Doctor Andrews working at the hospital beds of two of the more grievously wounded Italian soldiers with the assistence of the two brown-haired nurses. Avoiding to disturb them, Dietrich makes his way to Ari's cot in a corner at the back of the hospital tent. Crouching at the sleeping boy's side, the German Captain reaches out to check his temperature by placing a hand on his forehand. Assessing the temperature as not worrisome, Dietrich stands up again and motions Jakob to take a step away from the cot with him. "Das ist Ari ben Levi", he introduces the boy in a whisper and deducts from Jakob's surprised expression that he recognises the classic Hebrew name construction. "Der Junge hat seine gesamte Familie im Massaker verloren und ist dann auch noch von einer Viper gebissen worden. Er spricht nur Arabisch und Hebräisch. Es wäre daher gut ihn bei einer jüdischen Familie in den U.S.A. unterzubringen, die sich um ihn kümmern kann. Du kannst bestimmt etwas organisieren", the German Captain explains that the boy has lost his family in the massacre and has been bitten by a snake after. As he speaks only Hebrew and Arabic, placing him with a Jewish family in the U.S. would be the best option in Dietrich's eyes.

By now the boy has started to stir in his sleep, first the touch, then the commotion of the emergency treatment in another part of the tent, filter into his perception and wake the child up who stares around with wide fear-filled eyes at the unfamiliar surroundings. Once his eyes land on Dietrich, his expression turns from fearful to open relief. "Hauptmann!", the boy tries to get up, but the German officer beats him to it and gently pushes him back onto the cot. "*You should stay in bed, Ari!*", he admonishes with a friendly, but stern tone. "*You were gone yesterday*", Ari pouts accusatorily. "*I had to help the people there*", Dietrich motions to point at the many Italian soldiers in beds all around them. "*But I missed you*", Ari sniffs and the German actually sighs. This will be harder than he has ever imagined. "*I want to introduce you to a friend of mine*", Dietrich finally says. "*Jakob Silberblatt.*" Jakob upon hearing his name otherwise only discerning small parts of the conversation, crouches next to Hans and greets the boy with an openhearted smile: "Shalom, Ari. Ani Jakob." "Shalom, Jakob", Ari returns timidly looking from Dietrich to Silberblatt. "*Jakob speaks Hebrew and he is a Jew like your family*", Dietrich explains. "*He will help you find a new family.*" "Rede mit ihm und lerne ihn besser kennen. Ich regle die Angelegenheiten mit meinen Männern", Dietrich tells Jakob, before saying good-bye to Ari and standing up to leave, leaving the two to talk, while he intends to settle all obligations with his men.

Heeding his friend's advice to get to know the boy better, Jakob asks him to tell the story how he knows Hans Dietrich. As the feverish boy looks confused by the name, the Jewish Lieutenant realizes with a little more prompting that the child knows the German only as 'Hauptmann' and thinks that this is his name, while 'faris alsahra', the name of honor bestowed upon him by the Arabs is his title. Silberblatt is laughing out loud, as the child translates the Arabic words as 'desert knight' for him. When the boy describes in awe how the German Captain has treated him and his whole family for a disease, Jakob realizes that he has found another child who regards his friend as the knight in shining armor. Why not unite him with his sister, he considers. His mother would surely be happy to finally hear a child's laughter in their home again and it would provide her with something reasonable to occupy her time with, as she has never fully felt at home in New York City, their exile home after fleeing from Germany.

Meanwhile, his friend is making his way to the prison area, saluting to the guard who still eyes him warily, as he is wondering why a German officer is allowed to enter and leave the prison area at will. But he has his orders and Captain Boggs wants it like this. No sooner has Hans Dietrich stepped into the camp, is Leutnant Haberfeld approaching him with worry creasing his forehead. "Herr Hauptmann, einer der Männer ist verschwunden." The lean Captain tenses immediately upon hearing that one of the men has gone missing and briefly closes his eyes hoping that none of his former soldiers would attempt any sabotage or attack against the American General and his convoy. "Wer fehlt, Leutnant?", he demands to know, pushing his other affairs to the back of his mind. "Feldwebel Deutsch", Haberfeld answers and Dietrich is frowning now. Feldwebel Deutsch is among the men he trusts the most in his unit. The Hungarian would not try any sabotage or assassination attempts against the Allies. But the German Captain still has to wonder what is going on that the Feldwebel would go missing. "Sind die Italiener alle vorhanden?", he asks about the Italians. "Jawohl, Herr Hauptmann. Der italienische Leutnant hat sie alle abgezählt." One has to be grateful for small mercies, Dietrich considers upon hearing that Marcello at least has all the Italians accounted for.

"Wo war der Feldwebel, bevor er verschwunden ist?", Dietrich inquires where and with whom the Sergeant has last been seen before going missing, as he accompanies his Leutnant to the main area holding the camp fire at night. "Wer hat ihn zuletzt gesehen?" One of the young soldiers of his unit or rather his former unit, the young Captain mentally corrects himself, Gefreiter Wolf Bauer, sits in the sand and eyes the two officers nervously. As soon, as he realizes that they are approaching him, he leaps to his feet and turns to them with a desperate expression. "Haben Sie Feldwebel Deutsch gefunden, Herr Leutnant? Herr Hauptmann?", the lean, brown-haired man asks with his tone full of worry. "Nein. Aber Sie haben ihn zuletzt gesehen, Bauer? Wann?", Hans Dietrich inquires about when Bauer has last seen the Sergeant. "Vor etwa einer halben Stunde. Er wollte nur zur Latrine gehen und ist nicht mehr wiedergekommen", the short Gefreite repeats what he has already told the Leutnant that Deutsch has only gone to the latrine half an hour ago and never come back.

With a deep scowl, the tall Captain now approaches the latrine area alongside Leutnant Haberfeld. "Haben Sie in den Latrinen und der Umgebung gesucht?", he inquires sharply whether they have already searched inside the latrines as well as in the surroundings. "Wir haben in der Umgebung gesucht, weshalb sollten wir in den Latrinen suchen, Herr Hauptmann?", Hanberfeld replies, looking completely puzzled. Throwing his Leutnant a reprimanding glare that makes Haberfeld draw back two steps in fear, Dietrich steps forward and braces himself against the stench, as he enters the latrine area. It could not be as bad as the rotting donkey cadaver, he reminds himself, when he starts looking into the first latrine hole and soon sees that they all open into a single larger dump area. Without a torch, he also realizes, he will not be able see much. "Montieren Sie den Spiegel ab!", he orders Haberfeld to remove the mirror from its holding, as walking out of the camp to beg for a torch would take much longer and draw the Allies' attention. Completely at a loss, the Leutnant obeys and his commanding officer helps him to loosen the screws with the pocket knife he has retrieved at his base and nobody has worried to take from him ever since. Once the mirror is loose, Hans Dietrich directs his Leutnant to position himself in such a way that the sunlight is reflected into the inside of the latrine while he takes a close look. At first, he is not sure whether he has seen correctly, but soon he arrives at the bitter realisation that there is a body down there, smeared with and sunken into the faeces. Gritting his teeth and with actual desperation at the realisation that the body of the man down there has likely not landed there by accident, but by a deed committed on purpose, the Hauptmann orders Haberfeld to keep anybody from entering, as he leaves to report the incident to Captain Boggs as quickly as possible.

"What has happened, Captain?", Troy shouts after him, as he sees Dietrich almost running across the camp. "Where is Captain Boggs?", the young Captain demands to know instead of an answer and takes off as soon as the American Sergeant recommends his office. However, Sam Troy is not easily deterred and follows the obvious distraught Hauptmann or Captain Dietrich, considering the young officer has actually agreed to officially bear this title by changing his forces to the U.S. army. Although the tall German is still wearing the Wehrmacht uniform, he has already signed his contract for defection with Lieutenant Silberblatt. "Captain Boggs", Dietrich barks, as he enters the tent without further greeting, only saluting to the American officer sharply. "One of my soldiers, Feldwebel Deutsch, Német, has been found dead or unconscious in the latrines. I require some ropes and possibly some of your soldiers immediately." "I'll summon the boys, Captain", Troy offers without hesitation. Captain Boggs realizes only after a moment that the Sergeant has not actually addressed him, as Dietrich replies smoothly: "Your assistance is most welcome, Sergeant Troy. Summon your men!" Eyeing the interaction between the German and the notoriously stubborn and insubordinate Troy with utter surprise, Boggs watches the scruffy Sergeant leave in a hurry, while the tall and lean officer turns back to him.

With gritted teeth and a shame-filled look, the young German Captain addresses him: "As none of your men have been seen on the compound or been implicated in any way, the only suspects are the German and Italian prisoners of war. Although I have learned of this only when I returned to the prison area after the interrogation with General Atkins, I can imagine one possible motive for the attack against this particular Sergeant. He is Hungarian and has used his Hungarian instead of his Germanised name when registering as a prisoner of war. It might have angered somebody close to the Nazi ideology." Boggs nods, while studying the younger man's face with concern. "I remember the man and the discussion about the name. I assume that you intend to investigate, Captain Dietrich?" "I owe it to Feldwebel Deutsch, Német", Dietrich corrects himself, before continuing with a serious tone, "to find out who attacked him and possibly killed him in the process." The tall German Captain sighs wearily. "This is murder, not the death a good soldier deserves and nothing you can afford to tolerate among your POWs", he grits out through clenched jaws with his anger and shame at his soldiers' behaviour clearly visible to James Boggs.

General Atkins' brief notification that the young officer has agreed to defect and will be assigned under his command as commanding officer of the Rat Patrol, keeping his active rank as a Captain however, has come as a serious surprise for the American Captain. But the German Hauptmann has left the impression of being honorable and true to his word, therefore Boggs intends to give him the benefit of the doubt that this is some ruse to free his former soldiers and allow him to investigate among his men. Their commanding officer they all respect enough to follow him into Allied captivity is the best possible investigator Boggs could possibly gain in this case. "Go ahead with your investigation, Captain Dietrich. I trust you to handle this properly", the American Captain therefore concedes, understanding and believing the younger officer's righteous anger at the vile deed. With a sharp salute, Hans Dietrich turns on his heel without losing his balance and almost storms off, but reins himself in to keep a moderate enough speed appropriate for an officer to preserve his dignity.

Returning to the POW area, Dietrich barely beats the Rats in arriving. Several of the Germans look torn between being fearful and hate-filled upon the sight of the Americans and the Brit who have killed and maimed many of their former comrades. But none dares to even approach, when their Hauptmann's dark gaze falls upon them and he orders them back to their tents, while commanding the Rat Patrol to follow him with a naturalness that astounds any by-stander. "Meine Herren, zurück in Ihre Zelte, während wir eine Bergung durchführen! Gentlemen, you come with me to retrieve the Feldwebel's body!" Even more astounding is the almost natural seeming compliance with which the four Allied commando soldiers are executing the commands uttered by the German Captain. Leutnant Haberfeld looks like he is thoroughly regretting even haven gotten up from bed today, as he watches the strange interaction between his Hauptmann and the commando unit, deciding that he does not even want to know what is transpiring.

After removing the wooden construction which separates the different latrine racks, the body below is revealed more clearly. "I need you to retrieve the body, if possible without causing more damage", Hans Dietrich orders sternly. "That's a stinking job, Capt'n", Hitch complains in a whining voice. "And even worse for Feldwebel Deutsch, Német. Or would you wish to end your life down there, Private Hitchcock?", the German officer reprimands him sternly and Hitch lowers his gaze, looking slightly ashamed of himself. Tully moves his matchstick with his tongue and internally decides never to start arguing morality with Captain Dietrich. One can only lose such an argument. "Let's shake it, boys!", Troy orders and the tall German tenses involuntarily, while Haberfeld openly flinches at the words.

Tully is the one to actually have himself hauled down into the faeces where he is wading knee deep to reach the Sergeant's body. As soon as he has checked on the German, he shouts however: "Sarge, Captain. The man's still alive." Dietrich's heart skips a beat, as he steps closer to the rim to get a better view at Pettigrew and Deutsch. "How bad are his injuries, Private?", the German officer asks sharply. "Looks like blood on the face, Cap. Can't tell you more without getting him outta here", Tully answers and Dietrich swallows the remark on using the full proper title, as he has more important things to focus his attention on. "Haul him out immediately, Private", he thus commands, while keeping his scrutinizing gaze trained on Tully Pettigrew. "Sergeant Moffit", Dietrich addresses the Brit next, "retrieve a stretcher for moving the man to sickbay at once!" The British Sergeant takes off running to obtain a stretcher from the sickbay and warn the Doctors of their new patient's arrival at this order, as there is no time to lose.

"Do you have filled canteens with you, gentlemen?", Dietrich addresses the remaining Rats. Hitch shrugs apologetically. "Sorry. Not in camp." Troy looks equally unhelpful, while Tully wordlessly holds up a small metal flask. Dietrich nods approvingly and mentally remarks for himself to pay the quiet Private more attention and give him credit where it is due. "Excellent, Private Pettigrew. Wash his face to remove anything stuck in his mouth or nose so that he does not suffocate!", the Captain advises and Tully executes the command immediately. Haberfeld has returned to his assigned place to hold up or move the mirror according to directions to provide them with light. "He's breathing, Cap", Tully states quietly and Hans breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Private. You can haul him up here then", the German officer directs him and Hitch and Troy prepare for doing just that, as they pull the dead weight of the unconscious man out of the latrine ditch with Tully helping to push him up. Subconsciously rubbing his injured shoulder, Dietrich briefly considers helping them only to drop the idea again at the sting in his right shoulder. As soon as Deutsch is up at the wooden boards again, the Troy and Hitch remove the rope to toss it down to Tully again. With concern evident on his face, the German officer meanwhile crouches next to his Feldwebel to check his pulse and breathing himself, after having taken off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Deutsch's pulse is erratic and weak, but existent and his breathing rather shallow with a brownish substance almost completely clotting his nose shut. More disturbing are several injuries in his face and along his arms which speak of a fight which Deutsch has obviously lost. A heavily bleeding wound on his forehead appears to be the reason for his unconsciousness.

Troy has turned to run outside and help Moffit with the stretcher as soon as Tully is out of the dump, while Hitch and Tully observe Dietrich checking on his Feldwebel with worry and anger clearly edged on his face. As soon as Troy and Moffit arrive and put the unconscious man on the stretcher, the German officer gives a final squeeze to his soldier's shoulder, before turning around to Leutnant Haberfeld and barking the command: "Lassen Sie die Männer sofort zum Appell antreten, Leutnant!" The German Lieutenant salutes and scurries off as quickly as possible, while Hans Dietrich frowns and turns to clean his hands from all that is stuck there. As a desert veteran he is more than aware of the technique to first use sand to get rid of most of the sticky substance and rubbing off large particles, before using soap and the far too valuable water for the fine cleaning. The Rats have taken off to the sickbay in the meanwhile.

Once he feels half-ways clean again, the German officer steps outside and finds the men assembled around the camp fire area. "Achtung, stillgestanden!", Leutnant Haberfeld shouts the commands for the men to stand at attention. "Männer, es hat ein Übergriff auf einen unserer Kameraden, Feldwebel Deutsch, stattgefunden", Dietrich declares with a clear matter-of-fact tone that one of them, Sergeant Deutsch, has been assaulted, while scanning the rows of soldiers for any movements or behaviour standing out. Almost all of the soldiers keep their head trained straight ahead, while only a few of the younger recruits steal glances at their neighbours. Dietrich tries to recognize them and mentally note their names, in case their behaviour is not only induced by youthful insecurity, but guilt of the actual crime. "Aufgrund der Umstände ist klar, dass der Schuldige oder die Schuldigen sich in unserer Mitte befinden. Ich appelliere an Ihr Gewissen und Ihre Ehre als deutsche Soldaten, sich zu stellen, für Ihr Verhalten ehrlich und ehrenhaft einzustehen, um nicht Ihre ganze Kompanie den Strafmaßnahmen der Alliierten preiszugeben, die den Schuldigen herausfinden und bestrafen müssen." It is a matter of honor for Dietrich to appeal to his soldiers' conscience and honor to surrender themselves to stand by their own behaviour honestly and keep their comrades in arms from suffering retributions from the Allies who have to look for and punish the guilty party. "Ich gebe Ihnen eine Stunde Zeit, sich zu überlegen, mit Ihrem Gewissen ins Reine zu kommen. Alle Männer sind aufgefordert, so schnell wie möglich Leutnant Haberfeld oder mir zu melden, wenn Sie etwas beobachtet oder bemerkt haben, das mit dem Übergriff etwas zu tun haben kann." Although the German Captain hates the one hour ultimatum, he is well aware of the fact that time is of the essence for the investigation. Once the American General learns about it, serious interrogations and retributions against all prisoners become a necessity and Atkins is not a man Hans considers lenient or sympathetic toward German soldiers. After letting his intense stare move over the soldiers' faces, Dietrich dismisses the men. "Ganze Kompanie, wegtreten!"

After ordering Leutnant Haberfeld to stay around and keep an eye out for the culprits and anyone able or willing to provide them with any observations of the assault, the young Captain turns toward the sickbay. As the German officer approaches, the Rats are waiting outside the hospital tent and Troy immediately advances toward him, once the American has spotted the tall Hauptmann. Tensing automatically on the American's approach, Hans Dietrich inquires with narrowed eye brows: "Has something happened, Sergeant?" "Besides pulling your half-dead man out of a pile of muck, you mean?" The Sergeant looks distraught, as he inquires: "What's going on, Captain?" The lean Captain sighs with frustration. "That is exactly what I would like to find out, Sergeant. If Feldwebel Deutsch would recover to be questioned and help implicate his attackers, it would be a great help. I have just given an ultimatum to the prisoners for the guilty party to surrender themselves within one hour, before everybody will suffer the consequences." Tully and Hitch look at him with shocked expressions. "What consequences?", Mark Hitchcock asks uncomfortably. "Neither Captain Boggs nor General Atkins can allow prisoners who show such violence and lack of discipline against their own men to remain undiscovered. Unless the guilty party is found sooner rather than later every prisoner will have to be interrogated intensely and all will have to suffer severe restrictions for the safety of the camp", Captain Dietrich answers him with a grim expression. "Which is why you appealed to your men's honor to surrender themselves for the benefit of their comrades, isn't is, Captain?", Moffit asks with a wry smile on his face. Hans eyes him warily, feeling slightly uncomfortable that the British Sergeant would be able to predict his actions so accurately, before answering with his head held high: "That is exactly what I just did. Now, if you would excuse me. I have an obligation to look after my Sergeant."

Turning to walk briskly toward the sickbay the German misses the glances exchanged behind his back. "You think Boggs would have gotten his hands dirty to check for life signs himself or squeeze a shoulder clotted in muck?", Hitch asks as he continues chewing his bubble gum noisily which he has refrained from doing in Dietrich's direct presence, as he feels a little bit too intimidated by having the stern German as a commanding officer now. Tully shrugs, as Troy moves to Captain Boggs' defense: "Boggs cares in his own way. But probably not like Dietrich does. Boggs sure never has squeezed any of our shoulder, when we lay in sickbay, hm?" Sometimes, the American has the impression that the German is almost too compassionate for his own good, but it is one of the traits he has always appreciated about the young Captain. "You think he would do this for one of us as well?", Hitch wonders and looks from Troy to Moffit for an answer. "He's a man of honor and I think we all have at one point survived only because of that trait of his", Moffit argues. "Already, he wouldn't leave us to die in the ditch, when we were his enemies. Certainly, he would not do so to his allies", Troy adds to the argument, nodding approvingly to Jack. "It still feels strange though", Hitch sighs and blows a bubble until it explodes noisily. Tully merely nods thoughtfully and throws away his matchstick which he has chewed down. Troy eyes him with a wrinkled nose. "And you get changed, Tully! That's an order! You stink like a dead skunk."

As Dietrich enters the hospital tent, he immediately sees the two Doctors and one of the nurses working at one of the surgery tables on which Deutsch, no Nemet Hans reminds himself again, has been placed. Unwilling to disturb them at the potential risk of his Feldwebel's health, the tall Captain turns to the back part of the tent, where Jakob has risen from his place at Ari's bed and is approaching him now. The Jewish Lieutenant is absolutely incredulous, as he speaks to Hans Dietrich: "I let you out of my sight for a few minutes to chat with my young friend Ari here", he smiles at the boy who timidly smiles back at the mention of his name and beams at Dietrich, as Jakob Silberblatt continues, "expecting you to quietly hand over the command of the Axis soldiers to your Leutnant and all of a sudden you start a murder investigation! What is happening, Hans?" The lean German officer merely raises his eyebrows and with a voice of mock innoncence responds: "In spite of your implication, I am innocent of causing any troubles. In addition, Feldwebel Deutsch is still alive, so it is not a murder investigation, but assault and attempted murder which I am investigating, with the explicit order to do so coming from Captain Boggs."

His tone gets even more ironic, as an almost mischieveous sparkle enters his eyes. "Besides, Jakob, you have known me for years. Didn't it tip you off that the General would not even consider me for a regular military unit, as an officer, a consultant or an advisor, but instead would send me to the commando troops, the most off the leash units you could possibly imagine?" Applying dry humor to quench the anger Hans Dietrich feels at the cowardly assault against his Sergeant, has really served its purpose, as he feels a bit more relaxed. Then however, the young German turns more serious, as he argues: "I must finish this investigation, Jakob, before General Atkins starts his own investigation and orders retributions against all prisoners. I owe this to my men, the innocent and the guilty one, to stand fast as their commanding officer and not send them like lambs to the slaughter at the hands of their enemies. But above all, I owe it to Feldwebel Deutsch to assure that he will receive justice for the crime committed against him and I want none of my men innocent of the crime to be accused innocently. After all, nobody understands better than I what this feels like." Jakob smiles at his friend with sympathy and admiration. "I am glad that you are doing this. Once we would start questioning them as their enemies and threaten them, the whole situation could become highly volatile and dangerous. Your advantage is that you still wear a German uniform. If you are successful with your investigation, it would greatly deescalate the situation."

"Hauptmann", Ari pipes up happily and Dietrich notes with relief that he does not appear feverish at all any more. Crouching next to his bed, the German cocks his head, as he studies the child with a gentle smile Jakob recognises from their youth when his friend has taken care of the five years younger girls, Lisel and Sara. "*How do you feel, Ari?*", Hans asks calmly and gently. The Jewish boy frowns slightly and replies with a pout: "*I'm tired and it was sooo hot.*" Looking from Hans to Jakob, the boy breaks into a wide grin. "*But your friend is really nice. He said I can come with him and live with his mother in a really big house.*" Both men smile at the description. "*Would you like to take Fritz with you as well?*", the German officer asks casually. Ari squeaks with joy. "*Yes. Please!*" "Wer ist Fritz?", Jakob intercedes in German. "Unser Kompaniemaskottchen und Aris Lebensretter. Ein kleiner Mischling. Deine Mutter mag doch Hunde", Dietrich answers, hoping to find a good home for his unit mascot in addition to the boy. After all the underestimated little dog has turned out to be a heroic life saver when facing the snake that has bitten the child. Jakob smiles at the thought of his mother taking care of the boy and the dog spoiling them both rotten. "Sie wird beide schrecklich verwöhnen."

Their friendly exchange is interrupted by Doktor Sommer, exclaiming: "Hauptmann Dietrich. Kommen Sie bitte schnell!" Placing his hand briefly on Ari's shoulder in a reassuring gesture, the German officer gets up quickly and moves to the other side of the tent. Before Dietrich can even ask a question, Sommer has placed a hand on his shoulder and guides him to Feldwebel Deutsch's cot, while placing a finger on his lips to indicate silence. The Hungarian looks terrible, even after they have cleaned his face thoroughly for the medical treatment. His lips are split, his cheek is swollen, as if he has been kicked, his nose and left cheekbone have been broken and a large gash on his forehead has been closed with several stitches. Also, the Hungarian's clothes have been removed completely and a blanket is covering him up to the chest. At first, Dietrich has thought that the man is unconscious and he winces with surprise, as the Feldwebel suddenly opens his eyes and stares at him directly. "H...Herr H...Hauptmann", Stefan Deutsch struggles with every word. Placing a hand on his loyal soldier's shoulder, the young officer speaks calmly, as he lets a certain degree of compassion seep into his voice, while still appearing calm: "Ruhig, Feldwebel, Sie sind im Lazarett und in Sicherheit." Deutsch closes his eyes with relief upon hearing that he is aafw and in the sickbay.

"Wissen Sie, wer Sie angegriffen hat?", the lean Captain asks with a certain urgency, trying to keep his voice calm and neutral nonetheless. Briefly the Hungarian Sergeant stares at him in confusion, then his eyes widen and he clasps his superior officer's arm as if holding onto him for dear life, as his voice sounds ridden with fear: "S...Staller u...und Röhn u...und Bauer" Hans Dietrich looks incredulous at the last name until remembering that there is more than one Bauer serving in his unit. "Wolf Bauer?", he asks in a neutral tone. "N...Nein. K...Karl Bauer", the Hungarian manages to confirm the Captain's suspicion and help him with identifying the final culprit. While two are Gefreite who have joined Dietrich's unit only within the last four to two months, Karl Bauer is a Feldwebel who has been with the Captain's unit for almost a year. The two young soldiers have come directly from Germany and spent their youth in the Hitlerjugend which is on their record being considered a mark of qualification by the Nazis, so has the Feldwebel several years earlier. Deciding to still stay true to his word and offer them the one hour ultimatum to turn themselves in and face a lighter sentence, if they show honest regret, Hans Dietrich is at least relieved to know that the culprits are identified and will receive their just verdict.

The Feldwebel's hard grip on his Captain's right arm is tightening even further which is starting to affect Dietrich's shoulder wound. Deutsch's jaws are clenched and his eyes appear slightly glazed. "Feldwebel Deutsch", the young officer addresses him sharply, but to no avail. "Stefan", he tries and then turns to the unfamiliar Hungarian name, "Istvan!" This finally draws the Sergeant out of his reverie and he realizes that he has his hands clasped tightly around his Hauptmann's forearm and sees the man's clenched jaw as well as his pained expression. Releasing his senior officer immediately, he apologizes: "Entschuldigen Sie bitte, Herr Hauptmann!" Hans Dietrich waves him off insisting that it is not his fault, while rubbing his sore shoulder and trying to suppress a pained expression. "Schon gut, Feldwebel. Es ist nicht Ihre Schuld. Ruhen Sie sich aus!" As he rises slowly, the German Captain staggers for a moment and feels a steadying grip on his left arm. "Das war zwar sehr nobel, Herr Hauptmann, aber nicht gut für Ihre Schulter", Doktor Sommer admonishes him for aggrevating his long-suffering shoulder wound through acting nobly. "I will check on the Captain, while you take care of your Sergeant, as he needs somebody speaking German, Doctor Sommer", Doctor Andrews intervenes and the German Stabsarzt complies immediately speaking with the distraught Feldwebel who repeats several times that he has never meant to injure his Hauptmann.

"How bad is your shoulder hurting, Captain?", the American medic turns to Dietrich. "Bearable", the tall German replies defensively. Andrews smiles with slight amusement. All soldiers are basically the same. "Please take off your shirt, Captain!", he orders strictly. The proud young officer straightens his back now and snaps: "This is hardly necessary, Doctor. My investigation takes priority." Now Andrews scowls, as he presses on: "I don't really understand much German, but your man just gave you several names. You know your perpetrators, they are all prisoners already under lock and key. Don't tell me you cannot afford five minutes to take care of your own health, Captain! I would have thought that you would like to regain full mobility and function of your shoulder and main arm again!" The last sentence, spoken so coolly, makes Dietrich stop short and consider the American Doctor intently, before he finally starts unbuttoning his shirt in silent compliance. Hardly any blood has seaped into the bandages, but Andrews still insists on changing them and checking on the stitches.

A gasp and shocked exclamation from the back of the tent makes Hans Dietrich turn slightly in the direction of Jakob Silberblatt who stares at his friend's heavily bruised and skinny body in horror. "Um Gottes Willen, Hans", the young Lieutenant mutters in shock. "Was dachtest du, versteht die SS unter einem peinlichen Verhör?", Dietrich spits out with barely suppressed anger at his former captors what exactly Jakod has thought the SS consider proper methods of interrogation. Behind Doktor Sommer, nurse Westwood and Hartigan are whispering, as they are staring at the young Captain. "Entschuldige bitte, Hans. Ich dachte, die Blutergüsse im Gesicht wären schon schlimm genug. Ich kann mir nicht einmal vorstellen, was...", words fail Jakob Silberblatt who is deeply shaken at the full revelation of what the SS has put his friend through beyond the bruises in his face. Hans Dietrich gives him an almost pitying smile. "Du bist immer noch zu naiv, Jakob, ein Pazifist und Idealist", he assesses, before adding with a certain amount of sadness in his voice: "Deshalb bist du auch der bessere Umgang für Ari." Jakob smiles sadly at his friend's accurate assessment of his naivity, pacifism and idealism and rare praise to be the better person for Ari to be around, although he knows Hans to be a good and decent man. What his friend must have survived however is almost unimaginable for the Jewish Lieutenant who has never actually seen the action of battle and escaped the violence against Jews in Germany for the most part. With dread and fear his eyes trace under the dark bruises marring the German Captain's skin as well as the scars of several old battle wounds from bullets and shrapnels.

"I will finish this investigation and give the men the chance to keep their face and honor by surrendering on their own. If they don't, I will have to hand them over to you. As a prisoner of war, I am not allowed to question them", the German officer switches to English after seeing Doctor Andrews frown and intending to redirect his friend's focus, as Dietrich is feeling increasingly uncomfortable under the scrutinizing stares boring into him. As soon as the American Doctor is finished with his bandages, the Germans puts his shirt on quickly and buttons it using mainly his left hand, while Jakob answers him with a frown: "Hans, you are not a prisoner of war anymore." "But I am not in a position to conduct such an interrogation anyway. I would accompany you, but consider keeping the roles of senior POW and Allied interrogator separate", the Hauptmann answers with a frown. "You are right, Hans", Jakob concedes and steps out of the way to let Dietrich pass and exit the tent. Fortunately for the Captain, Doktor Sommer is too focussed on Feldwebel Deutsch to pay close attention to their conversation. But somewhere in the back of the tent the nurses' chatter has increased in intensity.

Checking his watch, Hans Dietrich determines that only ten minutes of his ultimatum remain and turns towards the prison area, as he finds himself surrounded by three of the Rats who appear from behind a nearby supply tent. The Captain's reaction to tense and frown at them, while subconsciously reaching for his belt where he would normally keep his side arm, is met with a scowl from Troy and an almost sad expression from Hitchcock, while Moffit betrays no visible emotion. "Gentlemen. What can I do for you?", the German asks in slightly mocking politeness, deciding to rest his hands on his hips to cover his fauxpas and also reduce the strain he feels in his wounded shoulder. "How's your man, Captain?", Troy asks directly. "Alive and recovering", comes the honest answer. "He could even name the perpetrators."

"What happened to your arm?", Moffit's question startles Dietrich who glances down at his right arm and now recognizes what has irritated the British Sergeant. Red markings where Feldwebel Deutsch has grabbed his arm in his spike of fear are turning into darkening bruises. "Occupational hazard", the German comments dryly and sidesteps the Sergeant to move on to the prison area. "Anything else we can help with?", Troy asks and Dietrich actually stops to think about the offer in earnest. Whether the three soldiers surrender on their own accord or will have to be actively arrested, he will require Allied soldiers to perform the arrest. Using the same commando soldiers he has already involved into the retrieval of the Sergeant from the latrines would not arouse suspicion. "Considering the situation, Sergeant. I will require Allied soldiers to arrest the three men under suspicion for questioning. Officially from the perspective of my men, I am still the senior POW and thus required at the interrogation according to the Geneva convention", the Captain explains. "I would ask you to stay at the entrance of the prison camp and not come inside immediately, as I stand by my word to allow them to surrender on their own accord to save their face and honor." Troy nods in understanding. "Sure thing, Captain." "Excellent. Follow me, gentlemen", Dietrich announces and turns to walk toward the prison area in earnest this time. The exasperated guard stares at the Rats and sighs muttering to himself: "Not they as well. This is a prison, not Central Station where everyone comes and goes, as they please."

Dietrich pointedly ignores the American soldier not deeming his comment worthy of a retort. Without looking back to check whether Troy will obey his order, he walks to the camp's central area. Leutnant Haberfeld stands there talking with several soldiers. The soldiers Hubert Staller, Ernst Röhn and Feldwebel Karl Bauer have lurked in the background and observed the scene. Now that they see their Hauptmann returning they start whispering among each other, until they finally come to a decision and approach Dietrich. Saluting their Hauptmann which he returns, they first stare on the ground and seem at a loss of word. Staller is the first one to recover, as the others seem relieved to not be speaking. "Hauptmann Dietrich. Wir müssen etwas gestehen", he starts their confession. "Wir haben Feldwebel Deutsch angegriffen." Dietrich looks at each of them individually, then nods approvingly, appreciating the honorable act of surrendering on their own. "Das weiß ich bereits, aber es ist besser für Sie, dass Sie sich freiwillig gestellt haben. Dadurch können Sie Ihr Gesicht und einen Teil Ihrer Ehre bewahren, meine Herren." All three hang their heads at the mention of honor, feeling unable to look their Captain in the eye.

"Folgen Sie mir, meine Herren", the tall Hauptmann repeats in German the same phrase he has told the Rats previously, as he leads the three German soldiers to the exit of the prison area where Tully, freshly showered and dressed, has joined the other three. Under the exasperated stare of the prison guard, the German Captain leads the prisoners outside where he informs the Rats as their guards that they are brought to an interrogation to Captain Boggs which Troy confirms immediately. Upon seeing the two young men of barely twenty years and the Feldwebel who has been responsible for the rations following Dietrich with slumped shoulders and lowered gazes, the American Sergeant grits his teeth in anger. What has Germany done to turn these kids and a Sergeant into fanatics like the SS to attack one their own comrades? Dietrich merely meets his gaze levelly and nods without a word and all four Rats react in unison to gather around the three men to the Captain's bafflement. When have they ever been so compliant? Is Troy trying to prove a point out of stubbornness? Dietrich would not put it beyond the headstrong Sergeant.

Jakob Silberblatt joins them on their way to Captain Boggs' command tent. The surprised American Captain greets them with a salute which is answered with salutes from everybody present as the German soldiers follow their Hauptmann's example without hesitation and even the Rats do the same. "These gentlemen", Dietrich points at the three German soldiers, "have turned themselves in voluntarily to stand by their deeds and choose the honorable way out." "I will conduct an official interrogation on behalf of the Allied command", Jakob proposes to Captain Boggs who nods his approval. "As the senior prisoner of war I call upon the Geneva convention and ask to be present to look after my men", Dietrich announces and Boggs almost retorts that he is no POW before stopping himself and realizing that the German Captain is trying to stand up for his former soldiers as their protector against the outward enemy, even though he looks less than sympathetic for the perpetrators.

"Do you speak English?", Jakob asks the three, but Bauer is the only one to answer with a proper English sentence, while Röhn manages a few separate words and Staller looks completely uncomprehensive. "Erklären Sie, weshalb Sie Feldwebel Deutsch angegriffen haben!", Hans Dietrich orders with a commanding voice that leaves no room for disobedience. "Der heißt ja nicht mehr Deutsch, der Verräter", Bauer spits out contemptuously that the Feldwebel is not called Deutsch anymore. "So einen Untermenschen hätte man niemals in die Wehrmacht lassen dürfen." As he derisively adds that a subhuman like that should never have joined the Wehrmacht, the German Hauptmann is close to losing his patience completely. "Sie haben einen Mann, einen verdienten Feldwebel wie Sie selbst, angegriffen und beinahe umgebracht, weil er seinen ungarischen Geburtsnamen anstatt seines eingedeutschten Namens verwendet? Sie sind um nichts besser als die SS!", the bruised Captain spits with venom and contempt, obviously livid and almost shouting at the three soldiers before him that they are not better than the SS for their actions, attacking a Sergeant from their own ranks for using his Hungarian name. If looks could kill, they would drop dead immediately under Dietrich's icy glare. All three German soldiers tense in fear at their Hauptmann's unexpectedly emotional reaction. Even the Rats vow not to draw his ire now, Hitch even stops chewing his bubble gum completely, since the Captain looks outright murderous.

As Dietrich listens with a clenched jaw and balled fists to the young soldiers' recount of how they have run into the Feldwebel at the latrines and started the argument over the Hungarian name, Hans exchanges angry glances with Jakob, since both men are equally disgusted by the behaviour. Attacking Stefan Deutsch at the odds of three against one, they have kicked and beaten him until they have thought that he has died and in a fit of terror tried to get rid of the body in the only way possible without leaving the latrine. The German Captain grits his teeth at the thought of the three men who have been so brainwashed by the Nazis that they would turn against their own comrade in arms over a name not sounding German enough. "We have heard enough", Lieutenant Silberblatt finally announces and turns to Troy. "Please wait with the three prisoners outside, Sergeant, while we discuss their sentence!" "Fine, Lieutenant!", the American Sergeant drawls and motions for the three Germans to walk outside before him and the Rats.

Hitch looks actually relieved to be outside and out of the irate German Captain's presence and even Tully breathes a silent sigh of relief. "I have only once seen the Captain fly off the handle like that, when he sentenced me to death over that microfilm. What did they say to get Dietrich that angry? He didn't even react that badly when we blew up his convoys, supply depots or killed any of his men around", Troy asks Moffit directly who after studying their three prisoners with a contemptuous look translates their confession and Dietrich's reaction. Troy and Hitch look openly disgusted, while Tully merely bites down intensely on his matchstick. "Now I can perfectly understand his reaction", the American Sergeant finally growls, after the Brit has finished his recount. "I feel like giving those thugs a proper thrashing myself", Troy snarls with a glare that makes the three Germans huddle together uncomfortably. "We should not beat up our prisoners of war, Troy!", Moffit reminds him with an icy voice that communicates his own disdain of the threesome.

Once the prisoners are brought outside, Jakob Silberblatt gives his oral report to Captain Boggs summarising the statements, while Hans Dietrich listens and fights his internal struggle to wrestle his emotions under control again. "If they were regular members of our army, they could be court-martialed", Boggs assesses. "If they were still members of the Wehrmacht the same would apply", Dietrich grits out and Boggs tries to calm the German Captain who already appears more irate at the incident than he himself: "However, I would rather not execute POWs, unless they actually killed somebody or attacked Allied soldiers and their infrastucture." Dietrich merely nods in agreement. "Also, they are still young and will never learn the error of their ways, if executed now", the German argues for anything but a death sentence, whether with himself or the American Captain is not absolutely clear for Boggs. "However, they should be punished to realize the error in their way of thinking indoctrined by the Nationalsozialisten. All three have been in the Hitlerjugend and influenced from an early age on." Dietrich sounds as much worried about the young men's future, as digusted by the ones who have manipulated them in the first place. Boggs eyes the German Captain with actual concern, as he asks: "Are they Nazis?" Dietrich shakes his head. "Not as far as I know. They would serve in the SS, if they were members of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei and actual fanatic believers of their propaganda." Boggs still feels slightly disconcerted whenever the German switches between English and German terms within the same sentence in a smooth transition with just the hint of an accent when he does so. The American Captain is absolutely certain by now that Captain Dietrich is a staunch opponent of the Nazis and hopefully will become a loyal ally for his side.

"I will keep them away from the rest of their unit and send a report to the commander of the POW camp to put them in solitary confinement for some time. This should provide them with time to think about the errors of their way", James Boggs suggests and Dietrich nods in earnest approval, finally looking and sounding more controlled. "Excellent decision, Captain Boggs." "Then we should call them back in and you will inform them about their sentence, Captain Dietrich", the American Captain states sternly and the younger officer nods his agreement. Jakob Silberblatt who has silently observed the exchange between the two Captains, eyes his friend with clear worry. Taking a straight stance with his head held high and a stern expression on his face, the German Captain calls in the Rats to bring the prisoners who quiver slightly under their Hauptmann's steely gaze.

"Meine Herren", Dietrich starts with a sharp tone, "Sie haben sich des tätlichen Angriffs auf einen Ihrer Kameraden schuldig gemacht. Wären Sie noch in der deutschen Wehrmacht, würde das ein Erschießungskommando rechtfertigen." All three men swallow hard and exchange nervous glances, as Dietrich reminds them that they would be court-martialed, if they still were part of the Wehrmacht. There is no hint of a smile on the German Captain's stern face and the large bruise around his left eye makes his expression look even darker. "Sie haben Ihre Schuld jedoch offen eingestanden, was von Captain Boggs und mir as mildernder Umstand aufgefasst wurde. Sie werden bis zum Eintreffen in Ihrem zuständigen Kriegsgefangenenlager von Ihrer Einheit getrennt und der Lagerkommandant über Ihre Übergriffe informiert. Vorgeschlagen sind mehrere Tage bis Wochen Einzelhaft. Währenddessen dürfen Sie sich Gedanken machen über Begriffe wie Moral, Ehre und Anstand!" Dietrich's tone has turned icy enough that not only the young German soldiers, but also Hitch and Tully are shivering slightly. Although they do not understand the Captain's actual words, they can observe the German soldiers flinch, as Dietrich pronounces 'morals', 'honor' and 'decency' sharply, suggesting to consider the notions during their days to weeks spent in solitary confinement in their intended POW camp.

"Abfü...", Dietrich starts out automatically before catching himself that he is commanding the English speaking not the German speaking troops, then switches to English, as he orders the Rat Patrol: "Take them away and separate them from the other prisoners!" Moffit who has understood the Captain's speech intended for his men is applauding him inwardly for the stance and smiling slightly at the slip-up caused by Dietrich's strange shift of roles. Speaking of a strange shift of roles, it does feel strange for him and the other Rats that they are the ones ordered by Captain Dietrich to take German soldiers away under arrest and not the other way around, as has been almost their routine for months now. "Captain Boggs, I will return to the prison and finish what I tried to do already 2 hours ago, handing over command to Leutnant Haberfeld and taking my belongings with me." Boggs nods in approval at the German Captain's statement. "You should do this and then join Lieutenant Silberblatt and myself for a late lunch. Doctor Andrews was quite insistent that you need it." Eyeing the tall and skinny German, even Boggs has to agree that the assessment is valid. Frowning slightly at the notion of being ordered around by a Doctor when it comes to basic things like eating, Dietrich simply nods his approval and turns to leave with an automatic sharp salute in Boggs' direction that causes him to wince given his freshly aggrevated shoulder.

"Your friend is an interesting character, Lieutenant", the American Captain comments once he is sure that the German is out of earshot. Jakob Silberblatt smiles. "He has always been, Captain Boggs." "You believe that he will stay true to his defection?", Boggs voices his only concern regarding the reputedly vily and obviously proud and spirited young German officer. "I am absolutely assured of his sincerity and willingness to go through with this. Hans Dietrich has been brought up as a man of honor and chivalry. He'd rather die than betray those principles. As long as you do not violate his code of honor, he will march right through hell for you and back again." Jakob Silberblatt states with utmost conviction, before continuing in a serious tone: "However, Captain Boggs, you should never forget that this man acts out of loyalty and love for his German fatherland, not for the United States of America which he only knows from movies and books. Hans Dietrich will never stop being a German officer. He only stopped serving the side he considers to have betrayed his homeland."

The subject of their discussion meanwhile has walked back into the prison area to find himself directly approached by Lieutenants Haberfeld and Marcello who both want to know what has happened. Settling with English as the best language for joint explanations, Dietrich retells the events that have transpired in the past two hours and explains why the three young soldiers have been isolated from the rest of the prisoners for the time being. Then, he orders Leutnant Haberfeld to command a roll call and have all soldiers ready for handing over command to both of them for the German and Italian troops respectively. "Why do you leave us, Herr Hauptmann?", Haberfeld sounds almost desperate, fully aware that without Dietrich's command he would have been lost in the whole investigation of Deutsch's disappearance. "Leutnant Haberfeld. If I would go into a German POW camp, I would likely be murdered within a few weeks. The Allies have offered me an option to make a stand on behalf of Germany, our fatherland, which I accepted once I was sure that all of you would be safe from the SS and Gestapo and you would not have to fear for your families anymore." Leutnant Haberfeld looks slightly confused by Dietrich's choice of words and his lack of language skill in English is not helping him, as the tank operator has never been the most skilled weaver of words. Tenente Marcello on the other hand is an expert in that field and grasps the concept of what the German Captain is trying to tell them immediately. "So you will defect to fight against the Nazis in your home, Capitano Volpacchiotto." The Italian opera singer gives the German a wide smile. "I wish I had your courage for doing what is right, mi amico." Haberfeld looks completely taken aback by the thought that his Hauptmann would defect to fight against his government, but does not voice his confusion, instead he turns around to follow through with the roll call his Captain has ordered.

As the Germans and Italians stand at attention for the fourth time on this very day, Dietrich addresses the men from the two units speaking every few sentences first in German and then repeating them in Italian. "Meine Herren, mit manchen von Ihnen habe ich Monate lang gedient, andere kenne mich erst seit dem gestrigen Tag." Some of the Germans who served under his command for months nod approvingly at the first statement, some Italians nod at the last statement, knowing him only since the previous day when the Captain has saved them and their dying comrades. "Wir haben gemeinsam gekämpft, geschwitzt, gehungert und gedürstet." Nobody who has been in North Africa has not experienced fights, sweating, starvation or thirst. "Sie werden in Kriegsgefangenenlager der Alliierten weiter verbracht, doch mein Weg wird sich hier von Ihrem trennen. Hiermit übergebe ich Leutnant Haberfeld permanent das Kommando über die Kompanie, welche vormals unter meinem Kommando stand, und Tenente Marcello das Kommando über alle italienischen Truppen in diesem Lager." Several Germans stare in wide-eyed disbelief at their Hauptmann upon hearing that he permanently hands over command to Leutnant Haberfeld and the Captain's path will separate from the one of his unit. After a final salute to all troops which is returned by every soldier present, Dietrich shakes hands with Leutnant Haberfeld and Tenente Marcello who embraces the German in his open-hearted Italian way. "Ci rivedremo quando la guerra sarà finita, mi amico!", the Italian opera singer promises his perceived friend that they will see each other after the war. "Che Dio ti protegga!", as a faithful Catholic, Marcello wishes as his final greeting that God may protect the German Captain who has risked his own life and health more than once to save and protest Alessandro and his men. Once Hans has been able to extract himself from Marcello, Dietrich can retrieve his bag from the officers' tent and finally leave the prison area behind.

Jakob Silberblatt is already waiting for his friend outside of the exit where the completely unnerved American guard does not even bother any more to look at the tall German officer as he passes him by with a swift salute. "You look like you are in need of a place to stay", the Lieutenant comments slyly. "You make it sound like I am a homeless stray", his friend answers dryly deciding to stay with English for the time being to make a clearer cut between his old and new identity. "Come along, Hans. I had them put a second cot in my tent", Jakob smiles, as Dietrich follows him without hesitation. "After sickbay and prison it can hardly become worse." Jakob laughs at the dry comment knowing it bears no ill intent. "I should warn you though that Fritz might come visiting", Dietrich adds with a smile. "I'd love to finally meet Ari's life savior myself", Silberblatt smiles and winks. Once they have reached the small officer's tent, Jakob starts rummaging through a big suitcase he has placed next to his cot, while Hans Dietrich places his bag on the ground and starts taking his last spare shirt and two pairs of trousers out onto the cot to keep them from getting more crumpled. The Arab kaftan, two pieces of underwear and socks are the only other pieces of clothing still remaining to him and apart from those, his letters and few personal effects which stay in the bag.

"You can keep the uniform for disguise purposes, but I recommend that you wear this from now on, when you are not on a mission requiring camouflage", Jakob comments rather non-chalantly, as he places a pile of clothes into his surprised friend's arms. "They should be your size, at least your normal size in the German army, once you have regained some weight." "If Allied espionage is that good why haven't you won this war yet?", Dietrich asks with dry humor. "Unfortunately, the SS rarely share their files with us in as much detail as in your case", Jakob answers wistfully and his friend narrows his eyes warily. "And what exactly is it that you have in that file except for photographs and espionage material of my family and countless reports and complaints?", the German officer asks sharply. "Basically your whole military file from the Heer, including your school degree, officer's school training and every single assignment and commendation by the Wehrmacht as well as medical reports from your wounds received in battle", Jakob grins at his friend's speechless gape. "That's why the General was willing to let you keep your rank so easily. Your military career and actions are at least as well documented as those of any U.S. army officer." Sighing dramatically at those revelations, the German Captain splits the pile on his cot into different subpiles dependent on the type of clothing, until he has separated shirts, trousers, jackets, underwear and socks. "Unless you want to keep standing out like a sore thumb, I recommend changing your clothes before we enter the American canteen." Jakob's advice is sound enough for Hans to heed.

Even though he has worn American uniforms before for disguise purposes, this time shedding the German uniform to put on the American one feels quite different for Hans Dietrich. While before it has been a plain necessity to wear a standard fit uniform, not a specifically tailored uniform, now the notion of this being 'his uniform' is creating a strange feeling of unease for him. This is the final outward step to show his true colors and even though he has had it coming and has taken every step until now in spite of his inner conflict, he cannot help but feel like an impostor or swindler. Jakob is observing his friend closely, when he changes his clothes checking him for further injuries. Apart from several scars on both thighs and the right calf, the young Captain appears uninjured. Once he has changed trousers and shirt, Dietrich becomes aware that Jakob has not actually given him new shoes for wearing. "I suppose I can keep my boots", he merely states dryly, as he puts them back on, realizing that he would actually have missed the cavalry attire. "Not the standard attire, but commando units usually don't take regulations that seriously." "Oh dear. I've never noticed", his friends smiles as he comments sarcastically, thinking of the Rats' absolutely non-regulation head wear. Speaking of that, he takes the dark brown American officer's cap in his hand and frowns at the crusher cap Jakob has put on top of his clothes pile previously. The difference to his previous Wehrmacht edition lies mainly in the design of the eagle and the darker brownish colour. It should fulfill its main purpose to keep him from suffering from heat stroke in the desert sun equally well as its predecessor. Placing it back on the cot, as he sees no need for wearing it in camp, Dietrich turns back to Jakob with raised eyebrows. "Shall we?" "Finally. I'm starving, Hans", the Jewish Lieutenant laughs.