Change of Ways

by The Ravenwolf

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

15. The Blue Blood Raid

"Hauptmann befiehlt
Auf ran ans Ziel
So geben wir in Treue
für den Kaiser unser Blut"

[Wo alle Straßen enden - Karl Sternau]

Captain Boggs has chosen his entourage of officers and desert patrols with great care, while he has left the camp under the command of the experienced and level-headed First Lieutenant Adams who would be able to deal with General Atkins breathing down his neck and intervening with decisions. First Lieutenant Winters is accompanying the Captain, as the strict and dedicated, yet arrogant and cold officer has expected. Like Boggs himself, Winters has spent most of his career in peace time in between two wars and, unlike the Captain, Winters has specialized on playing the drill officer taking the aspect of forming the mere civilians sent to them into worthy opponents for their enemies overly seriously. In spite of sometimes misjudging the means he applies for this goal, Boggs considers the man a reliable second in command and knows that he is a force in the desert to be reckoned with. Lieutenants Griffith, Carlos and Carter have been chosen mainly because they have already been present during the debriefing, while their colleagues holding the same rank have at that time been out on patrol duty. Each of them has proven his worth, even though Griffith with his hot-headed spontaneous actions reminds Boggs sometimes of Sam Troy who similarly disregards rules and is either very successful or failing completely. The two other junior officers are more level-headed and reliable to follow orders and rules, but also less imaginative. The only wild card for Boggs is the latest addition to the corps of his officers in spite of having spent the last days studying the German's military file as translated by Jack Moffit.

Going out of camp on an active combat missions is a rare event for Captain Boggs which he relishes and dreads at the same time. Although Dietrich's call has warned them of the German Major's column, their discovery of the location where von Stolberg and Gebsattel have massacred some poor Bedouins and left their mutilated corpses to the vultures and other scavengers has been a shock even for several of the hardened desert patrol commandos and more so for Captain Boggs who has been in a position rather off the front lines of actual combat for his whole career. At that moment, when his stomach has turned and threatened to expel its contents, Boggs has realized and finally understood why the young German Captain has reacted with such disdain and derision when speaking of those particular German officers. The determination of taking out those two perverted excuses for human beings has formed in every single American soldier and officer present, whether they would get them dead or alive. Lieutenant Carlos' unit has taken over the gruesome duty of burying the corpses, while Griffith has spent the whole time cursing loudly and describing to anyone willing or unwilling to listen what he intends to do with those German brass once he gets his hands on them.

After the reminder of their danger, the desert patrol units take extra care to avoid the Major and his men, only sending single cars to scout and never getting too close to risk being sighted. Once the German Major's location for their night camp is clear, Boggs assures to keep their own at a sufficient distance to avoid being discovered by pure chance, should the Germans decide to scout the area. Dietrich's call at the time when they are about to establish that camp to report recruiting more than 25 Arab fighters on horseback is the first good news of the day and Boggs almost enthusiastically listens to the younger Captain's suggestion of a two-stage strategy to buy their vehicles the time to approach undetected and keep the Germans in check all the while. Although several of the American officers doubt the German defector on principle, Boggs has started to develop respect for the wily young former mentee of the Desert Fox Rommel.

The sounds of Jeeps and whinnying of horses one and a half hours later alert all soldiers in the camp to the arrival of their support. More than twenty Arab riders stop on top of a dune's ridge at 200 yards distance from the camp with only five riders continuing to approach the camp behind the two Jeeps driven by Privates Hitchcock and Pettigrew. Sergeants Troy and Moffit in their desert fatigues each ride on a mule and guide another one at a rein next to their own riding animal. The other three riders each wear an Arabic kaftan of a dark fabric, classical curved sabers and daggers at their belts with either a gun or a rifle on their belt or back. All of them mount elegant and lean Arab steeds, one black, one dark brown and the last of a fox-like redbrown color. At closer range Boggs can make out that one of the three is taller, has a lighter skin tone and bears no black beard like the two others. Only at a second take does he recognize the German Captain, as he rides into the camp on one of the most elegant dark Arab horses the American has ever seen.

Dismounting with the swift elegance of a practiced rider, Dietrich turns to salute the American Captain and scowls slightly as he finds himself surrounded by every single one of the 23 soldiers assigned on the mission who stare at him as well as the dismounted Arabs with unveiled curiosity. Deciding to ignore them, the German addresses Boggs directly: "These are Hassan ibn Sulaiman, son of Sheikh Sulaiman", the tall officer points at a proud young Arab about 7 inches shorter than himself with a well-groomed beard and a fierce expression, "and Murat ibn Muhammad, the Sheikh's nephew", the German indicates a young Arab of his own age and another three inches shorter than his cousin who eyes the Americans around him with an equally curious expression as many bear while eyeing him. "They will lead the first assault on the camp of Major von Stolberg", Captain Dietrich continues while folding his arms behind his back in a characteristic gesture that Troy and his men have seen often enough, "while we use the distraction to eliminate his personal guards and try to capture him and his second in command. They wanted assurance that we actually have troops of our own to come to their aid after the first havoc in the camp, as they will not stand a chance once machine guns are brought out and the defense has been organised properly. Timing will therefore be essential." Dietrich's expression is stern and concentrated, as he watches Boggs for a reaction or indication of disagreement.

"*Faris alsahra, we are satisfied, now that we have seen your soldiers and their war machines*", Hassan addresses Captain Dietrich once the German has finished laying out his plans to Captain Boggs. "*We will camp behind that dune and wait for you and your men to start the attack.*" Bowing slightly, the German answers him politely: "*We are grateful for your support, Hassan ibn Sulaiman. We will come to ride with you to battle once we have arranged our battle plans accordingly.*" Motioning for his cousin to follow him, Hassan and Murat mount their horses again and swiftly turn them to ride towards their assembled warriors. Lieutenant Carter eyes Dietrich and Khalil with a curious expression on his face which the Captain decides to ignore for now. Being eyed strangely for riding the Arab steed and wearing the native clothing has already happened to him, when he has still been a German officer. Why should things have changed?

"Have you ridden that horse in this attire before, Captain Dietrich?", Carter finally addresses him openly. Dietrich narrows his eyes in slight suspicion, before answering honestly and straight to the point: "Four months ago in August, I rode from here to a Red Cross Station at five days riding distance and back with antibiotics for my men and the town's inhabitants." Carter whistles in surprise and slight admiration. "You wouldn't have dodged some bullets, outmaneuvered our patrol Jeeps and jumped down into a wadi to escape there, would you?", Carter asks spotting the hole in the kaftan's left shoulder. Dietrich puts on a neutral expression, as he answers dryly: "Perhaps. Those Jeeps are really bad at jumping cliffs." At this Carter actually smiles and winks: "I'm glad I missed back then." "You didn't", the German smirks. "But it was only a graze. Didn't they tell you never to bother with single Arab riders?" Briefly a worried expression passes over the Lieutenant's face, before the last question uttered with an ironic tone brings a grin back on his face: "Yes. Afterwards." Dietrich merely smirks in response to this. Perhaps, Lieutenant Carter would turn out to be a reasonable man to deal with after all.

Meanwhile, Moffit has approached Captain Boggs and whispers into his ear with an amused tone: "You did not know that he is the German junior version of Lawrence of Arabia, did you, Captain?" Boggs eyes him with a baffled expression not as familiar with British humor as Troy by now, before he shifts his gaze to the German officer and his attire. "Certainly not army regulation, but none of your unit have ever been. I'm starting to see why General Atkins wants to use him as a commando and not a regular officer or strategic adviser. What did you do to convince those Arabs to fight for us, Sergeant?" Moffit wears an honest smile: "I for once did nothing. Those Bedouin warriors and the Sheikh's own family members have volunteered to fight just to not let a foreigner outshine them with respect to pride and courage, after Captain Dietrich has announced to ride into that camp all alone if need be." After having observed the tall young German perform the switch between English and Arabic with practiced ease, a feat which Boggs has become used to from the Cambridge scholar with his PhD in anthropology, but would never have expected from a regular German officer, the American Captain is actually not surprised by Moffit's statement any more. With a wry smile of his own, he adds: "For once HQ was right. The man's really worth more as a living ally than a dead enemy."

The subject of their discussion approaches them after having made his peace with Lieutenant Carter. "Captain Boggs, I would suggest to sabotage several of the Major's tanks while the Arabs' attack provides a sufficient distraction." "That will take too long", Boggs counters to which Dietrich merely smirks. "Only if you do not know the weak points. Placed at the right position taking out a tank with a single explosive device is easily manageable." Of course the former Panzer commander would know any weak spot of German tanks. How could they have overlooked that feature, Boggs muses as he asks the younger officer: "How many men would you like for that?" "We have only four mules. They can carry either two men or one along with explosive devices. So we could take one more along with Hitchcock and Pettigrew, if the two Sergeants ride together, or you simply provide the two Privates with as much explosive material as possible to put on a their riding beast behind them. We only have stealth gear for five persons after all." Boggs evaluates this suggestion. The tank squad is what makes von Stolberg most dangerous. Sabotaging the war machines is almost as high a priority as arresting the man himself. "I will make sure they have have enough explosives", Boggs assures him.

Dietrich nods in approval and thanks the American officer, before he continues: "Have you scouted the camp location?" "It is a flat area with only a few higher dunes surrounding it. Apparently the Major is less worried about being found himself than about not being able to see anybody approaching", the older Captain replies and Dietrich scowls slightly at that news. "Do they have searchlights?" "I cannot tell you. This will be for you and the Arabs to find out", Boggs answers honestly. As the younger German officer furrows his brow, he starts calculating the maximum distance at which searchlights might become dangerous for them, based on his experience with German prison camps. James Boggs interrupts his silent calculations with his next order: "Get some rest and something to eat, before you and your men ride off with the Arabs. We will wait at a quarter of a mile distance from the camp and start to drive there immediately when we hear the sounds of the Arabs' attack." Dietrich again nods in approval, salutes and turns around. Moffit falls into step right behind him, as they walk back to Tully, Hitch, Troy and their two Jeeps which have become a temporary paddock since Troy has bound each mule to a different mirror of the two cars. Khalil who is used to being self-determined trots to Dietrich upon hearing his name called and then searches the area for anything the horse deems acceptable to nibble on after the German has removed the saddle.

Hitch and Tully look expectantly at the approaching pair. "You should soon get any explosives Captain Boggs can scrounge together for you", Dietrich addresses the two Privates. "What do you have in mind for us, Capt'n?", Hitch asks curiously, while Tully takes a step closer to show his attention. Dietrich seems to fight an internal struggle, briefly closing his eyes to take a deep breath, before he addresses them again: "How familiar are you with the mechanical construction of Tiger tanks?" All three Rats not present at the discussion with Boggs look taken aback by the question, while Moffit stays half a step behind the Captain's shoulder to keep his grin hidden from the man's view. With German precision the former Panzer Division Hauptmann describes them which parts of the German tanks are actually most vulnerable and can take out its functionality with a single well-placed explosive blast. "We would have needed you much earlier", Hitch speaks with awe in his voice. "You seem to forget that it would have been the tanks under my own command you would have blown up back then", the German officer reprimands sarcastically. Briefly, a guilty expression passes over Hitchcock's face, before it is replaced by an honest smile: "Well. Better late than never. It's really wonderful of you to support us now with this kind of information, Cap." Dietrich eyes him suspiciously trying to determine, if the American Private dares to mock him with such an obviously exaggerated statement.

Troy who has been suspiciously quiet in the last interactions takes this as his cue to intercede: "See, Captain. You're not all alone and friendless among enemies." Now, Dietrich actually tenses visibly and glares at the American hissing furiously: "Spare me this nonsense, Sergeant!" "But it's not nonsense!", Hitch protests and provides Troy with the assistance Moffit has refused to give him. "Don't be absurd, Private! None of you are my friends", Dietrich spits out the last word with venom. "This argument is utterly pointless", Moffit intercedes so harshly that all four stare at him with surprise showing more or less openly on their faces. "You are obviously much more successful in gaining our trust and respect than we are in gaining yours, Captain. But this is among the things nobody can force upon you." The Brit is almost amused to observe Troy and Hitch bearing the identical expression of refusal turning into grudging acceptance, while Dietrich eyes Moffit with a puzzled expression trying to discern the amount of truth in his statement. Shaking his head and finally drawing himself out of his reverie, the German speaks crisply: "As you said, Sergeant. This argument is pointless. Eating dinner and getting some rest before our mission is not." They can all discern the unspoken order behind these words.

With the practiced coordination of months spent in the desert, the Rats scurry off to take over their respective meal duties. While Hitch starts heating water in a metal pot for brewing tea or coffee depending on which side of the Atlantic one is at home, Tully takes six K-rations from their storage at the back of his Jeep and starts to split up the tins depending on whether putting them together into a pot to heat as a warm meal will be a good idea or not. The German Captain meanwhile takes Moffit to the side and asks him about their stealth clothing. With sunset approaching quickly, changing into the dark attire does not bring the risk of heatstroke with it and Hans Dietrich wants to change out of the kaftan sooner rather than later. Having to strip down to his underwear in front of somebody else, especially the Rats is an unnerving thought for him and he would rather get changed while they and the rest of the American camp are currently occupied with their meal preparations. For once, Moffit finds reading the German's thoughts easy based on his tense posture and nervous glances at the Rats and the Americans in the distance. "We will leave you some privacy", the Brit assures the younger officer in his most polite and gentlemanly manner which seems to work, as Dietrich merely nods in acceptance and even adds a "Thank you, Sergeant.".

Before turning to leave him behind the Jeeps, Moffit utters a final question: "Tea or coffee, Captain?" After two years of suffering through German Ersatzkaffee and whatever horrible stuff the Americans do not even consider a substitute but real coffee, the German asks back: "Do you make the tea?" Now, an actual smile creases the Cambridge scholar's face: "Indeed. Black, as it should be." Nodding with a briefly far away gaze, as he thinks back of childhood days drinking tea even after the second and third infusion which made the strong black brew less bitter and preferable for the young children, Hans Dietrich responds with a far more friendly tone: "I will join you for Teetied then." Moffit blinks in surprise at the word, he has never heard in either English or German although it sounds close enough to cause a tickle of familiarity. "Teetied?", he tries to repeat the word though struggles slightly with the pronunciation. "Snacken nich platt?", the German officer asks with an utterly amused expression, before he changes back to an understandable language: "Teetied means Teezeit or tea time, if you prefer that, Sergeant."

Now that Moffit's curiosity is triggered, it is hard to rein it in again, as the professional anthropologist with interest in languages plows on: "And what language is it that you have just spoken?" "Plattdütsch or Niederdeutsch as the Bavarians where you have gone to school would call it", the Captain humors him, while taking off his kaftan. "Fascinating. It is supposed to be a separate language from Hochdeutsch and closer related to English than 'standard German'", the British scholar has finally arrived in his favourite element and enjoys the academic discovery. Dietrich merely shrugs. "I'm not a linguist." Yet, Moffit is not deterred so easily. "Could you offer me some more examples, Captain?" Struggling out of the shoulder strap of his weapon belt which disturbs his barely healed wound, the German looks less than amused by academic inquiries. "Could you possibly leave me to get dressed in peace, Sergeant?", Dietrich snaps irritably. "For sure. We can continue this discussion over tea, Captain", Moffit offers generously making the younger man sigh in exasperation and regret ever to have uttered a single word in Platt in front of the British scholar.

Hans Dietrich focuses his efforts on changing his clothing as quickly as humanly possible which is a challenge in and of itself when wearing high cavalry boots and having a barely healed bullet wound impair one's main arm's mobility. Moffit's assessment of almost fitting has been all too adequate, Dietrich realizes, as the whole attire is rather loose and wearing a belt a necessity rather than simple utility for carrying weapons and belt pouches. Cursing the shoulder strap, for him the most impractical part of American officers' uniforms, in the privacy of his own mind, as he struggles with it for the third time today, the German feels utterly frustrated from the ordeal. Noticing his thunderous expression, both Hitch and Tully stay silent, as Captain Dietrich approaches their camp fire checking on the meal progression. Three tin mugs with coffee and a pot with black tea to which Moffit is tending with great enthusiasm contain the Rats' hot drinks, while Tully stirs something in the pot which mixes the contents of the evening meal tins together. Whatever it is cannot be worse than the Italians' tinned noodles with their mystery meat whatever the 'Alte Mann' or 'Asino Morte' as the Italians themselves have termed it has actually been. Deciding that the quality of food and reliability of rations is a definite upside of his new situation, Hans Dietrich leans against the side of the Jeep and continues to observe the preparations.

As soon as Moffit spots the German officer, his time of peace of quiet is over, as the British scholar hands him a tin mug with black tea and starts questioning the Kieler about the comparison of the two different German languages he speaks. "Should we save the Captain?", Hitch whispers to Tully after ten minutes of quiet observation. The Kentuckian merely shrugs, hands him two plates with the stew he has prepared based on the tins and points at the unequal duo. By comparison, Silberblatt's and Atkins' interrogation of him has been very lenient, Hans Dietrich muses while sipping his tea, contemplating and answering questions which would never have occurred to him as a native speaker of both low and high German. Still the German humors the British Sergeant, as the strange conversation about the relation of English and the different German languages keeps his mind from wandering back to his old command location and the memories of torture and bloodbaths haunting him, since setting foot into the place again.

Hitchcock's appearance with two plates of Pettigrew's stew is a welcome relief nonetheless, as Moffit is too well-mannered to continue his questioning with a full mouth. Upon noticing the rather unequal distribution of food among the two plates, Dietrich's expression turns into a scowl however. "I reject treating officers with privileges, when it comes to distributing basic necessities like food", the German protests and reprimands the baffled American Private. Troy who been walking up to join them with his own plate intercedes in his direct, non-chalant way: "Don't be so tetchy! It's not a matter of privilege, Capt'n, but the doctor's order. Consider it like this, we all get slightly larger portions thanks to you. Sharing is caring after all." Dietrich turns on him with an irritable expression, while Hitch decides to retreat, heeding Shakespeare's word that the better part of valor is discretion. "Don't try to sell me your charity as official orders, Sergeant!"

Realizing how the proud young Captain is misinterpreting their intention, Moffit intervenes now in a more moderate tone than Troy has used: "Doctor Andrews has indeed ordered us to split an additional ration per meal and that you should get larger portions for medical reasons only, since you are gravely undernourished. We are just following orders for once, Captain." Dietrich is still gritting his teeth and eyeing him suspiciously, but apparently seems to believe him in the end, as he breathes out a sigh and lowers his defiant gaze. Breathing in deeply to calm his own nerves, the German surprises them all, when he utters the next words which cost him obvious effort: "I owe you an apology, gentlemen. Apparently, I let myself be misled by prejudice and distrust." After exchanging a quick glance with Moffit, Troy puts on his friendliest smile: "Don't worry about it, Capt'n! Happens to the best of us."

Dietrich struggles with the guilt and shame warring in his emotion, as he tries to retreat with a tormented expression. "Hey. Why don't you stay and have a seat with us?", Troy tries to stay with his vow to himself to stand by the German whom he has hardly ever seen as self-reflective as now. Briefly, he can read the torment in the younger man's haunted eyes, before the Captain manages to wrestle down his emotions and his usual cool expression masks his actual thoughts. Realizing that his own memories will torment him more than the Rats ever would, the German reluctantly agrees to Troy's proposal who grins with as much glee as if he has just won the lottery. "So what has Moffit been pestering you about?", the American Sergeant finally intends to sate his own curiosity, as the German takes a seat next to him. "Linguistics", comes the monosyllabic answer. "You don't have to become like Tully, just because you share the Jeep with him", Troy retorts good-naturedly, laughing as the German Captain and the quiet American Private exchange a silent glance, before Dietrich shakes his head almost smiling with amusement.

"Wouldn't have thought that anyone can teach the Doc more language stuff than he already knows", Hitch pipes in sitting down opposite the Captain. "There is always more to learn", Moffit corrects him and switches into lecture mode with ease. "And I have never had the chance to study the connection between modern English and German, or high German, as would be more correct, through low German which is only spoken in the North..." "So you plan on teaching us German?", Troy interrupts the Cambridge scholar, before they have to suffer through an actual lecture. Dietrich starts and looks at him in surprise. "After all this time, you'd like to start learning German?", he asks rather incredulously. "Didn't have a native speaker to teach me until now", Troy tries his most convincing smile to which the German officer merely scowls warily unsure whether this is one of the American's jokes or a serious request. "Great idea, Sarge", Hitch adds enthusiastically, forgetting even not to chew his bubble gum too obviously in front of the Captain. "I hadn't thought of that yet. Then I could finally chat with all the Hans, Fritz and Heinis." "I am almost sure that this is violating the Geneva convention", Dietrich states dryly causing both Hitch and Troy to start laughing while Moffit and Tully grin widely. The earlier tension has been relieved, the Brit notes while observing the German officer. Whatever demons of his own he has had to wrangle under control in order to come up with his apology, it seems to have been a release for him as well, as his whole posture appears less tense than in the last days.

Once their dinner is finished, the Rats change their attire with far less sense of self-consciousness than the German Captain since they have shared close proximity for months. Dietrich spends his time with Khalil the Arab horse which he has to admit to have missed. The dark steed nudges him expectantly, eager for action as it seems. "*You are the most eager of all of us*", the German whispers into his ear petting the horse' neck affectionately. "Why's he rather talking to the horse than to us?", Troy sounds peeved as he whispers with Moffit in the distance where they have changed into the black stealth attire. Moffit smiles with wry amusement. "Now don't tell me, you are jealous of a horse, Troy?" As the American Sergeant throws him a dirty look silently cursing British humor, the Brit switches to a more moderate tone. "The horse has never betrayed him and likely never will", Moffit states as if it is an age-old wisdom passed through generations. "It has been less than a week since the SS have almost tortured him to death, his own army would have had him executed and his native homeland along with his closest family have cast him out. Now you should ask yourself, old man, would you turn toward your former enemies and start trusting them right away, even though they spit you in the face time and again?" "No, I wouldn't", Troy grudgingly admits. "So what can we do, Doctor Freud?", Hitch asks teasingly. "Words won't convince him", Moffit assesses, "only deeds might. At least that is how he has convinced us, isn't it?" "I'd say that words from him and his Jewish friend were pretty damn convincing as well", Troy adds. "But only because you can see them interacting like old childhood friends. If one of them would just tell you any of those stories without the other one present, it would not have been as convincing." Troy and Hitch both look stunned, as this has never occurred to them. "Wise. That's what ya become a doctor for, eh, Doc?", Tully stuns them all with his comment from behind.

Captain Boggs has meanwhile approached Dietrich to inform him about the explosives available. "Pettigrew, Hitchcock!", Dietrich's call sends both Privates running toward their two senior officers. "Pick up the explosives for your sabotage, Privates, and load them on your mules!" Both do exactly what they are told and hurry off. Moffit and Troy assist them with fixing the crates to the mules' backs. By the time they are finished, Boggs and Dietrich have come to terms regarding the attack on the German Major's camp. As the German saddles and mounts his horse, the four Rats follow suit with their mules. "We will ride toward the camp and plan any further strategy once we know what the actual situation at hand provides. You have your binoculars, Sergeant Troy?" "In the Jeep", the American Sergeant answers. "That will not be helpful", Dietrich states dryly, rides over to the Jeep and to Troy's surprise jumps directly from the saddle onto the Jeep's bed, picks up the optical device placing it around his neck and mounts the Arab horse directly from the Jeep with practiced ease. Some of their ranch workers have been equally adept riders, but it requires years of practice and some acrobatic talent Troy notes. To his chagrin, he personally has learned a long time ago that he lacks the acrobatic affinity to try such stunts after failing several dares against his younger brother David who has been a master in that regard.

The Arabs have already spotted their approach and await them on the backs of their horses. Hassan, the Sheikh's son, and his cousin Murat ride alongside Dietrich while his men follow behind the four Rats on their mules. All bear grim faces and Troy can easily predict that they will have as little mercy with the Germans as Griffith or Winters. Dietrich tells his Bedouin allies about the found bodies of some of their kinsmen buried a few hours from here after having been slain by the German Major and Hauptmann. After the description of the fleeing animals and buried corpses, both Hassan and Murat seem to shout several curses as they grimly gaze in the direction the Captain is pointing. Their determination to fight is increasing, with the two Bedouin leaders wishing for vengeance against the murderers of their kinsmen.

As they close in on the German camp a little while later, Dietrich raises his right arm in a gesture the Rats by now know means "to stop". Hassan gives a signal with similar meaning to his Bedouin warriors. The twilight of dusk provides them all with natural cover. As here in the desert, the twilight passes extremely quickly to turn into the darkness of night compared to Europe or North America, they need to use these valuable minutes for their scouting activities. Hans Dietrich along with Hassan ibn Sulaiman and Troy moves toward the ridge of the dune which provides their group with cover against being spotted from the camp. The German camp below them is still bustling with activity, as soldiers walk around working on preparations for dinner and the night. Not bothering to hide their camp fires, many German soldiers have gathered around them to keep warm in the cold desert November night to come. Dietrich eyes the tents intently through the binoculars, searching for the flag and the guards to indicate the Major's tent. As several tents bear the old Empire's flag, only the four guards positioned equally around the large tent in the center mark Major von Stolberg's tent clearly. Both Troy and Hassan nod grimly, when Dietrich points them to the target.

What is even worse for them is that Dietrich's description of the shield wall around the camp formed by tanks and half-tracks has not been an exaggeration. The Major has positioned his vehicles in such a way that entering from the side in any other way than climbing a tank or half-track is impossible. Only at the northern and southern side of the camp the Germans have left openings large enough for a vehicle or two horses side by side to pass through. These entrances are secured with two guards, a light source and a machine gun. "*You need to take out these guards in order to enter the camp and trample over the gun*", Dietrich whispers to Hassan whose men will be responsible for the task. Then he repeats the same for Troy who nods in acknowledgement. Troy and Dietrich retreat behind the dune before leading further discussions about strategies to not be detected, while Hassan stays to observe the camp.

"Even though the shield wall is a disadvantage for the riders' attack, it will make your lives, Private Pettigrew and Hitchcock, much easier, when you blow up the tanks. The current tight formation does not allow their active usage. The Major obviously wished to defend himself against angry natives not Allied troops or saboteurs", Dietrich assesses and Hitch grins at the German Captain now: "This is music to my ears, Cap." Even Tully sports a wide grin enjoying the prospect of blowing up the fanatic German Major's tanks one after the other. Nodding grimly, Dietrich points toward the direction of the main camp, although it is hidden behind the dune, as he addresses Troy and Moffit: "The Arabs' attack should lure one or two of the Major's outside guards away, but at least two will remain and we will have to take them out ourselves before entering the tent." "Let Moffit and me handle this, Captain", Troy assures him clapping Jack Moffit on the shoulder in obvious self-assurance.

Captain Dietrich takes a deep breath to braze himself, before he continues: "Stealth is essential for our approach, Sergeants! Although I hate saying this, you'd better use your knives and not take risks trying to knock somebody out." Ordering the murder of soldiers of the Afrikakorps is a moral dilemma for Hans Dietrich which is only lightened by the fact that these soldiers are dangerous fanatics, as they would not serve as Major von Stolberg's personal guards otherwise. "We should be able to see the inner guards' shadows against the tent flaps unless they stand too far within the tent. Using either knives or guns, we should be able to kill them quickly and enter from the front and back entrance simultaneously." "As soon as we start shooting, our stealth will be gone", Troy states, as Dietrich argues: "As soon as a single guard inside starts yelling, this will the case as well which is why we need to secure both sides. I will take the front while you take the back." "Fine. Sounds like a good plan to me", the American Sergeant approves.

Joining the Sheikh's son in observation of the German camp, Dietrich observes the men entering and leaving Major Graf von Stolberg's tent. A lean man of medium height in a Hauptmann's uniform leaves and enters the tent several times and also gives the signal for the soldiers for 'light out'. This is their cue to start their coordinated attack. Hassan looks like he is out for blood, as the Arab rides off to coordinate his men's attack on the camp's guards, while Dietrich and Troy bear grim expressions. "Gentlemen, you know your orders and part in the plan. Stand fast!", the Captain orders. "What are we waiting for. Let's shake it!", Troy adds to that. Sighing in exasperation, Dietrich merely gives the hands signal "to go" at which Tully and Hitch ride off to the two different sides of the camp where they will wait for the Arabs to cause their distraction to cover their sabotage.

Meanwhile Dietrich, Troy and Moffit get ready to charge over the dune's ridge as soon as they hear Hassan's men attacking. Fifteen minutes later shots ring out from both ends of the camp. A machine gun's salve ends after a few seconds and the three soldiers charge toward the tank wall. Jumping directly onto one of the tanks on the warhorse' back, the German Captain gives Khalil the command to stand still, as he dismounts, while Moffit and Troy send their less agile mules away with claps on the backsides, before climbing the tank with the support of their German ally. "Mighty fine horse that one", Troy comments as he eyes the Arab horse the Captain is mounting again. The black-clad man on the black horse indeed blends almost perfectly into the darkness.

A movement in the darkness outside the tank wall indicates either Tully or Hitch and their pack mule placing the explosives where they have been instructed to attack the tanks' weak points. Shooting and shouting in the camp shows that the Arabs have broken through on both sides and the flames lighting some of the tents where burning torches have managed to set their roof on fire show their shifting positions. Hassan's and Murat's men have not reached the central tent yet, but are closing in from both sides wreaking havoc in a very commando like style. Khalil elegantly jumps off the tank's flat back part and lands gracefully within the camp barely making a sound.

"Next time, you can sell Hitch or Tully and I also want such a horse", Troy tells Moffit with an ironic grin. "Sure, old man. I might sell them both and we ride with the Captain into battle." "Sounds like a plan. But let's stay with ours for now", Troy whispers back, as he turns to sneak up on the guards behind the Major's tent. Both are too distracted by the shouts from inside the camp to look around for the threat coming silently from behind. As Troy's knife finds his target, he hears the noise of something passing behind him at large speed and the tell-tale thud of a body falling to the ground. Looking over his shoulder, he can make out the now half-ways beheaded body of a German guard with the gun pointed at Troy still held in his outstretched hand where he has been thrown onto his back from the momentum of the attack. The soft sounds of a horse' hooves announce the dark rider only moments before he appears before Troy who can now see the Arab saber dripping blood clearly in Hans Dietrich's left hand.

They briefly communicate through signs that all guards have been dealt with and Dietrich will now turn to the front entrance, while Troy and Moffit check the sides and the back of the tent. As the German Captain has predicted two guards inside the tent stand close enough to the canvas wall to make their dark shapes visible against the light from the inside. Moffit and Troy briefly sign each other that their knives will not be able to reach them and pull their Thompson guns instead. Better to be safe than sorry. Taking positions they simultaneously fire small salves at the bodies avoiding to hit anything else inside the tent. This is the cue for their German ally who has dismounted Khalil and left the warhorse to guard the entrance from the outside on instinct. As the two guards fall from close-by gun fire, Dietrich swiftly steps through the tent entrance with the bloodied saber still in his left and the Colt raised in his right hand.

The two German officers inside stare at the dark-clad figure with the blackened face, as if he has directly emerged from hell itself. "Lassen Sie die Waffen fallen, Herr Graf und Baron!", Dietrich orders them to drop their weapons with a harsh tone. As the Major drops his Luger back onto the table, the other officer merely raises his arms in the air not reaching for the weapon at his belt. Both draw in their breaths, as they realize that their attacker is a native German and Hauptmann Gebsattel actually squints at the black-coloured face trying to recognize the slightly familiar sounding voice. "Hauptmann Hans Dietrich?", he finally exclaims incredulously. Now the Major intercedes as well with a nasal tone and a stuck-up expression. "Er soll tot sein, wurde uns berichtet." Dietrich remembers again how much the arrogant aristocrat's way of addressing him only in the third person has ground on his nerves. "Ich muss Sie leider in Kenntnis setzen, Herr Graf, Herr Baron, dass die Nachricht von meinem Ableben wohl etwas verfrüht und übertrieben war."

Moffit who has cut an entrance through the tent canvas in the back along with Troy grins in honest delight at Dietrich's dry sarcastic tone mocking the two officers which provides him with the joy of observing the priceless flabbergasted expressions on their faces. Not for the first time, Sam Troy wishes that he could actually understand German. Maybe Dietrich will indeed teach him, now that they are on the same side. "What did he just tell them?", the American Sergeant whispers to his British colleague as they take their positions in the back of the tent. "That any news of his premature death have been highly exaggerated." Troy barks out a laugh that makes both their captives wince perplexedly. Seeing the two Sergeants entering the tent from behind and providing him with cover and support, Dietrich steps closer to the German Major to keep his gun pointed at him, but lessening the strain on his shoulder.

Then, the situation escalates so quickly that none of them would have been able to produce the chain of events properly without support of the others. With unexpected quickness, Hauptmann Gebsattel draws his gun from the belt intent to shoot Dietrich whose slightly trembling right arm has given away his weakness to the experienced torturer. Hans Dietrich in an attempt to dodge the bullet meant for him and secure the Major at the same time has moved behind the shorter man, holding the saber's blade to his throat and pressing the gun into his side. While Troy fires his gun at the German Hauptmann, Moffit jumps in between the bullet and Dietrich, dropping to the ground with a yelp of pain and a projectile stuck in his chest moments later. Only a second after Moffit, his attacker drops to the ground struck down by several of Troy's bullets.

Seeing Moffit and Gebsattel on the ground wounded and dead respectively, Troy and Dietrich exchange a shocked glance, before the American Sergeant crouches at his British friend's side who presses his hand onto the hole in his chest in a rather futile attempt to quench the blood flow. Trying desperately to help him without pressing all the air out of his lungs, Troy holds down onto his friend's injury. "Take my horse and get him out of here, Sergeant! I'll deal with the Major myself", Dietrich interrupts his thoughts sounding urgent and honestly concerned. Troy eyes him briefly, but reads the determination in the younger man's stance, even if this means staying behind alone among his enemies and sacrificing his only means of a quick escape. With Dietrich's blade pressed close to Major von Stolberg's jugular and his gun pointing at the man's side, the aristocrat has ceased all resistance and is only eyeing the dead Hauptmann's body with wide-eyed shock.

"Can you walk, Jack?", Troy whispers to Moffit who nods with a pained expression, as he struggles to take one wheezing breath after the other. The American Sergeant grabs the former British scholar under the arms and drags him to his feet. Groaning in pain and feeling lightheaded, Jack Moffit leans onto his American friend who leads him outside after a quick glance at the German Captain who has focused his attention on his captive. Repeating Dietrich's words, the Brit calls Khalil by name and gives orders in Arabic which the horse obeys rather reluctantly, unfamiliar with the foreign man. Moffit's second order for the steed to stay calm is interrupted by a series of coughs which have the Brit doubling over in pain. Troy finally manages to catch the horse' reins and helps the weakened Jack Moffit onto its back, intent to lead them outside the camp before returning to make that damned Jerry Major pay.

"Herr Major", Dietrich meanwhile addresses his captive with an icy tone that sends a shiver down the Major's spine, "wir gehen nun hinaus und Sie werden Ihren Männern befehlen, die Waffen niederzulegen, wenn Sie vermeiden wollen, dass Ihr Blut das nächste ist, das vergossen wird. Köpfen ist ein seit Jahrhunderten eine ehrbare Hinrichtungmethode für Adel von Ihresegleichen Stand." Being threatened with the prospect of his blood to be shed next, as Dietrich coldly argues that beheading has been a well-established honorable execution method for aristocracy, the Major agrees to have his men surrender with a trembling voice: "Wir werden unseren Mannen befehlen die Waffen niederzulegen." "Darauf will ich Ihr Wort als deutscher Offizier!", Dietrich insists on his word as a German officer that his men will surrender on his order. "Er mag unser Wort als Offizier haben, niederträchtiger Halbblutpöbel", the Major agrees to give his word while slighting the younger officer in the same statement who grits his teeth at the insult, but does not start an argument to not draw unwanted attention too soon.

As Dietrich directs Major Graf von Stolberg outside, the Germans' automatic gun fire and the desert patrol's Jeep motors and .50 caliber guns can be heard from within the camp, before a series of explosions rocks one tank after the other of the wall around the German camp. The Major stares into the darkness lightened by the explosions in utter disbelief, as burning tents cast an eerie light on the camp where shadows are cast by the soldiers with guns running about. After recovering from his initial shock, the Graf starts a series of complaints and accusations against Dietrich who directs him at gunpoint and with the saber blade still at the man's throat toward a spot where he can be seen and his command can be heard by the German soldiers. "Er aber mag sich schämen, das Erbe seines Blutes derer zu Aweyden derartig zu beschmutzen. Noblesse oblige! Wir haben ihn lediglich für einen Halbblutplebejer gehalten, aber er ist ein Schurke niederträchtigster Art, ein ehrloser verrätischer Halunke!" Gritting his teeth at the series of insults against his family and blood line in an outdated German language which might have been spoken during his grandfathers' life time, Dietrich finally barks angrily: "Im Unterschied zu Ihnen Major habe ich weder die Prinzipien von Anstand und Moral, noch mein Volk oder meine Heimat verraten!" Pointing out that he has always stayed loyal to his principles of human decency and morals, as well as his homeland and his people, the younger officer directs the Major into the open where the Germans and Boggs' troops of the LRDG are currently caught in a stalemate with an unmoving Captain Boggs lying wounded on the ground, as are several German and a few American soldiers.

Immediately, Hans Dietrich hears and sees more than a dozen German guns shifting to be trained at himself. "Befehlen Sie ihren Männern die Waffen runterzunehmen!", he orders the Major to have his men lower their guns, but the spineless man dons an arrogant cold smile. "Warum sollten wir das tun? Sein Tod wird so schneller und gnädiger als der, den ein Verräter von seiner niederen Gesinnung verdient hat. Aber wir sind heute großmütig." The magnanimous offer to end his life quickly in spite of his treason is laughable for Dietrich, that the Major has foregone his word of honor less so. But how could he have expected honor from somebody like him, the young German officer scolds himself for his own naivety. Unwilling to budge even by a single millimeter, he keeps his straight stance as well as his blade and gun trained at the Major which is the only reason why he is still alive. "Ich sehe, wieviel Ihr Ehrenwort wert ist, Herr Major", Hans Dietrich snarls in honest indignation that the Major's word of honor is worth nothing. "Aber wenn Sie nicht wollen, dass die Rattenpatrouille nicht nur jeden einzelnen Ihrer Männer umbringt und Ihre gesamtes Lager in Schutt und Asche legt, sondern auch Rache an Ihnen nimmt, nachdem Sie einen Ihrer Kameraden verwundet haben, befehlen Sie Ihren Männern besser, sich zu ergeben!" Out of alternative ideas, Dietrich threatens the Major with the Rat Patrol not only blowing up and burning down his camp, killing all his men, but also taking revenge on him for their wounded comrade, unless he orders them to surrender.

As if on cue, a bazooka rocket hits one of the half-tracks where three German soldiers have trained their automatic guns at the German Captain holding their Major hostage. While Dietrich is merely surprised at the desert patrol's good timing, the Major appears utterly shocked for the second time within a few minutes. "Wir ergeben uns", he finally mutters agreeing to surrender. "Geben Sie den Befehl laut genug, dass man Sie hören kann, Major Graf von Stolberg!", Dietrich snarls angrily to give the order in a loud enough voice to be heard by everyone. "Legen Sie die Waffen nieder!", the Major screams with a shrill voice heightened by the actual fear he is feeling now. "Hören Sie auf Ihren Major und legen Sie die Waffen nieder!", Dietrich repeats the command in his loudest authoritative voice. Hesitatingly, the German soldiers start to comply and several of the members of the LRDG run forward to grab the discarded weapons and train their own at their prisoners. A fierce looking Mark Hitchcock with a machine gun trained at three disarmed German soldiers with raised arms and a cool appearing Tully Pettigrew with the bazooka held ready, balanced on his right shoulder, step forward from a side of the camp.

Hearing steps close behind him, Dietrich starts as he feels a hand on his left shoulder a moment later. "I told you you're not all alone among enemies. We got your back", Troy whispers in the younger Captain's ear, while he keeps his gun trained at the German Major. Von Stolberg actually whimpers pitifully, as Dietrich's sudden movement has cut his throat slightly, drawing blood but not causing a serious injury. Both Troy and Dietrich wrinkle their noses as an intense stench fills their nostrils moments later. "I'll take over that spineless coward", Troy offers, seeing the younger man's right arm that holds his gun shaking from the strain, only kept up from falling down on his side by resting on the empty saber sheath. "Thank you, Sergeant", Dietrich breathes out and, as soon as Troy makes his gun's muzzle bore into the Major's back, the Captain takes a step backward, before inquiring with audible concern: "Where is Sergeant Moffit?" "Hidden between some tents on that Arab horse of yours", Troy answers with a smile, but never taking his eyes or his gunpoint off the German Major.

Instead of starting to search, Dietrich shouts Khalil's name and whistles briefly, calling the horse to his side, while he can gain an overview of the camp. Graf von Stolberg's force is utterly broken, his soldiers have either been gravely wounded and killed in the two rounds of attack or are currently surrendering and taken as prisoners under the strict watch of First Lieutenant Winters and Lieutenant Griffith. The death count of the German soldiers has been massive even for an attack of the LRDG, as both the Arabs and the Americans have aimed to kill without mercy, aware of the massacre on the Bedouins in the afternoon. A soft whinny calls the German Captain's attention to the Arab warhorse carrying the gravely wounded British Sergeant whom Dietrich eyes with worry clearly expressed on his face. Moffit leans on the horse' neck with closed eyes and appears like he would fall off the steed at any time.

When the horse stops however, the Cambridge scholar opens his eyes and forces a pained grin onto his face, as he tries speaking with dry humor in his slightly accented German: "Zu schade, dass ich die Schimpftirade des Majors versäumt habe. Ich bin sicher, da hätte ich einige neue Vokabel lernen können." Hans Dietrich is neither amused nor entertained by the attempt at dark British humor, how sorry the Brit is to have missed the Major's tirade and his chance to acquire new vocabulary. "Sind Sie vollkommen von allen guten Geistern verlassen, eine Kugel für mich mit dem eigenen Körper abzufangen, Sergeant Moffit?", the German Captain sounds more incredulous than angry, as he asks Moffit in German, not wishing to be understood by the other Rats, whether the Sergeant has lost his mind to catch a bullet meant for the German with his own body. Briefly Jack thinks he can read actual worry and concern in the younger man's brown eyes and expression, before the Dietrich's emotions become well hidden behind his stern facade.

"I am no more of a loony than others around here. Haven't you risked your own life for your men more than once, Captain?", Moffit switches back to English looking pained, but still unwilling to back down. "That is my obligation as their and now your commanding officer", the German officer snaps back with irritation. "Well. I'm a volunteer, Sir. It is my obligation to protect my Captain, even if that means catching a bullet with my own body." Hans Dietrich actually looks speechless for a brief moment, before resorting to sarcasm himself: "I always thought you were the most reasonable of the Rats, Sergeant Moffit. Now I know how much I erred. That honor belongs to Pettigrew alone." "Thanks, Cap!", Tully says from far too close behind the German for his comfort. The thought that the man's ability to be sneaky even while carrying a bazooka is uncanny crosses Dietrich's mind who relaxes only slightly as he reminds himself that Pettigrew is one of his men now and not his enemy anymore.

Seeing the defected German interact with the Rat Patrol's men, the Major shouts in anger: "Er ist nichts als eine dreckige, ehrlose Ratte!" Independent of his loyalties, being called a dirty honorless rat is nothing the proud German Captain takes lightly, especially now that the situation requiring his full concentration has been mostly resolved. Gritting his teeth at first, a sly smile changes the young officer's expression, as he copies the Major's nasal style of talking aristocratically: "Wir würden ihm empfehlen in seiner Situation das Wort 'dreckig' nicht in den Mund zu nehmen!" Moffit's burst of laughter is stopped by the pain in his chest, a coughing fit and a loud groan, as he desperately fights to stay on the Khalil's back. Dietrich steadies the injured man and takes Khalil's reins who remains compliant in his master's presence. "What did he say?", Hitch asks out of habit, even though the Brit is unable to answer at the moment. "I said: 'We recommend him not to use the word 'dirty' in his current situation.'", Dietrich translates his own words for the benefit of the two Privates and Troy, enjoying to be able to repeat the slight against the Major a second time, as the three Rats start laughing. Von Stolberg's reddened head speaks of his anger and shame, as he glares murderously at the younger officer. "Man wird ihn einst richten für seine Frechheiten, den menschlich minderwertigen und betrügerischen Kerl, der er ist!" "Sergeant Troy", Dietrich growls indignantly. "Get him out of my sight and earshot, before I have to challenge him to a duel to the last blood!"

"Allow me to rid you of this poor excuse for a human being, Captain!", First Lieutenant Winters offers with suspicious compliance. "First Lieutenant. That man is a prisoner of war. You will respect the Geneva convention!", Dietrich insists with a tone that clearly communicates that he is willing to fight for this as one of his principles. Winters meets the tall German's eyes and after staring at each other for almost a minute, the American finally lowers his gaze and snarls: "As you say, Captain." "I am sure Captain Boggs will give you the same order", Dietrich growls, quietly celebrating his victory against the stubborn American officer. "Captain Boggs is wounded and unconscious. You are the senior officer, Sir", Winters states coldly. For a moment Dietrich feels like he just been punched in the stomach and color drains from his face. What crime could he possibly have committed to be hated so much by god and the powers of fate? Maybe the Rats have never saved him from the SS and he has died at Metzlich's and Waldheim's hands only to have awakened in hell without realizing it until now.

"Captain Dietrich?", Hitch' concerned voice draws Dietrich out of his reverie and the German shakes his head briefly to clear it of the irrational thoughts haunting him since his run-in with the SS which have intensified since returning to the place of the massacre of the Jews and his loyal men. "Do we have a mobile medical unit?", the young officer asks sharply, as his stance shifts from distraught to stern professionalism within a split second. Winters appears just as astounded by the transformation as the Rats, when he answers without his usual disdain: "We started to build one just outside of the German camp."

"Private Hitchcock. Guide Khalil to the medical unit and assure that Sergeant Moffit gets proper treatment immediately!", Dietrich orders in his usual command voice. "Yes, Capt'n!", Hitch answers and leaves immediately to follow the order. "First Lieutenant Winters. You are in charge of registering the prisoners to have them sent to POW camps. The wounded prisoners are to receive medical treatment just as our own men and I would like you to remind all the soldiers to respect the Geneva convention!" The German officer's tone is sharp enough to make the hardened First Lieutenant salute in acceptance of the command which Dietrich returns accurately. "Impressive", Tully as the last Rat left with Dietrich mutters, while he eyes the German Captain cautiously from the side who for a moment looks utterly exhausted, before drawing himself up to his full height and places his stern mask on again. Eyeing the Private from Kentucky for a brief moment, the young officer finally speaks appreciatively: "Well done, Private Pettigrew. Your well-timed rocket saved us all." Tully Pettigrew uncharacteristically draws himself up into a straight stance and gives a sloppy salute that is almost sharp for his standards. "Any time, Capt'n." "Keep an eye on the others!", Dietrich dismisses him and turns around to make his own way to check the German camp, before heading straight to the LRDG's temporarily shifted camp and medical unit.

Many dead bodies of German soldiers remain strewn between tents burning down without anyone trying to fight the flames, while smoke rises in the eerie light cast by smoldering half-tracks and exploded tanks. It is a typical post-Rat Patrol scenario of a German camp Dietrich muses as he makes his way to the entrance. The only difference is that this time he has planned, coordinated and ordered the attack and need not feel guilty to have survived as one of a few due to whatever twist of fate.

Winters and Griffith are occupied with processing and binding their prisoners, as they diligently check them for weapons and anything in their pockets, while Carlos has taken over specifically keeping the Major under control since taking him over from Troy. With his arms and feet tied Major von Stolberg lies on the ground looking utterly unhappy, but refusing to speak to any of the Americans around him in particular, as he shouts that a man of noble blood should finally be sent to aid him. Crouching in front of the Major, Dietrich again wrinkles his nose at the stench and understands why Carlos keeps a distance of five meters with his gun trained on the pitiful German officer. "Benötigen Sie etwas, Herr Major?", the young German prides himself with being fair to his enemies even if they are as undeserving as von Stolberg. "Er mag uns ein Bad gewähren und mit frischer Kleidung versorgen." Dietrich shakes his head in slight disbelief at the Major demanding a bath out here in the desert. "Ein Bad ist gänzlich ausgeschlossen, Herr Major. Dafür haben wir nicht genug Wasser. Aber ich kann Ihnen frische Kleidung bringen lassen. Dann können Sie sich umziehen." Offering to provide him with fresh clothes is as much an act of mercy for his jailers as for the Major himself. "Wir entkleiden uns nicht vor gemeinem Pöbel", the aristocrat refuses to undress in front of a common mob. "Entweder das oder Sie bleiben wie Sie sind, Herr Major", Dietrich is starting to lose his nerve with the arrogant man declaring that he can choose between changing his clothes under the watchful eyes of his guard or stay as he is, as he does not trust the man or his word anymore after having already been betrayed once. Major von Stolberg does not even consider the ultimatum worthy of an answer refusing to speak any further.

Deciding that the man is not worth wasting his time any more when he has wounded men to look after, Dietrich merely gets up and salutes Lieutenant Carlos with the words "Keep a watchful eye on him, Lieutenant!". The Hispanic junior officer returns the salute and the German briskly walks off in the direction of the medical camp. Tully helps a rather overwhelmed Lieutenant Carter and three of the other LRDG soldiers to treat their own wounded and several gravely injured German prisoners. Captain Boggs lies in a corner with a thick bandage around his head. "Shrapnel wound", Carter shouts to Dietrich, as he walks over to the older Captain's bedside with a worried expression. "Knocked him right out, but did no serious harm to the skull. Concussion I suppose, but he should be up and about in a few days after Doctor Andrews has checked him thoroughly." Nodding in understanding, the German scans the bedrolls with wounded, mostly LRDG soldiers with bullet wounds from machine guns, as the few surviving Germans are kept separated.

"Captain Dietrich?", Carter addresses the younger man who turns his sharp gaze to the American officer's face. "You are in command now as the highest ranking officer, aren't you?" Dietrich smiles wryly. "Ironic, isn't it?" Then, he turns serious again. "Is there anything you require for aiding the wounded, Lieutenant Carter?" Carter smiles: "A medic or two would be nice." Dietrich's lips twitch briefly with amusement. Then the American Lieutenant changes to a more serious and dejected tone: "Among the things you could do would be finding a blood donor for Sergeant Moffit, while we are still occupied with treating the wounded. The bullet has pierced his lung and he is bleeding internally. But he has a really rare blood type, so I cannot easily recruit among several available donors, as I could with other blood types." Now, the German Captain looks seriously worried, as his eyes move over the rows of wounded to find the bedroll where Troy and Hitchcock are crouching. "Do you have the equipment for a blood transfusion available?", Dietrich asks with a carefully kept neutral expression. "Yes, Captain."

The German dons an ironic smile, as he order the Lieutenant: "Then, give me the device. I will take care of his blood transfusion straight away, as I have a suitable donor within reach for him." Carter briefly stares at him, as if he has grown a second head, before turning to obtain the equipment. "Do you have two saline solutions available as well, Lieutenant Carter? For stabilizing the Sergeant and his donor?", Dietrich poses the second question, as Carter searches through the equipment. "We have several of those, so I guess giving you two should be fine, Captain." "Thank you, Lieutenant", Dietrich expresses his gratitude, before he walks over to the three Rats. Troy looks up at the approaching German and the medical equipment. "Moffit needs a blood transfusion, not a saline infusion." "I am aware of that", Dietrich states flatly. "We should start right away." Troy looks completely surprised. "What?" Dietrich smiles wryly to hide his exasperation with the American who tries to play the idiot at the most inopportune moment. "Articulate as ever, Sergeant. This time I can give you my own blood. B-negative, isn't it? You need not even ask for help at gunpoint." Hitch gapes at him, almost swallowing his chewing gum in surprise. "Why are you doing this?", Troy finally manages a coherent sentence. "As I believe to have told you often enough, Sergeant, my obligation is to my men!", Dietrich sounds as unnerved as he feels by now.

"What about looking for someone else?" The German officer is close to rolling his eyes, if this being undignified would not have been drilled into him since early childhood. "You have a chance of 1 in 50 for this blood type. With two out of 25 men already here, your chances of finding someone else with this specific blood type are almost 0!", Dietrich snaps having studied the probability of his own blood type to calculate the chance of finding a donor, if he should end up in a field hospital. "And even if we had a larger unit available, it would waste precious time. And I would not send any of the men under my command when I can take the responsibility myself. That is my obligation in case you have wondered, Sergeant!" Troy looks almost defensive by now unsure how exactly he has caused the German officer's ire.

"What's the saline solution for, Captain?", Hitch asks nervously not daring to anger the already irritated Dietrich any further. "One for the recipient and one for the donor after the transfusion", the German makes a visible effort to use a more moderate tone. "Unless of course you enjoy First Lieutenant Winters as your senior officer and leave me to my well-earned rest. Given my current state of health I will likely not stay conscious during the procedure." Troy eyes him with incredulity, as he hears the coolly delivered assessment. "You can't do this, risking your own health, Captain!" "Don't be ridiculous, Sergeant", Dietrich counters with a dead serious tone. "I might be unconscious for a few hours and not feel too well for some time after that, but your friend will likely die, as he suffers from internal bleeding. This is not a matter of debate! I can set the needles for both of us, but I will not be able to monitor the procedure. Call the Lieutenant, when you feel out of your depth!" Being a man of his word, the German sets the needles on both Moffit and his arm after disinfecting the respective limb and sits down to keep his own arm more elevated than the British Sergeant's position by laying it on his bent knees.

A few minutes after starting the procedure, Hans Dietrich starts to feel increasingly lightheaded. "Check with Lieutenant Carter", he slurs without finishing his sentence and Troy catches him, as the German's head lolls to the side and he passes out completely. Carter looks quite incredulous at the sight before him, as Hitch directs him to their corner. Checking the unconscious Brit's and German's pulse, he finds both stable and slightly weaker than is healthy. "He would have made a good medic, if not for the self-destructive tendency", the Lieutenant muses as he applies the saline infusion for both his patients, before he adds: "And the Captain must really have great faith in you to trust you with his life like that." Troy cannot believe his ears. "What did you just say, Lieutenant?" "That Captain Dietrich just trusted you with his life. If you had called me too late and he would have lost too much blood in the donation, we might not have been able to help him to stabilize his circulation any more, as we have no real trained medic around." "That lying, wily fox tricked me into thinking...", Troy starts cursing before biting down on his tongue and glaring at the unconscious German. How exactly does Dietrich manage to be unconscious whenever he is most angry with him? "We will talk about this whether you like it or not, Captain!", Sam Troy promises the unmoving officer who unsurprisingly gives no reaction.

'When did I get shot again?', Dietrich wonders as the pain in his right shoulder and arm filters into his consciousness. The smell of blood is omnipresent for his nose, interrupted only by sweat and disinfectants. Struggling to open his eyes, he tenses as someone grabs his left shoulder. Metzlich! is the first thought occurring to him and without bothering to open his eyes, he strikes out at his attacker. He would not go down without putting up a fight at least. "Damn it! That skinny guy strikes a tough right hook even when he is barely conscious", a voice curses loudly in English, as somebody restrains his right arm. Dietrich hesitates. He knows the voice. Sergeant Troy! Memories of the last days since his rescue from the SS resurface, leading him to the wounded Moffit and the blood transfusion.

Blinking, the German officer finally succeeds in the struggle against his leaden eye lashes and gazes around in disorientation. "Don't strike anyone, Captain!", Troy admonishes, still clinging onto Dietrich's shoulder, who narrows his eyes slightly growling: "You'd better release me, Sergeant. There is no good reason for keeping me restrained." "I have a wonderful reason for you", Troy snaps back pointing at a reddening swelling on his left cheek. Dietrich frowns, as he is struggling against the fuzziness in his brain. The American sense of humor sometimes is beyond him. Nonetheless, Hitchcock who has restrained his right arm until now lets go of him and Troy sits back, removing his hand from the German's shoulder. "How is Moffit?", is the first question coming to the young officer's mind with the transfusion being his last memory. "Stable for now. We'll get him back to camp and to Doc Andrews' care", Troy answers and his previous scowl has turned into an honest smile. Apparently talking about his friend's prospect of rescue brightens his mood Dietrich concludes.

"How long have I been out?", the German asks, feeling slightly lost in time and space. "Only two hours. Winters didn't even notice that he would have been superior officer", Troy answers with a grin. "We made sure of that", Hitch adds with a mischievous expression that deters Dietrich immediately from even wanting to know what they have been up to in the meantime. At least, he can claim ignorance and has a water-proof alibi. "How much did you destroy in the meantime?", the German groans, as he sits up and closes his eyes, breathing in sharply as in addition to his shoulder, his neck as well as every bruise on his body complains about the abuse. "You're barely fitter than Boggs", Troy observes with increasing worry. "Do you want to go, tell Winters that he's in charge and maybe organize some morphine to help me sleep again while you're at it?", Dietrich mutters with bitter sarcasm. "Now, hold your horses, Captain. No need to get tetchy", Troy admonishes. "I'm far beyond that. How much damage control is necessary now that requires me to get up immediately instead of letting me sleep until tomorrow?", the German asks with such a tired and weary tone and expression that Troy regrets having woken him at all. But they do actually require him for damage control as he has termed it so adequately and Boggs' head wound forbids to call on him.

Carefully, Troy offers the German Captain his hand to help him get to his feet. That Dietrich accepts after only a moment of hesitation speaks clearly of his exhausted state. "What has happened?", the bruised young officer inquires, sharpening his weary tone, as he sways dangerously on his feet feeling far too light-headed. "The Major...", Troy starts out and Dietrich winces, immediately drawing himself up to his full height as he eyes the American wearily. "What did these hot-headed idiots Winters and Griffiths do?" "You're a really good judge of character, I grant you that", Troy concedes. "They didn't kill him, if that is what you are worrying about." Dietrich visibly breathes out in relief. "What did they do then?", the young Captain growls slightly less tense than before. "They had him get undressed fully naked and bath in the sand since someone explained to them that he has demanded a bath from you." Dietrich visibly grits his teeth and an expression of pure loathing appears on his face. "I would have hoped such practices would be mainly restricted to the SS. Apparently, I was wrong."

"Listen. The Major is hardly worth...", Troy tries to calm him, now that he sees the Captain's murderous expression and realizes that the man is on the warpath. "This is not about the Major!", the German interrupts so sharply that he actually startles the American Sergeant into silence. There is a first time for everything, Dietrich briefly muses, unable to enjoy this small victory right now. "This is a matter of principle!" The man who has not budged before the SS or an American General and his 'special interrogator' would not even stop to consider whether going against the two Lieutenants could be to his disadvantage. Sam Troy still is not sure whether Hans Dietrich is the bravest or craziest man he has ever met, but definitely he falls into one of the two categories if not both. The badge of most honorable is already his to claim.

With a thunderous expression Dietrich makes his way to the prison area where he finds the Major indeed naked and buried in sand up to his navel, while Winters and Griffith stand close by and shouting insults in his direction. Troy follows the German Captain to keep an eye on him and come to his support if need be. Lieutenant Carlos stands slightly at the side from the two main perpetrators and appears utterly uncomfortable. When the youngest American Lieutenant sees Dietrich approaching donning a murderous expression, he walks swiftly to intercept him. "Captain..." The irate German officer interrupts him harshly: "This prisoner was in your care, Lieutenant Carlos, and is supposed to be treated, respecting the Geneva convention for honorable conduct towards prisoners!" The two other American officers have noted the verbal dressing-down and march in on Dietrich with obvious aggression. Drawing himself to his full height, the German Captain meets them with a fearless and proud stance. Similarly, Sam Troy readies himself for a possible fight and takes a few steps closer to Hans Dietrich to watch his back.

"Lieutenant Griffith, First Lieutenant Winters, your behaviour toward the Major is unacceptable!", Dietrich admonishes the approaching American officers with righteous anger. "You're defending that bastard because you are a German yourself and not objective, Captain!", Winters counters coldly and Dietrich's eyes narrow as he focuses the man with a dangerous expression. "Let me tell you something about objectivity, gentlemen, and why I have to defend this man out of moral principle, not out of any personal sympathy. I recently spent four days in the kind hospitality of the SS. The marks reminding of their treatment I bear still in my face and on my body." All three eye the tall, skinny officer with a different look, as they look more closely at the remaining dark bruises on the Captain's face. Troy moves to stand closer to the Major to keep a watchful eye on him, as he sees that Dietrich has the American brass quite well under control.

"Humiliating their victims and bereaving them of basic human rights and needs are the trademark of the SS when torturing their prisoners", Dietrich spits out with such venom that even Griffith takes a step backward. "You are correct that I am a German officer and never will stop being one. For this very reason I have more motivation than any of you to see the likes of him", his voices clearly communicates the disdain he feels for the Major, "dealt with and my homeland freed from such behaviour and lack of morals and human decency! You distrust me, gentlemen and I cannot hold this against you. I am not an American, have never been to the United States. As a German I am loyal to my homeland and its people to the point that I have to fight its own current government holding both hostage." By now the young officer is trembling with suppressed fury and has clenched his jaws tightly.

Eyeing the Americans grimly and then shifting his intense gaze to the Major who observes the spectacle with open-mouthed astonishment, Dietrich continues after a weary sigh: "I am less angry than disappointed with you, gentlemen. Your behaviour is one that I know only from the fanatics I have sworn to fight against, from the Nazis, the SS, the Gestapo." All three look taken aback and Griffith appears even utterly ashamed. "Are there any other", Dietrich cautiously considers how to formulate this more diplomatically, "incidents that you wish to bring to my attention before somebody else does?" "We did not mistreat prisoners, if that is what you think, Captain", Winters intercedes, sounding defiant, as Dietrich snaps back: "And what would you call what you did to the Major? Appropriate treatment in accordance with the Geneva convention?" His gaze turns even darker, as the German continues: "I entrusted you with the handling of the prisoners and gave you the direct order to assure that international treaties would be kept and you betrayed me!" Winters now lowers his gaze looking similarly ashamed as Griffith who has already surrendered his resistance, as First Lieutenant Winters finally consoles: "My apologies, Captain." "It is not just me you owe an apology to, Lieutenant. Yourself definitely, the Major probably", Dietrich reins in his previously unchecked temper with a visible effort. "Yes, Sir", Winters and Griffith concede, while Carlos volunteers: "I will bring fresh clothes for the Major." Dietrich acknowledges his offer and sends him off after remarking: "Lieutenant Carlos, you are from now on in charge of the prisoners and responsible for assuring that the men respect international treaties!" The other two men eye him warily, before all three salute sharply and after discerning that they have learned their lesson, Dietrich dismisses them.

"Weshalb setzt er sich für uns ein? Wir haben ihn für einen ehrlosen Verräter gehalten", Major von Stolberg addresses Dietrich, as he remains alone with Troy as the Major's guard after the Americans have retreated. "Noblesse oblige!", Dietrich throws the Major's own words that nobility obliges back at him with sarcasm tinging his words, before his tone becomes dark and serious. "Ich setze mich nicht für Sie ein, Herr Major, sondern für die Prinzipien von Anstand und Gerechtigkeit für die mich die Nationalsozialisten zum Tode verurteilt haben!", Dietrich growls back at the arrogant aristocrat that he is not making an effort for the Major's sake, but fighting for his own principles of decency and justice for which the Nazis have condemned him to death. "Einer der Männer wird Ihnen frische Bekleidung zukommen lassen and Wache bei Ihnen halten, Herr Major", the younger German officer explains that Carlos will bring fresh clothes soon and then keep watch over the Major. "Wir danken ihm, auch wenn er ein verräterischer Halbblutplebejer ist", the Major is expressing his gratitude while insulting Dietrich as a treacherous halfblood plebeian in the same sentence. The Captain is too weary and exhausted by now to really care about the ridiculous insults uttered by the Major and actually relieved when Carlos arrives to bring von Stolberg's fresh clothes. After checking that the Major bears no marks of injuries except for the ones dealt to his pride and dignity, Dietrich turns around to make his way back to the sickbay.

"Wait. Our camp is that way", Troy actually calls to the surprised German. "Carter said we should leave them in peace there and find rest somewhere else." After a brief moment of hesitation, Dietrich turns to follow the American Sergeant, then remembers to call Khalil and turns in Troy's direction once the Arab horse has made its way to him. As Tully and Hitch look up from their bedrolls on which they have been sitting and keeping watch, Troy tells with an eager grin: "You should have seen him! Griffith and Winters were both cowered like dogs scolded by their master." Stepping towards them and having overheard the last sentence, the German Captain eyes the American Sergeant warily with narrowed eyes and gritted teeth: "I held the moral high ground and merely convinced them of the error of their ways." In the light of the electric torch, Hitch eyes the exhausted looking German who is removing the saddle from his horse and speaking softly in Arabic. "Are you sure that you should not go to sickbay instead, Captain?", Hitch asks with honest concern. Dietrich frowns and finally addresses Troy: "Sergeant. A word please."

Both step out of earshot of the Privates, before Dietrich speaks with a solemn expression: "I must not stay in the tent where the sick require their rest tonight." The proud German is visibly fighting an internal conflict, before continuing: "Since the oasis town the memories have haunted me even by day. Bereaving those in most dire need of sleep during the night is unacceptable." Troy gives him an incredulous look, before he exclaims: "You know that you're too chivalrous for your own good, Captain, as your friend Silberblatt has put it quite aptly." "Just leave me alone, Sergeant", Dietrich speaks wearily without any energy left for a fight. "I sure as hell will not do that. " The German stares at him in surprise, taking a straighter stance in spite of his exhaustion. "Sergeant, you are not a fool and surely understand what I intend to tell you! I must not force this upon you and the Privates either."

"I surely will not leave you to relive your own hell! When you want to keep your distance I respect that, but we can keep an eye on you during night watch to make sure you are alright", Troy argues stubbornly, while Dietrich counters in exasperation: "Sergeant, I will likely attack you, if you try to wake me." Troy shrugs and sports a grin. "When didn't you in the past days and nights?" Dietrich is actually averting his eyes and a slightly shame-filled expression appears on his face. Troy tries to comfort the younger man: "Hey. That's what friends are for." "We are not friends, Sergeant", Dietrich counters automatically, but with more conviction than any of the previous statements have held. "That's what you say", comes the American's instant reply to which Dietrich snaps after his nerves have been worn to a frazzle: "Why don't you shut up?" Finally at the exasperated tone, Troy realizes he has overstepped a bound and quickly shuts his mouth, as the Captain glares at him murderously. Tense and looking ready to strike, the German pronounces every word carefully: "Leave me alone!" Deciding that any further discussion might lead to more destruction, Troy chooses the tactical retreat toward Hitch and Tully as the better option.

Finally left in peace, Dietrich turns to pick a bedroll from Tully's Jeep, before he moves to as large a distance as possible while still staying within the protective range of the Jeeps and places the saddle on the ground to mark his sleeping spot. Kneeling to keep his buckling feet from giving out underneath him, the German barely rolls out his bedroll before collapsing onto it from pure exhaustion, not even covering himself with a blanket.

Troy starts his night watch thinking about Jack Moffit's state and the absurd action the Brit has taken to protect the German, even though the two try their utmost to state how much they distrust each other. Similarly, Hans Dietrich has tricked Troy into considering that donating his blood to save his former enemy is safe, while in truth putting his own life at risk. Both are proud and stubborn with the German winning the competition for the first and the Brit for the second adjective in Troy's mind. None of the two have been honest with him or even themselves about their relation with the other party is his attitude, but he still cannot beat the two into admitting their own true thoughts. But he would not be worthy of being Sam Troy, if he would not try.

The American Sergeant waits a good quarter of an hour into his first night-shift before turning toward the huddled figure of the skinny Captain shivering in his sleep from the cold of the November night. As he wears only the dark shirt of their stealth gear, but neither a uniform jacket nor has had the strength left to still cover himself with his blanket, the young officer definitely is affected by the temperatures. "I should let you freeze, you stubborn mule", Sam mutters under his breath, as he picks up the blanket and puts it over the sleeping man who does not even stir even as Troy rolls him onto his back. Apparently, Dietrich has underestimated that his exhausted body would not even allow him to be disturbed by nightmares, the American muses. Now that he has time to reflect upon it, he realizes how much the proud young Captain has gone out of his way to even share information on his own weakness with him, something he has desperately tried to hide while being a loyal German officer. "He trusts us or rather me more than he would ever openly admit, the stubborn, proud Jerry that he is", he mutters under his breath and looks at his subject of thought more intently seeing that a slight shiver still remains. Walking to pick up his own blanket, he brings it over and wraps it around the sleeping form of the malnourished man who has probably donated too much blood to not have his whole system affected by it.

This time the German stirs slightly at the direct touch to his clammy skin. "Calm Dietrich!", Troy whispers and can observe the younger man tense at his jumbled pronunciation of the name. "Hans", he tries instead in as gentle a tone as he can muster, grateful that fortunately, Dietrich's given name is simple enough to be able to pronounce it even without any knowledge of German. To Troy's astonishment, this actually works to calm the sleeper who relaxes again into a more peaceful sleep now that he is not constantly freezing any more.

"Keep an eye on the Captain. He is in a far worse state than he lets on. When he stirs or starts talking in his sleep, just use his given name and speak calmly!", Troy advises Hitch who takes over the watch from him. "He'll chew my head off, if I call him Hans", Mark utters with no small amount of worry after having seen the murderous look the German has thrown at him for disseminating the Marlene Dietrich rumor. "Dogs that bark, don't bite", Troy reassures him with a wink. Unsure whether he actually wants to find out, if Dietrich will bite him or not, Hitch still feels obliged to keep an eye out for the German who has not hesitated for a moment to give his own blood to help Moffit, independent of his talk of distrusting them all. "Doc will hopefully make it! Now that he received the Captain's blood", the former Ivy League student tries to reassure himself by quietly speaking out his thoughts which give him hope. "And you stay healthy and in command to show Winters what a good officer's like, Cap! Haven't had any brass like you in ..., well, ever."