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!)

34. The Graverobbers Raid

"Captain Dietrich", Deirdre O'Donnell calls the young officer, as he is about to leave the sickbay. When he turns around, she holds out a sling that is already familiar to him. "You should wear this to reduce the strain on your shoulder and allow it to heal faster", the nurse recommends and the German Captain nods in agreement. Given that he has been unable to use his right arm most of the time in the past few days, his motivation for improving this state is actually immense. As he stands considerably taller than the blond nurse, the young officer takes a seat at their organisation and dining table to allow Deirdre to properly set the sling. "We'll keep an eye on him", Sam Troy promises while he places his hand on the German's left shoulder in a gesture he considers reassuring. "Don't overdo it, Sergeant", the younger Captain growls testily. "Sergeant Troy is right that helping you out so that you need not use your right arm is the best support, while you should rest your shoulder and arm, Captain", the nurse adds with honest concern. Not wishing to antagonize or hurt her, as they have all suffered through more than enough conflicts lately, Hans Dietrich nods wearily. "Fine, Lieutenant O'Donnell. I will heed your advice." He has never promised her anything about doing so without protest or bickering. With a smile Deirdre lets the trio leave the sickbay.

When Dietrich, Troy and Moffit approach the office tent, a soldier running toward them draws their attention. "What's going on?", Troy wonders, while the German Captain directly addresses the man: "What's happening, Private?" The American does not even consider refusing to answer the tall officer's question. "The Arabs have arrived with the supplies. Will you take care of it, Sir?" Dietrich nods immediately. "Yes, I will for now, Private. Inform Captain Boggs please that he should send someone to take care of them though. Where are they now?" "In the North of the camp, Sir", comes the quick reply. With a sharp salute, the German turns in the direction and briskly starts to walk there. "Shouldn't we leave rather quickly, Captain?", Moffit inquires. "If we want to receive another kaftan and other local clothes as a disguise for the two of us, we need to tell them now to bring everything tomorrow", the Captain replies. Jack accepts the answer immediately and realizes again how efficient the young German officer is at such organisational tasks and thinking several steps ahead. "If you want to speed up our departure, Moffit, you can pick up my goggles and Brown's hat from our tent though. With the bandages, this is the only protection from the sun I can wear", the young officer argues and Troy takes off running before the Brit. "I'll join you soon."

As Dietrich approaches the trade caravan that looks slightly displaced between all the Jeeps and trucks, the leader comes toward him with a smile. "As-salamu 'alaikum", the Bedouin trader greets the young Captain enthusiastically. "*Allah protect you, faris alsahra. It is good to see you.*" "Wa-'alaikumu s-salam", the German officer answers the greeting likewise. "*It is good to see you again and receive the wares, Sheikh Sulaiman and Prince Hassan have promised us. You are a professional trader, good man? You surely wish to gain extra business.*" The Arab recognizes the German's sly tone, as the invitation to start a trade deal. "*Surely, my wares are the best you can obtain. Otherwise the Sheikh would not have entrusted me with this trade mission. What is it that you wish to acquire, faris alsahra?*" Hans Dietrich points at himself and Jack Moffit to indicate their size and who he is talking about. "Sergeant Moffit and I need a kaftan, shirts, trousers and sandals. As we are both tall, take something for a big person, but bring two or more of each piece of clothing. It is a special order for you and we require it tomorrow.*" The Bedouin trader smiles. "*Do you finally wish to wear clothes in a more practical manner for the desert, faris alsahra?*", he jokes, before adding: "*I can offer you clothes made of linen and wool which a normal Bedouin would wear. But for a hero and noble man such as you, silk would be more appropriate which will of course be a little bit more expensive.*" The German recognizes the start of the haggling process that Moffit meanwhile translates quietly for Troy who has returned with the Captain's hat and goggles and looks utterly annoyed to not understand what is going on. "*It is actually my intention to look more like a normal Bedouin than a noble man which is why linen or wool will suffice. How much do you charge for three sets of clothes?*"

While the trader starts with a far too expensive offer and laments how his family will starve, if he sells any cheaper, the German argues with quality and necessity for simple equipment and that a man of honor would never charge his acquaintances too highly. Both know their game and after ten minutes of haggling agree on a deal that is acceptable for both sides. "I truly learned my lesson now. I'll never haggle against that guy ever again", Troy mutters to Moffit who looks amused. "It's not my specialty either. I prefer topics relevant for anthropological research or at least espionage, surely not this trivial trade business. But the Captain's a supply expert and this skill has been of vital importance for him", he argues, while the Arab trader and the German Captain bow to each other respectfully and the man assures the tall officer: "*I will bring tomorrow all that you have asked for. But where can we bring our wares now?*" Dietrich thanks him and leads their way to the supply truck.

Captain Boggs meets them there, already waiting for the caravan and his German colleague. The Bedouins unload the sacks with dried fruit, grain and rice, while American soldiers immediately transfer the sacks to the trucks' cargo area. "I trust that you are fine enough to leave, Captain Dietrich", Boggs addresses the German Captain while he eyes the sling worn to support the younger man's right arm with obvious concern. "I am, Captain Boggs", the tall officer replies sternly. "Take care, Captain Dietrich! And don't even think for a moment that you can escape your duty of being my second in command after your return by taking holidays in sickbay", James Boggs tells his slightly baffled German colleague with as much irony as true concern for the younger Captain. "How much harm has ever come from dealing with a scholar?", Dietrich replies with fitting irony, throwing a meaningful glance in Moffit's direction who keeps his neutral expression, trying to look innocent. "You have a special gift for attracting trouble, just like the rest of your Rats, Dietrich. Watch out, take care and return safely!", the older Captain advises, before he turns to take care of the supply logistics, leaving his younger colleague behind who looks equally annoyed and baffled by the statement from Boggs. Troy looks torn between amused and annoyed, as he watches Captain Boggs' retreating back. Taking his goggles from Troy, Hans Dietrich adjusts them around his neck before looking for the best way to wear the Australian leather hat without disturbing his bandages.

When they turn to leave, the Brit becomes more chatty, whispering into the German's ear: "I'm absolutely looking forward to speaking with Old Stevie the Owl about his findings. You might actually like him, if you're willing to overlook that he is a grave robber with an academic degree, as you have put this so adequately, Captain." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner. "And what makes you think that I might like him, Doctor?" Moffit smiles wryly. "He has a rather dry humor, as well as little respect for and a harsh way of dealing with his colleagues, one of the reasons for his quarrels with my father." The German officer looks slightly bemused, as he adds dryly: "We will see. They are preparing for their evacuation and departure?" "They are, as well as they currently can, since the Professor has only one of his assistants and a few of his students left to help him." "More Brits. I can't wait to hear all these dry jokes that are not funny at all", Troy groans. "We're going to raid a whole nest of them. What did you expect, Sergeant?", the German Captain comments sarcastically.

Tully and Gotty await them at the Jeeps. While the American Private lazily leans against the bonnet, chewing on his matchstick, the young Corporal cleans a spot on the windshield with his sleeve before standing at attention. When seeing the German Captain's arm held in a sling around his neck, Gottschlich looks worried. "You're fit enough to come with us, Cap?", Tully asks cooly, hiding his own concern far better behind his nonchalant facade. "I'm fine, but would prefer, if you could keep this ride rather bump free, Pettigrew", Dietrich replies dryly. Sam Troy scowls at the word 'fine', but lets the young officer keep his face. After Davey's escapades, he does not want to antagonize the German Captain too much for the moment. For knowing his brother only for a few days, Dietrich has a rather good impression of what a lout David can be. Sam has however been baffled himself by his brother's gall to ask the German officer to be allowed to join his unit. As if any of them would appreciate that.

"Sergeant Troy", Gottschlich addresses the American Sergeant, sounding a bit unsure. As Sam Troy looks around, he notices that the others have already taken their riding positions in the Jeep. Dietrich is sitting next to Tully in the front and Jack stands in the back leaning against the gun. The three seem to discuss something, as all appear concentrated, while the German and the Brit exchange curt statements about the best route to take Troy deduces from their hand gestures. "You just follow Tully, Gotty", he advises the slightly nervous Corporal. "I will do my best, Sergeant Troy", the young man tells him with nervousness clearly audible in his voice, but determination written on his face. Once Dietrich and Moffit have agreed on what will be the fastest route to the archaeologists' camp and the safest route back, Tully takes off at the Captain's signal with his left arm and Gotty does his best to keep a constant distance between himself and the Jeep ahead.

Hitch entertains Ari greatly with his stories of the wolf pack and the meeting between Mowgli and the Monkey King that makes the boy laugh with joy, even when he listens to it for a second time. Although enjoying being petted and scratched at the beginning, Fritz soon curls up and starts snoring softly, recovering from his eventful morning. The rattling of cutlery and plates wakes the little dog from his slumber and makes him turn toward the expected source of food immediately. "Fritz. Here", Hitch calls him back, as the American accompanies the kid to lunch together with the medical personnel in sickbay. With big pleading puppy eyes the little brown dog befuddles the Private who promises him his share of meatballs within the first minute. All the medics and nurses look relieved after Lieutenant Adams has informed them about Captain Boggs' decision not to leave before tomorrow morning. The fresh patients from the gunfight with the prisoners have only just gotten their treatment finished and it is good for all of them to be able to rest and recover for at least one night rather than being transported immediately.

Now that he understands and speaks some English, Ari soon becomes the star among the nurses, cheerfully reciting some poems Hitch has taught him which makes the Private beam proudly. "You learned this from Mark?", Lisa Hartigan inquires. Ari nods and beams at her. "He taught me even more, have you ever heard the law of the Jungle?" "No. Mark never tells me interesting stuff like that", Lisa uses a slightly accusatory tone, but smiles teasingly in the direction of the American Private who quickly asks: "Don't tell me you didn't like the love sonnets, Lisa?" "Hush, Mark. I want to hear what Ari has to tell me!", she admonishes him sternly, smiling sweetly at the child who enthusiastically recites the verses, while his tutor looks slightly shocked how the six-year-old has managed to outshine him so easily. It must be a thing about women and children, he concludes and decides that he should use his time in sickbay to also get back into Lisa's good graces.

Fritz however efficiently keeps him from following up on this plan during lunch, as the little dog places its head on the Private's knee and pleads with desperate puppy eyes for his share of the sausages and meatballs. "Ich verstehe nicht, wieso der Hauptmann dieses ungezogene Tier überhaupt behält?", nurse Arno complains that she cannot understand why the Captain keeps the missbehaved animal. "Ich bin ganz bei Ihnen, Schwester. Schließlich musste ich den Köter schon monatelang in unserer Kantine oder dem Büro des Hauptmanns ertragen", Doktor Sommer agrees with her wholeheartedly, lamenting that he has had to suffer for months having the mutt around in the canteen or the Captain's office. "What did you say?", Hitch asks curiously, seeing both eyeing Fritz with undisguised annoyance. "You'd better keep this dog under control, as long as Hauptmann Dietrich is out of the camp, Herr Hitchcock", Sommer addresses him sternly. "We don't appreciate that unruly behaviour in our sickbay, neither from soldiers nor from dogs!", nurse Arno scolds the Private in an even sterner tone than the German medic. Hitch only hopes that Lisa will not choose her as a behavioural example to follow.

The American nurses do not pay attention to the discussion about Fritz, as they are charmed by the boy who beams at them open-heartedly, when he switches from poetry to telling the story about how he has met his brother Hans who has ridden out to save their whole town and returned to treat him and his siblings. After a minute, he has effectively attracted the attention of the whole medical team, when especially the Swiss nurses Arno and Regula and Doctor Riggioli and Sommer pay close attention, since they know this story from different perspectives as well. "He has given you the medicine himself?", the stern nurse Arno inquires at which Ari nods intently. "Hans? Oh, yes. And I felt really good after a day. I could even go to the camel market with Noah again. And he was sick too, but Hans helped him too and Liel... and Adva." "Unfortunately, I was fully occupied to treat the more than seventy sick soldiers of our base and all our Sanis were affected by the disease as well. Hauptammn Dietrich was the only one we had left with enough medical training and he has always been the only one with the ability to speak with the local people", Doktor Sommer adds to the story. "I would have offered him to wait for a few days until I would have had time and my Sanis would have recovered, but he insisted that he did not want to risk the lives of children."

Now the Swiss nurse looks almost proud of her former student, the German Wehrmacht Hauptmann whom she has trained herself in how to calculate the proper dosage of the medication and apply it to the sick. Although she would not have doubted the young officer and his sense of honor and chivalry, somehow this story also consoles her with the Germans she has collected her own set of horrible experiences with as well. The memories of Hauptsturmführer Wannsee and her kidnapping without having enough faith in the man's sanity to trust that she would survive and be released sometimes return to haunt her, which is in no way Hauptmann Dietrich's fault who has always tried to help and protect her, even in the worst of times. Nurse Regula smiles dreamily at the boy's stories of his family and siblings, remembering all too well how the children in her orphanage used to share such stories of the good times as well, although they all have lost these families and only kept the memories that have remained. The German officer's loving care for this native boy that would be frowned upon in his German homeland is even more admirable under these circumstances.

After a two hours ride through the desert, Hans Dietrich indicates for Tully to stop with a hand signal. Moffit frowns, as he inquires: "What's wrong, Captain?" Dietrich takes off his goggles, looks around intently, but appears slightly sheepish. "I can't provide you any real evidence, but I have the impression that we are being followed or observed." "You mean by someone else than Gottschlich and Troy I suppose", the Brit adds dryly, as the German nods with a grim and worried expression. Gotty halts the Jeep next to theirs, as Sam Troy calls out: "What's up, Captain? Any more vultures circling?" Dietrich shakes his head slightly and orders: "Turn off the motor, both of you!" As silence settles in which is only interrupted by the howling of the wind over the dunes and the men's rustling clothes and breathing, the German officer listens intently and after a few seconds of the others exchanging worried glances declares: "Troy, take the binoculars and let's go up on this dune to check the surroundings!" "Captain Dietrich thinks somebody's following or observing us", Jack explains. "How? Noone's faster than us out here in the desert", Troy inquires incredulously, asking himself whether his head injury is affecting the young Captain after all or he has become a victim of some drugs as well. "If I could see the source of this... premonition, I would point it out to you and feel much more relaxed myself", the German argues with actual worry laced into his voice that incites even some nervousness in Sam Troy as well.

As Dietrich and Troy scale the largest dune in their surroundings, they both look around nervously. Taking off his hat that a leather strap keeps hanging on his back at shoulder height, the young officer starts to search the sky with the binoculars, when a blood curdling cry resounds from high above their heads, the distinctive sound of a falcon before diving to attack its prey. "Down", the German shouts, as he crouches to the ground a mere second before an avian claw scratches his head and gets entangled in his head bandage. "What the heck!", Troy shouts incredulously, as he sees the bird of prey attack the German's head for which his bandage currently provides his only protection while the beast has apparently become entangled in the cloth. "Get the damn bird off!", the Captain snarls, as he protects his face with his left arm from becoming a victim of the falcon's talons or beak as best he can. Out of better ideas, Troy drops his own Australian bush hat onto the bird's head, before grabbing its body around the midsection between wings and legs and dragging it away from the young officer who has already received a few scratches on his arm. Once he has noticed that the bird is taken off him, the German Captain lowers his arm and takes a look at his unexpected attacker. With its head hidden underneath the Australian hat that gets hacked at from within, only the wings and talons are visible of the bird of prey Troy is wrestling against.

"Save my hat!", the American Sergeant shouts to the younger man who looks baffled, but pulls the bush hat from the bird's head. "Your precious headgear has been saved, Sergeant", Dietrich comments dryly, as he takes a closer look at their avian captive. The lean bird has white and black feathers which form stripes along its breast and body as well as clearly mark its wings. A leather strap around the bird's left foot catches the Captain's attention though. As Tully comes running to them, he merely points at Troy and the struggling bird, indicating to help him, as he comments thoughtfully: "We have caught ourselves a tamed falcon it seems." "That beast is anything but tame, I assure you, Captain", Troy growls, as the bird tries to hack at Tully's hand while clawing at the Sergeant's fingers. "It has a fine leather strap wound around its left foot. This is an Arab's hunting falcon", Dietrich argues, seeing that through joint forces, the Private and the Sergeant have managed to overcome the bird of prey who glares at them with an almost venomous look.

"I wonder why it has attacked us though, whether on somebody's command or of its own accord because we have violated its territory", the German muses. "Both is a possibility, Captain, for a falco cherrug, a saker falcon, as this genus is called. Curious, as they are not native here in Libya, but only passing through", Jack Moffit addresses him from behind after having left Gottschlich alone to guard the Jeeps. "I don't care what it's called and where it's from! It's a menace", Troy snaps, but Moffit continues unperturbed: "In any case, the wounds struck by its talons are not to be underestimated. You should both get your arms and forehead disinfected and bandaged." "That is definitely necessary, Doctor. What is your assessment though, what we should do with the beast? I know that a hunting falcon is very valuable for an Arab, like a good horse and more than a camel. If we kill it, do we have to fear troubles with its owner?", the German inquires cautiously. "I would definitely not kill it, now that you have managed to subdue it without harming the beast too much", Moffit argues. "The penalties for harming a falcon are definitely not negligible, even up to death sentences. Also, even if it has been used to attack us intentionally, we can use it as leverage or hostage." "My thoughts exactly. Thank you for your verification, Doctor", the Captain replies seriously and Moffit nods in a gracious manner, delighted to be treated with due respect for an expert of the local culture and environment.

"Strap the beast down and keep it from scratching and spreading its wings!", Dietrich orders Tully and Troy, the latter nods with a grim glare cast at the struggling bird. When Pettigrew starts to unbuckle his belt, the German asks incredulously: "What are you doing, Private?" "Getting a strap to bind the bird, Cap", Tully replies coolly. "Your belt?", the young officer still sounds incredulous. "Don't tell me you have no other means for binding a captive ready and available given how often you capture or kidnap people!" "We're not so much in the capturing and arresting business as you and your former men have been, Captain", Troy protests, at which the lean German Captain narrows his eyes in indignation. "Problem is, most bindings would be torn by these talons or harm the bird. The belt's broad and strong enough for both, Cap", Tully explains, as he finally removes his belt and places two pouches into his jacket pockets, hanging his canteen directly to his trousers' belt hole with its carbine. Then, he winds the leather belt tightly around the falcon's wings, fixating them to its body efficiently, before wrapping the leather strap around both its legs binding them together. In this way, the bird cannot sit naturally and has to be held, but cannot injure them too easily either.

Moffit has retrieved the First Aid Kit from their Jeep meanwhile and brings it back to Dietrich and Troy who both bear large gashes from the falcon's talons. Applying the alcoholic disinfectant first, the British Sergeant hears both of them hiss with pain, before stubbornly refusing to further show such weakness. Dietrich has suffered two long, deep and several smaller gashes at his lower left arm, two smaller scratches on his forehead and one deep wound at the hand where the falcon has hacked at him with its beak. After adding some Sulfa powder for good measure and to prevent any infection, Jack wraps a bandage around his lower arm, the lower part of his left hand and his forehead after cutting off the torn up old bandage. Then, the Brit turns to Sam Troy who has stubbornly tried to improve disinfection by spitting on a bleeding wound which the bird has hacked into his right arm below the elbow. Looking utterly disapproving at the disgusting practice, Jack adds Sulfa powder similarly to what he has done while treating Dietrich's wound. Then, he also wraps both the Sergeant's arms in bandages, until a certain similarity to his brother becomes undeniable.

"How do we transport the falcon, Captain?", Moffit inquires. "Putting it on the loading area would likely injure or kill it. Give me a blanket and I will hold the animal", Dietrich replies with an offer that even Jack has to admit sounds plausible and reasonable. "We should put something on its head to make it less aggressive. A trained falcon is used to bearing a hat", Moffit argues. "That's why I put my hat on it. But that damned destructive little monster won't come anywhere near my hat ever again", Troy growls with clear resentment. "Would a cup from our portable dinner set work as a falcon cap, Moffit?", the German Captain suggests. Jack smiles appreciatively. "Good idea, Captain Dietrich. You should also take care not to squeeze the bird too tightly to keep it from fighting against you out of fear. I wonder who its owner is though." Hans Dietrich furrows his eyebrows and replies thoughtfully: "So do I, Doctor. Neither Sheikh Suleiman nor any of his family members own such a falcon, so the owner must be a high standing person and come from outside of the oasis town where my former command was." "Rich traders would be a possibility. This far South of the coast, there is one main trade product for getting rich, especially in times like these", Moffit argues darkly. "Slaves", the German Captain snarls with enough venom to make Gotty flinch. "They have slavery here?", the young Corporal asks incredulously. Troy and Dietrich meet eyes in a silent exchange with mirrored expressions of loathing, while Moffit explains how this is a centuries old practice and basis of the economic system in a land where becoming a slave might be the only option to receive regular food and protection. While the American Corporal looks shocked, the rest of the group bear much more grim expressions.

"As long as I was the commander of the town, I could at least forbid slave traders to enter, but now I doubt that such laws exist anymore, as the oasis is a trade hub here in the South of Cyrenaica and unlike me who had no interest in economic profit the Sheikh cares about his trade routes and profitability. The more friendly term for household slaves is 'servant', as I have learned, Corporal. So you should be careful when you hear the word", the tall German officer provides his own explanation based upon his experiences. "So we'd better prepare to run into such guys", Sam Troy growls lividly. "Better to be safe than sorry", Jack Moffit agrees and even the German Captain nods grimly. "My thoughts exactly. We should prepare for the eventuality that the raiders have found easy targets in the expedition. Didn't you tell me, Moffit, that the Professor has only his students and one assistant left. Unless I'm mistaken, I would not expect Oxford University's students to run around as well-armed as the British military." "Touche, Captain", Jack replies dryly. "So we stop before the camp and scout ahead", Troy states and his German CO nods. "That's exactly what we'll do or rather what Private Pettigrew will do, as the rest of us are injured and Corporal Gottschlich is still too inexperienced for risking his and our lives in this endeavor! A single man is also less conspicuous."

Tully bites on his matchstick and nods. "Sure, Cap." Troy protests however. "You can't just risk a single man!" Dietrich growls back: "I can and I will, if this is for the advantage of the whole group. This is a principle I apply to others as well as myself in case you have forgotten, Sergeant." Troy has not forgotten how the German officer has jumped into a snake pit himself, because he has been the most lightweight man available and glares at the younger Captain. "Fine. But we get our man out, if something happens!" Dietrich scowls. "This is not part of the debate. I will not stand by and have my men or those I swore to protect be sold into slavery", the German Captain pledges emphatically. Troy smiles at him with more sympathy, as this is the attitude he would have expected from the German Captain. "We should continue on our way", the young officer declares and takes a seat in the front of the Jeep where Tully gives him the strapped down falcon wrapped in a blanket with a tin cup over its head. Although the German feels somewhat sorry for the poor bird, his gashes on the arm and head deter him from considering setting the creature free. Moffit provides him with some advice on how to best handle the falcon, when it starts stirring and struggles, as they turn on the Jeep's motor.

Jakob Silberblatt fights his own struggle against countless files and bureaucracies, as he supports Captain Boggs with the organisational tasks of the camp, especially for evacuating the General's office and files. Providing a believable explanation to headquarters why they have taken the General off duty based on the investigation results of a German defector without endangering Hans or his position is an equally challenging task. The nerve-wrecking radio call has left him exhausted and wishing for some peace and quiet. Looking after Ari and spending some time with the boy might actually do him and his nerves some good Jakob decides. When he goes to the sickbay to look for Ari, the young Lieutenant finds the boy in the centre of attention in the officer's ward again. With the support of Mark Hitchcock, the six-year-old presents his story of how he has first met his brother to Major Turner and Major Bracken who have not heard this from him yet, while David Troy listens in, but tries not to draw any attention after the tirade he has endured.

Hitch has noticed that with each time he tells this story, the Jewish boy adds some more details of his hero riding through the desert for days to return and save him with the medication he has provided himself to Ari and his siblings. Major Turner is incredulous at the recount and asks for clarification. That Hitchcock can verify the German Captain's horseback ride through the desert, as he has met him, and Major Bracken adds Dietrich's own account as provided to him, rounds up the picture of the German officer he has considered rebellious and intelligent, brave and honorable before, finding this assessment validated in the various points of view on the story which is extended when nurse Regula notices their topic and adds her part how the German Captain she has mistaken because of his borrowed civilian clothes for a handsome desert adventurer taking refuge at their camp. That the man has agreed to become the mobile cross-country health service assistant to the Red Cross in exchange for the antibiotics to save his unit is amazing even for Jakob who has never heard this part before, as his friend has been rather tight-lipped about his agreement with the Red Cross.

"Could someone explain to me, why he calls the Captain his brother?", Major Turner asks the assembled people, while Hitch tells Ari to play with Fritz. "That has been my doing, I suppose", Jakob draws their attention to himself. "Since we had the idea that my parents should adopt the boy, I tried to console him by telling him that this would make him my brother. I added that his main caregiver, Hans, I mean Captain Dietrich", the young Lieutenant stumbles over his words, when Turner interrupts him sternly, but without being harsh: "We've heard the Captain's given name often enough to know who you mean, Lieutenant. There are not many men called Hans in the U.S. army." Silberblatt nods, then continues: "I told Ari that Hans grew up and lived with us as practically my brother. The boy then asked him whether he could call him his 'brother' as well and Hans agreed." Hitch, who has observed the German Captain's interaction with the boy more closely in the last days, smiles at the explanation he has not been aware of, but his previous impression of the stern man's more human side seems to hold true. "Private", the American Major addresses him unexpectedly. "What is your impression of your Captain? He seems to trust you with the boy's care." While Hitch tries to not look nervous at being questioned by the brass, he considers what he should answer.

As the five soldiers with their two Jeeps approach the archaeologists' camp location, Tully chooses an appropriate location for hiding their vehicles. "Private Pettigrew, return as quickly as possible and do not engage in combat action, unless in self-defence!", the German Captain orders sternly. "Sure, Cap", Tully mutters. "Can I take a gun with me?" "Don't you always have a grenade on you?", Dietrich asks dryly, then adds in a serious tone. "Take a gun, but use it only in immediate defensive action. Call for backup, if possible! Don't take any unnecessary risks. We don't want to be detected." Tully actually smiles at him, as he nods in agreement. That type of stealth operation is actually to his liking, as it reminds him more of his moonshine running days than Troy's often more direct approach.

As he closes in on the camp, Tully can make out several figures shouting. It does not take him much effort to sneak closer and recognize the men as Europeans, many clad in khaki shorts and shirts with weird tropical style helmets. After checking the surroundings for any sign of lurking attackers, the American soldier retreats as stealthily as he has approached the scene.

When Tully returns after five minutes with the report that the camp has not been raided, Troy growls: "I don't like that. Where are they?" "Me neither, Sergeant, but we can only stay alert and keep up guards to observe the environment and secure the camp", the German Captain comments with a scowl, then adds with a smirk: "Welcome to my world of constantly lurking raiders and paranoia." Troy grumbles something about the Jerry smartass, but does not voice this loudly and Dietrich decides to magnanimously ignore him. "Pettigrew, Gottschlich and you, Troy, take positions around the camp. I suggest a triangle to keep the other two out of reach, should one of you be discovered." Tully shifts his matchstick and mutters: "'kay, Cap." Gottschlich salutes and affirms: "Yes, Sir." Troy scowls, but inquires: "And what about you and Jack?" "We will go to the camp, help finish the evacuation, before we can hopefully leave as quickly as possible, when I will signal to you to pick us up", the German Captain replies, not surprised by the American mindset of questioning a superior officer's order any longer. His father would truly be disappointed by how far his standards have been lowered and he has fallen.

Pushing the depressing thoughts of his alienated family to the back of his mind, he orders: "Unless there are further questions, get to your posts, gentlemen!" Jack Moffit, who has taken their avian captive from him, addresses him now: "I suggest we take the falcon with us, should we require some leverage." Dietrich nods in agreement. "Excellent suggestion. I will have to ask you to carry it, though, Doctor." With his right arm in a sling and his left bandaged after the attack, not having the German officer carry anything is not a matter for discussion. "It's no trouble at all, Captain", Moffit replies in his well-bred British manner that makes Troy roll his eyes. With these two snobs interacting as if they were at some fancy dinner party rather than standing in the middle of the desert, he actually feels slightly like a barbarian himself. "Let's shake it!", the American Sergeant orders for the benefit of Gotty and Tully who nod, as they mount the Jeeps. Troy will secure their current location, while Dietrich points out the dunes where he would like to position them for the two drivers of the Jeeps.

As they start walking towards the camp, the British scholar addresses the German Captain: "You should be warned, Captain Dietrich, that Professor Stevenson can be a bit eccentric." Dietrich raises his eyebrows in silent bemusement. "I have survived the Air Commodore George-Irving. How much worse can he be?" Moffit smiles wryly at the younger man's dry humor, replying: "Oh. You will see, Captain." Deciding that the eccentricity of Brits has greatly decreased in troubling him after the last days and all that has happened to him, the German Captain rather focuses his attention on relevant worries instead, such as the potential presence of desert raiders and slave traders.

As they close in on the camp, some people are running toward them, a few even wave which none of the two soldiers returns. "Good afternoon", a dark-haired Brit in his mid thirties with more suntan than the rest greets them. "You're Captain Dietrich and Doctor Moffit?" "Indeed", the German officer replies smoothly. "Professor Stevenson requested my support and protection for helping you to evacuate your camp." A shout interrupts their conversation. "Horus! Where have you been, you little rascal?", a short, skinny man with dishevelled grey hair and the thickest glasses Hans Dietrich has ever seen in his life comes waddling towards them with surprising speed. "Where did you find him? He looks all ruffled up. Did these rowdies hurt you, poor lad?", the Professor continues his tirade, taking Moffit's load from the baffled Sergeant. "Can we stop looking for Horus and continue with loading the truck now, Professor?", the oldest man of the group asks the older scholar. "Oh, yes, yes. Just continue with the preparations until the Captain comes with his men!"

The German Captain exchanges a slightly incredulous look with Jack Moffit who bears a grin saying 'I told you so'. Then, the proud young officer stands at attention with his head proudly held high, as he growls with undisguised annoyance: "I am Captain Hans Dietrich and I recommend that you, Professor Stevenson, and this band of graverobbers in training, operating under the guise of academic research get packed as quickly as possible, as we will leave here in half an hour at the latest and I really don't care how many of your stolen items come with us." The students and the assistant gape at the tall young officer open-mouthed, while the Professor puts him under scrutiny for the first time. Handing the falcon to his assistant, Stevenson orders: "Rudolph, take care of Horus! The poor little thing has suffered enough. Then assure that all is loaded on the truck!" "Yes, Professor Stevenson", the Brit replies, glad to have a reason for escaping this situation. Along with him all the students scatter like a pack of jerboas that has noticed a fennec lurking for them.

"An interesting assessment, young man", Stevenson addresses Dietrich in an aloof manner. "You are not Libyan though, but European." The proud German bristles, then growls with righteous indignation: "I have spoken with enough Libyan and Egyptian people to understand their attitude of Westerners, particularly the ones coming to take from their land, rarely giving something in return." Stevenson almost smiles at him right now. "I rarely hear someone consider that or put up such a desperate plea for the locals. In particular, I wouldn't have expected it from a defected German officer." The tall German Captain tenses involuntarily at the words and narrows his eyes, as he snarls defensively: "What makes you think that?" Stevenson actually smiles now. "You are young, almost too young to be a Captain and your name is German. You made a fast career in an army at the forefront of the war, Germany's army, not America's, I would suppose, before you joined the Yankees who have not been fighting here long enough for a man of your age becoming a Captain. And although it's barely noticeable, you do have an accent that's not American. Am I right?"

Dietrich looks baffled by the surprisingly coherent line of argumentation from the previously confused appearing Professor. "Yes, you are, Professor Stevenson", the young officer replies in more moderate and controlled tone, to which the British scholar answers with a dry tone: "Good. Then, I don't have to worry about a German in my camp anymore. Moffit Junior, how is your father?" While the Captain looks clearly affronted, Jack replies with a smile to the rather jovially put question: "Fine, Professor Stevenson." The elderly Brit waves his hand. "Good, good. Have you introduced him to your lovely fellow of a Captain here? I'm sure he'd be delighted to make such a charming acquaintance." Now, the German officer is truly insulted, as he snarls: "I have been taught that good manners include not talking about people, as if they were not present, when they clearly are." The Professor smiles widely now. "Forgive me, my dear fellow. I get carried away at times, where were we... oh, yes. Visiting my arrogant colleagues from Cambridge. Would you care to visit Oxford, Captain?" Dietrich has believed that taking him by surprise and suspending him in limbo, before he has realised how the transition from his previous to his current state has happened is Troy's and the Rats' speciality. But now he feels exactly like that, trying to comprehend how the British Professor has managed to move from insulting him to apologising to insulting his own colleagues and inviting him to two British Universities within three sentences.

Jack Moffit smiles at the younger man with some sympathy, aware of his struggle between well-bred politeness, incredulity, his inherent pride and temper. "I doubt that this is in any way possible or reasonable, Sir", the German replies more cautiously than before. "You're a risque individual for a British University, but that's really what these fusty old coots need from time to time to get them out of their ivory tower", the Professor tells the rather incredulous young officer with a jovial smile. Jack places a hand on the younger man's shoulder and whispers into his ear: "Didn't I tell you that you two would get along splendidly?" "Are you insane, Moffit? Only Troy is better at unsettling me", the Captain mutters with clear self-mockery. Both look back at the Professor sheepishly, when the man clears his throat and scrutinises them with the stern gaze of a teacher who has caught two students chatting in class. "Jack Moffit, your father would be shocked by your disrespectful behaviour toward your elders!" Before he can catch himself, the Brit replies automatically: "I'm sorry, Professor." That the British Sergeant also feels and behaves like a schoolboy in front of the elderly scholar is the only consolation for Hans Dietrich at the moment.

The Professor's assistant turns up as their unexpected saviour, as he carries Horus, the falcon, sitting on a leather glove and wearing a tight cap over its head. "He's been a bit roughed up, but otherwise your dear Horus is fine, Professor Stevenson." "Poor boy, we'll get you back to flying in no time", Stevenson declares, when Dietrich growls: "That beast is a flying menace! Keep it in check, as long as he is around us, since it is your falcon apparently!" The Professor pets the falcon's back lovingly, as he scowls. "Horus is hardly to blame for following his natural instinct to hunt." 'Why am I not surprised that he named his falcon Horus?', the lean young officer muses quietly, but scowls, as a different aspect peeves him. The German Captain holds up his bandaged left arm, while he snaps: "He'd better learn that humans are not within his natural prey spectrum. I will not have this homicidal beast roaming freely in my camp otherwise!" In a much quieter tone, he adds only for Moffit to hear: "Or dear Horus will permanently reside with David Troy in sickbay in the prestate of mummification. Those two flying menaces deserve each other." "I'm almost sure Sam Troy will agree, Captain", Jack comments with clear amusement. "Speaking of the devil", the German Captain mutters, as he sees the American Sergeant running down the dune with a grim expression.

"What's going on here? Why did you give them that hellbird?", Sam Troy growls indignantly. "Ah, the true Yankee soldier, uncouth and unruly as expected", Stevenson comments and shifts his glasses slightly on his nose to get a better view of the broad-shouldered American. "To answer your question, dear Sir, these gentlemen handed me back my falcon Horus, which is my possession, so that my assistant Rudolph Martin could take care of him. You may leave, Rudolph. Take Horus with you! This atmosphere is too tense for his delicate personality. " Seeing Troy bear a similar expression of incredulity, annoyance and wounded pride as he has five minutes earlier is a true consolation for the young German officer who sees some divine justice dealt in this situation. "May I introduce you to Professor Stevenson, Sergeant Troy?", Moffit intercedes with perfect politeness, before Troy can come up with the notion of doing something rash and stupid. "Professor Stevenson, this is Sergeant Troy from the Long Range Desert Patrol." Troy bites back a sharp comment and settles for glaring at the British Professor who eyes him like an interesting specimen. "If you're lucky, you're invited to Cambridge and Oxford for annoying British academia", Dietrich comments dryly in a quiet enough tone not to be heard by the Professor. "I'll leave that to you and Moffit", Troy growls back. "I'm allergic to that posh mumbo jumbo." More loudly, he declares: "I'll return to my post to secure the camp, Captain." "Cowardice before the enemy is unbecoming for you, Sergeant", the German whispers with dry sarcasm. Troy glares at him venomously and snarls "Jerry smartass", before turning on his heel and marching up the dune again.

"Too bad he has to leave already, soldierly duties and such. Well, at least you can stay, so may I show you our supplies and artefacts, gentlemen?", Professor Stevenson inquires in a polite tone, looking after Troy with a puzzled expression. Moffit looks like a boy who has just heard he may approach the Christmas tree and start to look through his presents. Dietrich decides to use this for applying some pressure on the Professor's team to speed up their loading process. "Why exactly have you decided to start an archaeological excavation here, Professor Stevenson?", Jack inquires curiously. "There are no historical sites and no ancient cultures of any relevance in this area which would justify such an expedition." Stevenson chuckles with clear bemusement. "You're of course right, young man. Your father taught you well. We do not look for any artifacts native to this land, but we followed the trails of a Napoleonic expedition, described in several letters and reports from 1800 which has found some interesting Egyptian artefacts and transferred them toward the Mediterranean Sea, when they were lost in this area. We found the remains of that exhibition and excavated the treasures they have transported." Dietrich and Moffit exchange a long gaze. "Are you thinking about what I do, Captain?", Jack inquires. "That our dead and mummified officer might have belonged to the escort of that expedition, Doctor?", the German answers through a question of his own. "Exactly", Moffit replies, before providing a detailed description of their mysterious finding to the interested Professor Stevenson.

"Splendid! This is a fascinating discovery! I'm looking forward to seeing this mummy", the elderly scholar exclaims. "I fear this will not be possible, as some inebriated American and Australian soldiers set the mummy on fire", Dietrich explains dryly. "How? Why would anyone in their sane mind do that?", the Professor asks with desperation. "This is the LRDP we're talking about. You don't ask questions like how and why! And for sure you don't assume that they act like sane human beings!", the German officer takes great delight in berating him sarcastically, while Jack observes the interaction with clear amusement. "The mere story that the dead officer might have been suspected of being a vampire or werewolf was enough to incite such idiocies", the Captain continues relentlessly. "This is unbelievable. These huns, barbarians, violators of man's history! This is a scandalous act, so vile and horrific I cannot even comprehend why one would commit it!", the British scholar shouts indignantly. "Indeed", Dietrich agrees with irony, finally feeling adequately entertained by now.

"So what were you able to find, Professor?", Moffit inquires, trying to steer the conversation back to its original track. "What did you ask, Moffit Junior? Oh, yes. Our findings. A most curious collection, dear boys", the Professor speaks jovially. When Moffit sees Dietrich scowl with clear annoyance, he whispers: "Don't interrupt him now! It's not meant as an insult, Captain." Gritting his teeth, the proud German nods curtly and keeps quiet. This whole conversation has heaved British eccentricity to a whole new level for him. Without even noticing their interaction, the Professor continues lecturing about the variety of time periods of the found artefacts, ranging from artefacts of the second and fourth dynasty of the Old Kingdom to eleventh dynasty pieces of fine art of the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. As he indulges in explaining the metallurgic qualities of the bronze and gold processed in the jewelry, statuettes and tools, the fine engraving of wood and lapis lazuli sculptures and elegant stonework of statuettes, both listen with curiosity, Hans Dietrich in spite of himself. Being part of such expeditions in his youth has provided him with enough general knowledge of the history, mythology and culture to understand and partially share the fascination for the findings and explanations, although he lacks the detailed knowledge to differ between the styles of different dynasties or even know them in detail.

"Professor", one of the students comes running toward them with a panicked expression. "Jonathan, I mean Mister Harper, has just collapsed, Sir." Dietrich does not hesitate to order in his sharp command tone: "Lead me to him as quickly as possible!" Too cowered to argue, the brown-haired lanky Brit starts running again in the direction of the truck. Two more students stand next to a young man on the ground, looking rather helpless and confused. "What has happened?", the German Captain inquires sternly, as he kneels at the Brit's side and feels his pulse at the neck which is extremely fast and elevated. The man is alive that is for sure, but his reddened skin is extremely hot to the touch, rough and dry like sandpaper. Seeing that the young Brit wears no hat and none is lying in the vicinity, heat stroke is the experienced desert commander's best educated guess of what has befallen the young man. Meanwhile his colleagues explain hesitantly: "He just collapsed." "I think he said that he's hot." "Is he still alive, Sir?" Dietrich scowls at them. "He's still alive. You", he points at the one who has fetched him, "bring a canister of water!" Turning to the other two, he commands sternly: "You two help to move him to the shade immediately!" None of the young men dare to argue or resist, as all of them are truly relieved that somebody provides them with clear orders for helping their friend and seems in control of the situation, knowing what he is doing.

As the Captain gets back onto his feet, Moffit approaches with the Professor, while the two carefully pick up their friend to move him into the shade provided by the truck. "What has happened, Captain?", Jack inquires. "The young man suffered from heat stroke, I suppose. Why he has worked in the noon sun without any protection for the head is puzzling to me however", the German explains. In spite of his additional head injury, Dietrich has worn Brown's Australian leather hat to protect himself from the sun and his injury from contamination with sand. "We will have to cool him down to help him", Moffit replies. "I've already ordered one of them to bring a canister of water", Dietrich replies sternly. "Do you have any kind of tub so that we can immerse him in water, Professor?" "Bathes are really rare to get out here, Captain", the British scholar replies dryly. "We have the mule herders' trough which they left behind, when they just rode off a few days ago", the student who has fetched the water tells them. "Excellent. Moffit, take the water. And you get some of your colleagues to help you move that trough to the shade as quickly as possible." "It's already in the shade of a natural rock formation, otherwise the water would have been cooking, Captain. And my name is Oliver Hendrick", the young man replies. "Mr. Hendrick, bring the water to the trough and lead me there. You, Moffit, order the students to move the injured to the trough."

"Being treated in a mule trough is rather undignified, Captain", Professor Stevenson protests. "That is true. But I'd rather wish for the man to survive through slightly undignified measures than die with dignity", the German Captain replies sternly, before he turns on his heel to follow Hendricks without waiting for a reply. "Thank you, Captain", the young Brit addresses him, as he leads their way. "Helping an injured man in a basic principle of humanity, Mr. Hendrick. You need not thank me for that", the young officer replies with proud dignity. "Could you explain to me though why he has worn no head gear for protection against the sun and heat? You all appear to have some desert experience, so I would not have expected such a mistake happening to you." Hendrick looks slightly unsure, then whispers to him: "I could not tell this to Professor Stevenson or Doctor Martin. But now Jonathan's life is on the line." Dietrich sighs wearily, as he admonishes with exasperation: "For heaven's sake, your colleague may die. What kind of secret could possibly be worth the man's life?"

Hendrick shudders at the stern reprimand, spoken by the lean young officer who has obviously been wounded and injured only recently given his bandages and the sling for his arm. "We did something... really stupid, Sir", the young Brit starts his explanation with a dejected tone, as he puts the canister of water on the ground next to a rusty dented metal tub sunken into the sand that might originally have been a barrel, but has then been cut in half and served as a feeding and watering trough. "Jonathan has found this letter of a French officer who claimed to have found a ritual for summoning the god Anubis. He, Jonathan, said that we should try this in the name of science. Sometimes one has to dive into the occult to gain enlightenment to see a new way of learning about the old and long forgotten." Hans Dietrich is briefly wondering whether he is the one suffering from heat stroke, hallucinations or the after effects of his head injury, when he listens to the young Brit's scurrilous and surreal explanation.

"We performed the ritual which called for Anubis, the jackal-headed deity responsible for guiding the souls to the underworld. It was strange, we recited some ancient Egyptian verses, then Jonathan chanted several spells from the book of the dead meant to summon Anubis. When the chant stopped, a jackal howled somewhere close by and Jonathan believed that Anubis had heard the prayers and called him. We could only just keep him from cutting his wrists with the ritual knife he had in hand., There was so much blood", he mutters with a glazed stare, then shakes his head and adds with worry and concern: "We've been watching him ever since to keep him from attempting anything like that again. But with the heat, we were rather powerless. There's no way to force someone to wear a hat, when he doesn't want to, especially when you have to load a truck and search for a falcon in addition." The German Captain has stopped asking himself what crime he has possibly committed in the eyes of a merciful deity to be punished with such insanity frequently. "Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Hendrick. I will keep it in mind, when we return to our camp to put up a guard for the man's safety, given that we can help and save him now."

Speaking of Jonathan Harper seems to summon his carriers who look as horrified as their friend Hendrick. "Were they with you, participating in the ritual?", Dietrich inquires quietly. "Yes. They were the other two, Sir", the young man whispers back nervously. "Remove his shoes! Then, put his body in the tub, but keep the head elevated!", the German officer orders sternly. While he lets the men follow through with his order, he steps closer to Moffit and whispers: "We need to talk later, Moffit, about something regarding this man and his state I want your opinion on." The British Sergeant looks actually astounded, but mutters: "Whenever you like, Captain." "Once we have cooled the man down and saved his life", Dietrich answers. "Captain?", Oliver Hendrick addresses the young German officer. "What should we do now?" "Drench his clothes and his body in water! The tub prohibits the water from running into the sand and keeps him immersed. With his face, act rather slowly and carefully, so you don't have water running into his nose and mouth accidentally! Also drench his pants and socks, then fan his whole body with your hats!", the German officer instructs the life saving measures which he has had to command far too often with young and inexperienced Wehrmacht recruits who the Afrikakorps would have sent to him for training and replacing the ones killed by the Rats, other Allied troops or the merciless desert environment itself through heat, thirst, hunger or disease.

"I see you have lots of experience with this, Captain", Moffit whispers to the younger man who scowls. "Far too much and more than I would have wished to have gained. But now it might help this young man, although he has chosen this state himself", Hans Dietrich mutters back with a thoughtful expression and slightly haunted tone. "How do you know that?", Moffit asks him incredulously. The German officer diligently tells him what information he has gained from the young Brit. "You really have a gift, Captain. Nobody has ever told me anything like that", Jack whispers slightly incredulously. "You seem to forget that clerical duties are part of an officer's duties and thus of my trained job and chosen vocation, Sergeant", the German replies with a scowl. "You're good at gaining people's trust quickly and keeping it on the long run", Moffit counters, "but let's focus on our problematic quartet. They performed a ritual for Anubis? This is mumbo jumbo, as Troy would term it, and has nothing to do with science or archaeology." "The jackal howling was likely a coincidence, but he wanted to believe in the supernatural so desperately that he wanted this to be Anubis. Would the Professor or his assistant know, if the young man has been suicidal or some traumatic event has occurred lately to the young man?", the Captain argues. "I have no idea. Knowing Ol' Stevie he wouldn't have noticed anything personal about his student, unless the man had thrown it into his face and even then he might have missed it. You've seen what he is like, Captain", Jack Moffit replies. "Unfortunately", Dietrich replies with a sigh.

"Check his temperature!", the German orders sternly in the direction of the three Oxford students. "Then continue with the drenching and fanning!" "We should call Tully and the Jeep with the First Aid Kit down here, Captain", Moffit suggests. "Keeping watch for Arab raiders who don't exist is of little use." "Except for providing Troy with an alibi to stay out of the camp", Dietrich replies dryly. "I told him that cowardice before the enemy is unbecoming for him." Moffit grins with mirth. "He must have been delighted, Captain." "Call Pettigrew, Gottschlich and Troy. We need the First Aid Kit and Pettigrew's medical training here. With four men less, Gottschlich and Troy are valuable helpers for loading the truck", Dietrich argues. "I will stay here to keep them motivated and from panicking." "You're doing a great job commanding young Brits, Captain. Maybe you have defected to the wrong army?", Moffit comments with a wry smile. "I've asked myself that question as well, several times already", the German officer replies dryly. "But I doubt they would bear my 'routine insubordination' even for a day."

While Moffit takes off to call the others, Hans Dietrich takes a look at their patient. Jonathan Harper is still unconscious, but although his skin is still feverish to the touch it is nowhere as hot as it was before. His pulse has also decreased to the level of light sports rather than the level of a galloping race horse. "Will he survive, Captain?", Oliver Hendrick inquires with honest worry and concern. "His state has definitely improved, his body temperature and pulse have both been lowered to survivable levels. I don't think that he might die at any moment, not anymore, but you should continue with the fanning", Dietrich replies with a calm and reassuring tone. "How do you know so much about treating heat stroke, Sir?", one of the others dares to ask. A pained and haunted expression passes over his face. "Because I have trained young soldiers, freshly arrived in North Africa in desert survival along with warfare in the unit under my command", the young officer replies. "The Long Range Desert Patrol? I thought they were the experts", the other inquires incredulously. "I'm not originally a member of the LRDG. I have commanded ... other units before", Dietrich gets out after brief hesitation. "You're German. Your name is German, not Yankee style", the first of the two realizes. "That is correct. I am a German officer who defected to the U. S. army", the proud young Captain declares with his head held high, although his muscles have tensed involuntarily. The three British archaeology students also tense and eye him with concern at that declaration. The tall and lean Captain has until now not appeared strange or dangerous to them, but this revelation changes their perspective on the man.

An almost inhuman howl and shriek makes all of them focus their attention back on their patient immediately. "Jonathan, don't... ouch", the first of the two Brits reacts shocked, then howls with pain himself, as his colleague is sinking teeth deep into his forearm. Seeing the bloodshot red eyes of the young man they have tried to save hold only feral aggression and no comprehension of his situation, Dietrich opens his gun holster just in case, although shooting with his injured offhand will be challenging and a potential risk, the short distance should help him in this case.

Jonathan Harper has let go of his whimpering friend and focuses his efforts on getting out of the trough as quickly as possible, scrambling on all fours. "Jonathan", Hendrick addresses him now cautiously. "You suffered from heat stroke, we tried to help you." When his friend looks up, reddish foam mixed with his friend's blood sticks around the man's mouth. In spite of the gruesome and disturbing scene, something irritates the German Captain. When the young Oxford student offers a cup of water with an outstretched arm, realisation hits the officer, as Harper thrashes and howls wildly, hitting the cup out of the other's hand, attacking him instead to bite him. His cry of "no water" remains unheard in the struggle that ensues. Without hesitating any longer, the German Captain draws his Colt and takes his aim. As Harper is on top of Oliver Hendrick, aiming for his back or head should not endanger the other British student. Hans Dietrich fires his first shot that barely misses his mark, passing over Harper's shoulder, then two more that find their intended target. The second bullet strikes the man on the head, killing him instantly.

"Murderer!", the third young Brit who has observed the horrific incident with shock and horror howls and throws himself at the German. "Stand back!", the Captain bellows his command, staggering slightly after the first strike has struck his injured right shoulder, but taking two quick steps backwards and bringing up his gun again to aim it at the young Oxford student. Too unused to combat situations and the command tone that naturally incites obedience in the well-bred young man, the Englishman stands down, allowing the young officer to take a breath and speak a quick explanation. "Rabies. Your friend had it and would have killed Mister Hendrick." "He bit me!", Oliver Hendrick shrieks with desperation. "Me too", his other friend whimpers. "We will clean your wounds immediately, when my Private is here with the First Aid Kit. Then, we will take you to our camp as quickly as possible. We have several professional medics there who will treat you", the German keeps his tone purposefully calm and reassuring, not wishing to let this volatile situation escalate again into an attack against him and having to harm or kill another man in self-defence. As both his friends look visibly shaken and relieved at Jonathan's death, the third man finally realizes the true gravity of the situation. "Forgive me for accusing and attacking you, Sir", he mutters sheepishly. "Go and help your friends!", Dietrich tells him with a weary tone, sighing deeply, before he dares to put his Colt back into the holster.

"What's going on, Captain?", Troy calls out, as he runs toward the young officer with his Thompson automatic gun in hand, glaring at the three Brits warily. "Sergeant", the German Captain greets him with an actual smile and relief audible in his voice. "I believe I have told you before that your timing leaves much to be desired." When Dietrich is up to dry jokes the situation must be under control, Troy reasons, as he slowly lowers his gun. "You're still a Jerry smartass, Captain. But I'm glad to see you're alright. What the heck happened here? Why did you shoot the guy?" The tall German provides his explanation as much to the American Sergeant as to the British junior scholars who appear still shocked. "The man here, Jonathan Harper, collapsed from heat stroke. We brought him here to the only metal tub in the shade in the area to cool his body, immersing him in water and drenching his clothes. His friends also fanned him with their hats. When he woke up, he attacked first this man who wanted to calm him", Dietrich explains and points at the injured Brit who has cradled his bitten arm and looks miserable. "Name's Will Sterling", he provides meekly when he notices the two soldiers looking at him. Troy nods grimly, then focuses his attention back on Dietrich who continues to explain. "I had wondered at the red foam, but that could have been residue from biting the other in the arm. When Mister Oliver Hendrick tried to offer him water though and I saw the frantic or rather feral reaction, I finally understood what was happening. But it was already too late for my warning, as Harper attacked Hendrick after throwing the water cup away. He would have killed him, so I had to shoot Harper to try and save the other man's life."

"Thank you, Captain Dietrich", Oliver Hendrick declares emphatically. "Don't thank me yet, Mister Hendrick. Rabies is a death sentence, unless our medics know of some acute treatment they can provide you with to prevent the disease", the German Captain replies with a dejected tone. "Rabies?", Troy shouts incredulously. "How did that posh Brit get infected by rabies?" Dietrich turns in the direction of the three young Brits. "That is an actual question for you. You have all spent time together here at the excavation. Did something happen to your friend? Was he scratched or bitten by some dog, fox or jackal?" The three young men bear such obviously guilty expressions that Troy mutters: "You've hit that nail straight on the head, Captain Sherlock." Glaring at Troy briefly in annoyance about the nickname, the German Captain turns his attention back on the Brits. "What has happened, gentlemen?"

The one who has attacked Dietrich clears his throat. "We were out in the desert performing measurements a few weeks ago, when a wild jackal just stormed at Jonathan and attacked him. The Arab workers drove it off with sticks, but Jonathan was already bitten. We disinfected the wound and he joked that Anubis had chosen him, you know the jackal headed god who guides the souls to the scale where they are to be weighed..." Dietrich nods curtly. "I'm familiar with basic concepts of Ancient Egyptian mythology, Mister..." "Yates, Sir, Alexander Yates. And I truly want to apologise for attacking you." The German Captain nods curtly again, while Troy is torn between glaring at the Brit and eyeing the young officer with concern. "I can understand your distrust of an enemy soldier, especially when he shoots your friend in front of your eyes", Hans Dietrich argues grimly. "You're not an enemy soldier, Captain", Sam Troy protests vehemently. "You're a U.S. army officer, even got an American passport by now." "Regardless of my passport or uniform, I am still a German, Sergeant", the Captain counters. Troy snaps now: "That doesn't make you a criminal on principle, Captain." Dietrich sighs wearily. "Not in your eyes, Troy, but in many others' it does make me their hated enemy automatically." Looking back at the three young men, he addresses them clearly: "Please continue with your explanation, Mister Yates!"

Looking even more guilty than before, the Oxford student speaks with a slightly quivering voice. "At the beginning Jonathan's wound healed rather well and we did not worry or think much about it. But then he became more and more confused and strange, started to study the book of the dead and its spells, Egyptian burial rites and the mythology of the afterlife. He became... obsessed with the idea that Anubis has chosen him and a sacrifice to the jackal headed deity would save him. That's why he persuaded us to participate in the ritual to help him, because he needed supporters for the chants, the verses. What Jonathan actually did during this ritual though was gruesome, vile, even horrifying." The German Captain raises his eyebrows in a silent question, looking from Yates to Hendrick who has not described this in such a desperate tone.

The young Brit seems to listen with a horrified fascination that Dietrich recognizes from shell shocked soldiers, while his friend Yates continues with his recount to the German officer: "I don't know how Jonathan had obtained it, but he had a captured jackal ready at the stone which he declared had been shown to him as his altar by Anubis himself. First, we mainly recited ancient Egyptian chants and spells, but then he took this large ritual dagger and rammed it into the jackal's heart. As if this wasn't enough he", Yates stutters and hesitates, then screws up his courage, as he sees his friends shiver with fear and trauma. "He drank the blood of the dead jackal and howled like a beast. It was truly inhuman." Hendricks is crying now and repeating the words over and over as if trying to convince himself: "The howl... just a jackal in the distance." Even Troy looks distraught by now and whispers into the German Captain's ear: "Holy mother of God. Have you ever heard anything like that?" Dietrich merely shakes his head, looking obviously affected by the disturbing tale as well. "Never, Troy. If anyone, Moffit can help us here."

With his gun drawn, Tully emerges from beyond the dune to their side and shouts: "Sarge, Cap, you alright?" Both wince at the startling call. "All clear. Come down, Tully!", Troy shouts automatically, pushing the disturbing story to the back of his mind. "Bring the First Aid kit, Private!", Dietrich orders sternly. Pettigrew bends down to pick up a white case and swiftly descends the dune with practiced ease. "Mister Hendricks and Sterling have been bitten by a rabid man. The wounds must be disinfected meticulously and washed clean several times. Doktor Sommer warned me that this first treatment is the most important." "I'll help you, if you give me instructions, Captain", Troy offers immediately. "We will take care of Hendricks then, Sergeant. Private Pettigrew, check on Mister Sterling please!", the German Captain replies matter-of-factually. "Sure, Cap", Tully replies, shifting his matchstick casually in his mouth, as he puts down the First Aid kit next to the trough with water. "That water isn't clean. Don't use it for washing the wounds!", Dietrich tells him calmly. Nodding in understanding, Tully focuses on his task, while the German crouches with Troy next to Oliver Hendricks who still appears shell shocked, crying and muttering without putting up resistance against his treatment.

Although his own injuries keep the Captain from actively laying hands on their patient, Sam Troy feels utterly relieved to have the stern, concentrated and competent young officer around who provides him with clear instructions without fussing in any way, always speaks in a calm and reassuring manner that helps to calm the Sergeant's own nerves as much as keeps their patient from reacting in any way with fear or panic. After rinsing the bite for the third time, Dietrich insists on disinfecting the whole area of the wound with alcohol again, before putting Sulfa powder on the actual bite and its surroundings and bandaging the lower arm. "We could do that more often. You're really good as an instructor", Troy tries to express his gratitude. The German seems to realize his intent, as he merely nods, while observing the young Brit intently and with clear worry in spite of his creased brows. "A few more of these missions and you can get yourself hired by the Red Cross, Captain", Jack Moffit's dry humoured comment from behind them startles both men. Dietrich merely snorts with some amusement. This is an option he has not even considered yet. The Red Cross are a neutral faction in this war and could remain his last resort, if he falls from grace with the Allied side in addition to the Axis side. "You can lead your friends back to the truck, Mister Yates!", Hans Dietrich instructs Alexander Yates who nods and guides Oliver Hendricks at his arm after pulling him up onto his feet, while Will Sterling follows of his own accord.

Jack, who has observed the cooperation between Dietrich and Troy in treating the young Brit for quite a while before announcing his presence, intends to satisfy his own curiosity now. "How have you become so familiar with the symptoms and treatment of rabies, Captain?", Moffit inquires curiously. "Some of my men played with a stray mutt in the streets of a town where we had to resupply. The dog which apparently had been rabid like many other strays here in North Africa bit one of them and even though Doktor Sommer treated him immediately, he was infected with rabies and suffered from exactly the symptoms we could observe with the Brit after a few weeks, attacked another soldier and was shot by the camp guards in the end. The foam around the mouth was the same, as was his fear of water. That's when I realized what we were actually dealing with here", Hans Dietrich explains matter-of-factually with a worried expression.

With a serious expression, the young German Captain adds: "For this reason I was also quite wary of Fritz, when he first jumped at me and even considered shooting the mutt. But since he acted absolutely tame and friendly without any aggression, as well as understood and listened to German commands, I allowed him to stay, first on probation, then on the long run, as he provided a great consolation and motivation to my men as a unit mascot." "I'm sure Hitch would love you, if you let him keep Fritz as our unit mascot", Troy comments with a sympathetic smile. The risk they have taken by playing with the little stray dog has not even occurred to him until now. "And Corporal Gottschlich will fear Fritz. He's no war dog or even a trained guard dog, only knows a few trained commands and his main competence lies in begging for food. Leaving him as a pet with Ari is the most reasonable thing to do to allow both of them a good life", Dietrich counters with a slightly pained expression. After all, he has an emotional bond to the little dog as much as to the Jewish boy, but wishes for the best for both of his wards he feels responsible for in different ways.

With an even more pained expression, the young officer adds: "I can only hope that the two young men were not infected with rabies as well, but I will instruct our medics to keep them under frequent supervision. If they pose a threat to the camp, Captain Boggs and I will have to order their arrest for the protection of everyone else." Troy looks at the German Captain with sympathy. "That's a pretty tough thing to decide. Wouldn't want to be in your place, Captain." Dietrich nods grimly. "In spite of humanity and sympathy, I have a clear obligation to my men, Sergeant. That is a matter of duty, honor and moral principle!" "Nobody doubts you in this regard, Captain", Jack Moffit speaks in a consoling tone with the dejected looking younger man. His morals and conscience have cost the German Captain dearly, yet he has not budged from still standing by his principles which is a feat the Cambridge scholar truly admires him for, as he has met few men able to do that in times of war and fanaticism.

Tully has already taken off during their discussion, brought the First Aid kit back to the Jeep and started to help with loading the truck, as has Riku Gottschlich. "What's going on here?", Gotty asks Tully with a whisper, nervously looking over his shoulder whether somebody could eavesdrop on them. "Rabid guy bit two other guys. Cap shot him", Tully summarizes what he has grasped of the situation concisely. "Rabid?", the young Japanese-American asks with an expression of horror and fear. Tully merely shrugs, shifts his matchstick to the corner of his mouth and mutters: "Ask Cap or Sarge! We'd better help them load that truck now." Gottschlich nods in agreement, but has become even more tense than before and constantly observes his surroundings in unparalleled paranoia. Along with his festering dog bite he has had to worry whether he would have been infected with rabies, when he has been bitten by their neighbour's dog as a teenager. The experience has left him traumatised not only regarding dogs, but also when it comes to fearing this particular disease.

As Captain Dietrich approaches the two soldiers with Sergeant Troy and Moffit walking at his left and right side, Gottschlich turns toward him immediately. "Captain Dietrich, Tully... Private Pettigrew has told me a rabid man bit two others and you shot him. Is this true?" The German officer scowls slightly at the question and the tone which tells him that Gottschlich is more emotionally shaken than the Captain would have expected. Guessing a connection to his fear of dogs, the tall man replies with the calm reassuring tone he has applied for the injured and bitten men as well: "It is true that one man in this camp suffered from rabies. He bit two others and I had to shoot him, before he could do even more harm. We have taken the best possible first aid measures, cleaning the men's wounds. You don't have to worry, Corporal Gotschlich, as the disease is only transferred through blood or spittle." Gotty looks at him through fear filled wide eyes. "I know, Sir. I'm just worried. Could there be more cases?" "Not if all of them have been honest with us", Dietrich tries to calm him. "But we will check them all in sickbay and the wounded will have to face daily checkups with our medics." The younger man breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Captain. I... I am afraid of contracting rabies, ever since that dog bit me", Gotty confesses. Dietrich meets eyes with him, as he addresses him calmly. "Thank you for your honesty, Corporal. After my experiences with the disease, it is definitely not something I would want to suffer from, ever. Rest assured that I will do all in my power to protect our camp and keep my men safe!" Once the German recognizes the relief and relaxation settling in Gottschlich's eyes and body's tension, he tells him with a strict tone: "Continue helping with loading the truck, so that we can leave as quickly as possible." "Yes, Sir", Gotty replies with more self-assurance and steadiness in his voice than before.

"Will you listen to me as well, when I want to tell you about my problems?", Troy asks the German teasingly. "Haven't I listened to your melodrama about your marriage, your family, emigration and your abomination of a brother, Sergeant?", the Captain counters sarcastically. "Clerical duties are part of an officer's job, as I told you, Troy." "Hard to tell, when you're talking to a friend and when it's your official business facade", Troy throws back at him. "It's excellent that you realize this. That's exactly the reason why it's not appropriate to form friendships between officers and enlisted men in the first place, Sergeant", the younger man confronts him with obvious sarcasm. "Don't offer me any nonsense like ending my probation or whatever, Dietrich!", Troy snaps at him. "Refrain from violating my name, Sergeant! I did not even consider offering such a thing. I know better than to waste my energy fighting against your stubbornness", Hans Dietrich counters dryly. "Who are you calling stubborn?", Troy growls. "You Troy", Moffit intercedes. "The Captain is actually the more reasonable one most of the time." After the last statement, both men glare at him, both clearly affronted. "What is most of the time supposed to mean?", Dietrich growls, as Troy snaps: "Look who's talking 'bout being stubborn?"

"When you three gentlemen are finished acting like children, I would like to receive a report about what has happened to my students!", Professor Stevenson admonishes them with his strict teacher tone, adjusting his glasses on his nose to get a clearer focus on the three. Jack and Hans have the decency to blush at the stern reminder of their inappropriate behaviour, while Sam merely glares stubbornly at the British snob who dares to dress him down like a schoolboy. After clearing his throat, the German officer takes the initiative to provide the report in as much detail as necessary, but as concisely as possible. The British Professor's eyes widen more and more the longer the recount continues about not just one of his students being shot in the middle of his expedition camp, but also his students performing occult rituals behind his back which defy all logic, science and human sanity. "This is an unspeakable lunacy, if I ever have heard of one", he finally mutters.

"Nonetheless, it is the truth, as reported to me by the young men. They were badly shaken and traumatised, but I have no doubt that they have told the truth or what they have perceived for the truth, as Hendricks originally only told me about a jackal howling in the distance. He was truly shell shocked by hearing the vile description his friend provided to Sergeant Troy and me. He was lying to himself, not to us. I am assured of that", Dietrich argues grimly. "We will treat them all in our sickbay and keep them under supervision in case they show any symptoms of rabies. This is a necessary security measure for their own protection as much as for the protection of everybody else." "I understand, Captain", Professor Stevenson mutters in a dejected tone that makes him appear more present in the here and now than ever before on this day. "I can only thank you for everything. I would not wish to imagine how this madness would have escalated, if you had not been present." "I have given you my word to help you, so I will keep it", the young officer growls proudly. "An attitude that honors you, Captain", the Professor replies.

"So let's focus on something practical. Get that truck loaded and get the hell outta here on the fastest route possible", Sam Troy interrupts, now that he sees that the worst of the report is over. If he is totally honest with himself, he still feels unsettled whenever he hears the recount repeated, as it still feels too unreal, too vile and too insane to be true. But he trusts the Captain as a good judge of character, when he believes the young men not to lie to them, but rather to themselves. Nonetheless a feeling of something uncanny, inhuman being at work here remains and deeply troubles the Sergeant who has not considered himself a religious or superstitious person at all, but now feels the sudden urge to know that some deity or whatever else will protect him. 'Pull yourself together, Sam. You're losing it!', he admonishes himself sternly and focuses back on Dietrich and Moffit who both provide their description of the suggested safest route back to the camp to the Professor and his assistant who has joined them in the meantime, unnoticed by the Sergeant. Cursing himself for his inattentiveness, Sam Troy observes the men and the camp closely with the clear wish to not be taken by surprise again by any of them, as paranoia gets a hold of him again.

After having finally been released by the Majors from what has felt like an interrogation, Jakob Silberblatt and Mark Hitchcock silently agree to get out of people's attention as quickly as possible. Ari more than happily plays 'fetch the stick' with Fritz who enjoys having a tireless partner for this game as much as the boy. Having grabbed two folding chairs from their tent, Jakob and the Hitch sit together, chatting vividly about poetry, while keeping an eye on Fritz and Ari. "I had no idea you had nice sounding poetry in German", Hitch comments with a dreamy smile. "Don't tell me you've never heard of Goethe or Schiller before, Private Hitchcock?", Jakob Silberblatt inquires with irony. "They're German?", Hitch inquires incredulously and Silberblatt actually rolls his eyes. "Just kidding. Of course I heard of them, but I've only ever read the English translation. The German original really sounds ... impressive, nice, I don't know how to term it", the young Private explains.

"All poetry is written not only for a certain language, but also the mindset, culture and people connected to it. That's why foreign poetry is interesting. It tells you so much more about the people than just the words themselves transport", Jakob replies with a smile. "I've only ever known English", Hitch admits. "If I learn German, I could finally read your poetry. That sounds actually interesting. Do you have any good love poems in German?" Jakob Silberblatt laughs. "Of course. We have lots of them. Poets are all the same kind of hopeless romantics after all, independent of their language, culture, religion or heritage." Then, he starts reciting in his best recitation tone of voice:

"Ewig starr an deinem Mund zu hangen,
Wer enthüllt mir dieses Glutverlangen?
Wer die Wollust, deinen Hauch zu trinken,
In dein Wesen, wenn sich Blicke winken,
Sterbend zu versinken?"

Hitch stares at him open mouthed in fascination. "This was ... wow... just amazing. What does it mean, Lieutenant?" Silberblatt smiles. "You don't have to call me Lieutenant. I'm not Hans after all to have been indoctrinated with military titles and proper behaviour since early childhood. Just call me Jakob." "You call me Hitch then, everyone does ... well, except for the Captain ... Dietrich... your friend, I mean", Mark struggles for the right words, even though the German officer is not even here to reprimand him. Jakob laughs heartily. "Don't worry! Hans is not even half as stern as he has perfected to make people believe." "Sarge says that too, but I don't know, he's been pretty stern with me", Mark argues. "He has little tolerance for nonsense and you have an affinity for it. You will bicker with him from time to time because of that, but he's really neither brutal nor unfair. Try not to anger and annoy him and he'll like you. He wouldn't trust you with Ari, if he didn't respect you to a certain degree", the young Jewish officer argues. "Oh. That actually makes sense", Mark mutters.

With a grin, Jakob adds: "So. Now that you can rest assured that my friend won't do you any harm. Let's translate Schiller's wonderful verses for you, Hitch.

To hang eternally on your mouth,

Who reveals to me this burning desire?

Who the lust, to drink your breath,

In your being, when glances beckon,

To sink dying?"

Hitch almost shudders. "Wow. It's even more intense, when you understand the words. Would you teach me some German poetry?" Jakob shrugs nonchalantly. "Of course. Why not? I love poetry and it has been years since I've had anyone to share it with, as my parents consider it hogwash and my sister has chosen Hans as her idolised older brother rather than me, focusing on the rational scientific approach instead of the aesthetics and beauty of lyrics and language, of arts and culture. She wants to study medicine like our father who supports her in this attitude." "Tough luck. I have no siblings, so I don't know what it's like to have this comparison or sharing your parents' attention with someone. But I do enjoy showing things to Ari. He's really like a little brother." Jakob smiles warm-heartedly. "He is to me as well. Hans is more torn between being called the brother, but having to play the role of the responsible parent." Hitch smiles now. "I've never seen him as friendly and empathetic as when dealing with Ari. Cap really likes the boy." "So he does", Jakob replies with a smile. "So, do you want to hear the rest of Schiller's poem?" Hitch grins. "You bet!"

Once Gotty and Tully together with three remaining archaeology students have finished loading the truck with the rest of the equipment and supplies, they can start their way back to the U.S. army camp. Professor Stevenson rides next to his assistant Rudolph Martin who drives the truck. The archaeology students sit in between crates with supplies and their artefacts, none of them in the mood for chatting after the death of their friend at the hands of the Captain who has shot him to save Oliver Hendrick's life. The two army Sergeants have buried the unfortunate man before their departure, allowing nobody to get too close to the body to avoid spread of any kind of disease or infection, if somebody would have touched the blood at the bullet wounds. Oliver Hendrick, the young Brit who Dietrich has saved appears particularly heavily affected by the traumatic experiences, staring ahead with a thousand yard gaze, unseeing and uncaring for his surroundings.

Tully's Jeep with Dietrich and Moffit takes the lead, while Gottschlich and Troy cover the rear. The five soldiers are more than relieved to ride in their own vehicles without being drawn into the gloomy atmosphere and mood of the British expedition. Used to riding silently, they all follow their own trains of thoughts. Tully remains focused on the present, not bothering about the events in the camp any more than any other horrific things he has experienced in this war or even before it. Riku Gottschlich struggles with his own fear more than following the truck, as even the American Private with a penchant for speedy driving cannot go too fast to not lose their convoy. Contracting rabies along with being bitten by a dog again is among Riku's worst fears. Although the Captain's dog appears to be a particularly friendly and playful specimen, he still fears the creature for the simple possibility that a single bite could infect him, but would never dare to admit this to Dietrich who truly seems to like the unruly animal.

Sam Troy behind him is more shaken than he would ever admit, even to himself. Shooting a man has become his daily routine, meeting wounded and sick men is a sad part of the reality of war as well. But the strange and disturbing tales of young British scholars performing some demonic rituals for ancient gods, slaying animals and drinking their blood is deeply disturbing for him. These guys are academic folks like Jack Moffit whom he considers his friend and all of them young folks from his guess somewhere of the age between Gotty and Tully for goodness' sake! Troy has seen that Hans Dietrich who has heard the first hand recount similar to himself has not been unaffected by the vile descriptions, but apparently the Captain is much better than Sam in handling this information, as he has summarised it concisely for Moffit and that crazy Professor without looking totally shaken to the core. The guy has lived through the Nazis' and SS' vile deeds, so the German is probably used to stomaching much more immoral and gruesome stuff than he is, particularly when it comes from the side of his allies, not his enemies.

Hans Dietrich is reflecting on all that he has heard. Although the ritual description has been vile and gruesome, it has disturbed him less in the light of what he has heard about the SS and their torture chambers than the young Englishman's reaction to hearing the recount of a event where he has been present himself, yet described it to the Captain with what Hans has perceived as honesty. Yes, Oliver Hendricks has told him the truth, of that he is sure, or at least the truth as the young man has perceived it. That he has been able to fool himself into changing his own memories of horrific events to such a degree that he appears utterly shell shocked by the revelation of the truth is disconcerting for the young officer. In addition, the young officer truly worries that in spite of their best efforts, the two young Brits might have been infected with rabies through their colleague's bite. To take lives unnecessarily and in such a horrible way, saddens him after having seen too many young men lose their lives in this war over a few meters of frontline in a sandy desert none of the two combating parties actually cares about. In his heart, Hans truly believes that killing Jonathan Harper quickly was a mercy for the suffering young man, but he can only hope that neither he nor any of his soldiers or allies will have to do the same to put Hendricks and Sterling out of their misery, should they have been infected.

Jack Moffit worries about the ritual, Hans Dietrich has summarised and described concisely for him. The participants have not been any half-wits or other cretins, but British upstart academics, such as he himself has been a few years ago. Even though some of his peers might have sneered and pointed at Oxford not being up to Cambridge's standards, he has seen enough of the world to know that this is mere hogwash and the lunacy apparently stemming from the crazed student's befuddled mind has enough systematics and similarity to occultists' practices who have for decades wound their way into British high society, combining archaeology, history and mythology with stage tricks and con art. Getting to the bottom of the matter is of vital importance for him. While Jack knows that Troy is too grounded in reality to care about things such as these, the German officer is educated, curious and circumspect enough to realize the importance of such an investigation and even support him actively, as he has a strong sense of justice and excavating hidden truths which makes him an ideal partner for such an endeavour for Moffit. Tapping the younger man sitting before him on the shoulder, the British Sergeant starts a shouted conversation with the Captain, arguing for an investigation.

"Where is Hans?", Ari laments after they have finished their dinner and sit together at the enlisted men's table, as Jakob wants to avoid being drawn into any conversations about the General, the Major or his friend, using Hitch and the boy as his alibi. "He told you that he might not come back today", the Jewish Lieutenant tells the pouting child with an apologetic tone. "But he could be hurt or sick", Ari argues and Jakob sighs. The experiences of the last days when his friend has not spent a single day without requiring some kind of treatment in sickbay have apparently left a clear impression with the boy. "You don't have to worry. Sam Troy will take care of him", the Jewish Lieutenant argues. Ari thinks about this for a while, then asks: "So he will bring Hans back and help him, if he is hurt?" Hitch smiles at the statement. "Sure as hell, Sarge will do that." Ari looks confused by the expression he has never heard before and both men are more than happy to distract him with language explanations. With a yawn, Fritz meanwhile curls up under their table after the coup of the day. The cook has burnt more than half a dozen sausages too badly to give them to humans and so the cunning little expert for food acquisition has gotten his fair share. Almost too full to move the little brown dog starts snoring softly, as he digests his dinner.

A soldier quickly running to the officer's table draws Jakob's attention. When Captain Boggs rises and follows the man, Jakob whispers to Hitch: "You look after Ari. I'm trying to find out what called Boggs outside." Hitch smiles and winks in response, whispering: "You can count on me." Jakob is an easy-going guy who one can quickly become friends with and supporting him is not even a question for Hitch. "Hey, Ari", he addresses the kid and draws his attention away from Jakob who can sneak out of the tent in Boggs' wake. Jakob Silberblatt realizes his mistake, as soon as he steps out of the tent and finds himself surrounded by total darkness. He is so used to walking with somebody else at all times that he has not even considered carrying his own electric torch until now. Luckily for him, Boggs has kept up Hand Dietrich's nightwatch posts with signal fires which provide orientation points in the camp. Walking toward the closest bright spot in his line of vision, Jakob realizes that he has been lucky, as he meets the camp Captain there. "Captain Boggs", he greets the officer nonchalantly and inquires: "Any news from our rescue team?" Boggs smiles at him in a friendly manner. "A soldier has just reported the sighting of headlights of several vehicles. We have to prepare for combat of course, just in case this is an enemy attack, but we expect that this is your friend with the British expedition."

Jakob smiles widely. "That's good news. We've been worried that they might have to camp in the desert and only return tomorrow." Boggs smiles as well now. "Your friend is particularly cautious and circumspect to consider all possibilities which makes him a good commander though sometimes too hesitant to act, when quick actions would be required. Sergeant Troy would never have bothered to even worry about the possibility and have adapted, if the need would have arisen." "They are quite different in this respect", Jakob concedes. "Which makes them a good team. The Sergeant has never listened to my warnings and advice for caution, but he listens to your friend and the other way around", Boggs assesses coolly. "Ah, there they come." Jakob looks in the direction of the moving lights which are still out of the camp in the desert, but approaching quickly. Apparently, Tully Pettigrew know his way around the camp's vicinity by heart, as he has not lowered his speed.

When the two Jeeps and the truck halt, the five soldiers are the fastest to get out, while the Brits appear a lot more hesitant. The Professor and his assistant look around curiously and cautiously. The students from the loading area start climbing down, helping their injured comrades. "Good evening, Captain Boggs", Dietrich greets the American Captain formally, providing a salute with his bandaged left hand. "Moin, Jakob." "What has happened to you, Hans?", Silberblatt asks with clear concern, as he notices the bloodsmeared gashes in his uniform sleeve in addition to the bandage around his hand and arm. "A lot", the German officer replies dryly, then addresses the older American Captain: "Two men require immediate medical attention. They have been bitten by a rabid man. I suggest keeping them under frequent medical supervision, as long as they remain in our camp, should they have contracted the disease." Boggs looks almost as shocked as Silberblatt. "Bitten by a rabid man?", Boggs repeats incredulously. "Indeed. One of their colleagues had been infected and they had been unawares of the severeness of his sickness, until he attacked and almost killed one of them. I had to shoot the man", the German Captain replies sternly. "I will provide you with a full and precise report, Captain Boggs. But these men require medical treatment most urgently." "Please guide them to the sickbay, Lieutenant Silberblatt", Boggs orders and Jakob nods reluctantly, as this will mean that he will miss Hans' report, although he can always ask for his friend's explanation anytime later, since they share the same tent anyways.

"Sergeant Troy and I have been attacked and injured by a falcon, but these injuries have already been taken good care of. Take the Sergeant with you to sickbay, if you can manage to persuade him, Jakob", Dietrich adds. "What about you?", Jakob inquires. "I will have my checkup in sickbay after providing my report, as I have only suffered a few scratches", Hans replies. "Then come along. I can't await your report, Captain Dietrich", Boggs orders and leads him to the office tent. Jack Moffit meanwhile takes care of providing assistance to Professor Stevenson and Rudolph Martin for organising to have their tents for sleeping built up by several soldiers. Surprinsingly for Jakob Silberblatt, Sam Troy does not refuse to go to the sickbay for a checkup, but even offers to assist him with herding the British students there. Tully and Gotty take care of their vehicles in the meantime, glad to not be involved in the middle of the fray.

"This is unbelievable", James Boggs exclaims incredulously, after Dietrich has provided the report of the attack of the rabid man, his background and the strange ritual as described by the young British academics. "Those were exactly my thoughts", the German Captain agrees. "I have accompanied such expeditions for six years during my school holidays when a was still a teenager, but I have never even heard of anything like this, not then or in the last two years during the war. Neither has Sergeant Moffit nor their Professor ever encountered anything like this ever before. I would blame it on the madness that is one of the symptoms of rabies, but the other three who participated were not sick at the time, as far as we know. I cannot even guess what could motivate an educated, intelligent young man to act like that." Boggs shakes his head in disbelief. "What do you suggest, Captain Dietrich?" Hans Dietrich provides a clear and precise list of suggestions, as he has had hours to think about this during his Jeep ride.

"We need to check all their health in sickbay regularly and the two men who have been bitten should report to our medics at least twice per day, to recognize the critical phase of the disease early enough to protect the rest of the camp. Once they start to become aggressive or afraid of water, we need to put them under arrest or isolate them in medical care, but without endangering our medics", the lean younger Captain argues. Boggs nods, as this sounds reasonable and plausible. "Arresting civilians is not something usually done, but in this case it is warranted for disease control." The tall young German officer nods contently, then prepares for his second suggestion as agreed with Moffit. "The young man's friends argued that he has researched specific contents after his behaviour started to change. Neither Sergeant Moffit nor I can understand or explain how the man has changed from an academic into a mad cultist, performing animal sacrifices in occult rituals. Therefore, I would like to suggest to conduct an investigation simply to make sure that we are not missing anything here, some influence whether through occult circles or enemy powers and spies." Boggs gapes at him in total disbelief. "I am aware that you are particularly paranoid after all that has happened to you on your former as well as your current side and it has been for the benefit of the camp that you are, but isn't this a bit ... farfetched?"

Dietrich scowls, obviously struggling not to feel too offended at being called insanely paranoid in a very polite way. "Captain Boggs, if there is nothing to find, all Sergeant Moffit and I will do is waste a few hours of our lives, reading through the man's diary, notes and letters", the lean young Captain argues with a stern tone and slight concern laced into it. "But if there is something to be found, not conducting an investigation could be fatal." James Boggs furrows his brows, as he weighs the arguments, while he scrutinizes the tall German who stands at attention as usual and appears serious, diligent and truly caring about the camp's inhabitants' wellbeing. The man might be paranoid and have a tendency toward rebellious or insane, yet brave behaviour, but Hans Dietrich is for sure competent, intelligent, calculating and diligent. He would not waste ressources unnecessarily and unlike Jack Moffit simply to sate his own curiosity. Captain Boggs finally sighs wearily. "Fine, Captain Dietrich. You and Moffit may conduct your investigation of the deceased man's personal documents and notes, but only starting tomorrow." Dietrich nods contently, seeing no reason for rushing this investigation. "Thank you, Captain Boggs." "Get some food and rest. And before that get your injuries checked, Captain Dietrich!", Boggs advises him with the tone of the stern but caring parent. "I require my second in command healthy and well-rested." Scowling slightly, the German Captain salutes with his left and turns on his heel to make his way to sickbay.

When Hans Dietrich enters the sickbay, he briefly wonders, if an Arabic souk could even manage be any more chaotic and loud than the field hospital is right now. In between the hoard of confused, scared or angry British scholars, Doctor Andrews, Sommer and Riggioli discuss loudly what to do with the potential rabies patients, while the nurses have started to exchange their own whispered opinions on the situation in German and English respectively. Troy - who else? - bellows commands, while Jakob tries to calm people down and deescalate the situation. In addition, the British, American, German and Italian patients have started their own discussions, as rabies, rabbia or Tollwut is enough or a horror to incite fear in all of them. "What is going on?", Major Bracken shouts from the officer's ward. "Why has nobody any respect left for officers nowadays? No reports, no explanations. Rowdies, all of them!" Deciding not to get involved with the British Major, when he is in such a mood, the German Captain approaches the three medics.

"Hauptmann Dietrich", Doktor Sommer greets him with relief, as the first to notice the tall officer's presence. "Captain Dietrich", Andrews addresses the young man sternly. "Why did you bring these men to camp, when there has been a case of rabies among them?" "Should I have left them out there to die either at the hand of Axis soldiers, Bedouin raiders or each others, if the rabies would have spread?", the German Captain growls back at him indignantly. "These are hardly the principles of humanity and decent behaviour I have been brought up with." Riggioli, the Swiss Red Cross medic, claps his hands. "Bravo, Capitano. Finally, somebody who stands up for the principles of basic humanity." "Herr Hauptmann", Sommer comes to the aid of his American colleague. "bringing these men to camp has been a risk." Dietrich scowls at him and Andrews grimly. "I am aware of this, Ludwig. We have both seen what this disease does to the human mind and body which is why I recognized the symptoms, but only too late when the original patient reacted with fear and aggression to the offered water. He would have killed that man if I had not shot him", the tall officer argues sternly. "But the man is shell shocked, has been bitten and is traumatised from an additional event before that I would like to discuss with you three out of earshot from the rest of the tent later." All three medics appear baffled now.

"Fine", Andrews concedes. "I see why you couldn't have abandoned the men in the desert. Bringing them here for medical checkup is the next reasonable thing to do." "Good that we agree on that, Doctor Andrews", the tall young officer announces coolly. "Would you please perform the check for rabies now among all of them and disinfect the bites of the two victims again. We did this as thoroughly as possible immediately after the attack, washing them clean several times, as I still remember your lecture on wound management, Ludwig." Sommer smiles in a friendly manner. "You would have been a good medic yourself, if you were less prone to risking your own life and health, Herr Hauptmann." Dietrich scowls at him, but does not protest, as Troy interrupts him. "Finally, some voice of reason has entered this tent." With clear bemusement, the Captain states dryly: "And you realize yourself and so adequately pointed out that your voice could not be considered a voice of reason." Seeing the German's wide grin, Troy growls without any malice: "Jerry smartass."

Lisa Hartigan and Deirdre O'Donnell approach them now. "Captain Dietrich, finally someone to wrangle this bullheaded stubborn mule of a man", the American nurse greets him. "Now, Troy, here's the woman I have to take lessons from to truly insult you with a single sentence", the young officer mutters with clear amusement, as he notices the Sergeant's offended expression. "I suppose the Sergeant has put up resistance against his reasonable and warranted control of the injuries along his arm, Lieutenant Hartigan and O'Donnell", the German Captain speaks smoothly in the direction of the nurses. "We will of course both comply with such a checkup to avoid any infection or disease contracted from Horus. We already have one Egyptian god wreaking havoc in camp. We cannot bear another one." Troy and the two nurses look utterly lost by his last ironic statement, while Sommer and Riggioli appear quite amused.

The suggestion of checking them in the officer's ward to provide them with some privacy as the general part of the camp will be used for the checkup of the British archaeologists calls Major Bracken's tirade back to Dietrich's mind. But compared to the shell shocked, traumatized and annoying Brits, a single British officer should be the lesser evil. As Deirdre will have to check on Dietrich's shoulder, abdomen and head in addition to his arm, she helps the young officer out of his jacket and shirt. In spite of fighting for his self-control, the Captain flinches with pain, as moving his shoulder out of the sling again recalls the memory of the strike in his nerves. "What has happened to make this worse?", Deirdre inquires with concern. "One of the Brits attacked me after I shot the rabid man and struck me against the shoulder", the lean German grinds out between gritted teeth to not show his pain too obviously, as the nurse tries to detect any broken bones or torn sinews. "The good news is that nothing has been broken or torn through the attack, Captain. The bad news is that you will likely see an additional bruise tomorrow." "At least it will have company", the German remarks with dry sarcasm. After checking and treating the Captain's most painful longterm injury, Deirdre unwraps the young man's arm and looks at the deep scratched from the falcon's talons. "How did you get injured like that?", she gasps with slight shock.

"That crazy bird attacked us out of the blue - I mean literally it dropped out of the sky and dove for the Captain's head", Sam Troy meanwhile tells Lisa Hartigan dramatically, as she checks on his deep gashes along both arms. "And how did you get injured, Sergeant?", Lisa inquires sternly. "I grabbed that damn beast and tore it off him. Ever wrestled with a falcon?" Lisa shakes her head. "No. And I've never met anyone before crazy enough to even try that", she adds sarcastically. "I didn't want to do that either. It just ... happened", Troy argues stubbornly. "I couldn't let that hellbird tear the Captain apart after all." Both look in the direction of the lean German who winces at Deirdre's treatment of his shoulder. "You'd better keep a more watchful eye on him, Sergeant Troy. Having to treat him in sickbay every day since his arrival two weeks ago is not my idea of how I would like to regularly meet a handsome young man", she states sarcastically. "Don't let Hitch hear that!", Troy advises with a grin. "Mark should know better than to accuse me, when he uses every chance he gets for his fun", she growls sarcastcally. "But the Captain's an officer and gentleman, not the type for a one-night-stand. He treats a woman with actual respect, unless I can annoy him enough to start bickering with him." Troy smiles at the adequate assessment of the young German.

Once Lisa finishes bandaging his second arm after disinfecting every single gash and checking whether sutures would be required, Sam Troy walks over to his brother's cot. Like on he previous day, David is fast asleep. "We have to give him large doses of morphine for the night or he wouldn't be able to sleep because of the pain", Lisa Hartigan explains with a slightly saddened tone, as she steps next to the Sergeant. "How did it all come to this?", Sam Troy mutters more to himself than to the nurse who also does not have an answer to this question and turns away to give him some privacy. After a minute of silent contemplation, Sam Troy crouches next to his sleeping brother's form and mutters quietly: "I'm sorry for all that I said and did. You know that I can be bullheaded and you're no less so. I just ... hope we can leave that all behind and start afresh, Davey."

Major Bracken and Major Turner have finally found a willingly cooperative person to provide them with a report of what has caused the commotion in sickbay. Both are truly baffled and shocked by some of the events Hans Dietrich describes with German diligence and precision. Especially the description of the ghastly ritual performed by the young academics makes both of them gasp in shock. "The youth of today!", Major Bracken scolds with a scowl. "I'm telling you, no self-respecting young man would have done this in my days of youth. To consider that Oxford University's next generation has fallen so low..." Dietrich and Turner wisely decide not to answer to this tirade. The German is happy that nurse O'Donnell provides him with an excuse to leave the conversation, when he has to lie down to get the sutures on his abdomen checked as the muscles have to be relaxed for this task. The pain has barely bothered him in the afternoon anymore, possibly because the fresh gashes and the shoulder have caused him so much more pain that he has not noticed it anymore. After the check, disinfection and rebandaging of all his injuries, Deirdre helps the German officer back into the sleeve of his shirt and jacket, leaving him to get dressed by himself otherwise. By now, he has enough practice to almost perform this task with his usual speed of both hands available.

Noticing Sam Troy at David Troy's cot, the Captain takes a few steps closer and quietly inquires with some concern: "Has something happened to him?" Startled, the American Sergeant jumps to his feet and whirls around. "You're sneaky like a cat, Dietrich!", he growls accusatorily. "Don't tell Fritz! He doesn't need another hobby like cat hunting", the German replies dryly, before he reformulates his question with concern: "Is your brother alright, Sergeant? Has something happened to him?" Sam Troy recognizes the honest worry and sympathy in the younger man's brown eyes. "They just give him lots of morphine for the night, so he can sleep in spite of the pain", the American explains with a sigh, then adds sheepishly: "I thought ... well you know Davey by now, he's always loud, boisterous and chatty... I'll never get to say the things I want to say, but now he's got no chance of interrupting me." Dietrich looks the American into the blue eyes for a few moments trying to to read his emotions there, before he inquires in a carefully controlled neutral tone: "Do you feel better now, Troy?" Sam hesitates, then nods. "Yeah. I think I actually do." The German smiles wryly. "Good. Then, you have a motivation for returning tomorrow and actually telling him, when he's awake. Just startle him into silence first. I think you know enough stories that could potentially manage to do that."

Although scowling at first, Troy finally nods, before he inquires slyly: "Your clerical duties, Captain, or a friend's advice?" Unwilling to let himself get trapped so easily, the German replies with dry irony: "Where's the difference?" Grinning widely, Troy puts his hand on the younger man's good shoulder. "We'd better make our way to the canteen and grab some dinner, Captain, before dear Fritz eats up everything that's left." Tensing slightly at the strain he feels in his whole shoulder belt, the German nods in agreement nonetheless. "I would not put it beyond him. But ideally let's move without you tormenting my shoulder more than necessary." The American Sergeant withdraws his hand as quickly as if he would have been burnt. "Sorry, Captain." Turning around to salute with his left, Dietrich takes his leave from the officer's ward with dignity and quickly escapes from the situation outside by leaving the sickbay.

"That whole affair is totally uncanny", Troy shares his worry with the younger officer, as soon as they have left the tent. "You mean the situation with your brother or the British expedition?", Dietrich inquires with dry sarcasm. "You know what I mean, Captain", Troy mutters, as he looks around nervously, as he expecting an eavesdropper or some supernatural entity to emerge from the shadows at any given time. Dietrich nods quietly with a grim expression, before whispering back: "Moffit already addressed with the same worry during the ride and I fully agree with you two. I have asked Captain Boggs to allow the Doctor and me to perform an investigation, checking Jonathan Harper's diary, notes and letters for some hints of where his obsession with Anubis and the strange ritual comes from. Either it was truly the insanity caused by the disease itself, or it was induced from outside, some occult group or maybe even enemy spies." Troy stares at him incredulously. "You think spies could have told him to perform such a vile ritual?" Dietrich shrugs and winces as the movement hurts his right shoulder. "I wouldn't put it beyond the SS. You haven't heard half the rumours of what they themselves do to their relevant torture subjects. Compared to that stabbing an animal through the heart and drinking its blood sounds almost harmless, it's still an animal being killed and mutilated." "I actually don't want to know any of that, at least not today, Captain", Troy replies.

Ari is overjoyed to see Hans entering the canteen tent. "Hans!", he shouts enthusiastically as he come running toward his brother who crouches to avoid tearing the sutures on his abdomen. As Ari hugs him tightly around the neck, Dietrich notices a movement from the corner of his eye and sees somebody bending down to look at them more closely. "Are you okay?", the boy asks with clear worry laced into his words. Dietrich lowers his gaze guiltily, before answering with a forced calm tone: "I'm okay, Ari. Don't worry please." "What happened to your hand?", Ari asks, pointing at the bandaged left hand. "I got attacked by a hunting falcon. Sergeant Troy ... Sam", the German adds at the boy's confused expression who knows them all mainly by their first names, carefully avoiding to meet eyes with the American Sergeant, "saved me." Ari beams at Troy. "Thank you, Sam!" Troy ruffles the boy's hair with a broad smile. "You're welcome, Ari." Jakob entering the tent saves them for the moment, as Ari runs toward him to greet his other brother and inquires where he has been.

"So you didn't fall over dead or worse from just saying Sam, did you now?", Troy inquires with clear amusement from the young German officer. "Sergeant", Dietrich growls. "Using first names as a reference for the benefit of the boy is not the same as applying them to address each other directly." The American grins widely. "Yeah. But we're getting closer." The German growls in annoyance: "You'd better drop this line of thought immediately, Troy! As long as I serve as an officer, in particular your commanding officer, this is not an option, especially while on duty." "Hold your horses, Captain! I get it, you're a bit tetchy about that", Troy adopts what he considers a calming tone which only annoys the young Captain more, as he glares at him now, but quits the argument by turning to the man dispensing the food. Unable to hide the growling of his stomach, the lean German blushes slightly. "You forgot about lunch completely, didnt you?", Troy asks in an accusatory tone. "You didn't even eat anything before or during the ride?" Without even giving the younger man the chance to answer, he scolds him: "No wonder you look almost as skinny as on your first day!" "That's quite enough, Sergeant!", Dietrich finally interrupts him vehemently. The young soldier at the food dispense station clearing his throat reminds them both that they are not alone.

Unwilling to dwell on Troy and the whole undignified situation too much, Hand looks around for Fritz who usually provides him with a friendly greeting and harmless distraction of his worries. Not finding the insatiable little dog at his siege post is surprising for the Captain though. "I wonder what happened to Fritz?", the German mutters quietly for only Troy to hear who is still observing him closely. Sam Troy looks around, but cannot spot the sleeping little dog hidden behind several tables and soldiers either. "You think something happened to the little one?", the American inquires with actual concern he would not have expected himself. Dietrich shrugs only with his left shoulder and mutters: "I don't know. But after today's events I've started to worry more about rabid wild canines biting him, when he's strolling around the camp. And when was the last time you've seen him doing anything else except for begging for food during dinnertime?" Now Troy's expression even mirrors his worry. "We'll ask Hitch and check for him. Little Fritz has really been a great help today. Wouldn't wanna lose him because of rabies." "Me neither", the Captain mutters quietly, before turning to the soldier dispensing the food who has prepared two filled plates, bowls with desserts and tin cups with water in the meantime. "I'll take that", Troy declares, quenching any protest before it even occurs, as he loads both their dinners on his food tray.

As they approach the table where Jakob and Ari have taken their seats and again and await them expectantly, Troy and Dietrich also see that Hitch is already chatting with Tully and Gotty who does most of the explaining and answering Mark's questions about what his happened, as Pettigrew silently munches on his dinner, only adding a few words to the conversations. With their paranoia already incented, both look around warily and spot Jack Moffit sitting with the Professor and his assistant as well as the first four British students who have already been released from sickbay after their checkup, Sterling, Hendricks and Yates are not among them. Dietrich realizes that the movement he has noticed before has been the British Professor adjusting his glasses, as he does frequently, while observing him and Ari. Troy notices where the German is looking and mutters: "That's really the last table I'd like to be at right now." Dietrich smiles wryly: "Wait until they start the battle of intellects, Oxford versus Cambridge. That's when we should be finished with dinner, Sergeant." Troy glares in the direction of the Brits out of principle and annoyance for all the worries they have caused them today, muttering: "Thanks for the warning, Captain. At least they didn't bring that damn bird from hell." "Horus", Dietrich growls with equal annoyance.

When they come to the table, Fritz becomes aware of them, as the clattering of plates and cutlery is a sound deeply instilled in his subconscious. With joyful yelps he gets to his feet somewhat slower than usual. While Troy puts the tray on the table, Dietrich actually crouches and eyes the dog with some worry, as he inquires: "What's wrong with him? He's not so slow usually." Fritz has put his head on the young officer's knee and enjoys to be scratched behind the ears by his favourite master. Hitch grins widely, as he answers the question: "They burnt some sausages and Fritz got the coup of a lifetime." Relief is visible on both Dietrich's and Troy's face, as they exchange a quick glance.

"Hey, Captain. Could you tell me, us all, a bit more about that Egyptian mumbo jumbo stuff, that Anupiss and whatnot?", Troy asks Dietrich so unexpectedly, after they have sat down at the table with the others, that the Captain just stares at him for a few seconds in shock and surprise. "You know, Troy, that Moffit will be incredibly jealous that you ask me of all people to explain that 'Egyptian mumbo jumbo', as you call it, to you, when you have continuously refused to listen to him and learn it in detail from the actual expert in this field", the German officer comments with dry irony. "I didn't care about that stuff until now. But after what has happened today... I don't know, I just would like to hear a bit more, but if I ask Jack he'll talk my ears off for hours on end and never get to the point, while you're more concise. Besides, it's his own fault that he's cheating on us with his new British friends. He's got no right at all to be jealous", Troy answers, scowling in the direction of the Brits for good measure. "I have to warn you, Sergeant, I'm neither an expert in that field, nor a historian or scholar. I can just provide some rather superficial informations which come from my history education combined with what I learned at the expeditions I participated in." "What's an expedition, Hans?", Ari inquires making everyone around the table smile.

"An expedition is a bit like what we have here, Ari. Different people travel to a location in the wild, create a camp there and then look for old buildings or other things from people who lived there before. They learn about these long dead people in this way." Ari looks confused, as he asks: "Why do you want to do that?" "You want to learn ... stories from old times, like the bible, I mean the Torah", the German corrects himself with his example. "Oh", the boy tries to grasp the new concept. "So you will tell them stories, Hans?" Dietrich sighs wearily. "Yes. In a sense I will tell them stories." "I want to hear them too!", Ari declares and beams at his brother in expectation. "I never heard any story from you before." The German Captain deeply regrets to be caught in this situation that the Rats seem to enjoy immensely, judging from Hitch's and Troy's wide grins and Pettigrew's amused expression. Gottschlich at least looks somewhat sympathetic and smiles at the boy, while Jakob whispers into his friend's ear in a tone of voice that all of them can easily hear: "So we'll enjoy Hans' history lessons now."

Seeing his friend grin widely at the statement, the German Captain merely growls: "Jakob, lat den Tüdelkroom underwegens!" "What was that?", Troy inquires. "That was platt, so nothing you need to learn and remember. I told him to spare me the nonsense, Sergeant", Dietrich replies dryly, as this helps him to reign in his annoyance with his friend. Troy grins: "I'd actually like to remember that sentence. What does it mean in German?" "Erspar mir den Unsinn!", the Captain replies with a deep sigh and notices both Hitchcock and Gottschlich paying close attention as well. "The other one sounded nicer", Hitch adds his thoughts. "Platt usually does. It has originally been the language of the Northern German seafarers and mariners. But even the majority of Germans requires an interpreter to understand us, when we speak on our native tongue", the tall officer replies with amusement. "Almost like the Aussies", Hitch jokes. "Don't let Browny catch you saying something like that!", Troy admonishes with a grin and bites into a sausage.

"I want to hear the story!", Ari calls them back to order. Smiling at the boy with some amusement while taking a few bites of his own dinner, the German starts his recount: "Ancient Egyptian culture existed for about 3000 years and ended more or less when the Roman empire invaded Egypt. They had a really large pantheon of gods, each responsible for a different aspect of their lives, the sun, the Nile, life, death, houses and whatnot. Of course some were more important than others." Ari looks confused: "Why do people have more than one God? Isn't Jahwe enough?" Hans exchanges a glance with his friend Jakob. "Different people believe in different things. And the Ancient Egyptians had more than one god. Today they all believe in a single god, many call him Allah", he tries to explain in a way understandable for the child. "Oh. So they call Jahwe Allah", Ari wonders. "I always thought that's somebody else when I heard his name on the bazaar." Jakob whispers a reassuring statement into his ear, while Dietrich decides to leave the slippery ground of theology as quickly as possible, while the boy is distracted from further questions. "I can tell you that the ancient Egyptians had dozens, maybe hundreds of gods, but some were extremely relevant or found more often in such excavations. They had the sun god, Ra, and the sky god, Horus, and both had falcon heads."

Troy scowls at the name Horus, as he grumbles: "That's why he called the falcon Horus." The German Captain smiles wryly. "What else would you have expected from an archaeology Professor, Troy?" "Which falcon?", Jakob who is not yet as up-to-date as Hitch inquires curiously. Troy answers before the German officer, as he growls: "That goddamned bird from hell the crazy British Professor keeps as a pet! The beast tore our friend and me half apart with its claws and attacked out of nowhere, just dropped from the sky." "You have to admit though that my premonition was right and something did actually follow us", Dietrich adds with a dry smile, flexing the fingers of his bandaged left hand slightly, before picking up his fork again to eat more of his dinner. "You've got an instinct for that, Captain. That's why you've caught us so often", Troy admits darkly. "Not that it would have helped me or my men too much. It's hard to get attacked out of nowhere by an enemy you couldn't see before, isn't it, Sergeant?", the German Captain comments with dark irony. Troy glares at him briefly, understanding the reference and accusation, then adds in a friendlier tone: "I'm just glad I don't have to attack you anymore, Captain."

"So where's that Anupiss guy coming in?", the American Sergeant steers them away from the awkward direction this conversation has taken. "The god is called Anubis", Dietrich corrects him. Although he is not Moffit who would already have scolded Troy at the first mispronunciation, this hurts his ears too much. "He has a jackal's head and is connected with death and the god of the underworld Osiris", the German explains coolly. "That one is easy to recognize as he always has a green face, because he was killed and then brought back to life. That's why the Egpytians believed in rebirth and mummifying corpses. He also had a giant scale for weighing the heart of each man against a feather, an interesting metaphor for seeing, if somebody had a clear conscience at the time of his death." "Wow", Hitch mutters. "I had no idea that ancient Egyptian stuff could be so interesting." "Don't even think about asking Jack, when I'm present, Hitch!", Troy growls at him. "That's pretty much all I have to know about that mumbo jumbo."

Then he turns his attention back to Dietrich. "So, they killed that jackal in this ritual, because that Anubis god is a jackal, Captain?" "That would be my best guess, Troy. I honestly have no idea how exactly ancient Egyptian priests performed their rituals or whether they sacrificed the animals they considered as holy in such a way. That is a question for Doctor Moffit", the younger German replies cautiously. "Not asking him, when I have to listen to the detailed answer also counts for you, Captain!", Troy growls. "If you're allergic to history and education, why did you even ask me in the first place, Troy?", Hans Dietrich inquires with clear irony and the intention to annoy the Sergeant. "Just eat your dessert, Captain Smartass!", Troy deflects the question with a scowl. Deciding to annoy the tetchy Sergeant some more, the German inquires: "Did I understand this correctly that you don't wish to be part of our research and investigation team tomorrow, Troy?" "Not tomorrow, not ever. I didn't think I'd ever say this, but I prefer my good old Jerry enemies who just shoot at me, while I shoot at them. You know at least what you're dealing with", Troy growls sullenly.

Once Dietrich and Troy have finished their dinners, the Captain suggests to retreat for the night and get some rest before the camp has to be moved tomorrow, feeling the exhaustion after a long and adventurous day like the rest of them. As they get up to leave, Fritz rolls onto his stomach and pushes himself up on his feet as well, following Dietrich faithfully with the adoration only a dog can sense for his master. Jack Moffit however stays behind with the British archaeologists for the whole rest of the evening to provide them with instructions and reassurance, turning back to their tent an hour after the rest of the Rats who get their showers and evening routine done in the meanwhile.

Hans has taken his shower in the officer's facilities where Jakob and Ari have accompanied him. Without his friend's help, getting out of his shirt and into a fresh again afterwards would have been an even more painful struggle for the young officer how deeply resents that he is dependent on other's help and support in his current state which makes him very compliant with the medical personnel when it comes to his shoulder's treatment. As the three walk back to their tent still shared with the Rats as any other option would have been too complicated for a single night until the camp has to be moved, they notice a single figure waiting outside. The German Captain automatically assumes that Troy has put up night guards in the meanwhile without waiting for him, as they all know the drill well enough. That Hitchcock is the man on guard makes him scowl in irritation though.

"Captain", Hitch addresses Dietrich sheepishly, as the German intends to enter their shared tent right behind Jakob and Ari. When the German officer cocks his eyebrows in a questioning manner, Mark continues: "Could we, uh, talk in private?" The tall Captain looks astonished, but replies calmly, when he notices the Private's nervous manner of moving and fidgeting with his red kepi: "Of course, Hitchcock. What can I do for you?" After all the unsettling things that have happened today, he can perfectly relate with the young American feeling shocked and nervous. Mark bites his lip, then starts: "I... Major Turner questioned me about you and, uh, what you're like, you know, as a CO." The German Captain keeps his expression controlled and neutral. "That was to be expected, Hitchcock", Dietrich speaks in a deliberately calm manner. "Just like I have asked for your opinions on Corporal Gottschlich as a member of your unit, the Major and the General do the same, interviewing you, the experienced American commando soldiers about, the German defector."

"But... I'm not brass and no snitch either", Hitch argues with a tone of desperation. The German officer smiles wryly. "I'm aware of that, Hitchcock, or we wouldn't be having this conversation, induced by your conscience. You have your faults, Private, but I don't think that you would lie or have any intention to sell me out. And even when telling the truth, the General's current opinion of my person can hardly decrease compared to this morning." After giving the young American a few more seconds time to add something, Dietrich states: "If this is all, Private Hitchcock, I suppose we can finally get our deserved rest." Mark looks at the tall officer and smiles. "Yeah. Thanks, Cap, I mean Captain Dietrich." "Please don't start violating my name as well, Hitchcock! In that case even the shortcut is preferable", the Captain replies dryly. Hitch looks at him incredulously. "Uh, okay, Cap! Thanks again. Sarge's right, you really are a great guy."

Dietrich looks somewhat bemused. "For a self-declared lover of poetry your vocabulary leaves much to be desired, Hitchcock." Baffled at first, Hitch grins widely, bows and declares with true bravado: "You have earned my humblest thanks, o Captain, my Captain." Looking at the German Captain expectantly, Mark asks: "Did you prefer that, Cap?" "As long as you save the love sonnets for your girlfriend", comes the dry reply. "You don't have to apply the singular, Cap", Hitch replies with a grin and winks conspiratorially. "That is far more than I need to know", Dietrich replies with a sigh. "I'll see you around. Good night, Cap", Hitch declares with a grin, before taking off toward the showers after patting the German Captain on his upper arm, unperturbed by his glare. Not being able to intimidate the American Private anymore is the price he has to pay for the man's trust, Dietrich muses. If they all would behave like Pettigrew and refrain from expressing their sympathy through direct touch, it would be preferable for him though, but all things considered the whole situation of being in command of the Rats of all possible units could be a lot worse.

Once Dietrich and Troy have arranged their order of night guards as Jakob, Tully, Troy and Gottschlich, Jack Moffit enters, when the others want to get their rest. The British Sergeant politely wishes them all a good night and only approaches the German Captain. "Could we talk in private... outside, Captain?", Moffit inquires cautiously. Knowing the Brit well enough by now that he would not ask for such a conversation, unless it was of importance, the German nods. "I will just send the boy to bed before that." An expression mixing anger and sorrow passes over the Brit's face, before he mutters less resentfully than he looks: "Of course, Captain." "Ari, you should go to bed!", Hans tells the boy who is trying to drag Fritz into his bed. "I feel safer with Fritz", the boy tells his older brother who crouches before him. "But Fritz does not look happy", the German tries to argue, as he notices the dog's big suffering puppy eyes. "Leave him be!" Ari looks at Fritz and lets go of the brown dog who immediately turns to Dietrich and presses against the man's leg, rubbing his head on his boot. Scratching the dog behind the ears, Hans calmly instructs. "You go to bed now, Ari. With all the others around, you will be really safe and Fritz can sleep under my bed." "Okay, Hans", the boy mutters and hugs his brother around the neck, kissing him on the cheek.

"Good night, Ari", the lean young man tells him, when the child finally lets go of him. "Good night, Hans", Ari tells him cheerfully, then walks over to Jakob and tell him: "Good night, Jakob." As Ari continues his nightround with Troy, Dietrich whispers to his friend Silberblatt: "Make sure, he goes to bed afterwards. I need to speak with Moffit." Then, he gets up to return to the waiting British Sergeant and inquires with raised eyebrows: "Shall we, Doctor?" Jack points at the tent entrance in an inviting gesture. "After you, Captain." As soon as they have stepped outside, the Brit inquires urgently: "Have you been successful with initiating an investigation?" Dietrich nods, then realizes that they can barely see each other's silhouettes at the moment. "Yes, I did. But Captain Boggs insisted that we only start tomorrow morning. What have you heard that makes this such an urgent request for you, Sergeant?" Moffit regards the tall German who almost reaches his own height for a few moments, but similarly cannot make out more than the man's silhouette.

"Something is fishy about that assistant of the Professor, if you ask me, Captain", Jack replies with a stern tone. "He's compliant and everything, but for a man who's got a PhD in archaeology himself, he made surprisingly many slip-ups, when I inquired in a bit more detail about their artefacts and their respective dynasties, materials and depictions. Professor Stevenson corrected him at least two dozens of times during the evening. Per se this is not so strange, but in the whole light of the affair and our infiltration, your suspicion that there already is a spy among them might not be completely unwarranted, Captain. What this has to do with the ritual and the rabies is still unclear to me though." "As it is to me. Thank you for your diligent investigation, Moffit", Dietrich replies sternly, but with actual gratitude audible for Jack. "You're welcome, Captain. We're not only comrades in arms nowadays, but actually united in getting to the bottom of this mystery", the British scholar replies emphatically. "I'm looking forward to our next investigation tomorrow, Holmes." "But only after some good night's sleep, Watson", the Captain replies with an equally dry tone, before turning to get back into the tent.

An hour later, Troy sneaks around the camp at night, trying to get some fresh air and a bit more tired, since sleep avoids him completely at the moment. When he hears quiet muttering from a closeby tent, he notices that unintentionally or subconsciously his feet have led him to the tent of the British students. At first he can hear only soft muttering, but then a single voice with obvious British accent becomes louder and clearer, as it clearly states the words:

"Heed our call, Anubis, Guardian of the Dead, reveal thy form, let thy presence be spread!

O, Anubis, Master of Secrets, Ruler of the Underworld, guide us through the shadows, your wisdom unfurl!

Pharaoh of Amenti, Weigher of Souls, embrace our plea, make our spirits whole!

O, Anubis, Protector, Guide and Divine, descend from the heavens, let thy light shine"

Through the darkness, we seek your guidance true, unveil thyself, Anubis, we implore you!

Hail to thee, Anpu, Neb-ta-djeser, our hearts yearn for thy presence, ever so dear."

Getting goosebumps and with every hair of his body standing on end, the American Sergeant turns around to find Moffit and Dietrich as quickly as possible. He is no expert on this Egyptian mumbo jumbo, but he has heard the word 'Anubis' often enough today to recognize it and even without further understanding the detailed vocabulary it is clear to him that whatever is happening is not of the good sort. Spurred by an uncanny dread, his feet start running almost on their own accord.