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!)

39. Desert Caves and Hidden Lairs

"Dietrich!", the Captain hears Troy call over the ruins. Dozens of the bodies of his men, shot by that .50 gun on their Jeeps, lie strewn around the Hauptmann who still hesitates to step out into the open to face his opponents. "Dietrich!", the voice calls again, more demanding than before. Then somebody shakes his shoulder and Hans briefly sees the scene of his own prison cell in his own fort in front of his eyes, as an SS guard drags him from his cot and forces him onto his knees in front of a water bucket, while another holds his arms behind his back to keep him from fighting back, as Obersturmbannführer Waldheim stares at the ragged Hauptmann derisively with cold and cruel eyes. Finally, the German jerks awake and the face in front of him transforms from the SS officer into Troy's who still pins down both his arms, as he whispers his name with a certain amount of urgency. "Troy, what's the matter?", the Captain slurs a bit groggily, as the American Sergeant releases his arms, once assured that he will not fight back. "Come with us!", Troy whispers quietly and Hans Dietrich sees now that Moffit is shaking Hitchcock awake, while Pettigrew already sits on his cot.

Fritz for once sleeps quietly at the foot end of the German officer's bed and thus sneaking away without waking the dog is easier than in the previous night. The Rats leave Ari and Jakob Silberblatt to sleep, while all the rest of them are up and about. "What's going on?", the Captain whispers harshly, once he has gotten up quietly and checked his watch only to find out that it is 3 a.m. Jack Moffit standing next to him glares at Troy and backs his CO up. "The Captain has asked a valid question. That's what I'd like to know as well." Hitch yawns, while Tully looks around sharply and fumbles with his knife and Gottschlich looks totally out of his depth. "I saw them head for the dunes, while I was on nightwatch", Troy growls with a tone filled with suspicion and hatred. Dietrich blinks briefly in confusion, while Moffit stares at his fellow Sergeant incredulously. "Who headed out for the dunes, Troy?" "The goddamned British cultists", Troy snarls lividly. "You dragged us out of bed at 3 in the morning, because you think that the British students have formed a cult and perform some ritual again, Sergeant?", Dietrich asks, sounding absolutely incredulous. "You got it, Captain Sherlock", Troy confirms, looking at the German proudly. "Now let's go, before they sacrifice any jackals or whatever animals they have now. I could live with them sacrificing the damned falcon from hell though." "Troy, if this is some nonsense induced by your suspicion and paranoia you can walk behind the damned Jeep on foot tomorrow", the German growls back angrily. "Technically it's today", Jack whispers dryly, earning a glare from the Captain. "It's no fluke or false alarm. You'll see, Captain", Sam Troy promises him and something in his gaze makes Dietrich hesitate and relent. "Fine, Sergeant. We will investigate. Prepare yourself for the worst, gentlemen."

Hitch and Gotty still have not realized fully, what is happening right now, but pick up their guns, when Tully and Moffit do so and follow the two outside where Dietrich is waiting with Troy who is already armed from his nightwatch. As the Captain sleeps with his full attire, lacking any warmer clothes for the bitter cold winter nights in the desert at the end of November, he wears his belt with the gun and dagger all the time anyways. Troy notices the lean German shivering slightly, as he stands beside him at temperatures barely above the freezing point. "This had better be relevant, Sergeant", the younger man growls angrily. Being cold and tired after having been dragged out of bed does nothing to improve his mood. "It is. I swear it", Troy counters with a determined expression. "We will see", the younger officer grumbles skeptically, as he walks next to Troy who leads their way into the direction the Brits have taken according to his explanation. As they walk out of the camp's edge, marked by the last tents, only their electric torches provide them with a little light, while the desert night is clad in absolute darkness otherwise.

Dietrich almost starts to doubt Troy's story as something conjured up by his imagination, when he hears muttering voices in the distance and can make out a shimmer of light. Raising his left arm, he makes a signal for everyone to pay attention. As they draw nearer, it becomes clear that the voices belong to almost a dozen different individuals. Almost every single one of the students must be present to leave such an impression. Dimming their own lights mostly by putting their hands in front of the electric torches, the soldiers stealthily move closer. The whole group speaks a murmuring sermon and when they get closer, they can finally make out words more clearly:

"Dominus solvit conpeditos: Dominus illuminat caecos.

Dominus erigit elisos: Dominus diligit iustos."

With the exception of Moffit nobody understands or recognizes the words, while the German Captain still realizes that this is Latin, not ancient Egyptian. "What are they saying?", the German whispers to the British scholar, while the rest of the Rats move to surround the group and approach from all sides, as Dietrich has signed to them. "Our Lord looseth the fettered: our Lord lighteneth the blind. Our Lord lifteth up the bruised: our Lord loveth the just." Dietrich frowns at the translation. "I might not be an expert, but this sounds more Christian than heathen to me." Jack smiles at him. Maybe his father can convince the younger man to still pick up a study, as he would make an excellent researcher, given his intuition and language skills. "You're right, Captain. This is a psalm from the bible", Jack confirms. "Watch Troy and keep him from killing somebody!", Dietrich orders crisply, before turning to step into the light and the middle of this small convention. As he stealthily moves closer, the German Captain realizes that the men stand in a semicircle with a single man at the front who holds a book in his hands from which he is reading. Seeing that none of them is armed, Hans Dietrich forgoes drawing a weapon himself, especially since he has five armed soldiers to back him up against the pack of civilians.

Stepping into the open, the German officer announces his presence, as do his men who now close in from all sides. "What are you doing here?", Hans Dietrich demands to know. The German Captain's presence alone suffices to intimidate the British students, even when he is the only one who has not even drawn a weapon. The sight of an angry Sergeant Troy with a machine gun, supported by the rest of his unit equally armed, makes the young men shudder with naked fear. The sermon has stopped and the young man in the middle clings to the book in his hands, a bible. "We... we performed a vigil of the dead for our friend, Jonathan Harper", the one in the centre answers with a trembling voice. "Please don't kill us!", another student whimpers desperately. "As I told you all before, we are soldiers and not murderers!", Dietrich growls and several British archaeology students flinch at his angry tone. "And you should realize that you are in a military camp and cannot act as you please. Sneaking out of the camp's vicinity at night is a dubious behaviour which we have to investigate." "I'm sorry. We didn't know", one of them whimpers. "Spare me this nonsense!", the German Captain snaps lividly, making several of the young men tremble with fear. "You might be students and not soldiers, but you can't tell me that none of you has realized that your behaviour is against the camp's rules. Why did you do it anyways? And don't try to play me for a fool again!"

"We wanted to be out from under the eyes of the military. This was meant as a holy service", one of them finally dares to answer after several long moments of awkward silence. Dietrich glares at the young man intimidatingly, as the Brit shrinks back from the angry German officer who steps in front of him. "You beg us for protecting you, while we get you out of a battle zone you have unreasonably chosen as your location for study. Then, one of your friends, rabid no less, attacks two of your other colleagues, forcing me to shoot him. Your Professor's assistant turns out to be an impostor and coldblooded murderer. You spineless wimps", some of them actually start whimpering now, "dare to attack a harmless little dog, our camp's mascot. And now you tell me that you want to get out from the military's observation? You'd better start thinking rationally right now!", the German bellows vehemently, "Or I am seriously considering leaving the whole worthless pack of you spineless rats out here in the desert for whoever to find and take." "I'm sorry", one of the young men finally breaks down and to his knees, while Hitch sniffs and elbows Tully to point at another whose trousers start smelling suspiciously. Troy meanwhile eyes each and everyone of the British students with a suspicious and hate filled expression that cowers them as much as the Captain's words.

Moffit steps to the young German officer who appears truly angry now and places his hand on the younger man's good shoulder. "I think it's quite enough, Captain, don't you?" Taking a deep calming breath, Dietrich scowls, as he looks from one man to the other, until he finally nods. "You're right, Moffit. Let's call it a night." Jack smiles briefly. Even if he is quick to anger, the German officer is also quick to persuade and listen to reason, unlike Troy who is almost immune to any reasonable argument until something dramatic happens to make him rethink his position. Turning to the students, the Captain barks his orders in his usual command tone: "You will return to the camp, keep to our rules and not leave it without consulting a senior officer anymore! Is this understood, gentlemen?" None of them dare not to nod in affirmation and they scamper toward the camp like a pack of jerboas the German has compared them to.

"Troy", Dietrich growls with slight annoyance. "We have just scared a group of students who celebrated a Christian rite out of their wits. I hope you're happy now." "Who could have known that they're actually harmless?", Troy mutters sheepishly. "Who indeed could have known that a group of students is actually harmless, Troy?", Dietrich counters sarcastically. "How about common sense or has this concept completely defied you by now?" Without wanting to prolong this discussion, the German Captain, tired, freezing and annoyed, turns around to finally catch up with some sleep for the rest of the night. How Troy perfectly manages to wreck his nerves even when they are on the same side is something he does not want to dwell on right now, as it would cost him what little sleep this night still has to offer.

When Riku Gottschlich as the last night watch enters the tent at 6 a.m. in the morning and dutifully performs his waking call, several groans follow as a reaction. Fritz whimpers slightly, when Hans Dietrich shifts and the Captain realizes after a moment of groggy confusion that the dog has moved to lie on his legs instead of at his feet. Pushing himself into a sitting position, the German groans slightly, as his aching shoulder protests against the usage. As picking Fritz up only with his left arm might injure the dog's broken ribs further, he instead moves his legs apart to let the dog glide gently onto his bed, still lying on his blanket. "Fritz, geht's dir schon besser?", he asks the dog with a gentle tone whether he feels better, although he knows rather well that Fritz does not understand him and Lisa Hartigan would be the best person to ask this question. "Wuff. Woof", Fritz answers enthusiastically and wags his tail. Smiling mildly, the German scratches the dog behind the ears before finally standing up himself. Ari comes running to him immediately. "How is Fritz?", the boy wants to know and sits on Hans' cot to pet the panting dog. "Better I hope", his caregiver replies. "Would you watch him, while I get washed and shaved?" "Okay", the boy replies with a smile. "When you are healthy, Fritz, we will play again with the stick and the ball", the child then promises the dog who yelps enthusiastically, enjoying that somebody pays him attention.

Hans Dietrich turns around and finds his friend packing clothes into his suitcase without folding them and struggle to close it afterwards. "You know, Jakob. This would work far better, if you would fold your clothes. And they wouldn't look like a cow has chewed them through and spit them out again, when you take them out of the suitcase." The curly-haired Lieutenant glares at him and answers testily: "When I need an older brother to give me smartass advice, I'll let you know, Hans. But you're even younger than me." "Yeah. But he's the number one Jerry smartass in this tent", Troy comments from his position of packing up his clothes. "You could have him as an older brother advising you." Dietrich points at the American Sergeant, as he speaks with clear sarcasm lacing his voice. "Captain David Troy can give excellent recommendations how nice he is in that role... if you like sporting a black eye once in a while." "You'll soon sport a black eye yourself, you insolent Jerry...", Troy growls, but the German interrupts him with an ironic tone: "Well, Sergeant. I had been under the impression that you had given up on the notion of beating me up properly. May I remind you that beating up your commanding officer is a serious offense in any military system." "Leave him be, Sergeant Troy. It's no use crossing blades with him, when he's like that", Jakob Silberblatt recommends. "What's gotten into you, Hans? Welche Laus ist dir denn über die Leber gelaufen?" The Captain smiles wryly at the question posed in both languages, before answering in English, as he wants Troy to understand the answer. "It could be lack of sleep... because somebody", he looks in Troy's direction with a withering glare, "decided that we all investigate the Christian vigil for the dead the British students held for their dead friend." "It could have been a ritual for Abunis ... their jackal god", Troy argues. "They're British and Christians for God's sake, Troy, not some heathen devil worshippers. Their main offense was to sneak out of camp in the middle of the night without telling anybody", Dietrich growls back. "Stop seeing cults and cultists everywhere or you will walk behind the Jeep!"

Their staring duel is ended by Jakob Silberblatt asking incredulously: "When did this happen?" "This night", the German officer replies coolly. "And what did you do with them?", the Jewish Lieutenant asks with clear worry audible from his tone. "We didn't beat them up, although they would have deserved a proper thrashing", Sam Troy growls. "Idiot kids." The Captain sighs wearily. "You are aware that as students of a British university, they are of the age of Gottschlich or Hitchcock or myself. They definitely are not kids, but adults and old enough to be held responsible for their deeds and should know better than to act in such an immature and stupid way, Sergeant." Moffit intervenes now. "You are of course right, Captain. But you should not forget that none of them has served in this war and experienced what any of you has experienced. They don't possess your level of maturity and have never shouldered the responsibility you are used to carrying every day, Captain Dietrich." The German meets his gaze with the British scholar and finally nods, giving a weary sigh. "You're probably right, Doctor. This does not save them from having to face the consequences of their deeds though." Jack shakes his head. "No, it doesn't. But we shouldn't be too harsh with them either." Then, he turns his gaze from Dietrich who looks calmer now to Troy who still clenches his jaws and appears angry. The German notices this as well and adds: "We won't solve this problem here and now. Prepare everything for our departure, gentlemen. I will provide a report of our nightly actions to Captain Boggs."

With these words the German Captain finally leaves the tent and makes his way to the officers' facilities. Being washed, properly dressed and shaved is the minimum standard, Hans Dietrich requires of himself to count as presentable in front of his commanding officer. Jakob Silberblatt comes jogging after his friend and joins him on their way to the facilities, but refrains from doing anything but small talk to not anger the irritated German officer for the moment. On their way, a pair of American soldiers waylays the young Captain to hand him a bundle of several loose papers. "You said you wanted your applications in written letters, Sir", one of them tells him, as he holds out the bundle to the wary German officer who stares at it with a mixture of apprehension and incredulity. His original plan of deterring the men from continuing to apply is currently backfiring and leaving him with even more paperwork than he would have intended. At least he has had a good time reading some of the letters, as not all of the applications could be taken seriously in any way. But for the rest he really has no solution how to handle the situation, especially since General Atkins himself is unable to provide him with any reliable information.

When the two young officers finally enter the facilities, they hear a loud discussion going on and Hans quickly puts his index finger to his mouth to indicate Jakob to stay quiet, as both stand still and listen. "... I'm telling you, Griff, Winny's death wasn't just an accident. That Jerry bastard Dietrich has some hidden agenda and I'm gonna find out what it is!", they hear Lieutenant Baker speaking full of anger. "But the Captain's an honorable guy. And he couldn't go back to the Germans. They sentenced him to death", Griffith stands up for the German officer to Dietrich's and Silberblatt's surprise. "That's the official version. That guy's sneaky and manipulative, but really smart to play the hero to get people to trust him", Baker argues with a tone filled with pure loathing. "Buenos dias, Captain Dietrich, Lieutenant Silberblatt", Lieutenant Carlos greets them, as he enters the facilities behind them. 'Schiet di wat, du Schietbüdel', the German Captain curses inwardly to be interrupted in the most inopportune of moments, but greets the hispanic Lieutenant back nonetheless in a friendly tone. Apparently, he can require any ally among the U. S. army officers he can find. Together with Carlos and Silberblatt, Dietrich enters the main room and spots Baker and Griffith right away. The former eyes him with open antipathy, while the latter scowls, as he looks between his fellow Lieutenant and the German Captain. Purposefully, the lean German officer greets both of them politely, before turning to take care of his hygienic needs. Baker might hate and distrust him, but he would not backstab him right in front of three other officers, one of which is his friend, even if Jakob is not much of a fighter.

A short while later, when he is finished and considers his own appearance acceptable in front of his superior officer, Hans steps to Jakob who still struggles with combing his unruly hair and getting it into something resembling an ordered hair cut. "I will report to Captain Boggs now", he tells his friend quietly enough to not be overheard easily, but loud enough to not be considered conspiring. "I'll see you at breakfast, Hans", Jakob repeats and continues his fight against a particularly stubborn lock of hair. "Cutting it off might help", his friend comments dryly, as he turns to leave. "I don't want to resemble a shorn sheep like you, Hans", Jakob fires back and sees the proud German grimace slightly. Lisa Hartigan's sheep shearing comparison for cutting his hair still bugs him. "I will see you later, Lieutenant Carlos", the Captain comments in the direction of the other officer in a friendly tone. "Hasta luego, Captain", Carlos replies and Dietrich repeats the phrase he has heard a few times before to memorize it.

As he approaches Boggs' office tent, the older Captain leaves, but stops in the tent entrance, when he sees his younger colleague walking toward him with a grim expression. "Good morning, Captain Dietrich. I heard something happened with the British students in the night", James Boggs comments in a neutral tone, while leading the younger man inside and taking a seat at his office desk. Dietrich stands at attention, clicking his heels, salutes wincingly and his scowl turns even darker, as he replies matter-of-factually: "Sergeant Troy observed a whole group leaving the camp at 3 a.m. for an unknown purpose and without official allowance to leave. He woke our unit and we investigated their actions and sent them back to the camp after a reprimand for their behaviour." Boggs smiles wryly: "You're an expert for providing believable, well-sounding reports. I will note what you just told me in the official file. What did really happen, Captain?" Dietrich raises his eyebrows and inquires with a fake innocent tone: "Sir?" The older American Captain sighs deeply. "Troy would have fed me something similar, only a lot less well-formulated and argued with military protocol, but probably just as far from the actual truth. I know that he has operated very liberally beyond any boundaries and you do the same, only in a more elegant manner. I don't try to get you denounced, degraded or anything else, Captain Dietrich. I ask you to trust me to tell me what has really happened, so that I can be prepared if further ... repercussions might follow."

The German Captain regards his American commanding officer with an inscrutable expression, as he weighs his options. Captain James Boggs is not stupid and he knows that something else has happened that Dietrich is not telling him. Informing him and putting his faith in the man would mean that the German hands him some leverage against himself willingly, and making him more sympathetic toward him, while otherwise Boggs would distrust him more than he already does. Given the conversation between Baker and Griffith he has overheard before, Dietrich actually needs any ally he can get and antagonizing his direct commanding officer might be a very bad move. Finally making up his mind, Hans Dietrich sighs wearily. "Troy woke us all up and explained that he thought the Brits were again performing some dubious ritual. The timing and the secrecy of leaving the camp in the darkness of night made their actions suspicious. When we closed in and surrounded them, we heard them speak in Latin. Moffit translated the verses for me and they sounded like some biblical psalm rather than heathen invocations. Yet we went in to question them. The young men were rather intimidated in spite of me not even bearing a weapon." Boggs smiles wryly. "I can imagine that can be very intimidating, if you put your mind to it, Captain Dietrich, especially with your unit backing you up, fully armed." Dietrich snorts quietly. "There is some truth to that. We neither touched them, nor did them any harm, but I reprimanded them quite sharply to assure that such behaviour will not be repeated. Their justification was that they held a vigil of the dead for their friend, Jonathan Harper, the one infected with rabies who I shot three days ago. They were truly scared, especially of me and Troy, by the time they left." Boggs nods. "It's better to know this in case any complaints reach me. Thank you for your honesty and your trust, Dietrich." The younger German nods curtly and gazes at his older colleague intently.

Fighting another internal struggle, Hans finally decides to also put his other issue before the older Captain. "There is something else I need to speak with you about, Captain Boggs." James Boggs looks at the younger man with an attentive expression. "I have just unwittingly overheard a conversation in the officers' facilities that might be ... worrisome", the younger officer proceeds cautiously, never letting his scrutinizing gaze stray from the older Captain's eyes, as he tries to read him. "You're hardly the type of man to take latrine talk seriously, Captain Dietrich", Boggs comments with a puzzled expression. "I'm not!", Dietrich snaps vehemently with obviously wounded pride. Then he takes a deep breath to reign in his temper. "Lieutenant Baker is convinced that I am a traitor or infiltrator depending on how you might wish to view this." Boggs does not appear surprised, as he replies calmly: "I am aware of this, since he complains about you almost on a daily basis. During the hunt for the infiltrators he came to me even several times per day." The German officer appears stunned now. "Why did you not tell me that?", he growls in a wary tone. "In what way would knowing that have helped you, Captain Dietrich?", Boggs inquires calmly. "You were aware that several people in this camp suspected and distrusted you. And I doubt that you didn't notice before that Baker doesn't like you."

Dietrich scowls, but counters: "Whether I am under direct accusation in front of my commanding officer, rather than mere camp rumor selling me as the head of the infiltrators would have been of relevance for me. It still is!" Boggs sighs wearily. "I don't suspect you of treason or playing a false game, Captain Dietrich, and actually never have since our first conversation. Neither has General Atkins. You were the one officer he trusted the longest. You're troublesome to say the least, but honorable and honest to a fault." The German observes him through narrowed eyes, until he arrives at the conclusion that the older Captain is telling him the truth. Swallowing some of his own pride, the German admits: "Forgive me for the discussion, Captain Boggs. But I have no trust in my superiors not using anything they have against me anymore." A sympathetic expression settles on the older Captain's face. Dietrich has been sentenced to death based on less open accusations and being faced with constant distrust cannot be easy for the younger officer, proud and principled as he is. "I swear to you that I will not sell you out, Captain Dietrich", the older Captain finally assures his lean second in command, once he notices the wariness in the younger man's gaze. For a brief moment an expression of raw torment crosses over Dietrich's face at these words, before he regains control of his expression and schools his face to bear a neutral look, while the brown eyes still retain a haunted gaze. With a slightly hoarse tone, the German Captain finally replies gratefully: "Thank you." "You're welcome. Do we have anything else to discuss, Captain Dietrich?", Boggs inquires. The younger officer merely shakes his head. "Then, I suggest that you accompany me for breakfast. It will be a long day again after all."

Together the two Captains arrive at the mess tent where the Rats have already taken their seats. Fritz is enjoying the luxury of having Hitch beg for his meals only to feed him afterwards. Ari is cheering up the rather sleepy looking men through a tale of Fritz, the mongoose, who hunts cobras and other snakes to protect his family and friends, as the name Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is far too complicated for him to pronounce. When he becomes aware of his brother's arrival though, he waves and shouts: "Hans!" Then, the boy comes running toward his caregiver who crouches quickly. "I missed you. You need breakfast." The German sighs wearily. "I had to speak with Captain Boggs. But I will have breakfast now, Ari." The older Captain smiles at them briefly, before commenting: "I will leave your to your little brother then and see you, when you leave with your unit, Captain Dietrich." Then, he turns to gain his breakfast, closely being followed by the younger Captain and his ward. The young soldier handing out the food and drink smiles at the pair and hands Dietrich a plate with his food and gives Ari a mug with coffee and two extra chocolate bars, as he comments: "You have a different helper today, Captain." Smiling at the boy himself, the German replies: "Yes. Indeed." "I already gave Hitch the sausage ends and burnt stuff for Fritz", the young man adds. "Thank you, Private", Dietrich answers a bit unsure what the man wants from him, until the young soldier takes a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and hands it to the Captain in a conspiratorial manner, wrapping it around his cutlery along with a paper tissue. "I will see what I can do, Private", the Captain replies coolly. Smiling the young answers: "Thanks, Captain. Enjoy your breakfast."

"You got two, I only got one", Ari tells his brother in an admiring tone, as he carries the chocolate bar and his mug, careful not to spill anything. "I'm an officer", the German replies with a smirk. "But you can have one, since you're my little brother." "Thank you!", the boy exclaims enthusiastically. "I love you. You're the best brother I ever had." "Don't spill all my coffee, Ari!", the young officer dampens his enthusiasm a little. "Today I really need it in addition to some tea." Ari smells curiously at the cup in his hand and wrinkles his nose in disgust. "That smells like when Eema burnt the camel dung." Even the mental image of Rachel burning camel dung cannot deter the young Captain from drinking the coffee after the nightly tour at 3 a.m. "How did you get so many chocolate bars?", Hitch wants to know, when Ari sits down with them again. "Hans got two, because he is an officer", Ari lectures him in an hilarious imitation of Moffit's tone that makes them all laugh. "Maybe being an officer is better than I thought, if you get extra chocolate", the young Private replies after they have all finished laughing. The boy nods magnanimously. "Of course it is. I want to be an officer too, like Hans." The German Captain blushes slightly, as he coughs after quickly gulping down his mouthful of baked beans. Even Silberblatt, Troy and Moffit smile at the statement, while Hitch beams at the boy. "I never had an older brother, but it must be really awesome to have one like Ha... the Captain", he quickly corrects himself, as he sees the German officer narrow his eyes.

Once finished with their breakfast, they prepare for their departure. Hans Dietrich is content to see that his unit has taken care of taking down the tent, bringing their furniture to the trucks and loading their Jeeps already, even muttering a grateful "Well done, Sergeant." in Troy's direction. Ari does not discuss anymore that he has to go with Fritz on the truck, as the dog has already successfully befuddled him through his puppy eyes, while lying in Jakob Silberblatt's arms. However, the boy insists on saying goodbye to his brother Hans and his friend Mark, before following Jakob to their truck. "I will leave you to your final preparations to get my injuries bandaged in sickbay", the German Captain declares, once the boy is out of earshot. "Once I'm done, we can leave immediately." Eyeing the American Sergeant with a sly expression, he adds: "You should accompany me, Sergeant. After all, you don't want those scratches from Horus' claws to get infected." Troy's expression darkens immediately, as he growls: "Next time, I'll roast that damned bird on a spit!" "Before you start planning your falcon barbecue, follow me, Troy!", Dietrich orders coolly.

After a few steps, the American grumbles: "I know what you're trying to do, Captain. You're trying to lure me to Davey." The German officer sighs wearily. "Troy, speak with him or not. That is your own problem. But you definitely need to let them change the bandages once per day." With a snort, the Sergeant continues on his way next to the tall German and complains: "You're too good-hearted for your own good, Dietrich!" "Taking care of the men of my unit is my duty, Troy!", the proud young officer counters with annoyance edged into his tone. This is an argument Sam Troy can accept, as it is an attitude he shares himself which is in character with a German's usual behavior and something he has always respected the German Captain for. Observing the younger man's tense movements and clenched jaws, the American adds: "And taking care of my CO is mine as a good Sergeant. So what's eating on you, Captain?" Dietrich is so startled by the unexpected question that he stops short in his tracks and briefly stares at the older man, before recovering from his surprise. For a few moments he weighs his options of whether to involve the already wound up and paranoid Sergeant in his troubles with Baker or deflect the question, but then remembers his promise to not withhold critical information.

With a deep sigh, he takes a look around, before starting out in a cautious tone: "My friend and I have overheard the Sheriff of Nottingham in the castle's baths." Troy's eyes widen at the usage of their secret code language, but from Dietrich's tone and expression he can tell immediately that this is serious and the Captain does not wish to be overheard. "Some at the king's court suspect that Sir Robin is disloyal to King Richard or intends to betray him. They even went so far as to complain multiple times with the King's proconsul." Now, Troy takes in a sharp breath. Seeing the haunted look in the German's eyes and remembering all too well how they have dragged him more dead than alive out of the torture chamber of the SS, he understands perfectly well why this bothers the young man extremely. Placing a hand on the taller German's shoulder he squeezes it gently and repeats: "You can always rely on the Merry Men, Robin." Dietrich looks him in the eyes for a a few moments, before nodding and replying: "Thank you, Little John. We'd better get to the monastery for the nuns to treat us." Troy laughs loudly. "I can sure tell you Lisa's anything but a nun." "And statements like this are exactly the reason why she will always treat you in a more pert way than me, Troy", the German replies dryly.

The sickbay is in the middle of being taken down, when they arrive, but Lisa Hartigan and nurse Arno take the two to the side into the separated wing for the officers, who are the last to be transported onto the trucks. "Hey, David. I brought you some friends", the American nurse tells the injured pilot with a grin. "Sammy?", David inquires. "And the Captain", she replies and points for Dietrich to sit down on a cot next to David Troy's, while Sam can remain standing for changing the bandage around his arm. The strict Swiss nurse Arno is already inspecting the bandage. "You should already have come yesterday evening after you daily duties to get this changed. Now the sweat has dried and it has festered over night!", she scolds the Sergeant who stares at the ugly looking deep scratches with an annoyed and disgusted expression. "If that damned bird hadn't caught me...", Sam Troy starts complaining, but gets immediately interrupted by the stern woman: "The bird is hardly responsible for you not changing your bandages." Hans Dietrich looks slightly bemused to see the stubborn American get dressed down by the Swiss nurse. After all, he has learned the lesson not to cross her already months ago the hard way.

"Lie down please, Captain", Lisa Hartigan orders after returning with some surgical equipment including a pair of scissors and pincers. The German officer complies as ordered and lets her check the sutures at his abdomen. After a minute of pressing and tearing at the skin, the nurse looks content that he barely winces or grimaces and also confirms that it is not painful anymore. "Your body has a fast wound healing process", she assesses. "Which is definitely an advantage considering how often you get injured." The German glares at her which is rather diminished in effect by him lying down, as he growls: "This is an occupational hazard for an officer during a war." The nurse smirks. "Sure. But if I put you next to Captain Boggs, I'm pretty sure he doesn't have half as many scars as you and he does this job for 15 years longer than you, Captain Dietrich." The German hesitates briefly how to argue against this, during which time she picks up the scissors and pincers. "Hold still now, so I don't cut you! Don't breathe too deeply!", Lisa orders without allowing the young man to argue anymore. Then, she carefully cuts and pulls out the sutures and checks the healed wound again afterwards.

"I'll check your head wound as well", she adds. "Keep lying down and your eyes closed!" Nodding briefly, Hans closes his eyes and winces slightly when he feels a hand touch the side of his face to move his head so she can get a better view. "Open your eyes again!", the nurse orders and Dietrich can make out that she is observing the injury and movement of his facial muscles and skin closely to assess how well it has healed. "I can take these out as well. But you should still keep a bandage around your head for the next few days, until this gash from the 'damned bird from hell', as Sam Troy calls him, has healed." "It is a damned bird from hell!", the Sergeant protests from his standing position. "Silence! This is a place for the sick and wounded to rest!", the Swiss nurse admonishes him. "But they're already taking down the tent. It's damn loud anyways", Troy complains. "That is no reason to add to the noise, Sergeant Troy!", nurse Arno tells him sternly. Hans Dietrich and Lisa Hartigan exchange a bemused look, before she starts the procedure of cutting and pulling the sutures and he closes his eyes during the treatment.

After wrapping a fresh bandage around the young officer's head, Lisa also checks on the gashes on his arm which are healing well to her content. Nurse Arno has meanwhile returned to her duties of transporting the medical equipment to the trucks and taking care of the wounded loaded on these, but sent her colleague Regula to take care of the German Captain's massage treatment. "Geht's schon besser, Hauptmann Dietrich?", Regula inquires whether he feels an improvement and Dietrich nods honestly. "Ich habe den Arm schon gut während der Übungen gestern nutzen können, aber es schmerzt ziemlich beim Heben oder Hochstemmen." She nods at his assessment that he could even move the arm for some time during training yesterday, but it still hurts when he lifts something or pushes himself up. "Sie sind zwar hager, aber so leicht auch wieder nicht, dass die verletzte Schulter das Gewicht nicht spüren könnte", Regula argues that he might be lean but is not light weight enough that his injured shoulder would not feel the weight. "Wir werden zuerst einige Bewegungsübungen machen und dann massiere ich Sie, Herr Hauptmann." She then adds that they will first do a few exercises for increasing his mobility, before she applies the massage. Eager to regain control of his main arm, Hans Dietrich does not complain about the option of exercises for his mobility in addition to the massage. Paying close attention, he memorizes the movements with the intent to repeat them as often as possible during his rests in between the ride to help against the pain from the bumps of the Jeep's unsteady driving.

With Dietrich too occupied with his exercises to pay him much attention, Sam Troy reluctantly turns to speak to his brother. "How're you doin', Davey?" David Troy tries a goofy smile and fails, as his burnt lips refuse to move wide enough without causing him severe pain. "I wish I could say I've seen worse, 'cause I haven't, Sam." "That bad?", his older brother grumbles with a tinge of worry and concern sneaking its way into his tone. David tries to nods, but even that causes him pain and he grimaces. "Dietrich's right, when he says you have a tough road ahead of you and you really need a brother for going along that road, isn't he?", Sam inquires. "Your Jerry friend's the best friend you've ever had, as far as I know. He promised me to come himself to visit whenever he has to drop by, just 'cause he knows what it's like to be in my position. I wish I had a friend like that", David argues with a surprisingly thoughtful tone. "Well, you pretty much screwed up this one the way you treated him in the beginning", Sam counters. "He's far too good-hearted anyways to still listen to you and care what happens to you, but don't you dare misuse this Davey or I'll have your head myself!" David manages a mixture between a grimace and a wry smile. "It's funny that he told me that he's speaking with me only for your sake and Ari's. The kid's really nice." "Now don't you dare drag the poor kid into this! He's been through enough without you manipulating him", Sam snarls. "I'd never harm the kid. Anyone in this camp would have my head for it, you and your friend just being the first ones", David tries to sound funny, but mainly ends up sounding defensive. "You'd better keep that in mind, you idiot!", Sam growls.

"So what's bothering you?", David tries to change the topic as quickly as possible, anything is better than this. "What?", Sam snaps. "Dietrich said something's bothering you and you could need a brother at least as much as I do", David tells him with an uncharacteristically serious tone. "That goody two-shoes better mind his own business", Sam growls and glares at the lean young man who suffers through the painful massage process again after having finished his exercises. "Now, come on, Sammy. That guy cares about helping you more than disliking me and he really dislikes me. You shouldn't slap a friend like that, 'cause you're too stubborn to accept help as usual", David tries to argue. "I'm not too stubborn. I'm just heeding Pa's words. 'If you want something done properly, do it yourself, Sammy!'. Nothing wrong with that", Sam growls back his argument. "Sometimes you can't do it all alone", David counters with a sigh that leads to a groan, as breathing in too deeply hurts the injuries of his torso. "You're not alone, Davey", his brother replies with a tone that carries more concern than he would have anticipated himself. "Most of the day I am. And it makes me feel so ... desperate, hoping that just anyone would care enough to come by again", David admits. "You know, Davey. You don't have to send Dietrich as your messenger again. I'll come on my own", Sam finally relents. "You can bring your friend along though. I like him, even if he doesn't like me", Davey replies with a pained half-smile. "It's surely never dull, when he's around." "I mean it, Davey. Leave him in peace. The guy's been through enough", the older Troy brother snaps in defense of the German Captain. "I don't wanna harm him", Davey sputters. "You already did, Davey." "I didn't mean to. I'd really rather have the guy as a friend than an enemy." "Don't you tell me, Davey", Sam laughs.

"When you are able to laugh about him, Sergeant, things must have improved drastically between you two", Dietrich interrupts them. "So I see that my help is no longer required." "Wait, Captain Dietrich!", David calls out and Sam glares at him, growling with a warning tone: "David!" "You understand me better than anyone else, would you come by to visit anyways?", the younger Troy brother inquires with an almost pleading tone. Observing the gravely injured pilot and thinking back of his own situation, the German sighs wearily, before he nods. "Yes, I will, if this important for you. But you'd better spare me your usual nonsense, Troy!" "Sure. Whatever you like", Davey agrees. Seeing him extremely cooperative, the German Captain uses his leverage. "And you will stop telling Ari your absurd tall tales. Tell him stories, but without such incredible exaggeration. He doesn't know enough about the world to know that it cannot be true and I don't want him to get injured or killed, because he believes in some absurd scenario." Hearing the honest worry for the boy from his tone, David relents without discussion. "I will, I promise it." "Excellent, Captain Troy", the German applies the title in a mocking way. "Why couldn't we have started out like reasonable people in the first place?" "That would've been dull", David tries to argue with a halfsmile. "Reasonable isn't really my style." Dietrich sighs wearily. "After all that I have experienced, I actually prefer a little dull life for a while. You might have to reconsider your future style anyways." Then, he bends down and gets close enough for David to see his face clearly, before telling him in a serious tone. "We need to leave for our duty now, but you have my word that we will return to visit, when we can. Take care, Captain Troy." After providing a sharp, if wincing salute the German Captain gets up again and looks at Sam Troy expectantly. "Don't do anything stupid, while we're gone?", Sam adds with a mock serious tone. "Like what? I can't do anything", David argues. "You can still talk and annoy nurse Arno. Her tirades are almost as bad as Ma's. Don't annoy her, Dave!", Sam admonishes, before patting his brother on the bandaged arm gently.

As they leave the sickbay to return to their Jeeps, Sam addresses Dietrich: "You were right, Captain. I really miss my brother and want him back after all these years." "I told you so", the German counters dryly. "I believe it was your friend Silberblatt who said that about you, but it fits here as well. You're too good a friend to let me go down this road alone. Thanks." The tall young officer has tensed visibly at these words and closed his eyes. "We have an agreement, Sergeant. And I'm a man of my word." "You definitely are", Troy agrees. "And just for the record, I told you so back then. So let's pick up the boys, before they get any funny ideas." The German Captain groans. "Don't remind me how often they have already wrecked and blown up my camp in spite of serving on the same side nowadays!" Walking somewhat more briskly after these words the two arrive at the Jeeps a minute later, finding the two Privates and Gottschlich in deep conversation about the route and the driving, while Jack Moffit chats with Professor Stevenson.

When the British archaeology Professor notices Dietrich and Troy, as they step next to Moffit, he shifts his glasses on his nose and blinks several times to focus his gaze on them. "Ah, the Barbarian and the Desert Fox", he finally announces with a smile at his success of recognizing the faces. Both men bristles at this announcement. "British snobs!", Troy growls testily and Dietrich scowls, but addresses the elderly man nonetheless: "Professor Stevenson. We have caught your students outside of camp yesterday night at 3 a.m. and ordered them back to remain inside the camp's vicinity and not leave without informing any senior officer and receiving permission. I would be much obliged to you, if you could remind them of these rules, as I wish to avoid further ... unpleasantness." Sam Troy looks baffled at the formulation and briefly whispers to the tall German: "I'm so happy to have you as my spokesman with these Brits right now, Captain." Jack Moffit smiles at the Captain's wording as well, while the Professor appears somewhat baffled. "Why... they did not inform me about any incidents. Thank you for making me aware of this, Captain." Then, he adds with a sigh: "Rudolph would have taken care of this. Such an inconvenience scolding those scoundrels." "You could throw them to the falcon", Troy suggests with some malicious glee. "Oh no. Poor Horus is far too delicate a character to come in contact with such plebs", the Professor admonishes. "He has hardly recovered from meeting you, the poor fellow." Dietrich quickly puts a hand on the American Sergeant's shoulder, as he glares at the British scholar and takes a menacing step forward. "Leave him be, Troy!", the German officer whispers quietly and notices with some relief that at a few tense seconds later the angry Sergeant takes a step backward again and settles for glaring murderously at the elderly Brit. "We will take our leave now. Excuse us, Professor", the German Captain then adds in the direction of the British scholar who blinks again, as he focuses on his face. "Oh, yes, yes. It was a pleasant talk, Captain. You may of course come to visit me, young Moffit. I would truly enjoy to have a chat with a man of education and style for a while." "I would be very honored, Professor Stevenson", Jack replies politely, before following Dietrich who directs Troy to the Jeeps, while the Sergeant grumbles about British snobs and their arrogant ways.

Troy does finally stops his tirade of complaints, as he reaches their Jeep, but glares at Hitch, when he opens his mouth to ask a question. A bit intimidated, the Private turns to the German Captain instead and whispers: "What happened to Sarge?" Dietrich smiles wryly, as he replies dryly: "The British Professor just told him how Horus', the falcon's, delicate character suffered from contact with Troy. I'd recommend not to mention any jackals, falcons or anything British in a while." Hitch nods. "I'll do that, Cap. You'll stay with us for now?" "I really cannot throw Corporal Gottschlich into this. His delicate character might really suffer", the German answers with sarcasm. The American smiles. "That's nice of you. And you're really nice to have along." A bit more quietly he adds: "You're complaining far less than Sarge." The Captain raises his eyebrows in an expression of surprise and quiet bemusement, as he takes his seat next to Hitchcock after picking up his hat and goggles from his equipment in the back of the Jeep.

At the German officer's arm signal and command, Hitch and Tully who has taken over driving again take off into the desert. As on the previous day, Dietrich salutes to Boggs and some of the men who send their greetings in this way. Dietrich is unperturbed by Hitch driving the second and not the leading Jeep, but he advises the Private to drive with a sideways shift to allow him to look forward without having even more sand blown into his face. After the experiences of the previous day they stop a lot more often to check for minefields and traps, but run into none until noon. Hans Dietrich has ordered the Privates and the Corporal to check the vehicles and prepare lunch, while he surveys the environment with Troy and Moffit stays at the Browning to secure the camp. Observing their surroundings through the binoculars, the German tenses suddenly and checks his sighting again. Assuring himself that he has indeed discovered tracks from several large vehicles which cannot be older than a few hours, as the Saharan winds would otherwise have covered them or blown them away already.

Handing Troy the binoculars, Hans Dietrich points out to him, what he has found. "Look over at this valley between the dunes, slightly north of the road. Can you see the tracks as well, Sergeant?" Troy gazes intently in the direction he has pointed out, until he starts cursing loudly. "Such tracks must be fresh. And since we know about none of our guys out here, it has to be the Jerries." The German Captain nods in agreement. "My thoughts exactly, Sergeant. We have to check these out." "Sure. Just do it after lunch. The guys need a pause from driving and since no trucks are in sight to chase immediately, waiting for an hour can't hurt that much", Troy suggests. Although the young officer would feel better, when checking out the potential danger right away, he has to agree with the American's reasonable suggestion. "I will warn Captain Boggs on the radio though about a potential danger", the young Captain adds diligently. "If it makes you happy, Captain", Troy comments with a grin. "I'm sure Boggs already likes you far more than me." "Informing your commanding officer regularly is an important part of a reconnaissance unit's duty", the German argues, knowing perfectly well what it means to be the commanding officer who awaits and relies on said reports. Troy merely shrugs, as he hands him back the binoculars and starts walking down the dune toward the camp.

"Hey Captain, what was that Robin Hood thing about somebody going after you and reporting you?", Troy finally gets the chance to catch Hans Dietrich alone and ask him about the strange warning. Sighing, the younger man replies: "Jakob and I overheard Lieutenant Baker argue with Lieutenant Griffiths that he suspects me of being an infiltrator or traitor and will double-cross my new side. Apparently, this was not the first time he used this argument. When I brought it up with Captain Boggs he told me that Baker has complained about me almost daily." Troy narrows his eyes and growls in indignation: "That vile backstabbing snake. Should've shot him instead of the Volcano." "You shouldn't consider shooting your own officers at all, Sergeant", the German Captain argues with a dry tone. "Some might consider this treason and our options for running get less and less." "You can still marry that Arab Princess and become an outlaw and raider." The young officer stares at him, as if he has finally lost his mind completely. "That was just a joke", Troy adds, once he notices Dietrich's shocked reaction. "We'll watch your back whatever Baker's doing. That's for sure." Now the young man actually looks grateful and sighs with some relief. "Thank you, Troy." Patting the tall lean officer on the shoulder, the Sergeant adds: "That's what friends are for. I wouldn't let you go down that road alone." The German Captain reflects that even though his original plan for this probation period has somewhat backfired, his contingency plan of gaining a loyal supporter and friend seems to work out.

As Hans Dietrich approaches Jack Moffit and the jeep he is standing on, the Brit observes him curiously. "You can leave your guard duty for now, Sergeant", the Captain tells him sternly. "I need to make my report to Captain Boggs. We will investigate several tracks left by vehicles, potentially left by enemy troops." Jack nods. The young officer is reliable and diligent in sharing relevant information between his men, a feat he really appreciates about Hans Dietrich, as he has experienced several British officers who have not been as liberal toward him in spite of being a Sergeant. Jack leaves the German to handling the radio on his own, as the Captain is by now experienced enough that not even Tully tries to support him anymore. As he has learned on the previous day, the young officer checks the radio frequencies for enemy messages he could possibly overhear, but no calls are being made by the Germans at the moment. Then he adjust the radio setting to the proper frequency for calling Captain Boggs' column. "Red Horse calling Blue Horse", he repeats a few times, before receiving an answer. "Howdy, Capt'n. How're you doin'? Over", the Australian Lieutenant O'Malley greets him jovially. "Fine", Dietrich replies dryly. "Inform Captain Boggs that we found several large tracks in the sand a few miles north of the road and will investigate after lunch, Lieutenant. Over" "Aye. I'll do that, Capt'n. Enjoy your lunches. Cheerio! Blue Horse out." Hanging up the radio, the German takes a deep breath. This particular Australian's radio style will hardly stop to irritate him, even after getting used to the Allies and their ways more and more.

The German Captain decides to take the time to perform some of the exercises nurse Regula has taught him in the last days to help against the pain which has settled in his shoulder after hours of driving. As Tully approaches him ten minutes later balancing a steaming tin with meat and mashed potatoes, Hans Dietrich finishes the series of movements and thanks the Private. "You wanna join us, Cap?", Pettigrew asks rather uncharacteristically. The German officer shrugs. From his duty in the Wehrmacht he is used to eating alone, separate from the enlisted men, while Troy has almost forced him to join meals and social activities with his unit which has indeed helped to integrate him more quickly and intensely with the Allied soldiers than he would ever have thought possible. Tully briefly shifts his matchstick and comments nonchalantly: "You can also sit with us, if Sarge's getting on your nerves." Grinning with actual bemusement, the Captain replies, as he starts walking along with the Private: "You manage to surprise me time and again, Pettigrew, this time with your sense of humor." Without even changing his expression the Private replies dryly: "It's a commando's job to always surprise others." Smiling the German answers: "That's true. You're probably a far better commando soldier than most for this reason." Smiling with honest appreciation at the compliment, Pettigrew replies: "Thanks, Cap." Hitch and Gotty look more than a little surprised to see that Dietrich is walking alongside Tully, when he returns to them. "Gentlemen, do you mind, if I join you?", the German Captain inquires politely. Hitch almost chokes on a piece of potato, while Gotty replies with a stutter: "N..no, C..captain. P..please join us."

Troy looks rather incredulous, when he sees Dietrich walking with Tully and sitting down with him, Hitch and Gotty. "What's he doing? Why isn't he sitting with us?" "Maybe he'd rather spend his time with men closer to his own age", Jack replies with dry self-mockery. "What's that supposed to mean?", Troy growls indignantly. "That you're ten years older than our dear Captain, if we actually start looking at birth years." Troy snorts derisively. "Now stop being stupid, Jack. Since when would Dietrich look at that, rather than at what's appropriate for a Jerry officer such as him." Moffit feels rather entertained by the discussion, as he argues: "Weren't you the one to tell him to leave his standards behind, if he wants to integrate with a commando unit, old man? You're a bit too good a teacher for him for your own liking. He's just heeding your own words, Troy. We're the ones not sitting with the others." Grumbling and swearing about the whole situation that annoys Sam Troy, the American Sergeant gets up nonetheless to walk over to join the others. "Can't let you kids have your party without us!", he comments loudly, as he sits down next to the young Captain who looks slightly surprised at the statement. "Kids?", the German inquires dryly. "Yeah. You're all some ten years younger than me", Troy counters reusing Moffit's argument much to the Brit's amusement, as he sees the German officer's slightly incredulous expression when he asks himself how he has ended up in this situation. The poor Captain does not have an easy life with Troy.

Once they have all finished their lunch, Hans Dietrich instructs the drivers in which direction to go to investigate the tracks. Tully leads the way and Dietrich switches Jeep with Gottschlich for the short distance to help him find the right spot. As they arrive at the location, Troy and the Captain have spotted from above, Tully stops at a distance to not disturb the tracks and Hitch parks next to him. Moffit jumps down from the back of the Jeep, as the German gets out swiftly. They all can sees the wide tracks now which must have been left by several vehicles which have driven in a column. The British scholar bends down to investigate the sand and the young officer steps toward him with an interested expression, curious to learn how he proceeds and why.

"They are from this morning", Jack Moffit argues with cool determination. "How can you tell, Doctor?", Hans Dietrich asks with honest curiosity. "From the consistency of the sand, looking at the crumbling parts in the center of the tracks and the edges where the winds have eaten away more and more from the trail", Moffit explains and shows the young officer who crouches beside him the relevant parts for his investigation. The Captain nods with a thoughtful expression as he observes the track more closely now. "For the center to crumble it must have stuck together and been wet", he adds his own argument. Jack smiles at the German with honest appreciation. Troy and some others usually have taken his expertise for granted and believed his words or some fools have not taken him serious at all, but nobody has ever tried to learn from him and added observations of their own. The Captain is a true loss for academia to never have gotten the chance for a university study and academic career Jack considers. Yet, he has sacrificed his own academic career in order to fight in this war as a Sergeant and refused to become an officer, while Dietrich shines at just that. Maybe the young German has made the right decision after all. In times such as these just standing by and letting others fight for their believes is cowardly, Jack considers.

"They must have camped somewhere nearby, then driven to the road and away from us, since we have not met them", the Captain meanwhile argues, unawares that his conversation partner is not paying as close attention as he expects. Jack appears a bit startled by the statement, until he recovers and replies: "Yes indeed. We should start looking for a shelter or hideout." Troy points at a cliff wall. "There could be any number of caves or hideouts over there." "We follow the track in the direction leading away from the road for now! When we lose them, we need to start looking anyways." The German officer argues coolly. "Sounds like a plan", Troy agrees. "Let's shake it, guys!" "Hitchcock, Pettigrew, follow the tracks, but be careful that there might be an enemy outpost hidden somewhere here and guards will shoot at us." "Sure, Cap", Tully confirms. "We'll take care", Hitch adds. Hoping that these are not just empty promises of the rowdy Privates, Hans Dietrich retakes his front seat with Tully Pettigrew who he considers more reliable as a driver in the current situation.

Tully takes the leading position again and drives slowly enough for his German passenger to keep standing and observing the tracks ahead intently. Jack Moffit grabs the younger man by the left arm when a particular large bump almost threatens to make him lose his balance. "Thank you, Moffit", the Captain mutters a bit embarrassed. "You're welcome, Captain. Your habit of standing in cars is not a healthy one", Moffit replies dryly. The tall German briefly glances over his shoulder at him, before replying dryly: "But a part of my job description nonetheless." "We'll keep and eye out and try not to lose you this way", the Brit counters in a tone that is more sympathetic than cutting. Dietrich looks actually astounded as he repeats his expression of gratitude and then focuses on their trail again.

"Stop, Pettigrew!", the German orders suddenly and Tully brakes immediately. "What's it?", Tully inquires, but the Captain is already jumping out of the car and taking a few steps forward, crouching next to something on the ground. "A German uniform cap of a Private", the tall officer assesses, as he picks up the piece of clothing, then scowls. "But it's not from the Wehrmacht. This is a SS uniform." With a grim expression Hans mutters half to himself: "What is the SS doing out here?" "That's what I'd like to know as well!", Troy growls, as he steps up to the German Captain. "They have neither the Afrikakorps' desert experience nor machinery", Dietrich argues. "If they were out here, they were here for a specific reason, not mere transportation of supplies or securing roads. We should start to look for a whatever they wanted here, like a hideout or bunker." "If I wouldn't have appreciated your expertise before, Captain, I'd definitely do so now. I never could have told the difference between SS and Afrikakorps uniforms from a cap. They're all Jerries to me." "I beg to differ", the tall German officer counters harshly. "The difference is immense!" "For you maybe, but not so much for us except that the SS are even more sadistic and nasty bastards than our usual share of krauts." "No offense against you though, Captain", Jack Moffit tries to salvage the situation, as he notices Dietrich's expression of wounded pride. "Yeah, you don't count among those, since you're one of us now", Sam tries to make up for his formulation, as he sees the German's angrily narrowed eyes. "I'm still a German", the younger man snaps back, "and that won't change!" "Troy, Captain", Moffit intervenes. "We should focus on the situation at hand." To the Captain's credit, he tenses immediately at these words and mutters with apologetic tone: "You are right, Moffit. I shouldn't have led such a discussion." "Let's shake it then!", Troy adds.

"Hey, Cap, Sarge", Tully shouts and waves them over. "Sand's different here. Looks like they loaded some trucks." All three men stare intently at the location the young American points out to them. "They loaded their trucks and there has definitely been more than just one", Dietrich speaks with a scowl. "There must be a larger depot nearby." "We'll find it!", Troy answers with determination. They are united behind a common cause here after all. "We should not leave the vehicles unguarded though, in case this is a trap", Dietrich argues cautiously, then turns to Pettigrew: "Stay back at the Jeeps, Private, and keep your eyes and ears open for enemy troop activity! If we don't return within two hours, warn Captain Boggs via radio, inform him on our position and search for us!" "Sure, Cap", the American Private replies with a hard to read expression, but Dietrich knows him well enough by now to know that he will take the order seriously. In this regard, Pettigrew is the most reliable of them all, as unlike Troy or Hitchcock he is not driven by emotion before cool logic. "Hitchcock, Gottschlich, arm yourselves! You two as well, Sergeants", the Captain gives his next orders which would hardly have been necessary, as the Rats have already started to prepare for going into the cave. "Take shovels, torches and a rope along", Dietrich argues. "You wanna go climbing in the desert?", Troy inguires and the German has to hold back the impulse of snapping at him. "You pointed at these caves earlier. In case we have to go in there having a rope for security reasons is reasonable", he gives as an answer in a rather moderate tone he is proud to have managed. "Sounds good"; Troy replies and pulls the Thompson gun from its holster, handing a second one to Moffit.

Following the walking tracks the Germans must have left through countless rounds of walking to and from the trucks, the five soldiers arrive at the entrance of a cave which is well-hidden from the road behind some large rocks unlike many others. "These have been moved here", Jack Moffit points out, as he investigates scratch marks at the edge of the road. "To hide their entrance", Dietrich finishes his thought, as he looks at the marks with a scowl. Shaking his head, he mutters in quiet disbelief: "I've passed along this road countless times in the last months, but never noticed this. And nobody has informed me about a SS hideout." The last part truly bugs him. Either the Nazis have kept this completely secret from the Afrikakorps, even from Rommel himself, or his HQ has simply not considered him worthy or trustworthy of such an information which is an insult, given that he has been loyal to the bone to the Afrikakorps, until his own side has turned against him. None of the Rats doubts the German's word. If he would have known about this, he would have informed them instead of playing stupid now. "Do we go inside?", Jack inquires cautiously. "I want to know what's in there!", Troy answers with determination. "So do I", Dietrich confirms with a grim expression. "Stay silent in case they actually have guards, although I consider it suspicious that we haven't met any yet. Unless they want to keep this secret and only eliminate those going too far."

Once inside the cave, the sand ends mostly after the first longer passage and so do the tracks which have guided them until now. Dietrich in the lead with Troy following behind him and Moffit in the middle take torches to light their way, while the others keep their guns ready to shoot at any sign of danger or an attack. An eerie silence settles in the cave once the sounds from outside have died down completely. This atmosphere makes their footsteps sound louder and the soldiers wince more than once, when they fear that a stone turning under a boot sole or a particularly loud step might have given them away. Without any tracks to follow, Dietrich simply decides to always take the rightmost direction of a path whenever they are branching.

Sam Troy quickly grips the German's shoulder and left arm, when several loose stones give way underneath his boots. Barely keeping his balance for the second time on this time, the Captain mutters: "Thank you, Troy." "You're welcome, Captain. You really think they have their hideout down that path?", the American inquires. "No. If they would have gone through here several times, they wouldn't have left the loose stones at the center. We need to go back and take a different turn", the German replies with a scowl.

After walking back a few times they arrive at an iron door, like that of a bunker which is locked. "Should we get Tully and the dynamite?", Troy muses. "Do you intend to kill us all, Sergeant?", Dietrich inquires sarcastically. "If the explosion doesn't kill us, the collapsing cave surely will." "Other thoughts?", Moffit inquires. "Try if it's open", Hitch suggests and presses down the handle. Although a loud creaking noise breaks through the silence, the door itself does not budge, as it is locked. "Nice try", Troy comments. "Other ideas?" With a sigh, the German Captain takes a step forward and crouches before the door to get closer to eye level with the lock and the hinges. "This is no bunker door", he assesses coolly. "How do you know?", Troy asks with actual curiosity. "It looks pretty much like a bunker door to me." The tall officer suppresses the urge to roll his eyes to preserve his dignity, as he replies with a sarcastic drawl: "I'm a German officer. I know the difference between a metal door and a bunker door, Sergeant." Pointing at the hinges, he explains: "With an actual bunker door the hinges should be sunk into the metal frame. Here, they were worked crudely into the stone. You could probably break them with a sledgehammer and enough brute force. Also the lock is not one usually built into bunker doors which are meant for heavier keys if they are locked at all with keys. This is a metallic door with a normal lock and normal hinges. Apparently they either did not have the time or material for proper facilities."

"Okay, Captain Sherlock. It's a normal door. How does this help us getting through it?", Troy inquires sarcastically. Dietrich narrows his eyes at the nickname and growls "Troy!", before continuing in a more moderate tone: "The point is that a normal lock can be picked which is minimally invasive and hardly dangerous for any of us." Troy's frown becomes a grin. "Why didn't you say you can crack the lock right away?" The German officer looks slightly embarrassed at the term, but does not protest against the wording. When Moffit announces, "It's indeed practical to have a lock-picker named 'lockpick' with us", the proud Captain however growls indignantly: "Moffit! You're starting to get as annoying as Troy." Troy himself grins from ear to ear now, as does Hitch, while Gottschlich looks a bit unsure what is happening. "I didn't intend to insult you, Captain, just point out your unique skillset which has not been available to us previously and therefore not occurred to us right away", the British Sergeant replies coolly, aware of Dietrich's temper if overly provoked. The tall young officer still looks somewhat annoyed, but starts to rummage through his jacket pocket, until he pulls out two metal tools.

"Hold the torch to provide me with light, Sergeant!", the German Captain orders a bit more sharply than necessary, as he hands his electric torch to Troy. "Sure, Captain", the American Sergeant comments, still amused and amazed by the unusual ability of the younger officer. Eyeing the lock critically in the light Troy and Moffit provide, Hans Dietrich first inserts the tension wrench and presses it down lightly with his left hand, while testing the pins inside the lock with the rake pick. Their resistance is stronger than that of the smaller locks he has cracked before, but still pin by pin lets itself be pressed into its opening position, although one snaps back twice and another refuses to hold at the first few attempts. Finally, he removes his tools and presses the handle which creaks again and even more so than before, when the door opens to the inside. "Well done, Captain", Troy congratulates the younger man and pats him on the shoulder, as the German rises again to his feet. "It's still amazing", Hitch comments with a tone of awe, remembering how often they have broken into some facility through smashing glass or wood, when this would have been a lot more silent and inconspicuous. Raising his eyebrows in silent amusement about the comment, the Captain does not reply.

Instead, the lean young officer takes back the torch and lets Troy with his Thompson gun raised step in first, while he shines a light for the American Sergeant, before following close behind. "Looks like nobody's here", Sam Troy whispers, as he sneaks down an empty hallway, where the cave walls have definitely been adapted with concrete to become more straight and not crumble. "Let's check everywhere, before jumping to conclusions!", Dietrich advises, as he sniffs the stale air. The smell of sweat, oil and gunpowder is notable clearly. Their search reveals three supply depots which have been emptied recently in in haste, as the German Captain and the British Sergeant conclude in concordance based on several fresh scratch marks on the floor where heavy crates have been moved. They also find the sleeping chambers for the SS troops with several frames of bunk beds still remaining and two separate smaller rooms for their officers. They also come across two offices, one apparently intended for cataloguing and writing services by the lower ranking clerks and a second one which has served for their higher ranking officers as an office and radio room simultaneously. Some of the technical equipment which has been too bulky and heavy to move out quickly are still visible in addition to office desks.

Hans Dietrich and Sam Troy grit their teeth in anger and disappointment, when they check the rooms thoroughly, but find not a single scrap of paper which might hold any valuable information. Even the safe is unlocked and completely devoid of any content. "They cleared everything out completely and burnt any papers they considered too irrelevant to transport", the German Captain assesses after taking in the intense smell of smoke and burnt paper in front of the safe and points at a scorched area on the floor. "What did these damn krauts want here?", Troy growls. "SS krauts I mean", he adds at the young officer's scowl. Hans Dietrich does not change his frown though which is not directed at the Sergeant or his derogatory, but mutters: "What did they want here indeed? This place is far away from any major towns, supplies are not reliable and this whole facility is not intended for tactical warfare to hold this position. Also, they kept it secret, at least from any Wehrmacht officers of the rank of a Captain or lower, as I have never even heard a rumor about a SS base in this area. Building this would have taken long enough for me to still have been serving on the German side, when they erected it." "That will be hard to answer, although we have not checked all the rooms yet", Moffit adds. "But they have probably been cleared thoroughly as well."

A little apart from the offices and sleeping areas lies another room which is easily recognizable from the smell of blood and sweat and its furniture as the sickbay. This room has also been cleared of all medical equipment which has been movable easily enough, while some blood drenched pieces of cloth have been strewn into a corner, but not burnt properly. Troy crouches next to them at the Captain's side and mutters: "What do you think was the reason for them to abandon the base? Think they got caught up in a fight?" Dietrich scowls, as he considers the options. "If they would have been involved in hard fights with the Allies, we would have heard about it and received a report or warning from HQ, as I doubt that they would have wanted us to walk right into a trap." Nodding with a frown of his own, Troy growls: "You think they left because of us then?" The German officer shrugs. "I honestly don't know and it's hard to tell whether they have had some kind of reconnaissance available to spot us without being spotted themselves. But it is a possibility. Just like it is a possibility that they were the ones placing the minefield to protect their outpost."

"Captain Dietrich, Troy, come over here!", Jack Moffit calls with some urgency, from the hallway outside. Both men rise to their feet swiftly and share a single worried glance, before hurrying toward him. "What happened, Jack?", Troy inquires, seeing the Brit's grim expression, as he points them toward another room a little down the hallway. "Take a look inside", the British Sergeant growls with loathing laced into his tone. Dietrich dreads what they will find, as he has a clear suspicion what kind of rooms the SS would still have in one of their bases which they have not come across yet. The room is not a prison cell, but an interrogation room, its close proximity to the sickbay apparently planned purposefully, as they can smell sweat and blood intensely in this room and nobody has bothered to clean the flecks of blood on the floor. Troy notices the German Captain next to him tense visibly, as a haunted look appears in his eyes. Hans has seen far too many such rooms for his own liking and experienced the SS apply their methods of interrogation first and second hand. As long has he has still served on the German side, not being able to do more than file complaints and arrange with them well enough to not end on the receiving end himself has bugged him. 'This turned out badly enough!', he tells himself with grim self-mockery. In the end he has ended up at the receiving end and neither previous compliance nor actual innocence has helped him.

After the tenth empty room with nothing but bare furniture and not a sign of a living person around, only a single hallway remains to check and they all have a rather clear idea of what kind of room they have missed until now. The smell of gore, sweat, urine and fresh blood in the air is a lot more intense than it has been in the sickbay or the interrogation room, as they approach the last door made of solid iron. "Stay outside and watch our backs, Corporal Gottschlich!", Dietrich orders, unsure whether the younger man would be able to bear what likely awaits them inside. The German officer mentally prepares himself for the worst, and he binds his bandana around his face to cover his mouth and nose. Troy and the others follow suit, before they step into the small windowless room. In the darkness of the cave with only the two electric torches shedding some slivers of light on the ghastly scene, the whole sight appears even more gruesome and grotesque than it would have in the broad daylight. And without any wind or fresh air to lighten the stench, this appears even worse than the trap of the burning oilfield has. Several dead bodies lie strewn on the ground where the men have been shot through the head, clearly executed on purpose, but without bothering to move out the bodies. Hitch turns green, when he recognizes the Australian uniform of a young soldier missing half of his head and stumbles out of the room without another word. The three remaining Rats can hear him retching in the hallway outside.

The German Captain crouches next to the first body and studies the man's appearance and what remains if his face. His uniform and rank badges mark him as a Sergeant. Dark bruises are clearly visible in the torchlight and it is obvious that the man has been starved in addition to being tortured. Carefully Hans Dietrich fumbles for his dog tag, while he takes care not to breath in through his nose. "Sergeant John Malcolm", he reads aloud, then takes in a sharp breath through clenched teeth as he studies the uniform and badges more closely. "He was a member of the LRDG." "Most likely they all were", Jack Moffit argues coolly. "Shot like dogs by those damned krauts! Are you still proud to be a German, Captain?", Troy barks harshly. "Would you be any less proud of being an American, if fanatics murdered people in the name of your people, Sergeant? I'm more motivated than ever to see my homeland free of such people", the Captain argues with a tormented tone and haunted look. Troy considers that briefly. "Probably not, but I'd sure as hell wish to kick them out of my home. Maybe I understand I bit better now what you're fighting for, Captain." "Or rather against", Jack Moffit adds. "We are united by a common enemy, not necessarily the friendship and understanding of our nations, given their history."

The German Captain gives a wary sigh. "You are right though, Troy, that things like this", he moves his hand to gesture at all the bodies, "make me feel almost ashamed to be a German and have made me doubt the means and motivations of Germany's leadership... for a lot longer than four weeks." The admission has visibly cost him an effort and the young officer hangs his head briefly, trying to come to terms with the whole situation, when he feels a hand on his shoulder. "You know you don't have to do this alone and friendless, you stubborn Jerry", Troy tells him sternly, but with some concern in his tone. "Thank you, Troy", Hans Dietrich replies with honest gratitude, as he meets the Sergeant's eyes. Until now he has not appreciated Troy's insistence on his probation for friendship to such a degree that he truly would embrace it himself. "What should we do with the bodies?" Moffit's question finds its way to the German's befuddled mind. "We will take the dog tags and inform Captain Brown of the fate of his fellow Australian soldiers", the young Captain replies after a few seconds of consideration. "Neither Hitchcock nor Gottschlich would be able to help carrying the bodies outside to where we could bury them. And just the two of you could not do this within a reasonable amount of time." His argument is plausible to not even make Troy argue against it, although the Sergeant looks unhappy to leave their dead comrades lying like this.

After performing their gruesome duty of collecting the tags of the dead, Troy and Moffit hand the discs to the Captain who they know to reliably and diligently take care of this duty. With uncharacteristically hanging shoulders and a beaten look, the German officer leaves the prison cell first, while Moffit and Troy follow with grim determination to take revenge written on their faces, as they follow behind him. Hitch leans on Corporal Gottschlich's shoulder who looks almost as pale and unwell as the Private. "We will leave for now and report this to Captain Boggs and Brown. These men were his fellow countrymen", the young Captain declares with a neutral tone that sounds forced. "For now?", Hitch asks with a slightly hysterical note in his voice. "Does this mean we have to return?" "Hopefully not. But if Captain Brown wishes to investigate, he might ask one of us to come along", Dietrich argues and some emotion is audible in his tone as well, making it clear that this is the last thing he would wish to do as well.

The lean young officer leads their way out of the cave system without getting lost, now that he knows the actual path. Hitch and Gotty follow him without speaking, both glad to leave the cave system, while Troy mutters to Jack Moffit: "If I get a hand on these SS bastards, I'll definitely make them pay." The British Sergeant nods grimly, yet remembers all too well how anger and hunger for revenge have driven him beyond humanity once already. "They will. But we'd better remember that we're not like them", he warns his fellow Sergeant and friend. "Dietrich's a bad influence for you, when you of all people try to play the moraliser with me, Jack", Troy growls grimly. "You forget that I originally joined the diggers along with Browny and still wear their hat proudly." To prove his point he takes off the bush hat and holds it in front of Jack. "Don't tell me that I can't make them pay for what they did to my comrades after what you did 'cause of your brother!" Jack swallows hard, but decides not to argue, as the discussion would escalate otherwise, given Troy's current mood.

Hans Dietrich ignores their discussion, caught up in his own thoughts and worries about the situation and how this could escalate emotionally and when meeting the actual SS. The Australians will likely be equally out for German blood, as Troy is already and the German Captain finds it hard to predict how Brown will react or deal with the situation and how he will handle his men, spike them on against their enemies or calm them down in spite of the gruesome war crimes of torturing and murdering prisoners of war, violating the Geneva Convention in the process. Also it is not clear to him how the American LRDG soldiers will deal with the news of the death of their comrades, but he doubts that his standing in the unit will improve or even be safe for the moment. The Rats' reliable support and Troy's backup have become more essential than ever.

Tully Pettigrew already spots them from afar and can easily tell that something must have happened from the way Hitch and Gottschlich walk like beaten dogs behind the German Captain who looks not at his best either. Sarge's and Doc's grim faces finally lead him to the only conclusion that they must have found something terrible related to the Jerries. Being not the nosy type, he waits patiently for when he will hear a report. Dietrich salutes to him and tells him matter-of-factually: "Pettigrew, I need to speak with Captain Boggs on the radio right away. You can listen in to the report." Tully nods. "Sure, Cap." Then the Kentuckian gets up to prepare the radio, while the German officer waits next to him with a worried scowl. "Red Horse to Blue Horse coming in", he repeats several times on the radio, until he receives an answers. "Blue Horse coming. Howdy, Capt'n. What's up? Over", O'Malley cheerfully speaks into the radio. "Lieutenant, stop the convoy and call Captain Boggs and Brown to the radio immediately! Over", Dietrich tells him with such urgency audible from his tone that O'Malley obeys immediately and sends someone off to execute the command.

Tully observes Dietrich quietly, as the Captain drums his fingers against the radio's casing, betraying some of his nervousness. Troy meanwhile speaks with Hitch, as Gotty sits leaned against one of the Jeep wheel and stares on the ground. Moffit is the only one busying himself with something useful, as he fills tin cups with water from a canister and hands one to the German Captain and Tully each, before bringing three more to the folks at the other Jeep. After two minutes waiting time, James Boggs' voice is audible from the radio. "Red Horse to Blue Horse. Coming." "Here is Blue Horse. Over", Hans Dietrich replies calmly. "What has happened that you asked to stop the whole convoy, Captain?" The German swallows a gulp of water and clears his throat. "We found a hideout of SS troops which has only recently been cleared, Doctor Moffit estimates this morning. They have several trucks and are only a few hours ahead of us. Over." "Thank you for the warning, Captain Dietrich", Boggs replies, before inquiring: "Why did you ask to speak to Captain Brown?" Dietrich sighs wearily, before reporting with a matter-of-factual tone. "We searched the hideout thoroughly and came across the bodies of several soldiers who were tortured and interrogated there prior to their execution, They were all Australians and members of the LRDP. Over."

The German can practically feel the tension rising, as Brown snarls into the radio: "What did you do with the diggers?" "We did not have the manpower and time for carrying the bodies out of the hideout into the desert where they could have been buries. Therefore, I ordered to collect their dog tags and report to meet you. If you wish to return here, Captain Brown, to perform this last service to your men, one of us can lead your way. Over", the younger Captain replies cautiously. "That is very diligent and thoughtful of you, Captain", James Boggs answers instead of Brown who is cursing and swearing loudly in the background. "I suspect that this would have been the third LRDP unit in the area which we have not reached in the past two weeks. Tell you me the name of a senior officer or Sergeant from the dog tags! Over." "We found no officer among the dead", Dietrich replies grimly, "but from the uniform and tags I found the senior member of their group to be Sergeant John Malcolm. Over." Boggs sighs and Brown starts cursing more loudly in the background again. "Their unit has not been in contact with either of us for two weeks. now we know why. Thank you for your report, Captain. Continue to scout ahead, but be extra careful with enemy presence in the area and secure our camp location! Over." "Yes, Sir!", the German replies sharply. "Red Horse Over and out."

Tully Pettigrew has listened to everything with an unreadable expression and observed the young officer and his reaction intently. Digging in one of his belt pouches he takes out a metal flask with a brownish liquid. "Take a gulp, Cap! You look like you need it", the usually quiet Private states calmly. Hans Dietrich stares at him in surprise and bears a doubtful expression, as he eyes the bottle. "It's real quality stuff. Filched from ... somewhere, not our own moonshine. They didn't let me take that along", he explains and holds out the bottle. "I don't drink on duty and need to be in full capacity of my senses, Pettigrew. But I ... appreciate the gesture", the German officer replies a bit stiffly. "And if you intend to let Hitchcock have some of this, I will insist on letting Gottschlich drive from now on." "That's probably safer anyways, Cap", Tully replies coolly and the Captain wholeheartedly agrees, as he would not wish to Hitchcock continue to drive in his shell shocked condition anyways. "We can agree on that. Let him sit in your Jeep, I will go with Gottschlich and Troy." "Gotta protect the whelp from Sarge", Tully mutters and nods in agreement, as they both walk over to the others. Hitch only protests half-heartedly against Dietrich's order to sit in the front of the other Jeep with Tully and let Gottschlich drive instead. His resistance dies immediately, when his friend shares some of Winter's favourite booze and Dietrich does not even protest against it, as long as he stays with one gulp and Hitch does not drive anymore.

Riku Gottschlich makes his best effort of following behind Tully and the Captain's orders who observes him regularly from his position on the passenger's seat, as does Sam Troy in the back. They make progress along the road, but check more frequently for signs of traps, minefields and enemy activity than before. Troy and Dietrich scale dozens of dunes to get an overview, but can spot neither the German convoy ahead of them nor any other signs of danger. Finally, after thoroughly checking the vicinity the German Captain decides on a location for the whole camp in the late afternoon and reports the location to their main convoy. This time Jack Moffit stays in the Jeep as their guard while the others build up their tent and then perform physical exercises and basic training with Corporal Gottschlich at Dietrich's orders. Hitch is barely able to concentrate properly, but bites his teeth together and tries a lot hard after Troy has hit him over the head once with a fist strike, when Mark has not paid attention to avoid the hit. Tully takes the position next to the German Captain and finds that the lean young officer is fairly dexterous and agile on his legs, as he has proven with jumping onto the back of their Jeep once before. The Corporal corrects his posture and technique like all the others, but Tully notices quickly that with techniques which are not handicapped by his shoulder wound Dietrich is easily ahead of the rest of them after a few training rounds.

Moffit's shouting and waving alarms his comrades more than an hour later at the break of dusk that the main convoy is arriving and they all finish their training session. Sweating, but feeling better after powering out all five soldiers await the arrival of their allies. Captain James Boggs looks worried, when we arrives and gets out of his staff car, as his German colleague approaches him immediately, salutes and stands at attention. "The area has been properly secured, Captain Boggs. We have found no further evidence of enemy activities", the young man reports diligently. "Thank you, Captain Dietrich", Boggs replies and scowls, as he notices the beads of sweat on the tall officer's hairline. A Jeep driven by an Australian with Captain Brown in the front seat halts next to them. The Australian looks more grim and angry than Dietrich has ever seen him before and the young German Captain tenses involuntarily, preparing himself mentally for a fight. "You found our lads, Dietrich. What can you tell me about them?", Brown declares with a friendlier tone than the younger officer would have expected. "We found them... in a terrible state. They have likely been executed to not bother about transporting the prisoners. They looked bruised and starved... unfortunately a familiar treatment from the SS", Hans Dietrich replies cautiously, never taking his eyes off the Australian officer's face.

"We'll go there tomorrow to bury our lads. I'll take Sammy with me, if you don't mind", Brown replies. "One of us would have to go with you and only Sergeant Troy or Moffit would be reasonable to take along. As Troy has served with the Australians previously to joining the American forces, allowing him to pay his respect to his former comrades is absolutely reasonable", the German argues carefully. "Is this the complicated Jerry way of saying 'yes'?", Brown inquires with the ghost of a smile on his lips. "Thanks, Dietrich. And... you should know that I'm not out for your blood, neither is any of our lads. You're a Jerry, but we all saw what you looked like after you'd gone through the SS treatment. We don't consider you one of them." Some of the tension that has gripped the German's body is released, as he relaxes his muscles slightly and replies honestly: "Thank you, Captain Brown. I was ... concerned about the consequences and reactions of your men." "You don't have to worry, Dietrich. But if we get our hands on these SS bastards ... May Good have mercy with their souls!" James Boggs looks slightly concerned now, but nods in understanding. "We would feel the same about our fellow Yankee soldiers." Brown nods grimly. "Good. Then everything is arranged for tomorrow. We'll take off in the morning and should be able to catch up with you until the afternoon or evening, when you have reached that water hole. Just camp and wait there for us. You need to refill all water tanks, wash and dry all clothes and let the fellows and machines have some rest and time for repairs and maintenance anyways." "We will scout ahead tomorrow and look for any signs of activities of the SS or where they might have gone", Dietrich adds. "Thank you both", Boggs replies. "I will leave you to coordinate everything with your respective units. Good evening, gentlemen." All three salute to each other.

When Dietrich turns around to return to his men, Brown follows him, declaring: "I'll speak with Sammy about tomorrow." "Of course", the German Captain replies, but refrains from further conversation or small talk, as both walk beside each other, each sunk into his own concerns. "Hans!", Ari exclaims joyfully, as he sees his beloved brother return to the Jeep. The young officer crouches and lets the boy embrace him around the neck, trying to keep his freshly healed abdomen protected. "Why is Mark sad?", the Jewish orphan wants to know with a puppy eye stare that could have rivaled Fritz who still lies in Jakob's arms and applies the professional version of the puppy eyes. The German Captain swallows hard, before explaining cautiously: "Because something terrible happened to some of our fellow soldiers... the same that happened to your parents and siblings." Ari looks even more aggrieved now. "Oh. Why could you not help them?" Dietrich flinches, as if he would have been struck hard in the face. "We were too late to help them. They were already dead. This is why we are all sad", he replies with a strangled tone. The German feels somebody's hand squeeze his shoulder, but is surprised to see Brown doing this. "You're worthy of that hat, lad", the older Australian tell him with a smile. Then, he gets up to speak with Troy.

Ari meanwhile presses his head against his brother's chest and listens to his heartbeat which helps him best, when he notices the feelings of panic threatening to overwhelm him again. With Hans he feels safe, protected and cared for, calming him usually in his existential fears, ever since the young man has come to his aid after his first panic attack and held onto him, until Ari has fallen asleep. "Maybe you can cheer your friend Mark up a little. Draw something for him or tell him a nice and funny story", the German Captain suggests to his ward now and points at the young Private who stands leaned against the Jeep's wheel gazing at the sand before him with a thousand yards stare. Ari beams, glad to have been shown a way how he can help. "I will do this and I will help Mark", he declares proudly, kisses his brother on the cheek and runs over to the young American, taking his hand gently and starts to tell him something that indeed brings a smile to Hitchcock's sad face. Briefly, he looks up and meets eyes with the German officer who observes the scene quietly. After a nod and a grateful smile, Hitch turns away and looks back at Ari. With his men and the boy taken care of, having Fritz and his own injuries checked in the infirmary is the only remaining part of his duties for today.

Jakob Silberblatt eyes his friend with clear worry and concern, as he walks beside him with a yelping Fritz in his arms who begs for his master's attention. While scratching the little dog behind the ears, Hans explains their gruesome finding, as well as his worries and concerns to his friend. "What can I do to help you, Hans?", Jakob inquires, eyeing his friend sadly. The German shrugs, wincing slightly, as his shoulder protests against the overuse it has already suffered today. "I honestly don't know, Jakob. I'm mainly worried that animosities against any and all Germans will lead to repercussions against my former men who are quiet and cooperative. Ludwig is one of the most friendly and gentle people I know who helps in his enemies' sickbay in spite of being a prisoner. Now, I start fearing that somebody might attack him, because of his German accent. And I'm already under suspicion, as we have heard in the morning. People like Baker will be out for my blood as well, independent of what I do to try and convince people of my sincerity." The Jewish Lieutenant eyes his taller friend with clear worry in his gaze. "But Captain Boggs doesn't suspect you and Troy and his Rats will definitely cover your back." Dietrich nods. "That's true. But they can't be everywhere all the time." "You'd better stay close to your unit most of the time", Jakob advises. Dietrich nods quietly. "I will do that, but I am not going to hide behind my men all the time", the German Captain declares proudly. "Just for now, while emotions are intense", Jakob recommends, knowing his friend too well to try and discuss the matter of pride.

Deirdre O'Donnell greets them with a smile, as they enter the quickly erected sickbay tent. "Captain Dietrich, Lieutenant Silberblatt. How can I help you?" "We come for our usual routine of check-ups", the German Captain replies smoothly. The blond nurse nods. "Of course. I will call Lisa to look after Fritz and take care of your bandages, Captain." Dietrich nods in agreement and patiently waits for her to return and let her point out his cot. After helping him out of his jacket and sweat drenched shirt, the young nurse removes the bandages and checks his various injuries. "I think we can leave the abdomen unbandaged from now on and your head and arm wound at least for the night to get some air and dry, Captain", she assesses after carefully inspecting the wounds. "I suppose I'm not to move too actively as usual", the young officer inquires dryly. "Exactly", Deirdre confirms.

"How is our most handsome officer in camp?", Lisa inquires with a grin, enjoying to tease the German Captain who glares at her and growls: "Lieutenant Hartigan. I was under the impression that we had an arrangement." "We do, Captain. I wouldn't cheat on Mark either. But that won't keep me from stating the truth. Carlos is the youngest and most handsome among the rest, but he's a Mexican stemming Catholic and even more prudish than you", Lisa counters with a grin. Dietrich still eyes her warily, but after a few moments of careful consideration changes his stance to a more calm and moderate one. "I have an issue to bring to your attention, Lieutenant, and ask for your support", he finally decides to put his men's needs over his own pride. Lisa's expression changes as well from her playful smirk to a more serious expression. "Your boyfriend, Mark Hitchcock, has seen some things today that he ... did not take lightly, namely the dead bodies of several Australian soldiers, starved, tortured and murdered by the SS", he explains carefully. Deirdre gasps and quickly puts her hand in front of her mouth, while Lisa scowls and nods. "I'll look after him, Captain. Thanks for your trust", she reassures the young officer who nods briefly with a worried look. "You're a lot more considerate than the Bullhead. He wouldn't even have thought about telling me something like this and asking me to look after his man. I'm actually glad you're Mark's CO now, although he adores his 'Sarge'."

"Who adores me?", Sam Troy who has overheard the last part inquires with a grin. "Nobody of importance!", Lisa answers sarcastically. "Your head's already big enough without anything adding to it." Troy scowls at her, but his Captain intervenes now, standing up from the cot where he has been sitting during his treatment without even bothering that he is not even wearing a shirt. "That is enough, Lieutenant, Sergeant! Have you taken your time to look after your brother yet, Troy?" Sam shakes his head. "Nope. I've only just arrived." "There comes David", Lisa points at two soldiers carrying a stretcher with the gravely injured pilot. "Lisa", David greets her jovially. "You have guests, darling", she tells him with a teasing tone. "Your brother and his friend." David sounds more cheerful than he looks, as he greets Sam and Hans enthusiastically. "So wonderful of you to come, both of you." Lisa steps to Dietrich, while Sam kneels at his brother's bedside. "I will look after Mark. Don't worry, Captain", she whispers in a serious tone, before adding with a more playful tone and a wink: "And I could help you into your shirt, unless you wish to stay like this." The German blushes slightly at the realization of his inappropriate attire in front of the women. "I would appreciate the help for getting dressed", he replies quickly.

After getting dressed properly, another person brought into the sickbay binds Hans Dietrich's attention, before being able to speak with the Troy brothers. Major Turner has been carried inside and observed the younger man quietly for the last few minutes. "Captain Dietrich", he addresses the younger man who tenses immediately and stands at attention. "Major Turner. What can I do for you?", the German Captain inquires. "Report what has stopped our convoy today and caused the chaos and worries afterwards", comes the older American man's answer. After a weary sigh, the younger officer starts his diligent report of the SS base, the tracks of their convoy and the finding of the bodies of Allied soldiers, tortured and murdered. Turner looks slightly shocked, but recovers quickly. "I see. Thank you for your diligence in investigating this so thoroughly." "This is my duty, Major", the younger officer replies stiffly. Turner smiles lightly. "Of course, Captain." The arrival of General Atkins, led in by nurse Deirdre O'Donnell immediately interrupts their conversation. Atkins appears more awake and less apathetic than the last time, Dietrich has seen him, as recognition clearly registers in the older man's eyes. "Captain Dietrich", he speaks carefully, as if he would have to think about the words. The German officer salutes and stands at attention. "General Atkins." As asking him any question feels like opening Pandora's box, Dietrich carefully refrains from saying more than necessary. "We will talk, when I'm feeling better", the General states after several long moments of scrutinizing the lean young Captain. "Of course, Sir", the tall German replies cautiously.

Only after the General has clearly lost interest in him and an exchange of a longer gaze with Major Turner has verified that he can indeed leave without further dismissal, does Hans Dietrich turn around and join the Troys. "Still lying around, idling, Captain Troy?", the German greets the pilot sarcastically. After a moment of surprise, David tries to grin, as much as his burnt lips and bandages in the face would allow it. "Still spending your time shirtless with the nurses, Captain Dietrich?", he replies likewise. Blushing slightly, the German glares at the insolent American pilot. "Unlike you, I have grown up with the concept of propriety and what being an officer and gentleman entails", the younger Captain replies with a clipped tone. "No doubt of that", David replies a bit more moderately, not intending to annoy the German enough to make him never return. "I heard you had an adventurous day. I wish I could be out with you." "Don't wish for that! Especially today, you would not have wanted to change place with us", Hans Dietrich replies with a grim expression. "Yeah, Sam told me what happened. Must be pretty tough for you now", Davis comments. "In what kind of way?", the German asks cautiously. "People will stare at you suspiciously for being a Jerry which you can't help", David replies, surprising Dietrich with being so circumspect. Maybe he is more intelligent than he chooses to behave at times, especially when he acts on impulse rather than rational thought.

"People aren't out for my blood yet... at least not openly", the younger officer replies thoughtfully. "We'll watch his back. Don't worry!", Sam comments with determination, patting the younger man's good shoulder a few times. "Let's get you some dinner now, since you still look awfully skinny." "Yeah. Ma would have our heads for not taking care of him", David comments and the younger German briefly wonders when he has fallen through the looking glass, before growling: "This is hardly your responsibility or your mother's concern. Why should she hold you responsible for anything regarding my person?" "You don't know Ma", David almost whines. "She definitely would." "Yeah, she would", Sam confirms. "So don't get us into trouble and just come along." As he gets to his feet the German briefly reflects on what kind of airborne substances he is aware of which could cause hallucinations to such an extent and whether he could have inhaled something like that in the SS hideout, as he walks with Sam Troy to the tent exit. "Fritz is still here", Lisa Hartigan intercepts them. "I'll take our mascot along", Troy offers immediately and picks up the excitedly yelping little dog who tries to lick his chin at recognizing his once life saviour. Both smile in spite of their grim thoughts and experiences during the day. Even if Moffit will never understand the value of having an emotional support animal, Troy and Dietrich do.

As they arrive at the mess tent, the others are already digging into their food. Ari waves to them, but stays at his place next to Mark Hitchcock and continues to tell the young man a story with a concentrated expression on his face. Troy leaves Fritz between the two of them on the bench and Hitch as well as the boy immediately start to scratch the dog behind the ears or under the chin. Fritz visibly enjoys the attention and Hitch also looks more relieved and happy than he has for hours. Troy then joins the Captain in collecting their dinner, before both men return with a tablet, their dishes and drinks. Jack Moffit immediately pours a cup of tea for the Captain and hands it to the younger man who replies with an expression of gratitude and truly enjoys the warm beverage. "A booster of moral is what we all need right now, Captain", the British Sergeant comments with a wry smile. "Indeed, Moffit", the German replies calmly, before he adds with dry humor: "Some have Fritz and some have tea." "I'll stay with Fritz", Troy comments with a grin. "Me too", Hitch adds with a smile. Also Ari nods enthusiastically. "Tea and Fritz are not mutually exclusive", Jakob adds with a smile, as he sips at his tea and winks at his friend.

Somewhat more relieved, they all are glad to retreat to their tent after dinner where exhaustion claims all except for the night guards rather quickly.