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!)

47. Be careful what you wish for

Troy quietly enters the tent earlier than usual on the following morning and sneaks toward the Captain's bed. As in several of the previous nights, the German officer tosses and turns haunted by his memories even in his dreams, muttering softly in German. Wondering briefly how he will wake the young man up without waking the rest of the tent, Troy finally settles for a method he has already employed once successfully waking his tormented CO without him calling out loud or striking his would-be attacker. Leaning over the skinny German to pin his left arm and whole torso down through his own body weight, the American Sergeant can then use one arm to fixate Dietrich's right arm and the other to cover his mouth and keep him from making any noise. The Captain jerks awake within a split second upon being grabbed and gagged, struggling on instinct. "Stop it, Dietrich!", Troy whispers with an imploring tone and can feel the recognition settling in with the lean young officer, when his tense muscles relax slightly and his eyes focus on his face. "Troy", Hans groans quietly with a pained expression, once the American Sergeant has let go of him and he rubs his injured shoulder and presses his arm against his aching ribs. "Can't you behave like a normal person when waking me up instead of a commando trooper fixating an enemy?" "If you wouldn't attack the guy waking you up, I'd go with your wish." Dietrich frowns, but swallows any further objections, as he does not want to wake up the rest of the tent with this pointless discussion. Neither he nor Troy will relent anyways in spite of him being in the right unlike the uncouth Yankee.

Seeing the younger man holding back, Sam Troy stops the discussion and focuses on their original intention. "So what do we do with the fruits?", he inquires with a whisper. "We need two handkerchiefs or clean socks", the German officer replies quietly. "Just give me a sec", Troy mutters and puts the jar with nuts and fruits in the skinny German's hands, before turning to rummage through his fresh clothes. "Finally, they come to some good use", he mutters with a grin, showing a pair of knitted socks to the slightly baffled Captain. "Who'd wear something like this here in the desert?", the younger officer expresses his astonishment. "Well, not me and noone else I know either. But my Mum sent them anyways and I couldn't just throw them away." Hans nods with understanding. Throwing away something handmade by a family member which might actually become useful is not a decision to be made lightly. Opening the jar, he instructs: "Hold the socks open one after the other so that I can fill them with nuts and fruits!" Troy observes with curiosity how the German fills both socks with the treats for the children. "What now?" Dietrich points at the children's shoes next to their beds. "Now the socks are stuffed in the shoes." The American Sergeant follows the instructions and looks quite content after having finished. "Now?" "We wait for the kids to wake", Hans mutters with a content smile of his own.

The German Captain takes a look around, while they are waiting for the others to wake up. Moffit lies on his back, wheezing lightly, as his recently injured lungs still struggle with the air at times. Jakob Silberblatt has curled up on his side as has been his habit since being a boy. Pettigrew snores lightly, while Hitchcock next to him holds Fritz in his arms. The patient little dog has arranged well with the situation and snores peacefully with his head leaning on Hitch's upper arm. Gottschlich is a rather quiet sleeper, although he starts turning as well during a dream phase. Only Kiri and Ari sleep peacefully and quietly, undisturbed by the adults' worries for now. Troy's heavy sigh indicates to the German Captain that the American Sergeant's patience is almost completely used up after five minutes of quiet observation and the older man starts pacing in the tent.

Ari is the first to wake up from the noise of his footsteps and looks around groggily. Seeing first Troy wandering around and then his brother sitting at the edge of his cot, his face lights up into a smile. "Hans!", he whispers with a happy tone and almost falls over his much bigger shoes when he wants to reach the young man but still is a bit dampened from sleepiness. The Jewish boy looks startled and bends down to pick up the engorged shoe with a puzzled expression that turns into a wide grin, when he realizes what is inside the woolen monstrosity of a much too large sock. "That was definitely worth it", Troy mutters into his lean friend's ear who bears a smile as well. "Wasn't it?", Hans Dietrich mutters his dry reply. "Some traditions are worth sharing it would appear." "Absolutely", the American Sergeant agrees with a grin. "Never understood where this Christmas tradition with stockings is coming from." "If you want a qualified opinion on whether there's a connection, you have to ask Moffit", Hans replies dryly. "I think I'll pass. Jack'll talk my ears off", Troy grumbles without dropping his wide smile. Ari, who is hugging his skinny caregiver around the waist, effectively ends his participation in the discussion. "Thank you. I like this Saint Nikolaus", the boy mutters gratefully.

The commotion has finally succeeded in waking the others, although Jakob valiantly resists by pulling his blanket pillow over his head. Kiri cries out with delight at the sight of the fruit filled sock in her shoe. Then, she folds her hands in a prayer gesture and starts muttering in a language Dietrich does not understand, although he can make out the word 'Nicolaios'. "A Greek prayer?", he asks Troy, who nods. "Yeah. I'd guess she's thanking Saint Nicolaios. I really love that. We should do that every year." "You seem to forget, Sergeant, that we will try our best to get the children taken care of by loving families who will then provide them with all they need. I doubt that there will be a next time in a year", the German Captain tells him with a serious and despondent tone. "You're a real pessimist, Captain", Troy scolds him. "Focus on the bright side and be happy for them. If we have no kids next year, we still have Hitch." In spite of himself, Dietrich has to smile involuntarily at the comment.

After having woken Hitchcock up through licking the Private's face, Fritz comes trotting toward Dietrich and Troy, wagging his tail to greet his other favourite humans. With Ari still clinging to him, Hans cannot bend down to pet the dog. But Fritz does not mind jumping up at him to place his paws on the tall man's thigh and enjoy his cuddles from his German master and the Jewish boy. "Fritz!", Kiri exclaims and enthusiastically joins them, making the little dog feel as happy as if he would have received a boot full of sweets and treats as well. Meanwhile Sam Troy tightens his grip on the German Captain's shoulder and growls into his ear, as he notices something disturbing: "First, Hitch replaces his girlfriend with Fritz and that's the relationship I'd be jealous of, if I were her. Now, he just sneaks off without saying a word. You gotta talk some sense into that idiot." Dietrich frowns and mutters back: "You're right, Troy. He's avoided you, his friends, all day yesterday and now he hasn't even waited to talk with anyone, before taking off on his own, failing to bring even his shadow, Pettigrew, along."

"I also don't remember seeing him chewing on these infernal gums yesterday", the young officer mutters and Troy actually scowls and starts to think as well. "You're right. I don't remember seeing him either. I can hardly recall any time out of Hitch lying in the sickbay when he would've been without chance to get a chewing gum that he hasn't chewed them", the American Sergeant grumbles, sounding concerned as well now, as he meets the German Captain's gaze. "We'll keep an eye on him. Don't you worry, Captain! But you'd better start talking with him soon." Dietrich nods with a worried scowl. "I will, although I'm not sure anymore, that what I have learned about him is the sole source of his troubles." "Remember that I told you that you're too smart for your own good sometimes, Captain. And as you said to Jack: curiosity kills the cat", Troy replies with his grin in place. The German officer glowers at the insolent American, but concedes: "Spare me such comments however much truth they may hold, Troy! Why aren't you getting ready for the day and your breakfast instead of annoying honest folk like me?" Troy grins at the comment that holds no malice, as usual with the Captain. He is a dog that barks more than he bites, although they all know that he can bite, if driven too far.

"What kind of plots and schemes are you two working on?", Jack Moffit interrupts them with his inquiry. "The usual source of worry within this unit in the last days", the young officer replies cryptically. "That cannot possibly be, Captain", Jack assures him with dry humor, "since you're here and as well as could be." "Moffit", the German Captain bristles and glares at him with annoyance, while Troy grins widely. "We're talking 'bout the other source of worries who just left without a word", the American Sergeant adds. The British scholar takes a look around and notices Hitchcock's absence as well now. "What do you think happened to him to behave so out of character?", he inquires quietly. Troy glares at the tall officer who gulps and bears a tormented expression. "I have given my word not to betray this information, before the involved parties are willing to openly admit to it. But you have my word that I will talk with Hitchcock, now that I know a few things more about what the reason for his behaviour is." Moffit looks actually surprised and mutters: "However you came upon this, Sherlock, it appears as if we should not envy you your skills of deduction." Dietrich grimaces. "It wasn't a deduction per se, merely coincidence and someone's loose tongue." "You still have something about you, Captain, that makes people trust you with coincidental information", the Brit adds with a serious tone. "See, Captain Fox Kit, I told you he likes you as well", Troy adds with a grin, squeezing the younger man's shoulder. "Have you been sampling dubious homebrew with Brown again, Troy?", Hans inquires sarcastically. "Unfortunately not. Maybe it's the overdose of tea", Troy suggests without dropping his grin. Moffit and Dietrich exchange a long-suffering glance. "Only the overdose of sugar you consumed with this tea, Troy", the German Captain growls sarcastically.

Someone small pulls on the tall officer's shirt lapel. "Breakfast?", Kiri tries out the new word she has adopted from Ari, making all three of them smile. "Could we please go to have some breakfast", Jack smoothly switches into his new favourite role of language teacher and starts to correct the girl's pronunciation. "The role of annoying teacher really suits him", Troy mutters for only Dietrich to hear who smirks at the comment. "Says the loud and scary one", he adds dryly. "Ari also said that I'm nice and Kiri that I'm interesting", the American Sergeant counters with a grin. "You're grasping for straws, Troy", the German Captain declares dryly. Then, he turns to Moffit: "As you're enjoying your role of behavioural example, Doctor, could you get the children to wash properly, while I enjoy my five minutes of peace?" Jack smiles and assures his young CO: "Of course, Captain", before turning back to Kiri and Ari to instruct them, while Dietrich quickly gathers his toothbrush, soap and shaving utensils to retreat before he is followed.

"Good morning. What happened to your kids, Captain?", Lieutenant Carlos wonders, as the German officer enters the officer's facility all alone. "Doctor Moffit is serving as role model and instructor on social behaviour for the moment", the young Captain replies dryly. "That hasn't worked for the Rat Patrol, but there's still hope for Ari and Kiri." Carlos is not the only one grinning at the German ironic comment. Griffiths laughs loudly, only trying to pull himself together, when Captain Boggs focuses his reprimanding glare on him. Unperturbed by the others' reactions, the German Captain focuses on his own shaving procedure. After almost a full month of only being able to use his left hand and arm, he has gained enough dexterity to perform this as quickly and precisely as he would have with his main arm.

When Hans Dietrich is about to leave the tent, he almost collides with an American officer who appears to be waiting close to the entrance for somebody. "Captain Dietrich", Major Turner addresses the younger officer unexpectedly. "Please come with me. We need to discuss a few things." The German Captain is stunned enough to stand still for a few seconds, before following the older and senior officer. Unexpectedly for the German Captain, the American Major leads him to his personal tent instead of the General's command tent. Confused and a bit wary, the younger man schools his face into a neutral expression, as he contemplates what this is about. "We have never resolved our discussion from yesterday's breakfast, Captain", the Major tells him sternly and Dietrich tenses immediately. Receiving a reprimand for the Americans' sentimentality to voice their application wishes and his own honesty in stating the truth feels unfair. Swallowing the bitter lump in his throat, the lean German meets the older man's gaze with narrowed eyes forcing himself to not adopt an overly defiant gaze. Troy's company seems to rub off on him a bit too much. "Corporal Eric Turner, my nephew, addressed you yesterday", the older officer elaborates and Hans merely nods curtly. "My nephew is the closest thing I have to a son", the Major continues with a serious tone that makes Dietrich wonder just what is wrong with all the Americans to share their family stories so openly with a stranger like him. "I want you to bear this in mind, when I entrust the young man under your command for the time being", Turner continues in an equally stern tone.

Taken completely by surprise, the German Captain stares at the older man briefly. "I beg your pardon, Sir", Hans Dietrich speaks cautiously, once he has recovered from his initial shock. "You heard me right, Captain. I will assign Corporal Turner under your command, until we arrive at Tobruk. Then, others will decide about your fate as well as which men and unit to command. I think he can profit from the experience and I trust in you and your reputation to take good care of the young man." Still too baffled to be sure what to say and how to properly react, Hans Dietrich salutes with his left and warns cautiously: "I'll take as good care of him as I possibly can, but we both know that the job of a commando unit is a hazardous one." "Any soldier's job is a hazardous one at wartime. I'm aware of that, Captain Dietrich. Nonetheless you will not put the young man at risk unnecessarily, of this I'm assured or I wouldn't trust you with his life." The German Captain looks still somewhat wary and unsure what to think of the matter. "Don't you fear that your nephew would be accused of receiving preferential treatment, considering how many people have handed me applications in the last two weeks, while none has actually been granted for good reason", the younger officer argues cautiously.

The American Major studies the tall, lean German's bruised face and considers his argument. "Your Private Hitchcock is currently not fit for duty, not only physically, but also mentally according to Doctor Andrews' report", Turner states with a scowl. "Hitchcock has suffered personally at the hand of Arab slavers in spite of his injuries in addition to other ... challenges the young man has to face", Dietrich rises to the defense of his Private immediately. "I'm not accusing him or you of being a bad officer to not have taken care of him", Turner counters with a stern tone. "I'm merely suggesting to place Corporal Eric Turner with your unit as Private Hitchcock's replacement for the time being, until our arrival in Tobruk." Hans slightly relaxes his tense stance and cocks his head, as he thinks the suggestion over. "This might sound plausible enough for most of the men, although Sergeant Troy will likely not believe a word of it." "He's your problem to deal with. According to Captain Boggs you're the most successful officer by far in gaining Sergeant Troy's sympathy and cooperation", Major Turner replies, observing the German Captain narrowing his eyes again. "Are you mocking me?", Dietrich almost growls, barely reining in his tone.

Turner almost smirks at the young officer's reaction which demonstrates both his pride and his temper, but which he cannot leave unchecked. "You'd better remember well which tone to use with a superior", he reprimands the lean young man who tenses into a straight stance on instinct and diligently declares his apology: "Forgive my tone, Major!" Dietrich is a well-trained soldier after all, unlike many of their current troops, but more able to gain these men's personal sympathy and through this a higher level of respect than many of his colleagues gain through their ranks and military operations alone. "Make sure that you set a good example for your men, Captain. Until now the impression is that you're able to actually do this, even with the unruly Rats. Captain Boggs sounded truly impressed by some things he reported." Hans raises his eyebrows in astonishment at the declaration that is not in the least what he would have expected to follow after the reprimand. After his previous run-in with his superiors he decides to stay quiet instead of starting another discussion. Brown's strategy of keeping Boggs on his toes appears exaggerated and unnecessary.

After Major Turner has studied the tall young officer with the obvious bruises on his face from head to toe for a few moments, he declares: "I suppose all is settled. I will inform Corporal Turner about his new assignment in the mess. I suggest that you accompany me there. Missing out on meals is not an option for you, considering medical reports and how loose this uniform is fitting." Dietrich stiffens immediately at the words and proudly meets the Major's eyes with a defiant gaze, as he speaks with a dry tone: "Your commando soldiers' successes in first blowing up German supplies en masse and lately costing me my nerves and energy through a series of events involving infiltrators, commando attacks and getting stranded in the desert can hardly be blamed on me." Turner looks the German Captain in the brown eyes which hold a clear defiance, but neither dishonesty, hatred nor malice. "I'm only blaming you for lack of compliance, if you refuse to come with me, Captain", he finally declares sternly and observes how the younger officer lowers his gaze and a flustered expression briefly passes over it. "I apologise for my behaviour, Major", the proud young Captain gets out and the American senior officer decides to stop grilling him. "Apology accepted. Come with me!"

When they walk through the camp together, Major Turner can observe the strange behaviour of the camp's soldiers toward the former enemy officer first hand. All men salute to them both, but after a polite and distanced "Good morning, Sir" thrown in his direction, several Australians and Americans add "How're you, Captain?" or "That was a great party yesterday, Captain" or even "We're glad to have you back with us, Captain". The German officer appears astonished and almost wary, but politely exchanges a few words with each of the men. To Turner's surprise he can actually address each of them by name, Americans and Australians alike. Once again, he is reminded of his assessment that the young Captain would make an excellent infantry commander, as he inspires and motivates his men well through his behaviour, but he knows that General Atkins will not want to hear any of that, as they have a plethora of infantry officers, but merely a handful of good commanders for a commando unit and even less of those are German native speakers who are intimately familiar with the Wehrmacht in addition to the culture, society and inconspicuous behaviour among ordinary people, not only enemy soldiers. This is what makes the proud, lean officer so valuable in the eyes of their HQ. Although his wary attitude is still persistent, the bruised young man has proven his earnestness about his defection, especially when he could have tried to buy his life through selling out his new allies. The animosity between him and the German officers of the base is authentic and from his own and other reports the thought of giving anything away has not even crossed Dietrich's mind.

As they enter the mess tent, the German Captain's foster children cry his name out with joy. While the girl comes running toward him and whirls around in an obvious manner to show off her clothes, the boy walks with more measured steps, holding up a copper teapot, as if it were a sacred ceremonial item to be honoured and worshipped. Being close enough to the German Captain, Turner can observe the change of his whole demeanour, when interacting with the children. His eyes light up, his tense posture relaxes and his face bears a softer and more gentle expression than the older American officer has ever seen on him, or only from afar, as the young man bends down and lets the dark-skinned girl hug him. Dietrich has managed the feat of preserving his humanity, compassion and moral principles in spite of being an officer in the centre of a war. This is the example he wants his nephew to get to know as a reminder and motivation that this is possible and that justice and hope prevail. Also the infamous and unruly Rats demonstrate their behaviour unbidden, as Sergeant Troy joins them at at the food dispense, pats the young officer on the shoulder and mutters something into his ear that makes the German Captain raise his eyebrows in surprise, look over at the table with the other Rats and finally nod curtly. The partially wordless and seamless communication between the former enemies amazes the American Major.

Meanwhile Sergeant Moffit joins them as well, directing the children and placing a copper cup with a steaming liquid on the tray his American colleague is carrying. "Your tea is excellent, so I wanted to share it, Captain. Ari insisted on carrying the brew for you and your entourage", the British scholar explains after greeting both the American Major and the Captain politely. "Thank you, Moffit", comes the younger man's honest reply, as he smiles at the boy, but keeps the expression, when looking at the British Sergeant. "I understand now why Ari's behaving as if he was Parcival who'd been given the holy grail to carry." Doctor Moffit grins at the comment. "As always I appreciate your educated suggestions, Captain", he tells the German officer with a notable tinge of amusement in his tone. "We will meet you after breakfast to coordinate the day's route." Dietrich nods and confirms: "I'll discuss this with Captain Boggs and Brown during breakfast. The Australians deserve their rest, staying closer with the convoy after their special mission yesterday." Turner intercedes now: "I absolutely agree with you, Captain Dietrich. You and your men as well as your newly recruited scouts have served as reliable pathfinders and I suggest that you fulfill this role again." "Of course, Major", the lean German replies smoothly.

Troy's and Dietrich's wordless exchange continues, as they reach the officer's table. Seeing his Sergeant's questioning gaze, the German officer moves his head in the direction of his fellow Captains Boggs and Brown to which the commando soldier reacts instantly and places his Captain's tray there. Very slowly and diligently the Jewish boy Ari places the teapot at the rim of the table and pushes it further from the edge to keep it from falling, before turning to his caregiver with a wide smile. "I brought the tea, Hans", the child declares proudly. Smiling gently, the young officer ruffles through his hair and tells him with a calm tone: "Thank you, Ari. Do you like the teapot after all?" The boy throws a glance at the copper vessel, before nodding. "I love it. It reminds me of Aba." Turner sees the German Captain wince as if he would have been struck in the face and the haunted look in the brown eyes is obvious as well. "Did Bracken, Johnson and Moffit infect you with their tea obsession?", Captain Brown inquires with a grin, effectively distracting the young officer who scowls at him. "Take a seat, Captain Dietrich", Boggs intervenes diplomatically, knowing the cat and dog attitude between them by now. "Do you wish to join us as well, Major Turner?" The older American officer smiles at the polite invitation, but declines, as he turns to join the General. "I will send you your new man after breakfast, Captain Dietrich", he adds as a final reminder. "New man?", Brown beats Boggs with his nosy request, not even allowing their German colleague to take a seat. "Indeed", Dietrich replies dryly and stops elaborating, as he distributes their breakfast rations to the children.

"I haven't been informed about any changes of personnel", Boggs tries a more careful and diplomatic approach after allowing the younger Captain the time to take his own portion and sip some of his tea which should hopefully help to cool his temper. "Major Turner has only just informed me right before breakfast", the German Captain replies warily. "Who of your applicants will be the lucky winner of the lottery?", Brown inquires curiously. "Corporal Eric Turner." Dietrich keeps a neutral tone, as he replies, while observing the two men carefully. Although Brown appears a bit relieved to not lose any of his men, Boggs looks openly astonished. "The Major's own nephew?", the older American Captain inquires incredulously. "The very same", the German answers dryly. "I had no idea that he holds you in such high esteem", Boggs mutters quietly. "You need not worry, Captain Boggs. The Major made it very clear that this is only a temporary assignment, until we arrive at Tobruk. Officially, Corporal Turner is Private Hitchcock's replacement given his recent injury and mental agitation", Dietrich explains matter-of-factually. Boggs nods and considers the information. "An interesting development. You have definitely left an impression, Captain Dietrich." "Weren't you the one trying to convince me that I'm not backed against a wall with nothing but enemies all around me?", Dietrich asks with dry sarcasm. "You're an esteemed member of our officers corps", Boggs repeats with a serious tone and expression. "The Major's support will be valuable for your future, Hans", Jakob Silberblatt adds who has quietly joined them after struggling to get out of bed like every day. The German Captain narrows his eyes and looks at each of them with a wary gaze, before finally accepting the wisdom of his friend's statement and nodding curtly. Then, they finally return to finishing their breakfasts.

"Hans", Ari addresses his caregiver with a cautious tone. Dietrich looks up with a questioning expression, raising his eyebrows. The Jewish boy holds out a collection of sweets, four cookies with nuts, dried fruits, figs and dates which have been part of his and Kiri's breakfast. "They're for you for Nicolaus day", he explains to his dumbstruck brother. "You didn't get anything. But you're always nice, so we think you also have to get something." Hans is actually too perplexed to react for a few seconds, until Jakob gently squeezes his shoulder and draws him out of his reverie. "Thank you, Ari. But I really don't need to take away your cookies. The festivity is... mainly for children to get rewards", the German officer mutters looking a bit flustered. Kiri looks slightly nervous, because she cannot understand them, but Ari is too occupied leading his discussion to translate for her. "But it's nice to get something sweet. And we can get more, if we want. Bob, who gives us the food, likes us and Fritz", Ari explains innocently and hands the cookies to his beloved caregiver.

The Australian and American Captain observe the strange interaction as well. "What kind of tradition is this to give sweets to someone today?", Brown inquires. "A German one, St. Nikolaustag. It's basically the same saint as your Santa Claus, Brown", Dietrich explains calmly. "That's great. Why don't you share such interesting stories more often? And why didn't I get any cookies?", Brown asks with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Because as I have already explained to Sergeant Troy yesterday, the misbehaved ones get something a day earlier, on Krampustag, after a spanking", the German Captain replies dryly. Brown grins widely now, holding his aching ribs. "Great. I got my spanking, but no cookies." The German Captain pulls himself together to not roll his eyes at the ridiculous argument, intent on preserving his dignity at least in his own eyes. Holding out one of his four cookies to the Australian, Dietrich adds dryly: "I know exactly what your current plight feels like. Be my guest, Brown." Ari looks a bit sad. "But they are for you, Hans." "Didn't Troy teach you that sharing is caring?", the German asks with a smile. "If they're mine, I will share them." Kiri repeats the sentence she has already liked the first time, while Ari thoughtfully considers the concept.

"Thanks, Dietrich. You really dare to let Sammy teach them anything?", Brown inquires with a wink. "Moffit's responsible for teaching them the proper Cambridge behaviour and making up for the rest of the unruly gang of mischief makers", Dietrich counters dryly. "He really enjoys that, as I could observe during my stay in sickbay", Boggs adds and accepts one of the offered cookies, while Jakob Silberblatt takes the third one, before his friend finally settles with eating the last cookie which makes the boy and girl smile happily at him. Ari even offers his sock with nuts and fruits to his brother who politely declines. "What's that monstrosity?", Brown inquires staring at the hand knitted thick woolen sock with incredulity. "Don't insult the craftwork of Troy's mother, Brown, or you might find yourself in trouble with the insane clan as well!", Hans admonishes with a mischievous smile. The Australian Captain winces slightly, as the laughter hurts his ribs. "We needed something clean for the food treats to put in their shoes", the young officer continues his explanation. "You still got a cot free in your tent? I'm considering moving in with you as well", Brown asks with a grin. "Sorry, Brown. My tolerable limit of annoying people to look after has already been exceeded by the Rats", the younger officer replies dryly.

"Why did you ever move in with them in the first place?", the Australian wants to know, highly bemusedly. "Protection, when the infiltrators being out for my blood was still a viable hypothesis", Dietrich replies smoothly. "With two children to look after, having more people available to take care of them made sense afterwards as well. And Troy simply didn't let us move out." Boggs nods in understanding. "That is more reasonable than anything Sergeant Troy has ever offered me as an explanation." "Don't tell me that you're surprised by that!", the German Captain deadpans dryly. "Turner junior will have so much to learn from you and tell stories about later", Brown comments with a grin. "Be careful what you wish for. It might come true", the younger officer tells him with a dry tone.

"Speaking of Turner, we need to arrange plans for today. We will not be able to reach the caravanserai today given the convoy's speed, but we should easily reach it tomorrow. Hauptmann Zornbrecht likely reported my capture and the different bases would have stayed in radio contact. That this has been down for a day might still be explicable by external forces or technical breakdowns. But if they don't get contacted by today, they will definitely suspect foul play or an enemy attack and prepare defenses ahead of our arrival", the young German officer explains diligently. "I could call them on a German frequency and provide some distraction, tell them that we were hit by a sandstorm", Jakob offers and Dietrich nods along with the other two Captains. "That's as good a plan as could be. If they need special codes, we don't stand a chance anyway. Also I cannot help you, as somebody might recognize my voice on the radio, since I'm well-known in this area which has been my previous main area for operations for several months." "What should I tell them, if they ask about you, Hans?", Lieutenant Silberblatt wants to know. "That the SS are still interrogating me. That should end all questions immediately", the German Captain replies with grim irony. "No sane Wehrmacht officer will want to cross the SS, especially not after what happened to me." A pained expression appears on his friend's face which the German Captain gamely ignores.

"I suggest that we scout ahead again. If the commander of the caravanserai sends out troops to check on his comrades, it would make sense to meet them today in the afternoon. Also they will rely on water and food supplies from the oases, so running into German convoys is a clear possibility", Dietrich argues diligently. "I'm grateful for your considerations, Captain Dietrich", Boggs declares. "And I fully agree with your cautious approach. Which position do you intend for Corporal Turner?" "Letting him and Gottschlich switch positions as drivers with Troy at the gun", the German Captain replies with a serious tone. "That's mean, Dietrich, putting him with Troy, while you enjoy your peace and quiet with Moffit and the silent moonshine runner", Brown accuses with clear humor. "I'm not bound by the Geneva Convention anymore to not torment the Yankees", the young German officer counters sarcastically. Even Boggs smiles at the comment, while Brown tries to stop his laughter which hurts his ribs. Ari and Kiri enjoy laughing along with the jovial Australian, mainly because laughing feels good for them, although they do not understand the joke at all. "We should chat more often, Dietrich. I really enjoy your sense of humor", the Australian Captain finally gets out after reining in his mirth.

"I'll visit the sickbay to receive my treatment for my shoulder and fresh bandages for the cut", Dietrich informs Boggs, ignoring the Australian's comment. "Also I need the assistance of the nurses to look after these two." Kiri's curiosity gets the better of her, as she wants to know: "*What's happening, Ioannes? Why do you point at us?*" "*I told them that you will come with me to Auntie Lisa and her friends and spend your day with them*", Hans explains gently and looks relieved, when both smile at the news. A young red-haired American approaches the four officers, but waits politely, until Jakob Silberblatt addresses him: "What can we do for you?" "Corporal Eric Turner. I'm to report to Captain Dietrich, Sir", the young man responds and salutes properly, much to the German Captain's delight who has a premonition that he would probably prefer Turner as Hitchcock's permanent replacement, given the amount of troubles the Yankee has caused him in spite of serving on the same side. Standing up and at attention, the tall Captain salutes back with his left. "Corporal, please follow me! I'll introduce you to your new unit." Turner nods and obeys immediately, although his astonishment is visible on his face, when the young officer turns back toward the table, briefly and politely exchanging a goodbye with his fellow officers, before switching the language to address the two children with a guttural speech. Both follow him, each carrying a big woolen sock filled with something voluminous.

Dietrich leads his entourage toward the Rats' spot at the dining table where they have finished their breakfast and Troy engages in a vivid discussion with Moffit. The word 'tea' is enough to warn the Captain of what they are discussing about. Corporal Gottschlich appears truly unhappy that Moffit tries to involve him in the discussion and gain him as an ally, while Tully Pettigrew stays wisely out of it, keeping his neutral standing. Only Hitchcock staring in front of him with a thousand yard stare is truly a disturbing sight for the German officer who notes with clear worry that he will have to force the unruly Private into a talk sooner rather than later. Fritz is the most enthusiastic in greeting his master, as the little dog jumps up at him with joyful yelps and enjoys a few gentle words along with being scratched behind the ears, before running toward the children.

"Hey, Captain. What's that guy doing here? Are you adopting strays again?", Troy inquires with a grin, pointing at the young soldier who looks flabbergasted at the words. "Sergeant Troy, may I introduce you to Corporal Eric Turner. He will serve as Private Hitchcock's temporary replacement until we arrive at Tobruk", Dietrich tells him with a sly tone and imploring gaze that tips Moffit off immediately that something is fishy. "Corporal Turner", he addresses the young man in means of a greeting, stressing the name. Troy glares at him with slightly narrowed eyes, as he tries to assess the American Corporal. "I thought you're not supposed to hire anyone until you know about your final unit and destination, Captain?", the Sergeant grumbles and Hans briefly wonders if Troy is just faking it to annoy him or really acting deliberately with maximum stupidity. "Corporal Turner was specifically assigned to us only on a temporary basis and will not remain with us any longer than we take to arrive at Tobruk", Dietrich replies smoothly. Jack Moffit looks from the young American soldier to the officer's table where the Major with the identical surname observes them attentively. Tully's eyes follow his line of sight and take note of the same, while Gottschlich appears stunned by the development and Troy still eyes the young American with a wary expression, as if he would suspect him of being a German infiltrator.

"Gentlemen, we have orders to scout ahead of the convoy and remain on the lookout for German supply convoys and scouts. Corporal Turner will ride with Corporal Gottschlich and you, Sergeant Troy, while I go with Moffit and Pettigrew." While the Brit and the Kentucky driver look fairly happy, Troy bears a defiant expression. "I'd prefer to have you closer to me, Captain, and not take some guy along who I neither know nor trust" he grumbles with clear animosity. "Don't be ridiculous, Sergeant!", Dietrich growls with actual annoyance now. "Even though you spend a lot of time with Ari and Kiri, you have no justification for behaving as if you were in kindergarten." Moffit senses the situation getting dangerous and about to get out of hands. Remembering quite vividly how the American Sergeant has resisted and argued about himself being assigned with the Rats for a single mission, he knows this wary and distrustful side of him far better than the German Captain who has been pushed by Troy into overcoming his own animosity and wariness against his former enemies far quicker than the American Sergeant is likely to come to his senses regarding the young Yankee.

"Corporal Turner could ride with me and Tully, Captain. Although this places you and your second in command on the same Jeep, it would distribute our language and desert experts much more equally", the British Sergeant argues matter-of-factually. Dietrich looks him straight in the eyes with a thoughtful expression and Jack tries hard to communicate his earnestness and reasonability to the German Captain. Finally, the young officer nods and concedes: "Agreed, Sergeant Moffit. Your argument is reasonable and I trust that you will provide a thorough introduction into our operating style to the Corporal." Turner looks actually relieved to stay with the much less antagonistic British Sergeant. "Break him in and prepare the vehicles and everything for a day-long scouting mission!", Dietrich orders crisply. "I'll receive my treatment in sickbay and leave the children in the care of the nurses." "We'll take care of everything, Captain", Troy assures him, before focusing on Turner again with a wary glare.

Before turning to leave, Dietrich approaches the despondent looking Mark Hitchcock who appears as if he has not even noticed anything that has just transpired. "Hitchcock", the German Captain addresses him with a gentler tone, almost like the one he usually applies for the children. Hitch looks up at the tall officer and mutters sadly: "What's up, Cap?" The German officer struggles visibly with the nonchalant address for a few seconds, before reminding himself that this is not a lack of respect on Hitchcock's behalf. Grimacing, he recalls all that has transpired between them in the last days and just how much he knows in addition about Hitchcock, as he reminds himself of the reason why he wants to help this young man. Reining in his pride, Hans continues speaking in his calm and reassuring tone: "This cannot continue, Hitchcock. We need to talk. Today, after we have returned from scouting. And don't try to hide or duck out of this! Corporal Turner will only replace you temporarily, not permanently. You have my word on that."

Hitch looks quite like he is in a tight spot, when Dietrich mentions that they need to talk. Hearing about a temporary replacement makes him tense and look up at the young American who observes him with curiosity. "I... I don't wanna bother you, Cap", Hitch stammers, sounding unconvincing even for his own ears. "Hitchcock, looking out for my men is part of my duties as your commanding officer and you definitely need someone to look out for you", the German officer argues without even considering to relent. "Listen to the Captain!", Troy tries to support his CO who scowls at him with slight annoyance, when he notices the Private start at the harsh words. As the Captain turns his gaze back on him, Hitch looks into Dietrich's brown eyes with some desperation, reading worry and compassion there, but not the impatience and annoyance he reads in Troy's gaze, although he knows that Sarge cares in his own way. Patience simply is not one of his virtues. Swallowing the lump in his throat, the young man finally croaks out: "Okay. I'll see you later, Cap. I... I promise. Scout's honour." Hans observes him and his instinctive boy scout gesture for a few more seconds after the promise, before finally nodding. "Agreed, Hitchcock!"

Troy pats the tall officer on the shoulder, as he passes him by and mutters quietly: "I'd have forced him to start chatting right now. But you're the sensitive and sensible one, so I trust you'll do this right." "Self-reflectiveness suits you, Troy. Don't harm Turner! He's the Major's nephew and will leave us in Tobruk, unless he starts liking us too much which appears not to be an issue we need to worry about given your behaviour, Sergeant. So you don't have to be that defensive of Hitchcock's position. I won't sacrifice him", Dietrich mutters back quietly. Troy scowls as his blue eyes meet the Captain's brown ones, before finally nodding, as he grumbles: "Okay. I'll give the kid a chance." "Thank you, Sergeant", the lean officer adds quietly, before finally turning to leave after meeting the gaze of each of his men, including Eric Turner.

As Hans Dietrich enters the sickbay with his two wards, a worried looking nurse Regula approaches him and inquires: "Ist alles in Ordnung, Herr Hauptmann?" The German officer nods quietly. "Ja, Schwester Regula. Ich muss Sie lediglich wieder bitten, nach Ari und Kiri zu sehen, da Private Hitchcock derzeit nicht gänzlich zuverlässig ist." Lisa Hartigan approaches him with a scowl, when she hears Mark's name. "What has this idiot done now?", she growls in clear annoyance. "I beg your pardon?", the lean Captain inquires slightly incredulously. "You just talked about Mark", she grumbles in a tone that reminds him of Sam Troy. "I said that he is not fully reliable at the moment to look after the children which is the reason why I'm asking for your assistance in looking after Ari and Kiri." Lisa smiles warmly at the two children now. "I'd love nothing more than to look after the two darlings", she immediately agrees with unexpected enthusiasm. "We really like them after all", Regula supports her with a smile of her own. "Excellent. Thank you, ladies. I'm in your debt", the tall young officer replies with a polite bow and wide smile. "We like you and your kids. You don't owe us, Captain, except to take a little bit more care of yourself", Lisa Hartigan tells him with a smirk, digging her index finger into the lean man's chest who winces visibly at the touch. "And it looks like we need to look after you as well", she adds without allowing any protest. "I'll help you with the jacket and shirt."

Once she has led the German into the officer's ward, while Regula gently speaks with the children, Lisa whispers into the young man's ear: "Did you speak with Mark already?" "You told me not to force him. But I have pressured him into talking with me after returning from today's scouting mission. Not only have I been assigned an official replacement which could affect him given what happened between Pettigrew and this Corporal Andy Newman, but also is he starting to behave in a worrisome manner. He avoids contact with his friends, slept with the dog in his arms and didn't even chew on his annoying bubble gum the whole day yesterday", the lean officer grits out between clenched teeth, as he has to painfully move his right arm to get out of his jacket and shirt. "Thanks, Captain", the American nurse replies with honest gratitude, while she cuts through the old bandages to remove them carefully. However what she sees underneath makes her scowl at the young officer's skinny appearance, as she does every time when she gets reminded that his uniform typically hides his malnourished state rather well from sight. The dark bruises along his torso make him look almost as badly injured as he has been, when he has first arrived in camp. However, she has felt far less sympathy for an enemy officer back then than she feels now for the young commander of Mark's unit who acts compassionately and honorably not only toward his men and the children under his protection but also toward her and actively tries to help her in her current predicament. Seeing him not getting much better in weeks is truly like a stab through the heart for Lisa at times, as their second in command after Boggs is really one of the patients she wants to help the most and see finally getting better.

"Lieutenant, are you alright?", Hans addresses her quietly with a tinge of worry, when he notices her far away stare that seems to be directed through his chest rather than at his injuries. His own medical knowledge is limited mainly to first aid and what additional bits and pieces he has picked up from Jakob's father, his uncle Heinz and almost four years spent at the forefront of a war, but he can guess that the stress and shock must be much harsher for her in her current state than they would be otherwise for the usually tough appearing woman. Startled out of her musings, Lisa blushes slightly, when she realizes that she has been staring at the handsome young man when he has been sitting in front of her without even wearing a shirt. What must he think of her, especially given what he already knows about her? The look in his eyes holds honest concern though and not the least suspicion or anger. "I'm sorry, Captain", she mutters and tries to switch the topic, but Dietrich is insistent now. "I'm serious, Lieutenant. Are you alright? I don't want to cause you any stress or harm, especially given..." "I'm fine", she interrupts the young officer, before he says too much in the presence of David Troy, the new center of gossip in camp. "Honestly, I just got distracted. You'd help me best by eating more regularly and taking care of your safety and health, not just everyone else's." The proud young officer looks as if he would like nothing more than to protest, but then thinks better of it, as he eyes her with clear concern written on his face. "I'll try my very best", he instead promises dryly, making the brown-haired nurse smile widely at him, as she puts her hand on his uninjured shoulder and winks, while she replies: "You're after all my knightly defender, Captain. I'll need you alive and well." Enjoying the young officer's priceless baffled expression, she starts applying the disinfectant to the cut along his chest which immediately changes his features, as he grits his teeth to not show his pain at the treatment too obviously. Men and their stupid pride.

Afterwards they switch places. While Regula applies the Captain's massage, Lisa takes over the children and leads them to the truck which they will ride together with David Troy and Major Bracken. However, the British officer appears a bit cranky to have to spend hours locked up with small children, while the American pilot is delighted. "Ari, Kiri", he calls them over and quickly involves the Jewish boy in one of his tall tales. Today the girl interrupts more often and frequently asks him to repeat words and sentences for her. When Ari explains that she wants to learn English in order to chat with his older brother, because she considers him interesting, David laughs for almost a full minute, until the pain of laughing gets too unbearable compared to the mirth that comment is creating for him. Bracken glowers at them with annoyance, but compared to the RAF pilot the two native children are meek as little lambs and he can hardly have another officer of his majesty removed from the truck simply because he is annoyed by his uncouth behaviour. With a sigh, the British Major resigns to his fate and hopes for a quick recovery or even quicker arrival in Tobruk to escape this hell. Not even having fresh tea available during the ride makes his perils ten times worse.

Hans Dietrich joins his men at the Jeeps a short while later. Although every single muscle in his neck and shoulders hurts, having regained enough mobility to be able to put on his own shirt with only minor support through the nurse has felt like an achievement. Already from afar the German Captain can tell that Moffit is providing instructions to both Corporals in his best Cambridge lecturer tone. Troy greets his young CO with a wide grin. "Poor Gotty got detention with Jack, when he heard what hairbrained nonsense Hitch has taught him." The German officer sighs and winces slightly. "At least someone is taking this assignment seriously and I'm not talking about you, Troy." "So what's the real point of having this Turner guy with us? Does the Major distrust you so much to place a spy with you?", Sam growls with a suspicious look directed at the young American. "Don't be absurd, Troy. If he wanted to do that, anyone but his own nephew would be a better choice", Dietrich argues. "But you're right that this replacement assignment is merely a ruse to keep others from complaining about preferential treatment." "I knew that something smells fishy here", Troy growls sounding somewhat more content. "So what should we do with the kid?", he inquires conspiratorially. "Treat Corporal Turner in a just and fair manner, as I treat each and any of my men. That's all I ask of you, Sergeant", Dietrich replies with a serious tone. "I almost forgot that you're the goody two shoes guy", Troy grumbles. "I won't harm the kid. Gotty has turned out to be not such a bad choice after all."

"Kepten", Hussein addresses the German officer in his heavily accented English pronunciation. "We report", Farooq adds with a toothy grin, proud of his language skills. "Good morning", the German Captain addresses them in English, before repeating the phrase in Arabic. All three diligently repeat his words and his salute. "We will scout ahead of our convoy", the tall officer starts to explain their mission for the day in a slower than usual speech, pointing at their vehicles or the road ahead, before repeating the sentence in Arabic to be sure that they understand him correctly. The Bedouin teenagers serving as their scouts listen to him diligently, while Farooq frequently repeats English words to better remember them. Troy eyes them with far less animosity than the American Corporal, as he has accepted them as Dietrich's and Moffit's Arab pets, but not realised the possibility to someday speak with them himself until now.

While the German Captain provides instructions to their scouts, Moffit finishes his lecture, although he only lets the two Corporals finally out of his grasp at the second call of his young commanding officer who looks a lot less exasperated than Sam Troy who is pacing between the Jeeps like a locked up panther in the zoo. Gottschlich returns to their Jeep and is absolutely relieved that Captain Dietrich is with him and he is not alone with the American Sergeant who even growls in the manner of the locked up panther with audible annoyance: "Finally. Get in the Jeep and start that car!" Gottschlich hurries to take his seat next to his CO and do as he has been told. "Let's shake it!", resounds Sam Troy's hollered battlecry. The German officer barely winces anymore, although his expression briefly darkens, while he gives the hand signal to start and move out as well.

Although they stop countless times for Dietrich to scale the dunes, closely followed by Troy, they do not come across any signs of enemy activity until noon. While Tully is put in charge of cooking, the German Captain handles the radio to call their main convoy, when he picks up a signal on a German frequency. "... bitte kommen. Können Sie uns hören?", a male voice asks on the radio whether he can be heard. Before Dietrich comes to a decision whether to answer the call in German or not, another voice replies: "Hier spricht Leutnant Heinrich von Hauptmann Zornbrechts Einheit." Hans can tell immediately that the man who has replied and identified himself as a Lieutenant of Zornbrecht's unit is Jakob Silberblatt. "Na endlich. Sitzt ihr auf den Ohren, Mensch?", the German officer scolds his interlocutor, although he sounds more relieved than angry, as he inquires in Bavarian Jargon why they have not replied earlier. "Einer der Australischen Gefangenen der SS ist ausgebrochen und hat das Funkgerät sabotiert. Zum Glück haben wir ihn erwischt, bevor er seine LRDP Einheiten kontaktiert hat", Jakob lies smoothly that one of the Australian prisoners of the SS has escaped and sabotaged the radio system, but at least has been caught before informing the LRDP units.

"Gut. Wir brauchen Nachschub und zwar dringend", the German officer at the radio insists that they require supplies urgently. "Wenn wir nicht in den nächsten drei Tagen Nachschub bekommen, dann muss ich den Posten hier räumen und die Männer zur nächsten Oase evakuieren, ehe sie mir verdursten." Dietrich frowns and listens in with peaked interest, when he hears that they require supplies within the next three days or they will have to leave the caravanserai anyways, as the German troops would die of thirst otherwise. "Schicken Sie uns einen Konvoi. Wir haben bereits Truppen, die die Straße zwischen uns und Ihnen absichern wegen der SS Präsenz. Sie brauchen also kein schweres Gerät zur Absicherung schicken und können das Benzin für die Lastwagen sparen." The German Captain actually admires his friend for his well-thought-out replies which he must have discussed with Boggs and Brown in advance for such an eventuality. To argue that they should send a convoy, but can save the fuel for the trucks, as they will not require tanks or many half-tracks for protection, since they have secured the road because of the SS presence is a smart move and sounds believable enough for the desperate base commander who replies: "Ausgezeichnet. Ich habe heute früh schon ein Kettenfahrzeug und einen Kübelwagen mit zwei Lastwagen losgeschickt, aber schicke nochmal zwei Lastwagen hinterher. Wir brauchen diese Vorräte wirklich dringend, Herr Leutnant." Silberblatt seems to celebrate as much as Dietrich and Moffit who has joined him to listen in on the radio call, once he has noticed the Captain's attentive expression.

"If they sent a halftrack, a Kübelwagen and two trucks out in the morning, we might run into them in the afternoon", Jack whispers to the German Captain who nods with a serious expression. "Exactly my thoughts, Moffit." "We should tell the others", Jack suggests. "Troy will be delighted to finally return to his favourite pastime of blowing up German vehicles", Hans growls with dark sarcasm. "He'll actually enjoy it, now that he doesn't have to worry about killing or harming you", Moffit replies with a serious tone that earns him a dubious look from the young officer. "You know Troy. Being subtle about his thoughts has never been his strong suit", the Cambridge scholar laments dryly. "I see", comes the equally dry response. The German base commander and Lieutenant Silberblatt have finished their conversation in the meantime and Dietrich calls his friend to briefly report on their lack of encounters until now and intention to deal with the German convoy which they should meet during the afternoon. Boggs offers to send a few more of their Jeeps under Lieutenant Griffiths as backup and support which should arrive with them in two to three hours, as they can follow the main road at high speed without sideways scouting. Dietrich is glad about the option for backup, as the very notion to try and attack armed convoys with armored vehicles to guard them appears insane to him and strength in numbers appears like a reasonable idea.

Sam Troy joins them and instantly wants to know what is going on that keeps them at the radio for a quarter of an hour. Once the German Captain has explained to him what they have learned from overhearing the radio communication, the American Sergeant is as delighted as Jack Moffit has foreseen. "Excellent. Finally we can get back to real business. After all those sneaky infiltrators and commandos and the goddamned jackal cult and the falcon from hell I can't tell you how glad I am to hail some good old bullets on some Jerries, blow up a few trucks and have an enemy you can see and fight straight on." Troy's words involuntarily stir memories in the German Captain's mind of men around him being struck down by bullets, of the stench of burning hair and flesh, when his tank troopers have been caught alive in the smoldering tanks after a grenade has found its way through the air slits, of the relentless sound of the Jeeps' motors and the automatic guns' fire. Dietrich's whole body turns rigid and he feels frozen in the horrors of his memories passing before his inner eye, shivering in spite of standing under the noon sun in the Saharan desert.

A strong hand grips the German's left shoulder and squeezes it rather gently as the owner of the hand shakes him lightly. Blue eyes meet his brown ones, as his gaze meets Sam Troy's, raw anguish clearly visible. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Captain, pale, haunted", the American Sergeant grumbles with sympathy in his tone. "Not just one... Troy, I ... can't do this", the German mutters with a strangled tone. "This is ... far too familiar from a different perspective. I can't just shoot those men down without warning, without giving them the chance to negotiate or surrender. I've seen too many men die in this manner. I was their commander, responsible for their lives." Troy's eyes hold actual compassion for the dilemma the German Captain finds himself in. How many times have they attacked his convoys in such a manner and how many of his men have they killed in this way? He honestly cannot say anymore, but after seeing the young officer tormented by nightmares for weeks he can tell that his own perspective has shifted a little. Sure, they will kill their enemies, if the need arises. But not giving their CO at least the chance to negotiate and offer the option of surrender, would appear cruel, since he knows that Hans Dietrich actually cares about those men's lives in spite of not knowing them.

"If they fire a single shot, we'll go after them in our usual way", Troy promises revenge with a grim expression. "I'll expect nothing less from you, Sergeant, when enemies open fire on your allies. But I need to give them a chance to live. I owe this to my fatherland and the oath I once gave on behalf of my former comrades in arms", Dietrich replies with earnestness, before adding quietly: "Thank you, Troy." Before removing his hand, the American squeezes the taller Captain's shoulder in response. Then, he turns around and bellows: "Tully, get the white flag for the Captain! He'll need it later."

"You really want to negotiate, Captain?", Moffit inquires skeptically. "I have standing orders from the General to try and convince members of the Wehrmacht to surrender, before shooting at them", the young German officer argues. "I remember", Jack growls with narrowed eyes. That he has come to not only respect but like Hans Dietrich, however reluctant he has been to admit that to himself, does not imply that he has any sympathy for the rest of the Germans serving in their army. The Captain sees his former comrades in arms, his own countrymen, younger and older men who have not necessarily chosen this path wilfully or are sympathetic of the Nazis and their crazed ideals. But for Jack Moffit they still remain his enemies, the killers of his brother, the ones who bombard his homeland relentlessly day after day, because once he sees his former schoolmates and ordinary people in them, as Captain Dietrich does, he cannot continue this fight with the same determination and he cannot fathom how the young officer manages the feat, although his moral conflict has been apparent more than once.

Hans Dietrich informs their scouts and the two Corporals along with Private Pettigrew about their newly acquired intelligence and his intentions to negotiate with the German officer commanding the convoy, before attacking. Tully scowls and shifts his matchstick in the corner of his mouth, as he observes the Captain. That he still wants to spare the Jerries in spite of having been cast out, sentenced to death and beaten black and blue is hard to understand for him. But he accepts the German's eccentricity with silent shrugging, as he has accepted Sarge's insane ideas for a year. At least, the skinny man is eating his lunch afterwards and they do not have to worry about him collapsing from exhaustion.

The following two hours after lunch are spent with constant vigilance and nervous attention, as Dietrich checks for any signs of the convoy with worry and concern that not recognizing their advance in time might lead to the necessity to attack them without any chance to negotiate. When he finally recognizes the sand blown up by vehicles as a clear sign of what they are looking for, he almost breathes a sigh of relief. Now he can prepare everything for the negotiations and hope for the best. Putting his life at risk for this confrontation with unclear outcomes, while his men stay out of sight appears the only viable option to him that annoys Troy to no end. "Are you putting your own life on the line again, Captain?", the American Sergeant growls angrily. "It is my duty, Sergeant, especially since I am the one who wants to negotiate and also the one who speaks German as his native language", the young officer argues vehemently. "You think that's a valid reason to get yourself beaten up by the damned Jerries again or even shot this time?", Troy snaps and grasps the lean German's shoulder who winces at the touch. "Let go of me, Troy! I acknowledge your concern, but you're acting unreasonably", Dietrich orders sharply now.

"Troy, Captain!", Moffit interrupts them. "There's a dust cloud behind us on the road. Our backup is coming." The union of Griffiths and Troy feels like Attila and Genghis Khan joining forces to make the Huns even more fearsome. With a truly worried expression, Dietrich looks in the direction of the German convoy, before turning back and applying a tone that forbids any discussion. "Wait as my reserve behind the dunes and inform Lieutenant Griffiths of our intentions, while I wave the white flag and try to get the Germans to negotiate! If they attack or break the truce, strike back fast and without hesitation!" Troy nods grimly. "That's music to my ears. At least you still got some sense left, Captain." "Troy", the German Captain snaps, actually annoyed by now. "Follow your orders and spare me your comments, Sergeant!" Turning toward the Kentucky driver without waiting for any response, Dietrich orders crisply: "Hand me the white flag, Pettigrew!" Tully shifts his matchstick slightly, as he holds out the pole with the flag, and mutters quietly: "Here ya go, Cap. Good luck an' take care!" "Thanks, Pettigrew!", the German officer replies with a serious tone. "Stay ready to attack, if the need arises, all of you!" Looking at both Troy and Moffit imploringly, he adds: "And keep Griffiths from creating a bloodbath!"

As Dietrich quietly speaks with Gottschlich and Pettigrew to provide instructions on where to position the Jeeps to not be seen, but still make it out of cover fast enough, if their support is needed, Turner inquires incredulously of Jack Moffit: "Is he serious about going out there all alone to give the krauts the chance to surrender, instead of using the perfect chance for an ambush?" The British Sergeant scowls at him. "That's who Captain Dietrich is, an honorable man who would not murder his own countrymen in cold blood, if he can give them the chance to surrender. He has given the same chance to us British and American soldiers, when he still served as a loyal Wehrmacht officer. The Captain is fair and I can only admire him for his determination to stand by his principles even at his own cost", Jack lectures, surprising even himself with how vehemently he defends the young German officer. "It's easy to stand by principles, when there is no cost connected to them, but Captain Dietrich has paid for this attitude more than dearly, with countless injuries and almost his life, more than once even." The young Corporal appears truly thoughtful about the Brit's words. Observing the tall lean officer who currently gives orders to the Arabic scouts in their harsh sounding language, Eric Turner contemplates on what he has heard and learned about the man his uncle considers a good officer and he has chosen to take as a role model of behaviour toward his men and his enemies. Dietrich is unlike anything the American soldier has imagined him to be like, a lot more human and less strict than he would have expected from a German officer.

Once the lean young Captain has finished his instructions, he turns around with a determined look to make his way over the dune ridge and take a position where he can be seen and heard well, before he digs the pole of his white flag into the sand. More than one pair of eyes follows him and watches his every move. As Dietrich stands at attention in an upright position next to the white flag, not only Moffit but also Troy feels a sense of dejavu and has to look twice to assure himself that the Captain is wearing an American uniform and not a German one. Troy tracks the German convoy's approach from his hiding place behind the dunes through the binoculars he has taken from his CO, while the German officer seems to be able to do the same without support from optical devices, as his gaze never loses focus on the dust cloud. At a distance of 20 meters the first of the German vehicles takes a halt. Several of the Wehrmacht soldiers point their guns at the lone figure of the enemy officer at the ridge of a dune, as their commander stares at the tall lean man warily. "Wer sind Sie? Who are you?", he calls out. "Was wollen Sie? What want you?" Dietrich cringes slightly at the words and can envision Moffit readying the gun with the intention to shoot the Leutnant for his violent mistreatment of English grammar.

"Ich bin Hauptmann Hans Dietrich, einst vom Deutschen Afrikakorps, jetzt von der Long Range Desert Patrol", the German Captain introduces himself with a clear tone. The incredulous stares and exchanged glances between the soldiers tell him that he has left an impression. The German Lieutenant appears to recognize the name, as his eyes widen and he looks closely at the bruised face of the skinny man. "Herr Hauptmann", he mutters in shock. "Was tun Sie hier?" "Ich will Ihnen die Chance geben, das Leben Ihrer Männer und Ihr eigenes zu bewahren, Leutnant", Dietrich replies with a serious tone that he wants to give him a chance to preserve the lives of his men and his own. "Sie kennen die Reputation der LRDP und der Rattenpatrouille im Besonderen. Diese Männer können Ihren ganzen Konvoi mit wenigen Jeeps aufreiben und warten nur auf das Angriffssignal." Several German soldiers look around nervously, when they hear that the LRDP troopers and the Rat Patrol in particular are infamous for destroying whole convoys and only wait for the signal to attack. Dietrich sincerely hopes that the German officer does not think that he is bluffing, but the soft sound of Griffiths' Jeeps approaching actually helps his ruse, as the Germans exchange worried glances and the former Panzer Hauptmann can clearly read the panic in the eyes of those veterans who have survived such attacks.

"Sie wissen selbst, dass wir Order von Berlin haben, bis zum letzten Mann zu kämpfen", the DAK Lieutenant argues wearily with a slightly trembling voice that the German Captain knows himself that their orders from Berlin are to fight to the last man standing and never surrender. "Und Sie wissen selbst, dass Berlin weit weg ist und wir hier die Verantwortung für das Leben der Männer tragen, mit denen wir gehungert, gedürstet, geschwitzt und geblutet haben", Hans counters with conviction that the Leutnant knows himself that they carry the weight of responsibility for the lives of the men with whom they have suffered through hunger and thirst, who have sweated and bled alongside them. Seeing that the other officer gazes at his men, appearing actually unsure, Dietrich adds the argument that he has been in a similar situation himself often enough and buried too many of his men: "Ich war oft genug in Ihrer Situation und habe zu viele meiner Männer begraben müssen. Schicken Sie sie nicht in einen sinnlosen Tod, Leutnant! Ich gehe ein großes Risiko ein, um Ihnen und Ihren Männern die Möglichkeit zu geben, sich zu ergeben und damit Ihr Leben zu retten."

The Wehrmacht officer looks visibly torn between standing by his HQ's orders and surrendering his whole convoy of two trucks, one halftrack and a Kübelwagen only at the words of a single starved and bruised looking man who has not even drawn his weapon. The notion in itself would be laughable, if the reputation of the Rat Patrol would not be known to everyone in the area and even beyond, making resistance a truly hazardous decision. Also his considerations would be different, if the reputation and fate of Hans Dietrich would not have made the round among the camps nearby. That the SS have convicted one of their best Captains in the area to death for treason for failing to apprehend said Rat Patrol, as has been his Hauptmann's theory, is even worse. The German Leutnant looks torn between decisions, whether to trust the word of the man alone who is a German officer himself, as he can tell from his Northern speech, or to follow through with the orders of his HQ which is too far away to understand what is happening at this desert front. He has never met Hauptmann Dietrich before, but the tall and stern officer before him who keeps his pride and dignity in spite of his bruised appearance and standing alone and without even having drawn his weapon in front of a whole group of his enemies lives up to the reputation the young Captain has once held among the troops in the area, some of which have been transferred from his unit and spread the word about their CO. Sweat runs down the Afrikakorps officer's front head and he fidgets with a few strands of blond hair, as he tries to come up with a decision.

Troy observes the Captain and listens in on the interaction he cannot actually understand with clear suspicion, ready to give the signal to attack at any time, as his hands clasp around the handle of his Browning. Cursing their positioning at such a distance from the other Jeep that asking Moffit for translation becomes impossible, he remembers that his current driver understands the language. "Hey Gotty, what are they saying?", Sam wants to know with a low growl. The young Corporal starts at being addressed, having tensely awaited a signal of attack rather than a translation request. "Captain Dietrich argues that he shouldn't throw away his men's lives and that he knows himself what it feels like to be in this situation and that he has had to bury too many of his men. Also he said that he took a great risk to offer them the possibility to surrender and save their lives", Gotty replies and actually looks shaken by the Captain's words. Troy grimaces, but does not dwell on it. After all he gets reminded frequently enough of how tormented his young CO is by the events of their shared past, as the German officer, his friend now, cares about the life of each of his men and even those who are not directly his responsibility. Moffit on the other Jeep narrows his eyes and listens in on the conversation between the two German officers with a wary expression. Dietrich does his job well, mixing pathos with military arguments and self-preservation. The Afrikakorps Leutnant appears to believe him enough to actually consider surrender.

"Können Sie garantieren, dass die Männer gut behandelt werden als Alliierte Kriegsgefangene?", the Wehrmacht Leutnant inquires of the Captain who has never relaxed his attentive stance. Dietrich nods and replies with conviction: "Ich schwöre Ihnen bei meiner Ehre als deutscher Offizier, dass unter meiner Aufsicht die Genfer Konvention eingehalten wird und alle Männer eine anständige Behandlung erfahren." Swearing on his honor as a German officer that the men will be treated well as POWs and according to the Geneva Convention appears to finally convince the enemy Lieutenant who shouts his orders: "Legen Sie die Waffen nieder!" Dietrich breathes a slight sigh of relief, when the Wehrmacht soldiers are ordered to lower their weapons, wincing as his ribs ache.

A whirring sound makes him and every single German soldier tense visibly, as some stop mid-movement and others ready their weapons on instinct. Moffit's signal 'all clear' has motivated Sam Troy to dive into the action, as his Jeep comes over the dune and goes down the ridge. "Nicht schießen! Don't shoot!", the tall German Captain bellows his command, when he sees the German soldiers reach for their weapons with panic in their eyes at the sight of the grim looking American commando soldier. Gottschlich at least drives at less of a neck-breaking speed than Hitchcock or Pettigrew would have which makes the approach appear more controlled and less like an attack. "Why aren't we following?", Turner asks incredulously. "We remain as backup to not show our full strength yet and to stop Lieutenant Griffiths from launching an attack. Troy alone is enough to intimidate a whole German convoy", Jack Moffit explains calmly.

The young Corporal observes the situation critically, but Sam Troy's fierce appearance indeed seems to cower their enemies somewhat, while Dietrich along with the enemy officer keeps the soldiers in check, shouting commands in German and sometimes English as well. The lean Captain's German heritage has not been as clearly apparent until now, when Eric has finally heard him speak in his native language with the same fluency the tall officer has always shown in English, but a natural intonation that makes it clear that this is his mother tongue. "Captain Dietrich knows what he's doing, Corporal", Moffit adds as reassurance, seeing the young man bear a doubtful expression. Jack cannot bring himself to say the same about Troy. He does not know what he is doing half of the time, but he is simply brilliant at instinctively reacting to situations.

"Tully, drive toward Griffiths' Jeeps!", Jack orders, when he sees their backup closing in at a dangerous pace. The Kentucky driver takes them on an interception course without hesitation and discussion, while Turner has to grip the windshield to not be thrown out of the vehicle. "Lieutenant Griffiths!", Moffit shouts once they are within range. "The Germans surrendered to Captain Dietrich." The American Lieutenant looks almost disappointed, but nods with a grim expression. "Let's see that for ourselves!" His own driver takes a position alongside Tully Pettigrew's car, while the other three vehicles follow behind them. At Moffit's signal also their three Bedouin scouts who have stayed hidden behind the dunes get out of cover and take position on top of the sand formations with their rifles in hand.

The German Leutnant has introduced himself as Fritz Binder in the meantime and assures that their guns are on the ground and within sight of the Americans. The arrival of further Jeeps of the LRDP and the appearance of the Arabs on top of the dunes finally convinces him that he has made the right decision. Moffit notices that all the men appear exhausted and starved similar to Captain Dietrich who supervises the surrender with vigilance and concern. Now that he has enough of his own troops available to easily disarm and keep the German soldiers in check even the wary young officer seems to relax ever so slightly. Lieutenant Griffiths approaches the German Captain directly with his gun in hand pointed at the enemy Leutnant. "Looks like you got it under control, Captain", the rowdy American states with slight incredulity. "I've never taken a Jerry convoy without firing a single shot before though." Troy joins them as well now after he has put Gotty behind the Browning gun, just to be safe. Holding the Thompson in hand, he nods grimly in agreement to the Lieutenant's statement, before patting the tall German officer on the shoulder. "We can be glad to have our young desert fox." Dietrich glares at him and snaps: "Troy."

The other German officer meanwhile appears absolutely incredulous at the interaction between the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann Dietrich and the feared desert commando troopers Troy and Griffiths who both have a reputation among the German troops. "Herr Leutnant", Moffit addresses him, as he joins them as well after having positioned Turner at their Browning. "Ich würde Ihnen empfehlen, dass Sie Ihr Englisch etwas verbessern für Ihre Zukunft im Kriegsgefangenenlager." Binder stares at him incredulously to be admonished about improving his English for his future as a POW, while Hans Dietrich appears somewhat bemused, when the British Sergeant cannot stop himself from correcting the German's flawed grammar. With the worst tension resolved and their enemies peacefully surrendered, he can finally breathe more lightly.

One of the German truck drivers approaches the Captain with raised arms and asks cautiously what has happened to the Captain: "Hauptmann Dietrich, was ist Ihnen passiert?" The bruised German officer recognizes one of his former men, Gefreiter Lukas Lehmann, and greets him with a serious but friendly tone: "Gefreiter Lehmann, es ist gut, Sie wiederzusehen." The young German smiles at his former CO who continues to explain: "Die SS hat mich unschuldig für Hochverrat verurteilt. Zu den Alliierten überzulaufen, war meine letzte Möglichkeit, für die Freiheit meines Vaterlandes von seinen größten Feinden, den Nazis und ihren Schergen, zu kämpfen." "What does he want?", Troy demands to know, cowering the German Private with an intimidating glare and aggressive growl. "Troy, stop threatening my former men unnecessarily!", the German Captain snaps, scowling at the American with a reprimanding look. "Private Lehmann asked what happened to me and I explained to him that I was convicted as a traitor and fight against the Nazis' regime terrorising our fatherland now. You should start taking your language lessons more seriously, Sergeant!"

The American still eyes the young German soldier warily, but does not appear as if he would like to attack him at any moment. "Sie brauchen ihn nicht zu fürchten, solange Sie sich friedlich verhalten. Hunde, die bellen, beißen nicht", Hans calmly reassures his former Private who still bears a fearful expression, as he looks at the American Sergeant. "Dogs that bark don't bite. We won't attack him, as long as he remains peaceful", Moffit translates for Troy and Griffiths who bear mirrored grim and wary expressions. Dietrich finishes his explanation for his former Gefreiter Lehmann, Leutnant Binder as well as the rest of the dozen Afrikakorps soldiers who have approached them under guard of the LRDP troops with calm diligence. The former Wehrmacht Hauptmann argues with all seriousness and more than once that the Nazis and the SS are a far greater danger for Germany and its people than the Allies, while Moffit provides his translation for the Yankees.

Instead of loading their prisoners into trucks, the German Captain has decided to let them remain where they have arrested the German soldiers and leave them under Lieutenant Griffiths guard with Gottschlich as interpreter, while he scouts ahead with Turner as his driver, Troy as his gunner and Moffit and Pettigrew as support to intercept the German trucks which the German base commander has sent out at noon at Silberblatt's recommendation. Griffiths gladly takes over the duty of guarding the prisoners and captured vehicles and acknowledges Dietrich's orders to wait for Boggs' arrival to hand over their POWs. Leutnant Binder swears to the German Captain that he will remain cooperative in the best interest of his men.

Two hours of fruitless search grates not only on Troy's but also on the German officer's nerves. Just when Hans is considering to turn back and give up on the idea of intercepting the trucks on the same day, he spots a dust cloud. Sam Troy notices how the tired looking Captain tenses and focuses the binoculars on the horizon with newfound attention. "Finally", he grumbles, when the German officer hands him the optical device and he gazes at the dust cloud as well. "I'll try speaking with them again, Troy, before you launch an attack", Dietrich tells him sternly. "Fine. But we'll stay close by and give them hell, if they make a wrong move", the American Sergeant growls. The German Captain is aware by now that this is the maximum concession he will receive from the stubborn American.

With a similar constellation as before the two Jeeps wait behind the dune, while the German Captain waves the white flag. The three trucks stop the lone figure with the white flag and again guns are pointed at the tall young officer who repeats his previous argument for their surrender. The truck drivers and gunmen with them appear confused how to react and what decision to make, especially when the bruised man speaks German like a native, but wears an American officer's uniform. "Ergib du dich!", one of the soldiers shouts back at the Captain, asking for his own surrender. At that point, Dietrich has a premonition that this situation will escalate and drops to the ground on instinct, as the first shot rings out, biting down a cry of pain, as his aching cracked ribs protest against the strain. All hell breaks loose mere seconds later, when the two Jeeps emerge from behind the dunes where they have remained hidden until now. Neither Moffit nor Troy have any qualms about killing the stubborn Jerries who have just shot at their Captain and friend, Hans Dietrich.

The German soldiers are taken by surprise how the rather peaceful negotiations with a single unarmed man have turned into a pandemonium of bullets and grenades within half a minute. Wisely Hans has rolled behind the dune to gain cover, as the risk of being struck by a stray bullet or even one aimed at him is far too high without a Jeep's mobility to support and protect him. By the time the gun fire dies down and the Jeeps have retreated behind the cover of the dunes again, he dares to look over the dune' ridge, carefully. Burning husks of the trucks, one of which has been turned over by explosions, are all that remains. Of the German soldiers lying bloodied on the ground not a single one is moving. With bitterness the German officer considers how unnecessary these deaths have been. Yet they are not Troy's or Moffit's fault, as a single stubborn man with unreasonable demands and the stupidity to fire his weapon at the wrong time has actually cost them their lives.

"Hey, Captain!", Troy jumps down from the Jeep's back and shakes the German's shoulder lightly, when he sees the younger man staring down at the smoldering remains of the trucks and the bodies of the Jerry soldiers with a haunted look. "There was no way to avoid this", the American adds with an almost apologetic tone. Without meeting his eyes, Dietrich nods his head and mutters with a strangled tone: "I know, Troy." "Get in the Jeep and let's drive back!", Troy suggests, but the Captain shakes his head vehemently and looks up to meet the other man's gaze with a stern look. "No, Sergeant. They might have been too ignorant, fanatical or misled to accept their chance to escape this madness alive, but I still won't leave the corpses of these men to be buried by the Saharan winds. We check on them, whether they are all dead or there might be survivors who we must not leave to a gruesome death according to the Geneva Convention and common decency. Then, we take the tags of the dead and bury their bodies. And only afterwards, I'm willing to go back, as nothing keeps me still here, Sergeant." Moffit, who has joined them, scowls even more darkly than Troy, but none of them actually protests, as they notice the steely edge in the German officer's gaze. Dietrich is stubborn as a mule and surely will not budge on his principles here. They would have to knock him out and carry him back unconscious to avoid going with his plan which would serve no other purpose than antagonising the tormented German officer who has finally started to trust them.

"You heard the Captain. Arm yourselves and check, if someone's still alive down there! Let's shake it!", Troy bellows his command, while the tall officer walks around the Jeep and lets Tully Pettigrew hand him the First Aid Kit, before the American jumps down himself and picks up a Thompson gun and two grenades which he puts in his jacket pockets. "Do me a favour, Pettigrew, and stay at a healthy distance from me, when you carry around explosives like that", the German Captain comments with dry sarcasm at which the American Private nods with a shrug: "Sure, Cap." Corporal Eric Turner appears slightly incredulous at the Rats' behaviour which is anything but according to regulations. Nonetheless, he obeys his orders and observes their young commanding officer, as he swiftly makes his way down the dune with agility and skill arising from experience.

"Hey, Cap! I got a survivor", Tully shouts and gets joined by Hans Dietrich quickly, while he keeps pointing his gun at a German soldier in half-burnt clothes. The man appears to be in shock and barely aware where he is or who is with him at all. "Soldat", Dietrich addresses him with a gentle tone, as he kneels next to the gravely wounded man and puts the First Aid kit on the ground. With a quick hand gesture with his left hand, he indicates to Pettigrew to disarm the man, taking his knife, while the German officer checks his pulse. A soft whimper escapes from the man's throat at the direct touch to his red, burnt skin, but he does not try to attack the lean Captain. "Können Sie mich hören, Soldat?", Dietrich inquires with outward calm, as he inwardly cringes at the thought that they will likely be unable to help the man at all, once he notices the blood oozing from a wound at the German soldier's midsection which has been hidden from his view by the burnt clothes before. A whimper becomes a softly spoken "Ja". "Wie heißen Sie, Soldat?", Dietrich continues to ask about his name gently. "Erich ... Tümmler", the young man barely manages to get out and Hans notices Eric Turner flinching at the name which has an uncanny familiarity to his own, even though there is no relation between the men or the meaning of the words.

The German soldier starts to shiver and Dietrich quickly grasps his hand and whispers: "Erich, hör mir zu! Du bist nicht allein" The reassurance that he is not alone seems to help the young man somewhat, as he clings to the hand grasping his own like a drowning man holding onto a lifeline. "Nicht... allein", he repeats the essential words with some sliver of hope, before all life retreats from his eyes and his body falls completely limp. Corporal Turner looks shocked, as he observes the scene and the German Captain, closing the dead soldier's lifeless eyes, before fumbling with the chain around his neck to retrieve the oval German dog tag. "I need your help with breaking the Erkennungsmarke, as I can only use my left arm", Dietrich speaks calmly and Tully quickly kneels next to him to help him, while Turner is frozen in shock and horror, as the realization that the ones they fight against are not so different from themselves and it could as well have been his fate to die in these desert sands.

"Corporal", Dietrich addresses the American with a worried tone, once he notices the shell shocked look and appearance of the Yankee. When the Corporal does not react at the third time of being spoken to, the German Captain places his left hand on the young man's shoulder and squeezes gently. Startled out of his reverie, Eric Turner stares at his young CO who observes him with clear concern written on his face. "I ... I'm sorry, Captain", Eric Turner mutters, blushing vividly to embarrass himself in such a manner in front of a senior officer. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Corporal. You did nothing wrong", Dietrich assures him with a gentle tone. "He ... his name", the Corporal stammers. "Gefreiter Erich Tümmler?", the German Captain asks with a tone of sad irony. "That his name sounds so similar to yours is just coincidence. A 'Tümmler' is a kind of dolphin. It has nothing to do with your name and he holds no relation or similarity to you, Corporal." Turner nods without daring to look the young officer in the eyes. "I apologize for my reaction, Sir", he finally manages to get out and Dietrich shakes his head almost sadly. "You have nothing to apologize for, especially not being human, Corporal. But I hope you remember why I wanted to go back here to assist the wounded and dying rather than leaving them to die out here all alone", the German officer speaks with a dignified seriousness which is appropriate for his rank. Turner nods wordlessly, unable to say anything and not trusting his voice to not break at whatever he would try to stammer. Never has he experienced anything like this before. Never has he met an officer who would care in such a manner not only about his allies but also about his enemies before. Unbeknownst to Hans Dietrich who observes the young Yankee with concern, before concluding that he can safely leave him in peace, Turner's admiration for the lean Captain rises immensely.

"Captain", Jack Moffit calls him over, finally forcing the young officer to turn away completely. "We found another wounded man." The British Sergeant kneels next to the German soldier, while Sam Troy has pointed his gun at him, although the man does not look like he could pose a threat for anyone or anything. Lying curled up on his side with his whole back and front of the uniform drenched in blood, the German barely stirs, when the enemy soldiers closeby speak. If not for the tense posture induced by immense pain, it would not have been apparent that he is alive at all. Blood is sticking on his fingers as it seeps from his uniform, making it hard to guess where he has been hit originally. Both Moffit and Dietrich can tell immediately that the man will die rather soon and there is little they can do to help him medically. "Soldat", Dietrich again addresses him. "Lass mich ... in Frieden sterben!", the man grinds out between clenched teeth that they should leave him to die in peace. "Ich habe keine Absicht, Ihnen das zu verwehren, Soldat. Ich möchte jedoch, dass Sie wissen, dass Sie nicht alleine dem Tod entgegensehen müssen", the German Captain speaks calmly and gently that he has no intention of refusing that, but wants him to know that he does not have to be alone, when facing death.

"Ich bin ... lieber allein ... als mit Feinden ... und Verrätern ... beisammen", the German soldier snarls with a tone filled with hatred. Troy growls: "Shut up, damned kraut! What does he say?" "Troy, leave him be! He said that he would rather be alone than in the presence of enemies and traitors", Dietrich admonishes sternly. "I can grant his wish and end this for him", the American Sergeant barks with annoyance. "This might not be the most inhuman thing to do, but we cannot execute a prisoner of war out of anger and annoyance, Troy", the German Captain replies with a serious tone. "Soldat, Sie sind aufs Schwerste verwundet und werden nicht mehr lange leben", Moffit addresses the German soldier a lot more coldly than their CO has, telling him that he is gravely wounded and will die soon. "Scheißtommy... verschwinde endlich ... oder ... erschieß ... mich!", the German invests his last spike of energy in wildly cursing the British soldier, before he starts wheezing and struggling for air, glaring at the Brit with a hatefilled expression, as if personally accusing him for his death and suffering. The soldier's final struggle lasts less than a minute, until his wheezing breathing finally stops and Jack Moffit cannot feel a pulse anymore under his fingers. "He's dead, Captain", the British Sergeant reports with a harsh tone. "Even if he has not been grateful, it was better than dying alone out in these sands", the German Captain argues vehemently. "You're too honorable for my good sometimes, Captain", Troy grumbles. "Let's take their tags and bury them!"

Tully and Turner help Troy with digging graves into the sand, while Jack Moffit helps the young Captain to catalogue the dog tags, as the wounded officer is unable to break the lower halves of the German Erkennungsmarken. The British Sergeant studies his younger CO carefully during the process, noting the controlled manner in which Hans Dietrich takes each of the discs makes a note on a paper before placing the metal piece in his shirt pocket. By now the young officer is even surprisingly skilled in writing with his left hand, given his persisting injury of his right main arm. The quick adaptation is surprising for the British scholar who assumes that the German Captain is either originally left-handed and has only been trained with using his right hand as his main hand or he possesses a gift for ambidexterity, as he would struggle a lot more otherwise. Considering that Dietrich himself considers his right hand as his main hand, Jack even suspects the latter to be the case which would be consistent with his sleight of hand skills and other abilities.

Corporal Turner looks openly astounded, when he hears Dietrich speak the Lord's prayer in his native tongue at the grave of the dead German soldiers, while Troy mutters the words in English along with his two friends, once Moffit starts to speak the right verse in English in accordance with their Captain. Tully remains silent, but folds his hands and even shifts his matchstick, adopting a more solemn expression than he usually bears. The young Corporal is the last to join them, once he has overcome his bafflement. Although he winces visibly at the pain, Hans Dietrich uses his right hand to make the sign of the cross at the end of the prayer. "We're done here", he announces with finality and Troy grins for the first time in a while, as he pats the taller German on the shoulder and announces for everyone: "Brilliant. Let's shake it!"

By the time they arrive at their camp, Captain Boggs and their convoy has picked up Lieutenant Griffiths and the prisoners under his supervision. Corporal Gottschlich looks as relieved as James Boggs to see them all return alive and unscathed. Dietrich sends Pettigrew and Turner off to take care of the Jeeps with Gottschlich joining them voluntarily, while Troy and Moffit accompany him to report to Captain Boggs. James Boggs looks actually delighted at the sight of his younger second in command returning unharmed, greeting him with a friendly tone that does not fit the German Captain's despondent mood. Once the American officer has heard about the fate of the second convoy he understands his younger colleague's reaction somewhat better. Sam Troy stays close to the lean German, keeping a close eye on him, while warily observing their surroundings, as if he would expect an ambush in Boggs' office tent. Moffit is curt and distanced, when providing his additional report, such that Boggs wonders what has been going on.

"Has Leutnant Binder been cooperative, Captain Boggs?", Dietrich inquires. "The Jerry officer who surrendered today?", Boggs inquires and Dietrich nods curtly. "All the man who you left under Lieutenant Griffiths today have been particularly cooperative", the older American Captain replies. "Why do you ask, Dietrich?" The younger German Captain cocks his head slightly and bears a thoughtful expression, as he replies with a carefully controlled voice. "We have a volatile situation at hand. My own former Leutnant Haberfeld is still in the field hospital and treated for his injuries received during the prisoner uprising. Marcello is ... a stage artist, but not a serious officer. He speaks only broken German and English which makes him less of a figure of authority in the eyes of the German troops which are a conglomerate of various units, my own, von Stolberg's, the one Brown has taken his POWs from and now Zornbrecht's and the caravanseray's. Without a reasonable senior POW officer who will act as a figure of authority and keep the men peaceful and quiet, we run an increasing risk of another uprising, especially since the actual senior POW Hauptmann Zornbrecht is utterly uncooperative and would actively incent and support such actions which is the reason why I recommended to keep him separated from the troops. Thus, putting Binder in command of the POWs would appear to be the most reasonable course of action." Boggs bears a worried expression at the reasonable argument. "You're right, Dietrich, and I haven't even considered this whole picture yet. I'll inform the General and Major to speak with the German Lieutenant with Silberblatt as their interpreter." Dietrich nods in agreement, while Troy quietly mutters to Moffit with an angry growl: "We should've killed that damned bastard Zornbrecht, when we had the chance." "Too late for second thoughts now, Troy", the British Sergeant mutters with a grim expression.

The two Captains ignore their muttering, as the younger starts to argue: "I'd also suggest that we keep the trucks, half-track and Kübelwagen, Captain Boggs. At least until tomorrow, as they would allow us to approach the caravanserai without arousing suspicion", Dietrich suggests. "This is a perfect Trojan horse." Boggs smiles at his wily young colleague and even Moffit listens in with clear interest now, stopping Troy in his angry tirade about what he would wish to do to the German Hauptmann Zornbrecht. "An excellent idea which I gladly accept. With you and Moffit along, we have enough German native speakers. What are the chances that someone might recognize you at the entrance?", Boggs inquires with some concern. The last time the defected German officer has been recognized has almost cost him his life at the hands of the SS or the Wehrmacht. James Boggs definitely does not want to repeat the experience or risk Hans Dietrich's life and health unnecessarily. The bruised younger man still winces at every deeper breath and looks far from fit. The younger Captain frowns, as he considers the chances of such an event, subconsciously rubbing his aching shoulder with a pained grimace.

"Undisguised, I might be recognized. If we get creative about applying the disguise kits from our infiltrators, this can likely be avoided. I only need to get past the guards at the entrance. Authentic documents mixed with slightly altered ones, along with being impatient enough and applying the right command tone they all have drilled into them, should do the trick", the tall young officer finally replies smoothly. "You already died your hair black, Captain, but still have been recognized", Moffit argues with a stern expression. "Only because Omar called my name, not because any of the German soldiers would have recognized my face", Dietrich argues with a serious tone. "And I sincerely hope that you're able to act more considerate than an unwitting, immature teenager." "Would you bet your life on this?", the Brit inquires dryly. "We'd never risk his life through such an idiotic action!", Troy protests indignantly. "And don't you think for a moment that you can just rush off in your Jerry car without me watching your back this time, Captain!" "I surely have no death wish, Sergeant", Hans counters dryly. "I know perfectly well that even if I were to escape the German patrols, you'd kill me afterwards." "Ungrateful Jerry smartass!", Sam Troy grumbles, glaring at the young officer. "Gentlemen!", Boggs interrupts them sternly. "We all agree that we don't wish our camp's second in command to come to harm." Moffit still bears his grim expression, as he is leaving the tent with Troy and Dietrich, after the American Captain has dismissed them all.

"What now?", Troy asks. "Given recent events and what awaits us tomorrow, I would suggest that you continue providing language lesson, Doctor Moffit", Dietrich answers his question indirectly by addressing the British Sergeant. "Also add Pettigrew, Gottschlich and Turner to your students!" Jack's expression lightens up a bit, as he nods and confirms: "That's a reasonable notion, Captain. What about Mark Hitchcock?" The German Captain shakes his head without a moment's hesitation. "I will need to speak with Hitchcock in the meantime, as we have arranged at breakfast. This takes priority over missing a single lesson." "That's good", Troy agrees. "If he's causing you troubles, you can always call me and I'll beat some sense into him." "That will hardly be necessary", the German dismisses sternly, before his expression turns slightly mischievous. "Although I can finally understand a bit better how my schoolmates felt who had their big brother to beat up anybody annoying them." Sam Troy grins at that. "If you wanna get new ideas, you can chat with Davey." Hans sighs with exasperation, wincing in the process. "I value my sanity or rather what's left of it. Besides that I've always fought my own battles and never sent anybody in my stead." "No doubt of that. You're a man of honor, Captain", Sam agrees and squeezes the younger German's shoulder. "But keep it in mind just in case." "I appreciate the gesture Troy, but it would simply not do to have you beat up my men, if I want to gain their trust", Dietrich argues calmly. "Hitch trusts you a lot already, so you don't have to gain anything, just apply that trust", Troy replies with a smile, patting the skinny Captain on the shoulder gently, before letting go of him to follow Jack for fetching the rest of their unit for their language lessons.

"Hans!", Ari shouts enthusiastically, as he comes running to greet his beloved brother whom he intercepts on his way to their tent. Hans Dietrich crouches to spare his aching ribs the embrace. The boy's tight embrace around his neck, makes him wince as well, but the massage will help his shoulder belt and neck later. The Jewish orphan clings to him for several moments, when the German officer mutters gently: "It's alright, Ari. I'm here and well." Noticing the lack of a second approach, the lean young man asks with a worried tone: "Ari, where's Kiri?" Ari bears a long-suffering expression, when he lets go of his brother to look Hans in the eyes, as he provides his explanation: "She's trying all her new dresses with her Auntie Lisa." The boy stretches the word 'all' in a tormented manner, while Dietrich smiles in honest relief. "That's great." "No, it's not", Ari protests with the stubborn vehemence of a six-year-old. "It's boring." In spite of himself, the German Captain has to chuckle at the words that could have been his own, when speaking about his sister and his mother, whenever they have been engaged in their womanly lessons about proper behaviour for nobility. Although they are not related and stem from different cultures, boys are apparently the same everywhere.

"Can we ride the horse, Hans?", Ari pleads with his favourite brother. "Ari, I still have to work to take care of to help the camp and the people living here. I need to help your friend, Mark Hitchcock, and also Captain Boggs", Dietrich argues gently. "I will not be able to finish all this early enough today to still ride out before sunset, but if all goes well, I will have the time tomorrow, before the sun sets." The dark-haired boy looks disappointed. "But I don't want to go back to the dresses", he laments. Hans thinks about the best option for resolving the situation to keep Ari happy without involving him directly, as he has countless duties to fulfill. "Have you ever ridden on a camel, Ari?", the German Captain inquires unexpectedly. the Jewish boy stares at him dumbstruck and shakes his head. "No, never", Ari whispers with awe. "Would you like to do that?", Dietrich continues to ask with a smile and twinkle in his brown eyes. Now the child nods enthusiastically.

"Farooq, Hussein, Shakir", the German Captain calls the names of the three Bedouin teenagers serving as his scouts who have been waiting at the rim of the camp for their dismissal, as he stands up swiftly. "*What can we do, faris alsahra?*", Hussein asks eagerly. "*Will you take Ari with you to show him how you are riding the camels?*", Dietrich formulates his request cautiously. The three teenagers look at the boy with slight astonishment. "*He's your son?*", one of them asks. "*Treat him as if he is my son!*", the European officer replies sternly, putting his hand on the boy's shoulder in a protective gesture. Ari looks up at the tall German with wide eyes, as this sounds very different from what he has spoken with the Bedouin women yesterday. But the idea of being the young man's son is actually appealing to him and he leans into his side, enjoying the closeness to Hans who is his brother, caregiver and father figure all in one.

"*We will protect him with our lives, faris alsahra*", Hussein vows diligently, as Dietrich has originally intended for them to react and to keep Ari from being mobbed by the older teenagers. "*Go with them for now, Ari! They will show you around the animals and make sure that you come to no harm*", the German Captain explains gently to his ward who smiles up at him. "*Take good care of him! Show him the camels and take him with you on a short ride, but stay close to the camp!*", the tall European provides his orders to his scouts who all nod diligently. The three Bedouin teenagers salute to the best of their abilities and wait for Ari expectantly. "*I love you, Hans*", the child tells his brother innocently as a goodbye, while hugging him around the waist, before trotting toward the three young Arabs. Normally, they would have intimidated him, if he would still live in the oasis with his parents and siblings. But his caregiver's interaction and their vow reassures him that they will not harm him. And curiosity gets the better of him, as Farooq asks him, if he has ever been close to a camel.

"Captain Dietrich", Corporal Turner startles the German officer a bit with addressing him unexpectedly, when he observes his ward walking out of the camp with the Arab teenagers, turning around twice to wave back at him. "Corporal", the tall lean officer murmurs, keeping his reaction in check and facial expression carefully controlled. "I wanted to tell you that ... I'm really impressed by how you handled the situation with the Jerries today. First, you got them to surrender and then ... you gave them a chance, but they didn't take it. Still you looked after the dying." Dietrich nods and explains calmly: "Giving them that chance whether they have taken it or not was the relevant part, Corporal. This is a war, but we should not simply abandon all human decency because of this." "I've never thought about this before... well, not in this manner, Sir", Corporal Turner replies with a sheepish tone. "I ... I think I'll dream of the guy whose name sounded like mine", Turner dares to tell the German Captain whose expression turns softer with actual compassion visible in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Corporal, that you have by conincidence been struck so personally. I merely intended not to leave the men to die alone and in agony without any human assistance", Dietrich mutters with a pained tone and haunted look in his eyes. "It was the right thing to do. I really understood this, Captain", Turner argues immediately.

"I'm really grateful to get the chance to serve under you, Sir", the young American gets out after another moment of hesitation. Dietrich looks baffled by the statement and cautiously replies: "Thank you, Corporal. Would you explain to me why in the first place you wanted to serve under my command, under a German defector, in spite of being the Major's nephew and having the option to join any unit around here which you would prefer?", the German Captain asks dryly. "I wrote a lot in my letter of application", Turner starts, but gets interrupted. "I don't care about reading well-crafted words in a letter, Corporal. 'Papier ist geduldig', they say in my homeland which I heard means 'paper doesn't blush'. I want to hear the truth from you in your own words", Dietrich counters sternly. Eric Turner contemplates the statement and finally meets the German Captain's brown eyes, as he replies: "You have a good reputation among all those who served under your command. The Aussies and also folks from the LRDP told us great stories about you as their CO." The German Captain bears a slightly skeptical expression, but nods in acceptance.

"I know that my uncle wants me to follow in my father's footsteps, but I want to make my own way and learn from someone else how to become a good officer. You're a German, Captain Dietrich. People here should distrust and dislike you by logic alone, but still anyone in our camp respects you and many like you personally. I really want to learn how to form such a connection to my men, Sir. And I've already learned a lot today." "Thank you for your honesty, Corporal Turner", Dietrich replies cautiously, still wondering what hidden agenda the young American could possibly have, before he reminds himself that they are not nearly as crafty and devious as he is suspecting them to be, especially not someone as obvious as the young American. General Atkins is definitely a devious man, but the young Corporal Turner is straightforward and honest in comparison. "Join Moffit and the others for language lesson in German, Turner! Even if you will not remain with us on the long run, it will not harm you to learn the language to a certain degree", Dietrich tells the young man who salutes diligently and bears something akin to admiration in his gaze, as he intonates: "Yes, Sir."

Hans looks after the young man for a few seconds, when Turner takes off with new motivation speeding up his steps. Then, the German Captain stalks off toward their unit's tent to speak with Mark Hitchcock, a conversation he himself dreads almost as much as the American Private, although he has different reasons for his aversion. Once given, he cannot take back his word that he would share his own experiences and back story with Hitchcock if necessary, but baring his soul in such a manner in addition to everything the Rats have already learned about him unwittingly makes him feel more than a bit uncomfortable. His father would cast him out all over again, if he would learn about this. Sharing personal information of such a kind with a subordinate, not even another officer, is a violation to proper behaviour of an immensity that Hans winces involuntarily, as the memories of disciplinary sessions with his father he has endured as a boy strike him unbidden.

When the German Captain enters their tent, Mark Hitchcock runs into him, actually colliding with the taller man who groans and winces in pain, involuntarily pressing his left arm against his cracked ribs. "I'm so sorry, Cap... Captain", Hitch stammers feeling guilty to have harmed the young officer who is trying hard to help him. Swallowing his pride and the insult on the tip of his tongue, Hans Dietrich focuses on the intent of the conversation he is about to have. "Sit down, Hitchcock! That avoids physical collisions and that you continue to drive me crazy in the same manner as Troy has all day", he states with less biting sarcasm than would normally have been his style. Mark Hitchcock immediately follows this order to the German Captain's actual surprise, sparking his concern again for the young American who is merely a few months older than him.

Once the blond Private has sat down on his cot, Hans picks up one of their folded chairs with his left arm and positions it in such a manner that it allows him to sit opposite of his interlocutor with a bit less than a meter of distance between them. "I would like to hear what is bothering you so much, Hitchcock, that it affects your whole life and manner of interacting with your friends and comrades as well as your girlfriend", the German officer starts with a carefully controlled tone. "Lots of things happened, Cap. The SS, the Arabs", Hitch mutters without meeting Dietrich's gaze. "I'm aware of that and of the fact that what the SS did to your Australian comrades has not left you unaffected", the young Captain confirms with a calm tone that holds some sympathy. "I can't fathom how you manage to do this. They tortured you, almost killed you, twice even. But you can still get up again and continue standing proud and unyielding like before", Mark mutters despondently. A bitter smile passes over the German Captain's face, unnoticed by the American. "Have you forgotten just who I am, Hitchcock, and how often I have been one of the last men standing after enemy attacks or beaten up, knocked out, left for dead? It's my duty and what I owe to each and every one of my men to not simply give up, lay down and wish I would have died instead, but provide them with first aid, support or the last honor of a proper burial and informing their family about their fate. I knew what becoming an officer entailed and I still chose this profession", Dietrich explains with actual conviction.

Hitch still lets his head hang, as he mutters: "I wish I had your strength, courage and honorable sentiment to stand by your principles however much you're beaten and tormented for it, Cap. I really admire you for this." The young German Captain is taken a bit aback by the statement, wondering what is going on in Hitchcock's head to say something like that. "Hitchcock, you have acted with courage countless times, as far as I can tell and have been involved in your endeavors. You have been wounded more often than any other member of your team and still endured and continued afterwards again and again." Mark looks up now to meet the lean officer's gaze, as he remarks with a toothy grin: "Biting your teeth together, when it's only your body hurting is easy. You're brilliant at that as well. But when it comes to the real tough decisions, I'm just a coward." Dietrich frowns to hide how surprised he is by the words. "Don't be absurd, Hitchcock! I know that you are anything but a coward, even if you are more foolish than courageous, because you don't necessarily think the risks of your actions through in advance."

"I am a coward", Mark insists. "It's not the SS I'm afraid of, not even the Arab slavers, though that was one of the most terrible days in my life." The German Captain has cocked his head and observes the American with an intense gaze. "You're afraid of losing your freedom", Hans mutters quietly, but with a serious undertone. "I'm ... yeah, how did you know?", Mark blurts out with clear surprise, once he has registered what the other man has said. The lean officer sighs wearily and winces in obvious pain. "You told me yourself a few days ago that you feel too young to be bound by social norms or a marriage." Hitch flinches and grimaces. "What makes you think that this's about marriage?", he tries to weasel his way out. "Apart from your obvious and very easy to see through behaviour, Hitchcock, I have to inform you that you're not the only person who is confiding in me. Clerical duties are part of an officer's job after all. And your behaviour has not gone unnoticed by your comrades either", Dietrich replies with a stern tone that holds some friendliness and sympathy nonetheless.

"Lisa's pregnant", Hitch finally manages to get out after almost a minute of internal conflict he has had to overcome. "And she wants you to marry her to take responsibility for your child", the German completes the statement, when nothing else is forthcoming. Mark nods with a fatalistic expression, as if the Captain would have declared his death sentence. "Yeah, exactly, Captain Sherlock", Hitch grinds out without any malice or sarcasm. "It's like getting a noose around my neck that's not just putting me on a leash, but suffocating me. I don't know, if you can understand what I'm talking about." Bespectacled blue eyes meet brown ones that show a wide range of emotions now that the German Captain is not trying to hide behind his facade, but communicating his own earnestness. "Believe me, Hitchcock. I know what this feels like. I have served under the command of superiors and headquarters that made absurd and immoral decisions, while I was bound by loyalty, honor and values that have been violated more and more, until fear for the lives of my friends and family as well as my own life became a tight noose around my throat." Hitch gulps and looks even ashamed of himself, when he realizes how much more serious what the Captain is describing to him is in comparison to his behaviour which appears a bit immature in his own eyes.

But Dietrich is not finished yet. Pain and suffering replace the haunted look in his eyes, as he continues to speak with a serious tone: "I told you that I understand you better than you think. I once was engaged to a nurse, a young woman from France." "What happened to her?", Mark cannot stop himself from asking impatiently, when the German officer closes his eyes and briefly collects himself. "Impatience is the vice you share with Troy", Hans comments dryly, before his tone becomes more serious and sad again. "She's dead, murdered by her own countrymen for becoming engaged with... the wrong man. If I had been anything but a German officer, she might still be alive." Mark looks shocked and reaches out to puts his hand the other's shoulder without consciously thinking about who is sitting in front of him. Hans Dietrich tenses at the touch, but wrestles down his urge to withdraw. This is not about himself or his own protection, but getting Hitchcock to truly reflect on his life and opportunities. At least his father will never hear about him having sunk so low to share personal stories with enlisted Yankees. "I want no sympathy from you, Hitchcock, but to make you aware of how precious life is and being able to share it with someone you deeply care about", the young officer speaks with a sad and serious undertone.

"You know that you're one of the best friends I've ever had", Hitch argues swiping some treacherous wetness from the corners of his eyes. "I'm not your friend, Hitchcock, but your commanding officer, as I believe to have told you more than just once", Dietrich contradicts him sternly. "But I stand by the men and women under my command and care about their lives and fates. Also I gave my word that I would argue for the principles I believe in which include not to abandon a child, if one can avoid it, especially not one's own." Hitch hangs his head despondently. "You're a much better father for Ari and Kiri than I could ever hope to be." The German shakes his head. "I'm not. Neither do have children of my own, nor any experience with taking care of them. But turning around, running away or hiding would help nobody and only cause me a bad conscience, as it will cause you, if you choose the easy and cowardly way out." "What if something happens to me?", Hitch asks stubbornly. "That's the question I ask myself every time, Ari and Kiri come to greet me", Hans argues with a tormented expression. "Even though they're not actually my children, not having been there for them wouldn't have made their lives better, don't you think?" Mark tries to suppress a sob, as he shakes his head and chokes out: "They're really great, both of them. I really wouldn't want to have missed the time with Ari, teaching him poems and stuff." Dietrich nods with a solemn smile and agrees: "Even though I worry about them all the time, I wouldn't have wanted to change my decision. Don't miss that chance with your own child, Hitchcock!"

"You're right, Cap. I'm an idiot", Mark finally gets out, trying a half-smile. "Your self-reflective attitude is truly appreciated", the German Captain replies dryly which makes the young American smile a bit more. "Would you ... can I ask you for a favour, Cap?", Hitch stammers a bit hesitantly. Unwittingly, the young officer's expression becomes guarded and wary. "That depends on the kind of favour, Hitchcock." Hitch struggles how to formulate his request to the German Captain to not make him decline immediately. "Would you... accompany me to speak with Lisa?" Dietrich looks baffled and replies with a slightly incredulous tone: "What's the matter with you Yankees that you all want to drag me into your family drama?" "Please, Captain", Hitch even uses the full rank title to appease the German officer, knowing it is important to him. "Lisa's pretty annoyed with me after ... lots of stupid stuff I said. But she respects and likes you. She won't tear my head off, when you're around."

"You've all watched too many of your melodramatic movies", Hans sighs wearily and winces. "But if it helps to make you act sensibly, I'm willing to make this sacrifice, mainly for the sake of the innocents involved." "I'm an innocent involved", Mark tries to argue half-jokingly. "You're about as innocent as a mobster, Hitchcock", Dietrich counters dryly. "I thought we're friends", the young American protests. "Don't even try to pull Troy's coup on me! You lack the stubbornness to pull this through no matter what and the insanity to not even realise the futility of the plan", the German Captain argues dryly. "But you're friends with Sarge now", Mark argues. "Because as usual with Troy's insane plans it worked against all odds, defying logic and the laws of nature", Hans argues sarcastically at which Hitch is grinning, now that he realizes that the young officer is not angry or aggressive, but taking this with humor. "Well, let's say I'll invite you to the movies then, first row, best seats. I'll even invite you to a drink next time we get the chance", the American Private offers and Dietrich smirks at the formulation. "Can we go now or do you need to give yourself some liquid courage in advance?" "Let's go now, before I actually need to do that, Cap", Hitch replies witha half-smile.

As Mark Hitchcock walks alongside the tall German Captain, he notices the lines of stress and exhaustion on his face for the first time. However, life does not intend to spare the Captain any challenges. The O'Donnell brothers and their friend Lakatos waylay them on their short stride to the sickbay. "How are you doing, Captain Dietrich?", Michael Lakatos inquires in a friendly manner that the young officer does not fully believe in. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, gentlemen", Dietrich replies politely, trying to sidestep the Australian soldier. "We heard that the Major's nephew joined your unit, Captain", Danny O'Donnell states with an almost accusatory tone. "It was the Major's decision to place Corporal Turner with us to serve as Private Hitchcock's replacement given his injuries", the German Captain points out, even motioning his arm in the direction of his companion.

"That's so fishy I can smell the stink all the way from Belfast to here", Kevin grumbles. "I'm not at liberty to comment on that", the young officer dodges the statement. All three eye him now with curiosity. "You didn't have a say in this either", Mickey finally concludes. "I'm a former enemy officer who defected merely a month ago. I have no leverage against an Allied senior officer", Dietrich reminds them sternly. "You're a good guy, Cap", Hitch protests. "Which counts nothing for the Major's strategy or the General's long game", Hans counters with a serious tone. "Looks like you'd have a better life, if you'd joined us diggers rather than the Yankees", Kevin tells the Captain with honest sympathy. "That was not an option open to me", the lean officer murmurs quietly. "Hey. We really like you, Cap, and we wanna keep you!", Mark protests indignantly. "Don't even think about going somewhere else or Sarge'll drag you back from the end of the world." Dietrich smirks at the mental image that describes Troy's most likely behaviour only too adequately. "I'll spare myself this pain", the German answers dryly. "Where are you two going?", Danny asks, now that the tension is relieved. "Captain Dietrich supports me on a very important personal mission", Hitch replies, before the skinny officer even gets a chance to reply. "Uh. We'll leave you to that then", Mickey mutters with defensively raised hands. "Good luck to you, fellas! We'll see you at dinner." Dietrich gives a sharp salute to at least try and keep up a minimal resemblance to a proper military interaction between an officer and enlisted men which the Aussies answer in a satisfactory manner, unlike anything Hitchcock has ever shown.

"Captain Dietrich", Deirdre calls to the young officer with a friendly tone who nods to her politely as a greeting. "Lieutenant O'Donnell. We're looking for your friend Lisa Hartigan. You wouldn't happen to know where we could find her?" "Right here", Lisa answers the question, before Deirdre has a chance to reply. Mark Hitchcock looks a bit cowered, as she approaches them with her hands stemmed into her hips and a stern scowl directed at the Private, while Kiri comes running after her to pull her caregiver into a loving embrace. "Look, Ioannes! My dress. It's mauve. And the ... cape ... turquoise", she tells him in accented sounding English, proud of her new vocabulary as well as her clothes. Hans smiles at her gently and praises her clothes which makes Kiri beam brightly, while the German is briefly distracted from their original purpose.

Meanwhile Hitch mutters nervously: "Could we speak with you ... in private, Lisa?" The American nurse eyes him with clear wariness, before meeting her gaze with the young officer who nods almost imperceptibly. "Deirdre, could you cover for me for a few minutes and look after Kiri, until I'm finished speaking with Mark and the Captain?", she asks her friend who nods diligently. "Of course, Lisa", Deirdre replies with a smile, while Dietrich explains to the girl that she should stay a little bit longer with the blond nurse who smiles at her gently. "You have a tent, Captain, don't you?", Lisa inquires and notes the tall officer tensing slightly. With a smirk she adds: "Don't worry. I'll try not to affect your reputation, Captain." "I'm much obliged, considering that I'm the innocent bystander in this affair", the German Captain remarks dryly. "Let's shake it!", Hitch declares with fake determination which earns him a reprimanding glare from Hans Dietrich who growls: "Must you cost me more nerves than necessary, Hitchcock?"

Fritz who has been kicked out of the kitchen during meal preparations joins them with enthusiastic yelps on their way back to the tent, making all three of them smile briefly. The dog mascot will provide a good stress relief for all of them, considering the talk ahead of them, the German Captain considers, actually relieved to have the unruly mutt around. "Take a seat, Lieutenant Hartigan! And you too, Private Hitchcock!", Dietrich orders sternly, pointing at the cot and chair where they have sat before, while he positions himself to stand a few steps to the side. "I don't like the feeling of you looming over us, Captain. Sit down as well, please", Lisa argues and sees the German officer concede swiftly without discussion, as he wants to avoid unnecessary provocation and escalation of the volatile situation. Fritz happily trots to the nurse in the meantime and puts his head on her knee, enjoying that the woman who has helped him with his injuries scratches him gently behind the ears.

Mark Hitchcock obviously struggles with how to start which distracts him efficiently from being jealous of Fritz choosing Lisa over him. Seeing that no reasonable start will be forthcoming from the American Private, Dietrich gives a weary sigh that makes him wince slightly, before he prompts: "I was under the impression that you wanted to tell your ... friend something, Hitchcock." Lisa smirks at the choice of the word 'friend'. Hitch casts the German Captain a grateful look. "I... Lisa, I'm so sorry for being such an idiot", Mark struggles to get out, while the nurse enjoys the spectacle somewhat. "Cap made me realise ... that I didn't really appreciate what I have. I ... I can't promise you to always be faithful ... you know me ... But I really want to stand by you, both of you", the waves in the general direction of her belly. "I really love the kids we have with us. I'm not sure if I'll be a good Dad like", he points at the German Captain who mutters quietly: "Leave me out of this! I'm a horrible role model as a father figure."

Lisa smiles now. "You'll do fine, Mark. You've got an experienced friend to learn from after all", she argues. Hans glares at her, once the meaning registers with him, but refrains from interrupting Mark Hitchcock who continues: "It's really tough for me to think what would happen to you, if I get harmed or killed." "Don't just think the worst, Mark!", Lisa admonishes sternly. "You've got some really loyal friends who'd help your ... family anytime, even if something happened to you", Dietrich adds as an argument that surprises both of them. "You're right, Cap", Hitch admits and Lisa even smiles triumphantly. "So, this is finally off the table, Mark. Can we agree that you will stand by this officially?", the nurse inquires slyly. The American Private looks truly uncomfortable, but meets his gaze with the young officer who observes them both now with weariness. Noticing Hitchcock's stare, he briefly nods in assurance, holding the other's gaze. "I ... yes, I will stand by this officially", Hitch gets out with a slightly strangled tone. "In front of a priest and an altar?", Lisa continues her inquiry. "Yeah", Mark finally confirms.

"Well, that wasn't so hard, Mark Hitchcock! Couldn't we have agreed on this two days ago already?", Lisa puts her question with an exasperated tone. Hitch looks a bit pained, but mutters something under his breath that neither Lisa nor the German Captain catches. "So, can we announce our engagement then?", she wants to know and Mark pales again, but takes some strength from having the young officer present who keeps his face neutral and determined, as he meets his gaze. "Okay. We'll do that, but not now. Give me ... some time to write to my parents and think how to tell ... the others." "How hard can it be to tell the Bullhead and the rest of your gang the truth and just get it over with? This better not be your way of ducking out of your responsibilities!", Lisa snaps at him in exasperation. "Lieutenant, please. Allow him the time to inform his family and think about how to tell his friends. You have the agreement you wanted and I am sure that Private Hitchcock will stand by his given word", the German Captain intercedes with calm determination that even convinces the angry nurse. "Okay, Captain", she finally gives in and Hitch looks utterly grateful at his CO, congratulating himself to the idea of keeping the Captain around for this talk. Fritz who has been scared a bit by her angry tone, has curled up under the cot and observes the humans a bit warily, hoping for his chance to regain their favour and cuddles, once the storm he has been able to sense has quieted down.

"I assume that all is settled now and you don't required my assistance any further", the young officer speaks calmly, standing up cautiously. "Thanks, Cap. You really saved me here", Hitch tells him earnestly, as he stands up as well, similar to his girlfriend. "You definitely are my knightly defender, Captain", Lisa declares with a broad smiles and brushes a soft kiss on the tall officer's cheek who tenses and blushes slightly. Before he gets the chance to draw back, Mark does not hesitate to step forward and embrace the lean German who stands a few inches taller, but likely weighs at least 20 pounds less than him. "Hitchcock, let go of me!", Dietrich protests after a the first baffled seconds in which he has suffered through the undignified treatment without resistance. "If Lisa can kiss you, I can hug you", Hitch argues with a wide grin. "You really saved me." "I'll reconsider to ever do this again now that I know your reaction", the young Captain remarks dryly. "Please do it for us!", Lisa tells him, rubbing over her belly. Hans feels absolutely uncomfortable and knows that he will not escape this line of argument. "How could I refuse such a desperate plea", he counters dryly, but they all know that he would not hesitate to aid his Private again. "If you would excuse me now. I will get my medical checkup, while you arrange your plans", the German Captain tries to extract himself elegantly out of the situation. "Should I come with you?", both of the Americans speaks almost simultaneously, then look at each other slightly astonished, before starting to laugh which finally dissolves that last tension in the tent. "Fortunately, I'm able to walk on my own without requiring any support, so I decline your selfless offer. Farewell", Hans declares smoothly and turns around, before they get any ideas of stopping him.

As the German Captain returns to the sickbay, Doktor Sommer is already waiting for him with Deirdre and Kiri at his side. Uncharacteristically for his former Stabsarzt, Hans Dietrich notices him crouch and speak with the girl in a gentle manner. Seeing the former Hauptmann's raised eyebrows, Ludwig Sommer explains sheepishly: "Ich habe mir immer eine Tochter gewünscht. Jetzt hoffe ich, dass ich meine Frau und beiden Söhne wiedersehen kann. Max ist etwa in Kiris Alter, auch wenn ich ihn seit 2 Jahren nur auf Fotos gesehen habe." The younger man smiles with honest sympathy at the explanation that Sommer has always wished to have a daughter and now mainly hopes to see his wife and two sons again. His younger son Max who he has only seen on photographs during the last two years is at approximately Kiri's age now.

That the lean officer steps forward and pats him on the shoulder in a reassuring gesture takes the German medic by surprise. Showing sympathy through physical gestures is rather uncharacteristic of Hans Dietrich, but apparently something he has adopted from the Yankees who have not allowed the young Captain to withdraw, as he has among the German troops. "Sie werden Max und Moritz wiedersehen, Ludwig. Machen Sie sich keine Sorgen", Dietrich tries to reassure the other that he should not worry and will see his family again. Ludwig Sommer smiles back at him. "Wenn wir erst einmal heraußen sind aus dieser elenden Wüste, sind Sie der einzige, um den ich mir wirklich Sorgen machen muss, Hans", Sommer replies that once they have left this desert Hans will likely remain as the only one he has to worry about at which the young Captain scowls, but does not dare to protest, given his endless streak of mishaps and injuries.

"Haberfeld würde gerne mit Ihnen sprechen, Nemet und Bauer ebenfalls", Ludwig Sommer informs him calmly that several man wish to talk with him. "Gut, Ludwig, ich rede mit ihnen. Sehen Sie bitte inzwischen nach Kiri", Dietrich concedes that he will speak with them, while Sommer should look after Kiri who still poses and enjoys her spotlight, as several of the soldiers in the field hospital smile at her or even clap. "Die Kleine braucht eine gute weibliche Begleitung, auch wenn Sie ein ausgezeichneter Ziehvater sind, Hans", Sommer argues that the girl needs a woman to guide her, although Hans is an excellent foster father. However, trying to keep the determined Bedouin girl from her beloved brother is easier said than done, as Kiri follows closely at his heels. "*Kiri, I need to speak with some people in German*", the young officer tries to explain to her. "*Can I stay with you, Ioannes? I promise I'll be silent*", the child pleads with a puppy eyes stare she has masterly adopted from Fritz. Sighing wearily and wincing as he does so, the Captain gives in, deciding he would rather not waste his energy. "*Fine, Kiri. But you must promise me that you'll stay close to me and not do anything stupid or annoy people.*" Kiri nods enthusiastically. "*I promise you, in the name of the Lord!*"

Haberfeld looks quite surprised, when his former CO approaches him with the native girl in tow who clings to a lapel of his jacket. "Herr Hauptmann. Gut, Sie zu sehen. Ich habe gehört, dass Sie verletzt wurden", the German Leutnant greets Dietrich with a worried expression, as he can see clearly that rumours about the young officer being injured recently are actually true. "Ich bin am Leben, Leutnant. Wie geht es Ihrem Bein?", Hans swiftly deflects the inquiry about his health by asking about the other man's leg. "Tut höllisch weh, aber ich werde es überleben", Haberfeld comments good-naturedly that although it hurts like hell, he will survive. Dietrich smiles and is actually relieved. "Wir haben einige neue deutsche Gefangene. Leutnant Friedrich Binder hat derzeit den Oberbefehl", the German Captain explains that they have several new POWs and Leutnant Binder is in command now. "Fritz Binder? Aus Ulm?", Haberfeld asks curiously. Dietrich shrugs and regrets it immediately as his shoulder protests with a painful stab. Kiri feels him flinch and holds more closely onto him, leaning into his side, as she often seen Ari do. "*I'm fine, Kiri. Don't worry!*", Hans tells her reassuringly.

"Wer ist das Mädel?", Haberfeld asks curiously who the girl is. "Eine Waise. Ihre Mutter hat mich angefleht, sie zu beschützen. Aber aus einer Nacht ist jetzt ein viel längerer Zeitraum geworden, als ihre Mutter gestorben ist", Dietrich explains his dilemma that he has promised to protect the orphaned girl for what he has thought would be a single night, but this has become much longer through her mother's death. "Erinnern Sie sich an das Massaker am Wasserloch von Aburah?", he inquires whether Haberfeld still remembers the massacre at the Aburah waterhole. Haberfeld sighs wearily, as he remembers how they have spent hours burying the dead. "Wie könnte ich das vergessen? Wir haben stundenlang Leichen begraben." Both German officers share the painful memories, before drawing themselves out. "Sie ist ein liebes Mädel", Haberfeld comments finally that Kiri is a nice girl, as he observes the interaction between the Bedouin child and his former Hauptmann to whom she huddles as if he would be a family member. Dietrich nods and mutters in agreement: "Allerdings." Haberfeld casts an almost mischievous glance in Sommer's direction, as he comments that he has always been annoyed about the dog. "Und da hat sich Sommer immer über den Hund geärgert." Dietrich looks quite bemused as well, as he comments that the good Doctor still complains and worries as always. "Der gute Doktor beschwert sich immer noch und macht sich Sorgen wie eh und je."

"Herr Hauptmann", Wolf Bauer addresses their former Captain, as he and Nemet join the two officers. "Sie schau'n scho vü besser aus als vuagestern." The young officer nods with a slightly pained expression at the comment that he looks far better than two days ago. "Ich bin auch besser beisammen, Bauer." "Da Gottschlich hat vü g'sproch'n mit uns. I kann jetzt sogar a bissl Englisch", the young man tells his former CO enthusiastically that Gottschlich has spent some time with them and he even has even learned some English. "Hello. Who are you?", Wolf demonstrates his skills with a thick Austrian accent. Kiri smiles at him, recognizing someone of a similar language level as her own. "Hello. I am Kiri", she replies diligently what she has learned and beams at Bauer and Dietrich. The young Austrian appears briefly startled, but beams then at the child whose innocent joy is catching. "Well done", Hans speaks and both adepts in English smile at the praise. Nemet observes the exchange with a gentle expression, remembering his own family, his nephews and nieces back in Hungary with a wistful smile. "Egy kedves lany", he mutters the same expression as Haberfeld previously has used in Hungarian. Dietrich raises his eyebrows questioningly and the Feldwebel translates: "Ein liebes Mädel." "Das ist sie", the young German officer agrees and gently pats her shoulder, as Kiri hugs him around the waist again. "Benötigen Sie noch etwas von mir, meine Herren?", the lean officer inquires whether they still need anything else from him to which all of them say no, as they mainly have wanted to know how is is faring.

After taking his leave from his former men, Hans Dietrich intends to finally receive his treatment, when someone else calls out to him: "Captain Dietrich!" Noticing the Australian accent, the German Captain looks a lot more wary than before and subconsciously places his right hand on Kiri's shoulder in a protective manner. The girl smiles up at him affectionately, not realizing his worries. Sergeant Furrows and his two comrades from the LRDP observe the tall officer and his ward with curious, but slightly wary expressions that mirror the German Captain's own wariness. "What can I do for you, gentlemen?", the young officer nonetheless inquires smoothly, hiding his emotions for the most part behind a professional mask of neutrality. "We heard you caught some more Jerries", Furrows tells him, as the German Captain admires the speed of the gossip mill, but merely raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner. "You caught any SS fellas?", the Australian Sergeant inquires and his two Private look eager. Dietrich merely shakes his head. "No. The men who surrendered peacefully today were from the Wehrmacht, members of the Afrikakorps." As he speaks the German words with his native intonantion, he notices all three of them tense involuntarily.

"If there is nothing else, gentlemen", Dietrich tries to excuse himself, as Furrows intercedes: "Who's the girl?" Kiri understands the question mainly from recognizing the separate words which sound strange with the Australian accent. "Hi. I'm Kiri", she introduces herself, glad to stand closely pressed against her protector's side which boosts her courage. The three Aussies look absolutely dumbstruck at the answer from a source they have not expected in the least. "Kiri is under my care, after her mother died a few days ago, when we were rescued from a band of slavers who have taken Private Hitchcock and myself as prisoners, the same slavers who mistreated your friend Private Young", the German officer explains, carefully observing the girl's reaction who fortunately does not understand him well enough yet to be affected. "Bloody hell", one of the Privates murmurs. "Poor Jacky's been through the mill", the other Private mutters with a grim expression, while Furrows observes the girl's interaction with the European Captain.

"She really likes and trusts you", he states his observation. "I protect her and provide her with a place to live", Dietrich counters sternly, squeezing the girl's shoulder gently who wraps her arms around his waist and leans into his side affectionately. "You gotta do a lot more than that for the lass to treat you like that within a few days", Furrows counters with astonishment. "Do you take me for a monster to not show a grieving child who has just lost her mother some sympathy?", the proud young Captain growls with slight annoyance. "You're a strange fellow, especially for a Jerry officer", Furrows finally verbalizes his incredulity. "But I have to admit that I admire your attitude, Captain." This takes Dietrich actually by surprise who stares back at the Australian with visible incredulity.

"I get it that you can't tell us what happened to Jacky", Furrows switches the topic, now that the wariness between them and the German officer is mostly overcome. "But couldn't you give us a hint at what we could do to help him. Or what to avoid?" As Dietrich looks slightly baffled by the inquiry, cocking his head as he gives it some thought, one of the Privates adds: "We tried to talk to him, but he suddenly broke down ... started crying and they had to give him morphine. And we heard he attacked on of the nurses. The Jacky Young we've known would never have attacked a woman, even less a nurse trying to help him." Swallowing hard, the young officer speaks with a carefully controlled tone: "Your comrade has suffered through things that have made him ashamed of himself. Anything reminiscent of the Arabs, more even than the Germans, might trigger such adverse reactions. He tried to kill me, when he heard me speak German, but apologized later. Like any shell-shocked soldier he is not in control of his mental capacities in such situations. But I don't know him well enough to be able to give you further advise on how to help him specifically, except for not mentioning anything that might remind him of the traumatic events." Although he manages a neutral tone, the compassion and sympathy are clearly visible in his pained eyes. "Thanks, Captain", Furrows addresses him with honest gratitude. "That's more than anyone else has been willing or able to tell us." The two Privates nod and mutter expressions to communicate their thanks as well. "You're welcome, gentlemen. I really don't wish to see anyone suffer like he does and, if I can support you in helping your friend, I'm willing to do so."

"Your Corporal who hangs out with the two Jerries who saved us said you're the best officer in camp and that people from all units and armies applied to join your unit. I thought he's just crazy, but I start to get an idea of what he's talking about", Furrows tells him with actual admiration in his tone. Hans shakes his head in actual disbelief now, thinking briefly that he has misheard something, before he inquires with dry sarcasm: "Have you been checked for head injuries recently, Sergeant?" Furrows looks more bemused than affronted, as he counters: "Browny warned us to beware your sense of humor." "How thoughtful of him", the Captain comments dryly which makes even the Privates smirk now. "You're really a good fellow Captain, in spite of being a Jerry. Thanks. We'll leave you and little Kiri to whatever you gotta do." Kiri smiles at hearing her name and asks her caregiver curiously: "*What does he say, Ioannes?*" "*He says that he will let us go now*", Hans replies gently. "*I like him. He sounds interesting and funny ... like Troy*", Kiri replies and Dietrich smiles in spite of himself at the comment. "Thank you, Sergeant Furrows. I should tell you from Kiri that she thinks you're funny and interesting", he telly the baffled looking Australian with a bemused expression, while the two Privates actually grin at their Sergeant's expense. "Looks like you got yourself a fan girl, Sarge", one of them comments with a laugh, as Furrows glares at him. "Farewell, gentlemen", the Captain adds for all three of them, as he takes his leave, before the Australians can recover to involve him in further discussions.

By the time he can make it to the officer's ward, Lisa Hartigan has returned from her debate with Mark Hitchcock who has accompanied her along with Fritz. "Fritz!", Kiri exclaims enthusiastically and the little dog comes running to her immediately, wagging his tail as he greets the girl with excited yelps. "Are you finished, Cap?", Hitch wants to know. "I haven't even started yet, as people here have kept me busy until now", Dietrich replies dryly. "Let's have a look at you then!", Lisa Hartigan orders with a tone that contains more sympathy than her usual stern and sarcastic orders. "Kiri is well taken care of after all." "Indeed, she is", the German officer agrees with a smile, as he sees the girl scratch Fritz' belly, while the little dog lies on his back and visibly enjoys the cuddles. "Mark, help the Captain out of the jacket and shirt!", she orders her freshly declared, though still unofficial fiance who complies immediately, staying ready until the Captain has unbuttoned both single-handedly.

"Holy mother of God", Hitch mutters slightly shocked, when he sees the bruises and cuts revealed after Lisa has cut off the bandages. "Don't exaggerate, Hitchcock!", Dietrich admonishes him with a stern glare. "That must hurt as hell though", Mark tells him without being cowered by the German Captain's glare any longer, sounding truly sympathetic. "I've had worse considering how many of my vehicles you and your gang have blown up with me still inside", the lean officer comments dryly. A guilty expression crosses Mark's face, as he murmurs: "I'm really sorry, Cap. Wouldn't wanna hurt you nowadays. I swear it. Scout's honour!" Hans is slightly bemused by the repeated childish vow and considers it only a matter of time until Ari and Kiri start adopting the words and gesture. His expression quickly changes when Lisa applies the disinfectant to the cut, as even stubborn pride cannot help him to not let any pain show on his face.

A hand put on his good shoulder in a sympathetic gesture startles the young German however. "Hitchcock, you're not my friend!", the proud Captain growls at him. "Whatever you say", Hitch mutters, not convinced in the least and not even willing to retract his hand. "Have you lost your mind now?", the lean officer inquires incredulously. "No, Cap. But you're one of us now and I sure won't let any of my buddies suffer without showing some sympathy", Mark argues with surprising vehemence. "I'm absolutely sure that I'm not your 'buddy', Hitchcock. You should quit delving into that snakeoil, even when you're not on duty. It's meddling with your brain", Dietrich counters sarcastically, hoping to reach with annoying the Private what he cannot gain through intimidating him any longer.

"Men are worse than children sometimes!", Lisa admonishes them sternly. "Stop this nonsense, both of you! You lie back so I can treat your chest and shoulder properly, Captain! And you stop harassing my patients, Mark!" Both are wise enough to not quarrel with the moody woman, lest she tears someone's head off. While Lisa provides her treatment to Dietrich, Hitch eyes the skinny German officer intently. Somehow, the lean Captain appears even more undernourished than he has remembered him to be or maybe his bruises make him appear more vulnerable. When he sees the younger officer grip the sheets and grit his teeth, Hitch hesitates for a few moments, before taking the other's hand. At the German Captain's scowl, he replies: "You wouldn't leave any of your men lying like this without taking their hand to ease the pain and making them feel like someone's there who cares. I won't leave anyone from my unit like that either, Cap." After a hiss of pain, the lean officer grits out: "Thank you, Hitchcock!" Hitch looks a lot less intimidated and smiles at the younger man who has closed his eyes again.

Lisa Hartigan meanwhile diligently checks the lean officer's ribs, as his constant wincing has worried her that some might be cracked or broken. From the pained reaction, she deduces that this might be the case for several spots. At least the German Captain suffers only from cracked and not broken ribs which would put him in actual danger to pierce an organ, while riding on their Jeep, but he still must suffer immensely with every deep breath. As she observes the interaction between Mark and his CO she has to smile a bit. That Dietrich has managed to talk to Mark convincingly enough to make him come to his senses is an immense relief. How her long-time boyfriend acts, when he takes the lean officer's hand to provide him with moral support is an actual surprise though. Maybe he has become more mature through what the German has told him. When she finds the right time and place, she wants to ask the young Captain and thank him.

Kiri has approached them as well and observes the spectacle with a worried expression. "*Ioannes?*", she asks with a concerned whimper. Hans flinches at the child's worried tone and tries to sit up for which Hitch helps him. "*I'm fine, Kiri*", the lean German mutters quietly and smiles at the girl. "*But you look hurt*", Kiri protests, making him wince slightly. "We need to put bandages around the cuts to keep them from being infected", Lisa Hartigan admonishes the young officer who nods in response. "I'm just trying to calm Kiri." "*I'm hurt, but it's from a few days ago. Nothing heals immediately*", he calmly explains during the procedure to Kiri, switching the language smoothly. "*Will you get better?*", Kiri wants to know to which her caregiver smiles gently. "*I will. Don't worry, Kiri!*" When the girl wants to huddle to her brother, Lisa Hartigan beats the German Captain in admonishing her gently, but resolutely: "Wait a bit, Kiri dear!" "Okay, Auntie Lisa", the girl agrees immediately, giving both men an idea that the nurse is easily able to surpass them regarding handling the child.

Once Lisa is finished, Hitch helps Hans Dietrich into his shirt and jacket, noticing that the German Captain's face looks haggard and drawn. "Off to dinner, all of you!", the nurse declares vehemently, aware that their young commanding officer will need the nourishment and rest. Kiri smiles with delight at the prospect of dinner and Fritz jumps up from where he has curled up on the ground. Words which imply food for him are among his top priority human vocabulary to understand. That Dietrich does not even protest, but slowly walks along with the group is a clear indication of how tired and worn he actually is.

Before they reach the mess tent, the rest of the Rats catches up with them. While Moffit observes the two younger men with silent concern, Troy asks straight away: "What did you do to the Captain that he looks like he's keeling over any moment?" Proudly pulling himself up to full height and into a straight posture, Hans glares at him and snaps: "Stop harassing and intimidating my men, Troy! I just suffered through my treatment in sickbay." Hitch beams at the young officer, not used to have anyone standing up for his defense, when Sarge bluntly snipes at him. Sam Troy looks baffled for all of two seconds, before breaking into a wide grin. "I gotta get used to you defending my men against me. But it's good to see, you're doing pretty fine." "Hello, Troy", Kiri dares to greet the loud American, now that he smiles again and looks less scary. Sam beams at the girl and commends her: "Hey, Kiri. You're getting better with English." The Bedouin girl looks up at her caregiver slightly unsure what some of the words mean, but smiles proudly once she hears his translation. "Auntie Lisa and uncle David teach Kiri English", she explains proudly. Both Hans Dietrich and Sam Troy show equally pained grimaces at the mention of the younger Troy brother. "Jesus Christ. I wouldn't have thought I'd live to see the day that Davey's teaching anything useful to a child", Sam mutters. "His tall tales in addition to all your bad influence might prove too much even for Doctor Moffit to correct", the German Captain adds with dry sarcasm. "Don't doubt my skills, Captain!", Jack Moffit protests. "Although I have to admit that you have a point", he adds, when he observes Kiri playing with Fritz, while they walk toward their goal.

"Looks like you're doing a lot better than the last days, Hitch", Troy comments, as they enter the canteen. Mark grins widely. "Yeah. Thanks, Sarge. Cap helped immensely." "If you ever consider hugging me again, this has definitely been the last time I have ever helped you, Hitchcock!", Dietrich growls with annoyance. "You hugged him?", Sam Troy asks incredulously, ignoring the German Captain's indignant expression. "I didn't know what to say", Hitch explains sheepishly. "Studying literature has obviously been a waste of time, Hitchcock, if it has done nothing for boosting your eloquence and vocabulary", Dietrich remarks sarcastically. "I focused on love poems", Mark counters sheepishly. "Thank you for not quoting any of those to me in front of your ... girlfriend", the German officer states dryly, making all of them grin, while Troy barks a loud laugh that briefly scares Kiri until she realizes the mirth and laughs along.

"You should hang out with those fellows more often", Brown advises Boggs at the officer's table, when they both look up to watch the mirthful group of soldiers around their German officer who bears a bemused expression himself. "There's definitely some good entertainment to be found around the Jerry lad most of the time." "I appreciate his sense of humor, but I can't believe that I would be tolerated by the enlisted men half as well as he is", the American Captain counters. "Let Dietrich show you some of his card sleight of hand tricks and you can become a star as well. I just stick with good ole whiskey and rum", Brown remarks with a wink. "His what tricks?", Boggs inquires incredulously. "Didn't they tell you how he performed mind reading card shark tricks in our camp, when I invited him on our first night?" James Boggs looks absolutely dumbstruck by the explanation, muttering: "I've never heard of that." "He promised some show to your folks around here. That's why they love him more than the rest of your officers corps put together", Brown enjoys to explain to his Yankee colleague. "Why have I never heard about this?", Boggs wonders. "You need to chat with that Silberblatt fellow more often. He's the talkative one, especially after a glass of good old Scotch", Brown shares his wisdom. "Is Dietrich coming?", Boggs inquires about the German Captain, but Brown shakes his head. "Looks like he switched us for some more fun company. Sammy brought his stuff to their table and he's chatting with his Rats."

When Ari is brought in a little while later by Hussein who speaks quietly with the German Captain, Kiri jumps up as well to hug her brother as a greeting. The Jewish boy enthusiastically tells about his adventure of riding around the camp on the large camel along with the Bedouin teenager, earning approval and smiles from the whole pack of Rats. Corporal Turner who stays silently in the background and observes the commotion, similarly to Gottschlich, is more than a bit baffled by the whole exchange between the Rats, their Captain and the two native children. That the German officer even sits and shares his meal with them is unbelievable for him. His style is very different from his uncle's, but definitely something he would rather alike to adopt than the stiff distance most of the older officers show or the drinking companionship officers like Griffiths share with their men.

Jakob Silberblatt looks almost as worn as his friend Hans, when he finally arrives after the rest of them has already finished their dinner. "Hauptmann Zornbrecht offered us to cooperate, but after the exchange with you we were quite wary. Atkins has agreed to accept his offer for show, but distrusts him completely, doubting everything that comes from him and feeding him false information. But the old fox has used this as a justification for keeping him separate from the other German soldiers for his own protection", the Jewish Lieutenant explains, while digging into his dinner ravenously. Dietrich scowls, but does not discuss the German Captain who he dislikes and distrusts on principle. "Let's hope we can get this over with without any casualties", he mutters with a gloomy expression that worries Jakob. "We had to shoot several German soldiers of a convoy who refused to negotiate and surrender", Jack Moffit whispers quietly to him as an explanation, while Troy pats the German Captain on the shoulder in gesture that is meant to be sympathetic, but makes the younger man grimace with pain. "Watchit, Sarge!", Hitch stands up for his peronsal hero of the day. "Lisa said he has several cracked ribs." "Sorry, Captain. Sounds damn painful", Troy mutters with a slightly guilty expression. "You might not believe it, Sergeant, but it actually is", Dietrich counters sarcastically after a grateful nod in Hitchcock's direction. "So I would be much obliged, if you could keep yourself from shoving, grabbing or squeezing me unnecessarily. This goes for all of you." His stern gaze wanders from Troy to Hitchcock, as neither Moffit nor Pettigrew need discouragement and the Corporals keep their appropriate distance anyways.

Jakob and Ari leave earlier for their prayers and songs to celebrate Chanukkah, while the rest of the Rats remain in the mess tent to continue chatting, until Kiri falls almost asleep leaning against her caregiver who looks only slightly less tired. Joining their Jewish friends for the friendly games and chatting thereafter keeps the group awake for another hour, until Troy has to catch the German who is about to fall asleep while sitting on the floor. "No more games for you today, Captain!", he admonishes the younger man who is too weary to protest and just lies down on his cot after taking off his boots, falling asleep within the minute.