The brutal SS officer holds Ari and hits the boy who is already beaten black and blue, as his cries have been reduced to soft whimpers. Hans is unable to help his ward who is looking at him with big pained eyes, pleading for his help which the Captain is unable to give as he is restrained by two guards himself. "Lasst ihn in Ruhe!", the lean officer growls, ordering sharply to leave him in peace. When another strike hits the Jewish boy who cries out in pain, Dietrich desperately tries to break loose, but feels the hands tighten their grip around his left shoulder and right upper arm. He groans in pain his struggles cause him, but renews his efforts nonetheless. "Captain, stop it!", Hans hears the call that does not stop him from continuing with his struggle in the least. He needs to help the tortured boy after all independent of any Americans intervening. "Hans, hör auf!", another voice calmly repeats the command in German using his given name, while the first voice repeats in a gentler tone: "You're safe, Captain."
Finally, the identity of the voices' owners registers in Dietrich's mind and the realization that he is dreaming filters through the fog clouding his brain. "Are the children safe?", nonetheless is his first question, when he finally opens his eyes and indeed finds Sam Troy and Jack Moffit holding him by the shoulder and arm, while both eye the young officer with concerned expressions. The German Captain struggles to sit up a bit more with the help of his two Sergeants. "Just remind me, as it might have slipped my mind: Since when are we on a first name basis, Moffit?", the lean young officer inquires with dry irony. Jack Moffit smiles wryly. "I merely tried to reach you in your dream reality and stop you from struggling and hurting yourself further. I apologise for the transgression you see in this, Captain", the British Sergeant replies smoothly. "I realise the importance of this and do not hold it against you, but you'd better remember that we are not friends or interacting in such a manner, when I'm awake", the Captain reprimands sternly. "Troy and Hitchcock already cost me enough nerves." "Now come on, Captain. Don't be such an ungrateful bastard!", Troy scolds him. "We just tried to help and you're treating Jack pretty much like a friend anyways, just like Hitch and me."
A defiant expression appears on the German officer's face who behaves defensively on instinct. "You should not extrapolate from yourself to others, Sergeant. Doctor Moffit will agree with me that your absurd actions have never been his example for behaving." Moffit briefly locks his gaze with the German Captain, before giving a smile that succeeds in unnerving the lean officer. "Well. Actually I have noticed that insanity is spreading", the British scholar replies smoothly in his typical dry tone and sees the younger man's eyes widen with surprise and realisation of the implications. "Before you jump to any conclusions, let me set this straight for you, Captain. I told you about my animosity against Germans in this war and some of my personal attitudes and losses, but I have been able to observe you long enough by now to be able to judge your character well enough without having my perception clouded by prejudice. You're exactly what Troy has always declared you to be, a good and honorable man. You're also on the same side as all of us now, have your American passport and citizenship, as well as your wards to take care of. You don't have to worry about me forcing you into something similar like Troy or behaving as emotionally driven as Hitchcock. You're a reasonable man for which I like and respect you, so you would arrive at the point yourself, when you extend your hand without anyone forcing you. When you're ready, I finally am." Hans Dietrich stares at him with open surprise and shock, as this kind of monologue is not what he would have expected to hear from the cool and aloof British Sergeant. But apparently this outward manner is a mask he wears most of the time due to social indoctrination, while his more feral and emotionally driven side usually appears in fights and apparently now in this situation. Nonetheless, the German Captain eyes him warily, unsure how to react to such a statement that has even taken Troy by surprise judging by the look on his face.
The commotion and succeeding discussion has been sufficient for waking everyone in their tent. While Jakob fights against his natural instinct of returning to sleep immediately, Ari has jumped from his bed and runs toward his caregiver, hugging him tightly enough to make the German Captain wince with pain, although he is more relieved than anything else to receive the assurance that the Jewish boy is safe and healthy. "Hans, 'm so happy you're here", the youngster mumbles into the young officer's shirt, before any of the three men truly realizes what he is doing. Kiri approaches the scene more cautiously, eyeing the young officer and his Jewish ward with sadness and the two soldiers flanking their CO with slight wariness, before she steps closer and finally nestles against her elected brother's other side. Dietrich winces again, but feels a flush of relief upon knowing that both are here, unharmed and under their protection, placing an arm on the shoulders of each of them. "Is this safe enough for you, Captain?", Troy inquires with some humor in his tone, although he observes the kids with clear empathy and their caregiver with even more sympathy. Even if the Captain's adopted children are a bit afraid of him, when he gets loud, they still are his friend's wards who show him affection as well which makes them the closest thing to the realization of the dream of the kids he has never been able to have with his late wife.
Fritz aids his master with distracting the two children, while enjoying his morning round of cuddles. After effectively deterring his two wards from squeezing him to death and extracting himself from their grasp, Hans Dietrich struggles to his feet, swaying slightly until Sam Troy grips his left shoulder again to stabilise his friend. Muttering a soft 'thank you' the lean officer turns to rummage through his bag holding his former German uniform. "So you really intend to infiltrate the German caravanserai, Captain?", Moffit inquires curiously, as he observes the younger man taking his diligently folded uniform trousers and undershirt out. The lean officer nods curtly and explains: "This is definitely my preferred option, as it would allow us to take the whole garrison without a bloodbath. Yesterday's events have affected my nerves enough." "You intend to wear your old Hauptmann's uniform?", the British Sergeant wants to know, graciously ignoring the comment. "No. Zornbrecht is the only officer holding that rank at the neighbouring fort. They would definitely know his face and suspect foul play, if an unknown Hauptmann would come along. I'll take a Leutnant uniform, either borrowing it from Haberfeld or from the confiscated stashes of our infiltrators." Troy whistles in approval. "Smart. Looks like we got lucky that they didn't question Jack the last time." "We had captured the infamous desert Rat Sam Troy. Noone cared about questioning our identities as much as arresting the desert menace", Moffit comments with a dry tone.
Dietrich smirks, as he continues his explanation: "That surely is an entry ticket for many bases in the area. But I'd suggest we don't try the same trick twice within such a short time span. Jakob, you should call the German caravanserai today and announce the arrival of the supply convoy Hauptmann Zornbrecht sent for their aid. In this way, they'll expect us and will be less wary of an arriving convoy." Yawning and rubbing his eyes, Silberblatt grumbles: "Tell me again after my morning coffee, Hans!" "Deine Mutter hat immer gesagt, dass du ein Faultier bist", his friend jokes dryly about Jakob's mother scolding him for his lazy attitude. "Lass Mama aus dem Spiel, Hans!", the Jewish Lieutenant protests to not quote his mother. "Jetzt steh schon auf und hör auf, ein schlechtes Vorbild für sie Kinder zu sein. Troy und Hitchcock reichen vollkommen aus!", Hans adds with dry humor for good measure, making Jack Moffit grin widely. "What did you say about us, Captain?", Troy wants to know. "It was something bad, I recognize the word 'schlecht' by now", Hitch adds, as he joins them as well. "I told him to stop being a bad example for the children, as you two already suffice", Dietrich translates, keeping his dry sarcasm in his tone.
"You're a Jerry smartass. How am I a bad influence?", Troy protests. "For example by using expressions like that", the German Captain counters dryly. "Captain Dietrich is absolutely correct, Troy", Jack Moffit comes to his commander's aid who looks slightly surprised by the unexpected support. "Damned snob. As if your British humor and tea addiction isn't a bad influence", the American Sergeant grumbles in annoyance. "A distinguished sense of humor is a personality feat. And I'm not addicted to tea, merely enjoying a well-made brew, whenever the opportunity presents itself", Jack argues in his best Cambridge accent, knowing that it will annoy Troy even further. "I suggest we finish this pointless discussion, attend to our personal hygiene and then meet for breakfast, gentlemen", Dietrich intervenes, before the two cause him an even greater headache than the one already building. "Ari, Kiri!", he calls his wards who come to him a bit reluctantly, until Fritz gets up to join them as well.
Lieutenant Carlos beams widely, when he sees the German Captain enter with the two children and Fritz following at his heels. "Buenos dias. Good morning, Captain. Hello, Ari, Kiri", he greets them with a friendly manner that makes the Jewish boy beam back at him, while Kiri looks a bit unsure at being addressed by the unfamiliar man. "Good morning, Sir", Ari replies enthusiastically and even elbows his new sister to repeat the words which she does with a heavy accent, looking up at Ioannes for approval. As the tall officer smiles gently and nods approvingly, she even dares to smile shyly. If her caregiver looks relaxed and friendly, the other man will be nice. Nonetheless she holds onto Hans' jacket lapel for good measure and reassurance. Fritz is discontent at being ignored and begs for attention by whining slightly, applying his well-practiced puppy eyes look and fawning at the friendly sounding man. When Carlos indeed bends down to scratch the little dog behind the ears, Fritz takes in his scent diligently to recall it later should he look for a nice human to beg food from.
Hans Dietrich meanwhile takes care of his own hygiene needs, as long as his whole entourage is distracted and taken care of. Ari and Kiri have a bit too much fun splashing with the water in the bowl he requires for shaving, until their caregiver admonishes them sternly. One child has been a challenge, but manageable, however two are definitely more than he can handle in addition to his duties, the German officer reflects wearily. Jakob Silberblatt who enters the facility, when they are finished saves him from taking the children with him to sickbay. Knowing that the Jewish Lieutenant is far more lenient than Hans, both agree to stay, already planning their next game much to Silberblatt's dismay who ends up slightly drenched and reconsidering whether he should not leave childcare for somebody, anybody, more qualified and keep looking after Fritz only, as the little dog is still listening the most to his commands. Captain Brown turns out to be his saviour, directing the two in a friendly but determined manner which appeals to both children, similar to Hans' way of treating them.
His friend meanwhile receives his daily treatment in the sickbay and Regula deems restarting the exercises for his shoulder a good idea after skipping them for the past few days due to his acute injuries. Although the pain feels excruciating after half an hour of physical therapy, regaining some mobility and dexterity provides Hans with sufficient motivation to continue. During this time David Troy is delighted to find someone else than the nurses to talk to, as Major Bracken switches between berating and ignoring him which makes the RAF pilot utterly uncomfortable. "I'm looking forward to spending time with your kids again. The girl's really nosy and the boy's a friendly and smart kid. Both are pretty good with adopting our language, better than I've ever been with learning anything but English. It all sounds Greek to me, although that's the only other language I know anything about, since Ma forced us to learn a bit", he chatters vividly, while the German Captain mainly focuses on his exercises and tries to ignore him. "How did you learn all those languages, Dietrich? Don't you ever get confused between the words?", David inquires curiously.
The German Captain shrugs and winces at the motion his shoulder disapproves of. "I have never gotten confused between languages. Maybe growing up with speaking two different German languages helped, as I Iearned early on to switch between one for my mother's high society circles and school and the other for my uncle's seamen and ordinary people in the market." David looks baffled and a bit curious. "There's two German languages, as if one isn't difficult enough?" Hans Dietrich smirks at the question. "Indeed, Troy. Hochdeutsch is what is mainly spoken in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, while Niederdeutsch is only spoken in some parts of Northern Germany and more closely related to English and Dutch." David chuckles slightly. "And here I thought the British guy is the know-it-all. You must be best buddies by now." The younger officer scowls at him. "Neither Sergeant Moffit nor I consider anyone our 'buddy'", he declares with dry sarcasm and dignity. "That's so British. Those folks must love you. And you even like their disgusting tea. Most horrible thing in the world", David comments and gets scolded from the neighbouring bed immediately. "You're a disgrace to his Majesty King George's Royal Air Force, Captain Troy, and to any dignified Englishman serving our noble nation." Major Bracken looks truly unnerved by the Yankee and Dietrich enjoys listening to Troy receiving his well-deserved lesson in modesty, while he gets fully dressed again.
Doctor Andrews intercepts the young officer on his way out of sickbay with a worried expression, as he addresses him sternly: "Captain Dietrich. I need to speak with you." The lean German Captain has a premonition that he will not like what he is going to hear at all, but follows the American Doctor nonetheless "What has happened, Doctor Andrews?", he inquires wearily. "It could be nothing, but it might be relevant. After what happened with Sara I do not take inconsistencies with our supplies lightly anymore." Dietrich tenses visibly and his expression turns grim. "What has gone missing?", he asks a bit more gruffly than necessary. "Some narcotics", Andrews replies with clear worry and sees the tall officer scowl immediately. "What type of narcotics?", Hans asks sternly. "That's the strange thing. Sleeping pills. Nothing strong enough for taking anybody out quickly, as Sara has done. Definitely not of strategic relevance." Surprise registers on the German Captain's face. "Who would be interested in such medication?" "Mainly a traumatised soldier who wishes to find a dreamless sleep", Andrews offers as an explanation. "But they could always ask us directly. The only other option I could think of would be somebody intending to kill himself with an overdose." The young officer tenses snd pales visibly. "Of the first type, we have far too many people to really narrow down the suspects, but of the second type one immediately comes to my mind", Dietrich argues with concern. "Private Jack Young." Serious worry registers on Doctor Andrews' expression, as he meets the young officer's gaze. "I'm afraid that this concern is not unwarranted, Captain Dietrich."
Dietrich scowls and cocks his head with a thoughtful expression. "I will speak with Captain Brown regarding this concern. In addition, talking to his comrades, Sergeant Furrows and the two Privates rescued from the SS, might be an option." Andrews looks utterly grateful for the suggestions. "Could you speak with the Australian Sergeant right away, Captain? The three seem to listen to you." Dietrich grimaces at the request. "I'm a German officer by birth and they have just escaped from the SS and no love list for any German. Captain Brown would be better suited." "But he is not here and time might be essential", the American medic argues. With a sigh that hurts far less than on the previous day, the German Captain agrees and turns toward the Australians.
The three diggers who are chatting over a bowl of porridge, they have received for breakfast look up, when the tall officer approaches them. While the two Privates scowl warily, their Sergeant looks more baffled, as he inquires curiously: "Good morning, Captain. What do you want from us?" "I need to speak with you regarding your comrade, Private Young", Dietrich replies with a serious tone, but quietly enough to not be overheard. All three look attentive now. "What's the matter with Jacky?", the blond Private wants to know. The German Captain grits his teeth, as he weighs how much to tell them to convince them to assist him. "I need your help, gentlemen, in watching over your traumatised friend." Hans gulps and takes a deep breath, before continuing: "He might consider taking his own life." "What? Why?", the blond Private blurts out, not even thinking about proper behaviour in his shock. "What makes you think so, Captain Dietrich?", Furrows asks more calmly, once he has reigned in his Privates. "Some narcotics have gone missing. And your friend considered himself beyond rescue and salvation after what happened to him", the young Captain argues with conviction, although his expression is pained and haunted.
"What did those Arab bastards do to him that's so much worse than what those goddamned krau... Nazis did to us?", the Australian Sergeant snarls, barely avoiding to slight the German officer directly, although the bruised young Captain does not look angry or affronted at all, but almost more tormented than before. "They... violated any basic human ... principles of decency and made him feel ... deeply ashamed of himself due to what they did to him", Dietrich grinds out with actual effort how to formulate this. "What?", the blond Private mutters with disbelief, while his silent comrade makes the sign of the cross. Furrows has paled slightly and looks utterly disgusted. "If those bastards weren't already dead...", he mutters angrily and the German officer recognizes some similarities to Troy's behaviour and attitude. Furrows will fit well with Captain Brown. "I hope you realise why I'm worried about your friend and his potential wish to take his life", the young Captain argues calmly. Furrows looks up to meet his gaze and nods.
"Aye. I understand better now why you hesitated to tell us this before and why you worry about Jacky. You can count on us, Captain. We diggers stand fast and never leave one of us to die in the ditch, if we can help it", he vows with honest conviction. "Yeah, Capt'n. We'll help you out to help Jacky", the blond Private agrees. "In the name of the Saints and the Holy Trinity", the last one adds, astounding Dietrich slightly. "Thank you, gentlemen. I will also consider other possibilities, but you help me a lot through watching over Private Young to protect him from himself, should the need arise", the German Captain replies honestly, as he gets back up. "Farewell, gentlemen. I will also inform Captain Brown of the situation and our arrangement." "Browny'll support you, no doubt", Furrows argues. "See you later, Captain." Even the two wary Privates greet the German officer with a lot more friendliness in their tone than they ever have before.
After the Australians, Captain Dietrich turns to his former German soldiers and approaches Wolf Bauer and Istvan Nemet directly, greeting them: "Guten Morgen, meine Herren." Bauer beams happily at the sight of his former Hauptmann, still adoring the young officer as his personal mentor and hero, while Nemet bears a gentle smile. However his expression holds some concern, considering how badly bruised the younger man looks. Most of their imprisoned comrades fare better than the defected officer. "Ich habe eine Bitte an Sie beide", Dietrich starts that he wants to ask them a favour, before explaining the situation with the narcotics. "Es sind einige Schlafmittel verschwunden und wir vermuten, dass ein Soldat oder mehrere damit seine Nerven beruhigen will. Aber es besteht auch die Gefahr, dass jemand sich selbst das Leben nehmen will. Da das medizinische Personal komplett überlastet ist mit dem Transport und der Versorgung, haben sie weniger Zeit, auf so etwas zu achten."
Bauer looks downcast, when he hears the argument that someone might consider taking his own life, while Nemet makes the sign of the cross, before asking what they can do to help: "Was können wir tun, um zu helfen, Herr Hauptmann?" He knows how his former Hauptmann is thinking after all and that the man has always cared deeply about his soldiers' wellbeing. "Die Augen und Ohren offen halten, ob Sie etwas mitbekommen, und Doktor Sommer oder jemand anderen warnen, falls das so ist", Dietrich replies with a worried scowl that they should keep their eyes and ears open to warn Doktor Sommer or somebody else. "Das werden wir, Hauptmann Dietrich. Das verspreche ich Ihnen", Nemet promises to help immediately and Bauer agrees without hesitation. Smiling gratefully and contentedly, the German Captain thanks them, before he can finally take his leave.
"Herr Hauptmann!", Fahnenjunker Ulrich von Bibra calls the young officer, stopping him in his tracks. Dietrich raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner, as he puts the German nobleman under scrutiny. The Corporal looks better than at the time of his capture, but still far from fully recovered. "Ich habe gehört, was Sie Ihren Männern gesagt haben", the German soldier looks a but embarrassed, when he admits to have overheard what the Captain has told his former men. Seeing Dietrich's scowl, he quickly adds: "Mir ist etwas aufgefallen." Now the German Captain actually curious, when he hears that the German soldier has noticed something. He might be one of von Stolberg's former men, but the young nobleman has not struck the young German Captain as somebody who would openly try to deceive him, especially not after he has agreed to help his dying friend, von Stein.
Ulrich von Bibra licks his lips nervously, before he tells the Captain with a whisper: "Gefreiter Manfred Larsen und Feldwebel Jens Vogel haben recht viel geflüstert auf der Fahrt, dass sie einen guten langen Schlaf finden wollen." Dietrich looks thoughtful and concerned, when he hears that a Private and a Sergeant from Hauptmann Zornbrecht's unit have discussed finding a good long sleep. Ich danke Ihnen, Fahnenjunker. Ich werde das medizinische Personal informieren, die beiden zu beobachten. Ich will nicht ihren Tod verantworten." Von Bibra smiles gratefully, when he hears the young officer declare that he will inform the medical personnel, as he does not want to be responsible for the men's death. "Vielen Dank, Herr Hauptmann!", the young nobleman repeats twice, before letting Dietrich leave. True to his word, he informs Dottore Riggioli and nurse Regula about the situation and his informers. Regula smiles widely at the handsome young officer who she starts to like more the more she can observe him dealing with his duties and interact with the children, the sick or civilians like them. "Danke, Hauptmann Dietrich. Wir werden darauf achten und allen Bescheid geben", she assures the tall Captain that they will inform everyone. "Ich danke Ihnen, Schwester Regula, Doktor Riggioli. Halten Sie mich bitte auf dem Laufenden." Finally, Dietrich can leave the field hospital for good after the Swiss have promised to keep him updated.
Sam Troy is relieved to see their CO return from the sickbay where he has spent more time than anticipated. "Where have you been? I was considering sending a search party or launching a rescue mission", he scolds the young German officer with a tone that holds actual worry. "Honestly, Troy. The sickbay is the last place you need to rescue me from", Dietrich replies dryly. "Doctor Andrews involved me in an investigation. Actually, it's your fault that people turn to me for such things, because of the 'Captain Sherlock' nickname you established, Sergeant." Troy glowers, but grumbles: "I didn't see that coming. But you established yourself as best investigator among the brass all on your own with the kraut infiltrators and the cultists", Troy counters and glares in the direction of the tent part where the British archaeology students sit with their Professor. "Stop harassing people, Troy!", Dietrich admonishes with a smirk. "The military won't forgive you for going after your allied citizens." "Damned British junior cultists. If I catch them with a jackal or something, I'll beat them up properly, as those spoiled brats deserve", Troy vows and the German Captain does not doubt this statement for a second, only hoping that none of them is suicidal enough to do anything suspicious in the Sergeant's presence. Until now, they have even been wise enough to go for medical check ups for their potential rabies infections, when neither he nor Troy have been in sickbay.
Fritz greets his master at the food dispense, where he gets treated for any burnt meal parts which he wolfs down immediately. Troy meanwhile picks up the tray with the Captain's breakfast and starts carrying it toward their table, until Dietrich redirects him to the officer's table, although Ari and Kiri who have finished their own breakfast look downcast, when their beloved brother turns away from them. Jakob Silberblatt, Jack Moffit and Mark Hitchcock, who behaves more like his normal self again, are fully occupied for a few minutes through distracting and persuading the children. Boggs and Brown on the other hand look quite happy about seeing their younger colleague join them. Major Turner however takes a seat with them as well, focusing a stern gaze on the young officer, before he has even had time to settle down and get his breakfast from Troy. "What happened yesterday, Captain Dietrich? Eric appears shocked, although he is unharmed", the older American officer demands to know. "As I have reported officially", Dietrich replies with a carefully controlled neutral tone, "our soldiers were forced to return fire at our enemies after one of them shot at me in spite of waving a white flag. We returned to bury the dead and retrieved their tags." Turner stares at him. "You returned to bury the dead?" The German officer glares at him now, not bothering to hide his sarcasm. "And to capture wounded survivors instead of leaving them in this desert to die in slow agony. I was under the impression that not only common decency but also the Geneva Convention would call for this and not that I would violate U.S. Army standards."
Troy, who has put down the tray but never left, growls now at the older American officer: "Leave him be! Our Captain did nothing wrong." "Troy!", the lean German mutters with a warning tone. "Just saying", the American Sergeant grumbles in a more moderate tone, as he glares venomously at the Major. Major Turner stares back with narrowed eyes and declares crisply: "You will appear after your duty today, Sergeant Troy, to discuss disciplinary actions chosen for you." Seeing Troy's dangerously indignant expression, Dietrich quickly stands up and places his hand on his Sergeant's shoulder, whispering: "Don't make this even worse! I won't leave you alone, but please try not to get both of us arrested." Sam briefly meets the German Captain's brown eyes, before nodding and declaring loud enough and with a defiant tone: "As you wish." Whether he has addressed the Major or the Captain is unclear, but the stubborn Sergeant turns around and stalks off toward his unit without a salute or another word. "I apologise for my Sergeant's behaviour", the tall German officer states with a slightly unnerved tone, keeping his own head held up high though. Turner puts him under scrutiny and finally states dryly: "It appears you're punished enough already, Captain."
"I will accompany my Sergeant nonetheless, Major", Dietrich replies coolly, although the irony and absurdity of the situation is not lost on him. "As I would any of my men." Turner actually smiles now. "You're a decent man and officer, Captain Dietrich. Eric also argued in your defense. I simply wanted to hear an explanation from you." The German Captain nods, although his expression is slightly pained. "I understand, Sir. But I have given you my justification already and my honest statement will not change." "You have indeed, Captain. I still cannot tolerate Sergeant Troy's inappropriate behaviour violating any military hierarchies." The younger officer smirks a bit. "Unfortunately, Sergeant Troy has adopted a rather ... protective behaviour after some ... mishaps which have befallen me. Nonetheless, I agree with you that he totally deserves a reprimand and a reminder of how to treat his superiors in rank, Major. However, knowing Troy, I want to accompany him simply to keep him from behaving completely unreasonably and deteriorating the situation." "Given his reputation I'm grateful for your presence", Turner states calmly. "You have him well under control and I don't want to antagonize a good commando soldier too much, but order must be enforced, lest chaos rules." Dietrich nods in agreement, but raises his eyebrows in slight astonishment. "I doubt I can be considered the expert for keeping Sergeant Troy under control, rather the opposite considering how many casualties I have suffered at his hand." "But you definitely are the expert for dealing with Troy nonetheless, Dietrich", James Boggs intervenes on behalf of his second in command. "Would you mind leaving my fellow Captain to his breakfast, Major Turner? He really needs it."
Turner shakes his head, while the proud young officer glares at Boggs, annoyed by the last statement independent of its truthfulness. "Have your breakfast and good luck with your mission, Captain Dietrich!", the Major states, before getting up and returning to General Atkins' side who has observed the whole interaction with curiosity and starts questioning Turner immediately. The German Captain stares after the American, briefly astounded by the jovial greeting in spite of their course of conversation. Then, he finally takes his seat and the first sip of his tea which Sergeant Moffit must have deposited on the tray somehow or handed to Troy to take along for him. After the younger officer has finished most of his lukewarm meal, Captain Brown addresses the lean German. "So you'll defend Sammy like a good friend, Dietrich. He's actually right with considering you his loyal companion." Narrowing his eyes in indignation, Hans growls: "Please remain within the range of propriety, Brown!" The Australian Captain smiles amusedly. "You're actually fun to rouse, Dietrich, especially since you struggle so hard to keep your facade of stern and overly proper Jerry officer, while everyone in camp considers you a humorous and decent fellow anyways by now."
With a deep sigh that at least barely hurts his ribs anymore, the German Captain struggles to rein in his temper and changes his tone to a more neutral one. "I have several issues to discuss with you, gentlemen. The first concerns you the most, Brown." The Australian Captain's mirthful grin disappears, as he asks with some concern: "What happened?" "Doctor Andrews addressed me regarding the disappearance of some medication from their stocks: sleeping pills which contain narcotics, but nothing strong enough to be of strategic value, as he told me." Boggs scowls now and asks a bit testily: "Why have I not been informed?" Dietrich raises his eyebrows and replies with a carefully controlled tone: "I suppose that the Doctor relied on me having to report to the sickbay twice per day for my treatment and that I would report to you then." "I'm not accusing you of anything", Boggs assures the wary German Captain, before the young man starts distrusting him and his new side even more. Dietrich is one of his most reliable and diligent men, when it comes to informing him about events and providing proper and detailed reports.
"What does this all have to do with me?", Brown inquires with slight confusion. Hans sighs and with a little audible emotion in his tone replies: "Because Doctor Andrews explained to me that the narcotics could be used either by a traumatised soldier trying to deal with his nightmares and get some good sleep or by a desperate man who wants to commit suicide through an overdose." Both Captains take in their breath at the words, while Dietrich continues: "I thought of Private Jack Young immediately. He sounded like he didn't want to live anymore, before and after we rescued him. This is the reason why I convinced Sergeant Furrows and his two men to keep an eye on him, as they already reside in the sickbay for the rest of this ride." Brown looks grim. "Smart, Dietrich. That's even better than if I just go and talk to him. If he really wanted to kill himself, he wouldn't tell me anything. I've had one lad who killed himself before after the SS treated him particularly rough, 'cause he was a Jew." Dietrich looks truly aggrieved and his gaze briefly flickers toward Jakob and Ari. Something like that happening to his friend and his ward is a recurring nightmare for him. "I'm sorry", the German gets out a bit hoarsely.
"It's none of your fault, lad", Brown replies with a gentler tone than he has applied before, once he notices the younger officer's haunted expression and the direction of his gaze. "You're a good fellow and I'm absolutely sure that you'll do anything you can to help someone like Larry. Let's leave the past behind, lad. Jack Young's still alive and our man to help now though." Dietrich nods without meeting the Australian's gaze, willing himself to leave the memories of prison camps and SS interrogations behind. "I can't tell you how speaking with Private Young directly would affect him or sway him in any direction, especially since we don't even know whether he took the narcotics or someone else did. I also told Bauer and Nemet to keep an eye on the German prisoners and one of the German patients from von Stolberg's former unit told me about something he overheard and informed the Swiss personnel immediately, as they speak German and will be able to notice something off easier than the American medical personnel", the German Captain explains cautiously. "You're a clever man, Dietrich, and you possess the ability to recruit support from unlikely sources", Boggs commends him. "I suppose Doctor Andrews was right to inform you rather than me, as the best I could have done would have been to put your investigation talents to good use."
The lean German officer looks slightly surprised at the words, but shakes his head. "I have not even tried to investigate, as I lack the time and the proper leads. I merely placed my informants and recruited helpers." "Boggsy's right. You're a clever lad for doing that. None of us would've done any of this", Brown comments, while Boggs looks uncomfortable with the nickname which cheers Dietrich up slightly, although he tries not to show it. "Should we leave it at that or investigate further, Captain Boggs?", the German Captain inquires cautiously. "As the only man I could spare for investigating would be First Lieutenant Adams, I consider it wiser to observe and keep alert whether further thefts occur, rather than antagosing the entire camp which Adams would do", Boggs replies with some worry. Dietrich nods in response, as he adds dryly: "Even I've heard how little he is appreciated for direct interaction by the sickbay personnel and I work for your side for less than a month." "That sounds like a fun fellow", Brown comments with a grin. "He's quite the opposite, I assure you", Boggs adds with a sigh.
"I have some further issues, Captain Boggs, namely our mission for today", the German Captain continues with a stern tone, before explaining the plan he has previously discussed with Moffit. "You really want to take the risk of bluffing your war in there yourself?", Boggs inquires with obvious concern, as he musters the lean young officer's bruised face. The last time when he has almost been killed during an infiltration operation has shown the American officer the dangers for the German Captain more clearly. Dietrich is determined however, as he argues calmly: "This is the best and least risky way, especially since we have several captured German vehicles, uniforms and forged documents available and professional disguise kits from our infiltrators. Also I want to remind you that nobody among your men understands the mindset of a German base commander with dwindling supplies who has to bear the responsibility for the lives of his men better than I do. Therefore, convincing the man to surrender his whole fort and unit, when he realizes that there will be no supplies coming is a valid option which would spare the lives of soldiers on both sides. For this end, I suggest that you place Lieutenant Silberblatt on the radio again. First, let him contact the caravanserai to announce our arrival as a supply convoy sent by Hauptmann Zornbrecht. Later let him explain how this has been a ruse, when I use this as an argument to convince the local commander."
Both Allied Captains nod with grave expressions. "It's a clever plan and definitely one worthy of a commando officer", Boggs admits. "You're a lot better at this than I am, as I left the details to my units to plan themselves." "Which of course makes sense, when you don't know the local conditions. But in this case I know the location and even though I don't know the unit commander's identity, I can plan with more detail", Dietrich argues smoothly. "You need backup, if something goes wrong, Dietrich?", Brown asks the younger officer. "I would truly appreciate it, if you would get us out, if something goes wrong, Captain Brown", the German Captain replies dryly. "But wait until sunset. If you have received no news from us until then, you can send in the cavalry." Brown laughs heartily at the expression, wincing as his ribs protest, while Boggs looks a bit baffled. "You've seen too many American movies, lad. Only the Yankees send in the cavalry." "We will of course come to our own officer's rescue!", Boggs protests now. Dietrich looks a bit baffled, as he has not expected such a mirthful reaction to his dry comment. But the assurance of rescue through both of them is all he has actually aimed for.
"What happened, Troy?", Jack Moffit inquires after having observed the exchange with the Major and the Captain, when the Sergeant comes to join them again. "I'll have to report to him in the afternoon to be lectured about disciplinary measures. Damned brass! All I did was defend the Captain and tell that guy my opinion", Troy fumes. "Unasked I suppose", Jack remarks dryly. "Those brass never ask me except for Dietrich. He even promised to come with me, good and loyal friend that he is", Troy grumbles in annoyance over the unfairness of the situation. "Poor Captain Dietrich", Moffit comments dryly with some sympathy. "Who has some sympathy for me? I'm the one who'll get dressed down", the American Sergeant protests. All of them look somewhat amused, but also a bit worried.
"I agree that Hans is a good and loyal friend, but what happened that you felt that you have to protect him, Sergeant Troy?", Jakob Silberblatt inquires with actual concern. "That Major accused him for going back to the Jerry convoy to take care of the wounded and dying and also bury the dead", Sam Troy growls with renewed anger. "And all because you, whelp, whimpered in front of him!" With an accusatory tone, the American Sergeant glares at Eric Turner who looks very uncomfortable, as he tries to argue: "But I already told uncle Bill, I mean Major Turner, yesterday that Captain Dietrich made the morally right decision with doing what he did ... and that he's really a great example for an officer." "You'd better not backstab us or our Captain!", Troy snaps back, ignoring the younger man's explanation. "Troy!", Jack Moffit interrupts him sternly. "Corporal Turner has not backstabbed us or Captain Dietrich. Be reasonable!" After having been at the receiving end of Troy's distrust as a new unit member himself, the British scholar has the most sympathy for the young Corporal, while Troy merely glares at both of them in annoyance now.
Ari and Kiri have sneaked away from their table, as a shouting, angry Troy still scares them both. Now they join Fritz at the food dispense station. The little dog could not be more happy than receiving treats in the form of crumbs and burnt meal parts discarded by the soldiers on the one hand and his cuddles from the children on the other hand. The soldier on duty for dispensing the rations knows and likes the children, handing each of them a cookie, before he has to turn back to his duty. From there Hans Dietrich picks them up after having finished his strategic planning process with his two fellow Captains. All three are quickly on their feet, when they realise who is approaching. While the children grab him around the waist, Fritz jumps up at the German Captain's thigh who feels a bit overwhelmed by the joint assault of the whole threesome.
Jakob Silberblatt is the fastest to reach them, glad to find his friend being well, although he is squeezed around the midsection in between his two wards and Fritz enthusiastically rubs his head against the tall officer's hip. Troy and Moffit are caught in a discussion about who is responsible for scaring the children away or not paying proper attention to them to notice their disappearance. Hitch winks at Tully and the Corporals, before sneaking up on the German Captain and patting him on the left shoulder gently. "Hey, Cap. You need some help or you wanna keep your little family all for yourself?" Dietrich is baffled to find Hitchcock instead of Troy addressing him in such a manner, before glaring at the insolent American. "You could help me at least with Fritz instead of asking moronic questions, Hitchcock." Mark continues grinning unperturbed. The Captain has not even scolded him for touching him and sounds only unnerved, just as he does with Sarge and Jakob - nothing to worry about. "Sure, Cap. Fritz, my little hero!", the American Private begins cooing over the fawning little dog enthusiastically. Fritz is content with being in the centre of attention and leaves his unnerved looking master in peace unlike his wards who still tell him about a story Captain Brown has shared with them about his adventures in the Australian outback. The combination of Brown and the two Troy brothers intent on influencing the children is wrecking the German Captain's nerves.
"So, what's the official plan, Captain?", Troy turns to Dietrich, deciding that he will just ignore the British know-it-all. "The same as we have discussed in the morning. We will all dress in German uniforms, since we have more than enough to choose from provided by our infiltrators and prisoners. Jakob, Captain Boggs and Brown will instruct you regarding the radio call you will have to provide as our support and cover. Doctor Moffit, I will require your assistance with preparing forged documents and applying my own disguise", the German Captain replies diligently at wich both Silberblatt and Moffit nod diligently. "Finally, we get a real Jerry to show us how to behave in German bases", Troy comments with a grin. "Don't live for a moment under the delusion that you would in any way be able to show the appropriate behaviour of a Wehrmacht soldier, Troy, or you won't have to wait until after our duty to receive your well-deserved lecture on proper behaviour for a soldier", the tall officer remarks sarcastically. "Jerry smartass", Troy grumbles, but still continues smiling at his new friend. In spite of his sarcasm, the German Captain is a good and loyal pal who has offered to accompany him to the Major's dressing down without hesitation. Dietrich has always been a dog that barks more than he bites.
"Will you teach us some relevant phrases, Cap?", Hitch asks curiously from where he crouches to scratch Fritz on the belly. The young officer briefly cocks his head with a thoughtful expression, before nodding. "That is actually a good idea, Hitchcock. I will have to give all of you commands in German and you cannot just rely on Moffit as your interpreter, as you must all act naturally. We will talk about the relevant commands for you to learn, while we get dressed for our mission." Especially Jack Moffit looks delighted at the prospect, as he has always understood the German military terms and tried to imitate military speech by translating English terms, but has always been aware that he is less familiar with their special vocabulary, as he has never served in the German Wehrmacht. This offer provides him with the perfect opportunity to learn from Captain Dietrich and he could not imagine anybody more qualified than the young German officer to teach them the exact wording of the Wehrmacht's commands.
"Hitchcock, I would ask you to take Ari and Kiri to the sickbay for the nurses to look after", Hans addresses the young Private with a serious expression. "Do we have to leave? Can't you come with us?", Ari pleads sadly. Dietrich crouches to get to eye level with the Jewish boy, as he explains gently: "We all have to leave for a very important mission to help everyone in our camp. But if all goes well, we will come back afterwards and could even have the time to go riding on the horse." The prospect of horseback riding with his brother cheers Ari up immediately and he hugs the young man, whispering into his ear: "I love you. I can't wait until it's over and we go riding, Hans." "Neither can I", his German caregiver mutters with a more serious tone, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately. Kiri is not sure what exactly is transpiring, but if Ari sounds happy and hugs their brother, it is definitely a good idea to do so too.
In a very similar manner to the Captain, Troy ruffles his friend's black died hair, grinning as Dietrich's head snaps up and he glares venomously at the insolent American. "Let's shake it, Captain Fox Kit." "Let's shake it!", the children crow enthusiastically. Decidedly this is their favourite English phrase. At least their efforts have freed Hans Dietrich from their grasp and he quickly rises back to his feet, before he gets grabbed again. "How often do I have to tell you not to touch my hair, Troy?", he growls at the American Sergeant, now that the risk of scaring the children is banished, as Hitch leads the two away toward the field hospital. "It got your attention without scaring the kids. I thought you'd prefer that, Captain", Sam Troy argues with a wink. Gritting his teeth in annoyance, the German officer swallows his wounded pride and nods curtly. He has suffered far worse indignities at the American's hands after all.
Boggs has informed Dietrich about which truck serves for transporting the office material, evidence and other equipment for the camp's organisation and advised the younger Captain to directly perform the disguising and other preparations there. Heeding this advice, the German Captain leads his whole unit there and provides additional instructions for which vehicles to prepare for their mission. "Pettigrew, I want you as driver for my Kübelwagen. Gottschlich, Turner, you two will drive a German truck each." All three nod or salute to show their agreement with the order. "I will take the Kübelwagen in the lead and play the role of Hauptmann Zornbrecht's Leutnant, sent here for their aid and assistance. Moffit, you take a Feldwebel's uniform and sit with Turner in the first truck. Should somebody address you, you can answer in German, as you speak it best among them. Troy, you take an ordinary soldier's uniform and drive with Corporal Gottschlich. Should somebody speak to you, at least the Corporal understands German and can answer. If anybody asks you about your strange accent, Gottschlich, tell them that you are from Czechoslovakia or Hungary and hired with the Wehrmacht to assist the Führer's just cause. If they think that you're a loyal Nazi, they will harass or question you less I hope." Gottschlich nods in acknowledgement, although he looks a bit intimidated and not only Troy glowers at the suggested strategy which is smart and logical, but pretending to be a Nazi sympathizer is quite against their own views and ideals.
Moffit and Dietrich sort through appropriate false documents for each of the men involved in the infiltration of the German caravanserai, while the others get dressed in the best-fitting uniforms of the correct rank as instructed by the young officer. Sticking false photos into the documents is a trick the British cult leader has inspired Dietrich and Moffit with, considering how simple it is to perform. Corporal Turner looks the most unwell with the proceedings, as he is the only one who has never before worn a German uniform as a disguise or used falsified documents to bluff his way into an enemy base. Tully instructs both Corporals with quiet determination, while Troy joins his fellow Sergeant and the Captain for looking at their intended documents.
"Looks like you'll have to sport a moustache, Captain", the American Sergeant comments with a grin, once he sees which document the German officer has placed on the side for himself. He has kept the original photo of a man looking similar enough to himself that a false beard and layer of desert sand should hide the discrepancies. "This is intentional, as it will hide a large part of my face and also some of the bruises, although those can always be blamed on the Rat Patrol", Dietrich explains calmly. "Lucky you got such a practical scapegoat", Troy comments with a wide grin. "Indeed, am I not?", the German counters with his voice dripping sarcasm. "How often have you applied this excuse before, Captain?", Moffit inquires with amused curiosity. "Are you accusing me of lying to my superiors, Moffit? I'm an officer and gentleman", Hans replies with an almost roguish smirk. "Who picks locks and palms documents from under a General's nose", Troy adds with a grin. "I would never act against the principles of human decency and morality. And for sure, I'm not a criminal!", Dietrich protests with narrowed eyes. "No doubt about that, Captain", Troy agrees, patting the lean young officer on the left shoulder.
"Should we wear German dog tags as well, Captain?", Moffit wants to know, as he holds up a collection of intact dog tags belonging to the infiltrators which they have kept hidden away. "In case somebody wants to see them, this is definitely reasonable. As unlike your American and British tags they don't contain any explicitly written name or other information which is easy to verify without a Kompaniebuch, this is mainly for show and thus an improvement of the disguise without any real drawbacks", the German Captain argues calmly. "Clever", Troy comments. "You already wear your old tag, so only we need to take one." "Although it is of little relevance, I would advise you to choose a tag with a matching blood type just in case you have to be treated in their field hospital for whichever reason", the young officer adds. "You're a wily fox and super cautious. That would never have occurred to me", Troy admits honestly, squeezing the younger man's shoulder before he takes the tag with a capital A printed on it from Jack Moffit. "Which blood type are you, Corporal Gottschlich and Turner?", the Brit inquires diligently, while handing Tully a tag with an O.
"O", Eric Turner responds immediately, while Gottschlich waits to let him speak, before adding: "A" "I knew you had something in you, kid!", Troy comments with a smile that unsettles the half-Japanese young soldier slightly. Tully meanwhile nods approvingly to young Corporal Turner who studies the oval dog tag and its information curiously. "What do all those letters mean, Captain? It reads like Gibberish", he asks, looking at the German curiously. Dietrich appears astonished for a few seconds, before explaining: "It states the military unit the soldier serves as abbreviations, his registration number within this unit of the Wehrmacht and the blood type." Taking off the chain with his own tag using only his left hand, the young officer dexterously flips the metal disc to land in his palm, as he reads. "'5. Pz. Div.' stands for the '5. Leichte Panzerdivision' of the Deutsches Afrikakorps, abbreviated DAK", he adds with furrowed brows, as he flinches slightly, when his mind repeats the same term in the words of Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel, as his former mentor has informed Dietrich on his new unit to serve in. Noticing the Captain's haunted thousand yards stare, Troy gently squeezes the younger man's shoulder and gives him a cautious shake, when no reaction is forthcoming.
Blinking, Dietrich drags himself out of his slightly tormenting memories. "Thank you, Troy", the German mutters quietly. "You're welcome. That's what friends are for", the American Sergeant replies with actual seriousness, gently patting the young officer's shoulder again, before he adds: "Now that we know that the Gibberish isn't actual Gibberish and you Jerries actually can read and interpret this, we'd better help you into your uniform. You shouldn't strain your shoulder. You spend enough time in sickbay already." Although he scowls at the words, Hans does not protest, knowing that Troy actually has a point. Out of stubborn pride, he does not comment though, but merely starts to unbutton his jacket and shirt with his left hand. "You could start training pickpockets, given how deft you're by now with your left hand", Sam comments with a grin. "Troy", Dietrich growls with annoyance. "Why don't you shut up?" "Cause it's much more fun teasing you", the American Sergeant adds with a wink, as he helps the lean officer with getting his right arm out of the clothes without straining his shoulder. When he looks more closely at the German's bruise torso, he adds with a growl: "Don't you dare skip any meals in the near future! You look like you actually lost weight and you've already looked awfully skinny before." "After a day in Arab captivity and another as a guest of Hauptmann Zornbrecht and the SS I can hardly imagine how that would have happened", the German growls with sarcasm, although he feels rather defensive on the matter.
Corporal Turner and Gottschlich look equally shocked and sympathetic at the sight of the countless bruises on their commanding officer's abdomen, chest and flanks. "My God, what happened to him?", Eric Turner whispers his question with actual horror in his tone. "Arab slavers beat him up, when he defended Hitch. And the Jerries knocked him around quite a bit, when they caught him", Tully mutters his explanation with a grim expression, while Troy helps Dietrich into the German Leutnant shirt. "Why's he still on duty and not permanently in a field hospital?", Turner asks with a whisper, trying his best to not be heard by the skinny officer who would likely not approve of their gossipping. "Cap's as tough as a bootnail. As long as he can go on, he'll do just that", the Private from Kentucky replies with actual respect in his tone. "Cap's never been hidin' behind some desk or in a hospital bed, but always went out there himself, even when he was still with the Jerries." The Captain is at least as hard-working and unrelenting as any of his soldiers. Only knocking him out would keep him downed which is an attitude Tully respects wholeheartedly. Mainly the German's malnourished state of health, weakened by countless unhealed injuries, typically takes him out before any of them.
Troy has meanwhile helped their young CO into his shirt and jacket which the lean officer has buttoned dexterously in only a little more time than it would have cost any of them with both their hands available. "When you're finished gossipping like a bunch of washer women, you can take your new documents and then prepare the vehicles for our mission", the Captain interrupts the whispering soldiers with dry sarcasm in his tone, but no actual anger. "Didn't you want to instruct us on German military commands, Captain?", Moffit inquires, as he walks alongside Dietrich and Troy toward their vehicles. The German Captain nods and then diligently provides two dozen German sentences, orders and curt commands that he considers relevant for them to know and understand, ranging from providing their documents and fake identity at orders like "Weisen Sie sich aus!" or "Nennen Sie Ihren Namen und Rang!" to instructions for halting, parking or driving in certain directions through "Stehen bleiben!", "Parken Sie sie Wagen dort!" or "Biegen Sie links oder rechts ab!".
Even Tully is sweating slightly at the difficult task to repeat and remember all the words, while Troy decorates his language lesson with countless English and a few Greek swear words. "That ch sound is driving me crazy. You Jerries did that on purpose to annoy other folks", the American Sergeant grumbles his complaint. "I'm absolutely assured that your theory will incite fascinating discussions among linguists in many universities", Dietrich replies dryly. "Wouldn't you like to put them to the test, since we've already been invited to annoy British academics?" Troy looks slightly horrified, as he growls: "You've been invited, Captain Smartass. I stay as far away from any British students and professors as possible! I steer clear of that murdering bunch of heathens and cultists from now on." "Now, don't be absurd, Troy!", Dietrich admonishes and Moffit supports him: "The Captain is right. One impostor is not representative of all of Britain's academia. You could learn something, old man."
"I'm learning enough from you two know-it-alls", Troy protests stubbornly. "Together you cover almost everything I care to ever learn and a lot more I care never to learn, like your Egyptian mumbo jumbo." "Don't waste your efforts, Doctor. Das ist wie Perlen vor die Säue werfen", the German Captain advises with dry humor, making Moffit grin with amusement, while Gottschlich looks startled by the colloquial phrase speaking of feeding pearls to pigs which he has never heard before. "You've just insulted me, haven't you, Dietrich?", Troy growls with annoyance. "Only if you take the proverb literally, Sergeant. In that case, you may consider yourself a pig in addition to being an ox", the young officer enjoys teasing him. "Jerry smartass. Remind me again, why I like you!", the American Sergeant grumbles. "I think that you have once argued that you consider my sense of humor one of my redeeming qualities. But you might have been under the influence of one of Brown's dubious homebrew substances", the German officer replies with dry sarcasm. "Sense of humor, proper breeding, appreciation for a fine brew, a solid education, your qualities are countless, Captain", Moffit adds insult to injury for Sam Troy who glares at him accusatorily to support Dietrich so openly and turn against him. "European snobs!", the Yankee growls with annoyance. "I never should have allowed you to become friends."
"We're not friends", Hans protests vehemently, "merely allies, united by a common goal." Troy looks at him with a grin. "Just keep lying to yourself, Captain. You'll see where it lands you, at some fancy pantsy Tommy university, sipping tea and chatting with Jack like you've always been best buddies." Dietrich frowns and shakes his head. "Don't be absurd, Sergeant!" "Exactly, Troy", Moffit agrees. "You seem to forget that I still owe the Captain a bottle of champagne." "Alcoholism appears to be the least common denominator of this unit", the German Captain sighs warily. Troy meanwhile grins from ear to ear, exchanging a glance with Jack Moffit, before he comments with actual amusement: "Now we gotcha, Captain. You didn't even protest against being Jack's friend." "I have a year of experience which has taught me when I'm merely wasting my energy trying to fight against you", Dietrich argues sarcastically. "You're a smart and adaptable person, old chap. I'm sure you'll live it down", Jack assures him with a amused smile.
"Compared to what Hitchcock has dragged me into, your offer of tea, champagne and a civilised interaction feels like a holiday", the German officer counters dryly with a weary sigh. "But whatever you did with Hitch worked wonders, Captain. He's almost back to his normal, cheerful self", Troy adds with an actual smile. "Can't tell you how glad I am to have you on our side after all." "Mhm", Tully murmurs and nods in agreement, shifting his matchstick. "You're the best officer I've ever known, Sir", Riku Gottschlich shyly dares to add, baffling Dietrich that he is actively participating in these group discussions. "If Tully and even Gotty agree, it's official", Troy surprises the young officer who still looks for a way of escaping this awkward situation without too much loss of dignity. Gottschlich's participation is the final straw for Dietrich who cannot even accuse the original Rats of conspiring against him, merely to annoy him.
"Hey, Dietrich!", Brown's shout saves the German Captain from the embarrassing scene. Never having been so grateful for the presence of the Australian Captain before, the German officer replies in an almost jovial manner: "Captain Brown, how good to see you. What can I do for you?" Brown puts him for a few moments under scrutiny, before replying: "Either all those medications are starting to affect you, Dietrich, or wearing a Jerry uniform works to brighten your mood." Dietrich glares at the insolent Australian officer for good measure, until Captain Brown grins widely. "Ah, so you're still fine. You had me briefly worried, lad." "You just missed the moment, when he didn't protest against being practically our friend anyways, Browny", Troy informs his mentor with a stage whisper. "Could we stay at the topic of our military mission, gentlemen?", the young officer growls, finally unnerved. "I just wanted to know whether you and your men need anything, but you look like a proper German convoy to me", Brown remarks with a smile.
"All trucks and the car are fully gassed, Cap", Tully reports. "Excellent, Pettigrew. Brown, we still need to stuff them with fake supplies. Put sacks of dates and wheat on top of some of the looted guns without ammo to make up for the weight. We need to get the trucks half full at least to look believable as a supply convoy and also to keep the German soldiers on the base busy without suspecting foul play", the German Captain explains carefully. "I'll take care of that", Brown assures him. "Anything else?" "Let Lieutenant Silberblatt call them a few minutes after our departure to announce the arrival of the supply convoy!", Dietrich answers matter-of-factually. "I will coordinate the strategy with my men in the meantime." The Australian Captain assures him of his willingness to support them as best as possible, before leaving to organize everything, while the young officer turns toward his soldiers.
"Standard security measures on German bases ask for presenting the Wehrpass, your passport document at the entrance. Therefore, the guards should order you 'weisen Sie sich aus!' asking you to show them an official document with a photograph. 'Ausweis', 'Pass' or 'Wehrpass' might be used interchangeably in such a situation", Hans Dietrich explains with the diligence and detail of the German officer he actually is. "Once we have passed inspection, we should be directed inside. I will translate the orders to arms signals for you, Pettigrew." Tully nods, shifts his matchstick and mutters: "Thanks, Cap." Nodding curtly in acknowledgment, the young German Captain continues with his orders: "The rest of you just follows us, even if you don't understand the directions. Should something go wrong, all of you have their weapons within reach and withdraw as quickly as possible. Taking over a whole base with only six men is lunacy."
"I've done more crazy things", Troy comments with a grin. "You still remember that tank attack, when we left Fritz with you?" "Please spare my last threads of sanity, Sergeant!", Hans groans with exaggerated suffering. "Horus isn't the only one in camp with a delicate personality", Moffit cannot keep himself from commenting. Troy's expression darkens immediately, as he snarls: "Delicate personality. That hellbird's gonna burn in my barbecue, if I ever catch it!" Dietrich smirks, as he adds: "Apparently the delicate personality is what he shares with our dear Sergeant." Troy glares at him. "That falcon's the one animal you'd better not compare me with or I'm actually offended." "My apologies, Sergeant. Regarding qualifying for a flying menace, your brother is the much more appropriate comparison", the German Captain adds silkily which makes Troy grin from ear to ear. "Captain Horus. That's so fitting for Davey", Sam adds with a laugh. "That's what I like you for, Captain Fox Kit." "Would you mind terribly to spare me the nicknames, when you make new ones up for your brother?", the young officer grumbles testily.
"We'd better return to discussing our planned strategy", Jack Moffit intervenes, feeling slightly guilty to have initiated the whole discussion through his comment. "Thank you, Doctor, for being the voice of reason", Dietrich immediately replies with a serious tone. "Once we have parked the vehicles, men should arrive to unload the cargo. You stay at the trucks to keep an overview of the courtyard and situation while you keep your weapons ready at all times. In case somebody discovers our trick, knock him out silently, rather than shoot, as we don't want to draw attention too soon. Troy, I leave you in charge of this part of the operation with Private Pettigrew and Corporal Gottschlich and Turner supporting you. Gottschlich, you are the most skilled at taking out a man with a single punch. Stay ready and alert!" Riku Gottschlich nods diligently, feeling truly honoured by the trust the Captain is willing to put in him. "I won't disappoint you, Captain Dietrich", he assures his young CO who comments dryly: "I hope so. Although my expectations for my men not failing me are very low." Troy has his face set into a determined expression, as he vows: "We'll change that, Captain. Trust me!" "I have no doubts about your determination, Sergeant", Dietrich replies calmly. "About what do you have doubts then?", Moffit prompts him cautiously. "The ability of you Yankees to actually follow your orders", Dietrich argues with dry humor. "Your orders sound pretty reasonable until now. I see no reason to not go with that plan and then we'll see what happens, when reality strikes", Troy comments jovially. "Have you ever told this to Captain Boggs?", the German officer wants to know. "Of course not. He's never been out there with us", the American Sergeant grumbles.
"What do you have in mind for the two of us, Captain?", Moffit inquires, effectively interrupting the upcoming discussion. Dietrich regards the British scholar with an appreciative expression. "We will report to the base commander, spin our web of lies and try to get him to cooperate and listen, at gunpoint if need be. We just need to either threaten him effectively or get rid of his guards previously." Jack Moffit smiles a predatory smile that feels a bit disconcerting for the German Captain. "Don't worry, Captain. I have a lot of experience with this kind of negotiations." Nodding, the younger officer declares: "Then we will hopefully be able to act efficiently and without arousing any suspicions or alarms." "This would be a first time then", Moffit comments dryly at which Dietrich grimaces, while Troy grins. "No alarms means less fun!" "I can live perfectly fine without such 'fun', Sergeant!", the German Captain declares dryly, rubbing his aching right shoulder with a pained expression. "Okay, I grant you it's more fun, when you don't get beaten up, Captain", Troy admits jovially. "But it's still fun to break through some road blocks with guns blazing. Feels like the glory of the Old West."
"I can't remember ever having escaped any of your missions unscathed, independent of which side we stand on with respect to each other, Troy", the lean Captain growls with a glower. "So please forgive my eagerness to not let this escalate into a shootout. I'm a German. Your Wild West mentality does not appeal to me!" "We'll try our best, but I can't make any promises", the American Sergeant relents, while Moffit whispers to the younger officer: "You'll never get the Wild West mentality out of the Yankees, Captain. I've already given up." "Why didn't I defect to the Brits?", Hans Dietrich mutters back equally quietly with dry sarcasm. "Because they're too conservative to take an enemy defector in", Jack admits. "But I would've been most delighted, I assure you." "What are you whispering about?", Troy wants to know. "Culture clash", Jack Moffit replies with a wry smile. "What's that supposed to be?", Troy asks with furrowed brows. Jack opens his mouth to provide him with an anthropological and historically well-founded answer, when the American Sergeant becomes aware of his mistake and quickly adds: "Nevermind. We should get going with our mission. Let's all get into our vehicles and then let's shake it!"
As Dietrich passes by Moffit, he mutters: "I have to admit that was the most efficient way of starting that mission and it would never have occurred to me, Doctor." "Troy will stay an uneducated barbarian forever, if he continues like this", Jack grumbles in slight annoyance. "Which is entirely his own choice", the German counters. "Tully at least listens without complaining or interrupting. And you actually pay attention, but Troy... he's impossible", the Brit continues his rant. "Doctor Moffit! Focus your thoughts on something more productive than how to correct Troy's stubbornness. We don't have infinite amounts of time at our disposal", the younger officer admonishes him sternly. "You're right, old chap. Best of luck!", Jack admits and barely catches himself to not reach out and touch the other man's shoulder. He has to admit that Captain Dietrich is really good at instilling the sense of camaraderie in his men. Tully is absolutely right with his assessment that this is partially due to him not staying behind his desk to focus only on the larger picture, as Captain Boggs does, but also dive into the middle of the fray alongside his men, something he has always done as a Wehrmacht officer which has made him one of their most dangerous opponents, but now makes him a most valuable ally.
Hans Dietrich observes the British Sergeant with a wary and calculating gaze for several seconds. "Viel Glück, Feldwebel!", the German Captain replies with a dry tone, before turning toward the Kübelwagen where Pettigrew is already awaiting him in the driver's seat. Something is off with Jack Moffit, already since the morning. As he still does not want to attribute it to the Yankee sentimentality being contagious, the German Captain wonders what might be the motivating force for the British Sergeant, but cannot come up with any logical explanation for his behaviour. But this problem can wait until after finishing their mission for the day.
"Howdy, Capt'n", the Australian Lieutenant O'Malley greets the slightly baffled Hans Dietrich, as he brings a dozen large crates along with two dozen of their soldiers. "Browny's got a surprise for ye!" The German Captain grits his teeth, hating surprises especially when they come from the LRDP. Raising his eyebrows in a silent question, the tall officer scowls at the new arrivals. "Browny said you're going into the Jerry fort", Sergeant Williamson, who accompanies them, adds seriously. "So we thought we'd join your party and get ourselves an invitation as well", O'Malley continues with a grin, while the German Captain stares at both of them, momentarily astonished. "Brilliant idea. The more, the merrier", Troy comments with a grin, as he joins them. "Only if you don't get caught during inspections, before we reach the base commander", Hans Dietrich argues, pinching his nose in exasperation. These Aussies are just as bad as the Yankees. Why can none of them follow orders or stick with arranged strategies? "Don't be such a pessimist, Captain! Such plans work really well", Troy scolds him with a friendly tone. "Only if someone shares your degree of insanity, Sergeant", the young officer counters dryly.
"Even though you might be right objectively, Captain Dietrich, I can assure you that these plans actually work", Jack Moffit addresses their CO with a sympathetic tone. "Consider it like the Greeks' invasion strategy after years of besieging the city of Troy. Inspired by Pallas Athena, they built the wooden horse to get their enemies to bring them into their fortified city", Jack Moffit tries to cheer Dietrich up, while the Australians load the crates onto the trucks and leave to retrieve the second load. "Huh?", Sam comments. "I totally forgot that my family's fancy enough that they named a city after us." "It's rather the other way around", Jack admonishes him with dry sarcasm. "Fine. Let's perform Odysseus' strategy then and hope that nobody in that caravanserai notices our deceit", Dietrich comments with a worried expression, as he reflects all the possibilities how this mission could go terribly wrong. "Come on, Captain! You've done wily and risky maneuvers yourself. They don't call you young desert fox for nothing", Troy argues when he notices the younger man's concerned face, squeezing the lean German Captain's shoulder gently. "Indeed, Captain. I would recommend you not to play the role of Casandra in predicting all that might go wrong, as it has been a most unappreciated role in spite of the wisdom and accuracy of the prediction", Jack advises the young officer with a sympathetic tone, staying within the Greek mythology setting which Dietrich is obviously familiar with. "Fine", Hans sighs in exasperation. "Why bother about strategies and protocols, when you disregard them so frequently that they are actually obsolete anyways and even your officers do so?" That backstabber Brown has after all initiated the whole scheme without even talking to him directly. "That's the spirit!", Troy insists with a grin, before shouting toward the approaching Australians: "Hey, diggers, get the boxes and your folks on the trucks and then let's shake it!"