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!)

50. Raiders of the Lost Dig Site

"Oi, Danny. Look at the fox family!", Kevin O'Donnell tells his brother, elbowing him in the ribs, as he points at the scene unfolding close to the caravanseray's protective wall. "Cute", the older Australian comments with a gentle smile, while observing the two orphans huddle to the German Captain's side. Nobody among them is cold hearted enough to not like the children and their relationship with the young Captain who has saved them, protects and takes care of them regularly in addition to his duties. It is part of the reason why Dietrich has won the hearts of the enlisted men of his former enemies at such a fast rate in addition to several valiant and selfless actions. "Reminds me of how we went camping with Pa as kids", Daniel O'Donnell comments with a nostalgic smile. "Good times", Kevin muses, smiling with a longing expression. "We'll leave him in peace, Kev! That fella's had it bad enough in the last days and deserves to get some rest. You can even see the bruises and scars from here", the older O'Donnell brother tells his younger sibling sternly, remembering how he has checked the injured and unconscious German officer a few days ago after rescuing him and Hitch from the slavers and been quite shocked by his physical state. Kevin nods, then squints at the lean young Captain's dozing form, before elbowing his brother again. "Look at the shirt! It's British. How did that weasel Bracken beat Browny in getting our young desert fox, when he's at sickbay all day?" Danny shrugs, but scowls, as he recognizes the shirt's design, including the Captain's rank insignia making it genuine. "Dunno. But being in bed all day gives him lots of time for plotting and scheming", the older Australian mutters indignantly. "We have to tell Browny", Kevin insists vehemently with righteous anger. "The Brits can't steal our Captain Sherlock like this!" Determined, the two wander off to find Captain Brown and inform him on this outrageous development.

"Sarge!", Mark Hitchcock meanwhile comes running to Troy. "What is it, Hitch?", the American Sergeant inquires with a worried scowl. "It's Moffit, Sarge", the young Private replies, trying to catch his breath without accidentally swallowing his chewing gum. "What's he doing this time? As long as it's no strange ritual for some Egyptian weirdo God or some other mythology stuff he's invested in, since he chose his British archaeology friends over us, I'm fine with not knowing", Troy growls, actually jealous and hurt, but unwilling to admit any of that even to himself. "He's talking to the teapot", Hitch finally manages to get out, after getting his breathing back to normal. Troy looks completely dumbstruck. "What?" "He's talking to the teapot, Sarge. I swear it! There was no one around, just the giant teapot, you know, the one Cap got him from those Arab slavers", Mark repeats desperately. "Doc's done more crazy things than that", Tully comments with a shrug and turns back to building up the last parts of their tent with Gotty's assistance. "Call the Captain! He's the expert for investigating strange things when Moffit's lost his mind", Troy orders and concern is obvious from his tone. At least they have a backup now, when the British scholar is not fully in charge of his mental capacities. Dietrich is a real jackpot in more then one regard.

"Cap, hey, Cap!", Hitch calls out, before realizing that the young German officer is napping. Hans Dietrich wakes with a start and tenses immediately into a defensive position, while he groggily takes a look around with worry and confusion, waking Ari and Kiri in the process. A groan escapes the young man's throat, when the Jewish boy pushes himself up, while leaning onto his brother's cracked ribs. "I'm sorry, Hans", Ari mutters immediately with an apologetic expression. "It's alright, Ari. I'm fine", the young officer murmurs gently, while trying to push himself up on his good arm which feels quite numb from Kiri sleeping on it. Although the strain of sitting up unsupported hurts his freshly healed injuries on his abdomen as well as countless bruises, the lean German Captain finally regains a sitting position and inquires with clear worry in his tone: "What has happened, Hitchcock?" Hitch looks actually apologetic, as he kneels next to the slightly younger man whose pain and exhaustion is evident on his unguarded face. "Sorry for waking you, Cap, but it's an emergency. Moffit's gone crazy!", Mark tells him with actual concern for the British Sergeant.

Dietrich wonders whether he is still dreaming and this is some Rat Patrol induced nightmare he has not had yet, when Hitch's hand on his good shoulder draws him out of his reverie. "Are you okay? You look pretty banged up, Cap", the young Private asks with concern shining from his blue eyes. Being close enough, the countless bruises, the scars along his collarbone and the prominent ribs underneath the layer of sinewy muscle and skin are clearly visible, as the German officer has not buttoned his shirt to hide the reminders of the tortures he has gone through. "I'm fine", Hans insists indignantly, but does not protest, when Hitchcock holds out his hand and helps him to get to his feet. "Where do I find Mad Moffit?", the young Captain asks dryly, having somewhat recovered from his first shock and incredulity. "He made a campfire outside of the gates of the caravanserai, Cap. There he's got that giant teapot and he's talking to it. I swear it, Cap. Scout's honor! His lips are moving and there's noone around except for the teapot. It's eerie", Hitch tells him desperately. "I will investigate these strange occurrences, Hitchcock. Please look after Ari and Kiri in the meantime. Ari, Kiri, you stay with Mark Hitchcock! I have to help Jack Moffit", Dietrich orders sternly. "Is Jack okay?", Ari asks with serious worry. "We'll see. That's why I have to help him", Hans argues calmly, but with determination. "He'll be fine, if you help him", the Jewish boy states, full of confidence, making both men smile at him.

Without bothering about his uniform shirt, as his thoughts are focused on Moffit, the German Captain briskly walks through the courtyard to leave through the main gate. Dietrich has all but forgotten about wearing David Troy's borrowed shirt and is so used to strange looks from the soldiers passing him by that he is neither irritated nor understands the reason for their stares. His mind is focused on potential reasons for Moffit's strange behaviour. Heat stroke is the most plausible explanation coming to his mind, although the British Sergeant has spent most of the day either inside a truck cabin or a room. Still, he might be affected by the heat in spite of being an experienced desert dweller, as he is a Ruropean from the North after all. With his brows creased in worry, Hans replies to all greetings with automatic wincing salutes, passing by the gate guards Private Umbridge and Lancing who do not stop him, but merely look worried as well, when the young Captain stalks outside with a concerned expression.

Troy waits outside of the gates and observes the unfolding scene with narrowed eyes. Moffit's small campfire is located mere 50 meters to the left of the gate in the natural shade provided by the protective wall surrounding the caravanserai. "Thanks for coming, Captain. There he is - talking to that teapot", Troy growls incredulously, pointing at the copper monstrosity. "I knew nothing good could come from drinking that stuff all the time, but this... he's gone crazy. Not even a Brit can like talking to a teapot more than talking with his friends", the American Sergeant grumbles with serious concern. "We'll take a look at it and try to get to the bottom of these strange events, Troy", Hans promises with conviction. "You're a good friend, Dietrich. I'm really grateful you came to help", Troy tells the younger German honestly, squeezing his good shoulder.

"Have I told you already how lunatic those fellows are, my dear?", Jack asks the teapot with slight exasperation in his tone. Then, he pauses as if to wait for an answer, before adding: "Well, you have to imagine that they manage to pass as ordinary human beings most of the time. But beware when they show their true insanity!", he gives the teapot an earnest warning with a serious tone. "Moffit, what are you doing?", Dietrich inquires cautiously, after having observed the British Sergeant for a while. "Oh, hello, Captain. Jolly good to see you. Can I offer you a cuppa tea, freshly brewed?", Jack inquires with his best English manners showing clearly. Deciding that humoring the Brit might lead him to a result more quickly, the German Captain replies politely: "I'd be much obliged. So tell me, Doctor Moffit! Why do you chat so vividly with the teapot?" With a wry smile Jack hands a tea cup to the lean young officer, who still wears the British uniform shirt which suits him excellently in the former Cambridge scholar's eyes, although the fit is far from perfect on the skinny German whose own uniform shirt even appears too loose on him. In David Troy's Dietrich looks like a scare crow, not that he would be inclined to tell this to the proud young Captain with his short temper, when his sensitivities are violated. "I've merely decided to talk with the sanest being around here, Captain, since all others seem to be struck with some kind of madness and lunacy or another", Jack explains quietly and Hans can tell from his tone that he is indulging in pulling one over on everyone else with this truly brilliantly staged episode underlined by dry British humour.

Putting on a thoughtful expression, the young Captain decides that Troy's face alone will definitely be worth participating in the ruse. "If you put it like this, Doctor Moffit, you really made me aware of an aspect I have clearly not considered yet", the young officer muses philosophically. "Have you lost it now, Captain?", Troy barks, losing his nerves completely. "What's in that tea that makes you all lose your mind?" "Our tea is perfectly fine", Jack replies stiffly, stepping protectively in front of the large copper teapot, as he moves his fingers over its surface in a caressing manner. "Indeed. It really helps to see things with a new clarity, such as your insane animosity against this innocent beverage, Sergeant", Dietrich argues diligently, much to Jack's delight. "I'll never touch that vile stuff from hell again as long as I live", Troy vows, glaring at the tea, as if it is indeed the source of all evil and sole culprit in this whole episode. "When I see what it's doing to you, I'm really getting worried." "Sergeant, Sergeant, what am I going to do with you?" The German Captain shakes his head in mock disappointment and Jack Moffit has to grant him that he is an excellent actor, worthy of being suspected to be related to the famous Marlene Dietrich. How often has the young officer actually been making fun of them, seeing through some of their acts of bravado right away, he asks himself.

"Have you both lost it now? What's going on?", Troy demands to know with a vehement tone. "Should we tell him, old chap?", Jack asks the lean German Captain with a wry smile. "I would not spoil your fun, Doctor", Dietrich replies silkily with dry sarcasm. Troy glares from one to the other, starting to suspect some kind of foul play. "We're actually quite sane, Troy. We merely intended to make you aware of the insanity you're constantly wielding and spreading", Moffit explains calmly, seeing the American Sergeant's expression turn grimmer with every word. "You pranked me, you good-for-nothing excuses for friends?", Troy growls angrily. "We managed to pull one over on you it would appear", Jack counters coolly. "You may call it divine justice", Dietrich adds with dry amusement. "You... I should beat both of you up properly", the American sputters angrily. Dietrich raises his eyebrows in mock astonishment. "Really, Sergeant? This might however lead to you facing Major Turner on your own and providing a justification for beating up your fellow Sergeant and your commanding officer, while they have been peacefully engaged in chatting over a cup of tea", the German Captain argues with a silky voice, laced with sarcasm. Troy glares at the young officer with clear annoyance. Why exactly does he like that Jerry smartass and the British know-it-all at all? European snobs!

"So, would you really not like to join me in the search for the mysterious dig site, rumoured to be around here, Captain?", Moffit asks the younger officer with an inviting smile, ignoring Troy completely. Dietrich replies with dry humor: "I have to take care of my kindergarten before doing that. First I need to take Ari for a ride and then accompany my problem child", he points at Troy, "to his deserved dressing down with the Major." While Jack cannot stop himself from laughing with delight, Sam fumes. "Problem child? Not even my mother called me that!" "I have the responsibility for you and you constantly cause me more problems than I have the capacity to even track", Dietrich argues smoothly. "The Captain is absolutely right", the British Sergeant moves to his support. "Some friends you are", Troy grumbles with annoyance. "I'm missing your sense of humor in this episode, Troy", Hans comments dryly. "You're even more unbearable, when you're off duty and have your funny moments, than when you're playing your neat and proper German officer role, Dietrich", Troy accuses him. "You earned the November prank award fair and square, Captain. I suggest we share this with the others and apply for December together", Jack proposes, holding out his hand which the German grasps after a moment of hesitation, wincing as he moves his injured arm.

The small movement draws Troy's attention back to the German Captain's injuries and less than fully presentable appearance. "Well, Captain, I hope you'll change your shirt and button it, when you join me to meet the Major or I won't be the only one to get dressed down, when you appear in the casual Kentucky moonshine runner style", the American Sergeant declares with a grin, enjoying to see the younger man tense and blush slightly. The Jerry smartass has absolutely deserved this. "I'll hand back your brother's shirt, as soon as our tent is standing", Hans replies stiffly, moving his left hand to button his shirt properly nonetheless. "Tully should've finished building it with Gotty and that little toad, Turner", Troy replies coolly. "What did Corporal Turner do to incite your wrath like that, Sergeant?", Dietrich asks incredulously. "Went behind our backs and whined with his uncle, the spineless whelp", the American Sergeant growls with annoyance. "Troy, he even defended us in front of his uncle according to the Major. Leave the Corporal in peace and give the young man a fair chance!", Dietrich rises in defence of the younger American. "Indeed, old man. You tend to be wary and paranoid when it comes to new men joining your unit", Jack Moffit joins his quest for justice.

"I took you both in", Troy counters immediately. "You treated me hardly any better than Corporal Turner on my first mission with you", Jack argues. "And you liked the Captain for whichever reason long before you convinced Atkins to actually let him join us." Hans looks quite uncomfortable at the argument, while Troy glowers at Moffit. "Okay, we can't use him as an example, 'cause I've known he's a good and decent guy since the first time we've met and that's been a while before getting him to join us. But look at Gotty! The kid's okay for me", Sam argues stubbornly. "You have been quite sceptical regarding Corporal Gottschlich in the beginning", Dietrich holds against him, trying to ignore Troy's previous comments regarding himself. "But you have been quite aggressive and antagonistic towards Corporal Turner from the first day." "I don't like a guy who's just the protege of his influential family and has become an officer, thinking he is something better, 'cause his influential relatives pushed his career", Troy growls angrily.

"Just stemming from a family of officers doesn't mean that one has no qualifications for the job or thinks he's something better!", the young German Captain snaps with wounded pride. "You're an exception to the rule, Captain", Moffit tries to smoothen his ruffled feathers. "But you undoubtedly know of others who behave exactly like Troy has described it." Hans grits his teeth and narrows his eyes, but grudgingly admits: "You're right, Moffit. I know more than enough such men who are a disgrace to their country and any decent officer." Meeting Troy's gaze with defiance, the young German Captain adds: "But I assure you that Corporal Turner is not of this sort. He's young and inexperienced, but really making an effort to learn to become a good commander for his men." Troy's grim expression turns somewhat softer. "Okay, Captain Sherlock. I'll trust your instincts with that kinda stuff. You were right about Gotty too", he finally concedes to Moffit's surprise. "Troy really respects and trusts you to agree to this without continuing to fight", Jack whispers into the surprised German Captain's ear.

With a sparkle in his eyes that makes Hans fear the worst, Moffit then turns toward Troy and asks curiously: "You know, old man, you actually have gotten me interested in your statement that you've known that our dear Captain here is a decent fellow, since the first time you've met. How did you two actually meet for the first time? It could not have been at that exploding supply depot, could it now?" Dietrich closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, wincing, as his cracked ribs hurt in the process. Sam Troy actually looks rather grim. "Boggs sent us after some new Jerry Captain in the area and wanted us to apply our usual hit and run scheme. Well, it turned out the new guy was pretty paranoid and quick to react." The American smiles at the lean officer who does not look entertained or flattered in the least, but rather tormented. "Instead of just running off, his guys returned fire pretty quickly and Cotter wasn't as lucky as the rest of us, got hit and fell off the Jeep, when we took off." Troy's expression has turned grim, while the German Captain in question appears troubled and suffering.

"Well, I thought that was it. We'd have to turn back and shoot our way through to our wounded comrade or leave him in the hands of our enemies who surrounded him. A minute later, after stopping on a dune and checking the situation with the spy glass, I saw the Jerry brass wave a white flag. First I thought it might be a trap, so I left Tully with the sniper gun back at the dune to shoot the guy down, if he'd engage in some foul play. But it wasn't a trap at all. Cotter was dying and it was pretty obvious that there was nothing anyone could do to save him, though they'd dressed his wounds, like they did to their own guys they were taking care of." "Did you expect me to simply watch the man die in agony without some medical treatment, while caring for our own men?", Hans snarls defensively. "I dunno what I expected, but surely not that I could hold my dying friend's hand, till it was over. It was a really decent and honorable thing to do, Captain", Troy replies and his tone has turned more friendly again, when eyeing the lean officer with open sympathy while Hans has tensed into a fight or flight stance. "It was obvious that he would not survive. That was the best solution to not let him die with his enemies being the last thing he sees", the former Wehrmacht Hauptmann argues hoarsely.

"Why did you let us go?", Troy asks curiously. From the look on Dietrich's face it is obvious that the thought of breaking his word once given has never occurred to him and he is actually affronted to have his honor doubted in such a manner. "Even if I would have known how much of a menace your little gang would turn out to be, I wouldn't have broken my word of honor", the lean Captain growls indignantly. "I fully expected that you would get injured, captured or killed during one of your next such missions." Troy gives a half-smile. "Turns out we're a lot harder to kill than you expected." The younger officer scowls at him, not sharing the amusement about the statement. "Why did you offer a truce in the first place? Forgive my doubts, but I can't imagine that humanity has been your only motivation, Captain." A sly expression takes over the German's visage. "That was not my only motivation. A truce also bought me the time to take care of my own wounded without having to fear another attack. While the commando soldiers were distracted, I could let my surviving convoy continue on its way to make it back to base safely, remaining only myself with the minimum crew of my half track", the young Captain explains with some pride in his tone.

"You've always been a fox, Dietrich, but a decent and honorable one. I've never met a Jerry officer or any guy among our own brass who'd done something like that for a dying enemy though, not just one of their own men. I knew you're a good and decent man from then on, Captain", Troy declares jovially, placing a hand on the taller German's shoulder. Although he can feel the tension in the lean man's muscles, he keeps his hold of the younger officer and smiles at him with honest sympathy, until the Captain gradually relaxes his tense stance. Moffit looks from one to the other, as he tries to wrap his mind around the story he has just been told and how it has been the beginning of an enmity with many characteristics of a rivalry which has nonetheless always been dominated by an underlying mutual respect. That their strange and complicated relationship has finally been resolved through a friendship is actually a happy end, even Jack has to admit. "It's good that all of this finally lies behind us, since we're all fighting on the same side for the same cause nowadays", he concludes. Troy nods fervently, while Dietrich hesitates a bit longer, until he also shows his agreement.

"So, when do we leave to see the Major, Captain?", Troy grumbles to change the topic. "I'd rather get this thing with the brass over with." "Major Turner will be occupied with the interrogation of the German Hauptmann Stadler. I suggest that we report in an hour and a half, at 1600", Dietrich argues after checking his watch. Troy mutters something under his breath which sounds like a collection of Greek swear words, making both the German and the Brit smile with amusement. "I will now take Ari for the horseback ride I promised him", Hans declares with a gentler tone, when speaking of his ward. A brief pained expression passes over Jack's face which does not go unnoticed by the German Captain who looks a bit uncomfortable. Addressing the British scholar directly, he chooses a more neutral tone: "I might have an idea for providing you with support in covering more ground, Doctor Moffit. Send our desert scouts out to look for disturbed sand or whatever would indicate a dig site. They know nothing about archaeology, but a lot about the desert and tracking things in the sand." Moffit's expression brightens immediately. "That's an excellent idea. Thank you, Captain. I still want to invite you to join us, once your kindergarten is taken care of." "Jack!", Troy bellows angrily. "You're the one who thinks he is included in this, old man", Moffit counters slyly. "Don't blame us!"

Captain Boggs meanwhile takes care of taking apart Hauptmann Stadler's office with the help of First Lieutenant Adams. The American Captain realizes how shortsighted he has been to give Dietrich and Moffit the day off, when he desperately needs them as interpreters and for scanning the relevant documents, especially when Lieutenant Silberblatt is serving as Major Turner's and General Atkins' interpreter during the interrogation of the German Hauptmann Stadler. Adams is pointing at a locked wall safe, when suddenly the door is torn open and a rather annoyed looking Captain Brown storms into the room. "Captain Brown, what has happened?", James Boggs asks with worry creasing his brows. "I've got evidence from my men and several others among the camp that the Brits managed to pull one over on us and steal away our favourite junior desert fox", the Australian officer growls grimly. The American Captain is startled and shocked enough to silently take a seat in the base commander's chair, while he gapes at his fellow LRDP Captain in shock. "Dietrich? But how? And why have I not been informed?", he mutters half to himself.

Brown bears a sarcastic smile, as he inquires with irony: "Don't you know the feeling well enough from experience, when you're the last one to be officially informed by your superiors, when the rumor mill in camp could have told you everything already a long time ago?" "Yes, but Dietrich wouldn't have just changed uniforms without telling me", James Boggs laments. "The lad was on his outside mission all morning and gets ordered to do this, when he comes back. He probably thinks that you already knew and backstabbed him, like he thought about me, not telling him a few minutes earlier regarding the change of plans. That fellow's proud as hell, though he's got a heart of gold." Boggs nods, only too well able to imagine the wary and self-reliant young German distrusting them both and assuming to have been sold out again by his superiors. The American Captain needs to find him and speak with him to find out the truth and quench his distrust.

A loud knock on the office door interrupts their interaction. "Come in", James Boggs shouts and hopes that this is not another harbinger of bad news. When the British Lieutenant Johnson opens the door and cautiously looks inside, the American Captain is torn between confusion and anger. Has the Lieutenant come now that the whole camp is already behaving like a chicken coop invaded by a fox to inform him about Dietrich's change of sides and gloat about it? The British Lieutenant appears to be similarly torn between confusion and annoyance. Most prominently, he sports a black eye on his left side. "Captain Boggs", the Brit addresses the American officer with a nasal tone that immediately sounds arrogant to the American and the Australian. "I want to officially complain about one of your officers, a short, stocky middle aged one. He attacked me out of nowhere, hit me in the face and rambled madly about us Brits stealing their Captain. I have no idea what this is about, but it's surely lunacy. You must not tolerate such behaviour, Captain Boggs. Neither I nor any of my men have done anything to excuse being harassed. What he has accused us of falsely is a mystery to me. You're still here after all."

James Boggs exchanges a glance with Captain Brown who scowls equally at the complaint. "This sounds like Lieutenant Griffiths", he admits with a sigh, pinching his nerve and hoping in vain to keep his growing headache in check. "I will reprimand the man. Rest assured, Lieutenant! However, you could help us both by explaining to us why you suddenly recruited Captain Dietrich for the British army without informing any of us!" The American Captain sounds actually annoyed, as he growls the last part. Lieutenant Johnson blinks at him, looking and feeling utterly dumbfounded. "I ... I beg your pardon, Sir. I don't understand", the Brit stammers incredulously. "You heard us right, Johnson", Brown intervenes with a grumble. "I got reports from some of my lads as well as several of the Yankees that they saw him at late lunch and in the courtyard with a British uniform, including rank insignia of a Captain. Now you got no Captain in your unit. So how do you explain this?" Johnson gapes at him in shock. "I honestly know nothing about this, Captain Brown. You need to speak with Major Bracken directly, as I have not been informed of any changes in our officers corps." "Me neither", Boggs growls with clear annoyance. "Well, let's go then and get our explanation."

Meanwhile, the German Captain returns to the courtyard without the two Sergeants. While Moffit is organising their scouts and riding animals for the two of them, Dietrich and himself, Sam Troy has declared that he needs time to think and retreated to the other side of the protective wall to sulk after the Brit has sent him away to protect his precious teapot from being smashed. Deciding that the less he gets involved in the Rats' crazy schemes the better, Hans has quietly returned to the caravanseray. Now that they have safely established their camp in the German fortifications, the young officer can actually take Ari for a short ride, as he has promised. But before that he needs to change into his own uniform shirt. A lot more self-conscious than before, the German Captain does notice the strange looks directed at him. Without commenting, he returns the soldiers' greetings with quiet, but wincing salutes.

When he enters their tent, he finds Hitchcock, Pettigrew, Gottschlich and Turner sitting on the floor with Ari and Kiri sitting between them, while they play cards. Ari looks into the half-Japanese Corporal's hand, while Kiri sits with Hitch and excitedly points at a card. Raising his eyebrows in a silent question, all his men grin sheepishly at him which immediately draws the German Captain's wariness toward them. "What exactly are you playing, gentlemen?", he asks tersely, recognizing the setting from experience, but still hoping that he might be mistaken. "Poker", Mark replies with a lop-sided grin. Dietrich blinks briefly, before muttering incredulously: "Please tell me that this is a joke and you're not seriously teaching gambling to six-year old children!" Hans is already pinching his nose in exasperation, as he knows the game well enough to recognize the truth of Hitchcock's statement. "It's fun, Hans", Ari protests, trying to win his brother over with a broad smile, before putting on an exaggerated scowl again that they have taught him as a Poker face. "Fun", Kiri agrees, having adopted the word already. Their caregiver sighs wearily.

"Wonderful. Then I can actually enjoy my afternoon, riding on my own with my noble steed, Salih", he remarks dryly, while unbuttoning his shirt one-handed and shrugging out of it with a wince. "No!", Ari exclaims and jumps to his feet to run over to him and wrap his arms around his brother's waist. Kiri senses that her younger brother might need her support and joins him immediately. "You promised me we go riding together", Ari pleads with big sad eyes, very reminiscent of Fritz, the camp rogue. "Since you have more fun with your Poker game, I won't draw you out", the German Captain argues slyly. "Please, Hans", the Jewish boy pleads. "I always like you more than anything else." "Please, Hans", Kiri repeats and Hans' expression softens clearly, as he sighs wearily again. "Let me get dressed. Then we can leave."

Tully has gotten up as well and joined the trio, while the other three soldiers observe them closely. Hitch notes the stark difference between the German Captain's wariness a few weeks ago, when he would never have considered taking off his clothes in front of his former enemies and now that this has become natural after sharing the same tent and going on missions under disguise. Pettigrew hides his scowl at the obvious but worrying observation of how badly bruised and starved the young officer still looks in spite of spending almost a month on their side since his rescue from the SS behind shifting his matchstick. "Need a hand, Cap?", Tully offers in an almost amiable manner for the typically distanced Kentucky driver, taking Dietrich slightly by surprise. Resigned to his current injuries impairing him too much to be unnecessarily stubborn, the German Captain nods wearily. "Yes. Thank you, Pettigrew." "You can call me Tully, Cap", the young American replies coolly, making the taller officer freeze and stare at him in clear surprise. "Won't bother you like Sarge, Cap", he adds, noticing the reaction. "Thank you, Pettigrew. I'd prefer to keep things formal", Dietrich replies stiffly. "Oi, Cap. You live with us all day and night. You can call us by our names. We swear we'll stay formal, if it's so important to you. Scout's honor!", Hitch supports his friend in his valiant endeavor to get the German Captain to soften up to them as well, not just the Sergeants. Subconsciously, he has already done that or he would not have aided Mark in the many ways he has or behave so naturally around them nowadays. But Sarge is right that he still is a stubborn Jerry Captain and Lisa that he has been tortured and betrayed by his own side to not trust easily without being nudged a bit. "Hitchcock, I do have my reasons which have nothing to do with disliking you", the lean officer argues, while Tully helps him into his shirt. Hitch beams at him, as this is quite a friendly admission coming from the wary man. When Tully Pettigrew lays his hand on the tall German's shoulder, the younger man tenses involuntarily. "We're just offering, Cap. Take it, when you're ready", the American Private mutters quietly for only Dietrich to hear. Hans has to admit that he has not given the silent and introverted soldier enough credit for possessing actual empathy until now, as he murmurs equally quietly: "Thank you, Pettigrew." The Kentucky driver nods and turns around without another word to join his Poker round again, while the German Captain finishes getting dressed.

The children have been whispering among each other in the meantime. Now, Ari looks up at his brother's face and asks: "Can Kiri come with us?" Hans looks torn. "I cannot hold both of you in front of me", he argues quietly. "One kid could sit behind you and hold onto you, while the other's in front of you", Hitch suggests helpfully, smiling at the children he really likes like his own by now. "Please, Hans", Ari repeats. "I can hold you really tight." Dietrich grimaces at the thought of what this might mean for his bruised body and cracked ribs. "You should not hold me too tightly. But this is an option", the German mutters. Ari and Kiri crow with joy and wrap their arms around his torso again. Hitch smiles at the young officer who is really a hero for his kids. He can only hope to become a father like that for his own kid.

Captain Boggs, Captain Brown and Lieutenant Johnson meanwhile confront Major Bracken about Dietrich's change of army and the commotion this is causing in the camp. The British Major is incredulous at the situation as well as the tone the Australian officer dares to apply. "I recommend that you rein in your tone immediately, Captain Brown!", he shouts angrily. "I know nothing of what you're talking about." David Troy laughs so hard that his burnt body is hurting all over, but he does not care. Lending Dietrich his shirt has resulted in the best entertainment he has had in months. He needs to share this with Sammy and his Jerry friend as soon as possible. This serves the arrogant Major right for all the torment he has put him through, the pilot considers mirthfully. The whole situation is simply hilarious. If he would have planned it, it could not have turned out any better. "What is so amusing, Captain Troy?", James Boggs asks with clear irritation, before freezing and staring at the RAF pilot with incredulity, as he realizes which rank title he has just applied. "You know what's going on!", Brown states vehemently, while the two British officers exchange confused glances.

David tries to catch his breath and stop his giggles which arise, as soon as he wants to stop laughing, although his whole body is hurting like hell. "It's so damn funny", he finally gets out between gasps. "I don't share this opinion", Boggs growls grumpily. "Me neither", Lieutenant Johnson adds, rubbing his temple next to his black eye. "What's so funny?", Captain Brown wants to know gruffly. "I borrowed Dietrich my shirt, cause the Doc insisted he shouldn't walk around camp in a Jerry uniform shirt and jacket. Sammy was even with me", David finally gets out. "Your Jerry Captain has never changed sides, except for leaving the krauts." The younger Troy brother cannot help laughing again at their incredulous expressions. "You should see your faces! I couldn't have come up with a better prank, if I'd intended to", he gets out between bouts of laughter. "Captain Troy!", Major Bracken bellows with the tone of an angered grizzly bear. "How dare you laugh at such a situation?! Your immature behaviour is a disgrace to the whole corps of his Majesty's King George's army. I cannot possibly fathom what has beseeched whichever individual to have accepted an unruly Yankee like you without discipline or the least sense of propriety to allow you to join the Royal Air Force and our noble officers corps, but it has obviously been a mistake. If I could exchange you against the German Captain Dietrich, I would do so immediately!"

"I'll never switch Dietrich against him!", Boggs insists immediately, glaring at the pilot with serious annoyance. The American Captain has suffered through the insanity of the older Troy brother and the pranks of the junior Rats, but this is even beyond his imagination. "One Troy brother is already enough to cause my hair to turn grey", he growls his assessment which makes David Troy laugh again. "Your Jerry Captain always says the same. But I thought that Sammy's Dietrich's problem", David comments mirthfully, enjoying being the center of attention for the first time since his involuntary stay in sickbay. "He has been my problem before that and will likely continue to be that, as long as I keep the whole Rat Patrol under my command", Boggs sighs warily. "Things could be worse. You could have him instead of the young Jerry fox, Boggsy", Brown tries to cheer him up which results only in Boggs sighing wearily. "Don't even mention something like that, Captain Brown!" "You really thought he'd join the Brits just like that? I mean Dietrich's very European, likes tea, is a know-it-all like Sammy's Doc and more officer and gentleman than I'll ever be, but if that Jerry's one thing it's honorable and reliable", David argues on the German Captain's behalf. Pointed out like this, Boggs is angry with himself to have fallen for this unintended practical joke so easily. He will have to call his officers together and shed some light on the situation, reprimanding Griffiths for his rash action and attack on the absolutely innocent Lieutenant Johnson.

Hans Dietrich, completely unaware of the chaos he has unintentionally induced, meanwhile leads his wards out of the main gate, greeting the guards there for the third time. The men look relieved and puzzled, seeing him again, wearing an American uniform shirt and being accompanied by the children. "Where're you goin', Captain?", Private Umbridge calls out to him. "I promised to take them on a short ride around the caravanserai and perhaps might help the British archaeologists searching for their lost dig site while doing so", the German Captain replies calmly. Umbridge's comrade smiles at the explanation. "Sounds great, Captain. Do you need some help?" Dietrich tenses visibly and swallows down a sharp remark, resulting from wounded pride to be considered such an invalid. Instead he replies with a calm and controlled tone: "Thank you for the offer, Private Lancing. But this will not be necessary, as Sergeant Moffit will assist me." Both Privates smile with some relief. "Take care, Captain!", Umbridge shouts after him, as the threesome wanders toward Moffit's campsite.

Ari and Kiri gratefully accept some tea at the large company which already consists of Moffit, the three Arab scouts, as well as the British students and their Professor. Several of the younger Brits start shifting nervously at the sight of the tall German Captain, but none dares to utter a word. "Ari and Kiri will join your treasure hunt, Moffit", Dietrich informs the Brit who smiles widely at the younger man. "It will be my pleasure, Captain", he assures him. "We have just arranged that we will split up to enlarge our search radius. Your scouts and I will be riding to the North, South, East and West each. Doctor Stevenson and his students will check the close vicinity of the caravanserai diligently for which they will not require additional means of transportation." "Yes, indeed", Professor Stevenson confirms. "And once we have established our dig site, I can allow dear Horus to spread his wings again. He has been suffering greatly in the last few days." The bruised and starved German Captain grimaces slightly at the lament of the eccentric British Professor, as he subconsciously moves his fingers over the healing gashes on his left forearm, but does he not comment, when Moffit shoots him a warning gaze and shakes his head slightly.

"We will ride a circle or two at the edge of where you would be able to get on foot, Professor", Hans Dietrich instead replies calmly. "Please don't release the falcon within the vicinity of the caravanserai for its own safety and the safety of the people in camp." The German Captain does not mention Troy's vengeful ideas of roasted falcon, but the Professor is worried about his dear pet for other reasons. "Of course not, Captain. Dear Horus has suffered enough at the hands of those American brutes. These Yankees are Barbarians, the whole lot of them, who have deeply affected his delicate personality." Dietrich tries unsuccessfully to hide a grin at the statement. "You cannot possibly understand how much I share your attitude, Professor", he agrees mirthfully. "Can we see the falcon, Sir?", Ari asks cautiously. When the Professor turns his gaze toward him with a doubtful scowl, the Jewish boy adds quickly: "We promised Hans to be nice and quiet. We won't harm him. We really just want to see him." "Please", Kiri adds the only word she knows that will help her brother's plea which she cannot understand, but feels inclined to assist on principle. The stern British Professor's gaze turns somewhat milder at the words of the orphans. "Finally someone with true appreciation for dear Horus in all his pride and beauty. You are invited, my dear lass and lad, as long as you stay quiet and at a safe distance." The safe distance calms Hans' nerves somewhat, while Ari smiles widely now. "We promise... Scout's honor", he adds the words he has heard Mark Hitchcock utter, whenever he makes a promise. Dietrich coughs in surprise, fighting to swallow the tea in his mouth instead of spitting it out involuntarily. "It seems dear Hitch is a good influence for your little wards", Jack Moffit comments mirthfully, patting the younger officer on the back. "Better than Troy, any of them", Hans mutters a bit desperately, as he catches his breath. "As long as they don't start chewing the Private's infernal bubble gum." Moffit grimaces with as much suffering as the German Captain. "A most horrible thought indeed."

Standing up slowly, Hans walks over to the three Bedouin teenagers and the animals, greeting them in a friendly manner. "*We're happy that we can help again, faris alsahra*", Hussein confirms Dietrich's expectations. "*Why do all the people want to dig in the sand? There's nothing useful there*", Farooq asks with confusion and curiosity. "*They look for stones and old pieces of the possessions of people from centuries long gone to learn how they lived*", the German Captain tries to explain, fearing that Moffit would likely intimidate them through the sheer detail and enthusiasm of his answer. All three look a bit sceptical at the reply, but do not dare to protest. The young officer turns to the Arab horse which pricks up its ears at the sound of his voice and snorts curiously.

"*Looks like you recognize me already, Salih, my friend*", Hans tells the steed with a calm and gentle tone, while scratching it behind the ears. "*He really likes and respects you, faris alsahra*", Shafir tells him with admiration. "*I also like and respect him. Horses have a fine sense for that*", Dietrich replies, patting the elegant Arab steed on the neck affectionately. "*We help you with the saddle, Captain*", Farooq offers. The tall German nods in agreement. "*Thank you. Also put up blankets for the children to sit in front of and behind me.*" All three grin happily to do something for him and eagerly turn to work. "Ari, Kiri", Hans calls his wards over. "*I will get on the horse's back. Jack Moffit will first put Ari behind me and then Kiri in front of me, once you hold onto me properly, Ari.*" The British Sergeant nods diligently and watches the young officer mount the Arab steed, before lifting Ari up to sit behind him. The Jewish boy wraps his arms around his lean brother's torso, leaning forward against his back with a happy smile. Kiri looks enthusiastic to go riding again. God has chosen a wonderful caregiver for her. Her mother will surely be happy, when she watches her from heaven with her father.

Once assured that both are safely under the German's control, Jack adds: "I wish you a good ride and the best of luck in helping with our search, Captain!" "Good luck on your quest for the holy grail, Moffit", Dietrich replies dryly, before giving the horse a gentle nudge to start moving at a moderate pace. "A decent young fellow", Professor Stevenson mutters quietly about his observations. "Who are the children, Moffit junior?" A bit unnerved by the form of address, Jack replies coolly: "Two orphans Captain Dietrich takes care of. The Jewish boy's family was murdered by the SS. The Bedouin girl's mother died, while they were held in the hand of slavers. You probably noticed that she has only been in camp for a few days." Professor Stevenson blinks and shrugs, not having noticed the children at all until now or completely forgotten about them again, as such youngsters are not within the range of his personal or professional interests. But their interest in Horus warms his heart to them.

Sam Troy awaits Dietrich near the gate of the caravanserai with a scowl that briefly turns into a smile at the sight of the laughing boy and the cheerfully waving girl riding with him. What would he give for such unburdened joy and happiness now? But he can be happy to have the young Captain as his loyal friend who will accompany him to his dressing down by Major Turner, as he has promised. Hans Dietrich is a man of his word after all and would never withdraw from a given promise. When the tall officer shows no intention of stopping and passes him by with a friendly nod, the American Sergeant stares after him a bit dumbstruck, especially when the German Captain leads the horse away from the caravanserai. "Where are you going?", Troy shouts after him, but Dietrich apparently cannot hear him, as he shows no reaction to the shouts. Deciding that he will not waste his time waiting for the ungrateful Jerry smartass, the American turns around and stubbornly stomps toward the sickbay. Maybe he can draw some entertainment from quarreling with Davey like in the good old times.

Unlike the Troy brothers, Dietrich is not a man who draws entertainment from quarreling with anybody or creating chaos, but who wants to get his goals reached and settled with as few casualties as possible. Thus, he is glad to get away from the British students whose animosity has been palpable for him. Once he is outside of their direct vicinity, he feels more relaxed and the children also clearly enjoy the ride. While Ari presses against his back tightly enough to make the German wince when he presses on some of his bruises, Kiri is utterly delighted to wave at the soldiers patrolling the protective walls and the gate. Hopefully, looking after her when she has turned into a teenager will be none of his problems, as she is already causing him enough troubles now. Why Troy is waiting outside of the gates from where he is observing them is a bit of a mystery for the Captain, but he has long ago decided to leave the questions about the why behind Sam Troy's actions unanswered for the sake of his own sanity. Thus, he nods at the Sergeant in a friendly manner and turns to ride away from the caravanserai to check the surroundings as previously arranged with Moffit. "*We look for anything strange in the sand or somewhere else in the surroundings*", he tells his wards loud enough to be heard. "*Also rocks or rests from animal tracks could be an indication. Just tell me about anything you see!*" Both nod eagerly, excited to be part of an epic search quest for Moffit's lost treasures.

When Troy enters the sickbay, he can immediately sense that something is off. Reaching for the gun at his belt without drawing it yet he takes a few steps inside where loud shouts interrupted by loud noises are audible. Only after a few moments does he recognize his brother's laughs mixed with groans of pain as the strange noises. "What's goin' on here?", Sam growls at Lisa Hartigan, when the nurse approaches him. "Your brother's getting the entertainment of a lifetime out of the prank he pulled on Boggsy, the Aussies and the Brits. Griffiths beat up their Tommy Lieutenant, 'cause he thought they'd stolen away our Captain Sherlock", the brown-haired nurse explains with a wide grin and roguish wink, utterly delighted at the latest camp rumor which will be a great source of entertainment for many days to come. The older Troy brother looks utterly dumbstruck. "Stole Dietrich? But why would they think...?" Then realization dawns on him and he barks a loud laugh. Going to sickbay has absolutely been worth it. He cannot wait to see the Captain's face, when he hears about this. This will definitely beat the teapot episode regarding the best prank of December!

"I need to see this", Sam Troy declares, once he has caught his breath and reined in his laughter, brushing away some tears running down his cheeks from laughing so hard. Getting Dietrich to join them definitely has been the best idea of the century. The young Captain is absolutely worth every bit of worry he is causing Sam with his reckless behaviour, putting his own health and safety last. Davey will never let him go of him after this, but his older brother realizes that he can actually live with sharing his friend a bit with his younger brother. Maybe this is the first step toward the forgiveness, Hans Dietrich recommended him to search.

Searching the sand and pointing out anything out of the ordinary to their brother turns out to be a fun game for the children, but utterly annoying for their caregiver who feels almost as exhausted as if he would be on patrol or guarding a convoy against ambushes and attacks. The young officer is truly relieved to return from this ride, when he reaches Moffit's improvised campsite after two full rounds circling the caravanseray. At the camp the giant teapot, the British Professor and the falcon keep each other company, making Dietrich breath a sigh of relief that Troy is nowhere within sight. Now, Ari, Kiri and Dietrich's steed Salih, definitely the more harmless pet, will join them. "*You stay with Professor Stevenson and behave yourself, while I look after Sam Troy!*", Hans Dietrich orders sternly. Both Ari and Kiri nod diligently. "Professor Stevenson", he addresses the elderly Brit. "I will leave the children here at the campsite under your supervision for the next hour, before returning to pick them up again. Introduce them to Horus, mythology or..."

A muffled bark interrupts the German Captain who turns to look in the direction of the caravanseray's back wall. Wagging its tail with excitement and joy, a little brown dog with white paws comes running toward him. The British Professor looks disgusted, as he declares with righteous indignation: "Keep this flearidden mutt away from Horus!" "Fritz, still, sitz!", Dietrich orders sternly and the little dog obeys with an adoring look in its brown eyes. Ari and Kiri kneel next to Fritz to pet him affectionately. Yelping joyfully, Fritz almost drops something from his snout which has muffled his barks and yelps. Frowning, Hans holds out his hand and commands: "Fritz, gib her!" After a second of hesitation, the dog drops something small in his hand, panting and trying to lick Kiri's hand, now that he has the chance. The German Captain looks at the object sticking with spittle with a little disgust as well, until his eyes widen and he quickly stands up to address the British scholar. "Professor Stevenson, would you please take a look at this."

The older man's disgusted expression turns to surprise and glee, when he steps closer to scrutinise the object, a carved piece of wood, resembling a humanoid figure. Except for small bite marks from the dog, it is intact. "This is genuinely amazing. Where did the mutt find this?", the Professor mutters curiously. Dietrich frowns, as he scans the closer environment with his eyes. "He must have dug it up in the close vicinity of the caravanseray", the German officer replies with a frown. "I could try to trick him into searching for this to play fetch." "Please do so, my dear lad. Anything that may aid our discovery of the artefacts and dig site is most welcome", the Brit declares with a friendly tone. "Ari, Kiri, come here please", Hans orders sternly. Both obey looking a bit unsure why their brother is so strict. The tall German Captain crouches and holds out the artefact for Fritz to see and sniff. Just when the little dog starts fawning and yelping excitedly, he stands up again and tells him two of his favourite commands: "Such, Fritz! Und bring!" These are connected with Fritz' favourite game of fetching something and the dog starts running already, when his master moves his left arm, pretending to throw the little object, while deftly holding onto it and palming it so quickly that Fritz does not notice the disappearance.

Running and yelping enthusiastically, the little brown dog finally realises that he has not seen where his plaything has fallen and starts searching around. "Erwischt", Hans mutters quietly with a smile. "We see, if he starts digging or searching from where he obtained the other object", he tells the Professor who looks a bit doubtful at the proceedings and quietly speaks with Horus to calm the irritated falcon which has started to screech at the barks. "Fritz, such!", Dietrich shouts his order to incite the dog who runs around and sniffs desperately, before turning to the caravanseray wall and starting to dig in the sand there. When his yelps turn excited again, the German Captain tells the British scholar: "It looks like Fritz has found something. I will check it out to preserve any possible artefacts." "Thank you, Captain. You're a most helpful fellow and truly value the preservation of ancient treasures", the Professor replies gratefully. Ari and Kiri curiously come with their brother, when he walks over to where Fritz is digging. "Was hast du denn hier?", Hans mutters quietly, wondering what the dog has found, while the children grab his shirt hem and hold onto him curiously. "What did you say, Hans?", Ari wants to know. "I said 'what do you have here?'", the tall young man replies calmly. "Was this your language, Dutch?", the Jewish boy asks curiously. Hans smiles, as he instructs him, while trying to make out what Fritz is digging up: "Dutch is a different language. The language is called 'German', but in our native tongue it is called 'Deutsch'."

Then, he spots something between Fritz' paws and calls: "Fritz, aus! Komm her!" Whining a bit sadly, the little dog trots over to him. "Gut, Fritz. Braver Hund", the young officer commends him, petting his head gently. "You two watch over Fritz! I check what he has dug up", Dietrich tells his wards smoothly who eagerly comply. When crouching at the spot where the dog has been digging, Hans notices several objects lying under a thin remaining layer of sand. "Professor Stevenson, please come here!", the German Captain calls over to the Brit who joins him at a slow pace, but wearing a curious expression, while Dietrich removes the sand from some objects which look like earthenware. Holding up one intact cup, he gets back to his feet to show it to the Professor. "Could this be your dig site, Professor?" Stevenson eagerly takes the cup from his hands and mutters, while his fingers trace a pattern on the outside. "Northern African tribal style, likely some local oasis. This is more modern, but the comb you have here", he points at the carved object in Dietrich's other hand. "Is older. Maybe from Ottoman times. It has definitely Turkish influences."

The German Captain looks a bit surprised, but holds out his right hand with a wince to give him the comb. "Dear Fritz appears to have an instinct for archaeology and digging at the right spot. He also discovered the mummy which some idiotic soldiers burnt in a drunken spike of superstition", the young officer tells the British Professor with a wry smile. "Do you need this animal or could you sell it to me for research purposes?", Stevenson inquires and Hans blinks in disbelief. "Fritz is not for sale", the German replies tersely. "Not only is the flea ridden mutt, as you called him, not trained for this, but also would neither the children nor my men forgive me to sell their beloved mascot." Fritz barks at the sound of his name which gives the appearance as if he would agree with his master. "I was just offering", the Professor replies defensively. "But what he has found here, might be what we are looking for." "Ari and Kiri will help you with carefully getting the objects from the sand, while I try to inform your students or Sergeant Moffit", Dietrich offers. Ari nods eagerly. "We can help... Sir." Kiri smiles widely, as she nods as well, although she has no idea what she is agreeing to, but does not want to be left out. Professor Stevenson almost smiles now at the two orphans. "Wonderful. You'll get trained in real archaeology. This will be an adventure, my dear lass and lad."

Knowing that they will be safe and occupied for a while, Hans turns to leave, mounting the horse again and riding off in the direction where he assumes to be able to find some students. The young Brits have actually not come very far in their search, as the German Captain can catch up with them within five minutes. "We have found something which could be a dig site at the caravanseray wall", he informs the wary looking men. "Professor Stevenson wants you to return and help with securing the artefacts." After a moment of hesitation, one of them Dietrich recognizes as Alexander Yates replies: "Thank you, Captain Dietrich." On the back of the Arab steed, the tall German officer looks even more imposing, so they all want to stay on his good side. "I cannot inform more people, as my duty calls me back to the caravanseray. The Professor will instruct you on how to proceed." As an afterthought he adds: "And don't harm my dog! Fritz actually helped to discover the dig site. The children will take care of him." All British students look intimidated by the Captain's dark scowl directed at them. "Of course, Sir", their spokesman Yates quickly assures the young officer to appease him. After all, they have all seen with their own eyes how dangerous the man can be.

While the Brits turn to walk in the direction, the German officer has pointed out to them, Hans rides back to the campsite to leave the steed there, before turning to the main gate where Sam Troy is waiting for him. That the American Sergeant's grim look has been replaced by a mischievous expression and typically Troyish grin does not bode well for the Captain. "You look far too amused to be appropriate for your dressing down, Sergeant", Dietrich comments dryly. "You have no idea what happened. Soldiers started quarreling all over the camp, Boggsy and Browny dressed down that British Major who's constantly annoying Davey and Griffiths gave your special British friend Johnson a black eye. And all of that because you wore Davey's British uniform shirt and the Yankees and Aussies thought the Tommies had stolen you away." The German Captain is speechless at the news, staring at his Sergeant for a few seconds in shocked silence, while the older American bursts into laughter at the younger man's incredulous expression. "Please tell me that this is one of your or your brother's inappropriate jokes, Troy!", Dietrich mutters with a fatalistic tone.

Sam Troy grins even more widely than before, reminding of the Cheshire Cat Hans has once compared him with. "Lisa's having a field day with all the gossip she can spread and Davey had the laugh of his lifetime. Actually he's considering adopting you into our little family, since you're officially the greatest trouble maker in camp now. Even Tully and Hitch will be proud, once they hear of this." Dietrich grimaces with a tormented expression settling on his face. "I'm absolutely not proud of something like that. But I also don't see how I'm at fault here. Doctor Andrews ordered me to borrow a uniform shirt and I merely wanted to wait until after our tent had been built to get undressed and change back into my own one." Troy grins at him. "I'll vote for you and this brilliant unintentional scheme to wreak havoc in the whole camp as the best prank of December. Looks like Tully and Hitch have to take more effort, since you're tough competition, Captain." The young officer pinches his nose, desperately trying to stifle his irritation at the whole situation. Things cannot possibly get much worse, he finally decides, as he suggests with a weary sigh: "Let's report to the Major, before more unexpected events interfere."

The Major and General have taken over the camp commander's office, Boggs has cleared out earlier. When they approach the room, loud voices can already be heard from inside. Hesitating, Dietrich considers their options and whether entering in the middle of a quarrel will be wise, while Sam Troy steps forward and simply knocks on the door. When he notices the German Captain's glare, he shrugs. "What? I knocked and didn't just bulge in." "Patience is a virtue that will forever evade you, Troy", Hans groans. "There is also wisdom in checking out a situation and evaluating a strategy before entering and choosing the right moment can be essential." Troy grumbles: "Next time. Better to get things over with." "I hope there will be no next time for something like this", Dietrich hisses, angry to be sabotaged and backstabbed by the very man he merely tries to help and support. "Come in!", comes the harsh shout from inside, when they have not entered yet. Troy at least has the presence of mind to let the young officer walk in first, following closely on Dietrich's heels.

Hans tenses immediately, when he sees General Atkins, Major Turner, Captain Boggs and Brown as well as Lieutenant Johnson standing in the small office, making it appear almost crammed. "Captain Dietrich ", Atkins greets him tersely, while the lean young man provides a wincing salute. "Sir?", the young German officer replies, schooling his face into a neutral expression, as he tries to pretend innocence. Boggs and Brown eye the tall young officer and his uniform closely. "We were just talking about you and the commotion you have caused in camp." Hans merely raises his eyebrows in a questioning manner, pretending ignorance. Troy grins, knowing fully well that the German Captain is aware of everything that they are talking about, while playing the unwitting victim. "You went around camp in a British uniform, Captain?", Atkins inquires sternly. "I went to sickbay for my medical checkup as ordered by Captain Boggs", the German explains calmly, cautiously weighing every word. "Doctor Andrews ordered me to not wear the German uniform again afterwards. I had no spare uniform available and walking through camp without proper dressing would have been indecent which is why Captain Troy graciously offered me to borrow a shirt from him." None of the officers present looks irritated or scandalised by the rational explanation, while Hans continues in his neutral tone: "As my own clothes were still packed on our Jeep and I had two hungry children to take care of, I decided to have late lunch first and then change into my own uniform, once my men had built our tent and unloaded our possessions." Sam observes the young officer with pride. His new friend will make a brilliant infiltrator with such a skill at acting, even if he loathes the idea of acting dishonorably.

"Danny and Kevin saw you wearing that shirt and assumed that the Brits had hired you off", Brown explains, before Boggs adds after a weary sigh: "And Lieutenant Griffith assumed the same, attacking Lieutenant Johnson here." The British officer looks a bit tormented at those words, while Dietrich raises his eyebrows again in a convincing pretense of innocent astonishment. "I am terribly sorry about what happened to you, Lieutenant. Frankly, gentlemen, I'm shocked to hear how my actions have led to such a commotion, but I fail to see my responsibility for American sentiments escalating." Sam Troy has to bite his lip to keep from laughing loudly. This will be a wonderful story to share with the rest of the gang. They really need to keep the German Captain at all cost.

Hans has far too much experience with superior officers and their strange sentiments to admit to anything willingly and stays with his strategy of pretending innocence. "Your explanation is plausible, Captain, although I have to reprimand you for accepting a uniform shirt from a different army in the first place", Atkins admonishes sternly. "Of course, Sir", Dietrich concedes with well-played modesty. "I apologise for my inappropriate behaviour. I considered it less damnable to wear the shirt of your allies than of your enemies." Atkins twirls his moustache with a thoughtful expression, while the other officers look appeased by the cooperative attitude. "That is actually true, Captain", the General finally admits. "It's not your fault, lad", Brown even assists the German Captain. Sam has to admit that his friend has a smart, unobtrusive style of getting his head out of the noose. Now he understands better how the young officer has kept his rank and position in spite of many drawbacks he has suffered at the hand of the LRDG. Boggs is the only one who appears to suspect something, as he observes his second in command and his Sergeant closely.

"Your apology is accepted. You have been appropriately reprimanded for your actions, Captain", General Atkins finally declares with the stateliness due for his rank. "Why exactly did you come here in the first place?" Dietrich raises his head in a proud and self assured way. "Because I agreed to accompany my Sergeant here to his report to Major Turner." The American Major intercedes now. "That is correct, Sir. I will conclude the matter with the Sergeant and the Captain outside." Both Dietrich and Troy are grateful to him for not performing his dressing down in front of the other officers, in particular the General, as Turner walks out in front of them. Troy as the last one closes the door behind him after following Dietrich's example of saluting properly, as far as he manages to, given that the young German Captain still suffers from his injuries and Troy actually makes an effort.

"Sergeant Troy", Major Turner addresses the commando soldier sternly, focusing a strict gaze on him. Seeing the American Sergeant's expression turn darker, Hans quickly places his left hand on the older man's shoulder, looking at him with an imploring expression, narrowing his eyes. Turner observes the nonverbal interaction between the two former enemies who appear as thick as thieves, before adding: "You are well aware of how inappropriate your behaviour today has been and how impolite your usual behaviour toward your officers is." All three are aware that this is a statement of facts, not a question. "Your Captain appears hard-challenged to provide you with a proper example, especially since you are far less of a role model officer than I would have expected from a German, descended from a family of military officers, Captain Dietrich." The young German tenses visibly at the words, reprimanding him at least as much as Troy who glares at the Major out of principle for attacking his friend.

The American Major continues unperturbed: "The usual measures for inducing a proper behaviour would be wasted on any of you two. You will therefore report daily to the General and myself to provide a report of your actions which I will cross check with your men." "You mean your nephew", Troy growls angrily. "Sergeant Troy", Dietrich snaps in a sharp tone, brown eyes holding a clear warning to not continue. "Your attitude leaves much to be desired, Sergeant Troy. Maybe I should add something more ... humiliating to remind you of your commanding officer's wisdom, when warning you. He has paid most dearly for his attitude in spite of being the much better behaved soldier between the two of you." Dietrich's eyes narrow and his face briefly takes a murderous expression, before he regains control again. Turner has to admire the German Captain's courage, although the proud young man's temper is his main weakness driving him toward inappropriate behaviour in the first place which he is putting to the test right now.

Sergeant Troy looks no less murderous than Dietrich, but does not even try to hide his loathing. "Do what you want to me, but leave the Captain in peace! He did nothing wrong", the American snarls lividly. "Troy!", Dietrich orders crisply and the older Sergeant stares at him for a moment but then bites down his angry reply. "Silence!", Major Turner barks his order which both soldiers obey automatically. "Maybe latrine duty will teach you some humility, Sergeant Troy", Turner suggests angrily. "Three days. One more for each further show of attitude." Sam glares at the officer, already opening his mouth, while Hans tightens his grip on his shoulder. Heeding the wordless warning, the American Sergeant grumbles: "As you say, Sir." Troy is proud of himself to not make the last word sound too much like a curse, while Turner narrows his eyes dangerously and Dietrich tightens his grip. "Four days. You're dismissed, Sergeant Troy. Captain Dietrich, you stay!"

The two soldiers exchange a quick glance, before Sam turns around after reading the imploring expression in the young German's brown eyes. Hans provides a sharp wincing salute that the American returns a bit reluctantly, not looking at the Major, before he finally leaves. At least he has been able to spare Troy a fifth day of latrine duty, Dietrich considers. Major Turner breathes a sigh of relief, then focuses his gaze on the German Captain who stands at attention, observing him warily. "You have a rather dubious measure of control over the man", the older American finally states tersely. "There is no force between heaven and earth I know to be able to control Sergeant Troy fully", the younger officer replies dryly. Turner studies the bruised face for several long moments, before replying: "Against all odds, the man respects you, Captain Dietrich, definitely more than he respects me. You have a sense of pride and insanity that appeals to these commando troopers which might be the part I miss, when thinking of a well behaved and overly exact Jerry officer, doing things by the book without looking left or right. Watch over Eric!" Dietrich stiffens and pronounces sternly with wounded pride: "I look after all my men without discerning between rank or heritage, Major!" The older officer studies him closely, before his expression softens somewhat. "You're not a bad officer or man, Captain." Dietrich blinks in surprise at the American's change of sentiment. Just what is wrong with these people that they switch their emotions so easily? "You're dismissed, Captain Dietrich. Try to keep your Sergeant in check!", Turner orders with a sharp salute to which Hans nods and salutes back, wincing visibly. Then he turns on his heels and stalks off to look for Troy and provide some damage control to this catastrophe.

Searching is not necessary, as the American Sergeant paces in front of the office building with a grim look that scares the young guards off to even try to talk to him. "What did he want?", the American Sergeant growls. "Officer's business", the German Captain replies with outward coolness, although he observes the older man with some worry. Troy snorts and glares at the office building. "Don't anger him and leave Corporal Turner in peace!", Dietrich advises with a carefully controlled tone. "Latrine duty", Troy snarls with unrestrained anger. "That's chicken shit. I have to get Tully to tell me how he blew up the last latrine right in the Volcano's face." "Which could immediately be traced back to you and would only serve to prolong your punishment. Be reasonable, Troy!", Hans argues, forcing himself to sound calm. "How can you tolerate this without wanting to hit him in the face? He attacked you directly", Sam growls incredulously. "Do you think I have survived for years in the German army as a respected officer, in spite of it becoming more and more corrupted by the Nazis, if I would not know how to behave when and to swallow my pride, if need be?", the German Captain snaps. "You're merely threatened by latrine duty, I had to fear being shot or having my family arrested and tortured by the Gestapo." Troy stares at him, briefly shocked into silence. Then, he grinds out with a chagrined tone: "Sorry, Captain, for dragging you into this... and thanks for the ... perspective. You're a good friend and advisor." With a lopsided grin, he pats the younger man on the shoulder. Somewhat calmer, the German Captain sighs. "You're welcome, Troy. The next time you can fend on your own though, unless you swear to me not to try so hard to get us both arrested." Troy grins and grabs the startled officer's hand. "Deal. Let's check on your kids now!" Although surprised by the sudden change of attitude and manner, this suggestion sounds somewhat save from further scandals to Hans Dietrich and he nods in agreement.

Private Umbridge and Lancing look astounded to see the two leave again. "Hey, Captain. What're you doing outside of camp all day? Getting back your kids?", Umbridge finally wants to know. Dietrich stops short, surprised by the audacity of the soldier to ask him this in such a direct manner. With a scowl, the German Captain replies tersely: "I doubt that I owe you an explanation, Private." Umbridge blushes and stammers: "Sorry, Sir. I ... was just ... curious." The young officer puts him under scrutiny, until he decides a few seconds later that the Yankee is indeed naive, but honest. "I'm indeed retrieving the children who are supporting Doctor Moffit and the British archaeologists in their search for any findings they hope to make since hearing about a former dig site at this caravanserai." "Oh", Umbridge mouths in astonishment. "What're they diggin' for, Sir?", Lancing asks with a puzzled expression. Dietrich shrugs nonchalantly, wincing slightly as his shoulder protests against the movement. "Whatever they can find I suppose, as they had no idea what kind of artefacts to expect." "I've only ever heard of people diggin' for ore and coal, Sir", Lancing admits a bit sheepishly. "How can you find artworks out here?" Dietrich smiles with amusement. "No artworks, Private, but artefacts of ancient culture or at least more than a hundred years of age. They study them to learn more about times long gone", the German officer explains and Troy is just relieved that Moffit is not here with them, or he might give the poor young Private a lecture for the next hours to come. Lancing looks at the Captain with awe. "I've never heard of that before, Sir. You think I could see one of these artefacts?" Hans smiles wryly, as he replies dryly: "I'm sure Sergeant Moffit will be delighted to provide you with an introduction into the art of archaeology, if you're willing to bear him talking for an hour." Lancing beams. "That'd be wonderful, Sir." The kid has no idea what he is talking about Sam Troy considers with an unnerved expression, but does not intervene. Lancing will learn the error of his ways soon enough the hard way.

"That was mean, Dietrich", he tells the young German nonetheless, as they walk toward Moffit's improvised campsite where the giant teapot still resides much to Troy's annoyance. "Since when are you so sensitive and stand up in the defence of the softhearted, Troy? I didn't intimidate Private Umbridge too much and his question was impertinent to ask to an officer unprompted", Hans Dietrich counters with a scowl. "I'm not talkin' 'bout that Umbridge guy, but Lancing", the American Sergeant grumbles. Now the Captain looks actually bemused, as he replies in a puzzled tone: "I have no idea what you're talking about, Troy. I think I was quite friendly to Private Lancing, explained things to him patiently and even offered him to get his wish granted by speaking with Moffit." Troy nods grimly. "That's exactly what I'm talking about. Jack'll talk his ear off, when he hears that the kid knows nothing about archaeology and such stuff." Hans smiles sardonically. "Unlike you, Sergeant, not everybody is allergic to grasping the chance of receiving some additional education." "You're a Jerry smartass, Dietrich!", Troy protests with a scowl. "You'll make a wonderful friend and accomplice for Jack, given that you're thick as thieves already, not just when it comes to tea or mythology stuff!" "Leave me in peace with such nonsense, Troy!", Dietrich counters defensively. "Such behaviour would be unappropriate." "Nonsense. What's unappropriate about being friends with your close folks from your unit?", Troy asks in annoyance. "It's unappropriate for an officer to befriend enlisted men", the German Captain corrects him stubbornly, clinging to the last pillars of behaviour and breeding instilled in him after having given up on so many already.

"You don't have to play the prim and proper German now, just because Turner accused you of being that too little for him! We've had this argument before, Captain. And we still agreed on ending our probation and calling it a friendship officially." Hans knows, when he is fighting for a lost cause and changes his strategy. "Even you must admit that the relationship between you and me is quite different from the relationship between Moffit and me, Troy", he implores. Sam Troy scowls but grumbles: "Fine. You've got a point there. Still, it doesn't mean that you can't be friends with him. He said he's up to it." Dietrich sighs wearily, murmuring: "This seems to be a blight that is spreading. Even Pettigrew offered me to use first names and I don't want to start talking about Hitchcock and his ideas since we've been in the hands of those slavers together." The older American studies his bruised face and tormented expression. "You're still afraid that you'll suffer, if one of us dies?" Hans avoids meeting his eyes, as he gets out with a hoarse tone: "This is a very realistic scenario, Troy. And I still recall the pain in your eyes quite vividly, when your previous Sergeant, Cotter, died in your arms. It was ... only too human. Arresting or killing you would have felt simply inhumane for me, which was another reason for letting you go I couldn't tell Moffit."

Troy turns and puts his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Hey, look me in the eyes, Captain!" The tall officer struggles for a few more seconds with himself, before finally meeting the other's gaze. Blue eyes stare into brown ones and the pain in both pairs of eyes is obvious. "You're a decent and compassionate guy, Captain. And that's the main reason why we all like you more than any of our other brass. You live with us, sleep in the same tent with us, mostly eat on the same table with us and you go out with us on our missions. You're one of us, whether you like it or not. Denying this, won't hurt you less, cause you already know us better than most of your Jerry soldiers, nevermind whether you use our first names or not. So please just stop overthinking things which is Jack's specialty. Just be pragmatic as you usually are and accept this, Dietrich!" Hans swallows hard and struggles with his thoughts as much as his answer. Sighing wearily, he bites out: "I know that you're not wrong, Troy. But it still feels wrong in every aspect of the ways I have been brought up with. I ... cannot just leave everything behind me like that." "You'd better come to terms sooner rather than later, Captain, cause it's pretty obvious that it's tearing you up and even I can see the pain in your eyes, though I'm not the grandmaster of compassion." The German smiles at the last part wryly, before stating earnestly: "I can only promise you to try." "If you try, you'll succeed. You're a smart and empathic guy, Captain", Troy comforts his friend. "That's why we all like you, not just your kiddos."

Finally, they continue on their way of the last steps to the campsite, where they have not remained unnoticed. "Hans!", Ari shouts, having spotted his brother approaching. Full of excitement the young orphan runs to greet him, wrapping his sandy arms around the lean man's torso. "We saw Horus, the Mighty", the boy tells his brother enthusiastically. With the exception of a few choice German officers, Dietrich has never seen Troy look as hateful as he does now, glaring at the falcon with a murderous expression. "Quiet, Troy!", the young Captain mutters in an imploring tone, gently patting his ward on the head. This is turning out even more challenging than the conversation with Major Turner. "And we found real treasures, like real heroes from the stories", Ari continues to tell his brother with joy and Kiri adds: "Arfifats." "Ar-te-facts", Hans pronounces clearly for her and she nods in agreement. "Look!", she tells him, running over to where several finds have been collected on the ground. "You found this?", the German Captain asks with a gentle tone and the Bedouin girl nods fervently, holding up a second comb similar to the one Dietrich has retrieved from Fritz, but without the bite marks. "Comb", she tells him, proud of her new vocabulary. "For hair", she adds as an explanation and moves the object as if to brush her hair but with some distance to her head. Someone must have shown her how to do this.

"I found this and this and this!", Ari points at several other pieces, looking at his brother expectantly. "Jack says it is a mirror for seeing your own image, like in the still water of a well." Even Troy cannot continue glaring in the children's presence and softens his expression. "Well done", Hans fulfills his wards' expectations by praising them both gently, while he crouches to look at the artefacts. "I'm proud of you both." Both children smile widely at his words and his tone, immediately flinging themselves at him, wrapping sandy arms around his neck. "I love you, Hans", Ari murmurs passionately and Kiri adds in a similarly loving tone: "Ioannes." Troy smiles gently in spite of his anger over the falcon from hell. His friend and his collected family are simply too cute not to be charmed by them.

Jack Moffit has chatted enthusiastically with Professor Stevenson in the meantime. Even though he has little understanding for the German Captain's liking for the mutt, he has to admit that Fritz has his useful sides, especially when he helps digging up interesting findings from the desert sands. For saving them a lot of time and trouble he has even led the little critter to his favourite place, the kitchen and asked for a special reward for him. This has had the added bonus that he has been rid of the annoying barking menace which might bite into their artefacts again. The children have turned out to be enthusiastic and cooperative helpers with deft little hands which have quickly picked up the skill of removing the sand from buried objects without harming them. They have even listened to his instructions for hours and paid more attention than the rest of the Rat Patrol with the exception of Captain Dietrich who does not fully count. Much more endeared toward the two orphans than ever before, Jack has actually enjoyed mentoring them for the afternoon. There is still hope for these young children to receive a decent education and, if he has any chance to intervene on their behalf, he will assure that they receive it.

Ari's cry of Dietrich's name has alarmed him to the German Captain's arrival, but since everything appears well under control and Troy not close to attacking any British students or pet falcons, the former Cambridge scholar has continued his conversation, until he notices the children hugging their main protector and caregiver with such loving expressions that his heart briefly skips a beat and he has a flashback of his little brother at their age, asking his distanced older brother, the upstarting young Cambridge academic, eager to excel intellectually, whether he loves him at all. It would not have occurred to the arrogant Jack Moffit from his university time to even consider taking the little boy in his arm, but now the British Sergeant realizes that this is the reaction he should have given back then, instead of shrugging and leaving Michael to stand in their living room alone. Professor Stevenson has not even noticed Moffit's lack of attention and continued his talk in a one-sided manner. But Jack cannot listen to his rambling any longer. There are things he can definitely learn from Troy and Dietrich. Both are more compassionate than him and the Captain has particular experience with balancing the principles of humanism with the realitites of war. Troy is right that he is a good man to have as a friend. "Excuse me, Professor Stevenson. I need to join my Captain and fellow Sergeant", Moffit finally interrupts the British Professor's rambling. Blinking owlishly, the man tries to focus on him, muttering: "Yes, yes. On with you. Send me Mister Sterling and Yates to help with the cataloguing!" Moffit nods and calls the two young students over who eagerly obey their Professor before he walks over to join Dietrich, Troy and the children.

"Look who's joining us! Are we finally good enough for you", Sam Troy grumbles with a petulant tone. "Troy, behaving like a jealous teenage girl does not suit you at all. You're simply not pretty enough for that", Dietrich reins him in dryly, as the comment surprises the American Sergeant enough to keep him from continuing his rant. "Jolly good to see you, Captain", Jack greets the young officer with a genuine smile. "And you too, Troy, though you might not believe it." Sam grumbles something in annoyance, but does not actively attack him any longer. "Let's get some dinner!", he finally suggests as a neutral peace offer. The children immediately support this idea and Jack follows with Dietrich a few steps behind the hungry trio. "How did the conversation with the Major turn out?", the British Sergeant asks the German Captain with a quiet whisper. The young officer raises his eyebrows in surprise that he is the one Moffit directs this question to, before reminding himself that Troy has just illustrated his foul mood rather well. "It could have gone better", Hans mutters dryly. "Troy received four days of latrine duty ... to teach him humility." The last part is laced with a hint of dark amusement. "Are we bad people to enjoy this a bit more than we should, given that he is our friend?", Jack asks with equally dry humor. Dietrich stiffens slightly, but finally mutters with irony dripping from his voice: "Why do you ask me? I'm the big bad German officer, enjoying my enemy's humiliation." Moffit smiles wryly. "And here I thought you had an American passport now, old chap, and defended your friends valiantly." The lean German smiles with irony, as they continue on their way to the caravaserai's mess hall.

"Hitch, Tully, Riku, Eric", the Jewish boy shouts upon entering the mess hall and spotting the soldiers who are part of his brother's pack. Ari greets his friends with a friendly wave in which Kiri supports him as well, squeaking: "Hello." Mark smiles widely at the children and even Tully looks uncharacteristically gentle at their sight, while Gotty practically beams at them and Eric Turner looks baffled by the enthusiastic greeting, but smiles back as well. "Where've you been all afternoon? You missed our epic Poker game", Hitch remarks with a smile. "We found a real treasure", Ari tells all of them enthusiastically, once he joins them at the table. "Ar..te..facts", Kiri pronounces her new vocabulary proudly and smiles, when Jack Moffit nods at her approvingly. "And Professor said we can do catalog-thing with him", Ari continues his excited recount. "It's 'the Professor', as Professor is a title not a name", Moffit corrects him. "And you will do cataloguing with him, if you behave yourself very well and learn how to read and write in English." The Jewish boy nods, looking a little intimidated, but repeats the corrected words diligently, until the British scholar nods his approval. Troy has meanwhile gone to pick up dinner, joined by Tully who is as usually quietly supportive.

By the time they return, the children have finished telling about their desert ride with Hans against whom they nestle affectionately, while sitting at the table, as well as how the Captain has tricked Fritz into revealing the dig site the dog has accidentally discovered. Moffit smiles wryly at that story which Dietrich is mostly sharing himself, as one of the most harmless events of this very day. "We gotta tell you the most hilarious story in camp", Sam Troy starts meanwhile with a wide grin. "You mean the story of Moffit's madness and the teapot?", Dietrich tries to quench his inappropriate mirth, while Jack grins widely. "No. Far better", the American Sergeant continues unperturbed. "The story of how Brass Knuckles beat up Levtenant Fancy Pants, cause he thought the Tommies stole our Captain Fox Kit." The German officer glowers at him which Troy pointedly ignores. "Davey got the laugh of his lifetime, your girlfriend's utterly happy to spread rumours for days to come and above all this he", Troy grabs the lean Captain's shoulder who glares at him in protest, "stood in front of all the high up brass in camp and pretended to know absolutely nothing, although I'd just told him everything five minutes earlier. And Old Twirley actually believed him."

"Don't make it look like I had pranked the whole camp and its officers corps on purpose, Troy! I am actually innocent of intentional involvement in this scheme", Hans protests. Hitch and Tully grin widely. "Kevin, Danny and Mickey already told us some of it and Lisa had the whole story of the officers ward, but this is so much more hilarious", Mark declares with a laugh. Tully nods, grinning, as he shifts his matchstick. "Sure is. You're actually the only brass I've ever felt proud of, Cap", the Kentucky driver confirm. Dietrich grimaces,as he mutters dryly: "I'm not sure I can consider this a compliment under the circumstances, Pettigrew." "You're the best prankster among the brass and you're one of us, Cap", Hitch declares proudly. "Not only are we proud to have you as one of us, but also to nominate you for the best prank of December award officially." Hans pinches his nose, looking as stricken, as if he would have been punched in the face. "You gotta take more effort, if you wanna keep up with him. The Captain's setting new standards", Troy tells them with delight.

A little belatedly, Troy realizes that they have a rat at their table, young Turner, the damned Major's nephew. Glaring at the Corporal angrily, he growls: "Don't you dare run to your uncle to complain about us again!" "Troy!", Dietrich bellows the name with a sharp enough command tone to make the livid Sergeant stop immediately. "For the last time, leave Corporal Turner in peace! He has not sold us out." The German Captain meets his gaze with the stubborn American, until the man nods reluctantly. "Corporal, I trust that you know in which manner to adress certain informations you are prone to receiving as part of our unit to the adequate superiors", Hans sternly addresses the young American who gulps and nods. "Of course, Sir. I have no intention to harm you or your unit. I really try to become a part of it", Eric Turner argues a bit desperately, seeing Troy's dark scowl directed at him. Dietrich nods with a thoughtful expression. "Keep that in mind, Corporal. Most of us are also trying to integrate you well." While he looks approvingly at Pettigrew and Hitchcock, he glares at Troy who is stubborn beyond reason, his quarrels with the young man's uncle unfortunately not making the episode any easier.

Jakob Silberblatt salvages the tight situation by walking up to their table, falling into a chair with a deep and weary sigh, while holding his punding head. Immediately, all attention is on him, even the children come over to hug him. "What happened, Jakob?", Hans inquires with honest concern for his friend. "Hauptmann Stadler happened", the Jewish Lieutenant replies with a groan. "Has Stadler been uncooperative?", the German Captain wonders with clear astonishment. "Not at all. He has been almost too cooperative. Whatever you told him to convince him, convinced him really well, Hans. He spent half of the time of his interrogation swearing and cursing, the SS, the Nazis, the Führer and the whole of Germany. I heard words and phrases I have never heard in my life before", Jakob replies with a groan, bearing a suffering expression. "I had no idea those Bavarians had so many metaphors for insulting people and swearing integrated into every single sentence. And I wouldn't have thought that they'd be cursing the rest of Germany that frequently to have an entire vocabulary reserved for that." Jack Moffit laughs quietly at the admission, fully able to understand the Jewish Lieutenant after having gone to school in Bavaria's capital city Munich for a few years as a teenager. Dietrich bears an amused smile, as he tells his friend dryly: "I can fully understand you. If I wouldn't have had a Bavarian with a similar attitude as a First Lieutenant for more than a year I wouldn't have been so well acquainted with the mentality and vocabulary."

Jakob looks at him with a suffering expression and sighs. "You warned me, Hans, but I didn't take it seriously, when Stadler was all chatty and cooperative, until he started shouting insults about the Führer for the first time that made my cheeks go all red. If mother would have caught me ever saying things like that, she would have boxed my ears, independent of how little we think of that sorry excuse of a man." The German Captain and the British Sergeant exchanged amused glances, before Hans replies compassionately: "I expected exactly this to happen which is why I've asked Pettigrew to bring an extra portion of pudding for you, knowing your sweet tooth." Silberblatt gets up and pulls his friend into a brief embrace, while he mutters: "Thank you so much. You're really my best friend, Hans." "Only because I regularly feed you with sweets", the German replies with a wink. "Especially beacuse you feed me with sweets", Jakob replies with a grin, before turning around and looking ravenous. "Now, where is that pudding?" Hitch grins at the pair of unlikely childhood friends, while Troy and Moffit observe their interaction closely. There is really very little difference in how Hans Dietrich interacts with his long term friend and them, only that he knows all of his habits and preferences since being children.

Once Jakob Silberblatt has eaten his two portions of pudding and two more, he has acquired from the food dispense station pleading in a desperate manner that would have made Fritz proud of him, the Jewish Lieutenant looks more content than before. "Du bist schon wieder ein schlechtes Vorbild für die Kinder!", Hans scolds him for being a bad example for the children again, when Troy hands them their second pudding each. "Don't give them too much sugar in the evening or there will be no sleep for any of us", Jack Moffit warns sternly, agreeing fully with the Captain that this is an inappropriate behaviour to show young children. "Ah, leave the kids their fun and their sweets", Troy replies with a smile. "Speaking of fun", Dietrich addresses him with an almost predatory smile and tone as dry as the desert in which they have searched for their hidden treasures. "Have you forgotten about your latrine duty, Sergeant, starting from today?" Sam Troy glares at him, as he growls "I haven't", while glaring at the officers' table where Major Turner resides with General Atkins with a venomous expression.

"Damn brass", the American Sergeant grumbles angrily. "Well, not you, Captain", he adds quickly, seeing Dietrich's offended scowl. "You were the only one of them who stood by my side." An almost hurt and accusatory expression crosses his face, as his gaze wanders to Captain Brown. "Captain Brown was caught in his meeting with General Atkins", the German officer stands up in the defence of his fellow Captain on principle. "You're a good guy to defend him even though you don't like him, Captain", Troy argues. "Unlike others..." Again his glare wanders over all the officers present in the afternoon. Dietrich opens his mouth again to continue this argument, when a hand on his shoulders stops him. "Don't waste your efforts, Captain!", Jack Moffit whispers quietly into the younger man's ear. "He won't listen to you, while he's as angry as this. We can try again, when he's let off some steam." A bit baffled, Hans mutters: "You're likely right, Moffit." Standing up, he adds dryly: "And I need to retrieve Fritz, before he releaves us of our last supplies."

"We will go and celebrate Hannukah after dinner", Jakob meanwhile tells Ari who smiles at him. "Can we celebrate together with Hans again?", he inquires innocently. "Hans cannot join us for the celebration", the Lieutenant tells him quietly. "Why can't Hans join us?", Ari asks with a sad expression, as he watches his brother walk away to retrieve Fritz from the food dispense. "Because Hans is a Christian", Jakob Silberblatt replies calmly. "And Kiri?", the boy wants to know, watching the girl holding his brother's shirt hem, as she walks alongside him. "She's a Christian as well", the young Jewish Lieutenant tries to explain to the distraught orphan. "They believe in God, just in a different way." "Can I become a Christian and be with them?", Ari asks innocently. Jakob Silberblatt looks shocked, although he can understand the boy quite well. His own father has raised him to be proud of his Jewish heritage. Nonetheless Jakob has wished more than once to just belong to the society of the majority and not be treated with disdain for a faith he has not really chosen and is not that invested in. The orphan merely wants to be with his beloved brother and new-found sister and likely does not even realise the impact of what he is asking about.

"Hans wanted you to stay with my family, because we are Jewish, so we can share your religion and traditions", Jakob argues quietly. "But Hans is your brother too", Ari says with confusion, "how can that be, when he is so different?" "He's not so different. On the contrary, he's really curious and tolerant. Father allowed him more than once to join us for our festivities and me to join him for their Christian feasts which are really nice too", Jakob explains gently. "So, he could come with us?", the boy asks hopefully. "Do you really miss him so much?", Silberblatt inquires with a sad tone. Ari nods fervently, suppressing a tear rolling from his eyes which emerges anyways. "I'll speak with him", Jakob promises. "I doubt that he will complain about joining us afterwards again." Ari beams at him gratefully. "Thanks. You're a wonderful brother too." Jakob smiles sadly. His sister has hardly ever said something like that about him, always adoring Hans much more than him. It is really hard to deny the traumatised boy his wish which is truly motivated by love for his friend, although the young German has absolutely not intended for this to happen.

"Hans!", Jakob Silberblatt calls loudly and the tall officer stops in his tracks and turns around with a worried expression on his face. Kiri looks concerned as well and presses closer against her protector's leg. "What has happened, Jakob?", the lean Captain inquires cautiously, trying not to scare the children, although his emotions are clearly readable on his face for his long-term friend. "Ari wants you to join us for celebrating Hanukkah", Silberblatt tells his friend who looks surprised by the request. "But I'm not Jewish", he stammers, looking at Ari with an apologetic expression. "Jakob said you celebrated with his family as well", Ari states stubbornly. "Only after the religious part. We also did that on the first evening. You remember that, don't you, Ari?", Hans counters carefully. "Will you do this again?", the boy asks with a pleading look. "I really missed you the last few days." A pained grimace briefly passes over the young man's face who finally nods with a determined expression. "I will join you afterwards. I promise you this." "Thank you", Ari shouts enthusiastically, running over to hug the tall German around the waist. "I love you", he mumbles into the lean Captain's shirt, as he holds onto him closely. Hans winces a bit at the statement, but gently pats the boy's head. "You're not alone, Ari, and you don't have to be scared!", Dietrich mutters quietly. "I'm not scared, when you're here", the boys replies, getting his answer muffled by the shirt. "Good", the German murmurs with a sigh. Kiri decides that joining her little brother to nestle against her older one is a good idea, sandwiching the lean young man between them.

Kevin O'Donnell elbows his brother again. "Look at the fox family!" "Still cute", Danny replies with a smile. "How about we join them for the evening and try to catch up with the latest news about Captain Sherlock on how he pulled one over on the whole camp?", Michael Lakatos suggests. "Browny won't tell us the details, so we need to tap the even better source", Kevin replies with a grin. "Deirdre and her cheeky nurse friend, Hitch's girlfriend?", Danny asks in confusion. Mickey grins, as he answers: "That's also an idea. But I would've thought we could join the Rats themselves." "The Captain just said he'd join his friend for some sort of festivity and the others will join them as well. We're likely not invited", Kevin comments with a pout on what he has just overheard, since their conversation is not particularly silent or private at the moment. "Okay, then it's Deirdre and the cheeky nurse who knows everything 'bout everyone", Mickey replies dryly. Danny smiles widely, as he adds: "They'll be delighted to have three handsome fellows like us joining them for the evening." With this evening plans are settled on the Australian table.

While Silberblatt and Ari leave for their celebration of the fifth evening of Hannukah, Jack Moffit easily fills their waiting time with a small impromptu lecture on the Ottoman Empire from which most of the artefacts found today actually date. Troy is so bored after two sentences that he even welcomes latrine duty as an excuse to escape from this. Tully is a lot more relaxed and even falls asleep with his head on his folded hands on the table, snoring lightly. Hitch listens with actual interest, hoping for some dashing adventure story that reminds of the famous Thousand and One Nights which this lecture on Arabian history must include at some point. Hans Dietrich half-listens, while providing a concise summary to Kiri in Arabic every few sentences. Realizing that he is still his most attentive audience, Jack even stops his lecture to give the young Captain the chance to provide his translation for the Bedouin girl who has not yet learned English well enough to have any chance of following his explanations. Similarly to Tully, Fritz has curled up on Dietrich's boot and snores quietly, digesting his rewards. Nonetheless, all of them are relieved, when Jakob Silberblatt returns with Ari to lead them back to the tent for the joint celebration for chatting and games.

On their way out of the tent, Captain Boggs intercepts his German colleague. Ari almost bursts into tears, fearing that his brother might be taken away from him after all. "What can I do for you, Captain Boggs?", Dietrich inquires calmly. "I won't bother you for this evening, but I'll need your input tomorrow morning after breakfast. Together with Silberblatt and Moffit I would ask to to scan and select the confiscated documents regarding relevant information", James Boggs informs him dutifully. "Also, you should know, Captain, that we agreed not to leave until noon, having lunch still here, before continuing on our way. We received a radio call from HQ, informing us that they put the neighbouring German fort and the oasis under siege which they hope to break with our help, either through your skills at negotiating with the Germans our through our superior force and fire power, once we meet them." Putting a hand on Dietrich's arm who immediately tenses at the touch and narrows his eyes, Boggs whispers more quietly: "Take a few steps to the side with me. We need to speak privately." Seeing Ari's tearfilled eyes, Hans mutters, while gently patting the boy's head: "I'll be right back and join you, Ari. I promise it."

Then, he follows Boggs a few steps away to get out of earshot and eyes the American Captain with wary curiosity. "I ... need to apologise to you, Dietrich", James Boggs admits much to Dietrich's surprise who stares at him in astonishment. This is surely not what he has expected. "What for?", the German mutters incredulously. "For suspecting you to just go behind my back out of wounded pride and not even informing me, when the Brits would hire you off." Wounded pride indeed shows on the younger Captain's face, as he growls tetchily: "I'm not prone to such childish behaviour and know what is appropriate under which circumstances." Boggs nods wearily. "Thus the apology, Captain Dietrich." Hans nods with a grim expression, having narrowed his eyes. "Apology accepted, Sir." "One more thing, Dietrich", Boggs adds quietly. "I truly appreciate you as my second in command and would be aggrieved to lose you." Dietrich blinks in surprise, unsure what has triggered this statement. "I cannot say that the LRDG would have been my first choice of unit to command, rather my last", Dietrich replies dryly. "But I appreciate having a commanding officer who won't backstab me or sell me out to further his own career... and who acts almost sane for a Yankee." James Boggs smiles wryly at the last part. This is more of a show of trust than he would have expected from the German Captain who has found himself innocently accused again today. "Enjoy your evening. Your boy is waiting", the older American officer tells Dietrich who nods and provides a wincing but sharp salute, before joining the others again, immediately becoming held in a tight embrace by the Jewish boy.

After the first hour of celebration, Sam Troy joins them, freshly showered and with a grim expression that eases up at the casual mood. "Can we play the other game again? Poker?", Ari asks innocently after having played Jakob's traditional Hanukkah game for enough rounds to be bored and Kiri nods enthusiastically upon hearing the word. Jakob Silberblatt is shocked into silence, while Dietrich focuses his glare on the Privates, growling: "You're a bad influence for young children, all of you." Troy elbows Moffit in the ribs. "Looks like you're the only one left who counts as a moderately good influence." "What is moderately supposed to mean, Troy?", the British Sergeant protests indignantly. "That you're a diva almost as bad as Marcello, when your British sentiments are violated!", the German Captain shoots his sarcastic comment from the other end of the tent, before continuing to scold Tully and Hitch. Troy bursts into laughter, while Moffit glares at the young officer, looking actually offended. How dare the insolent German compare him to an eccentric Italian opera singer? After all Jack is an educated, well-bred British gentleman who would have had the prospect of a promising academic career and hardly indulges in eccentricity, as his father does frequently.

"Maybe you can show the children some of your tricks instead, Hans?", Jakob Silberblatt tries to salvage the situation. Playing Poker at Hanukkah. His father would cut him up himself and sew him back together in the manner of Frankenstein creating his infamous monster, if he would hear about something like that. His friend's sleight of hand tricks are actually tame by comparison. Hans' head snaps around at the question and incredulity mixes with his previous annoyance. "Büst du mallig worrn, Jakob?", the tall Kieler asks incredulously whether his friend has lost his mind. The Jewish Lieutenant smiles at his German friend, knowing that his father would likely support Hans more than himself on defending propriety at a religious feast, but Jakob mainly cares about damage control here. Unexpected support arises from Pettigrew and Hitchcock who turn to the Captain as well. "We totally see that Poker's inappropriate here. But your tricks would be great entertainment, Cap, and Ari and Kiri don't know them", Mark argues, trying and failing to imitate Fritz' puppy eyes look. "You can get my cards, Cap", Tully offers, willing to aid his friend. "We want to see the tricks too, Hans", Ari joins their line of argumentation with a pleading tone and much better puppy eyes look. "Please", Kiri adds in a similar tone, recognizing from the intonation that this is the right word to say.

Dietrich bears a suffering look, briefly directing his gaze heavenward, although he does not really hope for divine intervention which is as expected not forthcoming in the next seconds. "Fine", he finally concedes for the sake of peace at his friend's festivities. "Hand me the cards, Pettigrew!" Tully grins from ear to ear, as do Hitch and Troy, who eagerly comes over to join them, leaving Moffit to sulk for a few more moments, before sighing warily and approaching the rest of the group as well. Tonight he can observe the young Captain and his sleight of hands skill closely and maybe find out about his trick. Riku Gottschlich is less incredulous the more often he sees his admired commanding officer performing these roguish tricks, but still a bit uncomfortable to observe the skills displayed which are utterly out of place in an honorable role model German officer such as Captain Dietrich. Corporal Eric Turner who after some reluctance and fearful glances in Troy's direction has stayed even after his return, looks absolutely dumbstruck. He has heard rumours in camp about the German Capptain, but they have sounded so outlandish in comparison with the image the proud young man typically projects that he has considered them drunken rambles and typical tall tales of soldiers who want some entertainment and distraction at any cost.

Deftly, given that he has to use his off hand mainly, Hans Dietrich shuffles the pack of cards before holding it out to Ari. "You draw a card out from it and then hand it to me so that I cannot see what is on the card", he instructs the boy who listens intently. Eagerly, he draws a card out from the deck and hands it to his brother face down. Closing his eyes, the tall German mutters a few unintelligible words under his breath which Moffit thinks sound like: "Abracadabra." "*I need to concentrate to read the card from his mind*", Hans explains to the children with an air of mystery, before repeating the words in English. Both orphans stare at their caregiver openmouthed and expectantly, while he uses the distraction to shuffle the card back into the deck. Then, he holds the card deck out to Kiri and tells her: "*Pick up the topmost card!*" Shaking slightly with excitement, Kiri almost drops the card but then shows it to Ari who forms a big 'O' with his mouth as he stares incredulously at the card he has given his brother before. Looking up at the tall young man's bruised face, he whispers in awe: "*You could really read my mind.*" Hitch laughs, as he tells the boy conspiratorially: "You're brother's a real magician. He read my mind a dozen times already." "Which is not such a hard exercise, Hitchcock", Hans comments dryly.

"*Again!*", Kiri shouts enthusiastically, clapping her hands with joy and excitement, as she smiles at her brother expectantly. She has never met a real magician before and now she has one as a brother. Things are really turning out better than she feared. This time around, Dietrich instructs Kiri to draw the card and hand it to her older brother who repeats his show of muttering the spell words again, while shuffling the cards, before letting Ari take the card at the bottom which matches Kiri's original card. Hitch's and Gotty's eyes shine with almost as much childish delight at the game as the actual children's eyes. Jack Moffit has to admit that the Captain is really talented as a showman, being able to conjure the air of mystery to the mundane sleight of hand trick. Even though observing him closely, he has not yet been able to make out the exact manner of the trick. The British Sergeant is mainly relieved that the German Captain is not in the least inclined to criminal behaviour, as he would have to fear that none of his pockets are safe from such a pickpocket.

"You wanna play with me, Ari?", Mark inquires with a pleading look. "You're like a big child, but with less sense of responsibility than these two!", Hans scolds him with a good-natured smile, as he shuffles the card deck again. "At least you're not the problem child, Hitch. That's Troy's honor", Jack Moffit cannot keep himself from adding dryly exchanging an amused glance with the German Captain, while the American Sergeant glowers at him. "Jack, you backstabbing snake!", Troy growls angrily. Jakob Silberblatt grins and winks. "I can definitely see why he's the problem child." "Bunch of traitors, the whole lot of you", Troy fumes. "I doubt this latrine duty is effective at teaching you humility", Hans comments dryly. "Jerry smartass", Sam growls, glowering at the German Captain. "Eloquent as always, Sergeant. For reading your mind I also don't require any cards", the lean young officer counters with dry irony. Troy croses his arms in front of his chest and glowers at him, before grumbling with a sulking tone: "What am I thinking now, Captain Smartass?" Dietrich controls the urge to roll his eyes at the juvenile behaviour, replying with dry humor instead: "You're asking youself why you even bother wasting your time with the likes of me and what possessed you to call our relationship a friendship. I know this feeling very well, Sergeant." In spite of himself, Sam Troy looks slightly dumbstruck at the accurate guess. "Okay, I gotta admit you won this one fair and square, Captain Sherlock."

"Let's go on with the show please!", Hitch whines before Ari and Kiri. "Stopping interrupting our Captain, Sarge!" Troy stares at him slightly incredulously at the possessive pronoun 'our', but since Tully nods in agreement and even Gotty has some admiration shining in his dark eyes, the American Sergeant realizes that his arguments of how they all like the German officer as their CO have been almost an understatement. Hitch truly adores him almost as much as Gotty who has hero worshipped Dietrich since the noble Captain has stepped up in his defence and given the young man a chance to prove himself. Even that weasel, Turner junior, seems to hold the former Hauptmann in high esteem, given his awed expression. Looking a little surprised by the unexpected backup he has received from Hitchcock against his mentor and accomplice in crime, Sam Troy, Hans finally proceeds with the magical trick which keeps the Rats and the children entertained for another hour, before he has to quit due to his aching arm.

"We need to do this again... the magic ... and the riding ... and the treasure hunting. This was one of the best day of my life", Ari tells his beloved brother, clinging to his side affectionately, as he listens to the young Captain's steady heart beat. "We can go riding again and when my arm is better healed I can do the tricks more often", Hans promises his ward gently. Jack Moffit smiles, as he states diligently: "And you may continue with the treasure cataloguing which will be an excellent exercise to teach you to read and write, Ari." "Smartass", Troy grumbles quietly for only Hitch and Tully to hear who grin at the word. "Off to bed with all of you", Jakob states finally, suppressing a yawn. As the night owl, he is less tired than the rest of them, but notices his friend's exhausted look. Hans feels bone tired by now, since his brief nap has been interrupted rather unceremoniously. Even though the day has held less combat action than expected, it has held a lot more excitement and things that have occupied him than he would have anticipated. After bringing both children to bed and wishing them a good night, he can finally fall asleep himself, wrapped up in a blanket.